It's "I'm moving".... all those who actually read my blog will receive a link to my new blog.
I am committed to a drama-free life and I won't settle for less ;)
Thank you my friends for all your love and support.
Anita
Thursday, March 28, 2013
I want better for my kids....
How many times have you heard a parent say that? Have you ever heard your parents say those words?? "I want better for my children than I had". That's not really a bad thing, is it? Let's look at it.
I'm sure that the Israelites said that when they were in bondage. I'm sure they thought that maybe, just maybe the next generation would see freedom. I'm sure those who sailed on the first ships to America had similiar thoughts about their children growing up free. I have no doubt that those in slavery in this country before the Civil War wanted their children to have it better. What about brave men and women like Martin Luther King, Jr and Rosa Parks? Don't you think they wanted their children and grandchildren to live in fairness and love?
I was talking to a friend the other day, and we have come to this conclusion; somewhere along the way, we've gone sideways.
The pioneers worked very hard to provide a better future for their children. Every generation since has done likewise. I have to be honest with you, though. I don't want my children to have it better, nicer or easier than me. Ok, now.... before you go all psycho on me, hear me out.
I don't think my children need MORE. I think they need BETTER. I think they need better morals, better values, and a better work ethic than the generation before. I don't necessarily think they need more stuff. In reality, how many electronic devices and motor vehicles does one person need??
For this next generation, I want better - not more.
I'm sure that the Israelites said that when they were in bondage. I'm sure they thought that maybe, just maybe the next generation would see freedom. I'm sure those who sailed on the first ships to America had similiar thoughts about their children growing up free. I have no doubt that those in slavery in this country before the Civil War wanted their children to have it better. What about brave men and women like Martin Luther King, Jr and Rosa Parks? Don't you think they wanted their children and grandchildren to live in fairness and love?
I was talking to a friend the other day, and we have come to this conclusion; somewhere along the way, we've gone sideways.
The pioneers worked very hard to provide a better future for their children. Every generation since has done likewise. I have to be honest with you, though. I don't want my children to have it better, nicer or easier than me. Ok, now.... before you go all psycho on me, hear me out.
I don't think my children need MORE. I think they need BETTER. I think they need better morals, better values, and a better work ethic than the generation before. I don't necessarily think they need more stuff. In reality, how many electronic devices and motor vehicles does one person need??
For this next generation, I want better - not more.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Self-Discipline
Two posts in one day? Wow!!
Since I mentioned this in my previous post, I thought I would share it with you. The public school system as a whole says that writing for 'punishment' is wrong. It discourages writing for enjoyment. I happen to think that is a big pile of horse doody. Therefore, this is what my children will write when I feel the need arises. The number of times they write it will depend on the seriousness of the offense.
Since I mentioned this in my previous post, I thought I would share it with you. The public school system as a whole says that writing for 'punishment' is wrong. It discourages writing for enjoyment. I happen to think that is a big pile of horse doody. Therefore, this is what my children will write when I feel the need arises. The number of times they write it will depend on the seriousness of the offense.
As a student of Hilltop Academy, I realize that I must have appropriate
behavior at all times. I know that if I do not behave appropriately there are
consequences for my actions. My teacher is my mother, and she wants what is
best for me. I need to follow all of the
rules in our classroom. Disobedience
is disrespectful to God, who gives us the opportunity to have school at
home. An education is a gift and should
be treated as a gift. The work I am
assigned is intended to increase my knowledge and help me to be a better
person. I need to do everything I am
told to do, the first time and to the best of my ability. I need to be a red bead in a black bead world
at all times. My education is my
own. I am responsible for it. Every decision I make affects my life and my
future. My character and my education
are a direct result of my effort.
What do you think?
Black and Red Beads
I wanted to show you something that sits on the shelf behind my desk.
This was an idea given to me by a very dear friend. Her husband uses this analogy with their son all the time. It's a jar full of black beads with one red bead dropped in.
This is what I tell my children; "Be a red bead in a black bead world."
If you read my self-discipline that I posted on FaceBook, you will see this statement.
My friend's husband always uses this in the context of work ethic. He wants his son to stand out, to be noticed for being a good worker. That's a good thing, and I'm not criticizing it at all. I think that this world as a whole has become complacent. We only do what we are told, when we are told, and only as much as we are told. No one has initiative.
