Thursday, November 30, 2006

Snow at last!


It snowed today and is still snowing. I took some pictures to share at different times today. I can't wait to curl up in front of our fire but that will have to wait until tomorrow since I need to move some boxes to get to it. LOL Til tomorrow, have a great evening.
@ 2p

@ 5p

@ 9p ~ up to 4"

Posted by Dawn ;) at 7:23 PM | | Comments

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Song of the Day


I’ve been singing this song over and over for the past week. It has greatly ministered to my heart and I wanted to share the words to the chorus. If you are interested in hearing the song, stop by Chris’ website or his myspace site, I think its playing there too. You should just go out & buy the cd for yourself, so you can listen whenever.
Enjoy!


Made to Worship
~ Chris Tomlin

*chorus only*
You and I were made to worship
You and I were called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
When you and I embrace surrender
When you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to be

Posted by Dawn ;) at 3:22 PM | | Comments

OTG Pt 6 ~ #151 - 200


One Thousand Gifts

151. homemade soup and bread on a cold night

152. being able to plan a full menu with the contents of my pantry and freezer

153. knowing when to quit if something isn’t working or in the best interest of family

154. naps!

155. confidence others place in my abilities

156. being able to help when needed

157. book study groups

158. homeschool support groups

159. free craft projects and patterns

160. my dinosaur computer ~ it works

161. supplies on hand for most any occasion

162. making a cake from scratch, yummy

163. cards sent from friends

164. ecards I can send wherever and whenever

165. thank you notes

166. portable tv so hubby can watch football

167. coupons in the mail

168. this year’s birthday presents

169. egg nog and pumpkin spice flavourings ~ love this time of year

170. invitations to family dinners

171. stress free part-time job - more fun than work

172. sunday newspapers especially the coupon inserts

173. cake and ice cream for my belated birthday dessert

174. letters of encouragement

175. wallflower diffuser from bath and body works

176. active yeast

177. coffee pot & grinder

178. rich body cream for dry hands

179. my journals and blogs

180. ability to express myself

181. joy of writing again

182. diamonds in the rough

183. the potter’s wheel & me the modeling clay

184. power of forgiveness

185. out of “control” and loving it ~ living a life where God is in control

186. freedom from anger

187. pleasant words

188. fitly spoken words in due season

189. examples of Godly women I can follow

190. 71degress on thanksgiving day ~ nice breeze

191. my red outdoor chair w/cup holder

192. crocheted gifts

193. making something new ~ crocheted socks

194. learning how to make socks

195. my cookbooks ~ especially my better homes & garden

196. learning how to be transparent and being accept for who I am

197. a life that is surrendered to Christ

198. my carpet cleaner

199. caller id and answering machine

200. ability to be a blessing to others

Posted by Dawn ;) at 3:13 PM | | Comments

~ Wordless Wednesday ~


Cape Henry Lighthouse
Va Beach, Va

Join in the fun ~ get the code here.

Posted by Dawn ;) at 3:09 PM | | Comments

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

"In Other Words"


Quote this week:
"God has delivered us,
He has parted waters for us,
He has made water gush forth from
rocks and sent us our own manna from
heaven. He has brought us into our own
Promised Land. Will I miss the opportunity
to tell the story to our children?"


Posted by Dawn ;) at 2:56 PM | | Comments

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Night in the Presence of the King


I couldn't sleep ~ I tossed and turned, weeped and cried silently. Words flying through my head, thoughts of discouragement and pain. Ideas of my own design to fix it. On and on this went for hours, til I finally got up and went to the bathroom. I cried out to God for release, nothing. I wondered why and still nothing. I cleaned my face and decided to read awhile. Then, He showed up.....

Yes, the Lord God, my Abba Father. Filled my heart and mind with His presence and I began to understand. He was calling me to a time of prayer and fellowship with Him. He was wooing me to come and sit at the Master's feet and rest. Oh how I desperately needed to rest, to have peace of mind and He freely gave. No, He didn't answer my questions but He did show me how to handle my troubling mind, the pain in my heart and the dead silence that was trying to take over. I prayed, read, and wrote in my journal. I re-read my journal entries and began to see how God was orchestrating the events in my life and using the bad ones to make new ones that would bless me if I would only be patient.

