The Feet of the Servant

Throughout our lives, we are continually learning from our surroundings, our situations, & other people. Sometimes we are willing to learn while at others we are not so eager. Still there are other times when we learn without even realizing it - these are usually my favorite because the "lesson" tends to stick with you longer.

Yesterday was Easter. We had an early morning SONrise service followed by breakfast at the fellowship hall. Then we had preaching and communion service. Well, we had a little extra time between eating breakfast & the start of preaching, so all the kids took off to play. When it was almost time for church to start up again, Justin went looking for Makenzie.

She wasn't hard to find. She was playing in the nursery, which wasn't uncommon, but that's not all of the story. What really stood out to me was the fact that not only was she playing quietly in the floor, but she was playing at the feet of our pastor as he studied for the upcoming message. Oh, how I wish I could have gotten a picture of that!!!

This scene caused a flood of emotions within me. First, I am so thankful that my children have the privilege to sit & learn under the same man of God that I learned from as a child. Secondly, how often do we take for granted & ignore those precious grey haired saints that are more than willing to teach us something? Third, how similar is this to the reality of one day sitting at the feet of Jesus?

I have had the honor of having Fellman Cheek as my pastor for the majority of my life. No, I haven't always enjoyed some of his preaching, especially when I was a teenager. As I have gotten older, I've realized that everything he has ever said has been in love. I have learned so much under his preaching & teaching. And personally, I have never met any person closer to God than he is. I don't say that to lift him up on a pedestal, but I say it to give God the glory through Fellman's life.

When I was younger, I thought I knew it all. I had all the answers & could handle anything that came my way. Boy, did I have a lot to learn! As I have gotten older, I have realized just how little I really know or understand. I wish that I would have taken more time to listen to those around me that are visibly older & certainly wiser than I could ever hope to be. If you still have the honor of a grandparent that is still alive - take the time to get to know them. I mean, REALLY get to know them. They have a lot to say if only someone is willing to listen.

We are all the children of God. As we become saved & trust Him with our lives, He longs for us to sit at His feet while He teaches us. God loves us more than we could ever imagine & He wants to give us our hearts desire. We just have to be willing to turn to Him.

When was the last time that you realized you didn't have all the answers? When was the last time you took the time to listen to someone wiser than you? What about the last time that you sat content at the feet of a true servant of God? When was the last time you were willing to sit at the Master's feet?

Creative Inspirations

Relying on one income is hard for any family. Many families are forced down to one income due to sickness, job loss, death, whatever. This is the lifestyle we have chosen because we feel that God has directed our family on this adventure. Its not easy, but I know that its worth it. We have all had to make sacrifices & changes to the way we live. And we might not see all the rewards for our efforts here in this life, but one day, I hope that God will look at me & say "Well done, my child!".

So.....in an effort to add a little extra income to our family, we have become very crafty lately. I have always enjoyed playing around with things, but I have never had the passion for it like I have now. I am so thankful that God has put this desire in my life.

I hope that you enjoy our creations & will support our little business!

Check out our Blessed Boutique on FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blessed-Boutique/185896581434260

Tales of a Homeschool Nothing ~ Lessons from a Flock of Geese

A few weeks ago, I was reading a devotional about watching a flock of geese. Sometimes, devotionals seem to be completely irrelevant, but then WHAM, they hit you upside the head! That's how this one affected me. I have been thinking about it for days, knowing that I had to write about it. Its funny how when these thoughts get into my head, they DEMAND to get out! LOL

I've always heard that geese mate for life, so if you see a pair of them, then its pretty fair to assume that is their mate. I have also watched geese fly over our back yard in their signature "V" pattern from the pond to the pasture & back again too many times to count, so I had never noticed that the lead bird doesn't always stay in the lead. They take turns.

You may think that this is insignificant & I would have to...until I read this devotional. http://www.aophomeschooling.com/blog/daily-focus/lessons-from-a-goose/
After reading that, it put a new spin on my thinking!

There are days that I just don't feel like teaching. There are also days when we have so much that needs to be done, but something else comes up & I am not strong enough to say no. Its on those days that I feel guilty for "letting Austin off the hook" or for slacking!

He LOVES helping his daddy or his grandpa do ANYTHING! Of course he enjoys helping out on the farm, but some days he begs to go to work with them. My inlaws are self employed with plumbing, construction, landscaping, etc, so to me, its not that exciting.....but to an 8 (sigh....9 in 2 more days) year old boy, its fascinating!

Until recently, I viewed those days as a "free day" where he could just goof off. Oh, I still have so much to learn! I never realized just how much he was learning about life from all of these other people. My father in law is teaching my kids so many things that I never had the opportunity to learn & things that I wouldn't even know how to teach them & I am truly thankful for that!

This is a relief to know that all the burden is not on my shoulders like I always assume it is! Just about anyone that comes in contact with my kids has something they are able to teach them, if only we are willing to take the time to listen! I love the fact that "homeschool" is not just about learning book smarts, but about learning in general.

Tales of a Homeschool Nothing ~ Inspiration - Who Me?!

Since I am so new to this roller coaster called homeschool, I need LOTS of advice from other, more experienced moms. I feel like Mary at the feet of Jesus. I am just so amazed at the wisdom that comes from these veterans mouths that I try to absorb all I can, knowing that I will forget a lot of what is said before my brain has time to truly process it.

I cannot express the gratitude that I feel from the knowledge & more importantly, the friendships, that I have gained in just this one year.

When I started this adventure, I NEVER imagined that one day, I would be one of those caring souls who would be so willing to spill my guts out to anyone who, like me, was searching for answers to really difficult questions. And I certainly, never imagined that I would be encouraging people this soon in my journey!

It amazes & humbles me so much to know that other women are already treating me with the same respect as I treat those who are so much more qualified than I am!

I didn't start homeschooling seeking anyone's approval or desiring earthly recognition, but I must say that knowing I have been a blessing to someone else who is struggling, tugs at my heart strings, puts a smile on my face, & lets me know that God is pleased with my decisions. It also reminds me that we never know who is watching our lives!