A Modern Day Hero...and a hope for us all.

Yesterday we celebrated, along with his family, the life of an ordinary, yet truly remarkable man.


We listened as his sons talked about their Grandparents. How Grandpa would go tent preaching & Grandma along with the children sang songs and played instruments. They talked about the gospel, love (and music) that was clearly in that home.

We listen as his sons talked about how their father (upon growing up from little boy in tent services to head of his own household) continued purposeful shepherding of the church and most especially of his home. He never made his role as pastor more important than his role as husband and father...and grandfather...and great grandfather. They shared about the gospel, work ethic, nurturing, music, love and laughter in his home.

We watched as his legacy unfolded before us. We watched his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren honor him in their own special way, with music. They sang and played instruments individually, in small groups and as a whole family. Even his elderly, rickety brother and his wife were singing for him! The attentiveness that this man gave to guiding his flock was evident. It is so every Sunday as we worship with his family. We see their integrity. We see what God has done in the life of a faithful servant and his generations after him.

This man was Bob Parker. He was Pastor at Riverpark Bible church many years ago. He had been in "retirement" for several years. Though it is said that he never really caught on to that concept. As evidenced by his continued heart felt service to God & His people. This memorial had attendants from many of the churches he visited or was a short term pastor at during his "retirement". He was also cherished by members from the original "Riverpark" as well as those (like us) attending now.

It was a powerful picture of what life can be when our priorities are lined up correctly.

Not all of us can stand and say we have a legacy like the Parker family. A legacy that went even further back than Bob himself. Sadly many people have parents or grandparents who did not lead honorable paths. However a difference can be made right here, right now for future generations. We honor Christ by striving after His gospel. When we lay our troubles at his feet, when we release our hurts for him to carry, when we step back and let him worry about the vengeance we are free from harbored hate or malice. Loving and praying for our forebears comes more easily. Joy is readily available. Peace reigns in homes and in our hearts.

What will they say at your memorial? What will they say at mine? Let us all have the strength to do the things that lead us down the path we truly want for ourselves and our children and our childrens, children......

