I have finally escaped from my hole. I truly cannot believe that I was there that long and how thick my walls were that I so earnestly built.
I know that I did what was best for my family and me at the time but enough is enough.
I need people back in my life.
My life was completely different when I first started home schooling 11 years ago. With a first grader and two babies demanding my attention and a husband who was constantly traveling, attending a mom's night out, home school meeting or even a social gathering was completely out of the question. To add to my situation, I was blessed with two deaf children. I quickly discovered that I was the only home school mom in this situation, so obviously no one understood my life or my daily struggles, right? On a small and manageable scale, resentment and bitterness slowly crept in. In addition to my ungodly mindset, the close friends that I had began to move away.
The result? 100% seclusion. After all...what could they offer me? Without any prayerful consideration, I have said no to teaching Sunday School, being the coordinator of our girls group at church, joining the worship team, being the home school leader, leading the greeters at church, taking over Prayer for Cops Ministry, participating in any home school field trip, etc., etc. My family was top priority and they needed me. It has taken me years, but I have learned that withdrawing from everything was not the right way to handle my life.
Fast forward from 1999 to 2010. "You've come a long way, baby!" doesn't even come close to explaining what has happened to me the last few months. I've been deeply humbled and have successfully climbed out of my hole. It all started with a Power Up Worship service at our church. I was the first one in line to receive a special touch from the Lord, yet He did more than just touch me.
The two ladies in charge began to explain my life to me - in great detail. Funny thing is, I had never shared even a sentence with them about my struggles from the past 10 years. It was truly a Divine appointment from the Lord. I wept as the Lord said, "Enough is enough. You think you are trapped in a room with no door and are completely alone. Not only is there a door - I have opened it for you. It is time to walk through. You have too much to offer and I have blessed you..." I stayed about an hour later than anyone else receiving more prayer and expelling more tears. I was long overdue for a meeting with God.
He cared enough about me to not only show up to this worship service but to speak to me specifically. W O W!!
I had an old friend visit our church recently. She pulled me aside and asked what in the world happened to me! A little flabbergasted, I questioned her as to her meaning. She said, "You're different. You look peaceful and free. I've never seen you worship like that before. Obviously the Lord has done something in your life - please tell me what it is!"
Tis true!! I HAVE been set free! I found flexibility five years ago. Things aren't so black and white. I'm learning more each day to let God control my activities and to do my daily routines with love. I'm investing more into the character of my children. I am back on the worship team after a six year sabbatical. I have joined the board with my Home Educators Group AND I attend just about every meeting there is! Back to school picnic, Newcomers Tea, Moms Night Out and every training and encouraging seminar possible!
Why? Because I need it and so do my children. They need a plethora of friends and I need to be encouraged daily by those who continue to do the difficult task God has called them to do - parenting and educating.
I'm so excited! I love failing forward and can't wait to see what else God has in store for me and my family.
My challenge to you...be more flexible than I was. Adopt a godly mandate and rely on it daily. Allow the Lord to humble you and embrace the friends He has placed in your life. Weather you home school or not, listening to the Lord's prompting is something that you will never regret. God made you on purpose for a purpose and to sit in a hole is not it!
Thank God almighty I'm free at last :)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Home Made Noodles
I thought it was high-time I shared my moms famous home made noodle recipe. I've had so many friends ask in wonder..."You can make noodles? I thought you only bought them at a store!!" Not only can you make noodles - they are so easy that anyone can!
Homemade Noodles
1 beaten egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup white unbleached flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
Combine all ingredients and stir with a fork until stiff dough forms. Flour the counter and roll dough very thin (you'll have to use some muscles here!) We like thin noodles, but if you want them more like dumplings, then keep them thicker. Let stand for about 20 minutes. With a dull knife, slice the dough into strips and let dry for a minimum of two hours or as long as all day. As they dry, the noodles will begin to curl up.
Once the noodles are dry, break them up and throw them into a pot of boiling water to cook for about 10 minutes.
My favorite recipe is just to make chicken noodle soup. So, I toss these noodles into a pot of chicken stock with pieces of chicken. Add some salt, pepper and fresh garlic with a tad of flour to thicken the broth. Eat it in a bowl as soup or on a plate with some green beans and mashed potatoes for a meal that will leave you feeling like a bit of Heaven just visited you!
Happy eating!
