tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88745699928793371822024-03-13T01:35:21.203-05:00Joy in the JourneyThoughts on theology, mothering, homeschooling - sometimes profound, sometimes humorous - but always seeking Joy in my Journey with Christ.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-30652989039635501662015-07-17T21:30:00.002-05:002015-07-17T21:30:06.831-05:00Dusting off the blog: For a Review!It's true! I haven't posted in eons - but here's a review for you!<br />
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I’ve been wanting to sell some things on eBay, but really didn’t feel like dealing with the fees and the hassle. Tonight, as I was listing some books on Homeschool Classifieds (homeschoolclassifieds.com) I remembered that they have a sister site, called “AllSorta” (allsorta.com). Why AllSorta? It’s like homeschool classifieds, except for things other than curriculum! <br /><br />It has some great features: listing is FREE! (Did I mention FREE? As in, NO FEES!) It works on mobile devices and on desktop platforms. Items are displayed in list format, so it’s easy to search for exactly what you need. Unlike eBay and Etsy, there are no high fees (wait, did I say that before???) AllSorta also bills itself as family-friendly, and there are certain items they just won’t allow to be listed. <br /> So what did I list? A new shirt with tags, some games that we are not playing any more, notebooks, hobby electronic parts. We’ll see how the selling goes! I’m cautiously optimistic, that when I have random items for sale I won’t have to deal with the fees of eBay, but can head to AllSorta for All Sorta things! (See what I did there?) Plus - check our their promotions if you are a Homeschool Classifieds member ;) See you on AllSorta!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-44280374562006299932013-12-20T23:20:00.000-06:002013-12-20T23:20:13.255-06:00In Which Christmas Comes to My Heart<br />
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It happened tonight, in the most unexpected of places.<br />
<br />
Under an awning, out in the country, Christmas caroling with a huge crowd of mostly young folk. A voice came from behind, quiet and sure. . . .<br />
<br />
<i>Silent night, Holy Night,</i><br />
<i>Son of God, Love's pure light. . . . . </i><br />
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Time stopped, just for a moment.<br />
<br />
<i>Radiant beams from Thy holy face</i><br />
<i>With the dawn of Redeeming Grace. . . . </i><br />
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I looked around me. Surrounded by a crowd of joyful, eager voices, singing praises to a King born in a manger. <br />
<br />
Singing to a neighboring widow, her face beaming with joy of a Savior known.<br />
<br />
Singing under the leadership of precious friends, whose impact in the life of my family cannot be measured.<br />
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I'll admit it - I stopped singing. I couldn't. Just couldn't. My heart was too full, it rose in my throat and the tears trickled down my cheeks.<br />
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<i>Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth -</i><br />
<i>Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. </i><br />
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I've been very list-focused these past two weeks.<br />
<i>"Get it all done" </i>has been my mantra, whispered seductively in my ear by that part of me that thinks Christmas is within my grasp, within my power, within my will and my might to <i>make</i> it happen. And by golly, I <i>have </i>gotten it all done.<br />
<br />
Except. <br />
<br />
<i>How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv'n</i><br />
<i>So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.</i><br />
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But I couldn't make Christmas happen where it mattered.<br />
Until tonight, when God Himself reached down and touched this cold, weary heart and used a widow, an old, tattered awning, a Christmas carol, and a beautiful Alabama night to whisper "<i>Grace</i>" to my soul.<br />
<br />
We returned for bluegrass and goodies, but I hardly noticed the food or the music. Except for this one carol:<br />
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<i>Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,<br />
When Thou camest to earth for me;<br />
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room<br />
For Thy holy nativity.<br />
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,<br />
There is room in my heart for Thee.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Indeed.</div>
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<i> </i></div>
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<i>Merry Christmas to one and all.</i></div>
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<br />
<br />
<i> </i> <br />
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<i> </i> Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-88621056596860945442013-04-01T21:58:00.000-05:002013-04-01T21:58:23.926-05:00April Fool's On. . . . . ME!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I should have seen this one coming.<br />
<br />
After a difficult decision made and accepted*, and a relaxing, wonderful beach trip with dear family, I was ready. "April," thought I, "do your worst."<br />
<br />
Pride goeth before a fool. An April fool.<br />
<br />
Last night, upon arriving home, I opened my email. Email #1: "Heather, where is the worksheet you usually post for science on Tuesday? It's not online!" Urgh. Forgot. <br />
<br />
Then I open the next email, "Heather, what time is the field trip in the morning?" Field trip. Field trip? FIELD TRIP?!!!??? Oh, yeah. The field trip at 9 in the morning, with 50 homeschoolers, that I'm in charge of AND COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT. Nice. <br />
<br />
Emails sent, Apologies offered, Arrangements made. I'm golden.<br />
<br />
April 1st dawns bright and cheery. Except for my girls, who would rather stay in bed than go on a field trip. Oh, well. We scrounge breakfast and head out. The docent at the Botanical Gardens is lovely, but a sub. She makes do quite nicely, and after the tour/trip I head to the library there to check out some books and teaching props for my plant lessons.<br />
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"Your library card has expired." Of COURSE it has. Paperwork, process, $50 lighter (we pay an out-of-county fee for using our WONDERFUL library), we're now 30 minutes late. Hannah has a piano lesson at 12:45. . . .squeal through the drive-thru, grab a bite, run home. She practices for 9 minutes, we zoom out for the lesson, arriving only 3 minutes late. "Not bad," I think, and start claiming victory over April. . . . .<br />
<br />No piano teacher. 15 minutes later? No piano teacher. Phone rings. She took an unexpected trip to Florida and forgot to tell me. Of COURSE she did. Alrighty then. Back home it is. (Hannah celebrating all the way ;) )<br />
<br />
Home with 45 minutes to spare before the real estate appraiser shows up. Clean, tidy, scurry, hurry. . . . we finish as he pulls up to the front door. (Because, doncha know, a clean house adds at least $10K to the value. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.) Let him in, answer a few questions. Check.<br />
<br />
