Since birthdays are a national holiday around here – 18th birthdays call for a holiday weekend to fit it all in. Josiah turned 18 and we’ve been celebrating for days!

Josiah was born our 5th child and much welcomed ‘little brother’ of the family. Only 16 months later he was dethroned – as a little sister took her place center stage. That was fine with him – he’s a man of action and not one to sit very long anyway. Once she arrived I tried to take a picture of the kids to send out for a baby announcement. Little Josiah would not stop bending over and kissing her, as she lay propped up in her infant seat. The older ones were all poised for the picture so I finally just took it with him hugging on her. It was too much to ask him to be calm – he couldn’t contain his excitement!

So have gone the last 18 years – filled with adventure and energy – thanks to this son who truly exemplifies the ‘zeal of the Lord’ which his name defines.

He’s a senior now and his days are filled with books (lots of books), debate research, basketball, guitar, piano, politics (just ask his opinion), writing speeches for competition and most always a smile – not to mention humor. He’s, undoubtedly, one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.

He’s transformed from a busy, opinionated, little guy with mesmerizing blue eyes, who would literally pogo stick all afternoon if we let him – to an energetic, stable young adult. Oh, he’s still busy and opinionated – and our lives are all richer for it!

Happy birthday Josiah – with love. Enjoy that ipod and we’ll see you at the polls!

Since Above & Beyond is a fairly new blog – I’ve decided to write posts introducing our kids on their birthdays and anniversaries so you can get to know us like we are – one person at a time.

“In an absence of biblical conviction – we will go the way of the culture.” - Sally Clarkson

I’m not a ‘groupie’ kind of person – OK, maybe with music -  but not with teachers. But, through the years, I’ve found Sally Clarkson’s ability to take you to a new place in mothering, refreshing beyond words. With her teachings, she does to ‘mothering’ what Beth Moore does to ’scripture’. I highly recommend anything she’s about.

BTW – I DO think The Mission of Motherhood is a modern day classic and I don’t say that lightly.

I spent last weekend at the Mom Heart Conference with hundreds of other moms of all ages. Every year it’s fresh and new. When I can’t go, I love to hear what I missed. I thought you would too. I’ve written her words verbatim – {mine are in these}.

• Our “culture gives you permission to be a weak person, to compromise.”
• “God wants to do something bigger and better and different than you’ve ever thought.” {Above and beyond what we ask or think …}
• “Be the conductor of your own symphony.”
• “The more scripture you read, the greater the vocabulary the Lord has to speak to you.” {Wow!}
• Think back when you started … “are you the mother you thought you would be?” {This was a challenge to regroup and get back on track – not a rebuke}
• “What does your personality need to prosper and be refreshed?” {Do you need quiet, order, conversation, more action, strategy?}
• “Picture yourself as somebody who has the art of God flowing through your life.”
• “If your children are reacting to you and angry, it’s because they want to be understood.” {Do you have your child’s heart?}
• “Make (your kids) work hard and reward them like crazy!”
• “Do you feel guilty when your kids don’t get all their work done, even though you never get all your work done?” {Ouch!}
• “Food is an extremely important aspect of discipleship.”  {especially when you have boys} Proverbs 1:9-5
• Psalm 118:24 ”The people dancing were thought to be fools by the people who could not hear the music.”  {Don’t expect the world to understand}
• “Wherever you are on the continuum of ideals – just move forward.” {Don’t live in guilt}
• “We all have a chance to be faithful.”Heb 10:19-25 {Ours is at home when only our kids are watching}
• Resolve in your heart to – “endure to the end … finish strong.” Heb. 10:32-39

I came away with my own ‘punch list’.(Prov. 14:1) Mostly, I came away with fresh air – I feel like I can breathe again as a mom. My hope is renewed and my vision … rearranged.

Join me next year?

Subscribe to A&B and never miss a post.

Women's freestyle skiing

Our family fully enjoys the Olympics! The athletes, the counties they represent, record breaking stats –  it’s all history in the making.

And every Olympic season I wonder … WHY I don’t exercise more!?? It’s not like the human body can’t handle it. I did teach aerobics {back in the day} and remember *faintly* how exhilarating it feels to push one’s body to the brink. (outside of pregnancy)

That thought takes me to mothering (of course). Today’s woman has a ‘cushy’ life. (I’m reading Little House on the Prairie, I know!) We’re told, “mothering is just too hard on a woman’s body”. OK, I can sympathize, until I see the Olympics and get a glimpse of what the human body can do!