I want my children to learn to take that initiative. I want them to see a job that needs to be done and do it. I want them to understand that, if the world says do 2, they should do 4. Go above and beyond. Do your best. Please God in all you do.
I've been thinking about my jar. I don't think that it applies just to a job. I think it is a far-reaching concept.
I want my children to realize that they must be a red bead when everyone else is drinking, or smoking, or cheating, or living a promiscuous lifestyle.
I want my children to know that they have to be a red bead when no one likes them for it.
They must understand that standing firm on convictions and principles will make them red - and not liked by black beads.
A red bead will be unfriended on FaceBook and in real life.
Being a red bead is hard - especially when you're the only one.
A red bead concept is totally Bible-approved, and we all know how popular Jesus was with the Pharisees.
Red beads need tough skins.
Red beads can be lonely.
The good news is, though, red beads tend to gravitate toward each other ~ seek each other out ~ hold fast to one another.
I want my red beads to find other red beads, hang out with them, date them, marry them, and raise a new generation of them.
If more parents made red beads, black beads would become red beads, too. They wouldn't have a choice. They would be outnumbered.
I can't change the world, but I can affect my world. I am responsible for everything that goes in these two children, and everything that comes out. These two red beads-in-training are my job, and I intend to do that job to the best of MY red bead ability. You see ~~ my parents raised a pretty good red bead, too ~ if I do say so myself.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
High Places
2 Samuel 22:29-34
King James Version (KJV)
29 For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.
30 For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall.
31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.
32 For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?
33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.
34 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places.
I actually like verse 34 in the New Living Translation:
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
I recently read "Hinds' Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hurdard. I tried to read it years ago, and I just couldn't get very far. I only picked it up again at the recommendation of a close friend, and I'm glad I did. I won't be so conceited as to say I'm in a better place spiritually, just a different one.
I won't bore you with the details of the book, and I also don't want to ruin it for you if you haven't read it before. It's a wonderful read if you're looking for a good book. However, I will warn you. It's not a warm-fuzzy. Be prepared to walk away different than you were before.
I was talking to that same friend today about an e-mail I sent her. It was about a little animal called the Ibex.
They climb impossible heights with no fear or hesitation. They walk on ledges that no other animal could scale. They are confident in their footing and stand unafraid.
Well, now. Isn't that interesting?
She and I agreed that we had both pictured an animal similiar to this one when we read the book. I believe that's what the Bible is saying in verse 34. He makes us like this little goat-wanna-be. When we have Jesus, we can soar like eagles. When we live like He wants us to live, we stand like this little Ibex. It's not our strength that makes us stand - it's HIS. When adversity comes and troubles are knocking at the door, we stand on the precipice looking down onto certain death, but we stand with calmness and assurance, for we know who calls the storm.
This little cutie looks very sweet and innocent, and it probably is. But, when the going gets rough, that little booger can go where giants fear to tread.
Remember... someone is watching you. When you have obstacles that seem unsurmountable, do you leap with hinds' feet? Or, do you wallow low in the valley of humiliation? What example of Jesus do you show?
My wish for you - my prayer for you - is that you find your hinds' feet on high places, if you haven't already. They are not easy to get. The book will tell you that. You must face valleys, fog, storms, lonliness, isolation, fear, and doubt. Jesus never once looked at any of His followers and said it would be easy. He only promised it would be worth it.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Untitled, for the title is too long...
This is Thursday's blog of Thursday's events, but it's Friday. I should be in bed, but I can't sleep.
I can usually form my blog post in my mind before I ever start to type. Not this time. I am simply going to type, and let God lead. This will not be a normal homeschool blog.
There is a story I'm sure you've heard. It's about a father and a son... or is it a mother and a daughter? It changes from ear to ear. The youth is told to take a leaf and put on the doorstep of every person they've hurt. Once completed, they are told to go collect the leaves, which of course have all blown away with the wind. The moral of the story is clear: Words can never be taken back.
Hmm.....
Your portrayal of perfection is someone that no one can live up to.
You, my dear, turn more people from Christianity than you bring to it!
You have caused many people to question their salvation.
You are "perfect" and have a "perfect" life.
You are not Jesus!
Get over yourself!
