Top Ten Tuesdays--Myths about Homeschooling/Stay-at-Home Moms

10. Homeschool families have strident religious rules that keep them from enrolling their kids in public school.
9. Stay-at-home moms stay at home because they aren't qualified to do any other sort of paying work.
8. Homeschooled children are missing out on socializing and extracurricular activities.
7. Stay-at-home moms always have perfectly kept homes, homemade cookies and neatly folded laundry. (Come over today and that myth will quickly be dispelled!)
6. Homeschool moms are naturally gifted teachers, filled with creativity, resourcefulness and ingenuity.
5. Stay-at-home moms are "out of the loop" concerning the rest of the world. (True, I may not be cutting edge, but I can read a newspaper and Google news as well as the next person:))
4. Homeschool moms are experts in all things education related.
3. Stay-at-home moms LOVE to babysit other children.
2. Homeschool children are always well behaved, prayerful, honest, respectful children who model good Christian morals 100% of the time. (Again, just come over for a reality check!)
1. Homeschooling/Stay-at-home moms have lots of free time since they are home all day!

Thanks to Ann for hosting Top Ten Tuesdays!

Top Ten Tuesdays--Things That Will Still Be True, No Matter Who Is Elected President

This was in our bulletin Sunday morning...so appropriate for today!

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

Thanks to Ann for hosting Top Ten Tuesdays!

Top Ten Tuesdays--Amended

Ahem...I think I need to amend my previous post by adding ten things about today that are not, in fact, driving me crazy, but are simply wonderful. It read sort of complaining and the Word instructs us not to complain...

10. It's 8:15 PM and all three girls are tucked into bed for the night!
9. At swim lessons today, Ruthie went under water several times and Emma learned to free-style swim!
8. The girls have almost mastered their first Bible verse for Memory Madness--even Olivia.
7. Friends brought us a frozen, homemade dinner for later this week--who doesn't love a night off from kitchen duty?!
6. Charlie cleaned up the kitchen and took charge of the girls for awhile tonight to give me a breather...what a guy!
5. We have a bumper crop of tomatoes this year...dozens each day and more than enough to share with neighbors and friends.
4. We had ice cream and oreos for dessert tonight. Hey, my husband knows how to take care of me!
3. The kids got to visit with their bestest buds this evening and burn off some extra energy...hence #10.
2. Emma wrote her first story today!
1. Although I woke up tired and crabby, and things didn't go according to logic or plan all day, and I didn't feel super--the Lord was with me, just like He promises in His Word...before me, behind me, in each and every moment.

Top Ten Tuesdays--Ten Things I Love About My Church

A few weeks ago, I listened politely as a friend listed her complaints against the church my husband and I attend. It wasn't the first time I had heard someone raise concerns about something they didn't agree with or didn't suit their own personal preferences, so as I listened, I prayed, as I have learned to do for this person and their struggle and for the Lord to make it clear to them why the situation is as it is. Since that conversation, I have been thinking over our journey to our home church and how thankful I am that God has planted us in this body of believers. Experience has taught me that no one particular church is going to adequately or fully reflect the true Body of Christ (until we are all together in Heaven!). It is a sad truth that we spend a lot of time tearing down other churches and denominations because they don't fit our personal tastes. I, myself, have my own biases and prejudices against other believers and it is something I very much want the Lord to change in me. But, we also need to remind ourselves that the Lord does plant us in our church bodies intentionally.

In light of that, I want to post ten things I love about my own church. Not as a defense, but as a testimony of the power of God at work in my own life.