Maintenance

    These last few months have been a gnarly ride! This in turn left me functioning much like a zombie doing life. Not good. A month or so ago I tried, yet again, to find some comfort through a woman's ministry. I was trying to find a way to climb out of my funk. I only went one evening. However I knew right away it just wasn't for me. Maybe one day it will be the right thing for me to be a part of. For now it just isn't the right fit. However some wonderful things did happen while I was there that night, things that made going just then worth it. For instance I became aware of a few book titles I am definitely going to add to my summer reading list!  I received a really nice ego boost from a sweet, sweet lady, which is always a good thing. I also became aware of an exciting movement. Now usually I steer clear of anything with the word "movement" attached. However this is different. This is exciting! Check it out. http://www.truewoman.com. I am now following this on Facebook which gives me regular ingestions of good things. As to the rest? For now, in all the emotion encompassing world, I feel safely afloat with just God, a few sweet girlfriends and Jeff.
    I am a lover of quiet time alone with God & my thoughts. To be certain, I have been in need of some knock down, drag out, cleansing, quiet time alone with God. This weekend, while my kiddos were out of town I got just that! I spent the weekend getting away from the madness, falling into the rest of Jesus and the wisdom of His words. I cried, I yelled, I laughed, I slept. Much peace and guidance came from these days events. It's called soul maintenance people!
    I love being a mom. However with my boys gone it was my "get out of jail free" card. You know, my chance to bust loose for a minute. That is exactly what Jeff & I did. Our plans did have a bit of a hiccup. However all is well that ends well. We got up Saturday morning and hit the road. We talked, and talked and talked. It was good. While we talked the car kept right on rolling along. Up and down we went to Soquel, back down to Santa Cruz for lunch, back up to Scott's Valley. We drove into the Santa Cruz mountains to view giant redwoods in Felton & beyond, down into San Jose for ice cream, back up, then down in Capitola just cuz it's so stinkin' cute and ended at Rio Del Mar for a picnic dinner on the beach.  Normally I would say that level of driving wouldn't be stress reducing. However the scenery was gorgeous, I mean come on clearly California in the Spring cannot be topped. Also the conversation gave adrenaline it's purpose. I love you Jeff. I especially love that Snow White's in Aptos was playing the music of our young love. Good, good memories! This was total couple maintenance!
   The next day we spent at home. Alone. We slept in, which in & of itself was amazing. Jeff & Charity Vincent do not sleep in, at the same time. Ever. We tackled a big nasty project that we've been putting off for like a year. We spent the day showing some garage love. Which actually brought on more driving. We bought 4 storage cabinets for the garage from our friends. They live in Coarsegold. Jeff actually was a truck driver in a former life, I think. Haha. Just kidding, but he really does love to drive. Well I love getting lost in the greatness of working along side my man. We are a good team. Projects are always full of laughter with us.
   Jeff has his man-cave full of tools, exercise equipment, ipod base, BBQ gear, outdoor fridge and all other things manly set up for his grunt fests. The rest of the sports and outdoor adventuring stuff is nicely organized to boot! In addition, the game room aspect of the garage is functional as well. I guess these things are all really part of project manliness too. Oh and me? My itty, bitty corner is all prettified as well. The garage is home to a monstrous amount of "stuff". When "everything is in it's place" it functions splendidly. However the teeth grinding problem was WE NEEDED PROPER STORAGE!! We now have that. You may ask why I add this to a list of stress releasers. Well. This project has been haunting me. Angering me. My house remains fairly clean. The shock of walking into the garage ruined a perfectly good day...too many times to count. Home maintenance at it finest!
  Now I look forward to some much needed dinner plans that are already in the works with some special ladies in my life. You girlies are all so different, all so necessary. You each represent a piece of my heart. This is called emotional maintenance my friends!

The hidden costs of a Winter Retreat

The conversation that started it all....

R: "Mom can we go on the Winter Retreat?"

Me: "What? Wait. The Winter Retreat?"  "Oh yeah, I guess it is still winter."

B: "Huh?"

Me: "Well we've had the windows open all week...and most of last week. The sun was shining so brightly we had the air conditioner on in the car a few days already. Sure doesn"t feel like Winter"

B&R: "Yeah weird, so can we?"

I was frozen for a moment, just thinking on winter...on snow. I love when it comes so softly.  There's beauty in a heavy sky with quiet, gentle falling snow flakes. The world seems so still.  I also like what happens after a crazy rush of white; a glistening blanket covers the landscape. Would it be redundant to say I love it? I have a great, vivid, technicolor memory of snow and evergreens. I really wish I could visit the high mountains more regularly, it's where I feel most tranquil.....

B: "Uhhh Mom?"

Me: "That will be nice. Playing in the snow sounds great. Those youth leaders sure know how to fuel the cheerfulness! Yes, you can go, wait, how much will it cost?"

Suffice it to say B&R went on the Winter Retreat last weekend. They had a superfluously fun time, learned valuable lessons and all that jazz. In addition, Billy came home with a black eye, scratches all over his eye and mouth.. and sick. Ricky also came home sick. WHATEVER! I had wondered about the weather extremes making them ill. However I didn't bank on sick kids being at the retreat. There were. They shared. My kids are extremely healthy so I am sure we will be through with this tomorrow..but still. Geezz!!! Oh, and the "battle wounds"? These are things you come to expect as a mother of active boys. I don't believe I've ever received both of them (at the same time) unmarked. That is just life with boys.

 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: 

but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7 (King James Version)

In which I say thank you...or bust!

