Streams of Living Water

Totally Random Thoughts

2009-07-16T20:12:00.001-04:00

I’m sure no one really wants to hear what’s rattling around in my brain, but I’m going to tell you anyway. I make no pretense that these thoughts are in order sort of order, have any worthy significance, or even make sense. They are just what’s popping in my brain this second.

-Empty mall. It looked like ghost town at the mall and the grocery store today. Did we enter the great depression and no one told me?

-Another family friend has cancer- brain cancer. She was healed of a rare form of cancer last year and now she has a new cancer in a new place. The doctor gives her two months to live. I pray the doctor is off by about 40 years.

-Lighter subject: black bean soup. I made my first batch today and it turned out really well. The kids snubbed it and wouldn’t even try it, but John and I thought it was yummy.

-Why is one squash plant acting so weird? It gets nice yellow squash on it, but then they turn to mush before they reach maturity. The next week it grows fine and then it’s back to mush again.

-I can’t think of anything finer than a tomato fresh from the garden with a little salt on it. I just had one and I think I might need another.

-I don’t like my office decor. It’s not me. I’m a light, simple, colors and quilts kind of person. This is all French. I decorated it less than a year ago so I guess I’m stuck for a while.

-Speaking of homemaking, some days I feel like I just want to sell everything and start over with very few belongings. I love the feel I get when I’m living out of a hotel room. The total lack of clutter and stuff really frees my mind. Wish home was like that. Maybe it will be soon.

-The Nester is having a decorating swap soon and I’m invited. What will I take? Hey, maybe I’ll load up everything in my house!

-Question of the day: “Lord, what do you want me to do?” I must have asked it a thousand times if I asked it once.

-Time for that other tomato.

Daybook Entry for July 13, 2009

2009-07-13T09:35:00.001-04:00

Outside my window…gray overcast skies. Looks like we had some showers last night and can expect more today. A perfect writing day!

I am thinking… about the fact that I deactivated my facebook account. I thought it would be traumatic. Instead, it was freeing. Don’t know when I’ll reactivate it, if ever.

I am thankful for… the wonderful vacation to Colonial Williamsburg that a friend gave me last week. I was truly relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated! I’ve got tons of pictures if you care to scroll down to the latest posts on my blog.

From the learning rooms… spiritually I’m learning what a big fire a small spark can make. Practically, I’m in the beginning stages of planning our homeschool year.

From the kitchen… I hear the Old Mother Hubbard rhyme resounding in my ears.

I am wearing… workout clothes. I just got back from early morning exercise at the high school track with hubby. Doesn’t that make me sound like a high power fitness woman bright and early this Monday morning? I wish!

I am creating… I’m not currently doing it, but I did create some wonderful memories at Williamsburg this past week. This particular question catches me off guard every week and I really need to carry it around with me so I’ll remember to make something!

I am going… nowhere! Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Today is a full-fledged writing day and that’s all I plan to do.

I am reading… I actually read aloud an entire small book by Beth Moore on our way to Williamsburg. Don’t ask me what the name was, but it was something about a pit and it was really good.

I am hoping… that one day I’ll get my act together and not feel so disjointed.

I am hearing… water running as hubby takes a shower.

Around the house… I woke up to chocolate smeared on my kitchen floor. I’m quite sure my family was too busy devouring ice cream last night to notice that they were missing their mouths.

One my favorite things… the drum and fife corps at Colonial Williamsburg.

A few plans for the rest of the week… write, orthodontist appointment for my daughter, help with Angel Food ministry at church, work on current editing job and possibly start another one. In case you didn’t know, I am for hire if you need writing help. Check out the details on my writing blog.

A picture thought I’m sharing…
See, I told you I can help with your writing needs. Just ask Tom.

To read more daybook entries head on over to Grandmother Wren’s blog.

Colonial Williamsburg- the Drum and Fife Corps

2009-07-11T14:24:00.001-04:00

I’ve saved the best for last. My favorite part of Williamsburg hands down was the Drum and Fife Corps…or is is Fife and Drum Corps- whatever. They beat drums and played flute-like instruments.

I was quite obsessed with them, insisted that we be wherever they were playing, and followed them wherever they went. Fascinating creatures that they were!

This is where I first say them, marching down the common grounds in front from the governor’s palace. This time they were in their red coats and this was the biggest group of them.

Next they turned down Duke of Gloucester Street and headed for the capital. Everyone followed behind them sort of like the pied piper effect.

All the way to the capital.

Sometimes they appeared in smaller groups and different attire. (I forewarned you people that I was obsessed).

Okay, I’ll stop now, if anyone is even reading down this far! I think I’ve sufficiently covered the Drum and Fife Corps and my trip to Colonial Williamsburg. In case you missed any of it, you can scroll down and see the rest of the posts.

