Paperwork

So, I will tell you that I HATE paperwork with a passion. I do not like taking the time to write all the happenings down if they are in the past. I do not like to try to balance records which are clearly not balancing and I do not like just keeping track of all the 'stuff' in life. I just want to live, be free and go about my daily business without the tracking system.

But, then it hits me. If I did not have paperwork I would not be accountable. I would not be credible or have record of all I have accomplished. I would not have a reason to be able to speak to others with wisdom or kind intentions. I would have no respect or authority over my actions or deeds. All because of paperwork, or the lack thereof.

Now I get it. As I look at my daily life, I see that I have been given MUCH paperwork. Not only to do, but also to read. I have been given great works by many authors who tell me their lives and stories and hwo to handle life. I have been given pictures and poems written in ink and other mediums to enjoy. I have been given hand written cards from my children when they could write letters-- pictures of their love to me. I have been given the love letter of ALL times from my Creator- the Bible. All of this paperwork.

So, as I look at my tasks ahead for this day, I will start to cherish the joy in the papers. The fact that I have a record of being on this earth and learning and loving those around me. That one day someone might look back and use the words I penned and are taught for another to continue in their days.

Paperwork. Maybe I am going to be able to wrap myself around it and try to enjoy this task. Maybe I can share something with someone else.



From the Book of  Luke 1 we read: "Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled^[a] among us, ² just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. ³ With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, ⁴ so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught."

TRUTH

This week has been a kicker.

I have had friends who have had the rugs pulled out from underneath them. I have helped them pick up the rugs, shake them off and get back on and into life....... I have prayed for undeniable truth in the court for a friend. That a judge would hear her story and see her written documentation and see that there was no doubt that she was in the truth.

Then, it hit our house. The truth was to be tested. It would be tested in our actions, words and deeds. It would be seen by many as a way to either hinder our influence or strengthen it. It was, and still is, a really  tough battle. But I kept in the TRUTH. reminding myself that the battles on this earth are not mine, and they have already been won....with the TRUTH.

What is truth? What does it mean? How do we know if it is truth or non-truth? Well, I guess, to some there is no value. No absolute truth. No means to measure integrity or honor. I pity those who are without truth and hence without hope. It hurts my heart.

I value truth, honesty and humility. I value that I can trust a person is honest and then if something is wrong or they just mess up, they are a big enough person to humble themselves and apologize.

We have had to learn some big lessons this week. Lessons about respect for authority, honor and humiliation. But I will say that we were able to do this with help from friends and more than not, from our God. He has given us the sense of truth and a living breathing Word. We have the answers, he has equipped us and made us whole and unique. We can stand for truth, because HE has already won.

I look back now and I see the injustice that was given to my child. I see the blatant lack of respect and dignity for human life. I see people who should not be in the positions they are in as they are hurting others emotionally. I pity them.....

But, in my heart, I have to rejoice because God is good ALL the time. And, for this time, God has blessed with showing us that "you shall KNOW the truth and Truth shall set you free".....

And now, forgiveness.

Mornings

What is it about mornings that are so special? I sit here thinking as I cannot fall back to sleep.

There are those days. Days when sleep is rare and for whatever reason, your body wants to get up at 4am. Some days I like these moments.

On most 'normal' days, I get up at 5:30am and get my day going. I enjoy the quiet of the house, the peace I feel as I read my daily devotion and calmness that comes when I speak to The King. I enjoy the beauty of the sunrise over my backyard and I remember that each day is a gift.

But on the days where I toss and turn and cannot get back to sleep, I cave and get out of bed and take on the challenges of the day. Lots can get done in that early extra hour. Today I was able to do two loads of laundry, the dishes, bake two cakes, ice another cake and halfway clean the kitchen, read email, read and respond to friends on facebook, do some schooling paperwork I have not been able to get to...oh yes, and I put dinner in the crock pot for tonight.  Very productive.

But, I am sure later today I will need a nap. A time for rest and reflection and recharging. A time for peace. SO as I get this day going and as I watch the sunrise, I will cherish the peace I am given. And I remember that 'I am not home yet' although God has provided some really nice things for me on this journey.

Jesus said:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14

Preparation

It's is 'that' time of the year again when we must prepare. Prepare to make our homeschool lesson plans, prepare for the numerous activities in the school year and prepare and renew our hearts for service.
So many things can be accomplished in this time of preparation. But it is time consuming and sometimes a daunting task.  In my life at the present there are some threatening and serious issues which have been inflicted on me. I am learning in the preparation of reason and wisdom, I am also growing in my Faith and preparing my heart for service. It is SO ODD how God does His work.

