What Did It Mean to You?

My son is working towards his Reading Merit Badge for Boy Scouts. Initially, he has to read 6 books of 4 different literary genres and complete a reading log for each one. Pretty basic, shouldn't be too difficult for my voracious reader. So what's the problem?

The problem is the last question on the reading log:

What did it mean to you?

My son is very much like me, and I never knew what to do with these kinds of questions. What do you mean what did it mean to me? I read the book, I either liked it or I didn't, I can tell you every detail of every thing that happened right down to the clothes they were wearing, I know that it must have meant something to me because there are books that I've read that have somehow become part of my soul, but I don't know how to answer the question,

What did it mean to you?

1ds10 doesn't know how to answer it either, and because I never figured out what to do with such a question, I don't know how to explain to him how to answer it, because I still don't know what they mean exactly. I'd like to be able to give him some examples of good answers or reword the question, but I'm truly at a loss. I feel like a little schoolgirl again who doesn't understand what the teacher wants but desperately wants to get the answer right.

Suggestions, anyone?

Robbery and Obituary

I was surprised to get a phone call from my dad this morning. He should have been at work. This time he wasn't stopping by with doughnuts; turns out he was robbed.

He'd stopped to buy motor oil at a gas station around the corner from his house at 4am on his way to work. A guy gave him a sob story about needing money for gas. My dad gave him $3, but aparently that wasn't enough, so the man snatched my dad's wallet out of his hand and ran off. Without a wallet, or badge to get into the factory, my dad had to call into work and spent the morning getting a new license, cancelling cards, going to the credit union, etc. He searched the alley the guy ran down hoping he'd taken the cash and tossed the wallet, but to no avail. When he remembered that he had a spare key to his truck in his wallet, he figured he ought to have the locks on his truck changed so that the thief doesn't show up in the middle of the night and steal his truck too. What a headache!

Fortunately, Daddy is safe. God is faithful. Unfortunately, he'd just cashed his monthly attendance bonus the day before and had $120 cash in his wallet. My dad drives 100 miles a day to get to work and back. With gas over $4 a gallon, he doesn't have $120 gas money to lose.

In other news, I was incredibly moved as I read the obituaries in the paper. I didn't know this woman, but I was inspired by her obituary.

"Barbara Ann Logsdon Coker...who has pursued righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, has fought the good fight of faith and now on June 20, 2008 is precious in the sight of the Lord."

I can't help but get verklempt as I type those words. What a testimony!

The tribute continues,

"She was a lifelong servant of her Lord JESUS through the organizations of her church, Crisis Pregnancy, Compassion International and Christian Children's Fund (through which she had adopted several children from Africa and South America)."

You can read the rest of it here if you're interested. It sounds like she was a pretty amazing lady! Is it odd that I am encouraged by her obituary? Because I was: challenged, and encouraged to keep fighting the good fight until the end, to live a life that is worthy of such laud and honor. I want to be known as a lifelong servant of my Lord JESUS. (I loved that it was in caps!) :) I want to be known as someone who pursued righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. I want to fight the good fight, and long to be precious in the sight of the Lord where I can hear Him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." To live a life worthy of the calling with which I have been called. To give my life for the sake of the call.

The world is full of crooks. Wicked men will steal the wallet from your hands in appreciation for the gift you've just given. But the world is also full of men and women like Barbara Ann Logsdon Coker who are living their lives for Christ. I could be discouraged because of what happened to my dad this morning. What is this world coming to! The world is going to hell in a handbasket. Instead, I choose to be encouraged by the testimony of a surrendered life. I will be inspired by her testimony and her witness, and I look forward to spending eternity in Heaven with her and our Jesus.

Grace and Peace,
Angel

Half-packed and Not Going

I've spent the majority of the day, and a great deal of time the past few days, preparing to go camping this weekend. Now, as another thunderstorm passes through and the forecast remains ominous, we've decided we aren't going.

Unpacking from a trip is never much fun. It often takes me a few weeks to do it. (I'm not kidding!) But unpacking from a trip that you didn't even go on...well that just stinks! But at least everything is clean right? Plus I'm almost to the bottom of the laundry and the Christmas tree skirt laying there and I won't be adding wet, muddy, camping clothes to the pile, right? Right.

