Sharing The Journey - Homeschool Blogger

Joy Walked Back

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:34:00 -0500

Salaciously that spirit
of discontent beckoned me
      shadowing my heart,
      twisting the sinews of
              my whitewashed heart...
              my redeemed heart...

Joy took leave
so sudden was its apparition.

No, no, nothing of it!

Dropping on my knees
imploring, pleading, recalling former times...till

His light shone once more...till
His light dissolved

the worthless dreams
the caricatures of comfort

and Joy walked back.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Small Table Fountain

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 10:17:00 -0500

Isn't this pretty? My sweet husband got this for me recently. It's a small table waterfall. I love the way the pots are displayed. The only problem with this waterfall is that the buzzing of the battery is louder than the trickling of the water. Still, just watching the water flow makes me calm and happy.

I'm still looking around for the right materials for my indoor waterfall. If you have any good ideas, send them to me. :)

New Summer Project

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:27:00 -0500

Water. I love its music. I guess that's why I love it when it rains. Softly, its gentle pattering soothes my frayed brain, and leaves me relaxed and calm. Loudly, its thundering sheets melt my worldly cares, and I imagine myself being cleansed spiritually too. For years, I've wanted an indoor waterfall so I can treat my ears and being to the sweet sounds of flowing water. Recently I noticed a perfect place for an indoor waterfall. It's next to the stairs and besides the hall tree. I've also identified a few more spots around the house for other indoor waterfalls.

So a new summer project is borne!

I'm going to build me an indoor waterfall. The exorbitant prices they charge for such waterfalls is one reason. But another reason is I think I have it in me to create one. My dear late dad used to plan and create beautiful water gardens for hotels, shopping complexes and elegant homes. During one season of his life, he also created beautiful miniature indoor waterfalls for a living. If my dear dad could do it, surely I can too. :) If only he could see me now, he would be chuckling, for I was never quite interested in what he was doing when I was growing up.

Anyway, here are some websites I'm currently looking into in my search for the perfect indoor fountain. If you made one yourself, and have some tips, I would appreciate your advice!

http://www.guide4home.com/out-ftn/make-indoor-water.htm
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/kobayashik/H2OFount.html
http://www.fountainsnslate.com/
http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/tabletop-fountains/index.html
http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/freeform-fountains/index.html

Blighted Ovum

Fri, 29 May 2009 20:12:00 -0500

I found this page on the blighted ovum and thought some might find it enlightening. Between my two children, I had a miscarriage due to a blighted ovum. It still pains me thinking about it, but to realize that my baby was no less a baby because it was a "blighted ovum" has made things bearable.

And to be able to enjoy my six year old son now is a joy beyond comparison. After that miscarriage at 42, I didn't think another baby was possible. But God was good, just as He always is.

"Far Above Rubies" and "Blessed is the Man" BENEFIT SALE

Wed, 13 May 2009 09:32:00 -0500

My friend, Lynda Coates, was a home school pioneer. Together with her husband Lauren, she blazed a trail that many subsequently followed. Thanks to her and other pioneers, we presently can home school freely.

Her signature books, Far Above Rubies (for girls) and Blessed is the Man (for boys) are high school curriculum guides that have "been around" for a while now, and are relied on by many as the backbone of their high school home school, or at least a resource guide. They are amazingly well-researched and thorough. Best of all, they are based on the Word of God.

Today, Lynda is widowed. Her children are grown, but she continues to be a blessing to the home school community. I am honored to be part of her efforts to raise funds for this worthy cause by contributing to the slew of freebies she's giving away when you buy her classic curriculum.

Check out her sales page here and find out more.

http://www.lyndacoats.com/

Warning: the sale goes away after this Friday, May 15.

Dropping My Guard

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:03:00 -0500

Recently, my daughter took the wrong kind of cookie. She dropped her guard for a few seconds and the allergens she consumed set off a series of emergencies.