1. I love that we study through the Bible, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. It is orderly and thorough and easy to follow. There is always more to learn!
2. I love that our pastor is clearly called by God as a teacher and is gifted with wisdom and knowledge. He doesn't try to be everything to everyone, but to be what God made him to be--our pastor-teacher.
3. I love that we have sent so many people into the mission field from our body. It is beautiful to see our mission bulletin board filled with pictures of others serving the Lord.
4. I love that our children are not given just "basic" Biblical facts but are given the entire Word of God in a form they are able to comprehend and respond to. We have seen so much fruit from our Children's Church!
5. I love that our worship is simple but relevant. Our worship leaders aren't performing music, but ministering to the heart of God. No one stands out on the worship team, but everyone blends into one voice, helping us all to remember to focus on the Lord, not the music.
6. I love the way our church weathers storms. When others have attempted to undermine the authority of our church leadership or have grumbled and complained in an effort to affect change, I always see the leaders of our church on their knees in prayer before dealing with the situation. And, they deal with problems Biblically, rather than in a committee or by a vote.
7. I love that we love people. Our body has loved on the homeless, the imprisoned, drug addicts, alcoholics, victims of violence, the divorced, the bankrupt, the confused, the scared, the unbelieving. I love that there is always room for someone who is searching, even when they may not know Who they are searching for.
8. I love our radio station. Though it is only a low-watt station and only serves our community, it has been life-changing for me. When our oldest was a baby, the radio programs I listened to throughout the day changed my attitude and heart. Our radio station has reached deep into the lives of many in our community and shared Christ.
9. I love our bookstore. Though it is small, it is mighty! The books are offered at cost so that anyone can easily afford basic tools to study the Bible. The bookstore also offers free music on the weekends. It's located directly across from a popular local bar and we have seen some folks wander in, looking for escape from the bar life.
10. I love that we are fulfilling the purpose that God has for us as a body of believers. While there is always room to grow and develop, I see so much evidence of the working of the Holy Spirit in our body. It isn't the right fit for everyone--no church is--but for those of us called to be a part of this body, it is the exact right match. We are challenged to conform to God's image, we are encouraged to study His Word.

Top Ten Tuesdays--Chores My Kids Can Do

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted. But, with morning sickness and a severe back injury, my energy must be doled out carefully and sparingly. Blogging has been low on the list. Since I am unable to bend over without falling to the floor or lift anything without crying out in pain, I've enlisted the help of my girls with the household chores. Amazingly, my girls have grown up over night and are able to handle proficiently many, many chores around our home. Praise the Lord for my little slaves, er, blessings!

Here are 10 chores I've discovered my children are capable of completing:

1. Sorting laundry into appropriate piles for the washing machine.
2. Placing clothes into washer, dryer or a clean laundry basket. Also, starting the washer and dryer with supervision.
3. Unloading the dishwasher, with supervision concerning the silverware and sharp knives.
4. Swiffering the floors.
5. Dusting the furniture, with supervision around the china cabinet:)
6. Collecting the trash cans from around the house and emptying them into the kitchen trash can.
7. Running the vacuum--Emma is the only one old enough to do this so far.
8. Using a Clorox wipe to wipe down the sink and counter in the bathroom--only the older 2 girls. Olivia likes to use wipes on everything...including herself.
9. Putting away their own laundry, the older 2 helping Olivia find the correct drawers for her clothes.
10. Feeding, watering and letting the dogs outside. This is a favorite and one often fought over. I have to keep track of who's turn it is to avoid WWIII!

Once again, thanks to Ann for hosting Top Ten Tuesdays!

Top Ten Tuesdays--Hints About My Recent Absence From Blog Land

Once again, thanks to Ann for hosting Top Ten Tuesdays!

You may (or may not) have noticed my absence from this place as of late. I'm giving you my top ten hints as to the reason for my absence. I wish I were more creative, but I think you will all guess within the first couple of hints!

10. I've been crazy tired, needing to got to bed early (like 8:30 PM early!) and take a nap in the afternoon.
9. I've had a standing date with Mr. Toilet every morning.
8. None of my pants fit anymore.
7. I'm moody.
6. I cry over spilled milk, unmade beds, lost shoes, and , apparently, anything on TV about kids thanking their moms for anything at all.
5. Did I mention moody?
4. My hair has grown an inch in the past month, where it usually grows an inch every three months.
3. We're not making any plans after Labor Day of this year.
2. Charlie has made about a dozen special trips to the store for foods that I've been craving.
1. I tinkled on a plastic stick several weeks ago and the result made me laugh, cry and hyper-ventilate all at the same time!

