My Mother's Day Gifts

Mother's Day is one of those days that I have mixed feelings about. I hear so many people talk about how much they love their mom & what a great Christian woman she was while they were growing up, but I wonder.....was she really? I mean, really? Did all of these people have that precious, highly desired, Godly woman in their lives when they were younger......or is that what they choose to remember? If they did, then that's great! There are a lot of mothers out there that are trying their hardest to direct their children in the pathways that God would have them go. But....there are also too many women out there that have "better things to do", or are more concerned with the things of this world, than raising Godly children.

I wasn't fortunate enough to have a Godly Christian mother. I don't remember too much from when I was young. My teenage years stand out in my head & overshadow everything else about my past. My mom was more interested in trying to be the "cool mom" part of the time & being over medicated for her health problems the rest.

I guess that is the reason I have such a strong desire for God to work in my life. I want my children to look back on me & remember more positives than negatives. I want my children to see me reading my Bible, hear me praying for them, feel my loving arms around them, & KNOW that they are loved no matter what! Because not all of us have those memories.

This mother's day, I didn't open any fancy, expensive gifts that were bought hastily the day before. My present this year was realizing that I have been blessed more than I ever deserve. I have 4 little arms that want to hug me, 4 little eyes that are watching everything I do, 4 little feet that follow where I lead them, & 2 little hearts filled with more love than I thought possible.

I hope that everyone has a Happy Mother's Day! Spend it with those you love!

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!

Can I borrow your Faith?

Around Halloween, my kids were given 2 kittens as pets. They immediately fell in love with the little furballs. The solid gray one was named Bear because it was so furry & the white & gray one was named Faith because the patterns on her back looked like a cross. After about a month at our house, Faith went missing for a few days. That was ok, we still had Bear. Faith showed back up & Bear took off - I guess they couldn't get along - lol. I thought, "well, we always need FAITH." She only stayed for a few more days & then she took off again too. We kept looking for the kittens, but did not have any luck. Before long, we didn't give them much thought any more.

Flash Forward: Sunday afternoon my mother in law called & said "I really think this is your cat at my house". I stepped out on my front porch & looked down the hill. Sure enough, it looked like Faith. The kids went running down there & happily returned with a grown up version of Faith. I thought it was strange that a kitten could go missing for over 3 months & then come right back home like she had never left.

I'm guessing that someone close has had her put up at their house because she is still tame & lovable. There are no signs of her going hungry or being mistreated. So much for trustworthy neighbors..........I'm didn't get angry, I was just confused.......

But wait.....then God brought that same thought by my mind, "we all could use a little FAITH". I stopped to think about this. Maybe, this represents a time when my faith was strong. Something happened & it waivered just a little. I was able (through God) to strengthen it back, but suddenly it was GONE, seemingly without any warning. Then, just as quickly, it reappeared just as if I had never lost it.

I also thought deeper on this subject....Maybe someone else's FAITH was weak at this time & they needed a little extra boost, so maybe they "borrowed" my FAITH.

I know that some people are probably thinking I have lost my mind (news flash ~ too late!) to read into the reappearance of a cat as God renewing my FAITH, but doesn't God work in wondrous ways?!

Next time you see someone struggling, why don't you let them "borrow your FAITH".

Parents - WAKE UP!

Some people AMAZE me....baffle me to the point where I'm not sure what to say or what to do....Yeah, loss of words doesn't happen often with me, but I'm trying to bite my tongue so I don't say something I will regret, but the tip of my tongue can only handle so much pressure.

I know that  this world is fully of crazy people with mixed up priorities but PLEASE explain to me how you can walk out on your children. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW THE ANSWER! We all have our days where we need a break because the kids are driving us crazy or we are craving uninterrupted adult time, but to never want to be part of your children's lives...... I just can't comprehend it!

God has allowed our lives to be richer, fuller, & happier when He blesses us with children. I realize that some people never want children & I'm not talking about that group of people. I am referring to those who make a conscious decision to have children & then decide one day that they no longer want them.

We have heard for years about "dead beat fathers" who walk out on their families & that is still a shame, but as a mother - I get sick to my stomach at the new trend for women to walk out on their families easier than they would a dead end job.

Hopefully, most of these children do have other people in their lives that will step up to the plate & show them that it's not their fault.

Thankfully, most of these children do grow up to be "normal, well rounded" adults. But what about now, when they are still young? Has anyone ever stopped to pay attention to just how mixed up these kids can be?

NO CHILD SHOULD EVER HAVE TO WONDER IF THEIR PARENTS REALLY LOVE THEM!!!

NO CHILD SHOULD EVER HAVE TO WONDER WHAT THEY DID WRONG TO MAKE MOM OR DAD LEAVE!

Parents - GROW UP!!!!! Take responsibility for your actions! I don't really care if you can't get along with your husband or wife! What does that have to do with walking out on your children? It doesn't matter if they are 1 year old or 21 years old - they still NEED you!