A Couple of Things We've Learned...

What a start! We have been here for 17 days, today. This is our second week end off since we began. The first week end we were off, the relief parent had pneumonia, was hospitalized a few days after her shift...so, today I was a little aprehensive about leaving our boys again! However, we just got home, and this relief parent was raving about how good the boys were all day! They had all their chores done, and seemed pretty mellow!

Now, the girls are home, so that should add some drama! Actually, it has been good for the girls to have this experience of brothers. When the four of us go out, the girls always ask if we can get this one thing for the boys, or take home something special for them--just because! Today, we went to their favorite candy store at the mall, and the girls brought home jaw breakers & carmel/apple suckers for each of them.

Randy has great plans for them to become disc golf enthusiasts. We have located a course near here. While we were away today, he picked up some putters & drivers to share with them. (terms that I think are hilarious to describe a disc, similar to what we called 'frisbees' when I was growing up...Of course, I know 'frisbee' is a brand name...still funny to me) I'll keep you posted as to their progress in the sport!

We have learned many things since we have been here. Probably the most important lesson that we have faced together is that when one of the boys says "I don't want to do...or go... (fill in the blank)"--there's probably a bad memory attached to the blank...so, as usual, we have tried to remain flexible...and not force our agenda with them.

This week, I have had amazing teachable moments with each of the boys. From teaching one how to sew a button on his pants, to getting grass stains out of another's jeans (He swore when they came out of the dryer that I had just gone in to town and purchased him new jeans!!!), to real life issues that concern drugs, sex, relationships and Our God--Creator of the Universe! At least they are open, and they are opening up! Good thing, because the four of us have fallen completely in love with them, collectively as a group, and individually!

One of the high lights of our day is to sit on the front porch and watch as all 6 of our high schoolers stand at the end of our drive way and talk and gesture and wait for the bus...there's our pretty twins, the geek, the nerd, the prep and the jock--and not any one boy is one of those adjectives, they are all each one at different moments of the day--they keep us laughing and crying and praying--they keep us on our toes and on our knees and on our feet all at the same time--we must stay alert to their needs, their wants and desires and thier fears and pain.

This week, the boys were blessed to get new beds and new bedding. However, they did not get mattresses. I have made a couple of contacts with people I know in Illinois & Indiana...and I am praying that we will hear this week that soon our boys will have new mattresses, too! God's hand of provision is so clear!

To me, this is the most gorgeous place on earth. Randy & I are flourishing. The girls are growing up right before our eyes. Mallory has grown about an inch and a half taller--who knew she'd do that!?!!

I covet your prayers, as you think of us, pray for us and the boys and our girls... that God would be glorified and honored in what we do here!

Remember when?

Remember when I dreamed of our 'new home'? ...it should have only two bedrooms...a living area...a good sized bath room...a place for me to study?

Well, we are still in a LOT of boxes, but that's about the size of our apartment...the rest of the house has everything we need! It's lovely...we just need to take care of it all, and make sure that the boys are taking care of it, and not destroying things!

Remember when I dreamed of our 'new location'? ...it needed to have plenty of room between us and the neighbors...not on gravel...and a gorgeous view?

We live in a rural area, that doesn't have a post office of it's own, so here we are...North Georgia...lots of hills/mountains and trees...gorgeous!!!! There are cows and a donkey right next door that we are having fun watching and a huge back yard that the boys can build a camp fire...they are loving it!--Of course, the girls are wanting four-wheelers, but I don't think that'll happen!

Remember when I dreamed of our 'new life'? That it would include lots of laughter, church that we love to attend & be involved in, and friends who truly honor and cherish each other?

Well, somethings never change. Like our friends, we still have so many sweet sweet friends who call, text, e-mail, or facebook to check on us...friends that we've had for years, just now we must be separated by such distance. However, the new friends we are making are such treasures, I could go on and on!

The "on staff "tutor for the kids stopped by last night and visited with Rand for a while. He's had a year similar to ours, in that change happened to them, through the loss of his job. They now live in 1/2 of a garage that they've converted in to an apartment for him and his wife. His spirit is so positive, and he speaks freely of his faith. He's an educated person with emphasis on special education...which happens to be exactly what the kids in our home need, and he's a person of faith...he & his wife are just trusting in God's provision for their lives! What an inspiration! And, a huge reason for me to, again, pause and praise an Amazing God!

We are taking the kids tonight to hear our founder's adoptive daughter's testimony in their church in Tennessee...that sounds far away, but we are only 20 minutes or so from TN! I'm excited to take the boys to church, this will be the first time, but I'm just as excited to hear this little girl talk!

Speaking of church, we think we've found the one we'd like to become involved in....not exactly like anything we've been to in the past....but the preaching was timely and good good good! We'll see! We'll keep praying about that!