Okay, how many hints did you have to read before you figured it out? Charlie and I are expecting another little blessing this September. It came as a complete and total shock to us...I'll have to post the story later, when I have a bit more energy. For now, I'll just say that although I'm not feeling physically superb, I am thanking God for the reason I feel so puny. It is a blessing to be used by the Lord in this way and to learn to lean on Him even more.

Lord, Thank You for this new life. And thank You for carrying me through these last few weeks. Help me to rest in You and in Your plan for this season of my life. Thank You for suprises and for not alway letting me in on Your plans. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Top Ten Tuesdays--For Ann

Okay. It's not Tuesday, it's Saturday, but I missed this past week and after reading my good friend Ann's most recent post, I had to make a list for her--and myself! I turned 35 in December, so I'm officially halfway to 70. Leading up to my birthday, that seemed like serious business and cause for reflection. I have noticed a few more aches and pains in the last couple years. I covered up some grey hairs this Fall. I get an occasional hot flash. It's easier to gain weight and harder (much harder!) to lose it. I could be (and have been) pessimistic about aging. At first glance, it seems like all the exciting events are over and all I have to look forward to is watching my children grow up, wrinkles, more grey hair, and my inevitable demise. But, God is so good and has been gently reminding me that He isn't even close to finished with me yet. In fact, it is entirely likely that some of the best moments of my life are still ahead. So, here is my top ten list of things to be thankful for as I age or things to look forward to as I get older:

10. No more dating, finding my mate, feeling insecure about whether someone else can love me and the like. I'm married to my best friend who accepts me as I am and allows me room to grow into the person God has designed. We complement each other perfectly, though we have lots of room for improvement. I'm looking forward to God continuing to knit us together.
9. Instead of thousands of doors to choose from, there are more limited choices for my future, which is a comfort. Looking back, I can clearly see how God has guided me to this place and that He indeed has a purpose for my life. I can see how my experiences of my youth and young adulthood were the foundation for who I am as a wife, mother and child of God. Though I'm sure there will still be doors to choose from, I know from experience that God will clearly guide me through the right ones.
8. Security. Not in things or jobs or wealth or plans or my own efforts, but security in who I am in Christ. Walking with the Lord for 18 years affords me the opportunity to look back and see how God has changed me to reflect Him better. It's exciting to know that He has indeed made me a new creature and that in 18 more years, I will be changed even more. I love that He is never finished with us!
7. The older I get, the less control I feel like I need to maintain over my own life. The more I experience a love relationship with God and see Him meeting my needs, taking care of me, the more I loosen my grip on my life. I'm more willing to let go and fall back into His loving care and plan for me. I'm still growing in this area, but it's great to see some progress!
6. "Be not conformed to this world..." There is so much freedom in getting older with the Lord! It becomes easier and easier to be in the world, but not of the world. I worry less about being trendy, fashionable, fitting in with everyone else, being liked or popular. Though I don't want to stick out awkwardly or be a stumbling block for others, I'm okay with standing my ground on issues that are important to me or are issues of obedience to the Lord. Again, I'm still growing here, but I see some improvements in the last few years.
5. Personally, I love being a slightly older mom. I lived a great life as a young, single 20-something and I think because I was able to do that, I feel less need to "accomplish" things now. Not that I don't have dreams or things I would like to do, but this time in my life has been set aside for parenting. I don't feel torn between fulfilling my own desires and helping my kids achieve theirs. And, I know there will be many years to pursue my own dreams after my children are gone and being a parent will probably help me achieve my goals later in life.
4. I'm beginning to have the opportunity to counsel other, younger women as they begin married life or parenthood. I've noticed a subtle change at church as I've moved from the "younger women" to the "older women" described in Titus 2. Though I don't feel that I have much to offer in the way of experience, I do realize that 35 isn't 25 and with my age comes automatic experience. I don't know that I am wise, but I can share the many ways that God has worked in my own heart. I feel like I'm returning a blessing that many other women showered upon me as a younger woman.
3. Grandchildren. Though it is a LONG way off, I can only imagine the joy of knowing my children's children. All the fun of children without the burden of complete responsibility! And, to see my kids developing that love relationship with their own children...well, what could be better?!?!
2. I know who my friends are. When I was younger, everyone (myself included) was so busy trying to build a career, meet a mate, fit into the crowd. We were all jostling around, vying for the best position on the social ladder. Good friends, trustworthy friends were few and far between. Now that I'm older, I know who my true, God-given friends are. Some live a few blocks away, others thousands of miles. But, they all have the same thing in common: they encourage me in the Lord. I don't have to impress them or compare myself to them. They just care about me for who I am. Age gives me the ability to see who my real friends are.
1. (My favorite!) Heaven. On days when I can't think of any reason to be glad that I'm getting older with every breath, the Lord reminds me that there is a reward waiting for me at His place. Each year, month, week, day, moment, breath brings me one step closed to that eternal reward. And, if I have to leave this life with grey hair, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, diabetes, wrinkles, saggy skin, weak eyes, and/or deafness--in an instant, I will be gifted with a new body, one outfitted to reflect His glory. I think the contrast alone is reason enough to rejoice in our present sufferings!

