the Greatest of these is LOVE!

I have found it difficult lately to set my heart to writing. My heart has been aching as I look around me. The things I have seen have elicited so much emotion, but so few words. God has told us that if we forget all else, to remember one word.....Love. God is love. Love God. Love thy neighbor. Love your enemy. God so Loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.... and I see Love all around me. But I see so much hate. I hear negative comments...criticisms...gossip. I see senseless violence. I hear God crying out - I gave this to you. You choose what to do with it. Do something!

I don't think we realize how much power we have. I don't think we realize the strength behind a word or a look. When we were children, we were told that we could do anything - we could change the world. And we believed it. Somewhere along the way, we lost faith in our own power to change things. But the catch is that we continued unconsciously to influence things around us. We thought we couldn't impact our environment....yet we continued to impact our environment. We thought that we couldn't change other people's views and perceptions.....yet we continued to change their views and perceptions, and sometimes tainted our own beliefs along the way.

We have power! And we are not harnessing it. We are not utilizing our power to accomplish a purpose. What would happen if we would actively channel our power of influence toward a purpose? What are we capable of? Can we zap away someones negative attitude with our positive one? Maybe not. Maybe so. But we can plant a seed of hope. Can we show love instead of hate? Compassion instead of anger?

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said "Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being." Do we really have the power to help a person attain their potential? Do we have the influence? Anne Frank said "How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment, we can start now, start slowly changing the world! How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make their contribution toward introducing justice straightaway... And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! "

We have the power to teach people about love. God would not have commanded us to show love above all else if it was not possible. Christ said "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt 18:3 (KJV) Christ used the illustration of being like children. Do you think that could be because children still have limitless faith? Children still think they can change the world. Why don't we? Have we tried?

We can complain about the world around us. "What is the world coming to?" "These kids today..." But as long as we continue to be 'armchair activists' we are exhibiting the most fearful sort of influence - the influence of indifference. And those children that look to us for guidance, learn something. They learn that a person is doesn't have the power to change the world. And they are wrong!

something to think about.......................

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Audrey Hepburn

If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. 2 Chron 10:7 (KJV)

I look forward confidently to the day when all who work for a living will be one with no thought to their separateness as Negroes, Jews, Italians or any other distinctions. This will be the day when we bring into full realization the American dream -- a dream yet unfulfilled. A dream of equality of opportunity, of privilege and property widely distributed; a dream of a land where men will not take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few; a dream of a land where men will not argue that the color of a man's skin determines the content of his character; a dream of a nation where all our gifts and resources are held not for ourselves alone, but as instruments of service for the rest of humanity; the dream of a country where every man will respect the dignity and worth of the human personality. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Prov 15:1 (KJV)

The unique personality which is the real life in me, I can not gain unless I search for the real life, the spiritual quality, in others. I am myself spiritually dead unless I reach out to the fine quality dormant in others. For it is only with the god enthroned in the innermost shrine of the other, that the god hidden in me, will consent to appear.
"An Ethical Philosophy of Life" Felix Adler

I have expressed my strong interest in the mass of the people; and this is founded, not on their usefulness to the community, so much as on what they are in themselves.... Indeed every man (sic), in every condition, is great. It is only our own diseased sight which makes him little. A man is great as a man, be he where or what he may. The grandeur of his nature turns to insignificance all outward distinctions. William Ellery Channing

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Romans 12:9-10 (KJV)

The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people Franklin D. Roosevelt

Kindness is the highest form of intelligence. Negativity is poison and in all things we reap what we sow. when you are negative without tempering such actions or attitudes with kindness, you create an environment ripe for the breeding of resentment and animosity, hurt feelings are the natural outcome. The intelligence comes in when you realize that a kind word or action results in reciprocation, it opens the door to love and contentment. Negativity and criticism may help to develop a thicker skin, but pressed too hard, the skin become stone, and have you ever tried to squeeze blood from a stone *unknown

The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. Prov 18:4 (KJV)

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Prov 18:8 (KJV)

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Prov 31:26 (KJV)

I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration; I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35 (KJV)

I think that this is the first time I am meeting most of you. But to me, whether it is an old friend or new friend, there’s not much difference anyway, because I always believe we are the same; we are all human beings. Of course, there may be differences in our cultural background or way of life, there may be differences in our faith, or we may be of a different color, but we are human beings, consisting of the human body and the human mind. Our physical structure is the same, and our mind and our emotional nature are also the same. Whenever I meet people, I always have the feeling that I am encountering another human being, just like myself. I find it is much easier to communicate with others on that level. If we emphasize specific characteristics, like I am Tibetan or I am Buddhist, then there are differences. But those things are secondary. If we can leave the differences aside, I think we can easily communicate, exchange ideas, and share experiences. Dalai Lama

And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. 34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. Lev 19:33-34 (KJV)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14 (KJV) AMEN.

One Laptop Per Child

http://www.laptopgiving.org/

Looking for the ultimate Christmas gift? Buy one of these computers for your child and one will be given to another child. Note that $200 of the purchase price is tax deductible.

We usually spend very little on our children for Christmas. They are so blessed anyways. But this year we are probably going to spend a little more, and get them a computer to share. As a benefit, we will be giving another child a tool for learning. I want my children to know that I wish to provide for the children of the world in addition to them. I hope that by so doing, I will help nourish a desire in them to provide for the needs of people less fortunate than themselves.

These computers have recently become available to donate. Starting tomorrow, November 12, and through November 26, they will be available to purchase for your personal use. The catch is that they are only available on a buy one, give one basis. What an incredible plan! For less than half the price of a standard laptop, you can purchase two - one to keep, one to give. Please check out their site, and read more about this incredible product. The frequently asked questions section should answer any questions you may have.

What a valuable lesson our children can learn from our purchase decisions. Please consider this organization and others like it, when you are planning your shopping list.

Can You Out-Give God? Wanna try?

My husband raised an interesting point yesterday. He stated that you never hear about people giving their way to financial ruin. Basically, you never hear about people giving so much to others that it financially breaks them. Why is that?

I can think of a couple of reasons that people head down the path to financial ruin. The most notable of these is consumption of unnecessary stuff. People financially ruin themselves by consumption. They buy. They use. It is gone. They buy more. The television is an advertising tool. It nurtures desire for stuff. Even food. I can be full. Next thing I know a commercial comes on showing a juicy burger, or ......pizza! Suddenly, I DESIRE food. I try to think of something else, but my mind goes back to that image.

It works the same way for stuff. Not just the commercials, but the programs. I can glance at almost any show on television, and say "Oooh, look at that table, door, stained glass window, vase, sofa (you get the picture). That would look great in my house". Speaking of houses, there sure on some neat ones on TV. I think back to when I when I used to watch "Friends". I have never seen an apartment so large...and well decorated! And several of those folks were unemployed!!!

I hate to allow my kids to watch cartoons. Not just because it is senseless rot, but because of the commercials for toys, toys, and more toys. All I hear is "I want", "I gotta have". We buy. We use. It is gone.

Everything God has given us temporarily for our time on earth is small. He has saved the true treasure and riches for us in heaven. He wants first to see what we do with the small things we are entrusted with on earth. That is how he determines what he will entrust us with in heaven. It is a test. What does your score look like?

People that give, give, give just don't buy, buy, buy. They don't fall prey as frequently to the "gotta haves". And that is simply because their desire to give to others is greater that their sense of want. When you look outside yourself to the needs of others, you don't feel the selfish pangs urging you to CONSUME.

I would love to be that kind of person, but I have to confess, I just am not there. I love to give to others, but I frequently catch myself weighing my 'giving' against my 'wanting'. Just this morning I caught myself filling my 'wish list' shopping basket, full of soap making supplies, so when payday hits, I am ready to buy, buy, buy, at the touch of a key. I want to increase my score! I want to be a giver, and not a consumer. I want to try to give my way to financial ruin. After all, I have already figured out how to buy my way to financial ruin.

So, why can't you give your way to financial ruin? Because you can't out-give God. Every time you give with pure intentions, it comes back to you. God will continue to entrust you with more and more of his treasure. But wouldn't it be fun to try?! How would you like to be the first person in history to out-give God? Wanna try?

Quick Quotes of Note

A fresh mind keeps the body fresh. Take in the ideas of the day, drain off those of yesterday. As to the morrow, time enough to consider it when it becomes today. Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. Albert Schweitzer

How well I have learned that there is no fence to sit on between heaven and hell. There is a deep, wide gulf, a chasm, and in that chasm is no place for any man. Johnny Cash

No man ever prayed heartily without learning something. Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve. Albert Schweitzer

Fire! Fire!

