tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36679236064384545452024-02-29T00:54:35.250-06:00Covered By His HandEncouraging Christian FamiliesBethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.comBlogger606125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-91430053451229752052024-02-15T08:00:00.021-06:002024-02-15T08:00:00.239-06:00Catching Up<p> Lately, I have been wanting to get back to blogging. But, after posting only once a year for the past several years, I feel a bit out of touch. I have so much that I want to share, but you need to know what my family is doing these days. So, today I want to start with an update! Hopefully I can begin posting more regularly after this initial update.</p><p><b>The family as a whole - </b></p><p>We are living in south-central IL. Paul and I have been married 24 years. The 7 kids range in age from 21 down to 5. We have 3 boys in public school. Only myself and the 5yo go to church these days. I still hold on to my faith despite the many painful church encounters that we have experienced. I am sad to say that some of the other family members were burned one too many times, and now they avoid church/christians like the plague. Others in my family may still hold onto a shred of faith, but don't really care to set aside time to go to church. As you can imagine, this situation causes me pain. I have been grieving this secretly for years. But, this situation is a major part of our family life. And, I have no doubt that the issue will come up in my writing in the future. </p><p><b>The kids</b> (this is going to be abbreviated to protect their privacy. They don't really love when I share things publicly) -</p><p>Rebecca (21) is at a state college in a nursing program. She also works in mgmt at a restaurant. </p><p>Nelson (20) works full time as a cook at a restaurant.</p><p>Lydia (18) works full time at Walmart. LJ still has some health issues that are a daily trial for her. But, she is stronger than she used to be. She may need to drop down to part-time, because her body is always so tired. But, I am ridiculously proud of her for sticking with full time hours for almost 3 months now.</p><p>Joshua (16) recently left a part-time job that he started when he was 15, and he is looking for a new one. He withdrew from public school to do school online.</p><p>Josiah (14) is in public school 8th grade.</p><p>Jeremiah (12) is in public school 6th grade.</p><p>Nathaniel (5) is in public school preschool for a few hours each day.</p><p><b>Me and Paul-</b></p><p>Paul is still working in an Illinois state prison. He is a "corrections officer," a guard. His interests are reading and listening to podcasts. He really loves time with the kids, especially the 5 year old. (Nathaniel thinks Daddy is the best person in the universe.) Paul also enjoys deep thinking and questioning everything. He can be a bit philosophical and at times it hurts my brain. But, I try to keep up. </p><p>I am not working at any paying jobs. But, I am involved in ministries at my church. I teach the college and career age group on Sundays. I am currently teaching a short-term ladies' Bible study on Wednesday nights. And, I am a greeter. I truly love my church. It is the healthiest, most stable church environment I have been in for years. It's a big church, and in the past I have been hard on big churches. But, I am thrilled to be a part of First Baptist Maryville. It has been a safe place for my heart to heal from past church hurt. Aside from volunteering at church, I am also trying to write more. Maybe some day I will actually get something published. </p><p>Here are some photos. </p><p>Soccer season - fall 2023. Jeremiah is our soccer player. As many of us as are able attend each game. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid23qWL3QjiVnieUkpCqH6KRYO00v_ScTrVLI_IJ9QDgj5gvBwnJAknR6ZDk0aIpqVPjj-yLp-oLX-l2oA87iKXnKjAG_x4TYQB6e7IQEHfWSNQ9cMA4_op9RRAvvSwto1twRtjIb1FZiHHGlNXA144bxGGZCX2z_9UzMhCZVxml8o0KAMPQTRAU-gsZ3y/s3394/1CEF1865-0917-477E-B5B7-0398E98C941F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3012" data-original-width="3394" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid23qWL3QjiVnieUkpCqH6KRYO00v_ScTrVLI_IJ9QDgj5gvBwnJAknR6ZDk0aIpqVPjj-yLp-oLX-l2oA87iKXnKjAG_x4TYQB6e7IQEHfWSNQ9cMA4_op9RRAvvSwto1twRtjIb1FZiHHGlNXA144bxGGZCX2z_9UzMhCZVxml8o0KAMPQTRAU-gsZ3y/s320/1CEF1865-0917-477E-B5B7-0398E98C941F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Below- Christmas 2023<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5t2leCnmUvx0kBaJGY5oXWaUGXzwBEdvdfmGj6CX-CdAOe7WEZyEQngb2jZPyJTz3eFUcqzpJf8Xv44A-yTCoLBSLX3ApQHRWUDs7vNm3aCblBAQn2rc_5Ra-nHDggdpUMm2xTnJ2-sGWkucz6rMoCSBgW0vox5wnv5tUeKMagDrGU-STH4ycEqA50uE/s3357/192B2227-B728-47BC-AF45-1CDB928BF791.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3357" data-original-width="2763" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5t2leCnmUvx0kBaJGY5oXWaUGXzwBEdvdfmGj6CX-CdAOe7WEZyEQngb2jZPyJTz3eFUcqzpJf8Xv44A-yTCoLBSLX3ApQHRWUDs7vNm3aCblBAQn2rc_5Ra-nHDggdpUMm2xTnJ2-sGWkucz6rMoCSBgW0vox5wnv5tUeKMagDrGU-STH4ycEqA50uE/s320/192B2227-B728-47BC-AF45-1CDB928BF791.jpeg" width="263" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZWrT2yhKbtN8GMfoC-Hce3R0Xm_g0k_hKONlXG_6bJ20zr0OCgcq3dFNE8e4oZMlMSwaemkf8mSV_gpeLh4boTpdoDvZKBYQmMOTSgbomiYOFK6ruwtEg61rod8vaumgYWfHQo43FFu4SXmXAgKbFHhl4TO-c2tDNAx-Nnywr7fdzxt2KHyomixhBZ3_/s4032/228E6DD6-43AC-43AC-939E-BBD55CF459AF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZWrT2yhKbtN8GMfoC-Hce3R0Xm_g0k_hKONlXG_6bJ20zr0OCgcq3dFNE8e4oZMlMSwaemkf8mSV_gpeLh4boTpdoDvZKBYQmMOTSgbomiYOFK6ruwtEg61rod8vaumgYWfHQo43FFu4SXmXAgKbFHhl4TO-c2tDNAx-Nnywr7fdzxt2KHyomixhBZ3_/w150-h200/228E6DD6-43AC-43AC-939E-BBD55CF459AF.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNfPn6xIsXkToCXNVhmvJFvdzUwgXG4xU6ZF39OW75cvtlgBQEQr0gW5u0q16TEOOzsQhNXdVvANSSHfWeR5kNofE2tfXzyUiLCeMwjOrM0W73BsqHalZqPhfnamPtyDOh2kpxGX-QDOzqm9lRpzC17dlmYAUoDU14SPUAmKIW5prhk1T7eHkbO8wUZgX/s4032/AD03D521-7259-4BC5-A8DB-8291489B369D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNfPn6xIsXkToCXNVhmvJFvdzUwgXG4xU6ZF39OW75cvtlgBQEQr0gW5u0q16TEOOzsQhNXdVvANSSHfWeR5kNofE2tfXzyUiLCeMwjOrM0W73BsqHalZqPhfnamPtyDOh2kpxGX-QDOzqm9lRpzC17dlmYAUoDU14SPUAmKIW5prhk1T7eHkbO8wUZgX/w150-h200/AD03D521-7259-4BC5-A8DB-8291489B369D.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRNZxGMoeolWB0kM03O2rrLUP3syf8b0kfTc7flvo8LL1y2ggBK9iCvbWmaw9BOktPY5TnmfxLbBcQyAmcagbSStHoJA9hEJ5EPC-gfVXUx9Lye3Tb5TfpH_gJCmoQ0nSJSDl3lRhQVam9o6Q0zPpBbZsjUYWTx40IuKTYYL65iB0roXpeMLxGcpwHtGV/s2653/B3C4F923-7CD6-4DD8-8832-BB33653BCF61.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2653" data-original-width="1903" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRNZxGMoeolWB0kM03O2rrLUP3syf8b0kfTc7flvo8LL1y2ggBK9iCvbWmaw9BOktPY5TnmfxLbBcQyAmcagbSStHoJA9hEJ5EPC-gfVXUx9Lye3Tb5TfpH_gJCmoQ0nSJSDl3lRhQVam9o6Q0zPpBbZsjUYWTx40IuKTYYL65iB0roXpeMLxGcpwHtGV/w144-h200/B3C4F923-7CD6-4DD8-8832-BB33653BCF61.jpeg" width="144" /></a></div>Every family photo session gets a few fun poses! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aotqj1PLbSA_rXJnQVnv1qwsVU-6eI6SL-WBft9e9qRs4q9Z2eXkcouV8SSS1m9fkg4Z89vYKaH8E5n9bTOIBXSeQc__1TyUBGT8Gf3V7wKrxrcQEL2fMsV6hfb_555rsWSKl0fyO3gpvMwm8fSPbPBuJkxtHWgOX_nBBrgblkN6RE8pjtRv_4x60t4O/s4032/F0BB7E25-9949-4242-A1E2-8EE6C4C8FFF5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2751" data-original-width="4032" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aotqj1PLbSA_rXJnQVnv1qwsVU-6eI6SL-WBft9e9qRs4q9Z2eXkcouV8SSS1m9fkg4Z89vYKaH8E5n9bTOIBXSeQc__1TyUBGT8Gf3V7wKrxrcQEL2fMsV6hfb_555rsWSKl0fyO3gpvMwm8fSPbPBuJkxtHWgOX_nBBrgblkN6RE8pjtRv_4x60t4O/s320/F0BB7E25-9949-4242-A1E2-8EE6C4C8FFF5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJuJ2bq8u6sOQRPK31M_4Ed1xh-MXY4HawUTTXJpJKFpqECJ80UMFEhlNv8thHCUu3qXVxg1nuczif9Gw4LqxfrI3NGIrMQ2_KITTI0FWUaebUgctYVhnktEu3FPTmM7ri2z55D2y2Yv5p9eU_KI7pHl51nzM0eAR3YS9N5BmNSzL-5espu3IHFigijvb/s1753/F3437527-4462-42EB-8BE5-B8DF143B6A46.