Time to call the mechanic. No, the car won't be ready on time. Of COURSE it won't. But I'm welcome to come and sit. Use Kathryn's car, run Hannah up to ballet. Back and forth on the phone, arranging costume fittings and discussing rides home with the neighbor.<br />
<br />
Home for 15 minutes. On her way to teach ballet, Kat drops me at the shop. (Local peeps: Christian Brothers Automotive in Hoover. Love. Love.) Find out they received the wrong brake pads. Of COURSE they did. Hang out for a little over an hour. (Side benefit; had a great visit with the shop owner, who is a friend. Awesome.) Get car, head to Wal-Mart for a few emergency groceries and sodas for tonight's Scout Event.<br />
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Home for 10 minutes. Nathaniel in the car, take him to Scouts. Return home, throw the younger 2 girls in the car. Take them to meet Yurii at Scouts. Realize . . . . I forgot the sodas. Of COURSE I did. <br />
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At this point, I'm pretty thankful that tonight's event is only 3 miles from home. Return home, grab the soda. Head to church, grab Emily from ballet, return to Scout Event. With the infamous 2-liters in hand. <br />
<br />
I'm home. About to type up my science worksheets. And you know what?<br />
<br />
I may just let them spend 45 minutes launching balloons tomorrow.<br />
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<br />
Because if this is what the rest of April looks like? <br />
<br />
I'm in for a doozy. Of COURSE I am ;)<br />
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*<span style="font-size: x-small;">more on this one, later!</span><br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-44736084428598220802013-02-27T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-27T07:00:16.594-06:00Wordless Wednesday: Because There Are No Words for This Atrocity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Or maybe there is a word.<br />
<br />
The word is. . . . . .<br />
<br />
NO.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-13439252674932626252013-02-25T08:51:00.000-06:002013-02-25T08:51:10.194-06:00Experiencing Lent: Amon's Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you celebrate Lent? Do anything special to mark the days leading up to Easter, or Resurrection Sunday?<br />
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I confess - that is one of the things that I miss about the Episcopal church I attended in college. The ritual, the liturgy, and the church calendar. Each year, I try - with varying degrees of success - to prepare my heart, and help my children prepare their hearts - for the glorious celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.<br />
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We have had far more success celebrating Advent, the days leading up to Christmas. Part of that celebration has been the series of books written by Arnold Ytreeide: Jotham's Journey, Tabitha's Travels, and Bartholomew's Passage. We've read each one at least twice. . . . they are captivating stories set in the time of the birth of Christ, weaving tales of three young children who are caught up in adventures and end up at the manger.<br />
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This year, by the request - no, the <i>pleading</i> of my children - I purchased Amon's Adventure. Amon is the son of some main characters from the Jotham series, and we follow his life and intrigue around the temple in Jerusalem during - you guessed it - the time when Jesus was approaching His passion.<br />
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We've only ready about 5 days so far - there are 28 chapters all told. Mr. Ytreeide gives several ways to schedule the reading; once every few days, start the 28 days before Easter, or read a <i>whole bunch</i> during Holy Week. Each lesson ends with a scripture to consider and a short thought related to the day's reading, making it perfect for family devotions.<br />
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You're not too late! If your family has read the Jotham's Journey stories, your kids will laugh and nod their heads as they recognize familiar characters. But even if you are newcomers to Arnold Ytreeide's work, you and your kids will be drawn into the heart of the adventure, and turn your hearts and minds towards the marvelous sacrifice of Jesus. <br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-52074940288571633242013-02-24T19:58:00.001-06:002013-02-24T19:58:34.916-06:00Sunday Sentiments: On FriendshipThis will not be a picture-heavy post. It won't show up on Pinterest, or Facebook, or Twitter. <br />
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But it's written - better, engraved - upon my heart.<br />
<br />
We have spent today in the company of some dear friends. Twice in about 6 weeks, if truth be told. Laughing, breaking bread, talking of things random and then important.<br />
<br />
And today, I'm struck by how important relationships are. True, deep, meaningful relationships where you can know and be known. Where you can talk about issues close to your heart without fear of judgment or condemnation, but with encouragement that points you to God's Word and your relationship with Christ.<br />
<br />
May you all have friendships such as we have been blessed with. And may you all take whatever steps are necessary in your life to nuture and deepen those friendships.<br />
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A restful Sunday evening to you all. <br />
<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-18208817440939490532013-02-23T21:32:00.000-06:002013-02-24T16:34:52.103-06:00Online Resources: ScholaricOne of the most popular posts on my blog is an old one. . . a review I wrote of an online homeschool grade book and lesson planning program called <a href="http://joyinthejourneyhh.blogspot.com/2009/09/homeschool-skedtrack-review.html" target="_blank">Homeschool SkedTrack</a>. You may be surprised to know that I no longer use that website, although I still think it is quite good. I took a year off to go back to good old pencil-and-paper, but have since hunted around for other online resources to make my planning more routine and easier to manage.<br />
<br />
My late-night internet wanderings paid off with the discovery of <a href="http://scholaric.com/" target="_blank">Scholaric</a> - the website that promises "Homeschool Planning Made Easy".<br />
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Due to an insanely busy summer, I didn't start my research until the week I was beginning school with the kids. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I know, I know. Not. Smart. Once again bursting the "she's-a-perfect-homeschooler" illusion.)</span> I quickly found that I was stuck! Several of the websites I looked at required a ton of up front work; one was still in development, and basically useless. But Scholaric's promise of "easy"? Now THAT I could work with!<br />
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And you know what? "Easy" was absolutely accurate. I was up and running on Scholaric in - no joke - 15 minutes. Here's what I mean:<br />
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1. Add a student: See the button at the bottom of the screen? Click it. You get the new student field. Type the name, you're done. 60 seconds, tops.<br />
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2. Add a course:<br />