Rainstorm Musings

I'm tired today. 3dd7 was having nightmares last night, so I was up and down with her from 1-5:30am. I had a hard time waking everyone up at 8am to get ready for VBS. Now, it's pouring down rain and we're enjoying yet another thunderstorm. I'm just praying we don't get struck by lightening again like we did two weeks ago!

While I look out my windows and watch the torrential downpour, I can't help but wonder if it's really wise for us to go camping this weekend. Tent Camping in the Rain is not something I really feel up to repeating. So while I consider that I ought to be packing for camping, I'm finding it hard to motivate myself to do so with the sound of thunder in the background.

All the while, I'm wondering how the kids are faring in the tiny church which set up two tents in order to accomodate all the kids for VBS. Should I go get them? Are all those kids all crammed in that tiny building, or are they out in the tents in the middle of this storm? Will they call me, or am I supposed to know that in the event of thunderstorms we should go pick them up?

I really don't know, so I'll just do this ABC tag in the hopes that it will inspire me to do something.


A. Attached or single? Very Attached (to my husband and to my Savior)

B. Best Girl Friend? I've never had just one best girl friend, but my best friend in the whole world is definitely myChris.

C. Cake or Pie? If I had to choose, French Silk or Upside Down Chocolate Pie (but I really like cake too!)

D. Day of Choice? Sunday and Saturday

E. Essential item? A hot shower

F. Favorite Color? Green

G. Gummy Bears or Worms? Worms, and I actually like these!

H. Home town? Indianapolis

I. Favorite indulgence? banana split with coffee ice cream, hot fudge, and mini marshmallows

J. January or July? Are you trying to start a feud?!? My two oldest kids were born in July, as was my husband and a whole list of other friends and family members, but my youngest daughter was born in January as were my youngest sister and brother and a whole bunch of other friends and family members. July has Independence Day, January has the Superbowl. July is too hot, January is usually cold and dreary. No, I refuse to decide! How about November?

K. Kids? 1son and 3daughters

L. Life isn't complete without? A personal relationship with GOD

M. Marriage Date? September 14, 1996

N. Number of brothers and sisters? 3 sisters, 1 brother (I'm the oldest!)

O. Oranges or apples? Apples but not in pie or cooked except in applesauce and apple butter.

P. Phobias? Bats

Q. Quotes? A society that would trade a little liberty for a little order will lose both and deserve neither.

R. Reasons to smile? I have a terrific kids, a fabulous husband, and Jesus loves me.

S. Season of choice? Fall

T. Tag 5 people.... Whoever hasn't played yet and needs something to do while procrastinating from what they really ought to be doing.

U. Unknown fact about me? Whistling drives me crazy; I crave complete silence...not white noise.

V. Vegetable? Yellow Squash

W. Worst habit? Procrastination, Lack of sticktoitiveness,

X. Xray or ultrasound? Ultrasound

Y. Your favorite food? Steak, Medium Rare

Z. Your zodiac sign? I can never remember, depending on who you ask I'm one of two, and I refuse to waste any more time trying to figure it out by googling.

Well, the storm has passed through and the sun is shining through the gray clouds, so at least I don't have to fret about the kids at VBS. But I should go find the rainboots and jackets so that we can pack them for our camping trip. Happy happy joy joy!

Have a great day!

Grace and Peace,
Angel

On a Lighter Note

Yet another gorgeous week of summer is underway.

• The air conditioner is resting and the breeze is coming through all of the open windows.
• The revolving door that is our home opened to some dear friends yesterday. After about 3 years, it was nice to see them again.
• Week 2 of swimming lessons is underway and the kids are doing splendidly, thoroughly enjoying the experience, and rapidly improving in their aquatic skills!
• VBS at the church where the girls have dance class is a blast, and I spent a rare quiet morning alone in the house on the oh so fun task of organizing the kids' dressers and doing the seasonal clothes swap.
• It's challenging for 1ds10 to complete his English and Math assignments while his sisters enjoy the neighbors' slip & slide.
• My to-do list is still a mile long and we have the first camping trip of the season for which to prepare.
• Summer is rapidly flitting by and the calendar is a jumble of activity.
• I am at peace.

.............................................