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1753" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJuJ2bq8u6sOQRPK31M_4Ed1xh-MXY4HawUTTXJpJKFpqECJ80UMFEhlNv8thHCUu3qXVxg1nuczif9Gw4LqxfrI3NGIrMQ2_KITTI0FWUaebUgctYVhnktEu3FPTmM7ri2z55D2y2Yv5p9eU_KI7pHl51nzM0eAR3YS9N5BmNSzL-5espu3IHFigijvb/s320/F3437527-4462-42EB-8BE5-B8DF143B6A46.jpeg" width="227" /></a></div><br /><p>Context for the last photo. I went from years of physical disability to remission. And, this fall I was able to play an entire soccer game with my boys. It was a really big deal!!!</p>Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-17721999178788280842024-02-14T13:15:00.000-06:002024-02-14T13:15:41.834-06:00Thoughts on Lent<span> </span>Lent is a season of focusing on the Lord in the days leading into our Easter Celebration. Lent is a 40-day span of time that begins the Wednesday after Marti Gras/ "Fat Tuesday.” <i>The basic idea is some form of sacrificing our own desires to honor the One who sacrificed everything for us. </i>(This year Ash Wednesday is February 14 and Lent concludes on the Thursday before Easter, also called Maundy Thursday, March 28) <div><span> </span></div><div><span> </span> If you are familiar with New Orleans in February, then you know that Fat Tuesday can be viewed by some as a day to gorge oneself on all one’s carnal desires before Lent requires them to set aside certain cravings. This would be an over-generalization of what Lent truly is, but it’s a starting place - for most people Lent means giving up something that you enjoy.</div><div><span> </span></div><div> <span> </span>I didn’t grow up participating in Lent. I didn’t have the foggiest notion of what Lent means to Christians until my twenties. And, to be sure, the meaning of Lent and participation in Lent widely vary across Evangelical culture. </div><div><span> </span>Maybe the only thing you associate with Lent is fish fry Fridays. Some People of Faith choose to abstain from most types of meat on Fridays leading up to Easter. And, a fish fry becomes a great way to have fellowship and keep each other accountable to this practice. </div><div><span> </span> Maybe you have friends who abstain from something for 40 days leading up to Easter, like chocolate or alcohol.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span> It is my opinion that there is no right way or wrong way to participate in Lent. And, participating in Lent is not commanded in Scripture. However, Scripture does have times of feasting and fasting. And, the practice of abstaining from something you enjoy to focus more on your faith is typically a good practice.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span> Some ways I have practiced Lent in the past were attempting to abstain from certain food or activities, such as: </div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> -sugar
- gluten -tv -Facebook -listening to music </div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>-blogging -screen time -caffeine -soda/soft drinks </div><div><br /></div><div> <span> </span>I have also used Lent as a time to add in positive/constructive things, such as:</div><div> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>-additional time for prayer </div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>-daily Bible reading (like when I had 6 kids age 9 and under and I just could not seem to make <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>time to get it done daily)</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> -drinking a certain amount of water </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span> Whether you eliminate items from your day or add something in, I encourage you to do it with an end goal of fixing your eyes upon Jesus. We are not primarily “doing Lent” for the purpose of weight loss or prepping our winter hibernation bodies for a swimsuit this summer. <i>Our aim is to bring glory to God and to deepen our relationship with Him. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span> You may ask, if our goal is to glorify God, then why are so many of the Lent activities listed above focused on food. I have wrestled with that same question in years past. But, I think we all know that what we put into our bodies affects our thoughts, attitudes, and the ability to work/serve/love. And, your food choices may lead to body fatigue or brain fog that make it very hard to “take every thought captive” and choose not to give into the temptations you face. (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:13) </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span> The Bible teaches that our thoughts and attitudes are important, because they will influence our actions. (Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:8) I think that deep down most of us admit that to be in our best frame of mind to serve the Lord and love others, we need to be of good health. I am certainly not trying to shame you into making a drastic change for Lent. But, I would like to challenge you to think about whether there’s anything that is standing between you and your submission to the Lord - and maybe you could consider reducing it or eliminating it for the next 40 days.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span> Lent does not have to be an “all or nothing” proposition. Unless the Holy Spirit is convicting your heart to do so, I am <i>not</i> encouraging you to drop all sugar or carbs for the next 40 days. Because, if you are like me, chances are - instead of focusing more on the Lord, you may end up completely fixated on your dietary regimen. Then, this tool to get closer to the Lord becomes your master. I don’t want that for you, and I am relatively certain that is not what the Lord wants for you either. (I don't know what is best for you. Pray about it, I trust that He will lead you in what is right for you.) </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span> Moderation is hard! But, what if you were to make a baby step change to aid you in your <i>journey of laying down your desires and putting God first</i>? </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span> I will be honest with you, it is in my nature to be all or nothing. And, the problem with that mentality is when I make just one mistake, I end up scrapping the whole thing. So, as much as I would like to say “for 40 days I won't eat sugar or look at screens,” it’s simply not realistic. I don’t want to set myself up (or set you up) to fail. I don’t want to be like the Pharisees mentioned in Matthew 23:4 who put heavy loads on people’s shoulders.
So, instead of giving up all streaming services for Lent (which was my original plan) I am going to limit myself to a set number or hours to watch per week. This will still make an impact on my week! And, I am hoping that it will be so positive that I make another incremental change after Easter to reduce even more.
And, instead of giving up all caffeine, I will reduce my intake to a certain amount of coffees or cans.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span> Perhaps moderation is even harder for you than complete elimination - I get it! It is for me too, at least for the first few days. But, to continue long term, I need the grace to mess up! I was just contemplating this concept of grace for my mistakes during Lent - and really, that is what Easter is all about! We could not be perfect, so God sent Jesus. You may succumb to temptation before March 28. It’s okay! Just give yourself the same grace you give a toddler learning to walk. You pick yourself up, you say, “You did so good! Let’s try again!” And then you take the next step. </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span> Here are some ideas that can start small. Perhaps consider: </div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>-one extra water a day </div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>-one devotional reading </div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>-one scripture verse that you meditate on all day </div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>-unplugging for a certain amount of minutes from your screens </div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>-checking that social media account only once a day/hour instead of several times every hour</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span> Or, maybe as you have been reading this you have another nudge all together.