To prepare is defined as putting in proper condition for readiness. I like that . So, preparation is putting that condition into action. Making things right for the future, getting the conditions into a grand state for utilization. I SO like this.

So during my walk, I now am preparing---for struggles, for joy, for times of unrest and uneasiness. But, I know this preparation is not in vain. My Father, the King, has been preparing since the beginning of time to keep me, His Princess, safe. He is leading by example as He always does. He is going before me and getting the path straight and ready for me. He is preparing for my future and where He will lead. It is beyond my comprehension of how HE can do ALL of this for each of us...... mind blowing and beyond extreme...........

So today, I am going to relish in His words. Words from the book of John. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.”

I am also holding the words from Ephesians dear- "God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
 ^13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

So today I am preparing--- placing my mind and soul on THE ONE who gives life, strength and wisdom.

Traveling

Our family LOVES to travel....anything for a road trip! And, as parents we have always tried to encourage such an enjoyment.

When our oldest was 3 months old, we started to go on long weekend excursions. The first was Lago Mar in West Palm Beach. It was a wonderful facility and had a pool that was sooooo amazing---and I love the fact a young man comes along and 'prepares' your lounger. Kinda fun for a change. She appeared to enjoy the trip although at three months there is no way to tell----hahahaha  Each child had a similar 'young' vacation. Andrew and Josi actually went on vacation with chickenpox one year. Then Abi was 8 weeks when we drove to Lake of the Ozarks.... and the MANY birthdays we have had on the road! Since half of our family has a July birthday, we always seem to be traveling then...... we camp, visit family and friends or we enjoy hotels..... sometimes we fly, sometimes we drive.... we want to take a train together sometime soon....

Our family has always tried to enjoy at least one vacation a year together. Paul and I have felt that is as important as sitting at the evening meal together each night. It pulls us together and makes us stronger as a unit.

So, we have enjoyed places like: Yellowstone, Colorado, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, Christmas in Chicago, NYC, Toronto, Niagara Falls, the FLA panhandle, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and all the other states in between. We have made sure to do things that were age appropriate and showed the Glory of God the Creator. The God of order and beauty. We have encouraged exploration and information seeking. We marvel in the amazing gifts we have been given to enjoy and the wonderful provisions we have been blessed with to do so. We explored caves, hiked in the woods and watched as geese traveled in a V formation. Explaining all along each small journey the why's and what's of each child's wonder.

So then, why do I get in such a quandry when my children would want to travel across the ocean or through the country on their own? I have to stop and laugh. This is EXACTLY what we have prepared them to do. And, it is such a blessing.

Yesterday, before Josi took off for her excursion to Taiwan, she told me she would be traveling to Equator in January. I was not shocked, as she had prepared us ahead of time. I am just amazed at how God has done work with and through her. SO travel on my love.....see what God has in this big world..... I will sit and watch the airplane screen and make sure you are safe through prayers and petitions..... it is all good.

So, now, I sit and ponder where God will lead each of us. How will HE use us in our own little world. How many people have learned something small on OUR journeys to their area? What did we teach them? Did we teach love and kindness, or were we just mere tourists who were there to take take take and not give anything in return?

We are planning to travel today---road trip! And during this time, I am going to stop and think; what am I leaving behind for those who come after me........ and what legacy will I leave for my children about this world we have been so graciously given by our Creator.

Kindergarten

I found a really neat article in my notes today that I want to share......

I ask only this: that with every line, you stop and think how you can or should apply these SIMPLE rules to your life.... think hard and long---dig deep and relate--- we all already have been taught this stuff, sometimes we just forget to DO IT!

ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN

(a guide for Global Leadership)

All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be, I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school.
These are the things I learned:

* Share everything.
*Don't lie.
* Play fair.
* Don't hit people.
* Put things back where you found them.
* Clean up your own mess.
* Don't take things that aren't yours.
* Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
* Wash your hands before you eat.
* Flush.
* Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
* Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
* Take a nap every afternoon.
* When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
* Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
* Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
* And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

Rules

I have always been hung up on 'rules'...... no special reason, but hung up none the less.

Rules have many facets to them. Many people think that people just sit around to make rules so others can break them. I find that very concerning. Or, there are those 'white lies' where you just tell others half truths to protect yourself..... another form of rule breaking.