I arose from my chair refreshed, peaceful and painfree. I forgave everyone, for everything ~ big and small. I released them to His loving care and asked for forgiveness for trying to do it all myself. I am only one person, weak in my own right but so very strong when I rely on Him. It was a rough night, but as He promised joy came in the morning and I have a song in my heart, on my lips and proceeding out of my mouth. I shall shout His praises at the gate, as I come in and go out.

I didn't expect this nor did I realize how much I really hurt, but praise Him for His infinite wisdom and mercy. He has delivered me, yet again, from myself and torment. He has restored my joy and He has filled my heart with His song.

~ Today I am thankful ~
to be alive
for loving children
a godly husband
to be known of God.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! ~ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil 4:4, 6 & 7 (NKJV)

Posted by Dawn ;) at 9:20 AM | | Comments

OTG Pt 5 ~ #101 - 150


One Thousand Gifts

101. smell of fresh brewed coffee
102. obedience of puppy dog
103. yard covered in fall leaves
104. morning sunshine
105. encouragement of a friend
106. love of a child
107. peace of mind
108. prayers of mothers like me
109. prayers from mothers like me
110. knowledge about trials ~ "this too shall pass"
111. calm after a storm
112. life of simplicity
113. peace of saying "no"
114. hashbrowns, especially homemade
115. my favorite tea ~ country peach passion
116. ability to start over
117. funny stories about marriage
118. creative ways to stretch a buck
119. knowing when to stop and relax
120. comfy, old sweatshirt
121. comfy sweatpants ;D
122. heating system that works
123. warm, freshly baked muffins
124. warm turtlenecks
125. simple meals in good company
126. the colour red
127. mall walking with a friend
128. going to bed early
129. taking wacky quizzes
130. marveling in God's grace
131. changing from glory to glory
132. beautiful sun filled days
133. watching the leaves change in fall
134. the beauty of my birthstone ~ topaz (citrine)
135. new seasons in life
136. my prayers and praises are received as sweet aroma by God
137. joy and wonder of a six year old on his birthday
138. thrill of a rocket launching ~ childsize of course
139. my vision even though is aided by glasses
140. sense of peace in the midst of a migraine
141. spending time doing things I love
142. witty guotes
143. seeing the glass half full instead of half empty
144. savvy shopping
145. shopping success stories using coupons
146. looking younger than I am
147. growing gracefully in God
148. freedom from the fears that hold me back
149. God's second chances
150. spending a night in His presence

Posted by Dawn ;) at 8:13 AM | | Comments

Happy Thanksgiving!


I have a thankful heart even in the midst of trials. I rejoice in the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever. I have much to be thankful for and I know that none of it would have been possible without the Lord. Yes, I may be walking through the valley, but oh the hope of tomorrow and the joy that comes in the morning. This is such a blessed hope that has never failed me.

God has turned my mourning into laughter, my cup runneth over, goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life and I shall not fear for God is with me. So this 23rd day of 2006 ~ the National Day honoring Thanksgiving ~

I am thankful for a life that is hid in Christ
and that I am a new creation that is
changing from glory to glory.

Happy Thankfulness Day!
~ Be Blessed ~

Posted by Dawn ;) at 12:01 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Prayer from a Mother's Heart


A Prayer for Hurting Mothers

Be tender, Lord, we pray
with one whose child
lies dead today.
Be tender, Lord, we pray
for those with runaways
for whom moms bleed.
But be tenderest of all with each
whose child no longer cares . . .
is out of reach.

~ Ruth Bell Graham

Posted by Dawn ;) at 11:45 PM | | Comments

Motherhood hurts sometimes but...


When you gave birth to that beautiful child, did you ever think you would cause them pain? Did you ever think that one day they'd cause you pain?

The answer is a resounding no. You have grand hopes of growing together, loving each other and living through lifes trials together. No one ever dreams or sets out to hurt or cause pain to your child. But somewhere along the road of life it can happen. I live that unfortunate misery currently. I trust the Lord that it will be temporary and that He will work mightly in my life as a result of this trial.