For example, as I am writing this, a thought that just came to me - what if you try not to speak or dwell on your negative self-talk? (Including but not limited to: I am ugly, I am too fat/skinny, no one loves me, no one could love me, I am all alone, there is no hope, this will never end, I can never change, I am a failure, I am a bad mom, etc.) Or, when you do have self-defeating thoughts/speech, you have to spend 5 minutes doing something that builds you up (reading Scripture, Scripture-based identity affirmations, prayer, or journaling about what makes you think that lie you just said is true) </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span> The options for practicing Lent are limitless and this is between you and the Lord. I am not your conscience, I am just a friend and encourager. </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>So, go in Grace! And, I pray this time of “fasting” is an opportunity to draw near to the Lord! </div><div> “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8
</div>Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-20322115842757110222022-08-06T14:24:00.002-05:002022-08-06T14:30:11.367-05:00Forty-two and thriving<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I am learning more clearly year by year that my health is like a <a href="http://coveredbyhishand.blogspot.com/2020/12/balance-2020.html" target="_blank">three-legged stool</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">My mental health, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">spiritual health and physical health are all so very intertwined. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I am at a place in life where I am investing </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">in all three areas of my health and I am seeing the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">balance of my life level out. I know I have a long way</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> to go, but I have learned to be more aware </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">of some of my health and sickness trends.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">For example, when my physical health falters my spiritual side may grow, but it’s still not a stool that </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">seems solid enough to put weight upon. And, if my emotional health takes a side-step this will invariably </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">cause my physical health to be negatively impacted. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">So, with all of this effort to stay balanced, what does it actually look like? How can I say I am the </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">healthiest I have been in years?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">In 2020, I started therapy with a licensed clinical professional counselor. I think that year brought a lot</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> of us to a breaking point that needed outside resources to begin the mending process. Those first six </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">to nine months of counseling were emotionally exhausting. And, though I felt emotionally drained and </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">physically exhausted, I walked about a mile every day. That time alone to walk and process all that I was</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> learning was crucial to both physical and mental health. I also knew that with all of the battles raging in</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> my soul bringing torrents of rain and waves of emotional turbulence that I needed a strong anchor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The anchor of my soul is the Lord. I generally read my Bible every day and I pray all throughout the day. Allowing the words of Scripture to grow me, challenge me, encourage me, and strengthen me has been my ballast through many storms. Jesus has been my firm foundation even when my ship has been rocked. He truly is my anchor. (see Hebrews 6:18-19)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yet, I continue to make mistakes. At times, I still let my gaze focus on the storm and I get tossed about in waves of self-doubt. I still lack patience. I still have to work to be gentle in my responses to my family. I still fight to be less reactionary to drama and conflict. I still have to work to use "my inside voice" when I am angry. But, I see greater growth than I could have ever thought possible! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">It seems that, for me, the right elements to health are: Bible reading, prayer, gathering with the church, high quality health supplements, walking, manual labor like </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">yard work</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, soccer in the yard with my kids, talk therapy with my counselor, plenty of time with my believing friends, as much music as I can fit into my day, and time to be creative. I generously mix these ingredients to serve up my best self.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Does this mean I radiate with joy and sunshine every moment of every day? Not likely. But, I can say</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> that I am working hard to have constructive conversations in which I allow myself to express both </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">good “feels” and hard thoughts. I am trying hard to own what is mine to correct, but not own what is not</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> mine. (To explain just what that means would require a whole ‘nother post.) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have no desire to even attempt to look like I “have it all together,” because that is an image that I could not possibly live up to for more than a few minutes. I just want to be honest with myself in admitting both the triumphs and the struggles. I wish I could have learned that lesson sooner in my life, it would have saved me so many years of aiming at unreachable perfection.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will be 43 in September and I think I am the healthiest that I have ever been. How can I encourage you in your health journey? </span></p>Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-82578400692553870902021-03-11T17:03:00.000-06:002021-03-11T17:03:40.933-06:00God made you YOU<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am an extrovert, this is definitely one of my core traits. I have been <i>trying</i> over the years to learn not to be offensive to my introverted friends and family. I have been learning not to be too loud or make a scene in public by laughing at inappropriate times. One thing I can’t seem to get on board with is the world’s idea that people shouldn’t talk to strangers. You guys, I admit it. I go to Walmart, the gas station, or basically anywhere and I often come out knowing a new person by name. And, for some reason people occasionally trust me with their life stories. No joke, it’s like the Gift of Gab meets the Gift of Being a Good Listener. Or maybe people can sense that I just really care about and love people.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-632f56fe-7fff-a61e-dec7-84654a03fd4d"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I spent years as a “pastor's wife” in rural churches where those gifts were utilized daily. I got to love on people every time the church doors were open and I called people throughout the week. Our roles have changed in the past four years. Paul is no longer serving in the role of pastor. So, I’ve been trying to figure out where I can serve and use my Gifts of Gab and Caring.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At church, we have a Hospitality Team under the leadership of a woman that I greatly admire. She is an industrious woman who accomplishes more before 6am than most people do by noon. Seriously, I want to </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">be</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> her when I grow up. But, I digress.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the hospitality team I get to serve as a greeter. My job description now includes the idea of being a social butterfly and talking to people before the service begins. What? They have a volunteer position where I get to talk to people? Sweet. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s been such a great outlet for me to use the Gift of Gab without appearing too socially unaware. So, armed and branded with a nametag and a church logo mask, I flit throughout the worship center and chat with people as they come in. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have introverts in my family that hear what I do at church and they groan. “Oh gosh, Mom, what a terrible job, I could never do that.” But, I have been learning over the years that when someone says to me “I could never do that,” it may be one of my spiritual gifts or talents.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some of my God-given gifts and talents (beyond being a greeter) are that I am comfortable with: opening my home to guests, leading a choir, singing in front of a crowd, leading worship from the front, playing my flute in front of a crowd, playing accompaniment for the singing, visiting nursing homes, praying for friends and strangers, laying hands on the sick and praying boldly for healing, walking up to a stranger at a gas station and telling them that I think God has a message for them, and more.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, that last one I mentioned… you guys, don’t glamourize that gift or despise that gift. My charismatic friends tend to glamourize/romanticize this and my Reformed friends are more likely to discredit me for this. But, here is an example. I was standing in line at the gas station several years back and I started noticing the man in front of me. He had several tattoos (mostly images pertaining to sailing, weaponry and vikings). It was as though God started highlighting them to me, and I saw a story come to the surface. I had that feeling in my gut that I was supposed to say something to him. Not only was I supposed to talk to a stranger, but I thought I was supposed to tell him that I had a message from the Lord. What? Are you kidding me?