Sharing the Light - Homeschool Blogger

Chosen "SPRING" Co-op Classes!

Sun, 3 Jan 2010 23:14:00 -0600

God is so patient, loving and kind. I had made a big plan that I was NOT going to teach this next semester. I was tired and my cup was dry. The thought of doing anything creative seemed overwhelming. However, after a few weeks of downtime, I began to fill my cup back up!

As the Lord renewed my tired spirit I began to dream BIG about classes I would teach the next fall. I began to think about my students, who I LOVE and ADORE and my heart began to yearn for co-op. The final straw came when Brandon began to talk wistfully about attending this Spring since it would be his last year in highschool. He's been a part of CHOSEN since 1998 and co-op has always been such a blessing and fit for our family. My dreaming for Fall turned into Spring classes! Listed below are my five classes and a link to see all the classes available. I hope to see you there;-)

Creationism Verses Evolution, Answers In Genesis! (7-12th)

Our creator was very purposeful when he designed us. I love this Savior of ours, and it just overwhelms my heart when I think about “why” He made us. He surely doesn’t “need” anything from you or I. I mean, afterall, He’s GOD! He created us because he WANTS us. He adores His children. We are the workmanship of His fingers. Creationism is His love story to us. However, man has gotten in there and tried to twist things around. The enemy wants us to think that there was no purpose for our life. This semester we are going to explore through the bible, DVD’s and discussion exactly what happened and why. My goal is that we all will all walk away inspired, encouraged, informed and prepared to face a world that constantly tries to remove God from the history books!

HOSEA! (Highschool)

“I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as your Lord” Hosea 2:20 This semester we are going to be reading relationally through my very favorite Old Testament book, “Hosea”. The book of Hosea is a love story. It tells of how God was faithful, but we (Israel) were not. You will see the heart of your savior as He teaches us that there must be consequences, there must be justice, but the purpose of both of those actions is reconciliation! God loves us with us a love we cannot imagine or fathom. He pursues us even when we choose those things that keep us from him. “There is no one like the God Of Israel. He rides across the heavens to helps us; across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your refuge, and His everlasting arms are under you”! Deuteronomy 33:26-27a

Don’t Check Your Brains At The Door! (6th through 12th)

Don’t check your brains at the door is an AMAZING book that teaches your child how to have a STRONG biblical worldview in the midst of this changing, politically correct world. It addresses questions our kids are being hit with everyday....., "Isn't God a big party pooper that says NO TO FUN?" Of coarse the answer is no, and the book reveals the wordly lie in this type of thinking. We are going to expose the lies and false teachings being presented in our pop culture so that when your student comes across someone of a different faith or with NO faith at all they can stand firmly in their own personal knowledge of why they believe what they believe. Of all the worldview books I’ve read and seen this one has made the MOST impact on my sons life. It is simple and yet incredibly deep.

MARTYRS (7th-12th)

“And this world is quickly fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” 1 John 2:17

Relationship verses Religion...., One of my biggest prayers for my children is that they will NOT grow up to be religious. I want them to have a personal RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ! I want them to desire to serve the king because they WANT to and not because they HAVE to or because it’s the right thing to do. As we read through this amazing book you will see that religion would never help a person lay down their life. Every single saint had a very real relationship with their savior. This world was not their focus. This class is not simply about reading the book, it’s the discussion that comes with it that will make the most impact! We are going to be reading through the book, “Jesus Freaks, dc Talk and The Voice Of The Martyrs”. Your children are going to learn about real life Martyrs that have given their lives, been tortured, beaten, starved and abused. But don’t get caught up in the pain of today because the message is one of HOPE! This world is not our home. One young martyr in the book has this to say after severe beatings, her friends death and her families anguish, “I have seen the world and it has nothing good. Jesus is my ONLY peace”! (Must purchase book to participate)

Improvisational Speaking Skills! (7-12th)

Communication is such a valuable trait. Rather than teaching a typical public speaking class this semester we decided to mix things up and making it a FUN FILLED Speaking Skills class. The first half will be warm up activities such as charades and improv and the last half will be learning a strong communication skill, such as eye contact, body language, welcoming words, etc..., So come prepared to have fun while honing those SPEAKING SKILLS!

To See ALL the classes available check out the Website

Classes open to the public Wednesday January 6th!

Looking Back On "2009"!