But it still hurts?! Yes, it hurts to know that you are hated, that you failed in some way, that you failed to let them know that you loved them and that you may never be friends again. It is a painful place to be and I refuse to dwell on it. In other words to camp out in the land of misery, because I hope in the Lord and this too shall pass. No, it will not pass overnight for it didn't happen overnight. This has been a process and one I have failed to notice and take proper stock of. It is a journey of trust in the Lord to right the wrongs and mend the hearts of the hurting.

"Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways
you may not understand at the time."
~ Oswald Chambers~

I know my Lord can and will do what is best for all of us in His timing. I patiently await His timing and instruction. I realize that I am to learn something from this period as well as become totally reliant upon Him. I am in a place of discovery, recovery and restoration, if I will allow Him the room necessary to change my heart, my mind and my attitude. No, I don't want to be known as a mother who didn't love her children, who was too angry or busy with others needs that she failed her family, nor do I wish to hear the Father say I didn't do what He set before me to accomplish. I know I will answer to Him for the time I had to train, nurture and love them and I am very sorry that at this moment, I may have failed Him.

I do have hope, you see He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me. To hold me close when the storms of life crash down upon me. He is my ever present help in times of trouble and I believe this and hold onto it for dear life. He is my life line and I will always run to my strong tower in time of need. As Paul told us that we must run the race with endurence, never give up, to not grow weary in well doing and in due seasons we will reap if we don't faint. I shall perserve and I will never give up on my children. I will not be moved by what I see for "faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." I will "Be still and know that He is God." This is faith in a God who holds the world in the palm of His hand. I will stand strong in this faith and cast not my confidence away for my hope is in the Lord.

Motherhood hurts sometimes but....

Having faith in God is the hope that will see you through!
(Read Psalm 23)


Posted by Dawn ;) at 10:47 PM | | Comments

~ Wordless Wednesday ~




(feeding time @ Mtn Trashmore)

Join in the fun ~ get the code here.

Posted by Dawn ;) at 8:57 PM | | Comments

Sunday, November 19, 2006

"In His Words"


A man's gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men."
~ Proverbs 18:16

Posted by Dawn ;) at 10:39 AM | | Comments

Friday, November 17, 2006

~ The Shape of My Personality ~


This was fun and very enlightening. I knew some of this but I have changed in a few areas and it showed in this quiz. I would be interested to see where I stand in another 5 yrs or so.


You Are An ISFP

The Artist
You are a gifted artist or musician (though your talents may be dormant right now). You enjoy spending your free time in nature, and you are good with animals and children. Simply put, you enjoy beauty in all its forms and live for the simple pleasures in life. Gentle, sensitive, and compassionate - you are good at recognizing people's unspoken needs.

You would make a good veterinarian, pediatrician, or composer.

Posted by Dawn ;) at 11:37 PM | | Comments

~ My Testimony ~



I grow up in the church, going every Sunday with my great-grandmother and doing whatever I was told. I usually fell asleep because I would get cold. When I was 11yos, I wanted to be baptised so I took the right hand of fellowship and was baptised. I received my offering envelopes with my personal number on them. My aunt explained the importance of giving and that I should put aside a little every week to give to the Lord. This was my life every summer I visited Virginia. In New York, I would only go to church on Easter or when invited by a friend. My parents weren't church goers. When I moved back to Virginia, after graduating from high school, I began attending my childhood church regularly. I joined the choir, I participated in Wednesday night prayer meetings, I lead childrens church and Sunday school. I had a mentor who taught me how to cross-reference scriptures so that I could create lessons for Sunday school ~ these were for the teens, we didn't have books like the adults. I worked with the missionette program and helped coordinate programs for the youth. I was a very active youth in the church.


At one of our missionette programs, my mentor was talking with the girls about what Jesus did for us and how we should be thankful to Him for all that He's done. She proceed to explain that if we didn't accept this free gift, we would go to hell. Now, I was her assistant and I was standing in the front of the group. However, when she started talking about accepting the Lord Jesus and living versus dying, I moved to the back of the room and began to think about what she said. I was 18yos and had never, to my knowledge, confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior and accepted this free gift. I had only been accepted as a member of the church and been baptised, which I almost drowned ~ thats another story. I realized that I had no right to stand before these girls and tell them they needed to be saved when in fact I was going to hell myself. I immediately asked God for forgiveness and I prayed the prayer of salvation with the other girls. I rejoiced in the fact that I wasn't going to hell and that my God loved me so much that He allowed me to serve even though I had not made Jesus my Lord.