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I felt that it was obedience to follow the man to his car and share what I felt in my heart. I complimented his tattoos and started calling out what I had “read” from them. The guy was nodding in agreement, I had called out the meaning of the story in the tattoos. He felt like a pirate and the captain of his own soul. The hard part was, I felt like God was saying that </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> wanted to be this man’s Captain and be the Anchor of his soul. It was not fun in the moment. I knew that what I was doing wasn’t at all normal in America. And, as much as I wish this story ended with a conversion experience right then, it did not.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I still pray for that gentleman every time I remember this encounter. I truly believe that since God sent me to him that God is going to keep working on his heart. And I hope that he is a believer now with a cool story about how God spoke to his pirate heart through a strange lady at the gas station. I won’t likely know on this side of Glory, but I pray.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I say none of this (the whole post) to bring glory to myself. I mean, yes, I want to be known. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Desire to be known and loved is written in the DNA of everyone alive and it is not a sin.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> But, when I tell these “I serve a great big God” stories I want the focus to be on Him. <i>God is the one who sends His obedient servants to speak to the hearts of pirates.</i> In Acts 9, God sent Ananias to go find a well-known persecutor of the church and not just speak to him, but pray for him. You guys! What must Ananias have been thinking?! We see in Acts 9:13-14 that Ananias told God he was not eager to go meet Saul. Yet Ananias </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">obeyed</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and as a result he was a part of the process in which Saul became Paul. (Acts 9:17-18, and following)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God is at work to heal and to save human hearts and He lets us be a part of that process.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For me, that means I get to talk to people. I get to lean in and listen to their life story. At times I get to encourage and pray with strangers. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is your “I could never do that” gifting? Do you speak another language or work as an interpreter? Do you love babies and children and have a heart to teach them? Do you like to serve behind the scenes where your work is deeply appreciated, but rarely seen? Are you soft and people feel safe around you? Are you a good listener? Or a good public speaker? What has God uniquely made you to do? And, where can you do it? Home, church, walmart, gas station, your job, your best friend’s house? </span></p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whatever your gift is, I encourage you to use it. God made you “</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">you”</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for a reason.</span></span>Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-20446885309187185622020-12-06T06:30:00.002-06:002020-12-06T06:30:01.282-06:00Balance 2020<p>Every year I choose one word on which to focus. It's an acknowledgement that I need growth in a certain area. As an example, two other words I chose in recent years were <i>joy</i> and <i>gratitude</i>. The words I considered for 2020 were Balance, Purpose and Priorities (hmmm, anyone see a theme there?). Little did I know what challenges faced me in 2020 as I tentatively penned those words in my pocket-sized journal.</p><p>How has Balance changed my life in 2020? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTJjG3BnC417iHn_fwb8dLXk_9CLA9sVmHKPcKVXsJ0j7ptlO7z1c-auEXRTKjNagHas2pUPn1pKREsfegBNck5GYu3KTDI5zSf5T4IkTMlykvbssBu1MSftVgxXwFRKOxkftNfZKBGxx/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="214" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTJjG3BnC417iHn_fwb8dLXk_9CLA9sVmHKPcKVXsJ0j7ptlO7z1c-auEXRTKjNagHas2pUPn1pKREsfegBNck5GYu3KTDI5zSf5T4IkTMlykvbssBu1MSftVgxXwFRKOxkftNfZKBGxx/w182-h200/image.png" width="182" /></a></div><p></p><p>Have you ever seen a Kibitzer Chair? We had one growing up. It's a three-legged chair that feels a little unsteady at times. Figuring out my purpose and priorities in 2020 to achieve BALANCE is a little like sitting on a kibitzer chair. In the end, it comes down to three things for me: spiritual health, mental/emotional health, and physical health. You can read a little bit more about my great balancing act of 2020 <a href="http://coveredbyhishand.blogspot.com/2020/12/one-hard-year.html" target="_blank">here. </a></p><p>In general, we live in a myopic society that generally focuses on one discipline at a time. Don't get me wrong, I know that we all have seasons in which growth is slow or needs to be focused in one area. I'm just saying that what I am learning about myself is that if I focus too much on one area my kibitzer chair topples. </p><p>How will you balance your priorities in the new year? Have you started thinking about a word or a Bible verse to focus on in 2021? How can I help to encourage you to take the time and energy to pursue spiritual, mental/emotional, and physical health in these next 12 months? </p><p><br /></p>Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-39815200714270796302020-12-05T11:16:00.003-06:002024-02-14T13:51:37.755-06:00One Hard Year<p>I don't know about you, but sometimes I let my current circumstances pour over into my faith. This has a way of making my faith falter at times. I want a <i>FIRM FOUNDATION</i> kind of faith that doesn't get weak in the knees at the sight of conflict.</p><p>Twenty-twenty has been a ridiculously hard year for many of us. Financial problems, bankruptcies, job issues, marital conflicts, sick family, increase in suicide. Everyone is touched by 2020 in some way. </p><p>Has 2020 made you lose faith? Or has it forced you to grow in your faith? I am in the latter category. Metaphorically, 2020 has felt like a year-long spin class and my legs are jelly. How is it that I can keep going when life hurts so badly? What does it look like to keep pedaling?</p><p>For starters, I need to remember that I am not cycling in the trek of faith alone. I'm riding tandem with the Lord. There are days when I have no strength left in me to fight. No strength to pedal one more rotation. The Lord has carried me through some of the hardest days of my life this past year. Having struggled in the past with depression, it truly is amazing that I am still upright in light of how much I've endured this year. Without a doubt, God carried me through. But, I have my part to do as well.</p><p>There are some things that have fortified me on the hardest of days (in no particular order, they have all been life-savers). </p><p>- <b>Worship Music. </b>Praise<b> </b>and worship<b> </b>music has gotten me through some crazy hard days. When I focus my heart and mind on music that elevates the Lord it becomes harder to wallow in my own pain. Let me know if you need recommendations for music!</p><p>- <b>Bible reading</b>. I don't even want to think about where I would be without constantly filling my mind with the Promises of Scripture. For one, God has promised never to leave me or forsake me. In a year like 2020, we need to remind ourselves of that promise daily! Bible reading and prayer are essential parts of each day! Can I encourage you with your Bible reading? Just let me know how I can help.</p><p>- <b>Essential Oils</b> - I had a hysterectomy the first week of March which triggered a major pain flare-up. The pain was extraordinary, and after trying every pain management method that I had on hand, I had to expand my horizons. I enrolled with Young Living at the end of March. I was able to bring my pain under control with Panaway and the CBD muscle rub. In June, I added in NingXia Red as a 30-day challenge. The difference in my health was so profound that I just kept on taking 2oz every day. Since that time, I have added in oils for my mental health as well. I now use JOY and Inner Child every morning to start my day. And, I use Progessence to help me with my hormone health. Lastly, I added in CBD oil for anxiety. Send me a message if you want to know more about any of these aids to my wellness journey.</p><p>- <b>Walking</b> - One of my friends asked for accountability in her own health journey. She wanted to start walking a mile a day for 100 days. I said, "I'm in!" And I joined in her 100 miles in 100 days challenge. I am currently sitting at 91/100! But, I believe that - for me, all of the motivation in the world would not have been enough if I hadn't started the NingXia Red first. My body was depleted and completely drained, I had to get in some amazing nutrition before I could even walk one mile.</p><p>- <b>Writing </b>- My writing has not all been for public viewing lately. I write a lot and burn it (literally). It's been that kind of year. Journaling, blogging, Facebook posting. Pretty much any writing is good for my mental health. (One of my unexpected gifts this year was a new-to-me Chromebook. Someone gave it to us yesterday, that is why I am able to write a blog today!)</p><p>- <b>Therapy</b> - I started "talk therapy" this past summer. I knew I needed an unbiased outside aid to help me unravel the mess of thoughts in my head. Writing is great! Friends are great! But, the counselor is the missing piece to help me on my healing journey. We go to the doctor when we are sick, we go to a cardiologist if we need a heart specialist. Why shouldn't we also go to a counselor when we need to talk about the problems that we are facing that seem insurmountable on our own? Think of it as a different type of heart specialist. ;)</p><p>All of these things, plus the love and concern of friends, have gotten me through one of the hardest seasons of my life. I keep pedaling. How can I encourage you to keep pressing on? Send me an email at flutefelicity@aol.com </p><p>Are you interested in trying essential oils? I can help you out with that too. Follow <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/referral/23150325" target="_blank">this link </a>to either enroll with Young Living or to place a retail order. To enroll, click "get started" and choose one of the great starter kits and future orders are at wholesale pricing! For a retail order, click "no thanks" and continue to the retail ordering page. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-32515103165871774942020-06-05T14:21:00.000-05:002020-06-05T14:26:29.278-05:00What is your brand?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The other night I saw a sign for a certain farm store in an unfamiliar town and it got me to thinking.<br />
<br />