We took everyone to a place called Fort Mountain State Park on this past Monday, it was a holiday from school. There was a beach at the top of this mountain! And, after a hike and a half, we found a huge waterfall! The hike reminded me so very much of my roots in the Shawnee Forest in Southern Illinois. And, it didn't hurt a bit that the leaves were changing colors almost before my eyes! After the hike some of them got in the water, the boys perfected their tumbling abilities...and just had fun being themselves--we laughed until our sides hurt!

The encounters I've been having have been so hysterical...today I went to a grocery/gas station/hardware store to get two things I needed...the only checker in the store went outside to mail something. Another woman was standing there looking at the newspaper...and they were having a conversation about the contestants on 'Dancing with the Stars' like they were all best friends--I think that's hysterical!--And, kinda homey in a weird kinda way!

Gotta go serve the afternoon snack now...then get dinner on the table while they do their home work...in time to leave for church!--It's a good good day!!!

Oooooops...I blinked...and now, it's October...

In the blink of an eye, that's how quickly the past three weeks have gone for me! Two weeks of training, a whirlwind trip back to Southern Illinois to gather all our belongings, and here we are! North Georgia, beginning a new life...and new adventure...a new chapter...with a new address, and new responsibilities...

We are loving this so much. At every turn, it seems that our Heavenly Father is just waiting to show us His blessing. From the first morning of our training, to the young guy that sold us our cell service...to the sweet man that helped us with our local banking...to the young men that are now in our care...God is in it ALL!

We stopped for breakfast on our way to training that very first morning...at very popular fast food restaurant...there was Christian music playing through their sound system...and I could overhear the two young men (probably 20-30-somethings) holding each other accountable to their faith! One was saying something to the affect, as an encouragement to the other, "you just need to do the things today to make you a better man than you were yesterday!" While that is timely and true, I just took that as affirmation for being in the right place at the right time! It didn't hurt that they were sharing their thoughts about the previous day's sermon, either!

The cell phone guy, spoke very generally about his faith story, and then talked a lot about how blessed he was to have the wife he has, and how his work is prospering because he tries to live for Christ each day, how amazing is that?! He's only 27. We got to meet his wife, and I would agree with him, she's definitely a keeper! It took us three hours to purchase phones and a plan! But, we got so much more than phones! --Such a blessing!

Then, the next day, it took us another three hours to open savings and checking accounts! No, we aren't ' s l o w'...we are blessed! This guy could not stop talking about life, the Lord, the Lord's work, our work, and just the blessing of God on his life... And, again, we got so much more than a bank...we got to meet a brother in the Lord!

I do not think it is any accident that these encounters happened as they did...I believe it was God showing me exactly whom we could trust in a 'new community'...there were too many things that lined up with His word! Isn't God good!? Look for the blessing!

What an Amazing way to Begin a New Job--

What an amazing God we serve! He knows us inside and out--and loves us in spite of our human-ness...ready to WOW us at every turn!

In a couple of weeks, our family will begin our new life adventure. We have accepted a position as houseparents in a group home atmosphere. We are so excited to begin...but we must be trained first. And so, we are in training for the next couple of weeks.

I am excited to report that in our training, we met the most loving people! We began the training with our director opening in prayer! and ended our day with one of the counselors singing praise songs...Now, who but God, could have designed a day like that?

Randy & I are so excited about this opportunity, not only to work with kids, but to continue to have a front row seat to watch God move and work in the lives of those around us! Each person we encountered today was so determined to give God praise & honor for the things He's done through this ministry! And, now to become a part of that is just thrilling!

If you read this, and you are a prayer warrior, which I hope you are, please lift us up and lift up this ministry. (I will not share the name of it until I have their permission, but God knows who they are and the amazing work they are doing!)

Continuing to praise Our Awesome, Mighty God--the Creator of the Universe!

In Everything! (just sayin')

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Let your gentle, spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts, and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Guard your heart. Guard your mind. Don't be anxious. In everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests to God. In another place, scripture teaches us to pray without ceasing. Pray. Just do it. The only way to get 'good at it'...is to do it!
And, keep on praying until there is peace that doesn't make any sense in your circumstance. Peace. We all want it, we all crave it...but only our God's presence can give it to us. But, we focus on our circumstance and many times cut off the possibility for peace. We get bogged down in details that we cannot control, or that do not matter.

I love the words 'do not be anxious' in the scripture above. You know what that feels like, anxious-ness or worry as we more commonly call it...somehow we think we must worry because we are parents, or because our job is difficult and high stress...or because our life isn't going as we'd planned.

The reality is that God created us to worship and rely on Him for everything. Everything. Everything we need. So, if we stay focused on being thankful in our circumstance, and focused on fact that 'this' might just be for our growing to spiritual maturity, we have a more Heavenly perspective, and a front row seat to watch God move actual mountains in front of our eyes.

I know, there are times when our lives come crashing in...and we don't see a glimmer of hope...or light. This recently happened to me. It didn't take long before I was listening as dear friends spoke scripture in to my ear, and the God of the Universe made His presence known to me. When we worship, we usher in God's presence, and so it makes sense on some level to worship in the midst of our darkest hour. I also know this, because I have lived it.