Out of curiosity, I Googled the regime of an Olympic athlete (accurate information – I’m sure) to see if there’s any correlation to what mothers are required to do. I found some interesting parallels.

1. First – “it starts with a DREAM – a vision for what can be achieved” – {Hmmmm … interesting}
2. Next – “an honest analysis of the physical condition” – {would that require a mirror?}
3. Then – “commitment to the process of training” – {embracing the process, huh?}
4. Adhere – to “strict diet to fuel the body”  - {does coffee count for breakfast?}
5. Finding – “a coach, who knows what YOU need to do in order to train” – {remember the definition of insanity?}
6. Following – the “plan as a lifestyle – showing up for practice and competition” – {showing up when no one’s looking and when everyone is looking!}

Maybe we should try this at home!!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Romans 12:1-2

Remember, all of heaven is on your side.

If you got my original ‘Moving Mountains’ blooper post  -  here’s the real deal.

As mothers – going through life {just doing our best} we often come up against a mountain. And there are those times – we find ourselves in the shadow of something big that we’ve never seen before.

It comforts me to know I don’t have to identify the mountain, understand it, know where it came from or the extent of it. Just the thought that the name of Jesus is exalted above every mountain we face brings me peace and relief.

I’ve had this song in my mind for days: “When I speak Your name, mountains move, chains are loosed. When I speak Your name, darkness flees, it has no hold on me.”

You may be looking at a mountain of debt, sickness, learning challenges – or a mountain of promises you can’t fulfill … a calendar train-wreck … eternal ‘to do’ list … lack of ability, motivation, connections, or just plain LACK!  A mountain appears to be in the way of us moving forward with training and enjoying the ones the Lord’s entrusted to us. It’s in the way of … life!

“…Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:23-24

I’m glad there’s redemption for multitasking gone awry.

"At the Cross I bow my Knee"

After a weekend away, I’m home – unpacking my things, body dragging behind (come on body), seeing our little guys (boy, I missed them!), hubby back to work (important week), schoolbooks, food prep, calendar … where do I start?

“At the Cross” – how I love this song – it’s my Monday Morning Song and the cry of my heart. It’s my background music as I begin this day – and I want to share it with you.

In a world of lies – the truth is so good to hear  - like honey to my soul.

When I let these truths resonate in my soul – I’m ready to face the day – even Monday.

Enjoy!

At The Cross

OK – this is multitasking at its worst …

I’m out of town with our high schoolers at another speech and debate tournament. During the drive down I began dreaming up blog post ideas – waxing eloquently in my mind as I sped down the highway (multitasking … you know). Once in Houston, we dumped our belongings in a hotel room and headed for the tournament, via GPS. We made it just in time for competition.

After a fast food dinner, finding our hotel in the dark, and a loooong day … I had an idea! “I can use this time to write a draft for my blog”. Sooooooooo – I curled up in bed, grabbed my Mac, pounded out a few lines and added an obscure heading. Then, I pushed the save draft button and turned in for the night.

Once I recovered from the alarm going off –  I had a thought …. one of those thoughts you feel in your stomach. I grabbed my laptop and to my horror – realized my *draft* had been sent out as a POST! I felt sick, still do a bit …

I value your time and want to sincerely apologize for my error. Please forgive me for presuming upon your time .I can’t blame THIS ONE on the computer OR the kids … it’s all human error, my error – and a faux pas in the blogging world.  IF I had honored the limits of (my) human potential – I wouldn’t be apologizing into cyberspace.

I’ve immensely enjoyed blogging, getting to know my readers and marveling at the thought that others are following. I feel a great responsibility and privilege to send you something worth reading. But, like I tell my kids, “To whom much is given, much is required”. Luke 12:48

Ok, I’ve turned into one of those shoppers. You know, the ones who scour their receipts as they leave the store and have the audacity to return things! I used to judge those people – ‘don’t they have a life?’ Maybe it’s a reaction to my *retail sales* days ~ but times HAVE changed.

First of all, the tweens who ‘work’ at the register are in another world as they ‘beep’ my goodies across the scanner. They have little regard for cold, hard, CASH. When you hand them the green stuff you often get a blank stare or a sigh … more work. When they shove the change in your hand – without regard to what it represents – I’ve found it comes up short way too often.

We homeschoolers make a lesson out of EVERYTHING … but these teachable moments are too good to pass up.