Even before I saw the sign, I recognized the store by its color scheme, layout, etc. You know how when a new chain grocery store, gas station, or fast food place is being built in your town - and you can identify the building shape and color even before the "Future Home" sign goes up?<br />
<br />
In a way, for better or worse, Christians have branding too. For a long time my outer shell reflected a heart of legalism within. People I passed at the store were able to brand me - "legalistic," "ultraconservative," "home schooler," or "fundamental," to name a few. <i><b>They recognized my outward adorning before they could ever get a chance to see my heart.</b></i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
I am sorry to say that within the past month I saw my older teens avoid an aisle at the store to stay far away from conservative Christians with a particular appearance. My kids felt judged just seeing a family that they have never met. I am sad about that. Yes, we have been wounded by ultraconservative Christianity. Yes, we wounded others when we were in some of the most exclusive sects of Faith. But, that does not give us the right to assume that those outward adornments mean that an individual is unloving or dangerous. Like I said, you may recognize the outward adorning before you see a person's real heart.<br />
<br />
This isn't just about people who wear long skirts, or head coverings, or long hair. Think about it. What about a linen frock? A sari? Or a Kippah (Jewish hat)? Or Amish dress? Or any religion/sect that dresses in a marked way?<br />
<br />
As for true Christians, our branding needs to fall in line with John 13:34-35.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I give you a new commandment: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciple, if you have love for one another. HCSB</blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our brand is LOVE.</span><br />
<br />
I am not advocating for any type of dress in this post. I am advocating love. I am saying that we should live in such a way that people can see our hearts.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In a world where a person is certainly not encouraged to "wear your heart on your sleeve," I urge you to <b>let love shine</b>.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>Matt 5:16 says to "let your light shine before others, <i>so that</i> they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven." (ESV, emphasis mine).<br />
So, according to that verse - people are to be drawn to God, through me. I am to be life-giving and preserving like salt, I ought not to repel people. And, I should act in a way to bring glory to God.<br />
<br />
Granted, I am still a sinner. A forgiven sinner, but none the less a sinner. Not every individual action of mine will bring glory to God. However, if I live my life in a way that oozes mercy for myself and others (yes, giving my own self grace for my own mistakes too. Because if<i> God </i>can forgive me, <i>I</i> should be able to forgive me). If I live in a lifestyle of continually looking to Jesus to help me to love more, to grow more, to give more - that WILL bring Him glory. The trajectory of my life will be an upward, Heavenward motion. It should have momentum. That brings Him glory.<br />
<br />
So, what are you known for? What brand is your Christianity? Are people getting to see your true heart for the Lord? Is it possible that you are letting external adornments prevent others from see you... or preventing you from seeing others? How can you live in a way that best brings glory to the Father? What good works are you doing in the world? Is your behavior and righteousness surpassing that of the Scribes and Pharisees? (see Matt 5:20 in its context)<br />
<br />
I am challenged. I was motivated to write most of this out in my journal the other night after my Bible reading.<br />
I am challenged. How about you?<br />
<br /></div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-26098137702961314852020-06-04T13:52:00.002-05:002020-06-04T13:52:26.796-05:00Taking an ax to the log in my eye<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I wrote<a href="https://coveredbyhishand.blogspot.com/2020/06/analogy-turn-this-ship-around.html" target="_blank"> yesterday</a> that God knows us well. He knows me well and sometimes answers my prayers in ways that get my attention in a big way. Today was another one of those days.<br />
<br />
The news has been full of hatred, violence and racism. I pray for our nation. I pray that we would learn to love. I pray that we would be stretched to let our love and compassion cover the poor, the "ugly," the smelly, the ones who don't look like we do, the ones who don't drive cars like we do, the drug dealers, the meth addicts, the rich, etc. I've been praying for myself specifically that I would learn to love people like Jesus does. And, I have asked God to show me my own blind spots and weak points. (You know... that verse about ignoring the log in your own eye, while picking out the speck in someone else's eye?)<br />
<br />
This afternoon, I had to get dog food and a few other items at Wal-Mart. I had just picked up my generic gallon-sized zipper bags when an older guy spoke to me. "You are a woman. What cleaner has ammonia in it?" He came off a bit brusque, to be sure. And, since he was wearing a mask, I had no idea what his countenance looked like. (Generally I read people by their countenance more than clothes or physical features. I rarely notice pimples or crooked teeth, but I do see desperation, sadness, depression, joy, laughter, etc.) He was a white-haired, white guy with blue eyes. But, you guys, fear triggered in my heart. I forced it down with a little laugh (another safety and defense mechanism) and chose to find humor in his opening remark.<br />
<br />
Now, you guys know I love people. I'm an extrovert. I often talk to strangers in stores or anywhere else. I like to make the world feel warmer by smiling at strangers. But, the mask triggered me. (When you are healing from PTSD, you have to know your triggers. It's step one to overcoming them.) I answered him politely, "I believe Windex would be your best bet." And, part of me wanted to walk away, but another part of me said to take the time to give this guy a few moments of my attention. I asked, "What do you want ammonia for?" He answered to spray on trash cans to keep the raccoons away. He asked me to help read labels and help him find the best product. You guys, I admit it, my fear went up another notch. <i>What are his motives? What does he really want from me? My purse is on my arm - check. I don't have valuables or a child in the cart - check. I can see other people nearby - check. </i>Yes, I actually thought through that in a flashing second before I walked closer to him.<br />
<br />
You guys, <i><b>what we have in this world is a sin problem</b></i>. I love "little old men." Ask my family. I really adore little old men. I used to have so much fun serving my retired customers at Hardees. I have only good memories of little old men. But, I have a distrusting traumatized heart. You know that checklist I ran through? There is nothing wrong with having a safety check in your mind. Especially if you have been a victim of abuse, rape or violence. There are legit dangers in the world! (Our family has become even more aware of this since Paul has become a corrections officer.) What I am saying is that the world is full of sin. It doesn't matter if you are rich, poor, white, or a person of color.<i><b> </b></i>We are all full of sin.<br />
<i><b>That's why we need Jesus! </b></i><br />
<br />
There have been times when I needed to ignore problems outside of my home and focus on my own healing. Sometimes living in<a href="https://coveredbyhishand.blogspot.com/2012/08/paying-attention.html" target="_blank"> "survival mode"</a> for years means that I have to shut out all problems but my own. (And, I think that you <i>can</i> do that for a season.) But, some days you wake up and think, "I can't hide my head in the sand anymore. I can't stay silent." I mean this in many areas of life, not just racism - which I mention today because it is the news feature that currently reflects our need for change.<br />
<br />
You guys, our world has a problem. Every day we see that people are full of hatred. Families dividing over politics. Friendships ending over gender-sexuality issues. Cities at war over racism.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>There is fighting, division, and protest because there needs to be</b></i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All of us have safety checklists - and rightly so. If you are unsafe, you have to protect yourself, or flee, or have a protest to be heard. In our home, we continue to strive for love and acceptance of all types of people and situations. It's hard. But, I think having so many kids in my home will help with that. Kids see things from a different perspective - especially teens. Teens are constantly challenging all of the dogma and doctrine they have been hearing since infancy. Often they help us parents see where we have blind spots. We all have blind spots.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This post is not a quick "point out a problem and solution" type of post. We can't <a href="https://coveredbyhishand.blogspot.com/2020/06/analogy-turn-this-ship-around.html" target="_blank">turn this ship around</a> in one day. We can't fix racism or classism or any other ism in a day. But, we can pray for change. We can start with ourselves. We can hope for a better future for younger generations. And, we can long for heaven and pray "Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven." I get all goose-bumpy when I think of Heaven. When we will finally see other people for their hearts/souls and not their skin color, wealth, or whatever else. We will worship together at the feet of Jesus. "Every tongue, tribe, and nation." </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let's start now.</div>
</div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-5833069148581798602020-06-03T13:50:00.000-05:002020-06-06T11:49:22.910-05:00Analogy - Turn this ship around<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First, I have an observation about our family, then my analogy.<br />
<br />
These past few years of major transitions in our family has been quite challenging (you can be sure that is an understatement). Some of our major changes were: a move in August 2018, putting three boys in school in August 2018, New Baby October 2018, two major surgeries in 2018, one major surgery in 2020, corona-trauma-schooling... to name a few. In all of that chaos, some of our family patterns and habits changed drastically.<br />
<br />