I tried to start an electrical fire this morning! For those curious folks, electrical fire + caffeine does not equal steady hands. My hair dryer has been trying to go out. It has been flickering in and out, but I have been trying to keep it going. I am a little attached to my hair dryer. See, I have what I like to refer to as combination hair - combination curly and straight. So, allowed to follow it's natural form, it resembles a well-used mop. Sheer vanity prohibits me from going out as a mop head. I used to....then I saw the pictures. Ouch!

So.......today I had just finished drying the very front of my hair and, POP, sparks fly from the hair dryer to my arm, the back pops off it, and it shuts off as it flies from my hand to the floor. (as I look on, ready to run for the fire extinguisher) I have a small burn on my arm and the bathroom smells like 'burning'.

You know, I can't help but look back and see the warning signs. Just like our nerves warn our brain with pain when we touch something hot, there were warning signs leading up to the POP! The dryer started flickering on and off (Warning! Danger Ahead!). It even started loosening from the outlet, which, by the way, is not a loose outlet (Stop Now! You can still turn back!). Just like God tries to warn us of danger ahead with an unsettling feeling. The Holy Spirit always gives us a warning sign when we are leading down a dangerous path.

But I did what I so often do when I receive those warnings. I plowed ahead. After all, I know what I'm doing. I'm in control! I can play with fire and not get burned. Right? POP! Flying sparks! Oh! You were talking to me, God? I hear you now!

We have warning signs all around us. Stress, fatigue, headaches, illness, depression. These are all warning signs to Stop! Danger Ahead! What are they danger signs of? That is different for everyone. Often it is trying to accomplish too much in too little time. Other times it is a warning sign of living an unhealthy lifestyle. Sometimes, it is a detour sign from God telling us that he has a clearer path for us that leads toward a life of abundance.

My oldest daughter has had migraines since she was five years old. The cause seems unclear to medical professionals. Their solution is to help her deal with it. They actually told me that she would likely have them for life, but that most women find they start to taper off after menopause. Menopause?! She is eight!! I refuse to accept that. I see it as a warning sign. My God, the great I Am, can do anything!!!!! And we will continue to make small changes in lifestyle to try to lead us toward the path to abundance.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

An Amazing Story!

My family experienced one of the most amazing examples of koinonia last night. I just have to share. Koinonia is a Greek word that translates as participation, social intercourse, benefaction, fellowship, communion, communication, distribution, and sharing. As many of you know, it is my passion. I wish to live my life teaching others of how incredibly rich and blessed their lives can be if they spend their time in communion with others, in fellowship, sharing with people, giving to people. My life is exceedingly, abundantly above anything I could have imagined it to be. I'm not wealthy. But I am blessed. Let me begin my story. See for yourself.

I was approached by a friend at church in September. She informed me that she had been approached by an individual who wanted to provide a 'date night' for my husband and I. I was told that child care would be provided. We were to choose a restaurant and let her know of times that we would be available, and she would get back to us with arrangements.

Last night, at the arranged upon time, we dropped our girls off for a pizza and movie party with friends who agreed to help. All the arrangements were made for us by our contact person. We then proceeded to Carrabas for our 6:15 reservation. I must note that Carrabas does not take reservations, but made a special exception. We were led to a special booth, beautifully decorated especially for us. The table was dressed with a lacy tablecloth and there was a gorgeous bouquet of flowers in a glass vase in the center of the table. Our benefactor had put so much care in providing a romantic environment - from the flickering tea lights to the beautiful napkin rings. And leaning against the vase of flowers was a card addressed to us.

Well, I can't share the details of the card. But know that there were two sets of eyes welling up at that table. And it did reveal our benefactor, who then came out and gave us hugs, took a couple of pictures, told us to enjoy our evening, and disappeared. It was another dear, precious friend of ours, and a complete surprise. We proceeded to enjoy the evening, eating wonderful food, and enjoying amazing service. Many of the staff members came by, telling us they had been dying all day to know the occasion for our special night. They looked at us dumbfounded as we said that we didn't have an occasion. We just have the coolest, most amazing friends ever!

We were told to take the flowers with us. They were ours. And we faced the awkward task of leaving without paying. Our friend had taken care of the details.

Koinonia doesn't just mean fellowship. It means giving. It means sharing. Our friend shared a part of herself when she selflessly provided this incredible evening for us. We have no way of knowing the number of people she touched in the process. Who in the restaurant that night could possibly have heard the story, and been touched by Christ operating through our friend? How about the staff? Do you think our young waitress could tell her children twenty years from now the story of one night long ago, when she was waiting tables? Who was possibly moved to change while witnessing our teary prayer before our meal? Could it have made a difference in our friend, providing for us? I pray that God will bless her a hundred fold. I know it made a difference in our lives. It is yet more evidence of Christ in the world. To quote my husband - this is what life is like when you live in the Kingdom.

What Do You Do With Every 86,400 Seconds?

I think back to when I was in High School. My junior year, we had a young man die while playing a school football game. I don’t remember all the details. What I remember was the thoughts running through my head after it happened. I remember thinking that he would never graduate, never go to college. He was a senior, and his whole final year had been dedicated to preparation for graduation and college. I knew him. He was exhausted. But he was focused on the ‘once I attain this or that, I can rest and have some fun’. He never got the opportunity. I remember thinking, what a waste. He never grasped that which he was reaching for. If he would have known, would he have lived differently? Would he have spent less time studying and filling out applications, and more time visiting with friends and family? I mean, planning for a future is a great plan. But how often do we push the present aside, only looking toward the future?

I have been speaking to so many people lately who feel overwhelmed by their circumstances. They are working long hours at a job they detest. They are running to and from activities. They are studying for a better degree. They are putting in long hours, trying to obtain a promotion. They are trying to make it to PTA meetings, helping kids with homework, cheering for their kid's sport team. They are working two or three jobs to try to pay for a bigger house, accessories for their BlackBerry, a nicer car, a neater vacation, and to pay their medical bills from all their stress-related illnesses. On top of all those responsibilities, they still have the simple tasks of living, like cleaning, laundry, eating, and paying bills. Into the tiny cracks of time they have remaining, they try to cram in 'living'.

Every now and then I feel overwhelmed. Between teaching, driving to and from activities, church, cooking, cleaning, bill paying, grocery shopping, and laundry, it is a wonder we ever have time for each other and friends. But most days I am content with my life. But it has been a difficult road to contentment.

We used to work a lot. I worked long hours. My husband worked long hours. We were barely getting by. Funny things started to happen to us both. My job became unbearable. Things were crumbling at my husband's job. So I took a job for less money, but more time at home. Then, at work, they started throwing more time at me. Christ was just becoming an important part of my life. He started making me VERY uncomfortable where I was working. They started making me work overtime and weekends with no notice, which is kind of hard to do when you have child care to provide for. My husband kept the girls with him at word during the week, but if we both had to work on the weekend, we were in trouble. Just how many people do you know you can find to keep a couple of small children at 5 am on a Saturday? So, I started looking for yet another job. I found one with the school system. Alea was starting Kindergarten, and I could get her on and off the school bus -a major dilemma, since we went to work so early. But the pay was very, very low (15K gross!). My husband told me that he believed God was weaning us off my paycheck.

That was the year God started telling me about home schooling. To add to the pressure from God, my kindergartner was incessantly sick. She even had her scalp split on the playground one day. So we made the choice for me to quit work, and home school our girls, beginning at the end of the school year. As soon as we committed to that choice, Alea stopped getting sick.

It was difficult at first. Although my husband was working long hours, he was making very little over minimum wage. We found consolation in the fact that we still had more time together, and the girls and I were, for the first time, building a relationship. But God is faithful, and less than a year after I quit work, He made it possible for Darrell to make more than the additional 15K I had been earning.

God gives us all the same amount of time every day. None of us get a 26 hour or 30 hour day. But He grants us freedom in what we choose to do with our time. Some of us choose to strive for success. I used to be in that boat. But what I found was that I never attained it. The measuring stick for success kept changing. It seemed to me that once I started climbing the proverbial ladder to success, every time I moved up a rung, another one popped up above me. When I got a raise, I needed a newer car. Once I got a newer car, I needed a better job. It was a never-ending cycle. Instead of being content whatever my circumstances, I was always reaching for other circumstances.

But some people live for contentment, enjoying the moments as they tick by. It may look like they don’t have as much in the way of possessions. They may have a smaller house, and an older car. They may appear to go without what some of us would deem necessities. But I have noticed a look of peace on their faces that I am willing to trade my possessions for.