I saw this fun tag at chickadee's blog. I have the hardest time picking out my favorite anythings, but I thought I could handle a list of ten favorite movies. So without further ado, in no particular order:

1. My Fair Lady
2. The Journey of Natty Gann
3. Anne of Green Gables
4. The Princess Bride
5. Pat & Mike
6. Quiggly Down Under
7. Rocky
8. The Cowboys
9. My Favorite Wife
10. The Mission

Can I just say that barely made a dent in my all-time favorites?! I could easily make another list of 10 other favorite movies! LOL

So how are you enjoying the first official full week of summer?

And what are ten of your favorite movies?

I pray all is well with you and that you too are blessed and at peace today! My laundry is calling me.

Grace and Peace,

Angel

Gaining Contentment with Spiritual Gifts

I've often been discontent with my spiritual gifts. I read verses about women with a quiet and meek spirit and know that my name probably doesn't come to mind when other people read the same. I observe other women with the gifts of helps and encouragement and wish I could have their gifts instead of the ones I have. But I Corinthians 12:11 says that the Spirit distributes the gifts, "just as He wills," and He hasn't willed to distribute the "warm fuzzy" gifts to me very often; the vast majority of the time He gives me the "in your face" gifts. As a result, I've wrestled with the Spirit on many occasions, and this past Sunday, when I was compelled to exercise His gifts in a very uncomfortable manner, I did so again.

But following that uncomfortable incident and then later in the week, God has been doing a work in my heart to comfort and encourage me with regard to the specific gifts that His Spirit has distributed to me. God very clearly revealed to me the work that He was doing through me this week as I exercised these oftentimes challenging gifts. When I got a glimpse of what He's doing and how He's using me, I was humbled, encouraged, and blessed.

As I ask the hard questions that most people avoid, as I confront the issues that most people just complain about, as I challenge those in authority and practically interrogate fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, as I speak the tough truths of God's Word, I am just the vessel and it's really GOD who is at work. Whether and how people respond is not up to me. I am not responsible for the results. As Paul said, I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. God is causing growth and sometimes that requires painful pruning and sometimes I'm the instrument that He uses for that task. It's hardly ever fun to be used in such a way, but on the rare occasions when I am able to see the eternal value in such, I am blessed that I can be a part of it, even though it's often painful for me as well.

In the end, it's all about being content. God has a perfect plan for my life. His Word is true, the Spirit has gifted me just as He wills, and my desire should not be for Him to take away the gifts that He has given to me and give me different ones, but to exercise the gifts that He has given to me in love. Not to the best of my ability, but through His Spirit, because my best will never be enough and I can never achieve His agape love in my flesh. I need to be surrendered to whatever His will is for my life, no matter how unpopular it might make me or how uncomfortable I might feel. The surrendered life is one of contentment and faith that God knows what's best and that He never makes mistakes.

You too may be struggling with the gifts that God has given to you as well. I think a lot of us do. Many of us deal with the "grass is greener" syndrome. Dear friend, trust that God knows what He's doing. Trust Him to adequately equip you for the things that He wants to accomplish through you and then don't be afraid to follow Him. Don't compare yourself to others and become discontent; rather, yield yourself to the will of the Father and walk in His Holy Spirit. In the process, He will transform you into the image of the Son and use you to accomplish great things for the kingdom. He alone is faithful. Do you believe that?

For more Works of God posts, visit A Dusty Frame. How has God been working in your life this week?

Doughnuts Delivered to my Doorstep

Ten years we lived on the East Coast, a 2-4 hour drive from my in-laws, a 10-14 hour drive from my parents. Ten years of seeing my family only a couple of times a year. Ten years of never having family close enough to help out in those times that people expect you to have family to help you out. Ten years of missing events and never having family at ball games and ballet recitals. Ten years.

God was faithful to bring people into our lives during that time who became our family. We grew to understand in practical ways what it meant to be a part of the family of God. There were many others who were even farther away from their families whether physically or emotionally and spiritually. We bonded with them and supported eachother. We were blessed.

Never in that time did I picture a day when my dad would drop off doughnuts at our house at 9:30 on a Friday morning. The idea of having family living close enough to do such a thing was so foreign that I just never even thought of it. It's never happened.....until today.

