I've been keeping something from you

I have a confession of sorts, I've been keeping something from you. I didn't want to, but in the name of safety for my children, and myself, I had to......cuz I don't  really know you!

Well, I don't know all of you, and most of those I do know, unless you are out of  town, already know the secret, cuz I know you are not axe murderers, or armed robbers. Not that you who I don't know are axe murderers or armed robbers, but how would I know that, cuz like I said, I don't really know you.

We are moving, like now, today, like, as you are reading this. That is a weird thought, as I am sitting here writing this ahead of time knowing that I really should be doing.....well, any number of things to get ready for said move, but instead, I am blogging......cuz it's more fun to confess, than to pack.

Michael accepted a new position, in a new company, in a new state, back in January. That was 5 months ago, and we have been living the long distance family life since then....yuck!  He has been coming home about every three weeks, thus leaving us alone for long stretches of time. That has not been fun for us, or for him, but could have been fun for axe murderers and armed robbers, so I didn't tell you, just in case. Don't be mad, I don't really know you!

So while I've been hanging, out on a limb, without my better half, the Lord has been teaching me a lot about trust. Not only do I not trust you, because I don't really know you, I don't always trust Him fully either.  Could it be that I don't know Him well enough? He is always faithful to provide however, and it is that very faithfulness that has supplied my needs during this hard time, past hard times, and will supply them in the hard times to come. Because, believe me, there will always be hard times!

That doesn't mean that He supplies my needs exactly the way I desire, or in the timing that I expect, or even in the way I deem appropriate, but supply them He does!

During a conversation months ago with a young woman that was experiencing some upheaval and unknowns in her life, she said to me, "I'll just be glad when things can just be settled". That comment has been rolling around in my brain for several months now. At the time, I tried to encourage her that things would be better soon. Then I got to thinking about my own story.
When have things ever really been settled??
Even at those times in my life when I might have thought things were settled, there was always a surprise right around the bend.
Does my Heavenly Father really want me to be settled, or comfortable,  or relaxed?
Hasn't it always been those times of upheaval, or tension, or vulnerability, that I have depended on Him the most?

So as I swing out on this limb yet again, and face new challenges in a new place, some exciting, some scary, some invigorating, and some potentially painful, I confess, that I am trying to trust Him more deeply, depend on Him more fully, and He is continually supplying my needs. I know Him well enough to know that.

And if you are an axe murderer, or an armed robber, well, to bad for you. If you are out on a limb, like me, welcome to reality, get comfortable, enjoy the ride, and trust Him to catch you.

Camp Viola

Last week Kartwright was a camp councilor,
and Haven was a part of the camp clean up crew.

 All of the children that attended this free camp had very little.
 Most did not have in-tact families. 
Many had not experienced a loving and nurturing home life.
Some had never heard the gospel.

All of them have heard it now.
Most of them went home with hope.
Many now know what it feels like to be loved.
Some accepted God's offer of redemption and will never be the same.

It was a wonderful experience to watch my children be involved in such a hands on outreach. The thing I love most about our church here, is it's commitment to community. I have never been a part of a fellowship that cares so very much about getting involved with the nitty gritty of peoples lives like this one. Lives were changed last week, because people cared enough to take the time to get involved.

Happy Birthday Haven

Michael had the privilege of baptising his little girl on her twelfth birthday Sunday.

It was a sweet sight.

 There is something so very wonderful about watching the love of your life baptise out of obedience to your Lord, one of the biggest blessings that very same Lord has given you, with many of the other blessings He has given watching on also.

I think it was wonderful for them as well.

Happy Birthday sweet Haven Dorothy!

Okay, okay

OOPS, Correction, you do not sow the the fruits of your labor......duh, you REAP the fruits of your labor. You sow the seeds that you will later reap, because of the sowing. The seeds that you sow produce the fruits that you later reap. It is the sowing that makes the very fruit possible to reap, otherwise there would be no reaping. No sowing, equals no reaping. I get it now :)

First Harvest

We are just beginning to sow the fruits of our labor, so fun. I love the vivid colors of new veggies, and all the surprises they bring. What a gift from our generous Heavenly Father, that just a small dead seed can bring so much joy, and excitement, and nourishment. Did you plant this year? Oh do tell, what is growing in your garden?

ice cubes?

Son number one, and his beautiful wife, gifted me this beautiful orchid for Mothers Day. Son number one texted me two weeks later and asked, "Is your orchid dead yet?". He knows me well! I absolutely LOVE flowers, and flowering plants are even better, but my thumbs are very definitely pinkelish peachelish, and not at all green, if ya catch my drift. Said orchid is still looking gorgeous, but I fear her days are numbered, and as I told son number one, I try not to let her catch me looking at her.

Look at this beaut, milky white petals, set off with magenta centers, she truly deserves a better care taker.

Well, while picking up balloons for the aforementioned graduation of son number two, I noticed some pretty plants similar to her, awaiting purchase. On their tags were directions for care. The tag suggested three ice cubes per week! Yes, I said ice cubes. Crazy huh? It doesn't seem like her delicate self would like that coldness, but I'm gonna give it a try! I can see my right thumb turning a very slight shade of mint as I write, perhaps pretty orchid has a chance after all!

top ten crazy home school questions my teenager has answered

1) Who teaches you?

2) Do you get to wear your pajamas all day long?

3) Do you ever have home work?

4) Can you get a snack whenever you want?

5) What curriculum do you use?

6) Is that legal?

7) Does your Mom have a degree in teaching?

8) What about socialization?

9) Where do you do school?

10) Do you get to sleep in every day?

his answers

1)uuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhm, my parents????

2)Yeah, I guess, but I take a shower every day.

3)Dude, it's allllllll homework

4)uuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhm, I guess.

5)Seriousely??? what's a curriculum??? We don't really use books, my Mom just wings it (smile)!

6)no

7)are you kidding me???

8)I'm standing here talking to you aren't I?

9)aaaaaaaattttttttttttt hhhhhhhooommme, that's why they call it hhhhhhoooommmme schooooool!

10)NO!