So, that's my list at age 35. I can't wait to see what makes the list at age 45!

Top Ten Tuesdays--Things I Love To Do On A Cold Winter Day!

Thanks, once again, to Ann for hosting Top Ten Tuesdays! This is pure personal fluff, but I needed to see it written out to remind me that even a blustery, snowy day like today is a gift...

10. Drink Earl Grey tea out of my old favorite mug.
9. Read a good book.
8. Fall asleep while reading aforementioned book.
7. Bake bread and make soup (both smells are emanating from our kitchen as I type!).
6. Play cards with my kids.
5. Snuggle on the couch with my hubby and watch a good movie.
4. Let our dog curl up on my lap (our 10 lb dog, not our gigantic 50 pounder!).
3. Catch up with an old friend over the phone.
2. Make hot chocolate for my family after they come in from the snow.
1. Dream about summer!!!

Top Ten Tuesdays--Signs Your Pint-Sized Slumber Party Is Going Well

We're having a pint-sized slumber party this week. Our good friends both had work commitments this week, so we agreed to host their 2 kiddos who just so happen to be our kiddos bestest buds. They are spending two nights with us to the utter and complete delight of my trio. They were so excited last night, I wasn't sure they would actually sleep! I worried a bit over the weekend if our small guests would miss mom and dad or have any moments of fear being here. So far, so good and here are my top ten signs that things are going well:





10. Everyone slept in his or her respective bed, through the night without any crying, bed-wetting, night wandering, or bad dreams.

9. They all hollered "Hurray!" in unison when they were greeted at the breakfast table with french toast.

8. They spent a good 25 minutes in the bathroom this morning inspecting each other's teeth to make sure everyone had brushed good enough.

7. My girls came to me individually and offered to pray for our guests to make sure they were not missing their mom and dad or feeling bad.

6. When we dropped our friends off for pre-school, they said they would rather come home with us--we compromised and picked them up a little early.

5. No one has started bleeding, throwing up, had diarrhea, bit, kicked, hit, or punched anyone else.

4. No whining!!!

3. The older ones have been looking out for the younger ones, helping with hand-washing, the aforementioned teeth-brushing, changing clothes, and clearing the table. I even caught them giving the younger ones extra good-night hugs and kisses last night!

2. The house is still standing!

1. After breakfast this morning, Emma threw her arms around my waist and said, "You're the best mommy ever!"

Top Ten Tuesdays--Favorite Posts of 2007

Ann of More Questions Than Answers had a great idea...listing your top ten favorite posts of 2007 for Top Ten Tuesdays. Here goes!

10. The Best Gift of All
9. I Am The Dog
8. Resurrection!
7. My Man The Bat Warrior
6. Clothed In Righteousness
5. Praying For Poop
4. What Happened To Her?
3. A Girl and Her Dog
2. Unbroken
1. Eating An Apple With A Spoon

Gosh, was that hard! But, such a great exercise! I can see so clearly the ways God has grown me over the last year, and the many ways I continue to need His intervention...Blessings to you in 2008!

Top Ten Tuesdays--Things You Can Give Without Spending Money

Okay, so it's Wednesday and I'm a day behind. Who cares, right? Thanks to Ann for starting the Top Ten idea...sorry I didn't get to it yesterday!