However, it would be 10 yrs later before the Lord captured my heart. I was at a campmeeting listening to Ellen Parsley and began to feel convicted. I knew that I had accepted Jesus as my Lord but I hadn't actually allowed Him to be Lord in my life. I was miserable, lonely and in need of my Savior. Praise God, He knew and met me where I was and cleansed me of my sins and restored me to fellowship with Him. I prayed 1 John 1:9 and knew in my heart that my relationship with Him was restored. Some would probably say that was the day I got saved. No, that was the day I allowed my salvation to become real in my life and I would never be the same again.

My life has been full since that fateful day more than 20yrs ago, when I first made my confession unto salvation. I have walked some long roads alone and I know when I've been carried. The times I've been alone are when I didn't trust the Lord and the times I was carried, I fully depended on Him according to His word. You too can have this. It really isn't hard nor troublesome. It only requires an open heart and mind, a willingness to let go and let God.

If you have never made Jesus the Lord of your life, I invite you today to take a moment and ask Him. He is waiting and has been for this very moment when you would acknowledge Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you. This I can assure you is true. If you are ready to give Him His rightfully place in your heart, pray this prayer:

Lord, I thank you for what you've done for me. For forgiving me of all my sins, for dying in my place and never giving up on me. Lord, I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that you are the risen Son of God and the Lord and Savior of my life. Therefore, I will walk in newness of life as a new creation alive in You. Thank you, Lord for loving me, cleansing me and saving me. In Jesus name, Amen.

If you have prayed the salvation prayer but you've fallen away from God ~ read 1 John 1:9 and repeat the above prayer and allow God to restore you to fellowship with Him again.

~ Be Blessed ~

To click here, to read other wonderful testimonies.

Posted by Dawn ;) at 10:36 PM | | Comments

Something to Think About


I am your constant companion,
I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am at your command.
Half of the tasks that you do you might just as well
turn over to me and I will do them quickly
and correctly.

I am easily managed,
you must merely be firm with me.
Show me exactly how you want something done;
after a few lessons I will do it automatically,
I am the servant of all great people and
alas of all failures as well.
Those who are great I have made great,
those who are failures I have made failures.

I am not a machine, but I work with all the precision
of a machine, plus the intelligence of a person.
Now you may run me for profit or
you may run me for ruin.
It makes no difference to me.
Take me, train me, be firm with me,
and I will lay the world at your feet
Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Who am I? I am called Habit.
~ unknown

Posted by Dawn ;) at 7:14 PM | | Comments

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Wordless Wednesday


(sign @ a local wine vineyard)

Join in the fun ~ get the code here.

Posted by Dawn ;) at 10:19 PM | | Comments

OTG Pt 4 ~ #76 - 100


~ One Thousand Gifts ~

76. peace of God that passes all understanding, especially mine
77. warm, freshly made bed on a cold night
78. trying new things ~ keeping an open heart and mind
79. sharing with others my faith, my passion and my Lord
80. passion for the lost
81. companionable silence which comes from shared contentment
82. sound of classical music softly playing in the background
83. loving arms to hug me
84. God's still small voice
85. beautiful artwork like Kinkade's scenic views
86. long distance phone service
87. text messaging....keeping in touch w/those you love
88. soothing music on a stressful day
89. desire to slow down and enjoy life one moment at a time
90. memories
91. each day filled with wonder and hope of things to come
92. start of a new year
93. start of a new day for we can begin again
94. words of encouragement from the most unlikely places
95. my prayer time which draws me closer to my Lord
96. the act of forgiveness though it is hard but so rewarding
97. simplicity and beauty of the words "I Love You"
98. special order Godiva chocolates ~ yummy
99. making new friends
100. for the love of God that is poured out in my life daily that I may share it with others

Posted by Dawn ;) at 11:34 AM | | Comments

Sunday, November 12, 2006

~ My Special Day ~


It has come and gone ~ yes, dear friends, my birthday once again has graced us with its presence. It was a very peaceful, lazy day. I went to church with a friend, made my special christmas blend coffee and took a nap. ;D Dh did dinner ~ KFC style and the kiddos and I may play a game before I call it a night. The joys of getting older, huh?! I heard from all but one of my dc but thats okay, I am sure she is doing well and will later.

