Technology... gotta love it... even when it fails you... like tonight...
I have been working on new lesson plans for the 2010-2011 school year. We are going to do pretty much everything different. I spent half of the day Saturday flipping through notes and book lists and combing through bookshelves. I had made up a rough-draft list of what books we would use for what subjects this year... I had looked over it a few times and kept adding a little here and there... but I ignored a little pesky error referring to some problem with auto-saving... oops...
So, tonight I pulled out my laptop to keep plodding along and Word stopped working... and took with it all my work... so I am back to square one... at least I had not totally sold out to the technology age and I did have some paper notes and lists. I have actually already been able to re-create most of what was lost... but I did learn a lesson... don't ignore the warnings...
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Coffee is my friend...
Yes, and many of you know it to be true... I think coffee is a close friend of pretty much 98% of all the moms I know. Some of my friends never even drank coffee before they had kids, now they dare not start their day without the dearly beloved cup of java!
I have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with coffee. I have loved coffee ever since I was a little one and my grandfather would share some of his with me while we shared a french toast breakfast at the Officer's Club. That was only a spark that began a lifetime love for coffee and the search for "the perfect cup". It so happens that I prefer my coffee strong, with robust flavor, real cream and sugar (sometimes with chocolate, other times with vanilla and cinnamon). Many of you know I am a bit of a coffee snob, I reject and ignore all weak or fluffy imitations of "real coffee". We have even left the boring old drip coffee maker behind in preference to the French Press and Italian Espresso Maker... I even have a battery-powered milk frother... thirsty yet? Just let me know when you want to come over for a cup!
But as I was thinking about my coffee, my sweet and yummy companion, I realized that I have a closer friend in the Lord. As I eagerly reach for my coffee every morning, why is it that I do not, with as much passion and consistency, reach for the Word of God first upon every waking? It is stronger, more robust and flavorful than any cup of coffee I will ever be able to conjure up, and it does more to nourish my soul than any cup of water steeped in ground up beans ever will! And then I wondered, am I as much of a "snob" when choosing between the things of this world and the things of God as I am when I choose between the brands of coffee I will drink? And while I have fancy coffee-making gear, do I have to recognize how blessed I am to hold in my hand my own copy of the Scriptures, to have access to solid Biblical commentaries, to sit under amazing preaching and regularly enjoy true, deep fellowship?
I don't think I am over-spiritualizing coffee... I think the Lord has generously chosen to speak to us through His Creation, drawing us to dwell on Him even in the "simple" (and often overlooked) areas of life. I am so thankful that the Lord does choose to reveal Himself to us in the seemingly mundane things, for most of my day is spent in a somewhat "survival-mode" of sorts with regard to the physical demands of raising so many blessed littles. It is a comfort to me that Lord draws my thoughts to Him as I try to work out a stain from one of my husband's shirts, or tidy up the living room, or make dinner or do dishes, change diapers, wipe counters, etc. I probably do most of my deepest spiritual thinking when I am pulling weeds... but more on that another time..
As much as coffee is my friend, I need to remember that my closest friend is Jesus. Every sip of coffee can remind me to take a moment and sit down before His Word and sip in the truths therein. When I have a day where I sense I will need a second cup of the "good stuff", it will serve as a reminder that what I probably need more than the caffeine and the sugar is some extra fellowship in the Word with my Savior.
I have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with coffee. I have loved coffee ever since I was a little one and my grandfather would share some of his with me while we shared a french toast breakfast at the Officer's Club. That was only a spark that began a lifetime love for coffee and the search for "the perfect cup". It so happens that I prefer my coffee strong, with robust flavor, real cream and sugar (sometimes with chocolate, other times with vanilla and cinnamon). Many of you know I am a bit of a coffee snob, I reject and ignore all weak or fluffy imitations of "real coffee". We have even left the boring old drip coffee maker behind in preference to the French Press and Italian Espresso Maker... I even have a battery-powered milk frother... thirsty yet? Just let me know when you want to come over for a cup!