Flooding in the Midwest has prevented critical parts from being shipped to the auto factory where my dad works. They can't work without those parts, so they shut the plant down until they get them (hopefully in the next couple of days). So, as my dad drove from the house they're converting into a Bed & Breakfast back to their house, he decided to make the slight detour to my house with two bags of doughnuts. He caught us all in our pajamas having been out until midnight last night. He only stayed for a minute, determined to make the most of this unexpected day off, but he brought doughnuts and set the course of my day with his thoughtfulness.

It was good for our marriage and our family to spend the first ten years of married life on our own, away from our parents. I actually recommend it for newleyweds. I will always cherish the relationships we formed in those years away. But now that we're back, I'm appreciating the unique benefits of living close to home as well. Little things like glazed doughnuts delivered to your doorstep.

Philadelphia: The Good Stuff

We've been studying the American Revolution for a long time. In fact, at the rate we're going, we'll be lucky to get through the Civil War by the time ds10 graduates from High School. I jest. (or do I?) Anywho, we've thoroughly enjoyed our study and were anxious to get to Philadelphia to visit the places where the good stuff happened!

Constitutional History is my specialty; I once aspired to be a Constitutional Law Attorney. I've read (and memorized chunks of) The Federalist Papers and have studied the works of the philosophers who influenced the Founding Fathers. I've also read biographies of the Founding Fathers and many of their writings. At present, I am reading the tome John Adams by David McCullough which is excellent.

My passion for Constitutional History began in my junior year of High School when I competed in the We the People Constitution Competition. My class placed in the top ten in the nation that year. The following year, I was a coach and we placed 3rd. Our school continued to win at the state level and finish in the top ten at the national competition in Washington, D.C. for a few years after that and my younger sister was able to compete and coach herself.

It was quite an achievement for our inner city school! No matter how many years we won the state competition, every year it was an "upset" because the private or suburb schools were always expected to win. I attribute the success of our team to our teacher. I loved him like a grandfather and dubbed him Papa Schneider, a nick-name that endured until his death 2 years ago. He challenged us and inspired us to always do our best and overcome the odds that were stacked against us. Our story would make a movie in the same vein as Stand & Deliver (one of my all time favorite movies!). I have precious memories from my time on the Constitution Team, and the experience definitely shaped the person that I would become.

Well, this isn't what I sat down to write at all; I was just trying to introduce the pictures from our day in historic Philadelphia, but hopefully this sets the stage for why, of all places, I so wanted to get to Philadelphia! I had been to Philly before, but never to the historic district. I had read and read and read some more, and by the time we finally made it a couple of weeks ago, I was bursting with excitement to finally see the places that I had spent so many hours reading about; which had become such a part of me.

The day finally arrived and it was a whirlwind. We arrived in Philly about noon, ate some quick sandwiches in the car on our way, and after securing an expensive parking spot made our trek to the Visitor's Center which is definitely the place to begin. We purchased our duck tickets and discovered that we had about an hour until the tour, so we headed over to the Liberty Bell. There was a line full of kids from a school field trip, so we headed back to the Visitor's Center. We had neglected to get our tickets to Independence Hall, so we went to get them. As it turned out, we got the last 6 tickets. I was dumbfounded and grateful. I almost felt like a kid found with his hand stuck in the cookie jar as I sheepishly looked at the people behind us while the park ranger declared that there were no more tickets. I can't imagine if I had finally gotten to Philly only to be told that I couldn't visit Independence Hall. I'm so grateful that God spared me that disappointment. After browsing through a Ben Franklin display, it was time to load the bus for the 70 minute tour. Including loading time and waiting time, it was closer to 90 minutes.

By the time we finished the tour it was almost 3pm and I knew that Betsy Ross would only be outside her house talking to guests until 3pm. So we practically ran to the Betsy Ross house hoping to get there before she left. On the way, we almost stopped to tour the Christ Church Burial Ground, but didn't have time to linger and didn't want to spend the money for such a brief visit. When we arrived at the Betsy Ross House, Mrs. Ross was getting her picture taken with a family and we could tell that she was about to leave. She started to walk through the gate, but saw us standing there and kindly told her escort that she needed to say good-bye to these guests. I had enough time to take one quick picture and after a few cordial words, she was gone. We considered going through her house, but we didn't think there would be enough time to do it and be back at Independence Hall by 4pm, so we just browsed in the gift shop.