Sun, 3 Jan 2010 07:59:00 -0600

Reflections Of "2009"
This blog entry took two days and many hours. I spent time thanking the Lord and reflecting on what He has taught me through each experience. I am so thankful for the life God has given me. Even when things are painful, God is GOOD.

JANUARY

Seth and His Seizures!

Seth at All Children's Hospital, hooked up to his EEG and eating dinner!

Seth And His Seizures Part One BLOG POST (CLICK HERE)

Seth And His Seizures Part Two BLOG POST (Click HERE)

February

Celebrating Twenty One Years Of Marriage

Daddy, boys and my Precious IMac! (grin)

Anniversary BLOG POST (Click Here)

Christa's Baby Shower
Mary, Christa and Stephanie

Christa's Baby Shower BLOG POST (Click Here)

March

Baby Ruthie Is Born!

Baby Ruthie BLOG POST (Click Here)

Colton Joins Choir

Colton's Choir BLOG POST (Click Here)

PPEA Talent Show!

Talent Show BLOG POST(Click Here)

APRIL

Easter Egg Hunt In The Park

Easter Egg Hunt BLOG POST (Click Here)

Easter Sunrise Service

Easter Sunrise Service BLOG POST (Click Here)

Family Portraits By Stacia

Family Photo Session BLOG POST (Click Here)

Celebrating Grandma's 88th Birthday

Grandma's 88th Celebration BLOG POST (Click Here)

MAY

Jacob's 7th Birthday

Jacob's 7th Birthday Tribute BLOG POST (Click Here)

Homeschool Convention "2009"

Convention BLOG POST (Click Here)

Linda Werner
Favorite Speaker At Convention
Mary w/ Linda at convention

Linda Werner Blog Post (Click Here)

Linda Werner BLOG POST TWO (Click Here)

JUNE

Scott's Top Five Strength's

Scott's Top Five Strength's BLOG POST (Click Here)

Annual Riverhouse Retreat

Annual Riverhouse Retreat BLOG POST (Click Here)

JULY

Top 100 Christian Blogs In United States!

Blog post about Mary's Musing's Blog making top 100 Christian Blogs! (Click Here)

AUGUST

AUGUST Support group MEETING

August Meeting BLOG POST (Click Here)

SEPTEMBER

Finding Your Perfect Career Co-op Class! (Highschool)

Career Class BLOG POST (Click Here)

Preparing For Highschool Strength's Class

Preparing For Highschool Blog Post (Click Here)

"Don't Check Your Brains At The Door" (Junior and Senior High Classes)

Don't Check Your Brains World View Class! (BLOG POST) (Click Here)

September Support Group Meeting! Linda Werner, "Strength's Defined"

Linda Werner Support Group Meeting BLOG POST (Click Here)

Brandon Begins His Senior Year

My Senior BLOG POST (Click Here)

OCTOBER

Brandon's "18th Birthday

Brandon's "18th" Birthday BLOG POST (Click Here)

NOVEMBER

Tampa Bay Leaders Conference
Mary spoke to leaders at a homeschool conference

Leaders Tea BLOG POST (Click Here)

***I do not have blog posts from December, but plan to put together a pictorial review tomorrow.***

I leave "2009" with such sweet memories. I am so thankful for my life. God has given me an amazing husband, incredible children, cherished friends and most importantly a vibrant personal relationship with Him! My Annual Verse For "2009" was:

"For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." 1 John 2:16-17

My Verses For "2010" is from my favorite book of the bible:

“Come, let us return to the Lord.
   He has torn us to pieces;
      now he will heal us.
   He has injured us;
      now he will bandage our wounds.
In just a short time he will restore us,
      so that we may live in his presence.
Oh, that we might know the Lord!
      Let us press on to know him.
   He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn
      or the coming of rains in early spring.” Hosea 6:1-3

AND

"I want you to show love,
      not offer sacrifices.
   I want you to know me
      more than I want burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6

I pray that God would draw each of us closer to Him as we seek HIS will for each of our lives. May I never chase after the things of this world, but only CLING to the things that have eternal value....,

"Mary, Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6: 19-20

Post A Comment! :: Send to a Friend! ::

Comments

• About Me •

Mary's Musings! You are welcome to tag-along with the Arnold's as we Fumble forward in this journey thru life!