Dropping your guard. Dropping my guard. That is so easy to do. Like going down the morality slide, it all starts when we drop our guard. When we make little bad choices. When we let that little seemingly innocent temptation squat in a tiny corner of our heart. And we think nothing of it. Then we let another seemingly friendly foe find residence in another part of our heart. And we dismiss its presence. Soon, we have an entire population of “little” enemies of the soul, chipping away our resolve to walk in the light. And one day, we make a bad choice, topping all the little bad choices we had been making. And guess what? That sin of ______________(fill in the blanks) we thought we had conquered suddenly finds full expression. And nothing can stop the motion of consequences that follows. Not even true repentance. Think Adam and Eve. Think Jacob. Think David.

This Sunday afternoon, I pray I will not let pride blind me to all the “little” bad choices I have carelessly made. I pray I have the resolve, and the courage, to kick out every enemy of my soul that I had given tacit permission to become a tenant in my heart...they do add up, exponentially.

No, I don't want to even think about taking the first bite of the “cookie” just because I can rationalize away its possible harm it might do to me. Sometimes all you need is just one bite and that very bite can very well be the one that totally destroys your testimony and witness. My spirit is allergic to anything that displeases the Lord. Instead of occasionally “testing” those spiritual allergens or pretending they don't really affect me, I should just eliminate them. And I should remember that they are everywhere, and like food allergies, I can never be too careful...

Palm Sunday Reflections

Sun, 5 Apr 2009 20:57:00 -0500

So today is the start of the Holy Week...

Can you imagine what it must have been like that Palm Sunday when Jesus rode on an untainted, never harnessed colt towards Jerusalem? That itself was in fulfillment of a 500 year old prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). As He rode majestically and yet humbly, the crowds gave Him a rousing cheer. They praised Him. They honored Him. The response of the Pharisees was nothing majestic. They were vexed. They told Him to rebuke His disciples. In today's parlance, they wanted Him to ask them to “shut up!”

But what was the response of Jesus?

We read in Luke 19:40:

But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

So if the disciples should hold their peace, God would raise up even inanimate objects like the lifeless stones to declare His praise. Wow! Our God is sovereign. He rules over all. There is no creature or activity that is not under His government. He can do whatever He desires in every realm of creation.

Whatever the LORD pleases He does,
In heaven and in earth,
In the seas and in all deep places.

Psalm 135:6

Yes, our sovereign and omnipotent God can do whatever He desires, even with stones.

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, He was officially presented as the Son of God and the King of kings. We pay homage to earthly kings and rulers whose lives are frail and whose kingdoms are transient. Should our response to our King of kings be any less?

How foolish the proud Pharisees were to want the disciples (and all the women and children) to “shut up!" They were totally devoid of any kind of spiritual understanding.

Don't let anyone muzzle your praise today. Or any day. Keep it coming. Keep it flowing. Our King of kings deserves it.

Lenten Reflections (2)

Sat, 4 Apr 2009 17:36:00 -0500

I began the Lenten journey with determination and high hopes. I visualized myself pouring over the Word of God long before the sun had risen. I saw myself wearing a sublime smile as I touched all my household duties with joy, and greeted each burden with grace. After all, it's Lent, and I was focusing all my energy on working out spiritually. And with my whole armor consciously tacked on, surely I would be more “successful” than on “regular” days...

(Deep down though I was wondering how I would be tested and was actually a bit apprehensive blogging about my intentions here.)

So the kids fell ill. My daughter had the worst case of flu and the two weeks of getting her better and then trying to normalize our schedule didn't leave me looking or acting exactly angelic.

You know, three things really get me all discombobulated:

1.when my children are unwell
2.when my house is messy and disorganized
3.when I feel I'm failing my children as I home school them

And because I didn't go for my normal physical workout as in my TKD sessions for two weeks, I felt miserable, and the effects of the above suddenly became a bit overwhelming.