I am not afraid of hard work. In fact, I think my days are more full of work than they were before. The difference is that I feel fulfilled. I am not striving for something else that eludes my grasp. I no longer find myself thinking about what I can accomplish on my vacation days. I don't long for a better car, nicer clothes (okay maybe I long for nicer clothes :)), or more exotic vacations. My job is not only one of a housekeeper, teacher, and cook. My job is one of a relationship builder. And I am content.

I want every day of my life to include fellowship with my family and friends, and appreciation for something God had placed around me for my enjoyment. I want every day to include more serving, and less receiving or expecting. I want every day to let God know He is my priority. I want every day to let my family know I love and cherish them. I want every day to let my friends know that I appreciate and value them. I want every day to let a stranger know that I notice them, even if just by eye contact and a smile. I want every day to be content with what I have, and as the minutes tick by, not be thinking about what tomorrow‘s journey may bring. After all, today may be my last tomorrow.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:23

"One of the illusions of life is that the present hour is not the critical, decisive hour. Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"There are 86,400 seconds in a day. It's up to you to decide what to do with them." Jim Valvano

“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” Benjamin Franklin

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1

"To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." Jim Valvano

“To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, Every cubic inch of space is a miracle.” Walt Whitman

"What is a thousand years? Time is short for one who thinks, endless for one who yearns." Henri Alain-Fournier

"To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else." Emily Elizabeth Dickinson

"We say that the hour of death cannot be forecast, but when we say this we imagine that hour as placed in an obscure and distant future. It never occurs to us that it has any connection with the day already begun or that death could arrive this same afternoon, this afternoon which is so certain and which has every hour filled in advance." Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The Transformation of Halloween

As a little girl, I always dressed up in costume, and celebrated Halloween. There was no thought put into it at all. That is what you did. We lived on a long street that ended in a cul-du-sac, and it would take a couple of hours to travel all the way up and down the street collecting candy, visiting 'haunted houses' and 'magic' shows put on by all our creative neighbors.

When I grew up and had children, I truly looked forward to sharing Halloween with my kids. I mean, you teach and enjoy your kids every day, but there are just a couple of days a year just to have childish fun. Halloween was one.

Then I became a Christian. I didn't want to be a mere 'church attendee' but a true 'Christ follower'. And there are opinions running rampant through church about Halloween. I was informed that Halloween is evil by some. I was told by others that Halloween was fine as long as your kids dressed in 'nice' costumes, not 'evil' ones. I was told by others that Halloween was fine as long as you went to a church event ie. fall festival or trunk or treat. The worst that I was told was that Halloween was not only evil, but that children born on Halloween were evil, children of the devil, with no opportunity for redemption.

I have studied my Bible profusely. I have looked into the history and lore surrounding Halloween . With opinions abounding, all I can do is practice discernment. Here is what I have decided for my family. Halloween is not a pagan holiday. True it does not celebrate Christ - neither does Independence Day, or Thanksgiving, or Valentine's Day, or many other holidays. I will never have the significance of Passover. I will never love it like passover. It doesn't serve a purpose. It is fun. It is about imagination.

Everyone loves make-believe. As we grow up so many of us allow our imaginations to atrophy. We get caught up in the cycle of living and providing, that we don't allow our imaginations to exercise. Albert Einstein said that imagination was greater than knowledge. Exercising our imaginations allows us to create and invent. To me, Halloween is an opportunity to exercise that imagination, to have fun, to play.

I used to be concerned about my girls wanting to dress as something that I believed to be 'bad'. You know, it was okay to be Wonder Woman..... but a witch? I dunno! Doesn't that fall into the evil category, right alongside vampires, goblins, zombies?! Then it hit me. I don't believe in those things. They are make believe! Just like fairy princesses, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Winnie the Poo, and Superman! They are scary, but not evil. Some people like to be scared. After all, isn't that the appeal of roller coasters? The adrenaline rush comes from fear and excitement. For now, I don't want my girls to dress scary either. They are just too young. But it is not an issue of good versus evil. Now, if they were to want to dress as the Devil, I would say NO WAY! He is real and he is evil!

I don't think my way is right or wrong for everyone. We have very close friends who don't celebrate Halloween. We still love them-and we respect them as Christians. We have very close friends who dress up and go to 'haunted trails' and 'haunted houses' for a good scare. We still love them - and respect them as Christians. God gave my husband and I only one family to manage during our time here on earth. We can only use our knowledge of the scripture, and our abilities of discernment to make choices for ourselves. Sometimes we are right, and sometimes we are wrong. Our goal is to keep traveling forward on our journey to be Christ-like.

This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land

I sit out on my porch and survey the land around me. I feel a sense of pride over the improvements we have made with our house and land over the 9 years we have lived here. I think of the camping rule - always leave the campsite cleaner than you found it. That is how I see my house. Yes, officially I am a homeowner. But is it really mine? Or is it my campsite? Is it where I am stopping for rest and rejuvenation along my journey?

My daughter often takes a deep breath when we arrive home. She tells me that the air at our home is fresher than other places. It is comforting. It is ours. It is our place for rest and rejuvenation. But is it ours?

God created the heavens and the earth. He created everything we see here today. He created the materials that we use in the construction of our houses. And then...He created us. Not long afterwards, we stepped in and started claiming ownership. But is it ours? Or are we merely the stewards?

We hear so much about being a good steward. Be a good steward of your money. Be a good steward of your resources. Be a good steward of the earth's natural resources. So, what is a steward anyways? Webster defines stewardship as "the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care". Wikipedia defines stewardship as "personal responsibility for taking care of another person's property or financial affairs. "

So, a steward is someone who MANAGES something that BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE. I think it is very important that we grasp that everything in our 'possession' doesn't belong to us. We don't own it. It is not ours. Our house, our land, our computer, even our family, belong to God.

Every night, when we say prayers as a family, I thank God for the family and friends that God has given me to share my time on this earth. As dearly as I love my children, I do not claim ownership of them. It sounds weird, but I assure you that if you really grab hold of the idea that your children are not yours, but merely entrusted to your care by God, it WILL change forever your relationship with them. My husband and I were entrusted to each others care by God himself. Neat huh?! I see it as just another bit of evidence that God loves me dearly.

I think that once people allow this simple fact to sink in, it will really change the way they see things around them. It really starts to chip away at the 'mine versus yours' train of thought. You can really spot people who have begun to grasp this concept. You see them as natural 'givers'. I had a friend come up to me and ask me if I had a digital camera. I said yes, and they said 'is it a really nice one?' Seems they were given one, and found they really didn't need it, so they thought they would pass it along. It was in someone else's possession within minutes. Another friend, enjoying fellowship at the home of another, commented on a big glass jar 'where can I find one like that? I love it.' The hostess said 'right here' and handed it to the admirer.

I see things like this daily! This train of thought is at the root of Koinonia Community. Mi casa es su casa (my house is your house). You have a need? I can help with that. I have a need. Thank you so much for your help.

Acts 2:42-47 NLT

42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[a]), and to prayer.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[b]—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

I believe that if God has entrusted us to manage things for Him, we must be efficient managers. We must make sure that our books stay in the black, so to speak. We must keep a low overhead. What better way to do that then to share resources with other managers?

I was reading a book about debt free church management recently. It spoke of wasted church resources. Apparently many churches go into severe debt for the construction of a building. A building that sits unoccupied for much of it's existence. Think about it - Sunday morning services, maybe Sunday and Wednesday evening. Let's say you have choir or praise team practice on Tuesday evenings for a couple hours, and maybe a Thursday evening men's group and ladies group. Let's say you are a very active church and have a singles group and maybe even something for the youth on Friday nights. Your building would still sit vacant for all of Monday, 20+ hours on Tuesdays, 20+ hours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, all of Saturday, and maybe 16 hours of Sunday. Some churches try to balance it out by leasing out use of facilities, usually for a minimal donation, to other groups and organizations. Wouldn't it be neat if more than one church could SHARE a facility?!

What about us? How many of us have a truck in our household, just for those instances when we need to haul stuff? How about a lawnmower? We use ours two hours a week (if it doesn't rain) for all but about 4 months of a year. The rest of the time is sits idle, gathering spider webs. How many of us have a garage full of tools, which we need and use, but only occasionally? What if we could pool our resources and have a truck at our disposal, a lawnmower (we could get a better one together), tools, etc. that we could SHARE. We may even, inadvertently create opportunities for fellowship. 'You need the truck to go pick up some lumber? I need some shingles. Why don't we go together.' or 'You are using the tools to work on your car? I need to change my oil. Why don't I help you get finished quicker, and you can help me. And as an added bonus, sharing resources makes us better stewards or this environment we were given to manage - fewer vehicle emissions, fewer items to fill landfills, etc.

