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It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. Isaiah 4:6

How did I not hear it? How did I not feel it? How did I miss it? When did it happen? These were my thoughts as I opened the door to my son’s room. I stood in the doorway with my eyes bugging out and my jaw dropped open in shock at the devastation that had taken place. I finally was able to form words and asked, “What happened in here?”

This is where I got the brilliant response, “What?”

WHAT? The tornado!

There were clothes strewn about, books everywhere, toys covered every inch, papers and pencils all over, and money…money on the floor! Yet, I hear a calm, somewhat bored, “What?” Is my child from a different planet? Did something happen to his eyesight? How can he be so relaxed in the midst of utter chaos?

I may have been horrified and completely astonished, however I was intrigued. Is that what Jesus felt while napping in the middle of the storm? Did He look at the disciples and say, “What?” Hmm…I want that! I want to be able to get calm in the middle of the storm. I want that peace. I love the quote “Sometimes God calms the storm, sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.” I know the peace comes from God, but the big question is…How do I get it?

Looking back at the day I walked into his bedroom, my son wasn’t concerned with the chaos around him because he was seeing life in a way God meant for it to be seen. He knew that crazy room didn’t change the big picture. Sure, he still had to clean up, but it didn’t steal his peace of the moment.

Me, I start to feel anxiety and my calm goes out the window. That’s really pretty ridiculous. How does it help the situation? It doesn’t, it only makes it worse.

I started wondering if I ever stayed in the eye of the storm where it is calm, or if I always let myself get swept away into the storm. Believe it or not, I’ve had successes. It’s good to focus on what we’ve done right instead of just our failures.

When I was nursing my boys, I insisted on privacy. There were wonderful people in and out of the house non-stop for quite a bit celebrating our new addition.  Sometimes, I admit, it got a bit overwhelming. While the party continued all around us, my newborn and I would take a break for him to eat.  It allowed us just to be still. Success!

When the boys were little and zooming around the house, the level of noise around me got higher and higher.  I got still and whispered instead of adding to the chaos. The curious little guys they were needed to know what I was doing, so it quieted them enough to get them under control again. I didn’t just take refuge here, but I was actually able to calm the storm instead of contributing to the whirlwinds. Success!

We’ve been in a busy doctor’s office waiting for an appointment where a video was being played and kids were running around everywhere. We were able to huddle together while quietly reading a book together. It was our own little island of peace in the middle of total chaos. Success!

I’ve had the pup around people with high energy (recipe for disaster) and other dogs barking. If I got all tense and contributed to the chaos, misbehavior would have certainly happened. Yet, by simply pretending I was confident and in control of the two of us, I was able to give him the anchor he needed for success. Sometimes pretending will lead you to the actual feeling!  I learned that the pup will try to calm things down by freezing and lifting his paw, yawning, or licking his lips.  Goodness, if a dog tries to do his part, surely we can do our part and let God do the rest!

Think on three or four successes you’ve had in being calm in the storm. Then, remember to add more to your list today by taking shelter in God’s peace instead of the world’s chaos when the storm is raging.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, Colossians 3:23

When my youngest was little, he went to public school for kindergarten. They had a stuffed dog that each student took a turn bringing home and recording its activities. Then, they reported back to the class the adventures of the pup.

My son couldn’t have been more excited when it was his turn. He wanted the pup to enjoy the things that he did, so we started out by taking it to the local park. Good thing that we didn’t feed it before going because it got to zoom down the slide, fly high on the swings, and go up and down on the see-saw!

When we got home, it was introduced to the live dog that wasn’t quite sure what to think. His buddy had a new buddy? Hmm…how about that…

It was Halloween, and my youngest was dressing up as Batman. Of course we had to take the class pup Trick-or-Treating as Super Pup! We made a cape and a mask so it could visit lots of family members. That’s how we Trick-or-Treated. We made a big loop and visited aunts, uncles, and cousins that lived within that area. The youngest was especially happy with the way things worked out because wherever they would go, the pup got him an extra treat. Super Pup had to be exhausted by the time it got back to school!