But as I was thinking about my coffee, my sweet and yummy companion, I realized that I have a closer friend in the Lord. As I eagerly reach for my coffee every morning, why is it that I do not, with as much passion and consistency, reach for the Word of God first upon every waking? It is stronger, more robust and flavorful than any cup of coffee I will ever be able to conjure up, and it does more to nourish my soul than any cup of water steeped in ground up beans ever will! And then I wondered, am I as much of a "snob" when choosing between the things of this world and the things of God as I am when I choose between the brands of coffee I will drink? And while I have fancy coffee-making gear, do I have to recognize how blessed I am to hold in my hand my own copy of the Scriptures, to have access to solid Biblical commentaries, to sit under amazing preaching and regularly enjoy true, deep fellowship?
I don't think I am over-spiritualizing coffee... I think the Lord has generously chosen to speak to us through His Creation, drawing us to dwell on Him even in the "simple" (and often overlooked) areas of life. I am so thankful that the Lord does choose to reveal Himself to us in the seemingly mundane things, for most of my day is spent in a somewhat "survival-mode" of sorts with regard to the physical demands of raising so many blessed littles. It is a comfort to me that Lord draws my thoughts to Him as I try to work out a stain from one of my husband's shirts, or tidy up the living room, or make dinner or do dishes, change diapers, wipe counters, etc. I probably do most of my deepest spiritual thinking when I am pulling weeds... but more on that another time..
As much as coffee is my friend, I need to remember that my closest friend is Jesus. Every sip of coffee can remind me to take a moment and sit down before His Word and sip in the truths therein. When I have a day where I sense I will need a second cup of the "good stuff", it will serve as a reminder that what I probably need more than the caffeine and the sugar is some extra fellowship in the Word with my Savior.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Even when I don't know...
There are those times in life when you seek out an answer and come out only with a question mark. I am there right now. I have been there for the last 10 days or so. At first, I battled with my thoughts, trying to remind myself that the Word of God says "do not borrow trouble from tomorrow for today has enough troubles of its own" (Matthew 6:34). As well, in countless places throughout Scripture I am reminded "Do not fear."
I felt like I was swinging away at every dark thought, all the worst-case-scenarios running through my mind, and as soon as one was knocked out, another came charging in behind it. Parenting was tough, being gentle seemed impossible. I was finding it very difficult to switch from "battle-mentality" to a "soft answer" at a moment's notice, but I knew I needed to so I could walk in obedience to the Lord.
The more I battled thoughts, the less I slept, and the grouchier I got (making being a gentle mommy harder and harder). Then, by the mere grace of God and the encouragement of some wonderful sisters-in-Christ, I was able to change my thinking entirely.
I sat down with journal and poured out all the things on my heart, the concerns, the issues, the situations... then the Lord began bringing to mind all the times I have faced trials and all the times He has been faithful to use each and every situation for my good and His glory. Immediately, I began recounting the numerous ways that the Lord has been faithful to me and to my family... my hand tired far before the list was exhausted.
As soon as I closed my little journal, an unmistakable and incredible joy washed over me. I actually felt refreshed knowing that even when I don't know what to expect or when something takes me by surprise, I can completely and fully trust knowing that the One who created me is not surprised. I can trust Him to do all things well, that even through the trials His purposes are good for me, that through them I might be conformed to the image of His Son, my Lord, Jesus Christ.
And tomorrow, I hopefully will know, my question mark will hopefully turn into a period... but regardless of the outcome, I do know my trust is in the Lord and His purposes are for my good and His glory! I can be thankful, that even when I don't know, I know the One who does!
I felt like I was swinging away at every dark thought, all the worst-case-scenarios running through my mind, and as soon as one was knocked out, another came charging in behind it. Parenting was tough, being gentle seemed impossible. I was finding it very difficult to switch from "battle-mentality" to a "soft answer" at a moment's notice, but I knew I needed to so I could walk in obedience to the Lord.
The more I battled thoughts, the less I slept, and the grouchier I got (making being a gentle mommy harder and harder). Then, by the mere grace of God and the encouragement of some wonderful sisters-in-Christ, I was able to change my thinking entirely.
I sat down with journal and poured out all the things on my heart, the concerns, the issues, the situations... then the Lord began bringing to mind all the times I have faced trials and all the times He has been faithful to use each and every situation for my good and His glory. Immediately, I began recounting the numerous ways that the Lord has been faithful to me and to my family... my hand tired far before the list was exhausted.
