No Complaints

"Do all things without complaining and disputing," Philippians 2:14 (NKJV)

It is a natural human response.  I mean, when a surfboard rips through waves and hits you square on the forehead (narrowly missing your nine year old and other little ones in the water), causes a 3/4 inch gash and 4 stitches just above your eye.  This, all on your first day on the beach........

Wouldn't you complain?    Maybe just a little?

I admit, I would have been a bit bitter.

We quickly piled gear, towels, boogie boards, frightened children, and SAND into our minivans barely making the time to pull off dripping wet, sticky, sandy bathing suits before rushing to the Medical Center.  My friend was cracking jokes as we hurriedly grabbed something dry to put on.  The first joke I remember was something about wearing a red shirt to match the blood (you had to be there).  I was amazed.  Her laughter was contagious.

In the Doctor's office, while the Doctor pulled stitches, his tweezers dropped the thread and he said, "Oops."  She had a field day with that one.  After all that isn't something you want to hear your doctor say as he is stitching up your face.  I know that doctor got a kick out of her, and maybe he saw a little bit of Jesus too.

(We homeschool and I had to document all of this.)

After

Don't get me wrong.  It was no day at the beach.  (Pun intended.)  She couldn't get in the ocean for the remainder of the trip, she had discomfort, her eye turned black (and blue, red, and yellow; not necessarily in that order) and it was awkward sleeping.  But her mention of the results of the accident (which were few), were a statement of fact, not a complaint.  She didn't let it stop her from seeing the good in everything.

My friend's attitude was a great object lesson for my kids.  They were truly amazed at her disposition.  It was an even greater one for me.  It changed my perspective.   I want to be more like her when I grow up. 

She is beautiful...stitches and all.

Laughter really is the best medicine.

Complaining accomplishes nothing. 
There is no gratitude in a complaint.

Complaining shows unbelief in knowing,    “...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28

Nearing 1,000: 

#964.  No Complaints.

The front row

We sat in the front row at church this morning.  It wasn't by choice.  We aren't 'back row Baptists' or anything, we just usually stay around the middle; to the left, actually.

But this morning we had were blessed to sit up front.  There was a combined worship service to vote on a new pastor, it was Graduation Sunday, and it was packed.  So we looked around and no other seats were available.  It felt like we were sitting in someone else's seat.

Interestingly, though, as I sat down on the front row and started looking around,  the flowers seemed just a bit more vibrant up close.  They were beautiful; goldish yellow calla lilies purposely placed on a black cloth.  After a few moments, I could see the black and gold theme for graduation and the effort someone took to put it together.   I don't think I would have noticed or appreciated that if we hadn't sat in the front row.

Even the lights seemed brighter, the speakers more clear, and the whole service...well, more intense.  Granted, there was excitement in the air as we anticipated hearing the man who is to become our new, dearly searched for pastor.  It is like a new beginning in our church, a new chapter, and we had a front row seat.

As the graduates of 2011 walked down the aisle, a picture show revealed their progression from babies to young adults to graduates.  Our youth pastor spoke to them, quoted scripture, and got choked up..... which got me choked up.  And from the front row, I could see his tears glistening as he hastily wiped them away. 

I started thinking about my own 'graduates'.  Now, because we homeschool, the experience is a bit different from traditionally public or private schooled kids. 

However, my eighth grader has just 'graduated' from 'middle school' and will be in 'high school' this fall.

(It seems like it was just yesterday I was kissing her 'bee-owies'.)

My 5th grader has just 'graduated' from 'grammar school' and will be going into 'middle school'.

 (She is my snuggler and just barely fits in my lap now.)

And my littlest just 'graduated' from 'pre-school' and will start 'Kindergarten' this September.

 (Honestly, I just gave birth to her....she can't be nearly five already...)

We even had a Homeschool Award Ceremony last month.

Time is going by at warp speed.  There are so many things I still want to share with my girls, things I want to tell them and show them, do with them, and teach them. 

  "“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.  You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."  Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NKJV)

So many things I am still learning too.

I can only imagine how those mommas felt watching their own babies children in the same pictures I watched up on that screen.

As a homeschool mom, I have a front row seat.    And time is going by quickly.  Too quickly.

I don't want to miss a thing.

And I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Today, I am grateful for the front row.

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house...

I love this Wood Carved wall hanging from Dayspring !  DaySpring is a Christian division of Hallmark.  Their products are awesome! 

This carved Ichthus symbol of Christian faith is made from beautiful mango wood.

"Ichthys consists of five letters from the Greek alphabet: I-ch-th-y-s. When these five letters are used as initials for five words, we obtain this Christian Declaration: Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter. This is an acrostic for 'Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior.'"