It was a day we got to be silly, yet it was a day that gave my youngest the responsibility of taking care of the class pet. Do we look at responsibility as a privilege like he did or as a chore?

If Jesus was standing in front of you after the boss or even a coworker left you with a pile of work, would you grumble and complain or paste a smile on your face and even tell Him how thankful you are to have a job? It’s a privilege to provide for your family.

If you are getting done with the fifth load of clothes and found some more that didn’t make it to the laundry room, do you get frustrated or tell Him how thankful you are to have a washing machine? Sometimes don’t we forget that He’s right there whether or not we can see Him?

N. Pemberton and J. Riehecky wrote that responsibility is a good thing to have. It’s doing what you’re supposed to do, when you’re supposed to do it. It’s thinking of others, not just yourself. They said that when you are responsible, others can count on you to do what is right. This was taken from a children’s book, but doesn’t it apply to adults too?

Today, see responsibility as a privilege instead of a chore. I dare you to even go so far as to thank the Lord for it.  Work for Him today!

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:5

It’s that time of year when my porch’s wave petunias are getting to be at the end of their lives. They are still flowering, but they look really straggly. Since they’ll be all done fairly soon, it’s almost time to replace them with mums. I like to keep something out there that is a welcoming sight when anyone comes to my door…including me. Flowers will do that!

This summer the boys would run outside in the morning to bring in a new daylily to sit on the island for me. It meant “I love you Mom and want to make you smile” without them actually having to say the words. I understood and they didn’t need to get all mushy. It worked for both sides!

My hubby used to send me a dozen roses quite often when we were “courting” back in the younger years. That was sweet, and it must’ve worked since we got married, but I have to tell you, he could’ve saved quite a bit of money because just one that he handed to me would have been just as special. When he has come home with a couple of wild flowers in his hand, I love it! He has brought me a big, beautiful gerbera daisy before. I enjoyed that more than the dozen roses! That one flower represented his love.   It showed he thought of me. It made me feel special. Also, the roses don’t last as long plus they have thorns!

It got me thinking that those flowers can be a lot like our friends. It’s not about the quantity we get. It could be just that special one that makes us smile and lifts us up when we’re down. It’s the friend that we can trust not to judge us and to be honest with us. We can appreciate that one friend even more than the ones that look great, but don’t last very long. God provides those special ones in our lives and for that, I’m certainly grateful. I can’t forget that there are times when God Himself lets us know that He is the only friend we need!

Today, start thinking about who is beside you instead of who isn’t. See that one flower instead of thinking how you need a dozen.  That One will make you smile and be a welcoming sight!

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11

My youngest has been working on comparing and contrasting in school by using Venn diagrams that are made by intersecting circles. The similarities are contained in the overlapping section and the differences are in the parts of the circles that aren’t overlapping. It got me thinking about how cats and dogs would be great for this activity. I’m going to practice what he’s been doing, but I’m adding a disclaimer that I like both cats and dogs and I’m using generalizations here.

Dogs and cats are great pets. They have both been domesticated for thousands of years. Owners love their pets so much that billions of dollars are spent on these family members yearly. They provide companionship and are simply lots of fun to be around! However, they do have a few differences.

When the human master walks in the door all is right with the world according to the dog. The tail is going so fast that the whole rear is shaking. There is nothing better than welcoming their leader home in the whole wide world. It seems like it has been FOREVER since the most important person has walked in the door even if it has been only five minutes. One word sums this up…adoration. However, when the human servant walks in the door the cat wants to know why they’re breaking the barrier to his castle. Wasn’t it just a few minutes since the door shut? Oh well. One word sums this up…indifference, well, maybe even tolerance.

If a dog’s tail gets stepped on, it is begging the offender for forgiveness. On the other hand, if a cat’s tail gets stepped on, the one that has mistreated it so severely is no longer alive to the injured until the next day.