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Seriously, that's it. Type in "Math" and then "2nd Grade Math". Done. Another 60 seconds. Tops.<br />
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3. Plan a lesson: Here's a screen shot of the planning lesson for Amy's subject, "Grammar 2"<br />
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Under "Description", I just typed in what I wanted Amy to see; "Lesson 62". (There are ways to type in the lessons so that they will sequence automatically - honestly, I just don't fool with it. Probably next year!) Next I had to decide if the lesson repeats.<br />
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Again, easy! Just select the repetition tab, check the dates you want the lesson to occur, and for how long. Done.<br />
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Last step: is this lesson shared with anyone?<br />
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This feature is especially helpful for our history and science lessons, when I've got girls working together. And my new secret weapon? I created my own set of lessons! That way, when one of my kids needs me to work a lesson with them, I "share" it with myself. Then Scholaric prints up a daily list for me, and I know who needs what kind of help that day. Sweet!<br />
<br />
That. Is. It.<br />
<br />
Simple. Easy. To the point. Repeat for as many subjects as you have, and then print lessons by the day or by the week.<br />
<br />
Now <a href="http://scholaric.com/" target="_blank">Scholaric</a> can do a whole bunch of other things, but no so many that it becomes unwieldy or difficult to use. You can print report cards, track hours or other goals instead of grades, and print your gradebook. Mark a whole day's work as complete, or allow your children to log in and check off assignments as they are completed. Move lessons ahead or back with a simple click. Easy, easy, easy!<br />
<br />
If you're thinking about using Scholaric, here are a few more considerations:<br />
<br />
• Scholaric does indeed have weighted grading! You can read about it at <a href="http://blog.scholaric.com/group-weighted-grading" target="_blank">Scholaric's blog</a>. . .which is exactly what I'll be doing this afternoon.<br />
• Help using Scholaric is accessed on the main page, usually reading through a set of blog posts by the developer. For those of you who like a video tutorial, at this point you won't find one. But really? Y'all. Did I <i>mention</i> it was easy??!!!<br />
<br />
And the last consideration:<br />
<br />
I was given a free, 6-month trial in exchange for my review. It ended 2 weeks ago. And I happily - <b><i>happily I tell you</i></b> - paid the paltry $5 per month (through Amazon payments) to keep using Scholaric for my homeschool planning.<br />
<br />
And that, dear readers, it what we call. . . . a keeper.<br />
<br />
If you try Scholaric, let me know what you think!<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-43201294788068856892013-01-14T07:18:00.001-06:002013-01-14T07:18:28.244-06:00Hidden Pain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ILo_LzmqRIPYQR2-19jdLcbT1kBxyzwqvoWMybpZDxlyCYIk12K8VsdblUUdqwRzf3OHwT_f5tbI9_Dp2klLgo5aDNuYHfqmHkunz0DSmJtWftTQn6VYwk9kpKwd2di0iQZCBl6SJRA/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-01-14+at+7.15.56+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ILo_LzmqRIPYQR2-19jdLcbT1kBxyzwqvoWMybpZDxlyCYIk12K8VsdblUUdqwRzf3OHwT_f5tbI9_Dp2klLgo5aDNuYHfqmHkunz0DSmJtWftTQn6VYwk9kpKwd2di0iQZCBl6SJRA/s320/Screen+shot+2013-01-14+at+7.15.56+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've got a <a href="http://www.hedua.com/blog/hidden-pain/" target="_blank">blog piece</a> running over at Home Educating Family today. . . .<br />
<br />
And while I've addressed the topic before, I think it's worth a reminder.<br />
<br />
Show the grace of Jesus to everyone you meet; you never know who is fighting hidden pain.<br />
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-47198587902247330442013-01-11T22:15:00.000-06:002013-01-11T22:15:00.543-06:00Who Am I? A Les Miserables Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I think I have a new favorite version of Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.<br />
<br />
I'm no stranger to this story. My first Les Mis was in Boston, around 1989, catching a bus and then the subway into the city, with a few of my college friends. For weeks and weeks afterwards we sang and played the music; Dan as Marius, JoAnne as Cosette and I, of course, ever the trusty side-kick Eponine. (Plus, I'm a mezzo. Just can't swing the whole Cosette range and all.) I was struck by the scope, the emotion, the grand scale and interweaving of the stories. And of course, being young and falling in and out of love, the whole Marius-Cosette-Eponine triangle stirred my heart and captured my imagination.<br />
<br />
My second Les Mis was a magical night in New York City, with my hubby by my side. His marching band had performed selections from Les Mis in their half-time show; that year, his students purchased us a December day trip to NYC, with spending money and - gasp - free babysitting! It was 1999, Emily was just 1, and we were young parents, full of love and life and grand optimism. We reveled in the entire experience; the magic of seeing such an amazing production on broadway was incredible. Yurii & I loved the music, the operatic nature of it all, and just the entire production quality. This Les Mis was about the music for me; the men singing Javert and Jean ValJean had just unbelievably powerful voices that satisfied our inner music critic.<br />
<br />
My third and fourth Les Miserables came in the form of the novel; more specifically, the novel that I was privileged to teach to my two oldest <strike>guinea pigs</strike> students. As always, I learned so much from teaching my own kids. It was here that the themes of grace, justice and mercy, redemption and forgiveness began to seep into my heart.<br />
<br />
Enter tonight. Les Miserables, the film version. Gritty, intense, real, emotional. Wow. I was absolutely undone by Anne Hathaway as Fantine - thus the image for this blog post. No, Russell Crowe is not a Broadway vocalist - if you're expecting a Broadway show, stay home. But his Javert. . . .<br />
<br />
His Javert. Subtle. Powerful. Unyielding. Empathetic. Yes - that's right - empathetic. Unlike the Broadway/stage version, where Javert is far more of an unlikeable, evil character, Crowe's Javert is - human. Understandable. Righteous.<br />
<br />
And really, that's the beauty of this version of Les Mis. I sat in that darkened theater, mostly in tears, and thought, "Who Am I?"<br />
<br />
I am Javert. . . . . righteous in zeal, in the way things "should" be done, trampling over the needs of other humans all while claiming to seek the face of God.<br />
<br />
I am Javert. . . . the older brother in the prodigal son story, doing everything right, but missing the central point.<br />
<br />
I am Javert. . . in desperate need of the grace of God, but in my own sinfulness unable to accept it as wholly free and unconditional.<br />
<br />But for the grace of God.. . . . I am Javert.<br />
<br />
However. . . . as the dear Norris Anderson says. . . .<br />
<br />