Well, not to keep you waiting any longer ~ I'll tell you what my final gift was:

Gift #12
a card, a crystal square that has a rose through a heart
and the words "I love you" ~ it too has its own color changing pedestal.
a box of Godiva truffles & a special order
box of 2 of my favorite chocolates ;D

Posted by Dawn ;) at 8:30 PM | | Comments

Prayer from a Mother's Heart


Protection and Guidance
Dear Lord, thank You for each of our children,
They are so precious to us.
Watch over and protect them as they mature and
grow closer to You.
Help them to realize that You are all they need to live
a fulfilled life here on earth.
Let Your light shine through us for them to see so
that they may know that You are the truth and the way.
Thank You, Lord
~ Jean A. Ziglar ~

Posted by Dawn ;) at 12:26 AM | | Comments

Saturday, November 11, 2006

OTG Pt 3 ~ #51 - 75


~ One Thousand Gifts ~

51. cross-country scenery
52. mini-vacations to the beach
53. support group meetings
54. ladies night out
55. our president and his family
56. our troops ~ who protect what is right
57. spinning classes that I desparately need to take again
58. coupons :D
59. HSLDA
60. OCHEC & HEAV
61. prayer hands @ ORU campus
62. prayer tower @ ORU campus
63. my dog "poochie"
64. AO/HEO support groups
65. ability to use my gifts and skills for His glory
66. books ~ lots of books
67. charlotte mason education lifestyle
68. bath by candlelight and soft music
69. my former church family
70. my new (coming) church family
71. the opportunities daily to be a witness for Christ
72. my mentors, especially Louix
73. the virtuous women that come across my path leaving deposits in my life
74. the wonderful elderly couples who visit me at the library
75. His daily dose of grace and mercy

Posted by Dawn ;) at 11:28 PM | | Comments

12 Days to My Birthday ~ Day #11


Gift #11
Starbucks Christmas Blend Coffee
& Breakfast in Bed ;D
Delicious!

Posted by Dawn ;) at 11:14 PM | | Comments

Friday, November 10, 2006

OTG Pt 2 ~ #26 - #50


One Thousand Gifts

26. our country ~ USA
27. the American Flag swaying in the breeze
28. sunsets off the ocean
29. cloudy skies so close it looks as if you could touch them
30. brilliant colors of a midwest sunset
31. stargazing
32. lounging on a Sunday afternoon
33. sleepovers with homemade pizza, cake & popcorn
34. go bowling
35. childhood arcade games ~ my fav "Ms. Pacman"
36. family fun nights
37. tea time w/my children
38. Bible Study alone and w/my children ~ learning directly from the Master
39. ability to work part-time
40. the wisdom necessary to become a full time sahm
41. beautiful words from various blogs
42. an infants toothless smile
43. a laughter filled room
44. colorful balloons ~ especially red, white & blue
45. colored pencils
46. the love of learning
47. two strong hands
48. making a homecooked meal for my family
49. meeting bands and discussing our faith, families and music
50. melatonin & estroblend ~ better sleep and cooler nights ;D

Posted by Dawn ;) at 5:34 PM | | Comments

12 Days to My Birthday ~ Day #10


Gift #10
Krispy Kreme cup & Gift Card
~ yummy doughnuts & coffee, here I come ~

Posted by Dawn ;) at 5:28 PM | | Comments

12 Days to My Birthday ~ Day #9


Gift #9
Large Mocha colored Teddy Bear, Starbucks gift card
& Starbucks coffee mug*
*I call this my chocolate cup ~ its cream
w/brown around the top edge, lettering and bottom
(aren't they cute?!)

Posted by Dawn ;) at 5:19 PM | | Comments

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Fall Reading Challenge '06



I've decided to join the "Fall Reading Challenge." I've got a stack of books that I've been working on for sometime and I've just not been motivated to finish them. Since this challenge will end on Dec 21st, I'm hoping to finish off this stack and possibly start another. Below is a pic of my stack, I'll list them individually with categories later.