flowers

• Recent Posts •
• Pictorial Tour Through Our December...,
• Looking Back On “2009”!
• Take My Cup And Fill It Up!
• Strength's Based Living! Change Your Life!
• I Give Thanks

• Links •
:: Home
:: View my profile
:: Archives
:: Friends
:: My Blog's RSS

:: Mary's Personal Website
:: SaltandLight BLOG
:: WinterPromise
:: PPEA WEBSITE
:: PPEA BLOG
:: Time4Learning

• • • • • • •

Email Me:

• • • • • • •

My Favorite Links
:: Mary's Page

• Tag Me •

• Subscribe •

Enter your Email

Preview | Powered by FeedBlitz

• Friends •
• DandelionSeeds
• allisalley
•
• gal51
• joymommy
• granolamom6
• COMamabear
• hmschlmomto2
• Christy
• HeatherD76
• rondahinzman
•
•
• blessed2bamommy
• FaithfulGrace
• boo4baby
• ccmmum
• HarvestChristian
• BooksandBairns
• ElCloud
• Jimmie
• SusansBF
• DianasPage
• Amanda625
• BStrouse
• Homeschooling6
• Heather4Him
• Buffalogal
• floridasunsets
• Lisalyn
• Swimmom
• wdworkman
• moninalf
• Lilliepad
•
• ApplesofGold
• foxvalleyfamily
• daughteroftheKing
• lindygirl
• Mamabyrd
• mamato12
• BevG
• DraiochtSchool
• SwitchfootFan
• promama
• hollyhobby32
• Hollyplus5kids
• diligenthands
• happyhomeschooler98
• Crossings
• earthenvessel
• lpmckinnon
• PPEA
• netpea
• ccpeterson
• eclecticmoments
•
• GailBardsley

• Graphic Credits •

Template design as a gift from:
MommyOfGirls

Entry 2 of 589
Last Page | Next Page

ad

Pictorial Tour Through Our December...,

Sat, 2 Jan 2010 21:10:00 -0600

December

A pictorial View

Home Fellowship

Praying before we eat

Uh-Oh, He's DRIVING!

Brandon and Mom on the way to the PPEA Improv Night For Highschoolers.

Seniors

Colton's Piano Lessons

Seth's Gingerbread House

Guerra Christmas Party

Gingerbread Get Together W/ Longtime girlfriends.

Beautiful Brenda, Our hostess;-)

Brandon at Stacia's Christmas party

Heather's Birthday Lake House Get-Away!

Birthday Girl Heather w/ Sweet Little Timothy;-)

Sweet Natalie

Mary J, I loved her the minute I met her;-)

Christy, definitely a gift of hospitality. LOVED Her;-)

Gift Bags By Christy

Auntie Mary holding Shiloh

Heather opening her gifts

(Dinner Legacy Club In Orlando) Lynn, Mary, Melissa and beautiful Jo!

Great Group Of Ladies

Spending Time W/ Linda and her team! AMAZING Women!

Missy and Lynn

Date w/ Grandma to get our "Piggies" prettied Up;-)

Arnold Christmas Tree "2009"

Boys Big Present From Mom and Dad;-)

Grandma Sue's gift to Colton

I-Phone Picture very blurry

Big Present From Grandparents..., Busch Garden Annual Passes!

Beautiful Grandma Sue

My Cute Little Reindeer

Grandpa and Grandma Arnold

Rearranged Our House! LOVE it;-)

This is my great grandmother's Pitcher and Bowl.

New Years Eve W/ The Nemeths'!

I couldn't help but put my lips on that precious little baby!

Brandon Helping Watch Baby Savannah

Terry

Kids Playing "Sorry"

Daddy and Brandon playing "Pictionary"!

Happy New Year!

Looking Back On �2009�!

Fri, 1 Jan 2010 07:51:00 -0600

Reflections Of "2009"
This blog entry took two days and many hours. I spent time thanking the Lord and reflecting on what He has taught me through each experience. I am so thankful for the life God has given me. Even when things are painful, God is GOOD.

JANUARY

Seth and His Seizures!

Seth at All Children's Hospital, hooked up to his EEG and eating dinner!