Family worship became non-existent. Boys got out of chores and my oldest girl and I picked up a lot of slack. Kids became disrespectful as I became too overwhelmed to deal with it. Etc. You get the idea. I don't need to spell it out, because you guys have all been there too. When talking to a friend a few weeks ago, I told her that I feel like our family is a ship that has been slowly going off course. I know that changes need to be made and that we need to turn this ship around. We talked about which changes I most wanted to see. And, I walked away being encouraged that I could begin to make changes.<br />
<br />
Now you guys know me. I am ridiculously authentic on this blog. I believe that honesty in relationship and/or mentoring is the only way to see real growth. So, knowing me- you are all thinking, "oh no, Bethany went home and wrote a dozen charts and intends to change her family overnight." Yep, the thought did cross my mind. But, y'all, God is changing me. He is growing me. And, HE KNOWS ME. So, He sent me a message.<br />
<br />
A few weeks back I was returning home from a socially-distanced night out at a friend's home. I drove home through the country in the deep darkness (no moon). I know the roads, though I admit to being a bit afraid of the dark that night. Anyway, I went over a one-lane bridge that also turned the direction of the road a bit. I did not see what was ahead until I crossed the bridge into deeper darkness. It was black. My headlights were on, but it was blackness. The road disappeared. Water. A creek had flooded and my 12-passenger van was IN the water. The road had completely disappeared beneath me. I'm not embarrassed to say that I called Paul in hysterics. I was sobbing so hard that he couldn't even understand me. I didn't know how to turn around! There was no longer a visible road! Y'all, I'm covered in goosebumps just recalling it.<br />
<br />
Paul spoke calmly to me. He said, "it doesn't matter if you make a 40-point turn about. Move only a few inches at a time." I did as he recommended. (The water wasn't moving, I was not in any danger of being swept away. I just couldn't see the road and I didn't want to get stuck there... in the blackness.) I must have made at least 25 wheel adjustments. Forward, reverse, forward, reverse, a few inches each time. With Paul's calming common sense and a lot of prayer, I was able to get back to that one-lane bridge without getting stuck.<br />
<br />
A few days after I had recovered from the trauma of that, God started working on my heart. I was praying about the changes I was trying to implement in my home. And I felt God nudge my heart, "Turn this ship around." And the image of my being stuck in the blackness making a 40-point turnabout flashed in my head. <i>I hear you, God, I get it. I want to turn this ship around, but I need to be patient and calm and make many small, sensible adjustments. </i><br />
<br />
You guys, God is Good. And He knows us well. And, I believe that if we listen for His guidance and encouragement, He will send them. And, whatever the ship is in your life that needs turned around - God wants to help you with that. You can see change if you just keep making one small change at a time. </div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-71604086339924616262020-06-03T12:45:00.001-05:002020-06-03T12:45:43.373-05:00June 2020 update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You guys, I don't mean to be a terrible blogger. I love writing. But, most of my past 20 months has been spent caring for our newest family member, Nathaniel. Nathaniel is 20 months old today. The complications of his pregnancy and birth are all a bit dim now, as I am chasing around this happy bubby!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn_TZVxN3EvZZFo1LSbVMuxvr4m_Ou2ge7lZtLSOSS6dlyP3jbwtuCwf5En1IHSowIuxRa_a9j1VJJBV_fArjXQBaNfV5k6vrOMIHUkIcEViyOYT9KR8_h07TgNgxqzrXy4s2fLi_hE_N/s1600/IMG_5001%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn_TZVxN3EvZZFo1LSbVMuxvr4m_Ou2ge7lZtLSOSS6dlyP3jbwtuCwf5En1IHSowIuxRa_a9j1VJJBV_fArjXQBaNfV5k6vrOMIHUkIcEViyOYT9KR8_h07TgNgxqzrXy4s2fLi_hE_N/s200/IMG_5001%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I actually got on today to write out an analogy, but I feel like I need to write an update first... in the slim chance that I still have any lifelong followers. If you are out there - hey, guys! I love ya!<br />
<br />
Rebecca, my oldest, just graduated homeschool highschool. We didn't have our diploma ceremony yet, because of corona-complications. But, I expect that we will get to that in the coming week. Before coronavirus, she was very busy working as a nanny and a house cleaner. We are not yet sure what she will be doing in the Fall.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlgQ4QRPkCYqseA9kt6d6mfT4q9o6ok4wTf2rZOUzTVn8aey7tRIvC_QdNIVE4rVoChWFsCC5M-F112EDWxv-VIr3bPYNJlqiwiMzTLZbb3PQBBdfVl6Na5czD6ZwjkCnQPmI1PcoxUpC/s1600/IMG_5045%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlgQ4QRPkCYqseA9kt6d6mfT4q9o6ok4wTf2rZOUzTVn8aey7tRIvC_QdNIVE4rVoChWFsCC5M-F112EDWxv-VIr3bPYNJlqiwiMzTLZbb3PQBBdfVl6Na5czD6ZwjkCnQPmI1PcoxUpC/s200/IMG_5045%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebecca dressed for TeenPact</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Nelson is 16 now. He loves camping and fishing. He's quite the introvert, so I won't share anything else about him here.<br />
<br />
Lydia, who now prefers to be LJ in my online platforms, is almost 15. She's still battling chronic autoimmune stuff. And, we are still trying to get to the root problem of her fatigue issues, but she seems better this past year. She is using Floradix (over the counter) iron supplement and that has made a huge difference! LJ is a creative writer and artist. When "genius burns" we may not see her for a whole day...locked away in her room writing.<br />
<br />
Joshua is almost 13. He will be a public schooled 8th grader next year. He has done well academically in public school, and most days I am glad that I sent him there. Joshua likes playing outside, he loves time with friends, and he wants to play football. (Yeah, I'm not sure I am okay with that.)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2XIExhc5UGaaDSNKFp96hiIPxmkK-r5Cjpx-k7X89JTJnhOr0rnJSV2e-3zQ2MzuM3kOUVhFagI266idwkFLlsWli8JWHkZI2Av-KTdvueQSAkOE_w_caNsSzj0rvoaMzp9BuAtGykuV/s1600/IMG_5132%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2XIExhc5UGaaDSNKFp96hiIPxmkK-r5Cjpx-k7X89JTJnhOr0rnJSV2e-3zQ2MzuM3kOUVhFagI266idwkFLlsWli8JWHkZI2Av-KTdvueQSAkOE_w_caNsSzj0rvoaMzp9BuAtGykuV/s200/IMG_5132%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebecca and Josh -May 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Josiah is 10. He will be a public schooled 5th grader in the fall. He likes all things outdoors as well as gaming. Actually, that's all my boys. He is still my Happy boy.<br />
<br />
Jeremiah is 8. He will be a public schooled 3rd grader in the fall. Jeremiah has a sensitive heart and is a bit more introverted than his bigger brothers. He loves to play outside. He adores baby Nathaniel. And, he's an all-around good kid.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWOGlsSRyzCV1MwtM6FBF9yp9WtZMbQm2OrJ8EUQNOdNy4w8Qu4p4sxro6M2Liyc7PGUSZ-q57tw2zz1KGVwKMu81fl1PzeuiWWJhk8FCb9GxpstEjazWbzj4DrGvy1GPH4zo8xzAC1P_/s1600/IMG_5184%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWOGlsSRyzCV1MwtM6FBF9yp9WtZMbQm2OrJ8EUQNOdNy4w8Qu4p4sxro6M2Liyc7PGUSZ-q57tw2zz1KGVwKMu81fl1PzeuiWWJhk8FCb9GxpstEjazWbzj4DrGvy1GPH4zo8xzAC1P_/s200/IMG_5184%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebecca, Me, Lydia - May 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lastly, Nathaniel is my toddler. He can run faster than I can. He can pretty much climb anything. And, he is trying to talk. He is body smart, so moving is his strong suit. Moving, moving, moving. He is one busy boy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhCzmk1aZNBywmI-5Cs7SYdMyivxqfLS3FPFlY76_nY76N9Y9qZvQYLXRfweG_YFQOqNOhIpT-MIPgV7FG2JBJw9-4btQtB3RfHEeKlYdGZdPflW4KkmT7wSxqgYWUWe_cjUkR2BlYDaU/s1600/IMG_5176%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhCzmk1aZNBywmI-5Cs7SYdMyivxqfLS3FPFlY76_nY76N9Y9qZvQYLXRfweG_YFQOqNOhIpT-MIPgV7FG2JBJw9-4btQtB3RfHEeKlYdGZdPflW4KkmT7wSxqgYWUWe_cjUkR2BlYDaU/s320/IMG_5176%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Paul is still working at the IL Dept of Corrections. He's been there since our move to IL in 2017.<br />
<br />
I am not currently working outside of the home. I was a choir director for about 2 years, but resigned last fall. Now, I spend my days overseeing homeschool for my older kiddos and keeping the baby alive. Just keeping Nathaniel safe IS a full time job. (winks)<br />
<br /></div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-3202978606644187402020-06-03T12:01:00.000-05:002020-06-03T12:51:00.596-05:00Just a quick update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(Update from June 2019 that never got published)<br />
<br />
I can’t believe how quickly time passes! I meant to write more regularly after my last update nearly a year ago! But time slipped by as it always seems to do.<br />
<br />
Time crawled by while I changed hundreds of diapers on our new addition. Nathaniel was born October 3. He’s now 8 months old. Nathaniel is a very happy baby! The last weeks before his birth were filled with appointments and angst due to pregnancy complications. It was our scariest delivery yet, as we almost lost both Baby and myself in labor. But, emergency C-section was a gift from God to save our lives. After a blood transfusion and two days in the hospital, I was sent home for weeks of post-natal bedrest...that I should have obeyed better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOn3NynlkSGkaOLw8yoVougdnshEbSLaBYEQqqbhQh_DRLRNiIyoVVAFuToupoVJyvFXArFwNk3_WmJWatk8Bg1qp_0oUPX7v-p27-xwK2cTDcByVCIfRJVkA35XBJ6-QLx9IAdb78Dv9W/s1600/CF6DA88C-1530-467D-A81C-E85682EE5650.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="1242" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOn3NynlkSGkaOLw8yoVougdnshEbSLaBYEQqqbhQh_DRLRNiIyoVVAFuToupoVJyvFXArFwNk3_WmJWatk8Bg1qp_0oUPX7v-p27-xwK2cTDcByVCIfRJVkA35XBJ6-QLx9IAdb78Dv9W/s200/CF6DA88C-1530-467D-A81C-E85682EE5650.jpeg" width="160" /></a><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/1216e3cc-51f8-4c76-9443-a9c56f753c78" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Time rolled by as every day we sent 3 boys to public school on a school bus.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe24RJbJGkTf0wLFWsYca7YNj9sis8VN28t4iuoWTbCe0GSJy-DfDmyeWetk-pAR4J1HX0EPOZvZ7NPhlLPxnM0LtYAmKvAKcG9le_ECRdXOcajj3jBrFxVGeuocVwrTH4W2EhoA4ryvi/s1600/8E0DF05D-09A8-470F-A0D8-652B829CFD7B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe24RJbJGkTf0wLFWsYca7YNj9sis8VN28t4iuoWTbCe0GSJy-DfDmyeWetk-pAR4J1HX0EPOZvZ7NPhlLPxnM0LtYAmKvAKcG9le_ECRdXOcajj3jBrFxVGeuocVwrTH4W2EhoA4ryvi/s200/8E0DF05D-09A8-470F-A0D8-652B829CFD7B.