It is my desire to be a good steward of everything God entrusts to my care. I don't always make the right choices, but I have found that the better job I do managing, the more he blesses me to manage. Jesus gave us some management training in a few of the parables he delivered to his listeners. See Matthew 25:14-30 to read the Parable of the Talents, Luke 16 to read the Parable of the Shrewd Manager, and Luke 19:11-27 to read the Parable of the Ten Minas. Jesus thought it important to instruct us on the finer points of management. Maybe we should not only store these teachings in our heart, but start putting them into practice. Now, managers, lets go out and change the world!

The Importance of Fellowship

Koinonia is often translated as fellowship. How important is fellowship? How important is getting together with other people?

Scientists have studied the longevity of married people versus singles. They have found in every study that married people live longer than people that never marry. They have found that married people have fewer health problems. Now does this mean that a wedding ceremony instantly wipes away illness? No way. The root of the problem is isolation and loneliness.

Think back to when you were in high school. What was your greatest desire? For most of us, it was to belong. We wanted somewhere where we felt like we were a necessary part of a group. Why do you think kids join gangs? To feel like a necessary piece of a puzzle. To feel camaraderie. To belong.

Houses used to be built close together. They had big front porches and front lawns where entire neighborhoods would gather and chat. Folks would sit and greet their neighbors as they returned home. They would sit and share a drink and chat. They would slow down and relax, and invest in the lives of their neighbors. Ever been sick and wishing for a steaming bowl of chicken soup? Neighbors knew when someone was sick, and would look in on them.

Today front porches have been replaced with back decks. Today people want more land, more privacy, higher fences, gated neighborhoods, and bigger houses so they never have to go outside. Everything they need is at their fingertips, in their nice, climate controlled environment. Even the outside hot tub has been replaced with a jetted tub in the privacy of their own bathroom. They don't even walk out to get their mail. They drive the car close to the box, blocking traffic, so they never have to get out of their car.

We complain about how people in the stores are so RUDE. What do we expect? They have no socialization skills, because they never socialize. It is a fact that isolation builds self-centeredness. People have forgotten that other people go through trials just like they do. That is why support groups have become so popular. Deep down we all desire fellowship. We all desire to be a part of something. We all desire to share our hopes and dreams, and struggles with other people.

It was always my dream to buy a big chunk of land, and build a big log house in the middle of the woods. Ahhh, completely silent, but for the sounds of nature. But the more I think about fellowship, the more that big chunk of land and woods seems like a box to me. The thought of having a really neat place, and no one else but my family to share it with, somehow seems inadequate. And then, I think, how will I be able to teach my children about sharing and giving, if I am hoarding, saying 'all this is ours', not theirs.

I want to live close to my neighbors, and have a big front porch with a free soda machine on it. That way everyone with stop by for a drink and a chat. I hope I get so busy chatting that we are forced to eat sandwiches every night for supper, because I got nothing accomplished. That would be living life.

Lately, there have been stories of kids killing. There have been stories of kids claiming their own lives. Do you think these kids had a feeling of belonging? Do you think they had a strong history of fellowship? Do you think they sat around and chatted on the porch with their neighbors? Or do you think they felt isolated? Alone? Different? Misunderstood? Do you think they were loners who sat quietly and unnoticed at school, and came home and shut themselves in their own rooms with their own thoughts?

I want to show my children that the stories in the Bible are not mere stories of what people did long ago, but a blueprint for how we should live our lives. I want to show them that it is possible, in the modern world, to live like Christ. I want to show them that miracles can again be commonplace. I want to show them how to change the news. I want to show them that they are an important piece of the puzzle, and an impact on the lives of others. And I don't want to just tell them about it, I want them to see it in action by the way we live.

Acts of Random Kindness

We took the girls to the $2.00 movie theater the other week, and they fell in love with Evan Almighty. In fact, it came out on video, and we purchased it. At the end of the movie 'God' tells Evan about continuing to build ARKs aka. Acts of Random Kindness. Cool acronym! It got me thinking. The Bible tells us to do things for others, but to do them in secret. Matthew 6:1 says "Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven." I love the way the NLT translates that. Watch out! Like a big 'Warning! Danger ahead!' sign. Matthew goes on to tell us that the hypocrites want everyone else to notice their good deeds. That is their reward. The praise. The recognition. The attaboys. And they rob themselves of a reward from their heavenly Father.

So.........if we are supposed to do our good deeds in private, how do we become a catalyst for change? After all, no one knows what we have done. How will others be inspired to do acts of random kindness for others? By the actions of those whose lives we touch. Some of my favorite stories are those of someone whose life was forever changed by the actions of a stranger. The story reaches legend status. Sometimes the stranger transforms into a mystical guardian angel as time passes. They saved a life. They helped someone in their greatest moment of need. Sometimes they have changed the course of someones life forever with an encouraging word, or even just a smile when no one else would look their way.

What acts of random kindness do you perform? Sometimes we feel we aren't equipped to change the lives of others. We don't have the time to care for someones children or feed the homeless. We don't have the resources to pay someone else's power bill. And we haven't had an opportunity to rescue someone from a burning building or speeding train. We are over scheduled, overburdened, stressed, exhausted, broke. What do we have to offer?

I believe the greatest acts of random kindness don't take money, or even much time. They are a glance and a smile to the person on the street when you would normally avert your gaze. They are a friendly hello and look of understanding to the enraged, frazzled mom who parks her van in the fire zone in front of the store. They are a hug for the friends who we encounter and usually only take the time to cover the formalities. Or maybe us introducing ourselves to the man or woman who you see at church every week, sitting alone, and speaking to no one. They are us telling our loved ones how incredibly special they are, and how much they truly mean to us. They are listening to one's troubles instead of telling your own. Sometimes they can be as simple as taking a far away parking space so someone else can stumble upon the 'dream spot'. Or sometimes simply letting a few people get behind you in the check out line, and stepping to the back of the line, letting them all go first.

So....what acts of random kindness do you perform? What can you do? I promise you that doing acts of random kindness is the greatest prescription for anxiety, stress, exhaustion, and feelings of inadequacy that money can't buy. It will make you feel powerful, capable of impacting the lives of others, and in return, your own.

Koinonia - moving right along

Koinonia community is not just a theoretical ideal. It is going to become a reality. We are still working on selling our house. We are still looking for land on which to establish this community. I have no doubt God is going to make it all happen. But here is the catch. How are we going to be able to purchase land, and still be able to build a house to live in, and build up a community? So many people are excited about the idea, but instead of being truly 'on board' are 'sitting back and observing'.....sounds awesome......can't wait to see how it turns out for ya........So how is it all going to come together? On a farmer's income? We just are not going to walk away from the sale of our house with a bucket of cash.

But I believe in dreaming large. My bulletin board contains several scriptures, but the central message is ATTEMPT SOMETHING SO GREAT IT CAN NOT SUCCEED UNLESS GOD IS IN IT. That means, if God is in it, it can NOT fail. Just over a year ago, during a chat with our pastor and his wife, they asked Darrell and I if we could accomplish anything and money was no object, what would it be (or something to that effect). Darrell said he would like to create a company to give money to charity, like Paul Newman's company. Did you know Paul Newman's company has given over $200 Million since 1982? I said I would like to establish a true Koinonia community. What if the two are connected? What if we create a company to support Koinonia community, and enable our community to give to the greater community?

I have a passion for making things. Jewelry, ornaments, food, soap - all things crafty. What if we could establish a company for making such things, and use the proceeds to finance Koinonia Community? What if this company gave any profit for charity, scholarships, etc.?

And as a side note-what a cool homeschooling lesson that would be.

See, that is where my idea came from. My eight year old decided she wanted to raise money for construction of a new church our church is planting. So she is making hand drawn bookmarks, and laminating them (laminator donated by Grandpa :0) other supplies donated by Mom and Dad). She has been selling them for 50 cents. For every bookmark she sells, she is giving 40 cents to the new church, and keeping 10 cents. In just over a week she has donated over $20 to our new church.

This was entirely her idea. And I have to say, it rather humbled me. How can I give up? How can I say it is going to be too difficult, when an eight year old can come up with a simple plan and put it into action?

So.......I need some feedback from my blogosphere friends. Any advise? I know there are all sorts of loans available to women intending to start a small business, but I do not intend to borrow any money for this. Know of any grants I should look into? I'm not even sure how it would fit in as a 'not for profit' organization. Any knowledge of where to get this information? I don't even mind hearing if you just think I am totally nuts - I've heard it before ;-) Anyways, God doesn't choose the qualified, he qualifies the chosen.