Seth And His Seizures Part One BLOG POST (CLICK HERE)

Seth And His Seizures Part Two BLOG POST (Click HERE)

February

Celebrating Twenty One Years Of Marriage

Daddy, boys and my Precious IMac! (grin)

Anniversary BLOG POST (Click Here)

Christa's Baby Shower
Mary, Christa and Stephanie

Christa's Baby Shower BLOG POST (Click Here)

March

Baby Ruthie Is Born!

Baby Ruthie BLOG POST (Click Here)

Colton Joins Choir

Colton's Choir BLOG POST (Click Here)

PPEA Talent Show!

Talent Show BLOG POST(Click Here)

APRIL

Easter Egg Hunt In The Park

Easter Egg Hunt BLOG POST (Click Here)

Easter Sunrise Service

Easter Sunrise Service BLOG POST (Click Here)

Family Portraits By Stacia

Family Photo Session BLOG POST (Click Here)

Celebrating Grandma's 88th Birthday

Grandma's 88th Celebration BLOG POST (Click Here)

MAY

Jacob's 7th Birthday

Jacob's 7th Birthday Tribute BLOG POST (Click Here)

Homeschool Convention "2009"

Convention BLOG POST (Click Here)

Linda Werner
Favorite Speaker At Convention
Mary w/ Linda at convention

Linda Werner Blog Post (Click Here)

Linda Werner BLOG POST TWO (Click Here)

JUNE

Scott's Top Five Strength's

Scott's Top Five Strength's BLOG POST (Click Here)

Annual Riverhouse Retreat

Annual Riverhouse Retreat BLOG POST (Click Here)

JULY

Top 100 Christian Blogs In United States!

Blog post about Mary's Musing's Blog making top 100 Christian Blogs! (Click Here)

AUGUST

AUGUST Support group MEETING

August Meeting BLOG POST (Click Here)

SEPTEMBER

Finding Your Perfect Career Co-op Class! (Highschool)

Career Class BLOG POST (Click Here)

Preparing For Highschool Strength's Class

Preparing For Highschool Blog Post (Click Here)

"Don't Check Your Brains At The Door" (Junior and Senior High Classes)

Don't Check Your Brains World View Class! (BLOG POST) (Click Here)

September Support Group Meeting! Linda Werner, "Strength's Defined"

Linda Werner Support Group Meeting BLOG POST (Click Here)

Brandon Begins His Senior Year

My Senior BLOG POST (Click Here)

OCTOBER

Brandon's "18th Birthday

Brandon's "18th" Birthday BLOG POST (Click Here)

NOVEMBER

Tampa Bay Leaders Conference
Mary spoke to leaders at a homeschool conference

Leaders Tea BLOG POST (Click Here)

***I do not have blog posts from December, but plan to put together a pictorial review tomorrow.***

I leave "2009" with such sweet memories. I am so thankful for my life. God has given me an amazing husband, incredible children, cherished friends and most importantly a vibrant personal relationship with Him! My Annual Verse For "2009" was:

"For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." 1 John 2:16-17

My Verses For "2010" is from my favorite book of the bible:

“Come, let us return to the Lord.
   He has torn us to pieces;
      now he will heal us.
   He has injured us;
      now he will bandage our wounds.
In just a short time he will restore us,
      so that we may live in his presence.
Oh, that we might know the Lord!
      Let us press on to know him.
   He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn
      or the coming of rains in early spring.” Hosea 6:1-3

AND

"I want you to show love,
      not offer sacrifices.
   I want you to know me
      more than I want burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6

I pray that God would draw each of us closer to Him as we seek HIS will for each of our lives. May I never chase after the things of this world, but only CLING to the things that have eternal value....,

"Mary, Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6: 19-20

Take My Cup And Fill It Up!

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 07:42:00 -0600

Take My Cup And Fill It Up Lord!

After months of serving outside my home I am taking a much needed break to pull “in” and fill my cup. It’s hard to explain what that means because my cup truly is filled when I am able to serve outside my home as well?

What I am learning is that my life has a rhythm that I have to be very aware of. Too much downtime depletes my energy and makes me lazy, but too much time outside my home can do the very same thing.

Right now, I am enjoying the holidays as I pull in to spend time with my family and focus on my Savior. Last night was a precious and perfect example of how I fill my cup. We put our Christmas tree up while Avalon blared Christmas music through our house. I was cooking fajita’s and the smell of sauteed onions and green peppers mingled with my evergreen candles. I heard my boys engaged in laughter as they worked together to put the tree up. My heart was so full I thought it would burst.