But God. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Eph-2-4" id="en-ESV-29217"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>But<sup> </sup>God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,</span> <span class="text Eph-2-5" id="en-ESV-29218"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—</span> <span class="text Eph-2-6" id="en-ESV-29219">and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,</span> <span class="text Eph-2-7" id="en-ESV-29220">so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.</span> <span class="text Eph-2-8" id="en-ESV-29221">For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,</span> <span class="text Eph-2-9" id="en-ESV-29222">not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2: 4-9)</span></blockquote>
Who am I?<br />
<br />
I am shown the riches of God's grace. I am Jean ValJean; I am Fantine.<br />
<br />
I am forever transformed.<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-63191564091245150012013-01-09T12:08:00.000-06:002013-01-09T12:08:04.098-06:00Wordless Wednesday: Rome is Where the Heart Is<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiF64n3ohkPtA8MsUC_KvJ91UbtRjXYr2vLn0Xzj9T1gjVg_5RBxI8yzXadwQNZ12h3JJ86KewA9oC6Ma8wqqPf0NwCmLNtojIOx0eGPmp7-grXkgTTb_zsj1zsN-gR0A_p11BeVWrLGk/s1600/Kat+group+at+Coliseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiF64n3ohkPtA8MsUC_KvJ91UbtRjXYr2vLn0Xzj9T1gjVg_5RBxI8yzXadwQNZ12h3JJ86KewA9oC6Ma8wqqPf0NwCmLNtojIOx0eGPmp7-grXkgTTb_zsj1zsN-gR0A_p11BeVWrLGk/s640/Kat+group+at+Coliseum.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samford Fellows at the Coliseum in Rome - for those of you playing "Where's Waldo?", she's in the front row on the right with the light colored pants.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-26860049372157741142012-12-24T06:48:00.003-06:002012-12-24T06:49:38.594-06:00Full and Overflowing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="chapter-3"><span class="text Ps-126-1">When the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> restored the fortunes of Zion,</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-126-1">we were like those who dream.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-126-1"> </span></span><span class="text Ps-126-2" id="en-ESV-16118">Then our mouth was filled with laughter,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-126-2">and our tongue with shouts of joy;</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-126-2">then they said among the nations,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-126-2">“The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has done great things for them.”</span></span><span class="text Ps-126-3" id="en-ESV-16119"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Ps-126-3" id="en-ESV-16119">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has done great things for us;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-126-3">we are glad.</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Psalm 126:1-3 </blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
How can I express in words the joy that is welling up in my heart, has welled up in my heart, in the past few days?<br />
<br />
To see family, friends, so dear.<br />
Hearing the word of God preached, so faithfully, from a dear and godly pastor.<br />
Joining in worship the company of the saints.<br />
Old friends with new babies.<br />
Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, embracing and laughing and rejoicing.<br />
Watching hearts knit together, memories made.<br />
Trying to capture it all in a moment, in a snapshot,<br />
Freezing time for the days to come.<br />
<br />
Christmas is truly, a magical time.<br />
<br />
Rejoice! A King is born!<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas, all. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-76073011757820080012012-12-14T23:40:00.001-06:002012-12-14T23:40:09.737-06:00Unspeakable Tragedy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Matt-2-18" id="en-ESV-23188">"A voice was heard in Ramah,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Matt-2-18">weeping and loud lamentation,</span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-2-18">Rachel weeping for her children;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Matt-2-18">she refused to be comforted, because they are no more."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-2-18">Matthew 2:18</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-2-18">Lord, have mercy.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Matt-2-18">Heartbreaking. </span></span></div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-73359855936999443912012-12-06T08:04:00.000-06:002012-12-06T08:04:02.471-06:00Advent Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
From my Advent reading today:<br />
<br />
Jesus observed, 'Without me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). Yet we act, for the most part, as though without us God can do nothing. We think we have to make Christmas come, whic is to say we think we have to bring about the redemption of the universe on our own. When all God needs is a willing womb, a place of safety, nourishment, and love.<br />
<br />
"Oh, but nothing will get done," you say. "If I don't do it, Christmas won't happen." And we crowd out Christ with our fretful fears.<br />
<br />
God asks us to give away everything of ourselves. The gift of greatest efficacy and power that we can offer God and creation is not our skills, gifts, abilities and possessions. The wise men had their gold, frankincense, and myrrh, Paul and Peter had their preaching. Mary offered only space, love, belief.<br />
<br />
What is it that delivers Christ into the world - preaching, art, writing, scholarship, social justice? Those are all gifts well worth sharing. But preachers lose their charisma, scholarship grows pedantic, social justice alone cannot save us. In the end, when all other human gifts have met their inevitable limitation, it is the recollected one, the bold virgin with a heart in love with God who makes a sanctuary of her life, who delivers Christ who then delivers us.<br />
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- from the essay, "To Be Virgin" by Loretta Ross-Gotta<br />
<br />
Printed in the wonderful Advent devotional, <i>Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas. </i><br />
<br />
With many thanks to my two special students, Salem & Tess, who gave this to me as a gift!<i> </i><br />
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-14464664451563846392012-11-24T20:44:00.000-06:002012-11-24T20:44:02.264-06:00Thankful Doesn't Even Touch This One. . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
Starting January 7th, my wonderful, patient, talented husband will be employed.<br />
<br />
Full-time.<br />
<br />
Salaried.<br />
<br />With benefits.<br />
<br />
Teaching music.<br />
<br />It's been 5 1/2 years since he's been a full-time teacher. Our youngest daughter doesn't even remember a time when Daddy taught school.<br />
<br />
To say we are grateful to the Lord doesn't even scratch the surface.<br />
<br />There's more - so much more - but for now.<br />
<br />
Praise be to God!!!!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-55530750010056875592012-11-06T23:50:00.000-06:002012-11-06T23:50:21.245-06:00Inspiration for the Day: Lost and FoundAvoiding the election results tonight (I'll deal with it in the morning!) - I stumbled across this beautiful piece:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong>Faith
is this unwavering trust in the heart of God in the hurt of here.