Colonial Williamsburg- The College of William and Mary

2009-07-11T14:06:00.001-04:00

The College of William and Mary is a beautiful place to stroll. The whole campus is so old and the greenery is beautiful. Granted no students were milling around, but it seems so quiet and peaceful.

Statue of some founding guy or dean or someone associated with the college. Sorry, that’s as good as my history gets.

Melissa chumming it up with Thomas Jefferson. You can see some fun pictures of me with Tom at my writing blog.

I guess this is what you call a loose cannon!

Colonial Williamsburg- the colonists

2009-07-11T13:58:00.001-04:00

Part of the fun of Colonial Williamsburg is meeting the colonists. Some of them are in the various buildings working their craft and some stroll the streets. All stay in character the whole time and are more than willing to converse with you and answer questions.

Playing hoops in the middle of the street.

Dealing with a runaway slave.

General Lafayette

General Washington and General Lafayette

Delivering a proclamation at the courthouse.

Making bricks

I tried so hard to get a colonial man for Melissa, but she wouldn’t cooperate despite the fact that she adores everything colonial. What’s up with that?

Colonial Williamsburg- the taverns

2009-07-11T13:38:00.001-04:00

I hung out in taverns all week. I’ll probably never be able to say that statement again in my life so I figured I’d make the most of it for the moment.

My first dinner was at King’s Arms Tavern. They served us a taste of traditional appetizers. The ham spread was different, not something I’d crave, but palatable. The corn relish wasn’t like I think of corn relish, but in a pinch I could have downed it. The pickled watermelon rind- ewwwww! Nasty, so nasty in fact that I really wanted to spit it out somewhere.

Supper was salmon with a citrus sauce, the most delicious fried potatoes ever, and tender young asparagus. The bread was different, but good.

We were entertained with stories by the lady of the house and with violin tunes by a pretty young lady. Rumor has it that the ghost of the real tavern owner lingers there, particularly in the upstairs bathroom so I made a trip there, but she didn’t show.

I ate a tavern supper and lunch at Shield’s Tavern. Both times we ate in the cellar where it’s very dark except for dim candlelight. It felt very much like I’d expect for a tavern. All I can say is Ale Potted Beef, people! Oh my gosh it will throw your mama on the floor! I’d make a trip back to Williamsburg just to get that one meal for sure.

One evening meal was at Christiana Campbell’s tavern, pictured above. This was George Washington’s favorite tavern. Unfortunately, she serves mainly seafood and I only eat a couple of types of fish so I got a vegetarian macaroni dish here. It was okay. However, the sweet potato muffins were wonderful and the salad with strawberries was out of this world. The entertainment was rip roarin’ too and I enjoyed tasting spoon bread.

Our final tavern stop was a Josiah Chowning’s This tavern has the most authentic style because they seat you with total strangers. However, the crowd was light the night we went so they seated each party at their own table. They tend to have a wider variety of entertainment too such as magicians and sing-alongs. The night we went we got the usual guitar strumming guy.

Don’t forget- ALE POTTED BEEF at Shield’s Tavern if you ever go to Williamsburg!

Colonial Williamsburg- Justice

2009-07-11T13:15:00.001-04:00

The courthouse. We attended a trial here. I volunteered Melissa to be Christiana Campbell a tavern owner who was bringing a case against a fellow that was frequenting her tavern. She did a splendid job. I served a nobleman who sat with the judge and made decisions about the cases.

The capitol. This is where the big stuff happened.

The capital court room. You didn’t want to ever appear here as a defendant or a juror. The jurors were sent to an upstairs room to debate cases and they were denied heat, food, water, light, and bathroom privileges until they reached a unanimous vote. Talk about swift justice!

I believe this was the governor’s meeting room.

A picture of Queen Charlotte appears in the house of Burgesses room. My city is named after her.

It appears a couple of characters got into some trouble on their visit to Williamsburg. Can’t imagine who they are!

Colonial Williamsburg- the action

2009-07-11T12:58:00.001-04:00

What’s a colonial town without a little man to man combat?

The magazine where all the weapons were kept.

Oh look! Soldiers lining up for battle, how convenient!

Gunfire!

Preparing the cannon.

Kaboom!

What’s a battle without a little musical accompaniment?

All in a day’s work.

Colonial Williamsburg- the Governor’s Palace

2009-07-11T12:30:00.001-04:00

The governor’s palace is the grandest house in the whole town.

Not too shabby, huh?

The next three pictures are of the foyer at the governor’s palace. You’ll notice that it was entirely decorated in weapons. The governor wanted to make a powerful statement to the colonists and anyone who entered his home.

Next we have the bedrooms. This one is the room of his two teenage daughters, decorated in the latest styles and fashions of England.
I’m pretty sure this was the guest room all in white or maybe it was the governor’s room- can’t remember.

Now let’s move to the part of the house where I would have hung out. This is the ballroom where they had fancy dances and parties, the single largest household room in all of Williamsburg.

The furnace to keep the dancers warm.