Rhonda
Homemade Noodles
1 beaten egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup white unbleached flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
Combine all ingredients and stir with a fork until stiff dough forms. Flour the counter and roll dough very thin (you'll have to use some muscles here!) We like thin noodles, but if you want them more like dumplings, then keep them thicker. Let stand for about 20 minutes. With a dull knife, slice the dough into strips and let dry for a minimum of two hours or as long as all day. As they dry, the noodles will begin to curl up.
Once the noodles are dry, break them up and throw them into a pot of boiling water to cook for about 10 minutes.My favorite recipe is just to make chicken noodle soup. So, I toss these noodles into a pot of chicken stock with pieces of chicken. Add some salt, pepper and fresh garlic with a tad of flour to thicken the broth. Eat it in a bowl as soup or on a plate with some green beans and mashed potatoes for a meal that will leave you feeling like a bit of Heaven just visited you!
Happy eating!
Rhonda
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
It Was a God Day!
The prompting began last night and grew in intensity during a home school question-n-answer meeting I had attended. The Lord confirmed it in my spirit during my morning devotions as to what my day was to consist of.
It was going to be an unusual day. One like I have never had before in my 12 years of educating my children at home. So, what did the Lord speak to my heart about?
To put all the educational books away -- GASP!
Seriously?? No math, grammar or spelling? But they must practice typing everyday and what about dictation and science? It was true...The Lord wanted the day completely devoted to Him. He wanted me to do nothing except teach from His word, work on character traits and talk about serious, heart-felt issues like modesty, diligence, guarding your heart, and their moral values.
I opened my Bible and guess where the Lord led me? Galatians 5:19-23. I won't quote the entire text here, but it starts with, "When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results...but when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.. Here this is no conflict with the law."
Thus the beginning of our day was spent on the couch for 35 minutes talking about these scripture verses and how important they are to our lives - all before breakfast was even consumed.
With great anticipation, I explained to the kids what the Lord had told me. Their eyes were bulging with shock trying to understand exactly what this meant for them - the pupil...
Well, the day is over now and I will have to say that it was probably the most rewarding day we have ever had. As I put my daughter to bed, she wanted to know if we could have a "God Day" every week! So you want to know what our day looked like? I thought you'd never ask :)
Once their chores were finished, we read the Bible for about 40 minutes. Then I started drilling them on some fun Bible Quiz Flashcards. We went to the bookshelves and pulled out some books we had about God or moral issues. We read I Wonder How God Hears Me and a few stories from Hinds' Feet on High Places (arranged for children).
Right before lunch I brought out my three volume set of Read Aloud Bible Stories from the Moody Bible Institute that I used to read to them when they were little. They were once again captivated by the pictures just as they were at such a young, tender age. We decided to pick a Bible character that they remembered or found interesting. After reading about them, they let the artist within them come alive on paper! I had them mesmerized by my personal testimonies and enthralled with each true-to-life story that was told. We ate lunch on the floor while watching a missionary video called Stephen's Test of Faith.
Next was the Clarksons book called "Our 24 Family Ways". I have had this for years but with so many other books, it just wasn't being used. Today it happily made its appearance. It completely amazed me how one topic can bring about so many questions and the different rabbit trails you can venture on. I actually took notes as to what we talked about so that I could relay everything to daddy.
The spectrum of discussions? Addictions, regret, denying yourself, modesty, protecting your heart, your moral warehouse, movie and book selections, peer pressure, leading instead of following, purity, inappropriate billboards and public displays at the mall, no guarantee of tomorrow and God's commands and promises. Then we began our unit study on character traits. I will write a separate blog about this awesome book, but it is called "What Every Child Should Know Along the Way".
The best topic was explaining what we believe as a believer in Christ and why we believe what we believe. We actually ran out of time, but will write out our beliefs on paper tomorrow.
The end results were truly amazing. Inspired by God's and led by God. It's incredible how well your day can go when God is in control.
Are we behind in our school work and schedule? What schedule? (Haha!) We made an immense amount of progress today. I actually feel we are further ahead mentally and spiritually than if we had our noses in the books.
Thanks God...for caring, for the gentle nudge, for giving me the right words, for my children's open hearts and minds and for being such a God of order.
Blessings,
Rhonda
It was going to be an unusual day. One like I have never had before in my 12 years of educating my children at home. So, what did the Lord speak to my heart about?
To put all the educational books away -- GASP!
Seriously?? No math, grammar or spelling? But they must practice typing everyday and what about dictation and science? It was true...The Lord wanted the day completely devoted to Him. He wanted me to do nothing except teach from His word, work on character traits and talk about serious, heart-felt issues like modesty, diligence, guarding your heart, and their moral values.