I have had a rough few months, proceeded by a rough life. So what? Who hasn't? It's really a matter of half full or half empty. The choice is, of course,  left in my hands. And. I admit, I don't always make the wise choice.
Remember that one about when it rains it pours? Well that's where I reside. I'm sure that's where you all reside as well. I don't know that "it" ever isn't that way. Meaning I don't believe life is ever easy. I think sometimes our spirits are able to handle "it". Sometimes not so much. It's when I'm overwhelmed that I tend to feel like no one cares, or  understands.  Interestingly enough as I have been going through this where's-my-bonkie funk people have been praying for me.
How do I know?
Because they have told me so. Over and over again.
Now I am not the girl who bellows to all who will hear when I am down. No. I am the girl who hides under the rock. Yet some how God placed the desire to not only pray...but tell me they were doing so, in the hearts of  many, many people around me; strangers, casual acquaintances and those I am close to. He was is there all along, if only I were to stop spinning long enough to look. Really. I know. Sometimes stating the obvious is what is needed.
All the trauma/drama/chaos that was is bothering me is not the point. I am aware. It's high time I act like it. So many wonderful things have happened over the last few months. Some of which you would have read about through my boys blog. However they had to give that up...it proved to be "just one more thing". At any rate...onto the good, good stuff.

~ In the recent Court of Honor Ricky was given badges and has moved up in rank. Boyscouts in general has been a wonderful thing for him. He has met some really neat guys and loves all of the "man" stuff involved. Today he went on a snow day trip. The weekend before last he went to a party one of the boys was having. He has been a busy guy making gifts for so many people. He loves life and he loves people. He is our joy.

~Billy had to prove himself in semester #1 at Fresno City College. It is now semester #2 and he received every part he tried out for in the Latin/Jazz band. Through his first job he has paid for a full week African drumming camp to be held this summer. He is moving right along with his goals. He has reconnected with a long-time-ago friend. Attending her party was a highlight. He has also made a new friend, attending that party was great as well.

~My older brother, Eric has added three new additions to our family. Crystal, his fiancee, Nathan her son, and Zoey their little girl. Zoey?...she is adorable...need I say more? We were so happy to be able to give Nathan a birthday gift. We hope he feels he is our nephew. He is such a character! We enjoy him.

~I had a lengthy loving conversation with my sis-in-law Angela. I hold it close to my heart.

~Parties are great and we have had a few this month here at home, just us four. Chinese New Years found us eating take out from our favorite local spot. While we ate we watched Gladys Aylward's story on Netflix. Next came Valentines morning complete with chocolates and a new movie. We also had a lunch of heart shaped raviolis in an amazing sauce. Let us not forget our 100th day of School Shindig...which was also all about food. However this time we played games. These were easy breezy days. Very roll with the punches. I have to say it touches a tender spot deep in my mommy-heart that my teenage sons REALLY want a 100th day of school party. Somehow everything else from elementary school is for babies. Yet. This. Is. Sacred.

~Jeff was diagnosed with Vertigo. Yet even though he missed a week of work and went Dr hopping we/he did not suffer too badly. We are truly thankful.

~It looks as though our previous landlords are going to make right on their poor choices. So that is a happy ending to a retarded story.

~The IRS was lame, as they very often are, I guess it was our turn to be bit by the unconstitutional nastiness of it all. And yet we survived. We were so blessed. We paid all our bills before their inappropriateness took place. We experienced  much less drama than could easily have taken place. We are really grateful.

~I was able to help a good friend with a huge organizational project...and be an encouragement. I just love that!

~I have been approached by a few people over the last few months who have expressed their gratitude for what they see in my life...and in turn have brought to their lives. Wow. Just wow.

~So many wonderful people have resurfaced in my life. It is just unbelievable. I. Heart. All of you!!

~I have learned to say no. I have drawn healthy lines in the sand. Yet I have also opened my heart to a whole new level of understanding and acceptance. God is good!

Two main points have been relearned over the last few months.

#1 God is in charge. He knows what is best. He loves me enough to tell me no when that is what I need to hear. He loves me enough to comfort me through my tantrums. He comforts my aching heart. He knows.