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First and last days of school. Josiah (left) Jeremiah (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVRtsnGcB8HE_fFsFgUYaM_G8VL9coR7nopVm-rCHMmhL3Lc_9-TitJQF9o5sMRRPZAHnx8dcZFdZd3xJMBrVDQ9U31wcufRwV6CB9OTzF9pycIB0SiKsYtKqluJp_1z3-SW7JkdsqW2T/s1600/22E1A279-F73C-4C7B-8B91-711B807B4D37.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVRtsnGcB8HE_fFsFgUYaM_G8VL9coR7nopVm-rCHMmhL3Lc_9-TitJQF9o5sMRRPZAHnx8dcZFdZd3xJMBrVDQ9U31wcufRwV6CB9OTzF9pycIB0SiKsYtKqluJp_1z3-SW7JkdsqW2T/s200/22E1A279-F73C-4C7B-8B91-711B807B4D37.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua, first and last day of 6th grade </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLy4Vmu13oTSwigzpEJgwR4OnNGfLQP_g9HoTJBonEFZQESInFuT_vaGnemdCYz2rKuIGd72dxunRom84cOw50s5wS0eOlEtREpRQnW5ziPdBsmR9nVR3Sz16mldhtGgVLNk-yoZg9pDfN/s1600/8D92973D-2AD7-46FD-9847-225F348EE413.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="955" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLy4Vmu13oTSwigzpEJgwR4OnNGfLQP_g9HoTJBonEFZQESInFuT_vaGnemdCYz2rKuIGd72dxunRom84cOw50s5wS0eOlEtREpRQnW5ziPdBsmR9nVR3Sz16mldhtGgVLNk-yoZg9pDfN/s200/8D92973D-2AD7-46FD-9847-225F348EE413.jpeg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua before his final band concert<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time cruised by as we participated in another year of homeschool co-op. With hundreds of people crowding the halls of a local church. Voices buzzing, punctuations of laughter. Such busy, beautiful days.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5x3MlgJPo-UsSpidAgnfhF9OtBt1VfC-PZxlH947NOhphFGqgJqfgxRIcJV7NPnh3WcESCElOUuvOAf6IXoWMmWuYPBrMMSQi-YvTxlOaUBeBkq2fId6vrX3oXVcIBh9XQ46gPdMn4nR6/s1600/6F7BC4A8-02EB-4FFB-B8A2-055533DF231C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5x3MlgJPo-UsSpidAgnfhF9OtBt1VfC-PZxlH947NOhphFGqgJqfgxRIcJV7NPnh3WcESCElOUuvOAf6IXoWMmWuYPBrMMSQi-YvTxlOaUBeBkq2fId6vrX3oXVcIBh9XQ46gPdMn4nR6/s200/6F7BC4A8-02EB-4FFB-B8A2-055533DF231C.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebecca and friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0fZWlTsQKkMxz4GIlI6y1w1jAXJgQUTAOS2ZgHooMcWAKT6fN799OLciAKHr3eTqSxXfYMg4Qmks_pMshaOQQ6e9QIrIAhhyphenhyphenypfGNtgqPf7HDDQBWOxib42Y9yhC7-lVAaOeVSOpHHWE/s1600/60A9587D-7197-4854-95D9-0D5B8C30E22A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0fZWlTsQKkMxz4GIlI6y1w1jAXJgQUTAOS2ZgHooMcWAKT6fN799OLciAKHr3eTqSxXfYMg4Qmks_pMshaOQQ6e9QIrIAhhyphenhyphenypfGNtgqPf7HDDQBWOxib42Y9yhC7-lVAaOeVSOpHHWE/s200/60A9587D-7197-4854-95D9-0D5B8C30E22A.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfPYNvUL7V-AKMj3vyRw5VnchpluNg-wNrdhSAEgcQfCfjm4kaf_-iXgydhlHN_DhJ0w6vgz6qApPIpXdoo7cWvbu_OWrbfxyrTJKK7Hj8QFdQ7qRBngnz5R8yFqa442q1jh7MxEPdSlA/s1600/98115D8C-E47B-4152-B965-028626D34594.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfPYNvUL7V-AKMj3vyRw5VnchpluNg-wNrdhSAEgcQfCfjm4kaf_-iXgydhlHN_DhJ0w6vgz6qApPIpXdoo7cWvbu_OWrbfxyrTJKK7Hj8QFdQ7qRBngnz5R8yFqa442q1jh7MxEPdSlA/s320/98115D8C-E47B-4152-B965-028626D34594.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a theatre production</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxA5TBlCdk-LoxVDnLviPeYrvTfUtOct_w6pSNO_vElZo2ZMHcU0AiJX1Xu0h8pe5VgEWVMYGpk0pK1NqjtxIoamNo4m_jUMczuv9Ph6sUXsL9ikhiRSYQMVkfetvfp-N0_lVhucNeLDz/s1600/71041969-2E43-4866-A6C3-BD32051D69BE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxA5TBlCdk-LoxVDnLviPeYrvTfUtOct_w6pSNO_vElZo2ZMHcU0AiJX1Xu0h8pe5VgEWVMYGpk0pK1NqjtxIoamNo4m_jUMczuv9Ph6sUXsL9ikhiRSYQMVkfetvfp-N0_lVhucNeLDz/s320/71041969-2E43-4866-A6C3-BD32051D69BE.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nelson and Rebecca after her play</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Time sang past, as I continue to be the adult choir director at church. I took a break for Christmas before and after Baby Nathaniel arrived. But, went back to work in January.<br />
Time strolled by as Paul and I celebrated 19 years of marriage in December.<br />
And, time danced by as we spent time with family and friends.<br />
<br />
(Added 6-3-2020: This update is quite dated. Sorry. I am no longer the choir director at that church. But, more on that later.)</div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-90375207846960951842018-08-14T10:04:00.000-05:002018-08-14T10:04:32.429-05:00August Updates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What a month it has been since I last
wrote <a href="https://coveredbyhishand.blogspot.com/2018/07/re-routing.html" target="_blank">a post</a>.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Moving update </b>- I mentioned that
we will be moving again. Even though we are only moving about 15-20
minutes away, it feels the same as when I was 27 and we made a
cross-country move. Being almost 40 and pregnant has a way of adding
strain to your body! We are part of a church with some amazing people
who will come out on moving day and lend their help to loading,
unloading, and cleaning. But still, these final days before the move
are like crossing the “wall” in a marathon. I felt DONE weeks
ago, but we have to keep pressing on.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Baby update -</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
mentioned in my last post that I am pregnant with Baby Boy Model
2018. Only 10 weeks to go! I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes
two weeks ago. As a result, I have drastically changed my diet. We
were hoping that diet alone would be enough to keep my blood glucose
down, but nope. I started an anti-diabetic medicine last night. I
will still keep to the diet recommended by my naturopath – no
grains, no refined sugars, no potatoes, light on the sugary fruits.
Going without my one soda a day and/or one coffee with sugar a day
has been an adjustment. Some days I feel better and see a big
difference in my health. Other days, I want to throw in the towel and
believe that I would be better off with my Mt Dew and breads. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">So
far I have tried NOT to think about labor and delivery. This has been
an adequate way of avoiding the fear of labor. But, after the move, I
need to get serious about planning my birth experience (humanly
speaking, of course). </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>School decisions</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– In my last post, I spoke of a decision to put some of our kiddos
into public school. In the past month, there were changes (more <a href="https://coveredbyhishand.blogspot.com/2018/07/re-routing.html" target="_blank">re-routing</a>) of that plan, but my three youngest children begin public
school in two days. I'm an emotional wreck over it. But, I know that
I cannot teach them this year. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Several
people have suggested that I keep them at home and take half a year
off for my health. I get that... but, the thing is, I do that about
every year. And the boys education may be suffering. I did </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">NOT</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
say it </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">is</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
suffering, just that it may be. In past years we offered experiences
and education to the kids that they couldn't have gotten in public
school. Being able to go on “field trips” weekly rather than
twice a year is great. Gathering with a co-op with a variety of ages
melded together was very positive. Being able to travel to see my
parents every other week was wonderful. Having a flexible schedule to
work around Daddy's crazy schedule was amazing. But, still, I have to
wonder if a year (or more?) in public school might add another
element to their education that our home schooling cannot provide.
Time will tell.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I
took Joshua, my 6</span><sup><span style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></sup><span style="font-weight: normal;">
grader, to his first ever open building last night. The halls were
full of tiny sixth graders learning to use lockers for the first
time, finding their classes, and getting reacquainted with some old
friends. Josh did great with his combination lock, and seemed
confident about finding his classes on the first day. God fortified
me and I did not cry during the whole experience. I kept a running
prayer in my mind as we walked the halls and explored a new school.
It is a scary time, but I have to trust that we are making the best
decision for the kids with the information that is available to us
now.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Josiah
(3</span><sup><span style="font-weight: normal;">rd</span></sup><span style="font-weight: normal;">
grade) and Jeremiah (1</span><sup><span style="font-weight: normal;">st</span></sup><span style="font-weight: normal;">
grade) have their open house and meet their teachers tomorrow. It's
certainly a new era for our family. But, I am trusting God to carry
us through.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">My
oldest, Rebecca, is now in 11</span><sup><span style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></sup><span style="font-weight: normal;">
grade. She was hoping to enter public school but we were unable to
reach a compromise with the school district about how to count her
previous school credits. The school accepted NONE of them, insisting
that they could only accept “accredited” curriculum credits. In
the end, Rebecca decided to home school again. She will be working
under the care of a veteran homeschool mom close to home. Rebecca
will drive there several times a week to be instructed with their
younger kids. She will be participating in our homeschool co-op again
and she will begin the <a href="http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/index.php" target="_blank">Tapestry of Grace</a> curriculum that is offered
through the co-op. (We have loved our <a href="https://history.notgrass.com/high-school/exploring-world-history/" target="_blank">Notgrass curriculum</a>, I highly
recommend it! But, it is easier to switch her to the same program
being used by the family who is teaching her this year.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The
other two big kids, Nelson (9</span><sup><span style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></sup><span style="font-weight: normal;">
grade) and Lydia (8</span><sup><span style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></sup><span style="font-weight: normal;">
grade) are happy to continue learning at home under our roof. I will
be as hands-on as I can be or need to be until the baby is born.