Endure my ‘historical reasoning’ as I provide a backdrop for my pedestal. My mother worked for Safeway when I was little. (1960’s)She was a whiz at math and had to come in early to memorize – I said mem-or-ize – the sale prices that she punched into the manual register. She was accountable for every penny in that thing, so she counted change as if it mattered. Years later, (1970’s) I worked for Pizza Inn. We had to calculate tax IN OUR HEADS and I didn’t inherit my mother’s mathematical skills. We learned to count backwards, forwards … and … correctly … no matter what. Non of this was a big deal – it’s just what life required in order to get a (small) paycheck.

Fast forward to 2010 when money is pretty much *virtual* and the checkers pretty much – don’t care.  See my point?

I like helping the kids step into reality with money. It seems we spend most of our money  at the grocery stores – (7 sons at home) so I figure it’s a great place to start. They help me comb over the receipt to make sure it’s right. Because, when I’m shortchanged – it means THEY’RE shortchanged.

We’ve had Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover groups and teen class in our home for 3 years. Over this time I know I’ve saved hundreds of dollars in errors caught by … just doing the math!

Got any ‘consumer math’ success stories? I’d love to hear your comments.

Subscribe to Above & Beyond to be delivered by e-mail – never miss a post.

This time of year we eat deer chili – often. The freezer’s packed with venison from the guys’ hunting trips and it’s cold outside – great combo!

I make it different ways – but here’s my standard recipe. Years ago – my friend, Risa, gave me this recipe {who got it from her friend, Quienten}. So – this recipe is totally copied – if you pass it on don’t give ME the credit. I followed this religiously until I got up the nerve to use it as a ‘base’ for variations.

IF you have venison that you don’t know what to do with – I suggest you start here – the kids will love it! Plus, deer meat is hormone free, pesticide free and *sort of* FREE.

There’s so many things you can do with it ~ pour over baked potatoes ~ serve over rice with salad on the side ~  make ‘frito pie’ ~ or {our teens favorite}  ~ make burritos with chili, Frito’s and cheese – like a Sonic chili/cheese wrap! Top with a handful of chopped white onions. (yum!)

Orrrrr just pour a big bowl, smother with cheese and devour it by the fire place. IF you want a bit more fat – you can add a little beef to the mix – it’s forgiving – so add anything you like ~ enjoy!

Deer Chili

• 4 lbs ground venison
• 2 (15oz) cans whole tomoatoes {organic is more tasty}
• 4 (15 oz) cans pinto beans {Bush is our fav –  or cook fresh}
• 2 red onions {white will do}
• 2 packets Williams’ Chili Seasoning {False Alarm or 2-Alarm are good too}
• 2 cups water

Brown the meat until almost done –  chopped fine. Put onions, tomatoes and seasoning with water in the blender and purify. Put all ingredients into crock pot. Cook for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Makes16 cups. *IF you prefer chili without beans – skip the beans – all is good!

Bookmark this recipe on Yahoo’s Del-ic-ious along with other favorites. Click the *puzzle* icon below to start! A great place to save the posts.

Subscribe to e-mail delivery of Above & Beyond – never miss a post.

Birthdays are a ‘national holiday’ around here.

Malachi turned 14 today. The day held a flood of memories and emotions for Mom and Dad ~ and a nonstop celebration for him. Every-other-year he gets a party with his friends. This year, it’s just the 17 of us – celebrating his life. We’ll serve the dinner he requests next week for a family meal and each of us will tell what we appreciate about him.

-For Today -

• The day started with a special breakfast, by Dad
• No chores! School cancelled. It’s a holiday!
• Cranium played with sibs
• Visits from the married sibs – niece and nephew
• Phone call from Grandma
• Cards from Grandparents – with money
• Lunch out with Dad and Mom – not a kid place – a nice restaurant {I like that part}
• Shopped at Gap for cool clothes – hit a sale (Woohoo!)
• Rock climbing with older sis and bros – a first
• Movie tonight – one he’s been waiting to see. Since it’s rated PG – I told him I have to be the “P” – I love watching movies with our teens!! TV Guardian keeps it clean.

One day a year it’s all about YOU around here!

Today, for Malachi, we’ve tried to make birthday gifts elaborate and every moment count. We want to impress upon his soul that he is a blessing and a gift from the Lord. The enemy will try to tell him otherwise – soon enough. But for now, we want our voice to join with the Lord of all creation in giving a resounding approval of who he is.