(sorry ~ the pic's not the greatest)

1. Total Money Makeover ~ Dave Ramsey *Done

2. Financial Peace Revisited ~ Dave Ramsey *Done

3. The Confident Woman ~ Joyce Meyer

4. Mystery Shopping Made Simple ~ Dr. Ilisha S. Newhouse *Done

5. Honey, They Shrunk My Hormones ~ Caron Chandler Loveless

6. Journal Keeping: Writing for Spiritual Growth ~ Luann Budd *Done

7. Living Well on One Income: in a two income world ~ Cynthia Yates *Done ~ Loved this one and will add to my personal collection ~

8. 44 Scotland Street ~ Alexander McCall Smith *Done

9. The Homeschool Journey ~ Susan and Michael Card

10. God is in the Hard Stuff ~ Bruce & Stan *Done

Posted by Dawn ;) at 12:35 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Wordless Wednesday


(photo taken by my 15yo dd on vacation in Va Beach)

Join in the fun ~ get the code here.

Posted by Dawn ;) at 10:13 PM | | Comments

~ 100th Post ~


Hello ~ blog friends, this is my 100th post since I first began this wonderful space. I am very thankful for the opportunity to have something to share and friends who read it. In honor of this special occasion, I've decided to join in something absolutely wonderful that my friends at CWO have just introduced. Its called "One Thousand Gifts." The lovely Ann at Holy Experience, has started something simply wonderful by making a list of the one thousand gifts she receives. You must read the full essay in order to fully understand. The most significant thing about this list, is the fact that this is a list of gratitude not of wants. We are so quick to desire something but fail to take time to enjoy what we have at the moment. I truly appreciate Ann's challenge to take time to "smell the roses" and give glory to whom it is due ~ my Lord. So, I shall begin my own list below and you will be able to keep up with my list and others by accessing the link in my sidebar. If you choose to join us, please leave me a comment so that I may visit your list too and give thanks with you for the blessings we have been honored to receive.

~ My Thousand Gifts ~
1. God's love and mercy
2. peace in my home with sleeping children and pets
3. thoughtfulness of my dh ~ see 12 Days to My Birthday posts
4. ability to relax and enjoy doing nothing
5. my best friend ~ Chandra
6. homeschool friends around the world
7. blogging friends
8. praying friends
9. bags of needed books @ library book sale
10. freedom to live a life of Christ
11. sun shining thru a window that needs to be cleaned
12. hope of His calling in my life
13. the love and joy filling my heart for my family
14. motherhood ~ with its joys and challenges
15. my secret pal
16. clean kitchen
17. a son who loves to make & eat homemade pancakes
18. beauty and aroma of candles
19. cup of coffee and a good book
20. clearance sales on yarn
21. my childrens craft projects ~ knitted scarfs
22. breath of life
23. ministry of Creflo Dollar & Kenneth Copeland
24. soft clicking of knitting needles
25. books on tape and cd
Part 2

Posted by Dawn ;) at 12:03 PM | | Comments

12 Days to My Birthday ~ Day #8


Gift #8
Super Sudoku puzzle book
& a gift card to Panera's
;D
~ its the little things that make me smile ~

Posted by Dawn ;) at 11:46 AM | | Comments

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Sower sows the word


"Just as an inferno begins with but a spark,
a field grows vast and plentiful
from the sprinkling of seeds"
~ Stephanie Fries ~
Steph's Poetry Corner

As I read the above quote the scripture "the sower soweth the word ~ Luke 4:14," kept swirling around in my head. The field represents our heart and the seeds are God's word. As I thought on the quote and what I wanted to say, I continued to think about my current situation as a mother. This road of motherhood is like none other I have previously traveled. It is long, it is hard and there seems to be little reward. I know that I am not suppose to expect anything in return however, no one told me therefore I didn't expect it to be one filled with continual challenges. I have learned that it is an opportunity not only for me to trust the Lord but to walk in love on a daily, minute by minute basis. I am differently still a work in progress but I think I finally see what I am missing.

As I have accepted the responsibility to be a mother/educator to my children, I have also said yes to raising my children in the nurture and admonish of the Lord. But what is that really?! How do you raise them? What tools do you need? What is the nurture and admonish of the Lord? Now, I don't have all the answers, but I am beginning to understand what is expected of me. I am to be like my Father (the Sower) and sow the Word of God into my childrens heart. And in order for them to reap a harvest of thirtyfold, sixty and even a hundred, I must do something first:

I must sow the Word of God into myself.