I am beginning to see the rhythm of my life. I have come to realize that “spurts” are a good thing for me. I finally get that my personality does better with “spurts”, whereas, I have friends who need daily balance.

Neither is better or worse, right or wrong. It’s finding out who you are and then engaging it without apology. We shouldn’t spend our whole lives striving to become what we admire. Our goal should be to thrive in who God made us to be.

It’s funny that I always worry that I’m not home enough during my busy season and then in the down time I feel like I am home too much. Does anyone else ever struggle with that? Balance is such an elusive creature. I know that it doesn't come naturally, I have to be thoughtful, purposeful and most importantly prayerful. Finding balance gets me to the very throne of God where HE pours out, wisdom and direction.

"Therefore, God elevated him (Jesus) to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father....," Philippians 2: 9-11

Father, as I quiet my heart and bow before your throne may I always keep my eyes on "you" and seek only "your wisdom", "your direction". Show me where to say, "yes" and more importantly where to say, "no". I only want to do your will Lord. Help me to decrease so that you might increase.

Strength's Based Living! Change Your Life!

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:17:00 -0600

Strength's Based Living!

Mary with Linda Werner at the FPEA State Homeschool Convention

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Loosely based on Romans 12:6-9

Last May I heard Linda Werner speak at our convention on Strength's Defined and it has truly changed my life. Six month’s later and I am even more in love with the heart of this message. Strength’s Defined was an introduction to Strength’s based living.

Strength’s Based living is all about being purposeful with those talents God has given you. It talks about stepping back and looking at who you are, who you really are. Imagine if you quit trying and striving to become something or someone you admired and instead threw yourself passionately into who you already are? Sounds simple doesn’t it? It’s NOT!

Our society has programmed us to think that overcoming our weaknesses is character building. Though I don’t totally disagree with that concept, I do think that we as a society have given that way of thinking too much room in our lives. Overcoming our weakness is all about “striving” and embracing our strength’s is all about “thriving”.

Strength’s based living does not have you ignore your weaknesses, but instead it tells us to manage them. How do I manage mine? I look around me and take note of the people God has put in my life. Most often, those friends who I cherish and adore are strong where I am weak, and so I include them in my management plan. What does that look like? Sometimes they offer words of wisdom, other times they hold me accountable, sometimes they simply listen and pray.

If you’ve noticed I am blogging two days in a row after lots of time off. Last weekend when I spoke to leaders at the "Leadership Tea" I realized that I had been too busy and that I love doing this. Facebook seems to get more attention, because it takes less time and nets lots of immediate feedback, yet it's not the same thing.

Blogging allows me to put thoughts together more completely. I can take my time and process, plot, plan what I want to say. The truth is I've missed it. I have come to learn after 4 1/2 years of blogging that there are seasons when I can and seasons when I can’t. Right now, I am in a downtime schedule wise, and plan to use the next few weeks to catch up and fill my cup through blogging.

If we’re not engaging and embracing those things that fill our cups, energize us, empower us, than our cup runs dry and we begin performing as we try to pour out what we don’t own.

So my Christmas break goal is to share those things I’ve been learning this past six month’s about Strength’s Based Living. I plan to write about my personal experiences because I think real life stories are more powerful than any how-to book.

Not only will I share my triumph’s, but I want to be real and share my hurdles as well. It’s not about getting it right, never making mistakes, but instead this journey is helping me to live out our family motto, “Fall Down, Get Up, Fail Forward, Finish Well.”

I Give Thanks

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:47:00 -0600

I Give Thanks

“And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

Lord Jesus, I give thanks today for so many things. At the very top of my list I am most thankful that you called to me and I heard your voice. What an incredible honor it is to be your daughter. YOU never forsake or abandon. I thank you that you breathe peace and healing deep into my soul and that I am never a victim, but always victorious because YOU are in my life.

I thank you that when my biological father walked out of my life to begin a new life w/ a new family that you were faithful and gave me an amazing earthly dad to step in and raise me.

I thank you for my mama. I have so many precious memories. The one that always brings tears to my adult eyes is when I think back to when I was a very young girl and she had just gone through a divorce after her husband had walked out of our lives. She would sit with me while I ate dinner and not eat. I would ask why, and she would tell me that she already had.   It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized my mom went without, so that I wouldn’t have to. How faithful you were Lord to bring my adoptive dad into her life. I can't imagine it having been any other way!