Just like we did … the day he was born.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Psalm 127:3

Subscribe to Above & Beyond for e-mail delivery. Each new post will be delivered to your inbox.

Dallas/FtWorth February snow!

There’s a kind of ‘hush’ all over the Metroplex as we receive the largest deposit of snow in recorded history, 9+ inches of wonderful!

Amazing how it changes the atmosphere –  inside and outside. Society slows to an even pace, home-fires burn around the clock, and kids only come inside to eat! We honor the ’snow day’ rule around here. School is CANCELLED!

The world, as we’ve known it, is covered in SNOW!! Snowmen decorate the ‘hood’ and wet ski bibs decorate the fireplace. We actually have ’snowflakes that stay on your nose and eyelashes‘ – the girls pointed that one out.

This blanket of bliss altars our plans and draws us to ‘be still and know that I am God.‘ Psalm 46:10 – a convenient truth!

Time seems to stand still – problems can wait – the hush around us is louder than the rant of life’s never ceasing demands.

I love snow days!

Texas state homeschool debate championship

Our high school aged guys, Josiah and Amos, (the 2 shy ones in the middle) participate in competitive speech and debate with National Christian Forensics & Communications Association. We (I say ‘we’ because it’s a family adventure) travel to competitions in the spring and embrace this all consuming ’sport’ of the mind.

With ‘good citizenship’ as the goal of education, it’s our ultimate goal that our kids become productive citizens. First, citizens of the Kingdom of God who further His purposes on the earth and enjoy Him for eternity. Next, ones who embrace the high calling of patriotism.

In the midst of it all – we aim that they become good citizens in every arena. When they’re little that means being ‘good’ in public, at grandma’s, in church, around the neighborhood …. it’s not all for naught – those endless days of training. We’re preparing them to make wise choices in the public arena, because …

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” Ronald Reagan

Our guys plan to attend The Patriot Academy this summer. If you have teens who are interested in law or public policy – this is a rewarding experience in Austin, Tx hosted at the capital through David Barton’s Wall Builders.

Remember, One man CAN make a difference … ALL the difference! Check out primary elections in your state. Texas votes March 2nd – candidates need assistance and love to work with committed young people who know HOW to work. Check your state and county offices for opportunities – they abound. These are great opportunities to raise patriots!

Follow me on Twitter for regular updates.

Photo by Mark Ovaska

Our friend Mark Ovaska, a photojournalist, is in Haiti helping to get the word out about the destruction. His pictures speak volumes! And his work is amazing!!

Another friend, Caleb Walsh, a videographer, is also there – recording Haitian orphan rescues. Stop and share these works of art with your families. This is uncensored news from the front lines.

As home educators ALL our school aged children should know the geography, government and spiritual state of Haiti. This is a national disaster and an opportunity for us to help build a framework in their hearts and minds regarding a nation in crisis, and a realistic perspective on our OWN ‘problems’. A teachable moment, indeed. They will need this understanding as they mature and become the ’salt and light’ of the world.

God bless these guys, and so many others, who have dropped everything to go and help these precious people.

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27

Subscribe to Above & Beyond by e-mail delivery.

Punxsutawney Phil

Today’s Ground Hog Day!

Each year, February 2nd, looks strikingly similar in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania where officials gather to watch the beloved groundhog come out and look for his shadow.

The movie, Groundhog Day, is one of my favorites. I know we all have different moral ’settings’ for entertainment, but stay with me, I’m making a point here. (Plus, we have TV Guardian, so I have no idea what bad words they’re saying).

Here’s the plot: Bill Murray plays a reporter on assignment on Groundhog Day. He finds himself stuck in time and forced to live the same day over and over. Eventually, when he stops going through the motions and gets the extreme freedoms out of his system – he begins to live. When he stops trying to impress people and be the center of attention – he begins to care about others. It’s a live life to the fullest message delivered with dry humor (my personal favorite).

This message hit me at a deep level. As mothers, SAHM’s and home educators we seem to live the same days over and over again. There are seasons when each day looks strikingly similar to the day before. Potty training, handwriting, bedtimes, laundry …. we read the same books over and again, play the same games, cook the same meals … get my point???

In mothering, I’ve found there’s joy in the journey and opportunity for human growth and potential beyond our imagination. But, the prequesite is that we EMBRACE THE JOB!! Like the movie, day after day at home with little ones we’re free to explore the boundaries of honest living, have a bad attitude while pretending to be kind, avoid the work and blame our ‘problems’ on those around us. Orrrrrrr we can make this whole thing all about US!!