Most of all, I need lots of prayers. I believe God wants this to happen, but it would sure make me feel better if you told him you want it to happen too. Thanks y'all! And remember, ATTEMPT SOMETHING SO GREAT IT CAN NOT SUCCEED UNLESS GOD IS IN IT!

Have you ever fasted?

I have a question (actually questions) for anyone reading:

Have you ever fasted?
How long?
Was there anything you ate or drank?
For what purpose did you fast?
Do you feel it was successful toward this purpose?
Did you follow 'business as usual' while fasting, or dedicate your whole time toward prayer, bascically taking a fast from regular daily obligations?

Thanks!

Amazing Grace

You must see this! This gentleman spoke and sang at the Catalyst Conference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMF_24cQqT0

The New Koinonia

I am back. And God spoke to me about some changes I need to make. First and foremost is this blog. The purpose of this blog is to lead people to a greater understanding of koinonia. It is also here to lead ME to a greater understanding of koinonia. By thinking through biblical principals, and by discussing it with other people, I hope to learn, learn, learn. And by doing so, I hope to grow, grow, grow.

I don't need to speak to only mature Christians to learn and grow. Everyone is capable of providing insight. Everyone is capable of initiating deep thought, and prompting me to look deeper for answers. I have to tell you though - I am in the pursuit of knowledge, not debate. I am not a gifted debater. I am a teacher. And I spend most of my time talking to young children.

Several months ago I participated in an incredible Bible study. It brought up the following questions. These questions are ones that I try to ask myself when making decisions. I made bookmarks with them to to remind myself daily (maybe I need to tape them to my debit card). If I can get to the point where I can ask myself these questions ALL THE TIME, just think of how far I could progress.

1) Will it glorify God?

2) Will it build up my life in Christ?

3) Will it honor the Word of God?

4) Will it cause anyone to stumble?

5) Will it help me to be a better witness for Christ?

I want to ask those questions of anything I type on this blog. What I write may not be exciting or glamorous. It may not be funny. It may not tell you what is going on in the exciting and glamorous lives of my family. But I hope to open your mind and mine to the Word of God. I desire to glorify God. I desire to build up my life in Christ. I desire to honor the Word of God. I desire to lift people up, not to cause them to stumble. I desire to be a better witness for Christ.

Try to put those questions at the forefront of your decision making. Let me know how it goes.

Try to See Behind The Mask

Alea was a colicy baby. Very colicy!!! I was still working, and she cried from just before I got home from work around 3:00 in the afternoon, until around 3:00 in the morning - with a couple of scattered hours of blessed sleep in between. I was sleeping between 2-4 hours a night EVERY night-for months. I gave up breast feeding because she would just thrash and beat against me as I would try to nurse her. She could not stand to be still. When I went grocery shopping I would put her in a sling or front carrier, and every time I would stop to read a label or get something off a shelf, she would start screaming again. When we would be driving through town, every time we stopped at a red light her tirade would begin, and continue until the light changed, and we rushed forward. I remember thinking about running the light. Surely everyone would understand! I would sit there frantically waiting for someone to let me go when waiting to turn. I remember rushing into an opening, and having horns blared and harsh words spoken. I just wanted to cry out "You just don't know what I am going through. If you did, you may understand! Maybe you have been in my shoes. What do I do?"

We all have those moments. We are going through something difficult, and still people react harshly to us, with no understanding of the the challenges we are faced with. Or maybe we have reacted harshly to others. I know I have. The person who cut me off on the freeway. The mother of five paying with five sets of WIC vouchers - in the express lane. The folks at the mall who took the parking space I had been waiting patiently for (pregnant, with a toddler, and in early labor, I might add) and then taunted me about how the exercise would do me some good anyways. I remember wishing I could find another space quickly enough that they would see me laboriously and dramatically exit my car with my enormous belly, pained look, and toddler on my hip, and slowly make my way all the way from my distant parking space, pausing now and then as a contraction hit.

1 Corinthians 13

1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;[a] but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[b] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless.
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[c] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

Wow! What an incredible lesson Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 13. Paul's letters frequently mentioned the importance of unity. He tells us in his letter the importance of love. It will endure forever! Without it our actions are meaningless. He instructs us to put ourselves in the shoes of others, to clothe ourselves in patience and kindness, and throw away the robes of jealousy and rudeness.

When Darrell and I were married, our pastor read and explained this passage to us. Then he told us something I will never forget. He told us that our marriage vows were a vow to God, not a vow we made to each other. That really changes the way you see a vow. It really helps you to persevere when you hit rough roads. It is no longer between me and this other person, it is about the relationship between me and God.

Isn't it the same thing when we make a vow to God regarding living our life for Jesus Christ? We commit ourselves to following the commandments God outlined for us in the Bible. We are then told that all of the commandments can be covered by the command to love God, and love one another. Just in case we wonder where to go from there, Paul steps in and teaches us what love is. So, if I don't show patience and kindness towards others, I am breaking my promise to God? I hurt my relationship with God when I am rude and irritable toward one of his children. Don't get me wrong. God is full of mercy. But my witness is damaged. I think of the story of the woman with all the Christian logos on her car, who was stopped by the State Trooper. He saw her yell and 'gesture' to another driver when she was cut off, and assumed the car was stolen.

My goal, of which I constantly fall short, is to capture 1Corinthians, and store it throughout my being. I pray that whenever I face challenges in dealing with other people, that I will pull this passage to the forefront of my thoughts. I pray that I will then move outside myself, stop thinking about how these people are affecting me, and try to see behind the masks they are wearing. I desire to see them through Christ's eyes. I desire to see them with the love that He has for them. I will never know what challenges they are facing, but I pray that God will constantly prompt me to see them as children of God, hidden behind their masks.

New Batch of Laundry Soap

Okay, batch two of my homemade laundry soap. I finally located Zote soap. I have not had any luck locating Fels Naptha (without ordering it online - kinda ruins the whole money saving thing). Zote was offered as an alternative. I got to researching Zote. It is made in Mexico. So I head off to the local Latin market. Guess what?! I found five choices for laundry bar soap!!!! I have been searching high and low for ANYTHING, and in I walk and discover 5 CHOICES! You would have thought I had discovered gold.

So, here are my pictures. Much prettier than the detergent made with Colgate Octagon, which was a khaki color. The scent is also milder. I finally placed the scent of Zote. It smells a lot like Murphy's oil soap. I love that smell! Something else I found out while checking into Zote soap. Apparently they use it to make catfish bait. REALLY!!! It is reported to be irresistible to catfish. Check it out online. Well, I had better go wash some clothes. Bye for now!

Midweek Grumblings aka. Immigration Reform Needed!

It has been brought to my attention that I have been an extremely slack blogger this past week or so. Why, why, why, you ask? Because I'm tired! Why, why, why, you ask? Oh, I'm so glad you asked. (my open invitation to rant ;0))

My husband has been completely unable to get any farm help. I believe he has gone through five new folks in the last month. He hasn't had a regular full staff since they expanded nearly three years ago. People beg for a job, then don't show up. They show up for a day or two, then walk off the job in the middle of the day without a word. They come in late. They leave early. One young man, after arriving over an hour late for work, asked to leave early to take his mom grocery shopping. Seems he wanted to leave at lunch time since she doesn't like to be out after dark. He had only worked two out of the previous five days. My favorite, and this one has occurred a few times, is the folks that don't show up for work for a few days - no call or anything- and then show back up to work as if nothing happened. Then when they get replaced, they apply for unemployment AND GET IT!!! What is the deal?

So, in the mean time, my hubby is doing all their work. And he is tired. And I am tired because I am picking up the slack from him working all the time.

Which brings me to my rant of the month - OUR LAME IMMIGRATION LAWS! Why is it that people fear bringing people into this country to work? Why do people fear that foreigners are going to take American jobs? There are plenty of jobs out there available. The thing is they require hard work. And so many Americans want a free ride. Now, I will try not to generalize too much. We do let SOME people into this country. We let Canadians cross over about any time they want to. We let European and Asian tourists come over at will. We don't extend the same courtesy to Latin Americans.