Its really that simple. We must be hearers and doers of the word in order for us to be able to pass it along to our dear children. We must be able to pray, share, and model the Word in order for our children to understand and follow. As we begin to apply the Word to our own lives/hearts, we begin to change and God can move in us. As we pray and meditate on the word, giving thanks for our situations, families, etc., we allow God into our everyday lives and to cultivate our hearts to receive for them to grow.

We are told in Romans 12:2, to not be conformed to this world but to renew our minds. We renew our minds by praying, meditating, hearing and doing the Word. We are cultivating the field of our hearts when we do so and preparing our hearts to become good ground for harvest. We must be willing to do these things for our children. As we teach them daily ~ when they come in and go out, walk alongside and sit by ~ we must be sowing into their lives the Word of God. Many of us know that we wouldn't be where we are if it wasn't for someone praying for us ~ that's sown seed. We must do this for our families and others so they may be able to stand especially when Satan tries to steal the word from them (see Mark 4:15).

As I reflect on the past 5 yrs of homeschooling, I realize that I dropped the ball in this very area and the enemy has come along and sown tares in my fields. Praise God, they are removable, though it will take much time and patience, just like it does for the farmer who must wait in order not to damage his crops in the process. As I wait, I also get to plant more seed, water them in prayer and let God be God. As I sow though I have an advantage over the natural farmers: the Word of God is able to clear out the bad as it begins to take root in the heart. Hebrews 4:12 is my favorite verse to prove this point and it says:

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Now thats some cleanup, don't you think?! The Word of God is able to help us to grow, cleanse our hearts and become who we are created to be. Thats awesome and it doesn't require much ~ just a little here and a little there ~ day and night.

I want a field that grows vast and plentiful in myself and my family. Therefore, I renew my commitment to be a sower and doer of the Word of God. I will purpose to plant the seeds into my own heart so that I may walk worthy and be a true disciple of the Lord. I will not lose hope for I know the Lord will never leave nor forsake me. I will learn how to be as patience, caring and watchful as the farmer over his crops. We shall be like those Jesus speaks of in Mark 4:19:

"And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, sixty, and some an hundred.

Posted by Dawn ;) at 11:03 PM | | Comments

12 Days to My Birthday ~ Day #7


Gift #7
Whitman's Sampler
~ Chocolate ~
Yippee!

Posted by Dawn ;) at 4:07 PM | | Comments

Monday, November 06, 2006

12 Days to My Birthday ~ Day #6


Gift #6
Strawberry Cheesecake
Yelp ~ a whole cheesecake just for me.
I'll upload pics tomorrow.
Yummy!

~ slice of strawberry cheesecake on our "special" plate ~

(the special plate is reserve to honor one another)

Iris ~ please enjoy your special slice. ;D

Posted by Dawn ;) at 11:32 PM | | Comments

Something to Think About




Enjoy!

Posted by Dawn ;) at 11:25 PM | | Comments

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Thoughts on Motherhood ~ Pt 2


I didn't think there would a continuation of this post but as I was sitting here praying and reading, I came across a must read post at Choosing Home. You can read more here. It truly blessed me to hear this mother's heart and I knew I was not alone but it help to put words to what I was feeling and thinking in my heart.
~ Be Blessed ~

Posted by Dawn ;) at 11:34 PM | | Comments

Thoughts on Motherhood


I've been doing a lot of thinking and spending time in prayer about my role as a mother. I want to become more like my Lord walking in love, forgiveness and grace toward my children. I am learning that this is not as easy as I would have hoped or thought. It requires more of me daily, to give even when I don't feel like giving. I've recently wondered why no one warned me that raising young adults would be hard. I've even asked the Lord how He handles similar situations with us, His adult children. I know that He has had to deal with similar situations daily, because we are not that different from our own children, just older. However, the difference between Him and I is He still loves me, He talks with me, He forgives me and helps me to correct my way, even when I am being my most ugliest.