I opened my Bible and guess where the Lord led me? Galatians 5:19-23. I won't quote the entire text here, but it starts with, "When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results...but when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.. Here this is no conflict with the law."
Thus the beginning of our day was spent on the couch for 35 minutes talking about these scripture verses and how important they are to our lives - all before breakfast was even consumed.
With great anticipation, I explained to the kids what the Lord had told me. Their eyes were bulging with shock trying to understand exactly what this meant for them - the pupil...
Well, the day is over now and I will have to say that it was probably the most rewarding day we have ever had. As I put my daughter to bed, she wanted to know if we could have a "God Day" every week! So you want to know what our day looked like? I thought you'd never ask :)
Once their chores were finished, we read the Bible for about 40 minutes. Then I started drilling them on some fun Bible Quiz Flashcards. We went to the bookshelves and pulled out some books we had about God or moral issues. We read I Wonder How God Hears Me and a few stories from Hinds' Feet on High Places (arranged for children).
Right before lunch I brought out my three volume set of Read Aloud Bible Stories from the Moody Bible Institute that I used to read to them when they were little. They were once again captivated by the pictures just as they were at such a young, tender age. We decided to pick a Bible character that they remembered or found interesting. After reading about them, they let the artist within them come alive on paper! I had them mesmerized by my personal testimonies and enthralled with each true-to-life story that was told. We ate lunch on the floor while watching a missionary video called Stephen's Test of Faith.
Next was the Clarksons book called "Our 24 Family Ways". I have had this for years but with so many other books, it just wasn't being used. Today it happily made its appearance. It completely amazed me how one topic can bring about so many questions and the different rabbit trails you can venture on. I actually took notes as to what we talked about so that I could relay everything to daddy.
The spectrum of discussions? Addictions, regret, denying yourself, modesty, protecting your heart, your moral warehouse, movie and book selections, peer pressure, leading instead of following, purity, inappropriate billboards and public displays at the mall, no guarantee of tomorrow and God's commands and promises. Then we began our unit study on character traits. I will write a separate blog about this awesome book, but it is called "What Every Child Should Know Along the Way".
The best topic was explaining what we believe as a believer in Christ and why we believe what we believe. We actually ran out of time, but will write out our beliefs on paper tomorrow.
The end results were truly amazing. Inspired by God's and led by God. It's incredible how well your day can go when God is in control.
Are we behind in our school work and schedule? What schedule? (Haha!) We made an immense amount of progress today. I actually feel we are further ahead mentally and spiritually than if we had our noses in the books.
Thanks God...for caring, for the gentle nudge, for giving me the right words, for my children's open hearts and minds and for being such a God of order.
Blessings,
Rhonda
Monday, September 6, 2010
Treasures from the Past
During my moms visit a few weeks ago, she brought me a boat-load of stuff wanting to pass it along to the next generation.
I just had to share three of the treasures that have special meaning to me and my family. This was my moms rocking chair that was given to her as a toddler for Christmas. She saw it in the Sears Catalog and asked her daddy to get it for her. My moms family was extremely poor, so a purchase of this amount was out of the question. The little bit of money that they had was set aside to replace the ripped black tar paper that covered the walls before the siding could be put on. Winter was approaching so to keep the tiny house warm, this was a necessity. However, against my grandmother's wishes, grandpa took the money and bought the chair for his baby girl...my mom said it was a very cold winter! The chair has been untouched with the original appliques still on it. We now have it in our office and sit in it daily (well, at least those of us who can 'fit'!)
This toy box was also my mom's given to her when she was about five. I would like to share the unusual history with you...
my mom had an uncle who worked in a wood shop as a casket maker. Since he knew that my moms family didn't have any money to speak of, he took the basic construction of a baby casket and created this toy box for her. It has a small removable shelf inside, a chain to keep the lid in place, handles on the outside and flower appliques on the top and sides. My mom didn't come to learn the real story about this toy box until she was a grown adult. It will now adorn Adam's room at the foot of his bed.
This last picture is also very special to me. My grandpa made this when he was in his 80's. He was quite an extraordinary and talented man - true to the character traits that his generation possessed. With only a 6th grade education, he became a Union Painter and Refinisher by trade. He was still climbing 20 foot ladders to fix his roof at 92 years old and playing 9 holes of golf at age 93.