Unwavering trust all the time though I don't understand all the time. </strong></blockquote>
<br />
Beautiful, inspiring, convicting writing. Read more at <a href="http://momheart.org/lost-and-found-a-goat-a-girl-and-gods-love" target="_blank">Momheart.org</a> <br />
<br />
And enjoy your day, trusting in the good providence of God.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-47119420712492331652012-10-29T20:23:00.001-05:002012-10-29T20:23:32.784-05:00If Only I Had Made This Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't believe this is actually happening to me.<br />
<br />
I'm sitting here in a McDonald's, waiting for The Boy to be done with Scouts.<br />
<br />
Conversation at the table next to me, two late teens:<br />
<br />
"I know this girl, she know how to work the government."<br />
"Really?"<br />
"Yeah. She got her checks, she gets them to pay for her gas, and she ends up with money at the end and she don't even have to work."<br />
"Sweet."<br />
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Have. Mercy. Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-26546166907119772312012-10-28T13:27:00.002-05:002012-10-28T13:27:32.492-05:00Sunday Sentiments: Help Thou My Unbelief<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROqznaWuI9isHCHQxsleDUFtSeIkdUzKWTcEVtYhu0KvVIYZnIR-JLJgt8aQvvKJvGDIJIfTKoIG0eR98oO4mAvxa6qZsMvIVDYvb7xqYXxiDp9D6WgDYVHZszF4D44fIhODH0vJAzLo/s1600/Harold_Copping_Jesus_Heals_The_Epileptic_Boy_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROqznaWuI9isHCHQxsleDUFtSeIkdUzKWTcEVtYhu0KvVIYZnIR-JLJgt8aQvvKJvGDIJIfTKoIG0eR98oO4mAvxa6qZsMvIVDYvb7xqYXxiDp9D6WgDYVHZszF4D44fIhODH0vJAzLo/s320/Harold_Copping_Jesus_Heals_The_Epileptic_Boy_400.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Mark-9-20" id="en-ESV-24554">And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.</span> <span class="text Mark-9-21" id="en-ESV-24555">And Jesus asked his father, <span class="woj">“How long has this been happening to him?”</span> And he said, “From childhood.</span> <span class="text Mark-9-22" id="en-ESV-24556"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”</span> <span class="text Mark-9-23" id="en-ESV-24557">And Jesus said to him, <span class="woj">“‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”</span></span><sup> </sup><span class="text Mark-9-24" id="en-ESV-24558">Immediately the father of the child cried out<sup> </sup>and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:20-24 (ESV)</span></blockquote>
We're in the middle of dealing with a situation that needs much prayer. And involves waiting on a reply from a third party.<br />
<br />
And while everything in me pleads, "Believe! Believe when you pray! Know that God is going to do a good thing!" there is this unbelief that rears its ugly head. "You've been down this road before. God has said No before, surely it will be no this time. Don't get your hopes up."<br />
<br />
This is my struggle. And so yesterday, in the quiet hours of the morning, I turned to a passage that - strangely - gives me great comfort. When the desperate father brings his son for healing, he cries out to Jesus: "I believe; help my unbelief!" The passion of a father for a child, seeking answers, but feeling weak in his flesh.<br />
<br />
Consider this encouraging word from Jerry Bridges:<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
It’s true, however, that oftentimes the
situation at hand looms larger in our minds than the promises of God. We
then find it difficult to believe the promises. In those times, I find
the words of the father of a demon-possessed son encouraging: ‘I
believe; help my unbelief!’ (Mark 9:24). There is a vast difference
between stubborn unbelief such as was demonstrated by the people of
Jesus’ hometown, Nazareth (see Mark 6:5-6), and the struggling faith of
the son’s father. God honors our struggles, and the Holy Spirit will
help us. The important issue is that we seek to honor God through our
faith, even though weak and faltering, rather than dishonoring Him
through rank unbelief.”</blockquote>
Standing on the promises this Sunday, and praying God to help me in my unbelief. <br />
<br />
<br />
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-89887206197340151762012-10-24T10:54:00.001-05:002012-10-24T10:54:54.457-05:00(almost) Wordless Wednesday: You have GOT to be kidding me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Name that item!<br />
<br />
Only in Alabama, folks, only in Alabama.<br />
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(Sorry for the bad quality: it's a camera-phone picture!)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-65790595640097867732012-10-21T21:24:00.002-05:002012-10-21T21:24:52.234-05:00Sunday Sentiments: His Eye is on the Sparrow. . . . . and on Craigslist!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />"Consider the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26)<br />
<br />
<br />
4 years or so ago, we put our house on the market. That's a story for another place and time (and <i>definitely</i> another blog post!), but part of the process involved looking for more updated appliances for our kitchen.<br />
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So I started looking. "Craigslist!" exclaimed my very enthusiastic, thrifty friend.<br />
<br />
And since her house looks like something directly out of a magazine - for literally pennies - I was inclined to listen to her advice.<br />
<br />
As I was searching, I happened to come across a wall oven to replace our outdated model. It was a very odd size, and rather small. But the mysterious owner promised that it worked well, and was indeed the correct size. Once we got past the "generic Craigslist email" service, this nice woman and I started conversing.<br />
<br />
And then we realized - we had a TON of friends in common! Her husband worked at an inner-city school sponsored by our church, and his college roommate was a friend of my husband's.<br />
<br />
Crazy, no?<br />
<br />
No.<br />
<br />
And in God's wonderful Providence, who shows up at our Sunday School class today?<br />
<br />This. Same. Couple.<br />
<br />
At a time when I was - honestly - needing a little encouragement myself, in walks The Oven Owner, the Oven Owner's Husband, and their two kids.<br />
<br />
What a joy to tell her that I pray for her when I cook on that wonderful, fabulous, slightly-dirty (sorry, Mom!), perfectly functioning, well-used oven!<br />
<br />
Turns out, she's in need of a little encouragement herself. I love how God does that. I'm hoping we can meet up for coffee or something soon. . . . . . . .<br />
<br />
All because God has His eye on the sparrow. . . . . . .<br />
<br />
And on Craigslist!<br />
<br />