Then we headed over to the Liberty Bell. I didn't realize what a significant landmark it has been throughout our nation's history. We learned about it's role in Women's Rights, the Civil Rights Movement, and even in protest of the Vietnam War. It was quite interesting, though I can't say that I stood in awe of it like I thought I might.

Finally, the moment I had anticipated for years, the visit to Independence Hall. We had to be there half and hour before the tour began so that they could search us and our bags in less than 2 minutes. Then we just waited, took pictures, and toured a tiny little side building with a copy of the Declaration of Independence and some other miscellaneous items.

True to my character, I got verklempt just being inside as I pondered the discussion, the debate, the argument, and the prayer that had occurred in this place. So much of what we are today as a nation was determined in this building. Here, men of faith and courage gathered to set the course of a new nation; appealing to the Sovereign Lord for His favor and committing their lives and their fortunes to the cause of liberty. Never before in the course of history had it been attempted, and 200 some years later, their grand experiment continues to succeed.

By the time we completed the tour it was 5pm and most places were closed. The Philly Cheese-steak vendors had packed up and left, so we lingered in the gift shop. The one disappointment that I had was that we had not been able to visit Christ Church. Known as the Nation's Church, it is the place where the delegates worshipped together while in Philadelphia.

When you read the primary sources from the time, the letters that were written, other documents of the period, it is obvious that most of these men had a sincere faith in a personal God. They were not deists as your history professors or textbooks may attempt to persuade you. These men served a Providential God who was active in their personal lives and in the life of this nation. History may be rewritten, but the facts remain and cannot be denied.

Growing in my understanding of the providential History of our nation has deepened my love for HIStory and my great appreciation for the events of 1776 and the years following. As a result, I wanted to visit the place where these men worshipped together. Instead, I only got to take pictures from the outside. I guess that just means that we need to go back.

I hope you have enjoyed visiting historic Philadelphia with me. There is a virtual tour here if you'd like to see and learn more. It's a wonderful place to visit, especially if you've studied the events which occurred here. I encourage you to make an effort to get there even if you only have half a day like we did. Oh, and about the famous Philly Cheesesteaks....did you know that they use Cheese Whiz? We did eventually get to try some, but without the additional cheese whiz which meant that there wasn't enough cheese. Not at all what I expected!

Grace and Peace,

Angel

Random Grammar/Poetry Question

We've been using Rod & Staff English since 3rd grade. 1ds10 is presently in the 5th grade book. They've begun teaching about poetry rhyme and rhythm patterns. (Chapter 7) If you've read for any length of time, you know that we enjoy poetry, but my question for all of you grammar "experts" or fellow Rod & Staff or other traditional English textbook users is this, Is this necessary? Do my kids need to know the various rhythm patterns and be able to identify them?

Frankly, it's confusing. Even I'm confused and I've enjoyed reading poetry for ages (although I've never had any success in writing it myself). In addition, even when I try to read with the supposed "correct" rhythm patterns, it's unnatural and stilted. My gut reaction is that we can just skip it and they can learn the various rhyme and rhythm patterns naturally through regular poetry readings, memorization, and recitals.

Anyone have any input?

Flaky

I recognize that I have become one of the flakiest bloggers around. My site reader reminds me how many posts I have not read, and even on the few that I do manage to read, I rarely comment. I tell myself it's a phase.

We made it through last week. We had some fun times with friends from out of town, and some challenging times with the emotional issues and spiritual warfare. I'm so grateful to be beginning a new week!

I was able to meet with my sister. She still has a long road ahead of her. My main prayer now is that she'll return to my parents in an attitude of sincerity, honesty, and repentance, and that they would receive her with love, grace, and mercy. Someday, I'll share the whole story in the hopes that God can use it to encourage others who face similar trials. I am not yet at liberty to do so, and the best part is yet to come.

This week should be much quieter than the past several weeks have been, but still pretty full. We haven't "done school" for a few weeks, but we're actually not taking off the entire summer. So the next two weeks will be spent on academics. The kids are supposed to take swimming lessons too, provided they didn't lose the spot they for which they were "penciled-in" since I never got to the high school to register them. Sigh. We also have a long overdue playdate, Home Fellowship, Women's Bible Study, and other miscellaneous things here and there. I'd thought maybe I could catch up on some blogging, but I have an enormous amount of work to do in planning for our homeschool group which will probably eat up the majority of my computer time. And then we'll be getting ready to go camping and when we return, we'll be gearing up for another few weeks of extreme busyness again.