Interaction is pretty easy with a dog. Say the word come and watch a dog break down walls to get to the most magnificent person on the planet. It is like a fan being acknowledged by their favorite singer…He. Is. Talking. To. Me! The difference here is pretty vast. The dignified cat will choose the time and place of communication…thank you very much!

The dog has found the best hunter in the world right in their very own house! Seriously, that food just keeps on coming. How amazing is that? What a provider, what a skilled hunter, a true hero is what the dog thinks, as opposed to the cat that thinks things could be a bit speedier next time.

How do we act to the One providing in our lives? Do we show our excitement or do we act indifferent or even irritated most of the time? Would we let anyone or anything get in our way of reaching our Master? Do we interact only when we want something…how is our communication?

Choose the characteristics of the dog today when going before your Master because He is truly worthy!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

When we were on vacation, we decided to have a great adventure. We were on a barrier island and were going to start on one side where all you can see is the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. We were then going to follow the water’s edge and walk around “the hook” to the cove side. We’d be back to where we started.

Oh, what great plans we had! We wanted to be on our adventure during low tide. We started early in the morning so the tide wouldn’t cut us off while we were walking due to the water reaching the dunes. We were all prepared with snacks, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and even bags to bring back shells. Even though it was sunny out, it was chilly so we had on tennis shoes and pants.

Off we go…the sun was rising and it was beautiful! We enjoyed the birds and the sound of the waves. We kept a good pace while still looking for shells and whatever else awaited us, including an old shipwreck!

As we got over half way finished, we realized things weren’t going to happen quite the way we planned. We couldn’t keep going because there was no longer an edge for walking. It’s a barrier island, so there are constant changes taking place. Just because walking around the hook used to be done, doesn’t mean that will be the case later.

We had to turn around, and the tide was starting to come in! We weren’t in any danger, but it could make for a long trip back if we had to walk through the deep sand instead of the flat sand. It would be even worse if we had to wait until after high tide to keep going.

Things began going downhill when the tide kept coming in more and more. It started running in areas that we would have to cross. We no longer had a hard, defined edge to walk either. Shoes had to come off and piggy-back rides were necessary. This made the boys a bit nervous. We made it through, but then we needed to pick up speed before the tide reached the dunes, and we still had miles to go. Now we were walking through that deep sand. Talk about feeling like we were sinking. We didn’t think we were going to make it, but what an accomplishment when we did!

I sure can relate to the deep sand while homeschooling the past few weeks. We’ve been facing some challenges with curriculum. As the teacher, if I’m not sure what the answers should be, how am I going to be able to guide my student? This is where a good support system comes into play. I’d be silly not to receive help where God has planted it. He sure has anticipated our needs and put people in place to help out!

It’s important that just like on our adventure, I keep remembering why we’re homeschooling and the end goal.  This applies to all areas of our life.

There are times when life is like that beach…nice and smooth…easily traversed. Yet, there are times when the sand is so deep that it is hard to move through. The important thing is not to let fear take over. Do not be dismayed because God will strengthen you and help you. He will uphold you with His righteous right hand.

The next time you’re walking through a challenge, read “Footprints in the Sand” and know that when you can’t take another step, there is someone to strengthen you…and carry you if necessary.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

When we were studying colonial America, we decided to take the boys to Colonial Williamsburg. My oldest was enthralled with an archaeology dig that was going at that time, but my youngest was laser-focused on the blacksmith forge with its own specific odor from the coal and its heavy smoke. He loved watching the flames dance, the working of the bellows, and the music of the hammer on the hot metal. We’ve been to several places since then that have allowed us to see blacksmiths at work, and every time he still goes into a bit of a trance watching.

It was something to see metal that was incredibly hard and rigid becoming so hot that it became malleable. As iron gets heated it goes through different colors. It starts out glowing red, then orange, next yellow, and finally white. The perfect forging heat color tends to be bright yellow-orange. It is even able to bend!