(P.S. What song was presented as the offertory this morning? Yup. You guessed it: His Eye is On the Sparrow. Love. It.) </div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-14107990164841601332012-10-20T00:14:00.001-05:002012-10-20T00:14:51.400-05:00I quit facebook for THIS??!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Yup. It's true.<br />
<br />
I gave up facebook for a while, because I was wasting too much time.<br />
<br />
So what have I done for most of the day?<br />
<br />
This.<br />
<br />
Watched a giraffe in South Carolina prepare to give birth.<br />
<br />
But it's not wasting time, it's educational!<br />
<br />
Riiiiiiiiiight.<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-36274112645797817282012-10-18T21:16:00.002-05:002012-10-18T21:16:21.389-05:00When Mrs. Fix-It Can't<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes, Mom can't fix everything, even when she wants to.<br />
<br />
I have a running joke with friends of mine, fellow moms walking the path of parenting young adults; "Wasn't it easier when we could just feed them a cracker, wipe their bottoms, and put them in bed?"<br />
<br />
And it was.<br />
<br />
Kind of.<br />
<br />
Although we didn't think so at the time.<br />
<br />
So now we listen. And watch, And pray.<br />
<br />
We pray for wisdom, for when to speak up and when to remain silent.<br />
<br />We pray for patience, to let our mighty God work in the lives of these precious ones, these "not-a-childs" who wear the mask of adulthood, but so easily slide into the heart-places, where crackers and warm blankies make it all better.<br />
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We pray for grace, to extend to them and to ourselves.<br />
<br />
And we pray with hearts broken and arms open, wrestling with the Lord on their behalf, interceding when there is nothing else to do.<br />
<br />
But watch.<br />
<br />
And wait.<br />
<br />
And trust.<br />
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That the God of all comfort will indeed comfort them in their afflictions, no matter how large or how trivial, and that their hearts will continue to be captured and tuned to sing His Marvelous praise.<br />
<br />
Resting in Him tonight, and resting in the promise that He will work all things together for good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).<br />
<br />
And that is the best fix-it plan of all.<br />
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-55917213053800999092012-10-06T07:00:00.000-05:002012-10-06T07:00:04.238-05:00Stranger in a Strange Land<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
7 years ago, our family had just moved south from New England. A kind-hearted woman brought over a casserole. She was "on her way to the game", and wanted to drop it by before she headed out of town.<br />
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"What game?" I asked, honestly curious.<br />
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Incredulous stare. Disbelief. <br />
<br />
I didn't get it, clearly. And in some respects, I still don't.<br />
<br />
It's football season here in Alabama. The time of year when people's lives revolve around The Game. Friday night high school games and Saturday college games, there are parties, tailgating, Homecoming dances, bands, parades, cheerleaders, pep rallies, and who-knows-what-all.<br />
<br />
Look. I was drum major of my high school marching band <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and marched WITH a broken heel, thankyouverymuch)</span>. I understand how the game is played. It's fun. It can be exciting. I get that. But what I don't get - and may never get - is how the game of football becomes part of the warp and woof of a life, how you schedule an entire season around what 2 teams do to a little brown pigskin.<br />
<br />
During the fall, I feel most alone. Not depressingly so, but keenly aware that 95% of the culture shares something that I simply don't understand. I'll go to the local homecoming game to watch our friends' sons play, and watch and cheer. But all the while, deep inside, I feel like I'm pretending. It's hard to explain, but I always leave football games pretty melancholy.<br />
<br />
And - mostly - I'm ok with that. Soon enough, the world will right itself again. I'll rejoin the conversation, rejoin the social scene, and find myself more in step with those around me. <br />
<br />
For now, I just need to be content with my lot. Those of you who are native to the South most likely don't get why this even warrants a blog post. Those of you from the North can't imagine that there even exists a culture so permeated by 4 quarters of offense and defense that they put rally flags out their windows and tiger tails on their cars. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I'm NOT making this up, northern friends. Really.)</span><br />
<br />
But maybe -just maybe - there is someone reading who can relate.<br />
<br />
And maybe- just maybe - my friends who are believers in Jesus can relate to this feeling in a whole different way. Being a part of the world, but not really of it any longer, we long for Jesus, we long for heaven, we long for a world made right and new and whole.<br />
<br />
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Where everyone is united in worship of that which is Right and True and Good. . . . . .</div>
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. . . . . and it's not football. </div>
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It's Jesus. </div>
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And the longing in my heart to belong, to truly feel at home, reminds me</div>
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that I was meant for more than this world.</div>
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So when the melancholy starts, when the loneliness sets in, it is my prayer that God would use it to turn my heart more towards Him, and to set my mind on things above. Anyone want to join me? </div>
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<i>This world is not my home I'm just a passing through<br />
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue<br />
The angels beckon me from heaven's open door<br />
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore</i></div>
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<br />
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-44719797888506602712012-10-05T05:00:00.000-05:002012-10-11T23:20:43.899-05:00Fabulous Field Trips and Final Freebie!Here it is. . . the last in the series of giveaway posts! Congratulations to <i><b>Ann Moore</b></i>, the winner of the On-The-Go planner. Read to the end of this post; there's a GREAT giveaway this week as well!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This week's topic: Fabulous Field Trips.</b></span></div>