When I look at the summer's calendar I can't help but feel like it's already flying by. It will be fall before we know it, so I'm really trying to slow down and savor each activity on the calendar and the moments in between, because once it's gone....

I pray that your summer is blessed. Even though I haven't been faithful to stop by and catch up with your postings or leave a comment, I have been thinking of you often, and praying for you as God brings your names to mind.

Grace and Peace,
Angel

And the Hits Keep Coming

Thanks for your prayers! I appreciate them so much. And while you're at it, can you add another unspoken request to the list. I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I type having just gotten off the phone with a dear friend who is in the midst of a serious trial. She needs your prayers!

None of these things are so much about me, they're mostly about people I know and love as well as our church. It's hard for me to articulate, but the spiritual warfare is so thick, I can feel it, and it's just intensifying. The enemy is on the prowl and I know he just wants to destroy families and friendships and ministries and get us so bogged down with emotional issues that we're ineffective to accomplish God's purposes. FORTUNATELY, Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.

I am scheduled to meet this Saturday with my youngest sister. It will be the first time that I've seen her since October of 2006. She's been estranged from our family for over a year and a half. I am praying that we can reconcile and that I can encourage her to be reconciled to God and return to my parents. I know that Satan delights to see our family torn apart like it has been, and has no desire that we be reconciled. I know that I am under attack even at this very moment. The battle is in the spiritual realm; so once again thank you for praying, and please continue to do so.

Grace and Peace,
Angel

WAAAAAA!

When I wrote drama, I wasn't kidding! I am feeling the weight of a whole ton of drama. It's all quite perplexing and I don't know what's going on. So many different people, so many different situations, so many issues....drama. And the thing about it is that it's not appropriate for me to write about any of it.

I always hated when people would share an unspoken prayer request. Just go ahead and tell us already before we all start speculating on what horrible thing you want us to pray about but don't want us to know about. But sometimes there are things that really can't be discussed, especially in as public a forum as a blog; nevertheless, you know that there is power in prayer and you really need people to pray.

So, even though I can't disclose the nature of my prayer requests, I am asking that you would please pray, trusting that God knows all the details. Specifically pray for wisdom and discernment. I'm struggling to discern whether some of these are issues because the enemy is attacking and trying to frustrate God's people, or whether the issue is that there are things that aren't of God and "we're" struggling because His hand is not upon them. It's hard to know whether to quit, or to press on. Clear as mud right? And there are other things too. That's only like ONE of a half dozen issues that is on my heart at the moment.

I think it's time for me to stop typing and start praying. Oh, and if you're not convinced of the power of prayer, then go read this post.

Grace and Peace,
Angel

Destined for Drama?

Angel...do you ever sit back and take a rest!

I always feel like an underachiever when I see all you are doing!

As I was reading this comment from my real life friend Debbie, a thought came to mind that has visited me before, "Am I just destined for drama?"

Do you know what I mean? We all know people who are just drama queens. Nothing is ever simple. Everything is the big huge dramatic thing. People like these are always running around with their heads cut off and on the occassions that they say they are, "fine," there's always a tone to their voice that lets you know that they are most certainly "not fine." They always have a story to tell and there's always something breaking down at their house (did you know that our dishwasher has been broken for over a month? Better that than the washing machine!) or someone in the emergency room. I came across a blog the other day called, We Are That Family. Like I said...Drama.

So here's what I'm pondering, Am I one of "those" kinds of people? And if so, am I destined to live a complicated dramatic life, or is there a way to simplify and I just don't take it?

Moving to Indiana two years ago was all about simplifying. We wanted to get away from the Northern Virginia rat race and the high cost of living (financially, emotionally, physically,...). We couldn't afford to live there long term, and I'm not just talking about dollars and cents. We were physically exhausted and emotionally drained. The simpler Mid-West life was calling and we were excited to heed its call.

When we came here, we lay low for quite a while. We didn't jump in with two front feet. We didn't volunteer to do anything or sign up for anything. No homeschool group, no sports, no ministry activities. After 10 years of frenetic living, we needed a sabbatical. So we started gardening and we spent time with my family which brought drama enough. It was nice (well not the family drama) but the laying low. It was much needed and I began to embrace the quiet life. I began to feel sane.