Ask me how I know these are temptations …

As mothers, when we truly begin to live in order to help others be successful, explore our own gifts and talents and maximize our skills (people skills, homemaking, business, community service) then we tap into the fullness of this priveldged position.

Happy Groundhog Day!!

BTW – I installed a blog tracker and *OMG* (‘G’ = ‘goodness’) I’m SHOCKED at how many of you are actually reading what I write!! I’m honored, humbled … and … nervous! It’s my hope that the words on these virtual ‘pages’ turn your hearts toward home and help nudge you in the position to receive ALL the Lord has for you – which is Above & Beyond what you can ask, hope or think! (Eph 3:20-21) He loves you so – and all of Heaven is on your side!

This time of year we keep the fireplace burning – I love a fire. Maybe I have some pyro *issues* deep down … I just like to watch it burn. We use real wood (you have to make a distinction living in the ’suburbs’). We haul it in from wherever we can get it for free and pile it out back. The older boys chop  it faithfully until there’s a good stash for winter. They carry it onto the covered porch to keep a batch of wood dry from the rain.

Yes, it makes a mess! And there’s work to be done to prepare and clean-up. But it’s time well spent for us. We all agree – the enjoyment outweighs the work.

For Christmas, 2 of our sons gave me a wood carry/storage thing that ’s ornamental. They know how much I enjoy a roaring fire. I read to the boys by the fire, blog late at night, read the Word, and sometimes … I just sit and think… The kids play games by the hearth, snuggle in the mornings (younger guys) and sometimes just gaze into it. The firelight inspires one to slow down and reflect, enjoy good company and be together. It’s a magnet for little ones and romantic for couples (young and old).

I’m glad to see fires making a comback. Outside fireplaces are the rage where we live. Built in firepits are even added to backyard swimming pool landscaping designs. We just bought a small one from the hardware store to have on the back porch – it does the job.

Our kids don’t remember life without a fireplace. With a few *rental* exceptions, each house we’ve lived in has had a real fireplace as the focal point! It’s part of who we are and how we live. Especially as we ’school’ at home. When it’s icy outside we’ve been known to drag the books out by the fire and study right there. We don’t get as much work done, but those are days we remember.

We only have a few more cold spells left, here in Texas. And we want to keep those home fires burnin‘.

“Many hands make light work”. We all live in this house and we all share a portion of the work. I’ve found it helpful to divide chores around the ages of our children. We also rotate chores seasonally to help keep the work fresh and more fun.

I can’t do a graph (or at least I don’t know how) on this blog – so I’ll just write it out. Below are the 3 stages of development and a list of chores that seem to fit each stage. I separated the preschool years, because there’s so little they can do. For each age range I’ve given simplified examples of chores, beyond making their beds, picking up their rooms and personal hygiene.

Preschoolers – 2-4 yrs.- Basically, ‘chores’ at this age consist of picking up after themselves – we called this a ‘pick up party!’ It’s important that they learn to become a ‘helper’ at these ages. This character trait will carry them in the years to come.

Examples of  preschool ‘chores’ are:

• Help put things away  with Mom’s help
• Bring Mom baby’s items
• Close the door behind you
• Put their clothes in the hamper
• Pick up toys and put away (within reason)
• Help carry small bags

Grammar-stage - grade school years – 5-11 – Basic chore lists do well at these ages – they like a sense of accomplishment and a job ‘well done’. REPETITION brings them security and identity! At this age – they’re learning to live a disciplined, responsible life.

Chore lists – Choreganizers – is one I’ve used for years.

They like chore lists with their names on them and some way to visualize progress. A small reward at the end of a week is nice.

Simple Mom blog – has chore lists and detailed examples for young children. There are many more blogs that cover this and endless online ‘helps’. Be sure to view the blogroll to the right – these are blogs about organization, decluttering and keeping a simple home. This can minimize chores – because there’s less to do in an organized home.

Jobs for this age can be:

• Feed animals
• Clean and wipe off table after a meal
• Set table – properly (girls and guys)
• Make baby’s bed
• Load/empty dishwasher
• Load/unloading the dryer
• Vacuum – about 8yrs +

Logic-stage – Jr High Years – 12-15 – This age does well with ownership of an area. They need the ‘how’s and why’s’ behind the job so they can UNDERSTAND!  Once they do, they’ll be getting on to their siblings for messing up their area! It’s thoughtful to make sure they have adequate tools for the job. They may ask for a specific mop or a certain type of yard bags. My guys like the steam mop and window cleaner that WORKS! They’re learning what it takes to operate a home – these skills will carry them into adulthood and help them notice and care about their environment. Their spouses will thank you!