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Now I admit, being a homeschooler, you really can take some fabulous field trips! The grocery store, the office supply center, the discount store. . . . . . .<br />
<br />
Oh, wait. Not THOSE field trips you say?<br />
<br />
Alright, time for a confession. Most field trips organized for homeschoolers leave me, well, like this:<br />
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Except my hair's not red. And I rarely wear lipstick. But you get the picture.<br />
Anywho.<br />
<br />
I have field trip issues. All too often, the field trips I've been on have featured some, er, problems.<br />
<br />
So with that in mind I give you:<br />
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<b>Heather's Handy Hints for Happy </b><b><b>Homeschool </b>Happenings </b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(aka field trips, but I've got the whole alliteration thing going and didn't want to mess it up. Work with me, people.)</span></div>
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<b>1. Be Like Horton the Elephant</b><br />
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"I meant what I said and I said what I meant; an Elephant's faithful, one-hundred percent!"</div>
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If you commit to a field trip, attend. If you promise to pay for a field trip, pay. Simple as that. Of course, there are extenuating circumstances - like hospital stays, delivering babies, and death. "My week has been too busy" is NOT, repeat, NOT an extenuating circumstance. It's life. </div>
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Scripture tells us to let our yes be yes and our no be no (Matt. 5:37). Let's model that for our kids - and for the watching world - by honoring our commitments.</div>
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<b>2. Do NOT be like the White Rabbit</b><br />
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"I'm late, I'm late. . .for a very important date!"</div>
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Or as my dear husband says. . ."To be early is to be on time!" Figure out how long it will take you to drive, arrive, park, and walk to the meeting location. Then add 15 minutes. For traffic, diaper blow-outs, and unexpected, "Oh my! How DID that gas gauge get to empty?" moments.</div>
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Be respectful of other people's time. Another handy hint: make sure you have a cell phone number for the trip coordinator, so you can let her know if you're running late.<br />
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<b>3. Steer Clear of Dr. McPhee from Night at the Museum</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigATPGZScPMJro9wU-DJ17s2y47L_H1QdlQiAacfLwnUkLs91I1fsq1TgSsD6cnhhE19kPi4HOeskj-Ri_GNkFNSkQ0MwvsKG1nBJs6uRDkVHJ3v2GFluyJ_MG-wyDv4mrcnGf5QebrP8/s1600/url.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigATPGZScPMJro9wU-DJ17s2y47L_H1QdlQiAacfLwnUkLs91I1fsq1TgSsD6cnhhE19kPi4HOeskj-Ri_GNkFNSkQ0MwvsKG1nBJs6uRDkVHJ3v2GFluyJ_MG-wyDv4mrcnGf5QebrP8/s1600/url.gif" /></a></div>
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<span class="quote"> "Do you know what 'museum' means? It-- It does not
mean, 'Ooh, Daddy, it's a big </span></div>
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<span class="quote">tyrannosaurus thing! Can I touch its
leg?' No! Control your young!"</span></div>
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<span class="quote">It's 11 o'clock on the field trip. . .do you know where your children are? Are they running through the exhibits? Torturing the tortoises? Driving the docents delirious? </span></div>
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<span class="quote">Like it or not, people who offer field trips will look at our homeschool groups with a critical eye. An out-of-control, undisciplined, disruptive group will likely ruin any potential future trips for other homeschoolers. If your child misbehaves (and face it! they all do at some time or another!), pull them quietly aside and remind them what is expected.</span></div>
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<span class="quote">More importantly - for many of us, we represent not only homeschoolers, but the body of Christ. Let's be good ambassadors.</span></div>
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<b>4. Avoid the Ladies' Dance Committee (<i>Music Man)</i></b><br />
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<i>"Pick a little-talk a little</i></div>
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<i>Pick a little-talk a little</i></div>
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<i>Cheep cheep cheep! </i></div>
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<i>Talk a lot, pick a little more!"</i></div>
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<i> </i><b><i> </i></b></div>
This one's for me. Yes, mommas, I know we're all excited about seeing our friends. But the field trip is NOT our social outing! Make plans to visit after the field trip at a park or Starbucks, but PLEASE don't visit and chat during a presentation.<br />
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Because there's nothing more embarrassing than a docent asking the group to be quiet - and it's the moms who are talking. Ask me how I know.<br />
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<b>5. Let your kids be Horshack, not you</b><br />
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"Ooh! Ooh! Mr. Kotter! Mr. Kotter!"</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(yes, I know - I'm a child of the 70s. deal with it)</span></div>
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Y'all. I know it's crazy cool that we're learning all this stuff as moms that we'd forgotten. I know you have a million interesting questions, and you actually KNOW the answers because you read the book. But seriously? You already DID 3rd grade science. Let your kids answer and ask the questions.</div>
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It's their field trip.</div>
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<b>6. Always remember to say. . . . . . .</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHqNyK-LkmpRbe1cdurpBLuWJRu1T-ruD5PfYTN-Tz0PRrXK5DwrQIMTU67qe3GYpsEh7fiMSICgOyPR-Cj16SnC8hxTQ9ho05Kv3kFbTTf-gfHyi5n19arai4Tto3UTLBMZwGHFtDiE/s1600/url.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHqNyK-LkmpRbe1cdurpBLuWJRu1T-ruD5PfYTN-Tz0PRrXK5DwrQIMTU67qe3GYpsEh7fiMSICgOyPR-Cj16SnC8hxTQ9ho05Kv3kFbTTf-gfHyi5n19arai4Tto3UTLBMZwGHFtDiE/s320/url.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Want to make a good impression? Say "Thank you" at the end of the trip. . . not only to the place who hosted your group, but to the homeschool mom who likely coordinated it! Bonus tip: writing a thank you note qualifies as handwriting AND English, so what do you have to lose?<br />