Sometimes we are like that hard, rigid metal and we need to go through times when “the heat is on” within our own lives in order to become malleable. Instead of losing hope and becoming bitter, we need to celebrate experience which leads to wisdom. We can glory in our sufferings not because it is happening, but because we have help in going through it. We are never alone and we are going to be given the perseverance to get out of the furnace. How wonderful to know our perseverance will build our character and our character, hope! This is a truth to keep hold of during our tough times.

Don’t be one to quit, but one to persevere. Where would Thomas Edison be if he quit when teachers said he was ‘too stupid to learn anything’? Where would physics be if Einstein gave up because his intelligence was questioned when he was young and so far behind everyone else? Would Abraham Lincoln have been our president if he didn’t take his failures in stride? Walt Disney could have given up after being told he ‘lacked imagination and had no good ideas’. Would we have ever read a Dr. Seuss book if he quit after being rejected by 27 different publishers? Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. It may not have been his time, it could have been a mistake by the coach, or it could have been a way to build perseverance, character, and ultimately hope.

Let God be your blacksmith today. Be pliable and don’t quit in the midst of the heat. When the color gets to be bright yellow-orange, God will be working in your heart the most right then. You’ll be thankful for your personal transformation at the end!

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Have you ever pretended to be on vacation? We’ve done that before. I have to tell you, it never seems to work if we just stay at home. We had a free night stay to a hotel that was going to expire, but we weren’t going anywhere, and I hated to see it wasted. There was a hotel only 20 minutes from our house that had a swimming pool, and it was a time of year that was pretty quiet. We had two young children and thought why not? Some people could have thought us out of our mind, but for us, it ended up being brilliant!

The boys were so excited. We didn’t even need to do all the packing that it would normally take because we weren’t going to spend the night. We had a dog at home that we were going to come home to. We could sleep in our own beds and even shower at home too. Perfect! We gathered the swimming suits, goggles, some games, and off we went. We even made sure to get lots of yummy snacks.  We were set!

The boys loved the pool, especially the waterfall! We were the only ones there so we could play all the games in that pool we wanted. We could even have races because we didn’t have to worry about disrupting anyone else. The giggles that came from the pool were quite a few! When we were exhausted, we would go to the hot tub. We would let the boys stand in there for just a couple minutes, and they loved it! They would be ready to head back into the pool again.

At this point, I thought they were a little off their rockers. The water felt so cold after the hot tub water. While my big, brave hubby faced the cold like a trooper, I stayed behind and got an incredible view of them from above the pool. You see, the hot tub was right up against the swimming pool, except higher. It was where the waterfall came down from.  I could stand in the hot tub and practically be there with them! The best part…I was nice and toasty! I could see everything in a better way too. I see why the lifeguards sit up high!

It was a great day and fantastic to get right in on the action. There was such enjoyment when I totally immersed myself in my children’s world. On the other hand, it was great to have my perspective change. I was able to see the boys with a bigger, clearer picture. Enjoying them in a new way.  No matter what, nothing was going to separate me from my family, just like nothing will separate us from the love of God.

I challenge you to love life and participate as children do. Help others…get right alongside them, don’t always look from afar. When you need to change your perspective, get to higher ground. Remember when Jesus preached from the boat? Just remember to stay connected and keep the communication open. Oh, and when you can keep the laughter flowing…all the better!

 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

The boys and I watched a couple amazing videos today in class. I hope you’ll take a look at them too. They really touched me and made me realize how we need to let go of expectations in order to see God’s true plan. They’re about a dog that was a failure according to the rules, but as her owner said, “When I let go of who I wanted her to be, and just let her “be” she completely flourished, and I reveled in knowing she’s perfect just the way she is.”

http://www.dogonews.com/2016/9/21/surf-dog-ricochet-brings-joy-to-kids-with-spinal-muscular-atrophy

Are our expectations keeping someone from flourishing?  Our thoughts are not the Lord’s, neither are our ways His.