The harpsichord for a lively jig. They also had an orchestra that played.

This pianoforte was actually in the receiving room upstairs.

I had to take a picture of this lady’s portrait because I owe her a debt of gratitude. She was the one responsible for introducing tea drinking to the English. My hero! The portrait was covered in netting to protect it from insect gunk.

Check out that crown molding in the room adjoining the ballroom. I loved the green color too.

The gardens were too big and beautiful to fully capture, but how do you like the shape of this bush.

Stay tuned for more Williamsburg in another post.

Colonial Williamsburg- part 1

2009-07-11T12:08:00.001-04:00

I spent the majority of this week in Colonial Williamsburg. A friend blessed me with an all-expenses-paid trip! I had a great time and highly recommend it. I learned more about history this week than I learned in all of my years of schooling combined. I finally understand what happened to who and when and where and even why!

I’ll start by showing some of the buildings and everyday life. I think this was a building on Duke of Gloucester Street, but it might have been a tavern, can’t remember.

Another colonial house

The scene below is Duke of Gloucester Street, the main road through the historic district.
Check out the toile wallpaper in my hotel room.

The house below is the Randolph house. We took a tour through it and learned a lot about slavery. Each of us was a character. I was “Eve” the lady of the house’s personal slave.

Carriages and wagons traversed the streets.

Stay tuned for part 2!

Daybook entry for July 6, 2009

2009-07-05T20:33:00.001-04:00

Outside my window… the sun is sinking almost to the horizon. (I’m writing this Sunday evening)

I am thinking… that I have the greatest husband on earth. I’ve been meditating on all of his wonderful qualities and that takes a while because the list is quite long.

I am thankful… that when we mess up we can go to God in repentance and get the slate wiped clean.

From the learning rooms… continuing to learn a lot about book proposals.

From the kitchen… we’ve already had supper: marinated grilled chicken, pasta salad, corn on the cob, sliced fresh garden veggies, ice cream for the family, fresh pineapple for me. I love the simple, healthy foods of summer.

I am wearing… Okay, someone please explain to me why I’m always in pajamas whether I write my daybook entry in the morning or at night. This time I’m in Las Vegas jammies. They’re blue with dice, hearts, diamonds, spades, clubs and ladies in swimsuits on them. Now if I could just win the lottery I’d be all set. Really, I did not pick out these jammies. They were a free gift and totally not my style, but oh so comfy.

I am creating… blog entries for my writing blog. At least I hope that’s what I will get accomplished when I finish this entry.

I am going… to do something very special this week, but you’ll have to tune in next Monday to find out about it.

I am reading… Colossians!

I am hoping… to be refreshed by some of the week’s happenings.

I am praying… a lot!!! And about a lot of things.

I am hearing… the television from the other room. My men are watching an action-packed adventure.

Around the house… I've been the queen of laundry this week. Everything is washed, ironed, and put away.

One of my favorite things… is discussing literature and writing with my daughter. She got the writing gene and it’s so much fun to hear her analyze what she reads and explain in great detail the various facets of the author’s techniques. Her insights amaze me.

A few plans for the rest of the week… doing something new and different, continuing my exercise regimen (I’ve been doing really well), writing, helping someone prepare a book proposal, maybe even a little reading.

A picture thought I’m sharing…

What a happy summer guy. I opened the fridge and found him there last summer.

To read other daybook entries visit Grandmother Wren.

Putting the Past Behind You

2009-07-05T04:33:00.003-04:00

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:18-19

A former co-worker did a really practical thing with her kids every year at Christmas. Before they could receive new presents, they had to donate some of their older things. What a wise mommy!

That sounds so simple; get rid of the old to make room for the new. But in reality it was a painful ordeal. A few weeks before Christmas she would take each child to his or her room for the annual de-cluttering. They would talk about the wonderful gifts the child was about to receive and also how their donations would be such a blessing to another child who might not have anything. They went into the adventure with excitement, but that quickly drained.

One by one toys were pulled from the toy box and the child was faced with a decision: to keep or not to keep. Sometimes the struggle was intense, "But Mommy, I can't get rid of this toy!" Unfortunately, that scenario played out with nearly every toy in the box.

My very wise friend would respond, "That's fine, honey. You can keep all of your toys, but you won't be able to get that shiny new so and so you wanted for Christmas." Most of the time the child was more than willing to let loose of an older toy when the thought of the new one was entertained, but sometimes not and sometimes my friend had to enforce the words she spoke; the child didn't get the expected toy for Christmas. That probably happened all of one time before the lesson was learned.

I remember a similar scenario that played out right before I met my husband. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a wife and mother and I could hardly wait for the day God would bring Mr.Right into my life. But before he came, God required me to get rid of all my Mr. Wrongs. I'll never forget the day He spoke to my heart, "Bonita, I won't bring your husband into your life until you remove every trace of your old boyfriends. You have to make room for him in your heart and your life."