I thank you for my amazing husband Scott. It seems like yesterday that we were teens working for Publix. Every time they would call the stock boys to the front my heart would beat out of my chest. I can only imagine how nerve wreaking it would have been if I’d known then that we would marry and have four children. (smile) I thank you that he loves me like I’ve never been loved. He believes in me, cheers me on, keeps me safe, protects me, takes care of me and gives his whole life to making sure that I am happy. I pray that I am able to give as much as I get. He is my very best friend and I love him forever.

I thank you for Brandon my first born son. I still remember finding out I was pregnant. I had been married for two years, but was only 21 years old. I loved that child from the very first blue plus sign on the pregnancy test. He has brought his mama so much JOY, so much gladness. Lord, I believe in him and I pray this morning that you would direct and guide every part of his life. May he grow up strong in YOU. May he never favor in his faith and trade the things of heaven for this fleeting life.

I thank you for my Colton. Colton was our second born, but he is our third child. We found out we were expecting exactly three months after a horrible miscarriage. I remember being so scared to get excited or to trust that everything was going to be fine. But little by little, I began to bond with this child as he grew bigger and bigger inside me. He was the only one that I worked full time with and my patients loved him as though he was going to be their grandchild. He was the perfect pregnancy and delivery. I thank you that he was born with learning disabilities because you make no mistakes and that is a part of who He is. It has gotten both of us to your throne and you’ve equipped him in other area’s that blow my typically learning children away. I love his eye for art, his ear for music, his heart for others. I pray that He would always hunger after you.

Lord I thank you for my Seth. Oh this child has a special place in my heart. Once again, I entered into this pregnancy on the heels of another miscarriage. This child came out with his own little personality. Where the first two made me think I had parenting down, this child humbled me and wrapped himself around my heart through lots of learning curves. He is my most academic, but also my most headstrong. I love how much he favors his daddy in personality and looks. I love how he is his mama’s boy. I love how fiercely loyal he is to those he trusts enough to call friend. I love how he loves to snuggle with Scotty and I more than any of the other children and wants to have intellectual discussions about the world around him.

Lord I thank you for my Jacob. My baby, my Omega. I still remember that my progesterone levels were low and how the doctor thought for sure that I was losing him. I’ll never forget going for that ultra sound. I still smile as I remember Scotty meeting me at the doctors office. He had come from work in his uniform and when I reached out to hold his hand he pretended that I was one of his prisoners and said, “Maam, I need you to keep your hands to yourself please”, “Maam, please don’t make me call back up”. He was so good, so convincing and I can still see those patrons in the waiting room not sure whether to believe him or me. (laughing as I type) It is this exact story that illustrates his sense of humor. It made me forget why we were there. Then when they did finally put that wand to my belly they could hardly keep up with Jacob because he was happily jumping all over the place with a strong little heart beat. Jacob is so much like Brandon. He is sweet and outgoing. He is my most positive child. He loves life and others and never has a bad attitude.

Lord, I thank you for my Grandma. Oh this woman is so very precious to me. She has been my rock through everything. When her son walked out of my life, he walked out of hers too. I became her everything as she threw herself into helping me grow up. (and vice versa) I love how close she is with my mom and that though her son abandoned her she gained a daughter. (to this day) I love the example she is to me. She is such a strong woman. Widowed twice before forty. Went back to school at 40 and earned her Masters degree in education. I still remember her 3rd grade class coming in first place at the Pinellas County economics fair. One of my favorite memories is when I had Brandon and he was only two days old. She came up on a Friday evening after everyone else had gone home and we had girl time. We took Brandon for a walk around the maternity wing, ate dinner together, laughed together, remembered together and bonded together. Lord, you already know my heart. I am so scared that I am going to lose her. As she approaches 90, I want her to live 90 more years. My life will never be the same once she goes home to be with you. 41 years old and I still need my Grandma.

Lord, I thank you for my friends. One of my greatest joys in this life has been the amazing women you’ve brought into it. They inspire me to be my best. They believe in me long before I do. They pray for me and encourage me in my walk with YOU. It overwhelms my heart when we can share and relate on a “girl” level. I am so blessed!