Since it's the season of giving, here are some things you can give that will probably mean more than something you could buy at a store:
10. An invitation to dinner. Invite your favorite friend, couple, neighbor, co-worker, or someone new to your church over for dinner. Make it a simple meal with creative touches. Play cards, go for a walk, go look at Christmas lights, make ornaments together, etc. Make it a memorable time for all.
9. Offer to babysit. Know anyone with little ones who doesn't have much in the way of help? Offer to babysit for them for an hour or two hours or an evening or a weekend...whatever is comfortable for you. I promise it will be a treasured gift!
8. Bake bread. Bread is one of those universally appreciated gifts. It's easy and extremely inexpensive to make. It just takes a bit of time as you wait for it to rise. If you're really adventurous, include a little flavored butter with the bread.
7. Give something living. No, not one of your children or the beloved family pet. Do you have any beautiful plants in your yard or home? Bulbs that can be divided and shared? Plants overflowing their pots? Bundle them up in a nice package along with care instructions and give them away. Add a pretty bow and an offer to come and help with the planting and you've got a winner!
6. Free Christmas clean-up! Offer to help someone take down, organize and put away their Christmas decorations. That task usually falls to one unfortunate soul per household, so why not give them the gift of help and company. Take a nice lunch and/or basket of goodies along to make a day of it. They'll remember your gift next year as they unpack their neatly stored items.
5. Give the gift of the Word. Write or print out words of encouragement or promises from the Word and frame them or organize them into a booklet. This is an especially good gift for someone who is struggling with grief, loss or depression.
4. Give fitness. So many people begin the New Year with fitness goals. Offer to be a fitness buddy and set up a work-out schedule you can accomplish together.
3. Got any great recipes? Copy some of your own tried and true recipes onto pretty recipe cards. You could also include the ingredients of one of the dishes for the recipient to try. This is a great gift for newlyweds or the college grad.
2. Time. Isn't it true that everyone is running helter-skelter these days? Give the gift of time by offering to serve someone else. Offer to do yard work or wash a car or clean house or cook meals or whatever you might be gifted to do. Make it a gift of service while also spending time with the person you care for. It's a win-win.
1. Prayer. This doesn't have to be an advertised gift, but rather a personal commitment to lift a specific person in prayer. If there's someone in your life who you especially want to come to know the Lord Jesus, gift that person with your prayers and lift them daily to God.

OK, that's my list. Happy gift-giving to you all!

Top Ten Tuesdays--Reasons We Are Homeschooling (well, trying, anyway!)

Thanks, again, to Ann of More Questions Than Answers for hosting Top Ten Tuesdays!
10. We can go to school in our jammies if we want.
9. I get to spend all day with my girls, watching God's world unfold in front of them.
8. I have hundreds of daily opportunities to weave the Word of God into my girls' lives.
7. No long bus rides, brown bag lunches, heavy back packs, or school yard bullies!
6. Each of my children can learn at their own pace. We can slow down or speed up whenever we want and explore topics of interest exhaustively.
5. My girls are learning moral values based on Biblical truth, not cultural norms.
4. We have lots of opportunities to serve others as a family through our school--babysitting, cooking, visiting the elderly, etc.
3. "Extras" like music, art, drama are always in the budget!
2. My kids can be kids much longer--not "mini-adults."
1. Homeschooling is an issue of obedience, and choosing to do so makes us obedient unto the Lord.

Lord, Thanks for this list. Most days, I really don't want to obey. I whine like a little child being forced to do something that is ultimately for my own good and the good of others. Give me the desire to be obedient. Help me to remember that this is YOUR plan and Your ways are not my ways, Your thoughts are high above my thoughts. Give me a peace that surpasses any feeble understanding I might have. Thank You for having a plan for me, a plan that will ultimately lead me and my family closer to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Top Ten Tuesday--You Know A Birthday Is Coming When...

Thanks to Ann for hosting "Top Ten Tuesdays!"