I gathered up photos, letters, momentos, anything I could find from past relationships and headed for the dumpster in my apartment complex. As I went, I thought of Mr. Right and how I was doing everything to prepare for his arrival, but when I reached the dumpster I had to really stop and think for a minute. I saw the gorgeous artwork one boyfriend had created for me. I saw smiling faces from photos and letters written for my eyes only. Could I really leave the past entirely behind? Did I really want Mr. Right enough to part with the reminders that somebody in this big ugly world had actually loved me at one point in time? Could I let go of that little measure of security? Well, obviously I did and I'm so glad because what I got in return made all that other stuff look like dog poop.

In Isaiah 43:18-19, God reminds us that we have to let go of the past in order to embrace the future. Whether the past was a terrible, sinful life or an absolute joy, God doesn't want us to dwell there. As long as we hang on to the past or focus our attention there, we will miss what God is doing right now in our lives. Focusing on the past will actually blind our eyes, but God wants our eyes open so we don't miss the wonder of this moment. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

Sometimes we pray and ask God for things and wonder why they don't show up. Maybe God is saying, "Clean out your toy box and make room for the blessing. Let go of the past so I can give you a dynamite future."

If God is asking you to relinquish your past to Him it's because He has better things in store. Any momentary pain or sacrifice you feel won't even compare to the shiny new thing God is about to do.

Father, give us the courage and the will to let go of the old so we can embrace the new. Help us to trust you with our past, present, and future. Open our eyes to see the new things you're doing in our lives right now and the new opportunities you're bringing our way. Thank you!

Daybook Entry for June 29, 2009

2009-06-29T12:28:00.001-04:00

Outside my window…sweltering Carolina heat.

I am thinking… that I wish I’d gotten a better start to my Monday. I’m hoping for a very productive week this week.

I am thankful for… air conditioning!!!

From the learning rooms… learning to be a better wife.

From the kitchen… It’s gourmet tonight. Grilled hot dogs with slaw and corn on the cob. I’ll be having grilled chicken because I’m really trying to start and stick to a low cholesterol diet.

I am wearing… loud pink shorts and same color t-shirt. This is my exercise/not going out of the house today outfit.

I am creating… a zucchini frittata if I can ever get around to it. It’s not my recipe, but I’m still the one making it.

I am going… nowhere today I hope and the rest of the week isn’t too exciting either, but I’m not complaining at all. A trip to the library and another to the grocery store this week is all I really want to do in this heat anyway.

I am reading… very little!

I am hoping… that things change soon. And that I start reading again!

I am praying… scriptures for and over my husband.

I am hearing… the vacuum cleaner and the sound of two teenagers cleaning the house. Pure bliss! May I hear these noises repeated over and over again on many occasions! P.S. I put my son up to cleaning his room and I feel certain that the Papa had something to do with my daughter’s sudden cleaning frenzy. I’m not quite gullible enough to believe they would suddenly decide to do this on their own.

Around the house… a de-cluttered office would be grand. It’s no fun to write when you feel like you’re sitting in the city dump.

One of my favorite things… A double scoop cone of Tony’s butter pecan ice cream. I may or may not have had one yesterday before my Monday morning “Let’s try to start the diet one more time” day.

A few plans for the rest of the week… writing, writing, writing, a shopping day with daughter, tying up loose ends around the house. My schedule hasn’t looked this empty in a very long time. I’m not sure I know how to behave.

A picture thought I’m sharing…

Would someone please explain to me why I have a picture of an onion in my files? I’m sure I had it there for a reason, but it’s escaping me at moment. Isn’t that sort of an ominous sign when you start taking pictures of onions for no reason?

To read other daybook entries visit Grandmother Wren.

Pop Star, Pin-up Girl, Prince of Peace

2009-06-26T08:21:00.001-04:00

Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett died yesterday. Ed McMahon died earlier this week. My friend, Joann, went to be with the Lord earlier this month. I’ve done a lot of pondering about death recently.

When Joann passed away I was consulted to help with writing her obituary and the family asked me to speak at her funeral. That gave me an opportunity to really think about her life and how she lived it, as well as a chance to meditate on what really matters in life. Between all that and the recent deaths of icons, I’ve come to the following conclusions.

Death comes to all. No amount of money, fame, or even right living will spurn it away.

Death is no gentleman. It doesn’t wait until we’re ready and it has a way of barging in when it’s least expected.

You can’t take anything with you when you die. All fame, fortune, and possessions are left behind. Death puts us all on a level playing field again. The only thing we take with us is our relationship with Jesus and the things we’ve done for Him.

Few things really matter in this life and it’s easy to get caught up in the things that don’t. A lot of life is petty. We spend an awfully lot of time on things that have no value either on earth or in eternity.

Death is unnatural. I often hear that death is a natural part of life. Not so. It was never in God’s perfect plan for us to experience death. Plus, I was a nurse for many years and saw lots of people take their final breath and there was nothing natural about it.