As soon as I closed my little journal, an unmistakable and incredible joy washed over me. I actually felt refreshed knowing that even when I don't know what to expect or when something takes me by surprise, I can completely and fully trust knowing that the One who created me is not surprised. I can trust Him to do all things well, that even through the trials His purposes are good for me, that through them I might be conformed to the image of His Son, my Lord, Jesus Christ.
And tomorrow, I hopefully will know, my question mark will hopefully turn into a period... but regardless of the outcome, I do know my trust is in the Lord and His purposes are for my good and His glory! I can be thankful, that even when I don't know, I know the One who does!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Looking forward to Fall and School...
So, one of the things that has kept me busy and off the computer the last month besides taking post-surgical care of Caleb and chasing after 6 kids has been the classroom renovation of the upstairs game room (or empty room, depending on how you looked at it). One afternoon in mid-May, Elliott and I got in my father-in-law's truck pulling a small enclosed U-haul trailer, we kissed the kids, entrusted to my sweet mother-in-law, and hit the road for Austin and IKEA.
It took a couple of weeks and Elliott taking some time off of work to get all the furniture built... 6 - groovy red chairs, 4 - 6'x6' bookshelves, 4 - desks that hook into the bookshelves, and 2 - 5'x3' bookshelves laid on their sides... we also have drawers, but those are still not put together. Then we had to start moving books from the downstairs "library" to the upstairs "classroom". Then it was decided that Elliott's office should probably be moved away from the classroom to afford him being able to work while we were doing school... so my craft room and his office had to be switched... The toys had to be moved and rearranged... now we need rugs to help define certain spaces.
Right now, I would say we are at about 85% completed... but the promise of completion is so exciting it keeps me trudging along. Much progress was made when Elliott was home to play with the kiddos, now to just not loose steam and FINISH... then, pictures, I promise!
And, then, once I get a good handle on what books we have, then school planning will take off... I am getting so excited, I hope it rubs off on the kids! But again, another reason I have not been too present on the world-wide-web... I hope to do better in the future!
It took a couple of weeks and Elliott taking some time off of work to get all the furniture built... 6 - groovy red chairs, 4 - 6'x6' bookshelves, 4 - desks that hook into the bookshelves, and 2 - 5'x3' bookshelves laid on their sides... we also have drawers, but those are still not put together. Then we had to start moving books from the downstairs "library" to the upstairs "classroom". Then it was decided that Elliott's office should probably be moved away from the classroom to afford him being able to work while we were doing school... so my craft room and his office had to be switched... The toys had to be moved and rearranged... now we need rugs to help define certain spaces.
Right now, I would say we are at about 85% completed... but the promise of completion is so exciting it keeps me trudging along. Much progress was made when Elliott was home to play with the kiddos, now to just not loose steam and FINISH... then, pictures, I promise!
And, then, once I get a good handle on what books we have, then school planning will take off... I am getting so excited, I hope it rubs off on the kids! But again, another reason I have not been too present on the world-wide-web... I hope to do better in the future!
An update (albeit late) on Caleb...
Well, it has been a little over a month since Caleb's sinus surgery... so much has happened! However, getting on the computer hasn't been one of them. As of late, if it something web-based couldn't be done from my phone, it didn't get done. Sorry to anyone who actually was looking for updates...
Better late than never... an update on Caleb... Sinus surgery completely successful, got all cleaned out and he is doing super duper fabulous. We keep hearing from everyone who knows our little fighter, "It's like he is a new kid!" We are so thankful for this super-improved version, even though he requires a TON more energy to keep up with! And he is FINALLY gaining weight... 2 pounds in 4 weeks... previously it had taken him 13 months to sort of gain 1 pound, we are amazed! The Lord has been incredibly gracious to our family and blessed our sweet boy with some miraculous healing!
So many things have been happening the past month... but I will save them for other posts... just to break it up a little...
Better late than never... an update on Caleb... Sinus surgery completely successful, got all cleaned out and he is doing super duper fabulous. We keep hearing from everyone who knows our little fighter, "It's like he is a new kid!" We are so thankful for this super-improved version, even though he requires a TON more energy to keep up with! And he is FINALLY gaining weight... 2 pounds in 4 weeks... previously it had taken him 13 months to sort of gain 1 pound, we are amazed! The Lord has been incredibly gracious to our family and blessed our sweet boy with some miraculous healing!
So many things have been happening the past month... but I will save them for other posts... just to break it up a little...
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