I guess I am stoic, stiff-necked and non-flexible. Now, I say, "Good for me!" I am especially that way when it comes to rules. I used to not be this way, I could break the rules with the best of them, sneak into clubs and bars underage, lie on demand...... not now.

Is it because I am older, it is because I am wiser, it because I have just grown up---I think it is because I just love Jesus.

He is very clear "let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be 'no'"..... straight forward.

Rules are created, not only but the One who knows Absolute Truth, but also by mere people who run businesses and organizations. People would run those businesses and organizations to the ground if there weren't policies and rules.

Rules are not made to be broken---they are made to HONOR and follow for the benefit of the individual and also the organization. They are vital to success  and are thought out and written down with much thought and many people's input to the situation---hence, wisdom.

When people choose to break the rules, it truly infuriates me. I see this as putting others in harm's way. Please tell me WHO has the right to put another in harm's way? Who has the right to drive drunk? Who has the right to put a child in danger? Who has the right to run a red light and kill someone? The list goes on and on. Unfortunately, many people feel they have those rights......

I also find it irritating for the same people to try to justify their actions by trying to say it was not that big of a deal. Well, honestly, it is a big deal. The rule was broken. A lie is a lie.

When you break rules, in my eyes, you show what you are made of. Especially, if you know what that rule or policy states. It shows me and others who you are, it breaks down my perception of your integrity. It continually shows me (and others) what you are made of. It is truly harder to make decisions based on Truth than to go along with the crowd.

I VALUE those who have integrity. I ask for their wisdom. I learn from their leadership. I honor them as they should be honored--- with respect.

Although I am not judging, I have lost that honor for many recently. True colors have been shown. Lies have been spoken and people have been put into jeopardy...... so sad. And for me, the saddest part is that some claim Christ.

So I ask you today, if you lie, break the rules or just think it is fun to see 'if you can get away' with something---stop.  Take a break and learn from the Master--- follow Him and His rules--try your hardest not to break them....Let your yes be yes and your no be no...... and then KNOW why you believe what you do...... it will be hard as the world says something else, but in the long run you will be the victor with integrity and honor......

Summer

In

thoughts

These are just some random thoughts that go through my head on an almost daily basis.

God, you make some beautiful sunrises and sunsets!
I am amazed at how fast time has gone by
Birds are curious creatures
How can some people be so ignorant and have NO common sense? How can there be so many of them???
How can people be overwhelmed with just one or two kids and their schedules? I don't get it--
People who do not know how to drive according to the rules need to go back to driving school or move far away from here.
I miss some people often.
Wouldn't a day at the beach be fun? Well, only of we had a hotel to stay in with a pool. And, I could look presentable in a bathing suit......
Arghhhhhhh- more dirty dishes----thank you God for food to eat and healthy kids.
Look, more laundry to fold! Whoo Hoo
How does the tortoise stretch his neck out so far and why is there different skin on his legs and neck?
Babies are just so darn cute!
Coffee---I need to make more coffee!
My husband is a really neat guy and I have some great kids..... why have I been so blessed?

Adventures

Children. What a mixed up thing. We are blessed, confused, excited, dreadful, confident and worrisome all at the same time after children come into the family. To me this is the most amazing and scary thing that parents look forward to.

But, I have to say thank you to my kids for helping me become the person I am today. I have to tell them thank you for making my life more meaningful and fulfilling than I could ever have imagined. I want to thank them for taking me on some of the most exhilarating adventures that I would have never gone alone.

 I want to thank them for teaching me about: the legal process, current events and how they relate to their life, classical and modern music, how to tie a square knot and lash, jazz music, the tin whistle, classical novels and plays, ballet and the life that goes with it, camping in a tent and enjoying it, adventuring to other parts of the country and exploring with your whole heart, going to the top of a tall tower in a glass elevator, seeing God's Wonder in ALL things...... and then so much more.

I recall when I looked at my first child and saw the wonder in her eyes as we shared this big world. Then I remember when her brother came along and things were a bit different, but there was still so many adventures during this time... then as the family grew, and we experienced new and fun times, the adventures became larger than life! Now, as the little ones start to leave the nest, I sit and ponder in wonder about the many adventures we still have to enjoy. New people coming into our family, new little ones, new adventures. Although they will be new adventures in their own sense, they will still have the excitement, thrill and frolic that the old times had.

So, thank you---for making my life an adventure that I could never have had on my own. My kids: amazing, wonderful, strong, God-loving, caring, kind, funny, witty, beautiful, handsome, intelligent, but most of all a part of this family.....