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Besides, if you express enough appreciation, follow some basic rules of courtesy, and invite her out to Starbucks - she may even coordinate another Fabulous Field Trip for you!<br />
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Alright. You've read to the end, and here's your prize:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMGBc8TAK4AjDfdUWmiqKFTnzHzzBzz9tWMqiVNDlt3WtwWW6TF9CgpO5SDbsLXPRTbc1I5RE5kHdb0kpVKE8uEOD4sgIVRYcXZXma3CPZKSPaOzdFrXCtayttq1mFAEvNP7QfqCslrk/s1600/wpd12big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMGBc8TAK4AjDfdUWmiqKFTnzHzzBzz9tWMqiVNDlt3WtwWW6TF9CgpO5SDbsLXPRTbc1I5RE5kHdb0kpVKE8uEOD4sgIVRYcXZXma3CPZKSPaOzdFrXCtayttq1mFAEvNP7QfqCslrk/s320/wpd12big.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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Yeah, quit drooling. You know you want it. The fabulous, amazing, <a href="http://betashop.homeeducatingfamily.com/product.cfm?product=1" target="_blank">Well-Planned Day Planner</a>! If you don't know about this, you should. If you don't have it, you need it. It's awesome. It's amazing.<br />
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And it can be yours if I pick your comment! Simply leave a comment here on the blog, and PLEASE leave a way for me to reach you. If I pick your name via random.org, you WIN! Woo hoo!!!!!<br />
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So, what say you? Do you have your OWN hint for making field trips wonderful? Do tell!<br />
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And if you want to hear MORE about fabulous field trips, hop on over to some of my friends' blogs. Tell 'em I sent you. Enjoy!<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">And, as always, the fine print: (read in monotone announcer's
voice): Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US
entrants
only. This giveaway is not tied to any
social media site. All prizes must be claimed within 8 weeks.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://wp.me/p24QRg-1he" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxXXWB28YKi2re1jtpgFOVumDcLAV0Gk11FwKEOV-HdKgLHWlJKA8Ja3j5_a2mDKbqOQK4MuI1BUMekOfM-BxT0IL7DbGByRnf_ahTtEpwmjcax5GikQb4OZgcJVU6TO0_QdjRQTXyzY/s1600/BlogHopButtonedited.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-67297975638318674492012-10-03T09:47:00.000-05:002012-10-03T09:47:28.031-05:00Wordless Wednesday: I Teach Canines Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGlpHBryPWAcUOmGjGG3WPRmxa392nXmBW8gFNxtSjqHgScvfUjYGIvI9koLXI4HbvgCgCh2_UlAs1lYSsKAgLyAAjIVT-h7aOUKNSuMdbh1N9S6L_UQBMS8ZXwHes0-CJlLiu6YLiVY/s1600/IMG_6648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGlpHBryPWAcUOmGjGG3WPRmxa392nXmBW8gFNxtSjqHgScvfUjYGIvI9koLXI4HbvgCgCh2_UlAs1lYSsKAgLyAAjIVT-h7aOUKNSuMdbh1N9S6L_UQBMS8ZXwHes0-CJlLiu6YLiVY/s320/IMG_6648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8874569992879337182.post-6230331166183883852012-09-28T05:00:00.000-05:002012-10-11T23:20:18.155-05:00Homeschooling Outside the [Curriculum] BoxThanks for stopping by the Home Educating Family <a href="http://wp.me/p24QRg-1hc" target="_blank">blog hop</a>! And congratulations to Jen K. - she was the winner, chosen by random.org, of the Well-Planned Day Wall Calendar!<br />
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This week, we tackle the topic, "Homeschooling Outside the [Curriculum] Box". What image does this bring up for you? <br />
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Now, if I were a <i>good</i> homeschooling mother*, thinking outside the box might mean the following. . .<br />
<ul>
<li>tailoring my studies to fit my student's interest, spending hours and hours on creative, interesting lesson plans that I came up with myself</li>
<li>using real life events to teach valuable life lessons; grocery store math, cooking, child care, and the like</li>
<li>letting each child design their own course of study, acting as coach or mentor rather than teacher</li>
<li>never using a pre-packaged curriculum <i>or</i></li>
<li>pulling together the "best of the best" by researching and spending HOURS agonizing over what resources to use with my kids<i> </i> </li>
</ul>
However.<br />
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For me? In my house, Homeschooling Outside the Box really means. . . . . .<br />
<ul>
<li>I refuse to let others put me and my family in a box and define my success</li>
<li>If part of my curriculum isn't working for one of my kids, I tweak it, but <i>usually</i> don't throw the whole thing out</li>
<li>Daily dying to the enemy of all homeschooling mothers: Comparison</li>
<li>Not trying to make my home school look like "School At Home"</li>
<li>Being flexible, and listening to the Lord and my husband when I have decisions to make <i>or</i></li>
<li>Being true to our family's own unique gifts, talents, needs, and perspectives when approaching not just our school days, but our LIFE!<i> </i></li>
</ul>
And if I was a <i>good </i>homeschooling mother*, this blog post would be a lot longer! <br />
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But as it is, you'll have to settle for a good, old-fashioned GIVEAWAY! And it's a good one!<br />
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The good folks at Home Educating Family are giving away - are you ready for it? - a <a href="http://betashop.homeeducatingfamily.com/product.cfm?product=3" target="_blank">Well-Planned Day "On the Go" planner</a>! Sweet!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lH8azPh-z5NAlXuiqUYMrFCSd-i9lPS8Il_wdgCPfvhDnx0i_fyWxFaNTxdu5QECk8auyXJneBJPy_sm7JHDOEFNrbYjGbMRSRBHVlV2qFhInPx5WMxe5v72U7fErsd4SpXYvGdvn8Q/s1600/otg12big1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lH8azPh-z5NAlXuiqUYMrFCSd-i9lPS8Il_wdgCPfvhDnx0i_fyWxFaNTxdu5QECk8auyXJneBJPy_sm7JHDOEFNrbYjGbMRSRBHVlV2qFhInPx5WMxe5v72U7fErsd4SpXYvGdvn8Q/s320/otg12big1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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You know the drill. Leave a comment (even if you just say: "Girl! I need that planner!") and I'll pick a winner on Thursday night, October 4th. Open to US residents only, and ya gotta claim it in a timely manner. There ya go.<br />
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And while you're at it, don't forget to "hop" around to my Review Team Buddies and see what's going on on their blogs!<br />
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*Note: the phrase, "<i>Good</i> Homeschooling Mother" is a play off a joke between my mother and myself. But since she doesn't read my blog - much - no one will get aforementioned joke. I'll have to blog about it someday!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02792542740607023258noreply@blogger.com26