Emma's birthday is fast-approaching and with it comes certain signals:

10. I find catalogs with crayon and pen circles around desired items.
9. We can't avoid the toy section at Wal-Mart because she always has "one more thing she wants to show me."
8. Handwriting for school involves her writing her own invitations to her party.
7. Every morning begins with "Only__more days until MY birthday!"
6. She asks hourly, "How many more days until my party at Chuck E. Cheese?"
5. Her ideas for her birthday cake might require a drafting board and a professional pastry chef to accomplish!
4. She's already cleared off a shelf in her cabinet for birthday gifts she hasn't even received yet.
3. I find myself digging out baby photos and getting weepy over my "baby" turning six.
2. Emma keeps asking me how old I am and then telling me, "Mommy, that's pretty old!" (Thanks a lot, pip squeak...)
1. Daughter #2, not to be outdone, has begun counting down the seven months worth of days left until her next birthday!

Thank You, Father, for this daughter of mine. Thank You for choosing me to be her mother...what a blessing! Bless her, even now, as she sleeps sweetly. Help me to treasure these last few days of her being five. Thank You for another year, month, week, day, hour, moment with her. She is a treasure and more than I could have imagined! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Top Ten Tuesdays--Thanksgiving

Thanks, Ann, for hosting Top Ten Tuesdays!

Top Ten Reasons I'm Thanking God This Thanksgiving:
10. Everyone in my immediate family is healthy this year!
9. Our remodeling projects are close to completion.
8. Olivia--she can eat the entire Thanksgiving meal with us this year--no special preparations!
7. Ruthie--she was born to sing and praise Jesus all day long and she is a constant reminder that I should do the same.
6. Emma--it is such a joy to watch her learning and growing; spending time with her is such fun!
5. Charlie--God has blessed me with a faithful, loving, prayerful husband who watches over all his girls.
4. The lateness of fall and the way it has staved off the cool weather, letting us enjoy warm weather a few extra weeks.
3. Our church body--worship was so special last Sunday as everyone spontaneously shared their love and praise of the Lord.
2. Friends and family to spend the holidays with.
1. The life-saving, life-changing grace and mercy God renews and extends to me with each breath I take. It is so amazing!

Thanks You, Lord, for the many, many ways you shower me with Your blessings. I love You! Amen

Top Ten Tuesdays--Anniversary Edition

Thanks to Ann at More Questions Than Answers for this meme!

Top Ten Memories With My Husband:

10.Our honeymoon trip to Jamaica--the extra night in Miami, the extra travel vouchers, the extra-large (and free!) ocean-view suite, the extra special grace God lavished on us.
9.Chasing down bats!
8.Telling him I was pregnant for the first time and the look of disbelief on his face--priceless!
7.Telling him I was pregnant for the second and third times and the look of anticipation on his face--priceless and a relief!
6.His hand holding mine during labor, so gentle and so strong...
5.Driving somewhere, anywhere, with him, 3 kids snoozing in the back seat, catching up on all that God is working in and through his life, listening to him share his love for our Lord.
4.Watching him whirl around endlessly in a theme park tea cup ride, getting greener and greener each moment, doing it all for the love of a little girl.
3.Watching him build a life-size igloo in our backyard for hours and hours in the freezing cold.
2.Waking to feed the baby in the middle of the night, only to find him already awake, pacing the floors with her and talking to her about Jesus.
1.The look of love on his face as I walked down the aisle as his bride...he still holds that look for me each and every day, though I don't deserve it.

I love you, husband! Happy Anniversary!

Top Ten Tuesdays--Signs Your Kids Are Getting Older

Thanks to Ann for creating a new meme, "Top Ten Tuesdays." Following her lead, mostly because our kids are about the same age, here are my top ten signs my kids are getting older:

10. No more cribs in the house.
9. Almost no more diapers in the house!
8. The kids can read their own bedtime stories.
7. Everyone but me sleeps soundly through the night.
6. My older two request privacy in the bathroom and shower, now.
5. Only one car seat in the car, accompanied by two big girl booster seats.
4. No one wants to hold my hand all the time--I actually have to ask to hold hands!
3. My oldest is starting to sound like me--yikes!
2. Board bools are being replaced by chapter books, some without pictures.
1. My daughter is getting e-mail!

It will be fun to do this again in another 5 years...