I'm 'just sayin' today...not much else. In everything. In everything, we will shout for His Glory! In everything, we will give Him all praise! Try it!

Beauty, Just think about it

Do you ever think about beauty? What do you think is lovely or beautiful? From paintings to poetry, automobiles to furniture, from fabric and clothing to make up and nail color choices. Just think about it.

In the early 80's, when my friend gave birth to her boys, she told me how happy she was that Princess Diana had also given birth to boys. That seemed to bring back attractive baby clothes for boys.

A couple of years ago, I needed something dressy to wear to an event. I remember thinking, as I shopped: 'why do the sales people all wear varying forms of black?' They wore basic black clothing, to sell me, what I hoped would be lovely clothing. Of course, what the store had to offer wasn't much better than the garments they wore, and worse: they didn't seem to care!

What had happened to lovely color and added fabric texture for interest? This year, thankfully on the clothing front, there was yet another royal wedding this year, and this is reflected in our choices this season where we find and an air of romantic lace, and colors that are pleasing to the eye...much texture and more colors...prettier ...but not yet beautiful.

We experience bland costuming in movies and characters on TV. Go and visit an art museum...look for lovely and beautiful. Or, take a walk down any toy aisle...putting some of those toys in the hands of a little person...seems like it would be a truly terrifying image for them...faces of little dolls or stuffed animals/dolls are so scary--nothing on earth looks like that, why do their toys have to? (Now, I sound like my sweet grandma and showing my age, however, I do think I am justified in my concern)


What happened to valuing human dignity, and honoring one another as humans, created in the Image of God? What happened to striving to becoming the very best version of ourselves? Or encouraging and doing everything in our power to bring out the best in those around us?

Have we become so secularized, as Christians, that we've failed to recognize the truly ugly around us? Just wondering...here in this life, if we constantly allow ourselves to be bombarded with 'ugly images' will we, in the long run, diminish our ability to appreciate and imagine things that are lovely and beautiful? (if this is possible, what a wonderful weapon our enemy holds against us)

When I imagine the "Glory of the Lord filling the temple?" OR, "Heavenly Light?" to what are my earthly eyes comparing those to...the things that I have seen? OR worse, what will my grandchildren imagine when they hopefully contemplate these images?

Remember? We are told exactly how to handle this, what to do as we face the 'ugliness of images' placed before us, in stores, on TV or other media...notice I did not say in nature...for the things we think about, the things to dwell on are these:

..."Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8

Join me in writing out a list of the things we consider to be true, or honorable, or right, or pure or lovely, things of good repute, excellent and praise worthy. What a 'good gift' to give our children...something of true beauty for them to dwell on...but also of importance, this exercise will help each of us to think and consider the images around us, and what they do to our thought life, our attitude, and the value we place on the things of God. Just think about it.

Lesson #7...knowing when I'm 'done here'...

This might be a phrase that only my three youngest children and my husband will appreciate...but "I think we're done here" was something we began saying to each other late last winter. And, it was all my fault, really.

We were considering changing cell phone service providers. The plan we were looking in to was exciting, with many bells and whistles, and was evoking many questions from Randy & the girls. But, from where I was standing, the 'benefits' didn't seem to be adding up to be better than the plan we already had in place with our current provider.

My husband and daughters were engrossed in the conversation with the sales person. But I stepped in to ask one simple question, about the part of this service that I was most interested in. It seemed that instead of all five of us having our own unique twenty 'free' numbers to call, the five of us would begin sharing ten between us. And, of course, our total bill would be higher. That seemed ludicrous to me, so I just said, "Well, I think we're done here..."

I mean, come on, why waste any more of this person's time, or our time, move on...find a different plan...I saw no reason to keep asking questions that were not going to help us, because the plan would not accommodate our needs. Of course, our girls were appalled that I would be so blunt...however, I was in sales long enough to know that if the product is not going to meet the need, we are all wasting our time...so move on, no harm, no foul...I honestly didn't think I was being rude, on the contrary, I thought I was helping the conversation come to a much needed end!

And, so, "I think we're done here" is something we all say to each other, sometimes under our breath, but it has become our own signal of boredom, or completeness or let's move on, please!

I said all that to say this: I think I'm done here naming my posts 'lesson # so and so...' At least, and until I finally have a real life in place.

I can only hope that within the next month, I can share with you what our new reality really looks like. We have been in transition for the whole summer...waiting on the Lord to open the path HE has intended for us to live and take. It has been a roller coaster ride and an amazing time of feeling God's presence and watching His provision, watching as doors close and open in His timing...and I can't help but feel that we are almost 'done here'...

The moral is: know when it's time for change. If I've 'learned' nothing else this year, this has been the 'lesson' that keeps coming back around. And, why shouldn't it?

It's scriptural, remember? For

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to live and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down, and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A mark of wisdom, and a mark of maturing in Christ is the ability to identify and live out the difference in each of these. Just think how simple our lives would be if we practiced the difference. Join me in at least giving it a try--just for today--but for this moment, I think I'm done here!