I also know that the devil uses you far more than you realize!
I hope that you can find a way to be less judgmental and more open and loving.
You are selfish.
You had to have EVERYTHING your way.
You have to have that good ol' pat on the back that you are always right, you are the best mom, you are the best wife...
That's only because no one wants to say otherwise to you!
For whatever reason, I just shared with you some of the leaves that have been laid at my doorstep recently. These were leaves that I had collected and buried deep, intending to keep them safely preserved for a long time. This isn't a complete list. Actually, these all came in one day. There have been others, by other people. Some just as brazen, some more subtle, but just as brutal.
Now... before you say anything.... I'm not looking for any pity... at least, not for myself.
Don't get me wrong... I want to be in a perpetual state of mad. I want to hate. I want to pray boils and pestilence and frogs and rocks and lizards and locusts and hail, fire and wind on the heads of all who have desecrated my name and ripped me open over and over. Three years ago, I would have. Three years ago I DID. Ten years ago I would have helped God carry it out. That was 2 REALLY bad churches and many blinded people ago, myself included.
The words above will come to my mind at times (as do the others) when I'm the weakest, and the devil knows it. The struggles, the feelings, the emotions all boil to the surface again, and I'm left fighting the urge to just give in to them.
I don't know if I'm any wiser, but I'm certainly older ;)
I can't be mad. When I sit down to try, I only feel pity.
I feel pity for those who find enjoyment in making me look bad while simultaneously themselves look good.
I find confirmation in God's word brought forth when others come to me and tell me how foolish those people look, for everyone can see where the problem really lies.
I feel regret for not speaking more and standing my ground sooner, and also for sometimes not being silent.
I feel hope, that someday they will come back to the God that loves them.
I realize how much easier it is now to read, understand and follow Luke 6.
[27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.]
I find it ironic that the infamous 'judging' verses immediately follow these passages. If everyone followed these verses, would the 'judging' verses even be necessary?
I have made it a lifetime career of holding on to grudges, anger, bad memories and juicy stories. I have to let them go. They have to become those leaves, tossed into the wind. I'm listening to it howl outside my windows tonight - it seems like the appropriate time to let it go, don't you think?
I don't think we are made to forget. A very wise woman told me not so very long ago that she had learned in a class this simple fact: We are human. I know... a shocker... go with me here. We don't forget that a stove is hot, or to push the brakes at a stop sign, or our birthday or social security number. Those things are taught and reinforced. Our brain was wonderfully designed by a Heavenly Father who wanted us to remember the good AND the bad. So... it's okay that I remember those leaves, and how they made me feel. What's not okay is if I let them define me and control me and my thoughts. It's not my job to plot my Texas chainsaw revenge on others. That's God's job. And whether He uses a chainsaw or a calmer means of instruction is for Him to decide - not me.
I'm tired of apologizing for things I didn't do. I'm tired of apologizing for being who God made me to be, and I'm tired of others making me feel bad for being that person, too. I'm just tired. That's not going to happen anymore. I am me - a PERFECT creation of God. He made me PERFECTLY to fit into His plan, but He didn't make me perfect. You don't have to tell me I'm not perfect. I already know.
Oh... for the wisdom of Solomon. The songs of David. The kinsman redeemer for Ruth. The burning bush for Moses.
Well... it seems that I have come to the end of my thought process, at least for now. Please overlook the grammatical errors and misspellings. It has been a long day :) Thank you, my friends. I desire your prayers. We should pray for each other. When someone comes to your mind, whether you saw them yesterday or 30 years ago, whether they are a friend or dreadful enemy, stop and pray. Pray whatever your heart will allow. God will bless righteousness if it is in TRUTH.
God Bless, until next time...
Anita
p.s.
If you read my previous blog, then you will be happy to know that I have my new large print Bible. I also have reading glasses.... just in case. I intend to use one before the other.
I can usually form my blog post in my mind before I ever start to type. Not this time. I am simply going to type, and let God lead. This will not be a normal homeschool blog.
There is a story I'm sure you've heard. It's about a father and a son... or is it a mother and a daughter? It changes from ear to ear. The youth is told to take a leaf and put on the doorstep of every person they've hurt. Once completed, they are told to go collect the leaves, which of course have all blown away with the wind. The moral of the story is clear: Words can never be taken back.