Death is final. We don’t even have to wait for the fat lady to sing. When we breathe that last breath, we’re done. No more chances to come back and do things over or differently. Game over.

For the believer, death is a new beginning. Even though it was hard to prepare for Joann’s funeral, it was also a blessing. She was a godly woman who lived her whole life for the Lord Jesus and left no doubt in anyone’s mind as to where she was spending eternity. She got promoted!

Because of all this, we need to truly live each day. God, people, giving, caring, sharing our faith, doing the word of God- that’s what matters.

I have no idea whether Michael, Farrah, and Ed knew the Lord Jesus or not. I hope so, but only God knows their hearts. However, I do know that over the next few days and weeks the world and the media will put their religious spin on their deaths and say a bunch of idiotic stuff that has no foundation in scripture. The truth is that the one thing all of these people needed to do when they were alive was to ask Jesus into their hearts and lives. That’s what matters most. That’s what determines our eternal destiny. I hope they did that.

In my morning devotion I read these words from Psalm 49:10-20:

For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others.

Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves.

But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish.

This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.

Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions.

But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him/

Though while he lived he counted himself blessed- and men praise you when you prosper- he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life.

A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.

The only thing that really matters is Jesus!

Thankful for the Little Things

2009-06-25T08:11:00.002-04:00

This morning I'm thankful. I'm definitely thankful that my son is home from Guatemala safe and sound and with a bigger heart to serve God. That's wonderful.

But my thankfulness isn't just that.

I'm so thankful that I can be content and happy with ordinary life. It wasn't always that way and sometimes it still isn't, but I've come a very long way in my appreciation of the ordinary and mundane.

I think my garden helps a lot. When I walk out there tending to the plants, God speaks to me. He shows me what it means to reap and sow and have a lapse of time between the two. He demonstrates the value of pruning and weeding in our lives, even though they can be so uncomfortable and just plain work when they are happening. He teaches me about different varieties of plants and how some like this and some like that and all thrive in different environments and it's all good.

And He listens...to the very whispers of my heart.

I'm thankful for the variety life offers. I'm actually thankful that I get to travel occasionally and stand before people and speak (never dreamed I'd ever really be happy about that one!) and do things that are out of the ordinary. But as I do those things I'm always picturing the day that I get back home and meander in my garden with the cat clinging around my legs. I think about lounging in the living room watching a movie with the family and laughing till my sides hurt. I remember sweet afternoons strolling through my favorite consignment store and marveling at the beautiful stuff and how some people are so gifted with decorating. And long summer walks in the evening with my friend, Melissa, and how her granddog is beside himself with excitement every time he sees me.

And I'm thankful... for stuffy summer nights swatting mosquitoes and watching fireflies... for trips to the grocery store when everything works out right and is on sale and I don't forget anything...for the times when my teens suddenly get the urge to talk heart to heart at the oddest times and places... for long writing days when I sit in my pjs and let the words flow out (like today!)... and for all the ordinary words and gestures and moments that are the substance of life.

Sometimes, on days like today, I remember to stop and savor it all, to not let any of it pass by unnoticed, but to be thankful. I'm so glad for this ordinary day!

Daybook entry for June 22, 2009

2009-06-22T08:38:00.001-04:00

Outside my window… appears to be a sunny summer day.

I am thinking… that I’m very determined that no amount of drama or distraction is going to keep me from doing what I know God is asking me to do at this point in my life!!!

I am thankful for… my precious Lord. I have a new appreciation for Him and I’m so glad that when life is more than I can handle I can sit in His presence and find the calm in the storm.

I am learning… spiritual lessons- patience, persistence, love, forgiveness, maturity

From the kitchen… leftover yummy pork tenderloin and sautee’d squash and veggies from my mom.

I am wearing… the same cornflower blue night shirt and gray shorts that I seem to be wearing every Monday when I write this! I did change it up a bit. I have a short mauve robe on this time.

I am creating… curriculum, curriculum, and more curriculum.

I am going… to take my daughter to a birthday party today and run a couple of errands. Possible trip to Williamsburg in the not so distant future too.

I am reading… Well, I was reading a really cool Joyce Meyer devotional book. It has a devotion for the morning and another for the evening. However, it was at my mom’s house so I can’t read it any more. In the Bible, I’m studying the difference between a mature adult Christian and a childlike Christian.

I am hoping… that the determination I feel at this moment never leaves me again. I’m also hoping that one day I’ll not be covered in poison sumac. It’s much better (after two full weeks!), but still hanging out.

I am praying… for change. Not the kind the government promises and never delivers, but real bonafide change that starts in the heart and works it way out into manifestation in my life.

I am hearing… my daughter puttering around. She just woke up.

Around the house… I just got back in town and I have a mucho mess to tackle!