He didn't even stop driving until he was 97! Grandpa always enjoyed working with his hands and making things out of wood. In his early 20's, he began making grandma little keepsake boxes with inlaid wood. He actually cut the wood pieces out by hand, gluing them together to make the boxes. Sometime in his 80's, grandpa decided to create one of his last projects. He chose to make five inlaid wood tables - one for each of his children. My mom has now passed her table along to me. What a treasure to have! My precious grandfather went to be with the Lord at an incredible age of 100 years young! This is very significant since grandpa told people for years that he would live to be 100; for some reason this was very important to him. The Lord granted his wish...he passed away at 100 and two months old!
Thanks mom - I love having history in my home!
Blessings,
Rhonda
I just had to share three of the treasures that have special meaning to me and my family. This was my moms rocking chair that was given to her as a toddler for Christmas. She saw it in the Sears Catalog and asked her daddy to get it for her. My moms family was extremely poor, so a purchase of this amount was out of the question. The little bit of money that they had was set aside to replace the ripped black tar paper that covered the walls before the siding could be put on. Winter was approaching so to keep the tiny house warm, this was a necessity. However, against my grandmother's wishes, grandpa took the money and bought the chair for his baby girl...my mom said it was a very cold winter! The chair has been untouched with the original appliques still on it. We now have it in our office and sit in it daily (well, at least those of us who can 'fit'!)This toy box was also my mom's given to her when she was about five. I would like to share the unusual history with you...
my mom had an uncle who worked in a wood shop as a casket maker. Since he knew that my moms family didn't have any money to speak of, he took the basic construction of a baby casket and created this toy box for her. It has a small removable shelf inside, a chain to keep the lid in place, handles on the outside and flower appliques on the top and sides. My mom didn't come to learn the real story about this toy box until she was a grown adult. It will now adorn Adam's room at the foot of his bed.This last picture is also very special to me. My grandpa made this when he was in his 80's. He was quite an extraordinary and talented man - true to the character traits that his generation possessed. With only a 6th grade education, he became a Union Painter and Refinisher by trade. He was still climbing 20 foot ladders to fix his roof at 92 years old and playing 9 holes of golf at age 93.
He didn't even stop driving until he was 97! Grandpa always enjoyed working with his hands and making things out of wood. In his early 20's, he began making grandma little keepsake boxes with inlaid wood. He actually cut the wood pieces out by hand, gluing them together to make the boxes. Sometime in his 80's, grandpa decided to create one of his last projects. He chose to make five inlaid wood tables - one for each of his children. My mom has now passed her table along to me. What a treasure to have! My precious grandfather went to be with the Lord at an incredible age of 100 years young! This is very significant since grandpa told people for years that he would live to be 100; for some reason this was very important to him. The Lord granted his wish...he passed away at 100 and two months old!Thanks mom - I love having history in my home!
Blessings,
Rhonda
Saturday, September 4, 2010
What Do You Do?
Completely unaware. I wish I had known.
When I started bearing children 17 years ago, I had no idea it would feel this way. I'm not sure I would have changed my mind on the desire to fill my home with little people that share my last name, but a few clues along the way might have helped my mindset.
I hate being clueless. I don't consider myself a control-freak but I really would have liked a little more preparation than I received.
I'm sure you feel this way as well. I know you'll stand and shout 'Amen' when you're finished reading this.
I just never knew my heart would ache so badly when my children are hurting.
My precious little ones aren't so little any more. At a ripe age of 12, almost 14 and 17, they feel things more deeply than ever before. Disagreements with a friend cut to the core. Feeling left out and abandoned bring them tears that stain their pillowcases. Other children who do not understand their disability and stare, cause resentment in their minds wondering why they aren't 'normal'. Sinful actions which result in painful punishments bring remorse - something they are not used to feeling. Special relationships gone sour leave them confused, rejected and overwhelmed. Add a high dose of testosterone and puberty changes and I will show you a household with emotions that run at a new level - weekly!
What does that mean for mom and dad - where do we fit in this whole growing up picture?
It means that we hurt with them. We cry when they cry and get angry when they are. I just never realized how badly my heart would hurt - on their behalf. It actually boggles my mind to know that we have the ability to have such compassion for another soul. Of course, it only makes sense.
Jesus did.
And we are created in His own image. So what do we do now?
Pray. Pray some more. Continue praying. Pray without ceasing.
Pray that they maintain a gentle spirit with a compassionate heart. Pray that the Lord guides them through the present turmoil and each event in their future. Pray that the Lord makes His voice known to them so that they can hear it over the massive worldly white noise. Pray that God will heal their hurting hearts and bring peace to their minds.