Oh, how I want to be just like Him. I'll admit I didn't think that I could do it. It is hard, painful and there are times when you even doubt your ability and sanity. However, the one sure thing that I have held onto is, He will never leave me nor forsake me especially in my time of need. I am very grateful for His love, presence and the dear friends He has blessed me with, because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that without these blessings working in and though my life, I would be lost.

I've been reading bits and pieces from "God is in the Hard Stuff" by Bruce & Stan when the chapter on "A Mother's Anguish" caught my attention and my heart. In this chapter, they discuss the various challenges and stages of motherhood that I totally can identify with. The one that speaks to me clearly now is:

"Motherhood suffers the growing pains of the teenage years, with the hope of being rewarded with close friendship when maturity kicks in."

Yes, I've recently learned how true this is and I am looking forward to its end. It goes on to talk about how the joys of motherhood are some of life's sweetest rewards along with being filled with life's hardest stuff. How I can relate to this even now as we face some new challenges in our family. They go on to talk about the importance for us, mothers, learning to let go of our children so they may mature. This requires us to let go of something we hold most dear, in hopes of gaining something more precious. They point out that if we are letting go to let God, it is a very good thing because we are allowing God His rightful place in their lives so they may walk with and before Him according to His plan.

As I have been working through this new season in my life, I have come to understand and appreciate letting go to let God work in my dear children. I can honestly say that my perspective is changing from one of anxiety to one of anticipation. I am still learning and there are days when I want to hold on tight, but I am slowing letting go and trusting the Lord to do what He promised. Besides, they are His children and He knows whats best for them even if I think I do. I am more confident and relaxed in my approach and mindset these days. I am now okay with the fact that I am not in control that He is in this area and every area of my life when I let Him. This is a big step for me since I have a tendancy to try controling everything everything around me. But His promise to dwell in a peaceful place ~ under the shadow of the Almighty ~ is so much better than the bitter, cold and lonely place I have found myself in when I am controling. Under His protection is where I want to rest and long for my dear children to also abide.

My prayer, Lord, is that I will continue to walk in your word and truth, so that I may live the hope of a close friendship with my children. That I may continue to experience the peace, wisdom and love of the Father and be able to share that with my children. Lord, thank you for never giving up on me and helping me to not give up during these trying times and learning to let go so that you can be God in our lives. Thank you, Amen.

~ The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him. Ps. 28:7

Posted by Dawn ;) at 8:12 PM | | Comments

12 Days to My Birthday ~ Day #5


Gift #5
A hilarious birthday card w/a free breakfast chick-n-minis coupon
& a 2007 Calendar set ~ wall calendar/2yr planner
of Lighthouses
one of my favorite things ;D

The card read:
"What's a birthday card without money in it?"
This one!
~ he's such a comedian

Posted by Dawn ;) at 7:56 PM | | Comments

Saturday, November 04, 2006

12 Days to My Birthday ~ Day #4


Gift #4
A plaque with the image of ORU's Prayer Tower.
The following is inscribed under the image:
"There is no Distance in Prayer."

~ I needed this one, my heart has been heavy of late
diligently seeking the Lord on behalf of my dc and dh
sometimes wondering if the gaps would ever close.
His grace is sufficient and His word shall never return unto void.
Therefore, I shall hope in my Lord and Savior knowing that
He hears the prayers of the righteous and answers them.
Very timely gift.

Posted by Dawn ;) at 11:25 PM | | Comments

Friday, November 03, 2006

12 Days to My Birthday ~ Day #3


Gift #3
Beautiful card, cute orange teddy bear
& 2 Yankee candles ~ Ocean Breeze & Clean Cotton.
Simply lovely. ;D

Posted by Dawn ;) at 6:20 PM | | Comments

Thursday, November 02, 2006

12 Days to My Birthday ~ Day #2




Gift #2:
Crystal Carousel Horse on a lighted pedestial.
Beautiful!
(ps ~ I'll post pics later)

*Here it is*

The light changes color too!

Posted by Dawn ;) at 3:41 PM | | Comments

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

12 Days to My Birthday


Its begun again this year ~ dh has begun the "12 days to my birthday" today. So, I've decided to track them daily instead of trying to write one big post like I did last year.

Gift #1:
Birthday card and coupon to Chick Fila ~ Yummy!

Posted by Dawn ;) at 3:32 PM | | Comments

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