Here are a couple of examples I know of personally. My SIL is from El Salvador. Her daughter, who was 16, wanted to go to El Salvador for the summer. They did not want her to travel there alone. So....my SIL tried to get her sister to fly up from El Salvador for a two week visit, and then have her chaperone my niece on her flight. So they attempted to apply for some sort of temporary visa (I don't know all the proper terms). Our government happily accepted her more than $100 application fee - then refused her request. My SIL and BIL turned over all their financial info, wrote letters for appeal stating that they would be responsible for her during her two week visit, etc. - request denied, repeatedly. She wasn't allowed to even come for a two week visit! Okay, another example. I know a man who moved here from Honduras. He tried to get his wife and daughter a temporary visa to visit for a week - request denied. He tried to get his wife a working visa ( I think we could find her a job at the farm - no one else seems to want it) - request denied. Seems if he would like to see his family, his only option would be to leave the US. Of course, I could be wrong, but I doubt they would grant him permission to come back.

Why is someone unable to obtain a work permit, legally enter this country, as long as they retain employment, be paid minimum wage or more, and pay income tax, and not receive any government assistance? Would it not be easier for our government to monitor nonresidents?

I received a copy of an email that has been circulating the Internet. It shows pictures of an alleged dumping ground somewhere where people are reported to be crossing illegally into our country. It states that these people coming into our country are filthy people, and that this dumping ground is just an example of what they are going to do to our whole country. The email tells us that we need tougher immigration laws to protect our country from these people.

I don't see immoral people thumbing their noses at American laws. I see desperate human beings searching for a better way to provide for their families. I see moral people forced to do what is required to survive and avoid detection when other options have been exhausted. I see fathers and mothers who want to provide more for their children than the meager existence they are able to.

Of course there is good and bad in everything. There are people who take advantage of what this country has to offer. Unfortunately, my experience has been that a majority of them are people who were born and raised in this glorious country. They have never experienced true hardship. And they don't recognize the opportunities they have.

I am aware of a growing population of non English speaking people in this country. I don't want bi- or tri-lingual signs any more than the next person. But I don't think not giving people an opportunity to visit or work in this country is the answer to that, or any other, problem we face. I knew a guy when I was in college who had been in the USA for more than ten years and spoke NO English. I have met several others like him. But, they were all legal residents! So, require people here to work, study, live, to learn English - but let them come!

Where would this country be if we kept the doors closed? Where will we find ourselves if we continue to try to keep them closed?

Thanks for letting me rant! Hey, you know anyone looking for work? That likes hard work, and smelly animals?

Countdown to Catalyst

Two weeks until we leave for Catalyst Conference. If you haven't heard about it, check it out at http://www.catalystspace.com/. This will be our second trip to Atlanta for the conference, and we are super pumped.

Last years speakers included Andy Stanley, Donald Miller, Louie Giglio, John Maxwell, and Marcus Buckingham among the incredibly motivational and educating line up. We were surprised to hear Jeff Foxworthy as part of the entertainment (didn't know he was a Christian). The praise team was unbelievable.

This year, in addition to some returning speakers, the line up will include Rick Warren and Dave Ramsey. Not only do we have an opportunity to learn from some incredible speakers, but we get to travel there with some of the most incredible folks with a passion for Christ you have ever met. Did I mention I can't wait?!

I look back to the way I used to live my life. This is what God had in store for me? Don't get me wrong, I still have struggles and hardships. But I never knew I was deserving of such blessings. I never knew that God had this family and these friends waiting on me. Life is good!

Atlanta, here I come!

Celebrity Spotting at the Zoo!

I Love Making Soap!

I know you are on the edge of your seats. How did my first attempt at soap making go? Check out my pictures!




These bars contain lemon grass & lavender, and a little bit of bergamot essential oil. The specks you see are crushed lavender flowers ( I like texture).

They will need to cure for 3-4 weeks before being used. In the meantime, my laundry room smells lovely - very lemony!

I am going to make my second batch this week. I think it will be almond vanilla with oatmeal. I just may be on my way to becoming a soap making addict. Oh, but how clean we will all be!!!!

Simple Living - Making Household Cleaners

Today is my first soap making day. I am so excited. My husband asked me the other day what led up to me wanting to make soap. Let me explain.

I am striving to live more simply. I have always tried to cook most of my meals from scratch. After all, it is healthier, and I can monitor what is going into the bodies of my family. Next year I will garden and can and freeze my crop. But since we have been trying to sell our house this year I didn't want to try to tackle a garden just to abandon it.

My house is filled with cleaning supplies. I have cleaning supplies stuffed under two bathroom sinks, one kitchen sink, and overflowing the shelves in my laundry room. What can I say? I like to clean. But how much of it is really necessary? I started by making my own daily shower spray and have been really pleased with the results. I have been developing some awful scent allergies over the last few years, and have little tolerance for many of the perfumes in store bought cleansers. This way I can adjust the scents.

Next, I made my own laundry detergent, and abandoned my fabric softener for white vinegar. My clothes have come out so clean! And my towels are much more absorbent. They don't smell like vinegar, or perfume, but fresh, as if they have been dried outside on a clothes line. I also use my laundry detergent, diluted in water, for household cleaning. I fill the sink with warm water, add a little detergent, and use it to clean my bathrooms and kitchen. I even add it to the toilet for toilet cleaning. It cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes.

I have started making my own sugar and salt scrubs for the shower, and a milk bath for the tub. I have been so pleased with the results. My favorite new cleanser, however, is my new face cleaner. I have oily skin and have trouble wiping out the oil and dirt on my skin without really drying out my skin. I hate to dry out my skin, then try to moisturize, as then my skin looks and feels very shiny and oily just a couple hours after I apply the moisturizer.

I mixed ground up uncooked oatmeal with plain yogurt. Yes, it has to be refrigerated, but it is SO worth it. I take a spoonful out of the fridge just as I need it. I have been using this just over a week and absolutely love what it is doing to my skin. I had one of those boil-like pimples on the side of my face the first day I used this cleaner. Within two days it was gone! No red spot! No scar! No pain! My face is staying smooth. I have not had to use moisturizer. Best of all, after a whole day at the zoo (temp 98 degrees) 'glowing' in the heat, my face was not shiny at all, and my foundation wasn't running off my face. And the 'character lines' around my eyes and on my forehead that really stand out when my face is dry have smoothed out.

I should warn you that after I rinsed it off the first time, I almost followed with a regular cleanser. My face didn't feel clean. It felt oily!!! I was so used to my face feeling stripped of oils, and associating this with 'clean'. But, trust me, once you dry your face off it will feel incredible. Clean, soft, and moisturized.

For those of you wanting to try your hand at natural cleansers, here are a couple recipes that I have had luck with:

Shower spray
1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
6 drops dishwashing liquid
2 teaspoons dishwasher rinse
24 ounces Water

Laundry Detergent
1 bar Fels Naptha soap**
1 cup Borax
I cup washing soda*
1/4 cup OxyClean

**I had trouble finding Fels Naptha, but it is the most recommended. You can also use Zote, or Colgate Octagon, or your own homemade soap.
*This was at the store under the name brand Arm & Hammer. Make sure you pick up washing soda and not just regular Arm & Hammer laundry detergent.

I'll let you know how my soap turns out. And those of you who know me may be getting some for Christmas. ;)

What do you do to simplify your life? Have any tips for others?

Happy Tomorrow is Friday Day!

Happy Tomorrow is Friday Day! I know I should enjoy every day. But my sweetie pie is actually off work this weekend, so I am looking forward to Friday.

I thought I would surprise the girls with some pancakes today (One of Kasi's favorite food groups - the other is waffles!) In skips Kasi. I say "I made you heart shaped pancakes today" (with my biggest smile and sweet motherly voice). Kasi's head drops as she sighs, "I was hoping for puppy pancakes". *In my head* "Puppy pancakes? Who makes puppy pancakes? You're lucky to be getting pancakes! And heart pancakes to boot! I bet Sweet Pea (our pig) would like heart pancakes." ~Out loud~"We'll see, sweetie."

Well, I had made hearts and plain old round pancakes. I could use them for the head and jowl. All I needed was ears, nose and tongue (remember those simple little doggies we used to draw as little girls?!). And voila............

I know I am completely warped! Add to that the fact that I made a mock bananas foster topping for my non-picky eater and myself, and I think I have completely lost my mind. The eyes are Christmas baking chips I bought for a quarter a bag first of the year. This definitely has to be my 'cheat meal' for the week.

No frozen waffles for my young'uns today, man!!!!

By the way, today the girls are making their first very own sourdough bread starter. Mmmmm, sourdough bread.

Hmmm, maybe I had better start going to the Y again.

Koinonia - My Mission Possible

God has given each and every one of us a mission. Every man, woman, and child has a purpose here. Remember the catch phrase in the old Mission Impossible program? Your mission, should you choose to accept it..... That is the key 'should you choose to accept it'! God, in giving us all free will, gave us the option of choosing not to accept.