I really don't want to hurt like this anymore...but neither do my children. I have no intentions of allowing them to ever go through the hurtful times in their lives alone, so together we will stand strong. Together we will stay united. Together we will seek God's will and guidance while pointing the children back to the cross.
Jesus understands our hurts. He knows exactly how we feel. Just as we will never emotionally abandon our children, God has promised to never leave us.
After all - Jesus wept too.
Blessings,
Rhonda
When I started bearing children 17 years ago, I had no idea it would feel this way. I'm not sure I would have changed my mind on the desire to fill my home with little people that share my last name, but a few clues along the way might have helped my mindset.
I hate being clueless. I don't consider myself a control-freak but I really would have liked a little more preparation than I received.
I'm sure you feel this way as well. I know you'll stand and shout 'Amen' when you're finished reading this.
I just never knew my heart would ache so badly when my children are hurting.
My precious little ones aren't so little any more. At a ripe age of 12, almost 14 and 17, they feel things more deeply than ever before. Disagreements with a friend cut to the core. Feeling left out and abandoned bring them tears that stain their pillowcases. Other children who do not understand their disability and stare, cause resentment in their minds wondering why they aren't 'normal'. Sinful actions which result in painful punishments bring remorse - something they are not used to feeling. Special relationships gone sour leave them confused, rejected and overwhelmed. Add a high dose of testosterone and puberty changes and I will show you a household with emotions that run at a new level - weekly!
What does that mean for mom and dad - where do we fit in this whole growing up picture?
It means that we hurt with them. We cry when they cry and get angry when they are. I just never realized how badly my heart would hurt - on their behalf. It actually boggles my mind to know that we have the ability to have such compassion for another soul. Of course, it only makes sense.
Jesus did.
And we are created in His own image. So what do we do now?
Pray. Pray some more. Continue praying. Pray without ceasing.
Pray that they maintain a gentle spirit with a compassionate heart. Pray that the Lord guides them through the present turmoil and each event in their future. Pray that the Lord makes His voice known to them so that they can hear it over the massive worldly white noise. Pray that God will heal their hurting hearts and bring peace to their minds.
I really don't want to hurt like this anymore...but neither do my children. I have no intentions of allowing them to ever go through the hurtful times in their lives alone, so together we will stand strong. Together we will stay united. Together we will seek God's will and guidance while pointing the children back to the cross.
Jesus understands our hurts. He knows exactly how we feel. Just as we will never emotionally abandon our children, God has promised to never leave us.After all - Jesus wept too.
Blessings,
Rhonda
An Awesome Reminder
I am in the process of cleaning our hard drive and found this short report that my eldest wrote as a writing assignment a few years back. Considering the topic is timeless, I thought I would share his thoughts. Even coming from such a young heart (I think he was 14 or 15 at the time), I couldn't have said it better myself :)
The Fruits of the Spirit are very important to a Christians life. They help us act like we should and follow God and his word better. I believe these ideas can be used for anyone weather you believe in God or not.
God will see your heart and know if you are doing it 'just to do it' or if you are doing it with your whole heart. The one true God blesses anyone who goes after Him with the right motive. No one can fool God and no one can ever hope to hide anything from Him. He is a God who knows all things.
God will bless your life if you have the Fruits of the Spirit in your heart and you prove that they are in your heart by your actions. Jesus wants us to be more and more like Him and this is just one of the many steps it takes to get there. Pray that God will show you things in your life that does not line up with the Fruits of the Spirit and then change it.
Don't wait for a chance later in life - change it now.
The Fruits of the Spirit will bless you and those people around you.
Thanks for the reminder, Kyle...love you!
The Fruits of the Spirit are very important to a Christians life. They help us act like we should and follow God and his word better. I believe these ideas can be used for anyone weather you believe in God or not.
God will see your heart and know if you are doing it 'just to do it' or if you are doing it with your whole heart. The one true God blesses anyone who goes after Him with the right motive. No one can fool God and no one can ever hope to hide anything from Him. He is a God who knows all things.
God will bless your life if you have the Fruits of the Spirit in your heart and you prove that they are in your heart by your actions. Jesus wants us to be more and more like Him and this is just one of the many steps it takes to get there. Pray that God will show you things in your life that does not line up with the Fruits of the Spirit and then change it.
Don't wait for a chance later in life - change it now.
The Fruits of the Spirit will bless you and those people around you.
Thanks for the reminder, Kyle...love you!
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