One of my favorite things… tending my gardens. Weeding, pruning, picking, watering, examining, training the cucumber vines, watching the new growth, hearing God speak to me there, telling him innermost thoughts.

A few plans for the rest of the week… Welcome my sweet boy home from Guatemala! I can’t wait! Write curriculum, get the house in order, plan a menu that will get me back on track with the right kind of eating, get back on track with exercising.

A picture thought I’m sharing…
This is a picture of the greatest son in the world and he’s coming home this week!!!

Visit Grandmother Wren to read more daybook entries.

Love in Action

2009-06-15T05:24:00.001-04:00

Love is… a family that feeds you your favorite sour cream and onion potato chips one by one as you sit with your poison sumac (not ivy) laden arms in a plastic tub of saltwater. And you didn’t even ask for the chips, but they thought you needed them so hubby got some.

Love is… a doctor who will stop by the office on his Sunday afternoon off to give you a shot of cortisone and a prescription for some heavy duty cream to put on your poison sumac laden arms and legs. And he did this after you called his personal cell phone just as the sun was coming up on his one and only day to sleep in (I thought it was the number of his answering machine at the office).

Thank you for showing the love, people!

The Simple Woman’s Daybook for June 15, 2009

2009-06-15T05:22:00.001-04:00

Outside my window… pitch black. It’s way too early to be awake.

I am thinking… that in a few short hours my son will board a plane for his first mission trip to Guatemala. A part of me is so happy that God is using him this way, but the Mama part is there too.

I am thankful for… modern medicine that helps with this nasty poison sumac I’ve had for too long now and for the healing power of God which surpasses what modern medicine can do.

From the learning rooms… lots of life lessons, but the greatest of these is patience and walking in love. I’ve had ample opportunities lately.

From the kitchen…looks like Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard again. If it involves peanut butter or tomato sauce I definitely don’t want it, too much of that around here lately.

I am wearing… a midnight blue night shirt and gray shorts. Wasn’t I wearing this last week too?

I am creating… it would be better said “cultivating” a loving, grateful, patient, gentle spirit. This could take a while!

I am going… to take my son to the airport today, to take my daughter to the orthodontist to get a stray wire clipped on her braces, to Atlanta to visit my parents later this week.

I am reading… several Andrew Murray books, and I’m not just carrying them from room to room, I’m actually reading them this time! Also, reading about the life of Jesus in the NT, and Nehemiah in the OT.

I am hoping…this poison sumac clears up soon so I can enjoy my trip. Also, I’m really hoping to have lots of time with my son when he returns from Guatemala. We’ve hardly seen each other in June!

I am praying… for all the teens and missionaries on my son’s Guatemala trip, as well as friends from another church that left for Ecuador yesterday.

I am hearing… the hum of the air conditioner. I heard a train whistle in the distance a while ago. Mostly the house is quiet as everyone minus me sleeps.

Around the house… not much happening as we prepare for our various excursions.

One of my favorite things…the quiet hours of the morning when everyone is sleeping and I’m writing.

A few plans for the rest of the week… Atlanta for a visit and personal writing retreat, decide classes the kids will take at co-op in the fall and get all the necessary forms filled out and handed in, get over this poison sumac that everyone is tired of hearing me complain about!

A picture thought I’m sharing…

I already shared this in another post, but this is the card that was in a bunch of flowers on Ruth Bell Graham’s grave on her birthday (June 10). It says “I will love you always. Bill”. It made a huge impression on me.

Billy’s Love for Ruth

2009-06-13T12:08:00.001-04:00

Look at this precious love note.

It says, “I will love you always. Bill”

This is where I found it.

Among this beautiful bouquet of flowers at the headstone of Ruth Bell Graham’s Grave.

My friend, Melissa, and I happened to visit the Billy Graham Library on Ruth’s birthday and found the flowers and the note. The flowers were much prettier than they appear in the picture and their aroma was heavenly. But the note…oh what a romantic note.

This is the home where Billy’s parents lived with the library in the background.

The library is so nice with cross on the outside and the beautiful wood on the inside. It has the library portion, a restaurant and a bookstore, Ruth’s Attic.

The Prayer Garden is one of my favorite places. It’s so peaceful with wooden benches among the trees. See Melissa sitting on one of them. We sat in the prayer garden and read scriptures and prayed together over some big issues in our lives.

So many flowers were blooming everywhere, but my favorites were the blue and purple hydrangeas. Gorgeous!

Here we are in front of Ruth’s grave. Billy’s plot is behind me in this picture. The brick pathways in the garden form a cross and both graves rest at the foot of the cross.

But that note, I just can’t get beyond that note and the lifelong love behind it.

Thank you, Billy Graham, for the beautiful flowers and note for Ruth’s birthday. They made my day!

The Simple Woman’s Daybook for June 8, 2009

2009-06-08T09:38:00.001-04:00

Outside my window…bright summer sunshine!

I am thinking… of my friend who passed away this week. Her funeral is today.