Hmm.....
Your portrayal of perfection is someone that no one can live up to.
You, my dear, turn more people from Christianity than you bring to it!
You have caused many people to question their salvation.
You are "perfect" and have a "perfect" life.
You are not Jesus!
Get over yourself!
I also know that the devil uses you far more than you realize!
I hope that you can find a way to be less judgmental and more open and loving.
You are selfish.
You had to have EVERYTHING your way.
You have to have that good ol' pat on the back that you are always right, you are the best mom, you are the best wife...
That's only because no one wants to say otherwise to you!
For whatever reason, I just shared with you some of the leaves that have been laid at my doorstep recently. These were leaves that I had collected and buried deep, intending to keep them safely preserved for a long time. This isn't a complete list. Actually, these all came in one day. There have been others, by other people. Some just as brazen, some more subtle, but just as brutal.
Now... before you say anything.... I'm not looking for any pity... at least, not for myself.
Don't get me wrong... I want to be in a perpetual state of mad. I want to hate. I want to pray boils and pestilence and frogs and rocks and lizards and locusts and hail, fire and wind on the heads of all who have desecrated my name and ripped me open over and over. Three years ago, I would have. Three years ago I DID. Ten years ago I would have helped God carry it out. That was 2 REALLY bad churches and many blinded people ago, myself included.
The words above will come to my mind at times (as do the others) when I'm the weakest, and the devil knows it. The struggles, the feelings, the emotions all boil to the surface again, and I'm left fighting the urge to just give in to them.
I don't know if I'm any wiser, but I'm certainly older ;)
I can't be mad. When I sit down to try, I only feel pity.
I feel pity for those who find enjoyment in making me look bad while simultaneously themselves look good.
I find confirmation in God's word brought forth when others come to me and tell me how foolish those people look, for everyone can see where the problem really lies.
I feel regret for not speaking more and standing my ground sooner, and also for sometimes not being silent.
I feel hope, that someday they will come back to the God that loves them.
I realize how much easier it is now to read, understand and follow Luke 6.
[27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.]
I find it ironic that the infamous 'judging' verses immediately follow these passages. If everyone followed these verses, would the 'judging' verses even be necessary?
I have made it a lifetime career of holding on to grudges, anger, bad memories and juicy stories. I have to let them go. They have to become those leaves, tossed into the wind. I'm listening to it howl outside my windows tonight - it seems like the appropriate time to let it go, don't you think?
I don't think we are made to forget. A very wise woman told me not so very long ago that she had learned in a class this simple fact: We are human. I know... a shocker... go with me here. We don't forget that a stove is hot, or to push the brakes at a stop sign, or our birthday or social security number. Those things are taught and reinforced. Our brain was wonderfully designed by a Heavenly Father who wanted us to remember the good AND the bad. So... it's okay that I remember those leaves, and how they made me feel. What's not okay is if I let them define me and control me and my thoughts. It's not my job to plot my Texas chainsaw revenge on others. That's God's job. And whether He uses a chainsaw or a calmer means of instruction is for Him to decide - not me.
I'm tired of apologizing for things I didn't do. I'm tired of apologizing for being who God made me to be, and I'm tired of others making me feel bad for being that person, too. I'm just tired. That's not going to happen anymore. I am me - a PERFECT creation of God. He made me PERFECTLY to fit into His plan, but He didn't make me perfect. You don't have to tell me I'm not perfect. I already know.
Oh... for the wisdom of Solomon. The songs of David. The kinsman redeemer for Ruth. The burning bush for Moses.
Well... it seems that I have come to the end of my thought process, at least for now. Please overlook the grammatical errors and misspellings. It has been a long day :) Thank you, my friends. I desire your prayers. We should pray for each other. When someone comes to your mind, whether you saw them yesterday or 30 years ago, whether they are a friend or dreadful enemy, stop and pray. Pray whatever your heart will allow. God will bless righteousness if it is in TRUTH.
God Bless, until next time...
Anita
p.s.
If you read my previous blog, then you will be happy to know that I have my new large print Bible. I also have reading glasses.... just in case. I intend to use one before the other.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Can you read this?
I come to you with a humble heart to share sad news.
I have reached a new chapter in my life.