#2 I have been given so, so much. I need to look at what I have, not what I don't have. I need to show gratitude. I need to say thank you...or bust!

Children Won't Wait by Helen Young

There is a time to anticipate the baby's coming, a time to consult a doctor;

A time to plan a diet and exercise, a time to gather a layette.

There is a time to wonder at the ways of God, knowing this is the destiny for which I was created;

A time to dream of what this child might become,

A time to pray that God will teach me how to train this child which I bear.

A time to prepare myself that I might nurture his soul.

But soon there comes the time for birth,

For babies won't wait.

There is a time for night feedings, and colic and formulas.

There is a time for rocking and a time for walking the floor,

A time for patience and self-sacrifice,

A time to show him that his new world is a world of love and goodness and dependability.

There is a time to ponder what he is - not a pet nor toy, but a person, an individual - a soul made in God's image.

There is a time to consider my stewardship, I cannot possess him.

He is not mine. I have been chosen to care for him, to love him, to enjoy him, to nurture him, and to answer to God.

I resolve to do my best for him,

For babies don't wait.

There is a time to hold him close and tell him the sweetest story ever told;

A time to show him God in earth and sky and flower, to teach him to wonder and reverence.

There is a time to leave the dishes, to swing him in the park,

To run a race, to draw a picture, to catch a butterfly, to give him happy comradeship.

There is a time to point the way, to teach his infant lips to pray,

To teach his heart to love God's Word, to love God's day,

For children don't wait.

There is a time to sing instead of grumble, to smile instead of frown,

To kiss away the tears and laugh at broken dishes.

A time to share with him my best in attitudes - a love of life, a love of God, a love of family.

There is a time to answer his questions, all his questions,

Because there may come a time when he will not want my answers.

There is a time to teach him so patiently to obey, to put his toys away.

There is a time to teach him the beauty of duty, the habit of Bible study, the joy of worship at home, the peace of prayer,

For children don't wait.

There is a time to watch him bravely go to school, to miss him underfoot,

And to know that other minds have his attention, but that I will be there to answer his call when he comes home,

And listen eagerly to the story of his day.

There is a time to teach him independence, responsibility, self-reliance,

To be firm but friendly, to disciple with love,

For soon, so soon, there will be a time to let him go, the apron strings untied,

For children won't wait.

There is a time to treasure every fleeting minute of his childhood.

Just eighteen precious years to inspire and train him.

I will not exchange this birthright for a mess of pottage called social position, or business or professional reputation, or a pay check.

An hour of concern today may save years of heartache tomorrow,

The house will wait, the dishes will wait, the new room can wait,

But children don't wait.

There will be a time when there will be no slamming of doors, no toys on the stairs, no childhood quarrels, no fingerprints on the wallpaper.

Then may I look with joy and not regret.

There will be a time to concentrate on service outside my home;

On visiting the sick, the bereaved, the discouraged, the untaught;

To give myself to the "least of these."

There will be a time to look back and know that these years of motherhood were not wasted.

I pray there will be a time to see him an upright and an honest man, loving God and serving all.

God, give me the wisdom to see that today is my day with my children.

That there is no unimportant moment in their lives.

May I know that no other career is so precious,

No other work so rewarding,

No other task so urgent.

May I not defer it nor neglect it,

But by the Spirit accept it gladly, joyously, and by they grace realize

That the time is short and my time is now,

For children won't wait!

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow" Mary Anne Radmacher

You Want Me To Do What?

                                 Take a bit of time to reflect on these verses.

Titus 2:3-5 

 ³The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

 ⁴That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

 ⁵To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

        Now stop.  Stick the car in reverse. Read these verses again.

Well I don't know about you, but when I read these verses I question myself. My family is my song, my heart station, but do they know that? Do my children think I'm a good Mom? Does my husband take joy in me as his bride? How does the world see me as mother, wife? What will I be remembered as, what is the mark on my life? Does it say loving wife and mother? Does it say wise counsel? Does my home show that I am happy to be in my station?