I am thankful for…my family. My son is back home from Texas, at least for a few days. I’m already ready for all his traveling to be over and us to just be here as family again.

From the learning rooms…it’s summer break so any formal learning that takes place at the moment is purely coincidental.

From the kitchen…Uh, this one always takes me by surprise. I’m guessing that it will be the enchiladas my daughter made and froze this weekend.

I am wearing…a cornflower blue nightshirt and my purple robe. I woke up in the middle of the night for a few hours so I’m not exactly bursting with energy this morning.

I am creating…a book of magazine pictures that show decorating that I like. I’m hoping that as I solidify what I actually like my house will start looking that way!

I am going… to the funeral of a precious friend today.

I am reading… daily Bible reading is about all I’m accomplishing these days. I gave up on A Tale of Two Cities for now.

I am hoping… for normalcy to return this week.

I am praying… for the Dixon family as they bury their wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother today.

I am hearing… the shower water running. The rest of the family has a busy morning ahead.

Around the house… I need to address the pile of stuff that seems to have accumulated at one end of my kitchen.

One of my favorite things…is strolling among my raised gardens and tending to them. It’s so peaceful and God and I talk a lot there.

A few plans for the rest of the week… clean house, send the kids off to help at church camp, spend two full days writing, celebrate my friend Melissa’s birthday that was in May, plant some flower seeds and some more vegetables in my gardens, hopefully watch a Shakespeare play in the park, spend time with my honey.

A picture thought I’m sharing…

Look at the big old zucchini plant! I’m already getting quite a harvest. Anybody need squash or cucumbers?

You can read daybook entries by others here.

Practicing Patience

2009-06-03T09:39:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we arrived at the orthodontist’s office a few minutes before my daughter’s 9:00 a.m. appointment. At 9:00, one by one patients were called back to the treatment area until only we were left with one other mom and daughter who had arrived after us. The door opened again and that family was called back and we were left waiting.

When more than 15 minutes had lapsed I dutifully obeyed the sign in the waiting room and informed the receptionist. She proceeded to explain that we weren’t called back yet because we had arrived late. I grabbed the little check-in chart and showed her that we had logged in a few minutes before our appointment and that we were in fact #6 on the list and she had already taken back well over 6 patients. She admitted her mistake and told us we would be next to come back for treatment.

We sat in the waiting room and waited…and waited…and waited. The room began to fill up with other patients. A full 45 minutes passed. This was not my plan for the day. I’d planned to be in and out as usual and on my way to other things on the agenda. I could feel anger begin to rise in me ,growing bigger like a snowball going downhill. Just at the moment when I was about to let the doctor’s staff know just how inconvenienced I felt, I looked up and saw this sign at the door to the treatment area: Patients only please.

Immediately, I knew that God was telling me to get my “fruit” under control and be patient. Over the course of the day I can’t tell you how many times the word “patient” popped up again. Even last night when my husband and I sat down for a few minutes of Bible study and prayer, he had a scripture to share (not knowing anything about my day): Let patience have its perfect work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4.

I felt like I needed to share this story today in case anyone out there is struggling to be patient. Know that you’re in good company!

The Simple Woman’s Daybook- June 1, 2009

2009-06-01T09:15:00.001-04:00

Outside my window…It’s summer! Gorgeous blue skies and hot sunshine! Love it!

I am thinking…of all the things I want to do this week to make it a productive week. I’m also thinking of my son in Texas and what he might be doing. (Missing him- shhh, don’t tell).

I am thankful for… the absolutely wonderful weekend I had with my husband. One child in Texas, the other at the beach, and we had fun! We went out to eat, made a trip to the Asheboro zoo, ate Dairy Queen ice cream cones, visited a sick friend in the hospital, and watched a bunch of movies. Fun!

From the learning rooms…school is not is session. My son is learning how to minister to children this week as he prepares to help with the children’s ministry at the Southwest Believer’s Convention.

From the kitchen…the cupboard is bare! After a junk food weekend, hubby and I are starting our no sugar, healthy eating diet again. I have to make menus, grocery list, and shop today.

I am wearing… khaki skorts, a bathing suit top with bright Hawaiian flowers on it, a green t-shirt, and a bright yellow sun visor. I look like I’m headed for the beach and oh how I wish that was true!

I am creating… lots of curriculum and writing projects.

I am going… to the grocery store today.

I am reading… I’m still carrying around A Tale of Two Cities from last week. I’ve managed to read the first sentence so far.

I am hoping… that this week will be productive and I can actually feel ahead of the game instead of always feeling behind.

I am hearing… my husband getting ready for work. He just turned on the TV and I’m hearing a very faint weather forecast.

Around the house…just the basics will get done. The garden, however, will continue to be tended with great care.

One of my favorite things… summer! This one actually feels like a lazy, hazy summer even though I’m going to be writing a lot.