Then as I struggled to get back on track, I had my worse pollen allergy attack. That reduced me to a cotton ball. I wanted to claw out my eyes. My nose became a dripping faucet. One night, I tried the Neti Pot (I even watched the video to make sure I did it right). But that experience left me worst off than ever. Maybe I have some polyps in my nasal cavity or something because the homemade saline refused to succumb to gravity. That episode left my ears buzzing and my nose more choked up than ever. Undaunted, I did it on both nostrils and spent the night drowning in my nasal offerings. After a day's break, I bravely tested the Neti Pot's supposed magic again. Needless to say, I don't think I'm a good Neti Pot candidate. So till last night I couldn't sleep for the stuffed up nose, laryngitis, and uncontrollable coughing. (Thankfully my eyes are now behaving better.) Antihistamines of various ilk didn't help (my husband knew I was desperate when I resorted to those). And since I've lost my voice, I can only whisper...

Yes, instead of focusing on the Lord, trusting in His timing and counting my blessings (there have been so many!) I've been having hopping from one miserable pity-party to another.

BUT no, nothing is in vain. God is good and I'm thankful I can record one main lesson learned so far during this Lenten journey.

God is not interested in my performance or productivity. Period.

If I draw my comfort, peace and joy from my performance and how fruitful my day has been (and this includes the wonderful time I can spend quietly at His feet), then I'm being idolatrous. Anything that replaces the Lord as the source of joy is idolatrous.

You see, I have been too hung up on what I can do for my family, my friends and even for God. Productivity in those areas always makes me happy and when my hands are tied, I invariably feel out of sorts.

No, I should not draw my comfort, peace and joy from my performance in executing my duties or from my success in engaging in pleasurable activities.

My comfort, peace and joy should come from what God has done for me in the finished work of Christ!

When I'm honest with myself I wonder how God can actually love me! But He does. He drew me to Him so long ago and as I placed my faith in Jesus, He gave me new life.

And today I need not replace my position in Him with what I think my position in life should be.

God just loves me and I don't have to earn His approval. I don't have to perform. I don't have to be someone important. Even for Him. Nothing matters but that I'm letting Him conform me in the image of Christ.

So the house is a mess. Homeschooling has seen better days. I could get fitter. Things could be more organized. I could bake my own bread again. And sprout again. And...

But hey, there is no need to strive.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” My Beloved reminds me today.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” He assures me.

“For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” He reminds me.

So yes, no strife.

Just peace, comfort and joy in Him and in His finished work on the Cross.

And as I conclude this Lenten reflection, I wish you peace, comfort and joy in Him. And in Him only.

Lenten Reflections (1)

Sun, 1 Mar 2009 16:12:00 -0600

(As and when I have the time I'll record some of my reflections here under “Lenten Reflections”)

Recently, after the Lent Activities ebook went out, I've been receiving letters from various home school moms who shared their hearts with me. The common theme has been how they have been in their own “wilderness” and how they desire to enter the “Promised Land” but sin, disobedience and fear have kept them walking in circles.

I hear them. My heart beats with theirs.

We are so quick to judge, and even condemn the ungrateful and disobedient Israelites for not trusting God enough. Didn't they cross the Red Sea? Didn't God reveal His guidance through the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire? Didn't God help them with their first battle with the Amalikites? Didn't God sustain them? They had refreshing water and God sent them manna (and quail when they wanted meat.) Didn't God speak to them directly from Mount Sinai and then through Moses? Didn't they witness for themselves the glory, the majesty, the awesomeness and the providence of God? So what was their problem? Why did they complain incessantly? Why did they hark back to the past (for goodness sake...they wanted to go back to Egypt ?!!!) Why did they build, of all things, a golden calf (and with Aaron's blessings too!) to worship? When they were so close to reaching their Promised Land, fear and distrust overshadowed their faith, and tragically they had to pay the price for it. They had to walk in circles for 40 years...

Even my children shake their heads when we read this portion of the Bible together. Their minds can't fathom why the Israelites were so silly and foolish. Dense. Ridiculous.