This age can handle:

• mopping the kitchen
• raking and bagging leaves
• Keeping the guest bathroom clean
• Cleaning the kitchen after a specific meal
• Sweeping the backporch and keeping it clutter free
• Taking garbage and recycling out weekly
• Doing their own laundry!

Rhetoric-stage – High School Years – 16-18 – They have great ideas and usually something to say – ask their opinion and assistance in managing the home. As they EXPRESS themselves, they can give you some good insight into how to run the home more effectively or in a more interesting manner. At this age they begin to value what they ‘want’ to their own homes someday.

Larger Jurisdictions:

• Keeping the yard mowed
• Keeping all the towels and sheets washed and put away
• Spring cleaning, deep cleaning
• Decorating and helping the home be more functional – they have great ideas!
• Making dinner one night a week

For the serious mother – Managers of Their Homes is a comprehensive tool. Curriculum Choice has a review of this product. It’s well worth the cost and effort. There’s an edition titled – Manager of Their Chores – I’ve not used it but a review at The HomeschoolClassroom gives a complete overview – it looks really good. Econobusters has free printable chore lists.

I hope you find this helpful. This is just an abbreviation of what can and should be done. The bottom line is – the  work needs to get done and the family is left to divide up the jobs. The question is: Which job is a fit for each age? What’s too much for a young one? What’s too little for an older one?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

Yesterday, we saw Scott Brown win the Massachusetts Senate seat, left by Ted Kennedy. The press reports his victory as the biggest political upset in  recent history! Ironically, it’s taken place on the same soil that Paul Revere rode to herald a revolt against the British to begin the Revolutionary War and utlimately to secure our Independence.

This is a teachable moment in homeschooling. Last night, our teens hovered around the computer at 8 PM CST awaiting the results. They understand, at least intellectually, the impact of this – due to their study of political policy. I loved seeing the light in their eyes – the look of hope – when they realized the results.

What’s transpired politically over the past year is unthinkable. We’ve watched those who claim to represent us, attempt to high-jack and pillage our nation.

Meanwhile, back at home, we plug along, educating the citizens of tomorrow. Have we been guilty of wondering how our kids are going to survive the future rather than take their places as leaders in uncertain times? I know I have … I’ve wondered what their lives will be like … will they be persecuted for their faith? Will they be strong enough to stand? What degree of parental rights will they have? Will they have a choice in alternative health care? Education?

But, when I see Scott Brown stand up and take his place as a leader and how it sends shockwaves across the nation – it energizes me as a homeschooling mom. One man really CAN make a difference – all the difference.

Here at home my job is to make sure our kids have the tools they need to lead. A good heart, faith and desire won’t be enough. They’ll also need a well trained mind, wisdom and knowledge.

It’s a good day for home education!

Let’s make history!

Historic Boston Harbor

Tuesday, Massachusetts will elect a Senator to replace Ted Kennedy who represented this state in the Senate for 46 years! Scott Brown, a conservative is expected to fill this seat in the election. If elected, he will upset the 60 vote majority needed for President Obama’s ‘health care’ bill to pass.

Can we, once again, have a tea party in Boston?!!! Only by God’s grace.

II Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Real life

In our world of staged, ‘reality’ TV – I’m alarmed at the new trend in mothering to portray ourselves as … ‘real’. Let me get this straight, the the world is telling US to be real?  Is there a role in life that faces reality (on a daily basis) more than mothering? We must be a culture that is so far removed from suffering that we’ve redefined the word ‘real’. Or, maybe ‘real’ is the wrong mantra, for the definition of ‘real’ is … “genuine” and “true”. I’m all for avoiding a facade  - but elaborating on the sacrifices of mothering while leaving out the glories is … a mistake.

The opposite is also true – if we choose to live in a fairly tale world, projecting our life as problem-free, this is delusional and we may have a deep need to be better than those around us. Pretend is for children – that’s not real life either.