A few plans for the rest of the week… spend extra time with my daughter. She gets to feel like an only child this week while big brother is gone. Write, garden, maybe actually read that book I carry from room to room!

A picture thought I’m sharing…
Official keeper of the cucumber vines. Bunnies beware!

Click on the picture at the top of the blog to read other daybook entries.

NCHE Update

2009-05-28T09:26:00.001-04:00

In my last post I promised to tell you about my experience at the North Carolina Home Educators Conference. I have to admit that speaking three times on Friday really made this conference unique. I was too “anticipatory” prior to speaking and too exhausted after to really remember much of what transpired.

I know that God showed up in powerful ways, especially to help with speaking. I know that conference attendance was low this year, but my sessions were well attended. I know that I came home with a fresh and focused vision for what I’m supposed to be doing in writing, speaking, teaching, and life. I didn’t, however, come home with any plan for my own homeschooling this year!

I guess the highlight of the conference for me was being with people that I love (my daughter, my friend Patti, my daughter’s friend), meeting lots of new people, and seeing some folks that I rarely see or have never met anywhere, except online.

I spent time in the booth with my publisher. I got to watch my friend, Val, work directly across the aisle in the competition’s booth. Yes, we are competing sides of the writing curriculum market, but it doesn’t get in the way of our friendship at all. I got to see my old friend, Leslie, the Five in a Row rep for NC. We only see each other about once a year, but I always enjoy catching up. And I got to meet a new online friend, Jen from Balancing Beauty and Bedlam. She was even more beautiful and poised in person than I had imagined her to be after reading her blog. A few others were thrown in the mix too to make this an enjoyable social experience.

I think the thing I’ll remember most about this conference is the hot tub. It was my reward on Friday night. I told myself all day, “When you get through this speaking today, you can relax in the hot tub.” And that’s exactly what I did!

P.S. Yes, I took my camera. Did I remember to take pictures? Of course not!

The Simple Woman’s Daybook for May 25, 2009

2009-05-25T19:10:00.001-04:00

Outside my window…it has rained on and off all day, sometimes in torrential downpours.

I am thinking… that the day is nearly done and it’s almost time to get back in the swing of a new week.

I am thankful for… the wonderfully blessed time I had at the North Carolina Home Educators Conference. God far exceeded my expectations when I spoke.

From the learning rooms… we’re done! Of course learning will still take place, but the school year is officially over.

From the kitchen…in my absence the kitchen is quite lacking. I need to go to the grocery store and make some menus.

I am wearing… blue jean overall shorts and a white top with aqua and green polka dots. My husband says I look like a teenager. He’s about due to have his eyes checked.

I am creating… more curriculums. I hope you’re reading this Mr.Publisher. I’m not thinking about it, I’m actually doing it.

I am going… thankfully my going has happened and this week is primarily mundane errands.

I am reading… I have A Tale of Two Cities out and I’m carrying it from room to room and telling myself to read it. I have a goal to read some classic literature that I’ve never read.

I am hoping…that this week goes smoothly and that I won’t miss my children too badly when they leave.

I am hearing… the soft whir of the fan. We have the windows open and it’s rather muggy in the office. The cool blowing of the fan is a welcome reprieve.

Around the house… catching up on piles of laundry that accumulated in my absence.

One of my favorite things… occasional days to do nothing, but watch TV, take naps, read, and chill out. Today is that day after a long weekend of work.

A few plans for the rest of the week…send my son to Atlanta and then to Texas and my daughter to the beach, write curriculum, write curriculum, write curriculum.

A picture thought I’m sharing…

This is Edward. He’s serving us in Iraq on this Memorial Day. He’s my hero. Please pray for him.

You can read more daybook entries here.

The Best Thing About NASCAR

2009-05-23T22:39:00.001-04:00

It’s race weekend in my town. That means you have to plan your trips strategically and not go anywhere near the race track unless you enjoy sitting in traffic.

I’m not a NASCAR fan, but I do enjoy one thing about race weekend- the flyovers.

You see, before the races start jets fly over in formation. The coolest part is that once they’ve done their flyover they head for the airport and we live very close to the airport so we get quite a nice little show.

This evening my husband and I were sitting on the deck discussing my weekend at NCHE (I’ll blog about that later) when we heard the unmistakable loud screech of approaching jets. The kids ran out on the deck and we all got to watch the jets fly over in formation.

Then they did what we knew they would do. They prepared for a tactical landing. One by one they veered off to the right and in sequence flew directly over our house, one behind the other and then off to the airport.

We are a plane loving family so this yearly flight show is spectacular. It’s an amazing sight to see a fighter jet suddenly appear above the forest and then circle around the house so close they we were waving to the pilot (not that he had time to notice or wave back or that we could actually see him).

Last year they made multiple circles and we really saw a show.

Tomorrow while others are sitting in the grandstands eagerly awaiting the start of the Coca-Cola 600, I’ll be on my deck awaiting my flight show.