  Titus two women are supposed to be the older (wiser) ladies of the "church". Their role is to counsel and nurture the younger women and new Christians of the "church". You know the "walk with the wise and you will grow wise" routine? They are supposed to show by example how we should strive to conduct ourselves. In light of that I became frustrated as a young bride/mother. I wanted mature godly women in the community of believers I could turn to for guidance. I longed for such women to just appear in the church I attended. I mourned for the lack there of.

  Eventually I learned "older" is a relative term. I began to notice like minded individuals regardless of age. I learned that "wise" came in many forms. I began to have ears to listen and eyes to see. I was being softened and molded by God as I went about my life. I had a million questions, well I still do, don't you? I wanted to know efficient ways to clean, wonderful recipes to try, the best place to buy this, how to schedule for that. I wanted the secret for how to "get it all done" and to also "guard my time".  What I did learn in these categories I picked up from many different people and sources. Some were a far cry from the sweet little elderly ladies I had pictured in my mind.God showed me how he can use the most unlikely of individuals to do his good works.

           Take a few minutes to read the lyrics to the following song.

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world 

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy 

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one... 

Legacy/Nichole Nordeman

I have the chorus of this song on my facebook side column. This is where you are invited to write something about yourself.  I also have a hand written copy on the cork board in our school room. We all say & do things we regret, or in time come to regret. Having these lyrics posted is a daily reminder for me of who I want to be, how I want to live my life and how I want to be remembered. For me, this song is a pointed arrow right to the scriptures mentioned above. It is a reminder to me to be kind even when I don't want to. A prick to extend myself, so that others really do know how precious they are to me, A humbling message to  go about my duties with joy "as unto the Lord". A message to strive for consistency.

 God has pressed even further, He has made it clear that I am a Titus two woman. I am to be what I always longed to have. 

WHAT? 

How can it be?

I'm not old? 

I have so much more to learn. 

These are the words that I silently screamed. God waited while I threw my fit, then He lead me to this simplistic truth; we are all Titus 2 women. You are never too young. It does not mean you are super woman or some ultra holy being. In fact I think if you puff yourself up in self professed wisdom you will fall hard off of your pedestal. I think those that act as though they never lived through trial are missing the whole point. I think turning your nose up at someone with less understanding than you have attained is like spitting venom at God himself. 

  God has made it clear that refusal to be a Titus two woman isn't really among my choices. Little children, youth, adults, they will all be watching and evaluating my conduct whether I want them to or not. Likewise I clearly have no grounds to complain if I refuse to do anything about the problem. Therefore I have set out to purposefully strive for self control, moral character and honorable stewardship. I aim to encourage others in godly choices. To pray for whatever need is brought to my attention. My aim is to give comfort, to uplift a spirit, to lighten a load.

  I certainly don't have all the answers, who but God does? However I have lived through many trials, more importantly I am willing to humbly share what I learned along the way. Sometimes I made right choices, and sometimes completely wrong ones. I have gleaned wisdom from both. God has shown me who I am. I still stand in wonder that he knows me better than I know myself. Oh how clearly I see that truth looking back, you know...after the fact. 

 When my spirit was pricked in this direction I wondered  if I really had enough to offer anyone. I realized I have enough peace to love, enough patience to listen and enough strength to carry on, which is given through His grace. I need no special training, just a willingness and an alertness. I have come to realize Christ will place people right in your path. You just need ears to listen and eyes to see. I have had moments when I didn't feel like my efforts were worth my time or my prayers. God is gracious. I have had a few people, not many, but enough to keep me going, express their gratitude. I, of course gave credit to God, but it was also confirming to me that I was walking down the right path. I was thrilled to know my yielding and humble obedience was a help to someone, it is  a righteous, not lofty confirmation.