My mission is Koinonia. God wants my family to build a koinonia community. Remember back in Acts when such a community was formed? There was fellowship. There was communion. There was unity. There was prosperity. There were miracles. The Lord added daily to the number of people being saved. Does that mean that people didn't have worries or concerns? No! They were people. But think about how much easier it is to remain strong when you stand united with others. When you bear one anther's burdens and victories, and hold each other accountable.

We do not mean to isolate ourselves from others. We just mean to strengthen ourselves. We are commanded to be salt of the earth and a light to the world. But a spotlight lights a greater distance than a candle alone. Matthew 5:13-16.

So what does all of this mean? What are we really planning here? God wants us to build a community where we can live in close proximity to one another. He wants us to live using the Holy Bible as a model for living. He wants us to be servants for our fellowship of believers, and those who have not yet come to know Christ. He wants us to be servants for Christ. He wants us to be a powerful witness of what Christian people can accomplish when they put God's will before their own. He wants us to brighten the light of Jesus Christ within us, to shine collectively, so our light shines more clearly in the darkness. He wants us to create a gathering place, where people can assemble, learn about Jesus Christ, and teach others about Jesus Christ. He wants us to create a place where people will have the opportunity to witness the miracles he is performing in our lives.

He wants us to be parts of a body. We want to be able to work together to make the body function effectively.

Koinonia implies sharing. We want to be able to share our resources. By doing so, we should be able to live more abundantly, and give more, as we manage God's resources more efficiently. Think of how much more we can accomplish is every household doesn't require its own truck, lawnmower, or shop full of tools. We don't mean to pool everyone's income as some cults are known to do. People should have their own homes and own possesions.

Here is an example of what we envision. We can build a community work shop. We can pool our tools together - auto tools, woodworking tools, etc. What would this result in? First off, everyone would spend less on building their home, because they would only need a carport for vehicle shelter, and not a garage to lock up their tools and equipment. Secondly, your family would have more equipment at their disposal, without having to spend a ton of money. Thirdly, you may have someone in the community more skilled than you to do the repair/building that you need. Or you may be that skilled person, and be blessed by being able to help your neighbor. And finally, the community workshop would become a place for people to work together, fellowship, hold each other accountable, and even discuss the Word of God.

Sounds great to me! I will be sharing quite a bit more about Koinonia. It will become a reality.

So, what is your Mission - Possible? Nothing is impossible with Christ.

Zoo trip

Yesterday the girls and I, along with Grandma, went to the zoo. We had a wonderful time and learned quite a few new facts about our natural world.



The NC Zoo has the most amazing aviary. It is not only filled with beautiful birds flying freely all around you, but also with amazing plant life. If I ever have several hundred extra thousand dollars, I think I would like to build one at my place. What a wonderful place to sit and pray. But....since that is unlikely to happen, I'll just keep visiting the zoo.

They have a new tree frog exhibit. They have all these little neon colored tree frogs. It is like looking into a hidden puzzle page to find them. You would think, considering their blue, yellow, and red coloring, that they would just stand out, but they don't. You have to search. An interesting fact I learned via the zoo newsletter: poisonous frogs are not poisonous in captivity. Seems they form their poison from eating some kind of insects (I think it was fire ants, but don't recall for sure).

We had the most amazing thing happen at the polar bear exhibit. Wilhelm the polar bear was resting when we arrived (it was 98 out). But he got up and started cooling off in the water. We were watching underwater through glass and he came over and started checking us out. I got the most amazing picture when he put his paw up to the glass, and Alea put her hand up to it. Kasi was too frightened, but really enjoyed watching.



Neat stuff. Now, this is learning!

Check out Muggins Math

I have some wonderful math games to tell you about. You have to check out Muggins Math games http://www.mugginsmath.com/. We have Jelly Beans and Knock Out. The girls love to play them. They don't know they are helping them with their math skills. And I enjoy them way more than Chutes & Ladders or Candy Land! The games are made of good quality materials too. No cheap cardboard here. Go check out the site. They even have a button you can click to check your own Muggins Math skills - very addictive! Check it out!

I'm Bringing Back the Treasure Box!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!!

Okay, here is a new activity that we are going to incorporate into our routine. We are bringing back the Treasure Box - but a little differently.

In the past, we had a Treasure Box, and everything in it had a price (5 tickets, 10 tickets, 15 tickets, etc. - mult. of 5) The girls earned their tickets by completing tasks, and certain behaviors:

One Ticket

• Help set table
• Help clean up food and dishes
• Clean up toys without being told
• Only need to be given instructions once
• Do good work in school
• Complete daily chores
• Do not ask for anything while shopping

Two Tickets

• Get ready without being told (get dressed, make bed, brush teeth)
• Mommy or daddy get a compliment on your behavior from an adult
• Say something nice to everyone in the family to make their day brighter
• Memorize a new memory verse or Bible book group
• Complete weekly chores

Three Tickets

• Go through entire day without arguing with mommy or daddy or fighting with sister
• For Alea, read a book (10 or more pages) to mommy or daddy
• For Kasi, learn to write a new word, and it's meaning

They would also lose a ticket for arguing, fighting, saying something mean, leaving toys out after being told to pick up, telling a lie, or using a whiny voice.

At the end of the week, they could go shopping in the treasure box with their tickets. They had the option of buying a bunch of cheap stuff or saving up for big items. It was really a great lesson.

It worked pretty well.......until the sibling fighting really kicked in. It got too hard to keep up with the tickets they were losing. I abandoned it until their attitudes got better.

So, that's the history. Here is the new plan.

I am adapting an 'activity box' from a boredom box idea submitted to Family Fun magazine by Suzette Garvey of Grand Rapids, MI (thanks Suzette!). We are going to have different colored cards in the box for different categories, kind of like in Trivial Pursuit. I will have different activities for them to complete on each card. For example, on a Geography card, I may tell them to go locate Belize on the globe, and using our books and/or the Internet find one interesting fact to tell me. For math, I may ask them how many sides is in a hexagon, and find something in the house that has the same number of sides. I will put easier stuff on the lined side (that is my 5 year old's side) and harder stuff on the blank side (my 8 year old's side). I even got some books with mazes, puzzles, facts, and brain teasers for their activities to make them more interesting.

They will earn tickets for correctly completing activities. Then they get to shop from the treasure box. I know it is going to take a lot of planning, but I think it will be worth it. I told the girls that it may take me a week or two to get it up and running, and they are super excited. I'll let you know how it turns out. And, hey, if anyone has ideas to throw into our activity box, I would love to hear them.

Confessions of a Homeschool Unschool Teacher

Okay! Here goes. I am officially providing more ammo for those of you who already think I am off my rocker. Hi Mom!! I quit schooling! I'm done! Finished! I am tired of trying to hold 'school' at home. School is for school and home is for home. At my house, they are not compatible. This is not a natural thing for me. It is not a choice created out of laziness. I am naturally a structured person. But God keeps telling me that it is not the course He has chosen for our family. He did not bring me home to create scholars, but young ladies of character. Like Lindsey posted at Enjoy the Journey, He wants me to build cathedrals.

I keep becoming frustrated trying to teach my children from books and worksheets. Alea will miss more than half the problems on her work (daily!). This isn't just a back to school thing. It is an all school thing. I get to where I feel like I am beating my head against the wall, and think I am teaching her nothing. Then I catch her in her 'free time' designing a game about the classification of animals. And she sits and explains to me how normally eels in their natural habitat are aggressive, but ponders why the ones in tanks are docile (her vocab, btw). She is learning. Just not from school work.

I am increasingly discovering that my girls aren't really retaining much of their 'book learning'. But they are learning! They are learning when we sit around and talk about things. When I read to them. When they read on their own. They are learning when we explore things first-hand. They learn when I make the time for them to help me cook, and with things around the house. When we stand around the kitchen and experiment to try to create something new and tasty. They learn by following the example we set. I'm embarrassed to say that the example I was setting was one of a frazzled, defeated mother who was trying to cram a ton of stuff into a tiny window of time - and failing miserably.

In trying to school my children, I have been missing the most important moments with them. I have not been allowing us to work together. I have needed them to stay out of my way so I could get it all done-all by myself. I have not been working on 'love building'. I have not been taking the time to smell the roses. Most of all, I have not been allowing God to work through me. I have been trying to control - not submit.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 It really makes me stop and think. What do I want to train my children for? I want to train them to be passionate about Christ. I want to train them about relationships. I want to train them to work hard, and enjoy life. I want to train them how to take care of their household, and the people they love. I want to train them how to bring honor and glory to God. I may have to skip some of the finer points of Medieval History and Mythology along the way. But, hey, if I can instill a passion for reading and learning, they will learn it anyways.