Retrospective wisdom is easy.

For aren't we like the Israelites? I know I am. Sadly.

I complain. I am a slave to some bad attitudes. I have my own dark idols. Some parts of my life are controlled by fear. Trust in the Lord? I don't always do that...

This season of Lent I want to move closer to the heart of God. I want to complain less, cast down known idols, and cease being so silly, foolish, dense and ridiculous. But I can't will myself to be all that I want to be. Need to be. In my own flesh I'm nothing. My attitude towards sin cannot be self-centered. It has to be God-centered. It's not so much victory I desire but a desire to please and obey the Lord. Victory is a by-product of obedience.

This focused journey has begun...

As I concentrate on living an obedient life, the joy of victory over sin will come. Won't you join me in this journey? Let me know if you will and we can pray for each other.

Be blessed.

Wow!

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:51:00 -0600

I thank each one of you who wrote to me personally to thank me for the Lenten Tree Activities ebook. I'm just so thrilled and happy it has blessed you and that it will help prepare your children for Easter (Resurrection Sunday). After doing the more popular activities through the years, I wanted something more original and more focused on the Lord. Yet I didn't want something that was too demanding because Lent is a relatively long season and I could see myself burning out if we did something more elaborate. It appears that many of you are in the same boat so I'm delighted to share this little ebook.

I want to share parts of two emails I received this morning. (I've asked the writers' permission to quote them, so don't worry, if you write to me and I want to quote you, I'll ask for your permission first. :)

The first is from Laura from Texas. She shares her family traditions which I thought were just precious. My daughter immediately said she wanted to do the Mite Jar when I shared with her what Laura wrote.

A couple of other traditions we do each year are the Crown of Thorn wreath out of salt dough (pulling out a thorn--toothpick--every time a family member does an act of kindness)

We also do our Mite jar activity for donating money to our church at the end of Lent. It is a small jar that is filled with 40 strips of paper with essentially math activities for our home--i.e. for every light bulb in the house, put $.05 in the jar; for each person in the family with brown eyes, put $.10 in the jar, everyone else put in $.05; for every pillow in the home, put $.05 in the jar, etc. Our four kids (6-10 yrs old) LOVE doing all of these, and it additionally strengthens their math skills!

Then on Easter, we make resurrection rolls.

I love incorporating the Lenten season into our family life, our Domestic church. I love that you pointed out that this is not just a Catholic tradition. I believe all Christians can benefit greatly from reflecting throughout the whole season--not just Easter...and become richly blessed by doing so.

The second email I'm sharing comes from Tanis M. She has a great story to share.

My story about Lent besides going to a more liturgical type church (Anglican and United) as a child/ youth, is from my mom who was delivered from smoking when I was about twelve. She had given up smoking for Lent and then regretted it and had no qualms complaining about it to God. It was a mini temper tantrum actually. It was totally by God’s power and there is no real physical explanation for it except she was honest with God and He saw fit to show His Lordship in her life. The craving and desire were overcome. She never touched another cigarette from the next morning on....He will not share His glory with another. Our efforts are like filthy rags. She gave God permission to affect her habits and though there is no power in the holiday ritual itself, we still serve a God of miracles. I bless Him for giving me such a mom. We’ve had our struggles to understand one another, but I am so thankful for the faith we share.

I hope this story encourages you. God can use anything to change our heart and propensities for His glory. Why not give up something for the Lord this season? I don't mean temporary "sacrifices" like coffee or chocolates for Lent. (Afterall, most of us will still want our coffee and chocolates after Lent! ) I mean something that through His Word, and in your prayer time, you know you need to address. Could it be a bad attitude? Anger? A harmful habit? A risky lifestyle? Whatever it is, why not lay it at the foot of the cross this evening and let God begin a marvelous work in you? Tonight is as good a time as any to begin. And to quote Jerry Bridges, "God has made it possible for us to walk in holiness. But he has given to us the responsibility of doing the walking; He does not do that for us."