Mornings

   I like mornings, before the rush. I am almost always the first one up. It makes the day run so much more smoothly when I am able to take a few minutes to breathe...ALONE. I start the coffee, let the dogs outside and leisurely go about the house doing whatever must be done to make each particular day run most effectively.
   I like that we have time to patiently care for our animals needs. That they aren't abandoned and yet expected to behave regardless of hours spent alone.
  I like that we homeschool our boys. I like that I hold the key on deciding if they need to be blasted out of bed with a fog horn or if they need extra time to rest. Life gives us all the need for both, a mother knows how to monitor this best.
  I like that we have lovely mornings with bible studies lasting as long as we can push the envelope. We can eat our breakfast and calmly sip our coffee...or whatever, while we are mulling over life's complexities.
  I like that we have time to exercise together. It is fun to do with others and a great way to start the day.
  Of course we all shoot out like rockets after the morning rituals. The neat thing is we individually get to carry the joint morning experience away with us. Mornings can make or break our day. A good one gives us energy. A bad experience is tough to compensate. I agree with those who say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I'd like to add to that statement. I think we would do well to consider mornings being the most important time of the day.

We moved...and this is why

   We are not fans of the valley. Most of that is due to weather, but there are a few other reasons as well. For now lets just stick with the weather aspect. We have always wanted to move out of California. After much research and even a trip to check it out in person we decided on Maine. Try as we might that goal has never been reached. Almost four years ago we settled on at least getting off the valley floor. We moved up to Coarsegold, in a rent-to-own home. Unfortunately the owners made some bad financial choices, and we had to move on. At that point we moved into another rental...still in Coarsegold. Before the year was up we knew we would have to move back down into the valley.

   Many factors went into that submission. Here's that story.

  You see when making the intentional decision to move up into the foothills Jeff's business was still new enough that he had clients in every which direction. There was no such thing as convenient. So it was an easy choice to move where our spirits were rejuvenated. However very rapidly his client base was centered in Fresno.
   In hopes of transferring as much of our lives as possible to Coarsegold we left the church we were attending in Fresno for one in Coarsegold. The pastor at that church made some very shameful choices. Apparently before we moved into the picture he had begun "cleaning house" in the church. Which inevitably caused a church split. That's about when we started attending. He continued to realign the church according to scripture. Yes that does sound good. However he stomped on people in order to accomplish it. He compromised for his own personal comfort. At this point we decided to slip out of the church. We enjoyed a few months of sweet home church, just the four of  us.  Then we began, once again, to attend the church down in Fresno. Which meant even more time on the road to and fro.
    Just a quick side step: Jeff had developed a friendship with the pastor and had called him to breakfast on occasion to talk about the church situation...to no avail. Most disappointing of all, the pastor secretly applied for positions in other churches...in other states. It was a devastating blow to the church, which was left in shambles.
And yet another side step:
  As we studied in our current church on Sunday I reflected back on the Coarsegold church. I thought about how God puts us through the refiners fire. How painful it is. How beautiful things turn out in the end. My thoughts transferred over to that Coarsegold pastor. I thought about the cleansing good works he started in the church. I thought about his methods in doing so. I especially thought about how he abruptly left. Our Lord will never leave or forsake us rang in my ears. The amazing picture I had on that Sunday morning will probably never leave me. I thought of

1 Corinthians 3:10-13 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, a  wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble: Every man's work shall be made manifest: for day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.


      "Gold and silver" melt in the refiners fire...but are not destroyed. God's authority causes the "metal" to be formed into something of beauty to show the world his sovereignty. I thought about the pastor of this church, who I think started out trying to do right by Gods law, but in the end turned to the call of his flesh.
   So? Because of this (in my minds eye) I see a clump of gold/silver that has been left to fall where it may. Heated and totally abandoned. Yet not all hope is lost. It is not wood that has turned to ash. It is still a metal..all be it ugly, that CAN be remelted and reformed by the refiners fire. That is hope.