Today I am giving Alea free reign in the kitchen to create her "secret recipe". I know it is going to be ultra sweet with one cup of honey, and one cup of sugar. But hey, that is how you learn. As for my human knowledge sponge, Kasi, she is going to help me create the supper menu (covering all food groups) and write my recipes for home made bath soaps and cleaners. And we will discuss vitamins and minerals that we find in our foods. Who knows, it might lead us to discussing the layers of earth and the mineral composition of them. Or maybe I'll save that for another day.

Sooooooooo, out of those of you still reading - any radical unschoolers out there? Any ideas? Know of any blogs by other such creatures? Where can I go? Who can I talk to?

Thanks guys! I feel so free!

"What we want to see is the child in pursuit of knowledge, not knowledge in pursuit of the child."
~George Bernard Shaw~

"Play is the highest form of research" ~Albert Einstein~

God, you have blessed my family immensely. I thank you for the opportunity to be home with my family. I thank you for blessing me with these people to spend my time with here on earth. Please help me to submit to your will for my family. Help me to stop trying to be who I am, but allow you to form me into what you would have me become. Work through me to teach these girls what you would have them learn. And help us to show more love for each other every day. Lord, make our home a place of peace. And make your presence known at the center of it all. Amen.

National Be Late For Something Day

According to my calander, yesterday was National Be Late for Something Day. Well, I returned my library books a day late, and I am a day late telling you about it!

I've Been Making STUFF!

Okay, this has been a really bad school week. When things don't go the way I plan, I clean, and I make stuff.

First off, I made my first batch of laundry detergent. I couldn't find Fels Naptha or Zote laundry soap at Wal Mart, Harris Teeter, or Food Lion, but I did find Colgate Octagon, and used it. It gives it a funky khaki color but it smells great. And I test drove it on some whites. They look good to me. Here is the recipe I used?

1 cup Borax
1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
1 bar Laundry Bar soap, grated (Fels Naptha, Zote, Octagon, etc.)

I did grate the soap in my food processor. I think next time I will shred it with my Kitchen Aid on the small grate setting.

The other thing I made is falafel. When I was nine, my family moved to Tel Aviv, Israel. We lived there for almost a year and a half. Being the healthy eater that I was (aka. chubby), I developed a love for the food of the Middle East. They had falafel stands all over the place. Kind of like hot dog stands in the North East US. Falafel is made of ground chick peas mixed with onion, garlic, cumin, cilantro, parsley and sesame seeds. The paste is formed into balls and fried, and served in a pita pocket. In Israel they would fill the pocket with falafel, salad, tahina (a dressing made with ground sesames), pickles, and sometimes french fries or a yogurt dressing. Even though they are fried, they are relatively healthy. They don't really absorb much oil, and although filling, don't leave you feeling heavy and bloated.

I found this very cool blog , The Hummus Blog. http://humus101.com/EN/ Along with all kinds of cool info, they have several recipes. I followed their recipe for making falafel from scratch (with dried chick peas). I put mine in pita pockets, and covered them with tomatoes and tzatziki sauce that I bought at Costco. Yummy!!! Everyone but Kasi, my five year old, loved them. Of course, she prefers, but rarely gets, chicken nuggets. I also discovered she had a fever, and she didn't eat anything but bread.

~Wow - spell check does not like Arabic!

Don't Die On the Job in CA if You're Single!

I have something to air that has been on my mind for awhile. It has been 13 months since my uncle's helicopter crashed into the Klamath River in California August 4, 2006, while he was fighting a forest fire. My uncle, Terry (Jake) Jacobs (58) and his copilot, Andrei Pantchenko (38), were killed in the crash. All investigations revealed that the crash was due to a mechanical malfunction and not pilot error. I don't know why it is at the forefront of my mind now. Maybe it is because I went to clear old numbers out of my phone and saw his name. Maybe it is because my computer sits on the desk he gave me. Don't misunderstand. I'm not having trouble dealing with his death. I have accepted it. I am having trouble dealing with good old US justice.

Ter knew he was doing a dangerous job. He developed a hunger for flying under dangerous conditions while he was a med evac pilot for the Army in Viet Nam. Rumor has it that he flew two tours and was shot down once. I don't know for sure though. For all the stories he told me, he never shared anything about Viet Nam. But he loved to fly. And he was happiest when he was flying a 'sky crane'.

Here is the weird part though. Did you know that in the state of California, if you are married to your job (aka. single), any workman's comp claim due in the event of your death go to the state? Not your brothers or sisters, or anyone who would be handling your memorial and estate. But the state of California! Not the people who want to pay off all your debts. But the California government! My pockets aren't feeling light. As a niece I wouldn't be entitled to anything anyways. It just does not make sense to me.

And due to some legal loops that I also fail to understand, neither Terry's family, nor Andrei's family are due any compensation for the mechanical failure. Andrei, who is originally from Russia, is survived by a young (20 something) wife, and young daughter. What do you think their take is on the US justice system? These men gave their lives protecting the lives and property of California citizens. And they are owed no compensation.

I really don't believe in lawsuits, and I know that God has his own justice system. There is no reason for me to be so upset about this. It just pains me to realize that when people can be awarded millions of dollars for getting fat eating burgers, or sick from smoking, or even getting hurt when breaking and entering, that our government is not willing to reimburse for the lives of individuals who die by no fault of their own, protecting the lives and property of their citizens.

That's what I'm thinking about. Thanks for letting me vent.

What Month Is This?

I printed out a 2007 Fun Facts Calendar from FamilyEducation.com. Did you know that September is Baby Safety Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15 - 10/15), Kid's Good Manners Month, National Literacy Month, National School Success Month, Better Breakfast Month, Kid's Eye Health and Safety Month, Library Card Sign-Up, National Piano Month, aaaannnnddd Organic Harvest Month. Huh? Now don't get me wrong. I wanna celebrate Kid's Good Manners Month. (January through December preferably!) How did we ever decide on all these month designations? Would you believe that June, among other things, is Fireworks Safety Month? (until 7/04) How incredibly profound! My fave- December is designated Safe Toys and Gifts Month, Universal Human Rights Month, and Stress-Free Family Holiday Month. My husband asks 'Do we celebrate that?' I hereby designate September Mommy Gets a Pedicure Month!!!! Lets all go celebrate!~

Home made Soaps

I am nearing the end of my last bottle of "all - small & mighty". I made a commitment to make my own laundry soap. I already make my own daily shower spray, and have been pleased with the results. As I get older, my allergies have been getting horrendous, and making my own, I can choose my scents. I know there are unscented products out there, but I still like scents - just ones that don't give me a headache. And I do want to be environmentally responsible. As an added benefit, everything I have read has said that I can make detergent that costs about a cent a load. That is big savings in my house!

I have found several recipes for liquid and powder laundry soap. I think I am going with a powder soap that you make in a food processor. I have read several reviews. But I want to know if any of you have tried this. What did you think? How did it work? I have a HE washer and believe that it will work great without all the sudsing.

Any other home made recommendations from anyone? I would love some recipes. I am going to make home made goodies for my friends and family this year for Christmas and would love some recipes for things I can add to their goody baskets!

Thanks y"all!

Our Road Trip

We are back! Thanks for the prayers, friends. We made it safe and sound, and only encountered a couple of minutes of rain on the way up. We rode to Abingdon, VA and stayed at a wonderful Bed & Breakfast called the Victoria & Albert Inn. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend it. The innkeepers are very friendly, the rooms comfortable and quiet (I didn't even hear cars drive by), and the food was fabulous and plentiful. The owners of the inn also own the Withers Hardware Restaurant within walking distance of the inn ( I was ready to walk!). I ordered the Salmon Rockefeller and my husband ordered the filet. Our friends ordered the ribs, and stuffed pork chop, and all were delicious. Guests of the inn receive a free dessert and coffee, and I was a huge fan of their coffee.

We decided to take the scenic route home. We followed the Creeper Trail. I think this route added about 2 hours to our return trip. But the view, when I wasn't afraid to look, was gorgeous. I periodically saw signs along the road that said "The Crooked Road". Nifty! I am not a big fan of crooked roads. Everyone knows that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. I like straight roads, whether in a car or on a motorcycle. Most of the closely spaced curves displayed a 15 mph sign. I was okay with that. What I didn't understand were the occasional 'Maximum Speed Limit 55 mph' signs. There wasn't enough straight road to build up to 55mph! unless you were going over the edge!

Anyways, it was a blessed 24 hour getaway. We were blessed to have time together in such a beautiful setting. And we were blessed to have time together with some wonderful friends. God is good!