God made us all different.  Today, don’t try to mold someone into what you think they should be.  It just might lead you out of frustration and allow them to flourish.  It will release them into God’s plan.  Anything is possible then!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

We live in a pretty rural area which has allowed us to have some up close and personal experiences with wildlife. My hubby especially so! There was the time when we heard all kind of noise coming from our grill. When he lifted the cover, he was surprised to see a backyard bandit under there. He had to take the cover off without getting bit in order to make the raccoon leave. That was quite the interesting situation.

I can’t forget the skunk experience either. It was chasing him up the driveway, and that was funny only because he didn’t get sprayed!

What about our wonderful bears? There was a noise outside, so my big, bad hubby opened the back sliding door only to come face-to-face with a bear. I’m not sure who was more startled, but I think the hubby won that little contest. I think it changed how he opened doors from then on! Another bear interaction had to do with us “camping” outside. We had some jaw-popping action going on from that bear; we surrendered with extreme caution…especially since a skunk was on the other side of the tent!

One of the best experiences came when the guys were sitting out in a blind to see what kind of wildlife they could get pictures of. I don’t think the mouse impressed my youngest, but the fawn sure did. It was having all kinds of fun playing and putting on a show for the them. It was also a curious thing that wanted to know what the blind was when it spotted it! They were able to be still and enjoy one of God’s creatures.

I have to remember the birds! We used to have a huge window with a tree right outside it. When the oldest was little, he would stand on the couch and watch the birds that were so close he thought he could touch them. Now we get hummingbirds looking in the windows!

Our animal experiences often represent life experiences. There are some that you have to deal with, some that you need to run from, some that you should use extreme caution with, and some that you can be still and not act…just watching and waiting.

Thankfully, we have the privilege of not relying on our own thoughts and feelings to get discernment on how to handle different situations that come up in our lives. We’re able to turn towards God and get His take on things.

In order to know God’s will, we need to talk to Him and listen. We will learn when it is necessary to go into battle with Him by our side.  If we spend time in the Bible, it can become pretty clear when He wants us nowhere near certain situations. We’ll know to simply beg for protection as we’re running away. Through prayer, we’ll be able to rely on Him to let us know when to use extreme caution while He is guiding our steps. Other times, we can sit back and let Him handle things without any action needed from us.

How about you? Are you willing to trust in the Lord with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding?

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. Psalm 91:14

Do you think it’s fair that my family makes me their entertainment? So I get tired, doesn’t everybody? Ok, maybe there’s been the occasional time that I’ve nearly fallen asleep at the table. The youngest tends to take FOREVER to eat. Maybe my friends used to say that there was a lullaby put into the previews of movies that nobody could hear but me. Hey, if they gave me a comfy couch and blanket, what did they expect? Well, perhaps that still happens.

Do you know what the hubby does? I’m on to him! I thought it was sweet how every now and then, out of the blue, he’d tell me he loves me. Wouldn’t you know that those are the times I happen to have the remote? That’s his way to check to see if I’m completely out before snatching it from me and changing the channel!

Do you know what else he does? He tries to talk to me just as I’m falling asleep to listen to the odd conversations I’ll have with him. Oh, and let’s not forget how he rubs my ear (the off button) just to see how fast it will put me to sleep. I’ll drop off for a second, but once my head bobs, it wakes me back up. I look up to see the boys watching me and laughing because it’s sooo amusing. That’s just not right!

As much as I shake my head at their shenanigans, I’m so very thankful that I feel completely comfortable and protected that I’m able to fall asleep so quickly and know that I’m safe. My family gives me that, and so does the Lord.

Please pray with me today for the ones that don’t feel safe closing their eyes. Pray for the Lord to rescue them and protect them when the very ones that should be doing the protecting are the ones that can’t be trusted. We don’t understand the whys, but I have faith that nothing is too big for the Protector.