Lord, I thank you for Kidney Stones....., “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Don’t ask why I’m including this, but the Lord keeps putting it on my heart. I had been thinking about this over the past week because I’ve been quietly passing another kidney stone on the heels of my big one from a couple of weeks ago. It’s been 31/2 weeks and I am feeling weary and tired. This second one is not as bad as the one that put me in the hospital, but no stone is “easy”. Why am I thankful?

Because it doesn’t let me get too comfortable with my place in this world. It reminds me that heaven is my home and only there will I live a life without any pain or worry. I love kidney stones because I draw closer to you than when things are wonderful. Pain breeds intimacy w/ my Savior and humbles me. I still see your hand of blessing as you’ve given me the greatest doctors and nurses in the whole world. Dr. Morris and his staff always make the experience less scary, no matter how many kidney stones I pass. (Over 20 thus far and still have 8 left) I just adore them and their hearts for others.

Lord, I thank you for Homeschooling. I’m so glad I didn’t know that I was going to homeschool my children when I was a new mama. It might have freaked me out. Now, I cannot imagine “not” homeschooling. What a joy it is to be with my children as they have their “aha” moments. What satisfaction it gives me to be purposeful in their socialization. I love spending time with them.

I cannot even imagine my life without the incredible friends I’ve met through this journey? We are a tight knit community and it’s a place where we can come together and support one another.

Lord, I thank you for allowing me to serve in our support group. You give me a place to pour encouragement into other moms. It fills my cup so much more than what I could ever give away. Thank you for the incredible people who I serve with. I love them and cherish the friendships we’ve built. Thank you for the members who’ve prayed for me, encouraged me and loved me through my growing process. It’s all about the relationships. (smile)

Lord, I thank you for Time4Learning. YES, I am thankful to our curriculum publisher. Not only was Time4Learning the first curriculum that my children with Processing issue’s could thrive with, but it eventually became a part time career that allows me to use my passions. I thank Time4Learning for hiring me to be one of their freelance writers. I have learned (continue to learn) so much through this experience. It allows me to offer encouragement and I get paid? Life doesn’t get better than that, LOL;-)

I could go on and on, but I need to begin cooking and preparing for a feast-filled, memory-making day. I lift up each of my family members and friends to you this morning and ask that you would capture their hearts to pause and reflect on you. Lord, be with those today who may not have the money to do anything special. I stop this morning and thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such an amazing and incredible God and I adore you Jesus. I know that one day I will close my eyes here and open them there. Thank you for pursuing me with your Holy love....,

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever...., 1 John 2:17-18

Speaking Engagement- Leaders Tea

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:41:00 -0600

Tampa Bay Homeschool Leadership Tea

This past Saturday I was honored to speak to homeschool leaders from all over the Tampa Bay Area. I was so blessed to meet so many precious women.

Alice Paquette, who is a dear friend, partnered with Linda Oberg from Prodigy and together they blew us away with their strong organizational and detail skills. The tea was catered by a very popular tea house called, “Miracles”. There were finger sandwiches, Scones, Chocolate brownies, several types of tea, coffee and bottled water.

The Lord spoke to us from Romans 12 about how He purposefully made His body, His family with different gifts and talents and how when you put us together we make a complete picture. I loved how the leaders participated by sharing those things that energize them and assessing how much they have on their plates of responsibility. I came home energized and “full” of JOY!

Lord, may I never take for granted your gracious heart. Thank you for allowing me to engage in those things that bring me great joy...., Being your daughter, a wife to an amazing man, a mom to incredible sons and homeschooling. You are AMAZING Lord God!

Montage of Edison House Pictures!

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:35:00 -0600
Montage Of Edison House Photo's

Edison House

Field Trip To Thomas Edison's "Summer" Home

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 15:18:00 -0600

Family Field Trip To Thomas Edison's Summer Home In Fort Myers

Since this is my blog I have to share honestly from my heart. This was a beautiful field trip. The weather was gorgeous, the grounds were breathtaking, but I believe that a docent can make or break the "experience" and ours did.

Our docent was very nice, but I learned a valuable lesson. Never, never, never choose the docent who is carrying index cards. (smile) Many of us in my group would look longingly over at the other groups as they would be pulling the kids into the presentation, asking questions, stirring excitement.

Our docent seemed to be flustered when children asked questions or laughed together. It was not horrible by any means, but a lesson was definitely learned. DON'T PICK THE ONE WITH THE INDEX CARDS!