Is mothering hard? -uhhh -yea – Harder than one can envision or imagine. Is it full of wonder and joys? Yes, beyond our wildest dreams! Thus, the title of this blog – “but to Him who is able to do above and beyond what we ask of think – be the glory in our hearts, homes and to the next generation”. Ephesians 3:20-21

How did our grandmothers – or greatgrandmothers – deal with this? My Great Grandma – Lillie Carey (isn’t that a great name?) was left by her husband (grrrrr…) to raise their 6 children alone … during the Great Depression! She was an example of strength and honor and I loved her dearly. I remember hearing how she loved the Lord and how He cared for her every need. She worked like a Trojan and spoke like an angel. I have her china that she bought – one piece at a time – from the corner grocery throughout the years. An heirloom, indeed!

Since you’re reading this blog, you probably don’t have a problem with this. But the culture is moving this direction and it’s bound to influence us at some level.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

BTW – I’m reading along with my little guys after making a course correction. It’s been good – reeeeal good!

I post these – Monday Morning Songs – because this is what drives me … really. The Lord, Jesus Christ, is my driving force in life. I’m not driven by being ‘good’ or doing things ‘right’. I’m smitten by the love of God and stopped in my tracks by the God of the Universe. I’m compelled to share His grace. I can’t do this job of mothering, as awesome as it is, in my own strength. It’s so much bigger than I am. So, I CRY OUT to our faithful and all powerful God, who loves my children much more than I ever can.

At pretty much any given time – as mothers – we face situations, big and small, that require supernatural intervention. This is the design of our sovereign Lord – who chose simple women (like me) to envision, birth, raise and release a generation who will know their God and do great exploits.

Last week I attended the ‘First’ Conference at Gateway Church- it was a wonderful way to begin the year! Here’s a song recorded during this amazing conference. This week, it’s my Monday morning song – enjoy!

Take a moment to let this song soak in.

We Cry Out

by Walker Beach

“So we cry out Your name, El Shaddai - God of grace.Lord, most high, Jesus Christ.

We rely on your grace – Adoni - crowned in praise. Lord, most high – Jesus Christ”…

After going through the 10 simple questions I asked myself regarding 2009 – I’m making some course corrections.

#7 got to me – “What books have I read this year and how have they impacted me?”

In pondering this question, I came to the painful realization that I’ve ‘fallen off the wagon’ with reading chapter books aloud to my younger ones (ages 9 and 7). In today’s high-tech world there’s less time for ‘one on one’ attention at home, but not in OUR house. I know better than that! How did I get off course and let the culture pull me its direction?

For my own reading I had considered taking a challenge, along with other blogger/moms, to read 52 books in 52 weeks. But,I realized that would seriously cut into my blog and news reading. So, I took this concept and committed to reading aloud 1 chapter book a week for 52 weeks to the little boys.  That’ll be 52 books in 2010. Can you tell I sort of have an ‘all or nothin‘ thing going on? There are so many books on my ‘long list’ and now I can get to them!

I can’t go wrong with this commitment because:

• They need to be read aloud to (for a myriad of reasons)
• We enjoy the snuggle time – usually by the fire – a great way to spend cold, winter afternoons
• I know the older ones will wonder in the room and listen to the books they love because – I’ve been here before

A motivating factor in making this decision was when I realized we haven’t even read the Little House on The Prairie series to them aloud!  All of our older kids have enjoyed this series, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder (not the imitation versions), and it’s been a part of our culture as a family. I bought the books in hardback years ago after we wore out the paper backs.

I don’t want to miss this opportunity with the younger boys. I started right away and we’re half-way through Little House in the Big Woods already. After this series we’ll probably head to Narnia and who knows where from there. I’m so glad the Lord brought this to my attention. It feels good to get a fresh start on an old discipline.

There’s not really space to record the other areas I’m making course corrections on. I remember promising not to bore you with endless details about my day. Plus, I’ve found that changing one aspect of living has a way of pulling the others in the right direction.

Anybody want to join me? I’ll keep you updated on my journey. The boys are liking it already – and so am I.

2009 - HIStory

At the close of the year – I take time to stop and reflect on the year gone by.  I’ve found this helps me get a grip on where I’m at and understand where I hope to go in the coming year.

I do this  by stopping to ask myself 10 simple questions about the previous year and I record my thoughts. Each year I read last years answers and record the current ones. Looking back – I marvel at what’s changed – which is mostly – me!

The reality is that years come and go – once they’re gone we have memories and the fruit of our labor in the Lord – they become  HIS story… history.