Holding it in my hands I realized that the picture online truly does not do it justice. It is very sturdy, somewhat heavy, with quality intricate carvings.  It is solid.  To be honest, I thought it looked small on DaySprings website until I actually held it.   (Product Details: Size: 20" x 14"; Weighs approximately 6 lbs.; Brackets on back allow for hanging vertically or horizontally...for this month only it is on sale for $29.99)

It is beautiful.

I traced my fingers over the fish....

Due to persecution of early Christians, by Romans and Jews, it became dangerous to be a Christian.  This symbol was a safe way to connect to fellow believers.   I hope believers, and non-believers, will have a secure feeling in my home too.  There is a saying, "Out of sight, out of mind."  I want my kids to see reminders of faith all over our home.

My husband's 'trophy' fish are proudly displayed on our den's walls.   And although, to be honest,  I haven't always loved appreciated his contribution of decor into this room, this piece does go nicely with the fish theme.....

"Come after me and I will make you fishers of men." Mark 1:17

GIVEAWAY: One blessed reader of AKA Homeschool mom will win a $20 Gift Card to Dayspring.  {Gift code does not apply to shipping charges and will expire August 31, 2011.}

Here’s how you can enter to win!
To Enter {Up to 4 Entries}:

{1} Leave a comment.
{2} Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you did.
{3} Share a link to this post on Facebook, then come back and leave a comment.
{4} Sign Up for FREE email updates.  Leave a comment and let me know you are a subscriber.

*Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Also, be sure to leave a way for me to get a hold of you, either linking to your blog or with an email. I will randomly choose the winner on May 31st. 


This month, two of DaySpring’s beautiful wood carved wall hangings are on sale. Ask, Seek & Knock is only $17.99, and the Ichthys hanging is just $29.99. In addition, an ornate metal collection featuring a cross is on sale. You can get the pressed tin cross for $7.79, the cross serving tray for $17.99, the cross napkin holder for $11.99, the cross trivet for $6.59 and a set of coasters for $11.99.  For more information go to DaySpring Online Store.

Details and Disclosure: Giveaway will end at 3pm EST on Friday May 31, 2011 and will expire August 31st. Winner will be selected at random. You will have 48 hours to respond to claim your prize. 

I received a sample product  in exchange for honestly reviewing this product, however, all reviews and opinions are mine and are not influenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience. 

Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

 (This scripture is the theme for the Inspired Deals this month over at (in)courage.)

Thanks for visiting!  Have a Super Ultra Mega Awesome Day!

Motherless

My mom, Sheila, at about the same age I am now.

She was sick at my wedding, unable to be there for the birth of my first daughter, and passed away two days after we conceived our second baby girl.   She missed so many of the highlights of my life. 

It is, however, the small seemingly unimportant memories that I cherish.   I am purposing myself to make these kinds of memories with my girls.

Simply, I miss her and the miracles, milestones, and even mistakes we can no longer share.   I do feel blessed to have had her as long as I did.  It will be 13 years this July since she died.

There are so many unanswered questions.....

Did I have growing pains when I was little?  I remember my big brother did.  And all three of my girls have had them.  Did I?

She used to sing in a silly Italian voice, bold and inviting, every time she would make chicken catcciatore.  Her voice and the smell of chicken and garlic would draw me to the kitchen from the back of the house and makes me smile just to think about it. How was I to know that recipe was in her head and not in the dozens of recipes I went through after she died?  I have tried and tried to make it like she did.  But it isn't the same.  That recipe went to the grave with her.

And so many other, personal, meaningful questions will forever be unanswered.

Sometimes when I get an extraordinary deal at a yard sale, there is a small part of me that wants to tell her about it somehow...even now.  I imagine her silently cheering me on.  We reveled together yard- saling before she got so sick.  Now, my oldest daughter shares my excitement.

I have the most unbelievable friends in the world but they can't take the place of a mom.   They have, however, made an impressive attempt at filling that hole.   It was my mother-in-law that made my veil, helped with the wedding, and decorated our first home with curtains.  And it is my aunt who has replaced my mom when I need to talk or need encouragement.  I hope they know how much it has meant to me over the years and still does.

This post is to remember the mom who sang, told me she loved me everyday, and was my biggest cheerleader;  For all the moms who read this experiencing loss;  For The Most Beautiful Mother I Know;   And to honor all the Godly women who make remarkable attempts at filling these 'holes' for other women.