Unfortunately, I can no longer stay in the life I once had.
Things must change.
Change is hard, and unfortunately this change will affect not only me, but my children and husband as well.
I have battled against this for a long time, unwilling and unable to accept my fate.
I really didn't want to make this decision, and it is almost embarrassing to confess it in such a public forum.
Alas, I can pretend no longer.
The time has come...................... for me to purchase a large print Bible.
{ What did you THINK I was talking about??!! :) }
I sat in the floor of Lifeway yesterday trying to pick out a Bible that I can grow old with. That just ticked me off and made me want to cry at the same time. I'm not blind and I don't even wear glasses (yet), but I have cataracts and astigmatism, so at the very least I have been putting off getting reading glasses. Ugh and Uga Uga. Anyway, I sat in the floor contimplating my aging body and mind and realized that I was picking out the Bible that I would die with. What kind of sick, morbid thought is that??
Today is a different outlook, however. I have decided to get busy living instead of getting busy dying. My kids need me. My husband needs me (more than he knows!). There are others that depend on me. And, most importantly, God isn't finished with me. I have discovered that, when God is done with you, he calls you home. So instead of grieving my failing eyesight, I will rejoice that I can still see. Instead of worrying about the years I have left, I will live those years to the fullest. Instead of looking back on a life of regret, I will look at that Bible in future years and remember sermons and Bible studies with my children and reflect on where I was and where God led me to. I will embrace each day of age, and not spend it in regret and disappointment.
I had the pleasure of having dinner out with my husband last night (child-free!) and I was telling him my Bible story. He was giving me 'that look' that translates into "oh boy - here we go!". I told him that I planned and intended to use that Bible until the day I died, and when I did die, I wanted that Bible to be so worn out and used up that no one else would want it. I want it to be marked in, underlined, and noted upon. I want my children to remember their mama reading that Bible every day. I want them to FIGHT over who gets mama's Bible. For you see? I have also realized an important fact. A Bible that is worn out, torn up and used usually belongs to someone that isn't. If I can leave a legacy to this future generation, let it be that. Let them remember their imperfect mother serving a PERFECT GOD.
I have reached a new chapter in my life.
Unfortunately, I can no longer stay in the life I once had.
Things must change.
Change is hard, and unfortunately this change will affect not only me, but my children and husband as well.
I have battled against this for a long time, unwilling and unable to accept my fate.
I really didn't want to make this decision, and it is almost embarrassing to confess it in such a public forum.
Alas, I can pretend no longer.
The time has come...................... for me to purchase a large print Bible.
{ What did you THINK I was talking about??!! :) }
I sat in the floor of Lifeway yesterday trying to pick out a Bible that I can grow old with. That just ticked me off and made me want to cry at the same time. I'm not blind and I don't even wear glasses (yet), but I have cataracts and astigmatism, so at the very least I have been putting off getting reading glasses. Ugh and Uga Uga. Anyway, I sat in the floor contimplating my aging body and mind and realized that I was picking out the Bible that I would die with. What kind of sick, morbid thought is that??
Today is a different outlook, however. I have decided to get busy living instead of getting busy dying. My kids need me. My husband needs me (more than he knows!). There are others that depend on me. And, most importantly, God isn't finished with me. I have discovered that, when God is done with you, he calls you home. So instead of grieving my failing eyesight, I will rejoice that I can still see. Instead of worrying about the years I have left, I will live those years to the fullest. Instead of looking back on a life of regret, I will look at that Bible in future years and remember sermons and Bible studies with my children and reflect on where I was and where God led me to. I will embrace each day of age, and not spend it in regret and disappointment.
I had the pleasure of having dinner out with my husband last night (child-free!) and I was telling him my Bible story. He was giving me 'that look' that translates into "oh boy - here we go!". I told him that I planned and intended to use that Bible until the day I died, and when I did die, I wanted that Bible to be so worn out and used up that no one else would want it. I want it to be marked in, underlined, and noted upon. I want my children to remember their mama reading that Bible every day. I want them to FIGHT over who gets mama's Bible. For you see? I have also realized an important fact. A Bible that is worn out, torn up and used usually belongs to someone that isn't. If I can leave a legacy to this future generation, let it be that. Let them remember their imperfect mother serving a PERFECT GOD.
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