• Some years – we find ourselves glad to see them go!
• Other years – we savor the closing – with a full and grateful heart.
• And there are those years – that are pulled from our clutches…

Regardless of what’s transpired, when I stop to reflect on the year – it gives me perspective. I can get so intense on looking ahead – even pursuing what I think the Lord has shown me – that I fail to look back. But in looking back  - it prepares me to go forward – gives resolution to the past and resolve for the future. I don’t want to repeat mistakes, nor do I want to dwell on the past. That’s why I need to stop and REMEMBER.

Remembering helps me “smile at the future” because I can always see the faithfulness of God when I look back. “There (really) is no shadow of turning with Thee.”

We’re daily reminded of what’s transpired in the world around us and how society has changed over the last year, but it takes purposeful focus to notice how our own lives have changed. This takes introspection. Bad word, huh? As Moms we don’t like to do this. So, in challenge of the status quo – here’s my list of questions (your own will do just fine).

2009 – 10 simple questions

1. How have I spent my time? (allocated time and spare time)
2. What has been the result of the actions I have taken?
3. What or who has inspired me?
4. What am I grateful for?
5. What personal sorrows or disappointments took place and how have I been changed by them?
6. What personal breakthroughs and accomplishments  transpired and how have I been changed by them?
7. What books have I read this year and how have they impacted me?
8. What scriptural truths have I grasped and how have they changed me?
9. What areas of personal growth have I worked at and what are the results?
10. What dreams or goals did the Lord give me for 2009 and how were they addressed?

Time for change!

I’ve changed out the links and buttons to the right for a new season. I’ve chosen blogs and books that inspire ideas for organization.

As you make your plans for 2010 – remember to subscribe to Above & Beyond by e-mail and follow me on Twitter

I enjoy this week after Christmas, just before the New Year begins. In the balance between closing one year and beginning another – I find myself *puttering*. In case you’re one of those high energy moms that never stops – here’s the definition -

v. put·ter ² (ptr)

v. put·tered, put·ter·ing, put·ters

To occupy oneself in an aimless or ineffective manner.

v.tr.To waste (time) in idling: puttered away the hours in the garden.

Long lay the world, in sin and error pining

Till He appeared, and the soul felt its worth!

Oh holy night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Words by Chappeau de Roquemaure
Translated by John S. Dwight

Merry Christmas from our house to yours - with love

Each year is full of new life and adventure. I think the family is a small picture of what Jesus meant when He said,

“I’ve come to give you life – and life more abundantly.” John 10:10.

Every year proves to be more abundant than the previous in oh, so many ways. This year brought the birth of our granddaughter, Ava. As Charles Dickens said, “It is not a slight thing when those so fresh from God love us.” God’s master plan for us to ’see our children’s children’ is surely miraculous in design. We enjoy the abundance of family life and are the recipient of much more than we give.

When we had 5 children, ages 5 and under, Tim and I would say, “you know, someday – we’ll have 5 teenagers!” At the time, someday seemed so far away since the days were so full.

Well – ‘someday‘ has come – and come quickly. We no longer do diapers, teething, baby chairs, toys everywhere, baby talk, sleepless nights and all that’s required to raise little ones. We now do – braces (wait in line),meals – without limit,  drivers ed – continually, school work – everywhere, lively conversations and late nights (often). I can’t say enough about the benefits of ‘big’ family life. The trials are evident – but the rewards are continual.

I say this to remind you – if you’re on the ‘front end’ of all this – that the days will pass and those little ones will morph into teens and emerge as adults. They’ll marry and have children of their own, lead corporations, churches, nations and more importantly – their own families. Your little ones will lead and be looked to for answers. Train them diligently and remember – “the hand that rocks the cradle….rules the world”.

My mind, will, and emotions are anchored in the knowledge of Christ our Lord this Christmas season – more than ever before. While the world, as we’ve known it, is being redefined by those chasing ideals that will only take and not give. WE are the light of the world and the salt that preserves this culture. (Matthew 5:14) Our nature, in Christ, is to give, in a world that takes.

I may or may not blog through the holiday – my first commitment is to my family – who likes to eat and wear clean clothes. My work is cut out for me – as is yours. It’s our privilege to reveal Christ to them during the season of our Saviour’s Birth. You’re building memories that will endure.

If you have a moment to relax – check out the Christmas tour of homes at The Nester. Pour yourself a cup of cocoa, sit back and tour as many homes as you have time for. They’re lovely and inspiring. Thanks to The Nester for this opportunity. So many great ideas – from moms – just like you. Be inspired!!

Merry Christmas!!