 Okay. So back to my tale. So far you know we moved for work, a church and time on the road. The next issue that I want to address is the home school atmosphere. We joined a group up in Coarsegold and limited greatly any activities in Fresno in regards to home education....but then that group quickly dissipated as well. If someone where to have told me that Fresno was more anti-government than a little mountain town..well I would have laughed long and hard. However that is exactly what I experienced. I met family after family who could not imagine conducting school with out the governmental monies and programs...enter the Charter school movement. Such a wild difference. Wow. Just wow! Not to go into another side tracked tail spin....but I don't respect that movement. More on that another day.
  At any rate, that made up the majority of the home educators. That and the group of individuals who add rules to scripture. Who live extra-biblical practices and push those beliefs on others. It was a very judgmental, very pinched, angry, self righteous group of people. Can you say Pharisee or how about Sadducee? Now I never went to blows with anyone up there. However a saw a whole lot of pain. I witnessed many hurts caused by self praising bitter hearted fools. I just want ride in a small  airplane over the whole area with a giant banner stating....
Romans 3:9-20 "What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one: There for none that understandish, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable: there is none that doeth good, no not one. Their throat is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways And the way of peace have have not known: There is fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin"

.....and drop little note cards stating God repeated himself many times in these verses so you would understand that he was including you as well!

 I'm sure you guessed by now we returned to the homeschool movement in Fresno...which meant even more road time. 

 So there we sat at an emotional impasse. We knew we needed to move. We didn't want to. We disparately clung to the mountains.

 Regardless we set out trying to convince "the bank" that a person with no credit cards, who is self employed and is wanting to buy a home for the first time can be trusted....they laughed, we scared them.  We ended up renting. However getting into a rental was also a chore. No one wanted our two big dogs to come with us. To make matter worse we were asked by rental agents why we were renting. Stating we clearly had the income to buy..yeah haha, real funny!
   As it turns out God used this waiting, this time of no answers, to make us long to move to Fresno. Yes you read that right. Long for the convenience. Long for the oppurtunity. Long for the time OFF the road. We ended up jumping at a rental that excepted our dogs, sight unseen. You know what? It turned out fine! The house has a pool, volleyball court, horse shoe pit and fruit trees in a BIG yard...for city living. Landscaping for front and back yards as well as pool service are included in the rent. It is a 4 bedroom, which means we don't have to rent office space for Jeff & we get a school room. It has a living room and a family room, which means plenty of room for books and instruments. We got into our neighborhood of choice. This is a nice neighborhood, within five minutes of basically all we do and there are lots of lovely trees to view! All in all God showed himself to know best. I accept living in Fresno now. However I hope to one day own a time share in Maine. For like June-August...Tee-hee!!!

TAKE TIME

Take time to think –  thoughts are the source of power.

Take time to play –  play is the secret of perpetual youth.

Take time to read –  reading is the fountain of wisdom.

Take time to pray –  prayer can be a rock of strength in time of need.

Take time to love – loving is what makes living worthwhile.

Take time to be friendly – friendships give life a delicious flavor.

Take time to laugh – laughter is the music of the soul.

Take time to give – sharing brings joy to your heart.

Take time to work – work is the price of success.

Take time to dream – dreams show you what is possible.

Take time to do your work well – pride in your work nourishes the mind and the spirit.

Take time to show appreciation – it's the frosting on the cake of life.

This poem is based on an old English prayer adapted from a Bible scripture (Eccl 3:1), and the original author of this version is unknown.