Nevertheless, we're not the kind of people who sit back and let other people do all the ministering while we do nothing, so we slowly started getting involved. We were very selective! We prayed a lot. One by one we added activities to our calendar but even then we made choices. The two older kids played soccer in the fall, but we weren't going to sign up for sports every season, so they didn't play in the winter or spring. Our son became active in Boy Scouts, but that was his only activity. The girls did a short ballet session before Christmas and another one in the spring, but it was just once a week and that was it. We were very conscientious of how easy it is to become overcommitted and we made a concerted effort to make wise decisions.

So how is it that I'm suddenly in a position where not only is my calendar jam-packed with "stuff" but I'm also either the one hosting, planning, or leading, almost every activity that I'm in??? What happened?

Sometimes things are beyond our control. My sister is in town this week because my brother is graduating from the Sherrif's Academy. She's staying with us because we're home during the day while everyone else works. Was I going to tell her no? Of course not!

Next week two of my favorite people in the world are coming to visit. One is flying in to Columbus from North Carolina for a conference and decided to come a couple of days early so that she could drive the three hours to visit us and then three hours back for her conference. You'd better believe I'm going to welcome her with open arms. I can't wait to see her and I'm so grateful she'd go to all that effort to come see us! So that's Monday and Tuesday, then Thursday one of my other BFFs is stopping by on her way home to St. Louis from her parent's house in Northern Indiana. She is a gift from God in my life and every visit with her is a blessing. Plus, my 4 kids all love her 4 kids and vice versa! Again, when they said they'd be passing through, I wasn't about to tell them that the week is already busy enough. That's crazy talk!

So as it ends up, I'll have three sets of company within a two week span. Oh and just for fun, let's get a new hardwood floor installed right in the middle and throw in a Botany co-op and a Poetry recital for good measure, plus teach Sunday school, and host home fellowship, and do this young women's group, and lead a planning meeting for the homeschool group, because those were already on the schedule and people are counting on us to do those things, and then that just so happens to be the only week that there's a tennis camp in our area, so hey, why not. We can squeeze that in too. I'll be exhausted by the end of it, but oh well. C'est la vie!

Am I crazy? Maybe I'm just too popular. LOL That I can live with. That's the kind of craziness I love. It's the me suddenly being in charge of everything that gets to be the bigger problem. Exactly when am I supposed to be creating this new Field Trip Co-op and setting the schedule for all of the Inspiration Night's? How exactly did that become my responsibility? I don't recall ever saying I would do all of that. Somehow it just got dropped in my lap. Sigh.

Am I crazy? Maybe I'm just overqualified. Someone hears that I was the leader of the last homeschool group and they want me to take over this one. Someone learns I was the VBS director of my church in Maryland and suddenly they're looking at me to start one with this church. I have to keep my mouth shut about being the president of our college Pro-Life group and having been through training at the Pregnancy Care Center because the pro-life people will be knocking on my door asking me to coordinate this year's Walk-A-Thon. Just because I've done it in the past, doesn't mean I'm supposed to do it now.

I learned a very valuable lesson the year I was the director of VBS. First of all, I'm not equipped to do that, I'm much better teaching or better yet leading Pre-School Music. But secondly, as I was the director of a VBS which ran the week of July 12-16th and was DUE to give birth on July 17th, I learned that God had not really called me to be the director and that I needed to be more careful about seeking His voice in such matters before I got myself into a commitment that I had to fulfill. He was faithful and answered so many prayers that year, and my eldest daughter waited to be born on July 21st. But still, the DRAMA that we went through! Running up and down the stairs and all around the church when you're ready to pop...I don't want to go there again. Okay, Lord, I get it! So I got a whole lot better at saying declining and also at not volunteering unless the Lord was clearly leading and I'd really prayed about it.

And then, I find myself in this situation on the heels of two long-distance car trips in one month's time with a whole load of different activities squeezed in between. It seems like God is directing me in these different areas, and if so He'll give me the grace and the strength to endure. He has gifted me in so many ways, and to whom much is given, much will be required. And the couple of areas where I could say, you know I could not do that, are places where God has called my husband and given him a passion to serve, so I need to support him in that, whether or not I share that calling. It's part of submission and being a helpmeet. God's definitely growing me in that!