"He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces;..."  Isaiah 25:8

Consider yourself hugged if you are missing your momma today too. 
{{HUGS}}

"The noblest calling in the world is that of mother. True motherhood is the most beautiful of all arts, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece or who can write a book that will influence millions deserves the plaudits and admiration of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give. "
- David 0. McKay

The Migrant Worker

Photo credit

 I haven't been able to get this picture off of my mind.  I am captivated.  We are almost finished with a year long American History picture study and this week we happened upon

The Migrant Worker.....

This large picture was up in our house all week, but it wasn't until after the picture study that I even noticed the small baby in her arms.

Dorothea Lange's account:

"I saw and approached the hungry and desperate mother, as if drawn by a magnet. I do not remember how I explained my presence or my camera to her, but I do remember she asked me no questions. I made five exposures, working closer and closer from the same direction. I did not ask her name or her history. She told me her age, that she was thirty-two. She said that they had been living on frozen vegetables from the surrounding fields, and birds that the children killed. She had just sold the tires from her car to buy food. There she sat in that lean- to tent with her children huddled around her, and seemed to know that my pictures might help her, and so she helped me. There was a sort of equality about it." (From: Popular Photography, Feb. 1960).

The caption on Shorpy reads 
"Destitute pea pickers living in tent in migrant camp. Mother of seven children. Age thirty-two." Nipomo, California. February 1936. Photograph by Dorothea Lange.
"The anonymous subject of this famous Depression-era portrait known as "Migrant Mother" came forward in the late 1970s and was revealed to be Florence Owens Thompson (click for interview). She died in 1983."

We are learning about this time of The Depression, the dust bowl, unemployment, and real, authentic poverty.  Ms Lange helped shock America into seeing the horrors of it; people couldn't believe that this was really happening in the prosperous U.S.

I keep looking into her eyes, her anxious hand up at her mouth, and wonder what she was thinking.

I am grateful I don't have to think those thoughts.

Memorization & 10 Chocolate Morsels

Memorizing has become an integral part of our homeschool.  It is even on our schedule.  When we first started learning scripture, my two little girls (4 and 2 at the time) and I would make a train, being silly, dancing and singing to scripture on Cd's as we paraded through the house.

“... dance like nobody's watching, ...”  Mark Twain

 

  The girls still remember scriptures that we memorized this way.  It was tucked in their hearts.

Now that they are older, we discuss how His word can be applied to our lives.  It makes it real.

We memorize a line or sentence daily and commit to memorizing it for a week.  It literally takes about five minutes total every day for the four of us to recite it; ten minutes tops as the recitations get a bit longer.  (And that includes counting out chocolates too. ☺)

The motivator and the reward is chocolate.  The friendly competition of knowing that their sisters can 'do it' helps.  But the true reward is that they will keep God's words in their hearts and on their tongues.  Even they can see this as they remember scripture from years ago.

I give 10 chocolate morsels for saying it correctly.  You don't get the chocolate until you DO say it correctly.  Every week we add on another verse or line and every day during that week, we learn just that one line adding it on to what we have already memorized.  You have to say it ALL correctly to get the chocolate.  Sometimes this can be a couple hundred words.  Even mom must say it correctly!  It isn't a bribe.  They do look forward to the chocolate.....  And it does make it fun. 

At the beginning of the year, we committed The Beatitudes to memory.

Even the four year old did it!

She knew it all by heart (although she didn't do as well when she was being recorded).   And the beauty of it is that it doesn't have to be perfect.   Here is just a part of it as we were not finished learning it in it's entirety at the time of the recording... (pause music at top right to hear)

Now we are in the midst of tackling Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and are almost through.  I think another 6 weeks should do it.

Here is my middle daughter reciting almost all of it...(pause music at top right to hear)

I believe our success comes from doing a little bit each day and layering upon what we have already committed to memory.  It is the old cliche.....How do you eat an elephant?

One. bite. at. a. time.

This has been a ten year journey.  Some of the scriptures we have learned, off the top of my head, include Proverbs 31,  Psalm 1, The 10 commandments, and numerous others.  We also have learned poetry.   Several times I have picked verses from Our Keepers At Home Club.  The girls earn pins at the end of the school year for Bible memory.

10 chocolate morsels and a little consistency is all it takes.

If we can do this, I mean, if even a four year old can do it, then anyone can.   Won't you join us?

Psalm 119:11-16 (NLT)

 ¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart,
      that I might not sin against you.
 ¹² I praise you, O Lord;
      teach me your decrees.
 ¹³ I have recited aloud
      all the regulations you have given us.
 ¹⁴ I have rejoiced in your laws
      as much as in riches.
 ¹⁵ I will study your commandments
      and reflect on your ways.
 ¹⁶ I will delight in your decrees
      and not forget your word.

A story in six words.

"She mentioned her marriage was over."

Keeping my fingers crossed that I will win the free scholarship to She Speaks this July!