The Serenity Prayer

"Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference"-.Reinhold Niebuhr

"They say happy parents make for happy children. So go ahead, be the mature one, set the mood"-unknown

"There is a joy in the journey, there's a light we can love on the way. There's a wonder and wildness to life, and freedom for those who obey......." Michael Card

Enjoying our Wednesday

    With this years crazy schedule we hold our Wednesdays in close regard. We get to stay home in our PJ's all day long. We get to rest in the quietness of a day spent alone...together.
   Aghh English class in the hammock. History out on the boulders. Math laying in bed. Hiking up and down the hillsides, drawing and cooking up great concoctions these are the signs of Wednesday. Time to do all our school unrushed and/or undisturbed.  Time to do those extra projects.Time to sleep in just a little. Time to rest in God.
   As I sit here typing Ricky is practicing his man skills in the back yard (archery & throwing knives). Billy playing his drums upstairs. I just finished correcting writing assignments. In a while we will all gather in the living room for a movie and a quiet evening...still sporting our PJs. shhhh hee-heee
   For now I sit in silent contemplation. I am in a season of waiting. Waiting and wondering. What does God want to do? What will he do? When will he do it? Is he doing it now? I know I have been placed here for a reason. Here I will remain until he says otherwise. I drift in eager anticipation. I stop in quiet reflection.

                                                      Wednesday. 
                                     A day to reflect. A day to breathe. 
                                     A day of refreshing restful ease.

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing"  -Socrates

"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life"-Confucius....or at least you can work with a spring in your step!

Summer turns away and Charity Smiles

.......yep its Autumn at last. Cooler weather, brisk clean air and all the beautiful colors (well in some parts of our area...if you go looking you can find the beauty of Fall)

   Thank you for this quiet rest as I sit (windows open) with views of hillsides, fluffy white clouds and mmmm, the smell of burning leaves. Thank you God for this view.

    Fall has an unexplainable stranglehold on me, I don't want it to leave. I want to linger in this day forever. As I sit watching the leaves gently fall to the ground I exhale and acknowledge Autumn makes me smile to my core.

Off to church we go....

 Finding a church home can be a challenge these days.
  We are all human, with human frailties, therefore none of us will ever be perfect. Each of us has different ideas on how "the perfect" church conducts itself. Having said that, Jeff & I have drawn a line in the sand of biblical issues our family will not bend on and the church issues that are of less importance to us. Some ideals are merely opinion, or more clearly stated, they are tradition. Some areas God clearly lays out in scripture. God has taught us not to box Him in. To truly define what belongs in each of these categories. Pastor George Posthumous and Mrs. Carol Mckercher have been very  instrumental in helping us come to terms with this. The funny thing  is, I'm sure neither one of them are aware of that.
  Searching (through trial and error) we have found a lovely church we can call home.  We made the decision to leave a few years ago, not because of some terrible catastrophe rather due to the 45 minute drive it took to get there. We began searching for a church closer to our home. We did indeed find a church, unfortunately that church fell apart. In the return of the mountain folk we now find ourselves driving 45 minutes yet again. We are back at Riverpark Bible Church where the teaching is sound and the worship is delightful. Where child and adult alike are biblically, scientifically, historically, theologically and philosophically challenged. The Pastor here is going deaf. He has shared his deepened desire to give the congregation all he can before his time runs out...what a neat man to sit under.
  We have many wonderful opportunities available to us via this church such as the Crown Financial seminar Jeff & I attended last weekend. All four of us have found our little spots. Ricky is in the Jr High Sunday School, Youth Group & Small Group. Billy is in the High School Sunday School, Small Group and Youth Group. Jeff & I are in a multi age Sunday School class and Small Group together. Jeff is in a Men's Bible Study and I am in a Women's Bible Study. Once a month I will be attending a Homeschool Moms Meeting sponsored by the church. I hear there are around 40 families that homeschool attending this church...wow!
 The world...and the church have a tendency to push fragmentation of the family. I suppose most people seem to be okay with that. I'm of a strange breed who disagrees. Now, don't get me wrong, I want my boys to do things on there own...I encourage it. However this type of splitting up of the family I cannot stand behind. I am not going to make a big stink about it, for the most part I will play the game. However we will take a stand and sit TOGETHER and worship our Lord Jesus Christ as a family in the sanctuary! Again, there is no perfect church.
    I choose to ask my self where this lines up in light of eternity.

"Part of life is learning to accept the limitations of any given situation" Susan Shaffer Mucaulay