I don't have any solution, but there is a part of me that thinks that I am one of "those" people who is just destined to live a hectic life. Destined for drama. Maybe so. Regardless, I'm so glad that I know the One who is able to bring peace in the midst of the storm. I'm also extremely grateful that the storm I find myself in, is not really all that dramatic compared to people losing their homes in tornadoes, or having children with terminal illnesses, or losing a child, or ____________...I just happen to have a very full calendar. If God can refine me through it and draw me closer to Himself through the busyness and make me more like Christ through the hectic days, I'll take it.

Grace and Peace,
Angel

P.S. Oh and Debbie, I'm really very lazy and I've been sleeping in 'til around 10am most mornings lately, and my bedroom is a mess. I do rest; the laundry just piles up while I do. ;)

I Just Got Older

Wow! Thanks so much for all your field trip ideas. It was great to have all the Indiana people coming out of the woodwork to share! :)

I don't have much to say, but I just had to tell you...In church Sunday, they promoted the kids to the next grade. Most churches do it in the fall, but we're weird and promote in June. Normally, I don't really care one way or another, but here's the deal, my son was promoted to the Jr. High Sunday School class. I just got older! As a result, he's also old enough to participate in the Jr/Sr High Youth Group. I just got even older! Already we're getting e-mails about Video Scavenger hunts and the like. Oi vey!

In other news, my middle sister (in the Air Force, 4 years younger than me) is visiting from South Dakota. She brought her Siberian Husky puppy Takoda (Sioux for "friend to everyone") with her. The "cousins" are having fun wrestling and playing. I need to take some pictures. I did something very foolish and put them in the muddy pen right after it rained which means they're probably both going to need baths. I probably should have thought that through a little more before doing it! Oh well!

So we're hanging out and I'm still in the midst of planning for the Homeschool Group. We'll continue with our crazy busyness the next couple of weeks with

• Tennis Camp,
• visitors from North Carolina
• visitors from St. Louis,
• swim lessons,
• poetry recital,
• Botany co-op,
• teaching Sunday School,
• hosting Home Fellowship (dh is leading),
• beginning a new Bible study with the 20 something women at church (I'm not sure if I'm leading it or not), and
• whatever else jumps onto my calendar.

Fun, fun, fun! :) I have a few posts in the queue just waiting for me to add pictures. Photobucket was acting up this weekend so I couldn't get it done. I know you're all waiting with baited breath. ;)

So what's going on with you all? Are you all done with school, or will you continue through the summer? Any exciting summer plans?

I pray all is well!

Grace and Peace,
Angel

Field Trip Suggestions

I'm preparing to lead a planning meeting for my local homeschool group this Tuesday, and I'm trying to come up with ideas for field trips. I'm thinking back to some of our favorite field trips

• One Room Schoolhouse
• C&O and Whitewater Canals
• Alban Tractor
• Colvin Run Mill
• Pizzeria Uno
• Maggie Moo's & Milwaukee Frozen Custard
• Veterinarian
• Sully Plantation
• Recycling Station
• Fire Station

I could go on and on! We have been on so many, and there were oh so many options in the Northern Virginia area. We tried to take advantage of as many as we could. One year when I was giving my son the IOWA Test, I was curious how he woud do on the Social Studies and Science portions of the test. The only results that the state cared about were those from the Math and Language Arts sections. We have never taught Social Studies, but have focused on History instead. In Science, our studies have been focused on specific topics (Life Science, Anatomy, Botany,...) and not Science in general like our classroom counterparts do. As a result, it would not have been unexplicable if he had done poorly on the Social Studies & Science sections. On the contrary, as I glanced over his answers after he completed the test, I found that he had done exceptionally well and that the majority of questions that were asked were on topics that had been covered during Field Trips! We'd always enjoyed field trips until then, but seeing the real educational value to field trips made me an even stronger advocate of them! There really is so much education to be found out and about and beyond textbooks!

That being said, I'd appreciate your assistance as I plan for a new year of field trips.

Would you be so kind as to share some of your favorite field trips?

Even if we can't go to the exact location you visited, any input would be helpful for ideas as to what kinds of field trips we could look into. Also, if you have any field trip resources (books or websites) those would be greatly appreciated as well! I'm excited to read what you have to share. Thanks in advance!

Grace and Peace,

Angel