Then, Daddy will be home on a family medical leave and he can take
over. Thanks, Paul!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I
can't think of anything else to report right now. As your family
starts another year of school, or goes about whatever work is set
before you – I pray blessings for you as I write. My heart's desire
is to see Christian families THRIVE. May the joy of the Lord be your
strength! God bless.</span></div>
<br /></div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-30497097611955713512018-07-13T11:59:00.000-05:002018-07-13T11:59:17.833-05:00Current photos (kinda)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcLowLBUhx62oEFYHSsRrwZBKW6RId1ou_qbDgH4s9JOL8auQFI5BWowosWhyPl5onYIS-fEamoyVdbOuzcoNyaasatlJXmqqjMQiw-QyJjDS3WaCbqyZYrdr80kyRsUzrH1nCrrhHrSY/s1600/IMG_1758%255B1%255D.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcLowLBUhx62oEFYHSsRrwZBKW6RId1ou_qbDgH4s9JOL8auQFI5BWowosWhyPl5onYIS-fEamoyVdbOuzcoNyaasatlJXmqqjMQiw-QyJjDS3WaCbqyZYrdr80kyRsUzrH1nCrrhHrSY/s200/IMG_1758%255B1%255D.JPEG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua learning to play roller hockey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyKnOKVt8Jn0uM0JNbUzH8OnoLOw_F_B23Dmya5QTi3mq1Db0TyhEht4777hL8SFjeqaafRBirtVpP6Oo3n5iZBdPkkpLRVa2OEVajIUIs7nT0baolOdK4eihtrfnNjd3vsTXfX7kmOAf/s1600/IMG_1439%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1048" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyKnOKVt8Jn0uM0JNbUzH8OnoLOw_F_B23Dmya5QTi3mq1Db0TyhEht4777hL8SFjeqaafRBirtVpP6Oo3n5iZBdPkkpLRVa2OEVajIUIs7nT0baolOdK4eihtrfnNjd3vsTXfX7kmOAf/s200/IMG_1439%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nelson finished Brain Balance in Nov 2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMTlUwEMSU7McMGqOKdU6Nu4oQAniM37XHnhDJmULcGaf9NMC-IOBYLkeyFbM0hkxPHBSC4nmOCJSl7sqRLWv5DkKDUMFNVUbBioBTlBK1h-nEVWWRZUReIdszEEf6xpEHn4J5AuXfmvg/s1600/IMG_1495%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMTlUwEMSU7McMGqOKdU6Nu4oQAniM37XHnhDJmULcGaf9NMC-IOBYLkeyFbM0hkxPHBSC4nmOCJSl7sqRLWv5DkKDUMFNVUbBioBTlBK1h-nEVWWRZUReIdszEEf6xpEHn4J5AuXfmvg/s200/IMG_1495%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Josiah - fall 2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR9ZkI205gZ3fZKnUVijToXFMUlSBUvOCHxUvBxHz9VawlPV0a5KudhKsA3BjgI8BQBv39R910WjC9sf3P9IvEgSwu9zkkqLt0FJGljjuWwmtWcK3JPCXzrAroJb6cEFbALSfdWRxZdVx/s1600/IMG_1557%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR9ZkI205gZ3fZKnUVijToXFMUlSBUvOCHxUvBxHz9VawlPV0a5KudhKsA3BjgI8BQBv39R910WjC9sf3P9IvEgSwu9zkkqLt0FJGljjuWwmtWcK3JPCXzrAroJb6cEFbALSfdWRxZdVx/s200/IMG_1557%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork from homeschool co-op</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUprfsrZfCJEJZ7DRB_fgF_Fm72ng4w4f5CQ5RqyPyJ7o46yEMUKdW_vQrcW2EO1V9llyF6p4Fy-WuKLAvlBF-mKaXXA_uayua5llszpBKH1IA8ZGWzCEQc2WlngvWhV5K4J0vZQ8uptjE/s1600/IMG_1983%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUprfsrZfCJEJZ7DRB_fgF_Fm72ng4w4f5CQ5RqyPyJ7o46yEMUKdW_vQrcW2EO1V9llyF6p4Fy-WuKLAvlBF-mKaXXA_uayua5llszpBKH1IA8ZGWzCEQc2WlngvWhV5K4J0vZQ8uptjE/s200/IMG_1983%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebecca, Lydia, and Nelson at the YMCA skating rink (our home away from home)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UWOPa1IcJrgMWGbfQ3eyT2UWws4xGG45yV_3n2UoH2UHK6uukXJDBCYyqMpMm22X4SMe1V8XlZl2rxXf-uynSju4ASgmGJOy0Tp-1tXzu1aBZm9b1q11sYy-C_6vwUErvY42yr0-VRUW/s1600/IMG_2867%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UWOPa1IcJrgMWGbfQ3eyT2UWws4xGG45yV_3n2UoH2UHK6uukXJDBCYyqMpMm22X4SMe1V8XlZl2rxXf-uynSju4ASgmGJOy0Tp-1tXzu1aBZm9b1q11sYy-C_6vwUErvY42yr0-VRUW/s200/IMG_2867%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremiah; photo credit our friend Kimberly - January 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVF0FZrfBbCKRB1q-dM4F9XPDE09qwWeRu8hDE_cxgKsrZF-wuqXK0blrKMrs1m9MfsPG7hx_ldM9Jps7giWHSCKmNX5O40OSoSa_BCWqGaoLIxFfuhF9MUAeQrZuMck-dfxZSGdwyHqx/s1600/IMG_2876%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVF0FZrfBbCKRB1q-dM4F9XPDE09qwWeRu8hDE_cxgKsrZF-wuqXK0blrKMrs1m9MfsPG7hx_ldM9Jps7giWHSCKmNX5O40OSoSa_BCWqGaoLIxFfuhF9MUAeQrZuMck-dfxZSGdwyHqx/s200/IMG_2876%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nelson; photo credit - our friend Kimberly - January 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zvwqwEkbYm9io4taSEn6kHurycL5zv6Hn99Yw9L2kIOlFk5aKJRKSmFkWPej9uOSxrOTf9XZEtr1vILIJdK1vVlx-1tV-1I71_mfcz5hR_pphJtdL-b3owmCYpotqen-dW6Qe6Cg5-lo/s1600/IMG_2161%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zvwqwEkbYm9io4taSEn6kHurycL5zv6Hn99Yw9L2kIOlFk5aKJRKSmFkWPej9uOSxrOTf9XZEtr1vILIJdK1vVlx-1tV-1I71_mfcz5hR_pphJtdL-b3owmCYpotqen-dW6Qe6Cg5-lo/s200/IMG_2161%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebecca earned her yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do through our homeschool co-op - May 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w7cnE3fv5zSWibHUo07VuTw-IX4PoMcrlx-FccvzONvyym4BHPO8FlF6Ld5zoVgkO0skMQqCbYBgScnLojNmlt0HUVDXLX0J6Yv3ONWlKiLHvsp22EN2FGmbzrpidG_dr3a_TeTT_SGR/s1600/IMG_2195%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w7cnE3fv5zSWibHUo07VuTw-IX4PoMcrlx-FccvzONvyym4BHPO8FlF6Ld5zoVgkO0skMQqCbYBgScnLojNmlt0HUVDXLX0J6Yv3ONWlKiLHvsp22EN2FGmbzrpidG_dr3a_TeTT_SGR/s200/IMG_2195%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua earned his yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do through the homeschool co-op - May 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVb6cpYAztqbPMo4D-Rl19p1OqQMfbvnxHuy_dc2vCHP2Pw5J3lgj87ko-tocM-PMCiuzWdULGIuR_9tTDezwpNpMPknEyq-e65bC2SA0SGU0UcrDcgfDBpkPzm2-9DVBYYWVHYm25Q3L/s1600/IMG_2338%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVb6cpYAztqbPMo4D-Rl19p1OqQMfbvnxHuy_dc2vCHP2Pw5J3lgj87ko-tocM-PMCiuzWdULGIuR_9tTDezwpNpMPknEyq-e65bC2SA0SGU0UcrDcgfDBpkPzm2-9DVBYYWVHYm25Q3L/s200/IMG_2338%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebecca was a skunk in the homeschool co-op's production on The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe - May 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlY1gN9BnH8h1a15fsykxLG1FTA3-8GNc9iQEikNqmbXKLM8Ia-ydNegSkVUTefeNRSTJi7imzk7_Vi6-na9ei8d0u1kbM8gnhjn6xvDSFkzh_w5aB6-oUJRWTxpinYzPtfmTdJgTeDpg0/s1600/IMG_2516%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlY1gN9BnH8h1a15fsykxLG1FTA3-8GNc9iQEikNqmbXKLM8Ia-ydNegSkVUTefeNRSTJi7imzk7_Vi6-na9ei8d0u1kbM8gnhjn6xvDSFkzh_w5aB6-oUJRWTxpinYzPtfmTdJgTeDpg0/s200/IMG_2516%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nelson and me - in June 2018, VBS week</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXbl56zBVqQwHBpGqeilCkzDxQARLMsk2dcR5qh2PHldAbTOT6wB3tXOPeZ3SHjEjtBR7ngsEArjl9wIPGzHXUQ5fJkhyphenhyphenrkO6wOkCHfuQCWFI9YLnLyQvo-qNtt5rX9w09ITN8aIFYE4I/s1600/IMG_2521%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXbl56zBVqQwHBpGqeilCkzDxQARLMsk2dcR5qh2PHldAbTOT6wB3tXOPeZ3SHjEjtBR7ngsEArjl9wIPGzHXUQ5fJkhyphenhyphenrkO6wOkCHfuQCWFI9YLnLyQvo-qNtt5rX9w09ITN8aIFYE4I/s200/IMG_2521%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2018 - VBS week - Rebecca, Lydia, and Nelson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxMnHix5raRenMYrNpOS6lOI2AylYHATWXvgazZIYLObc8QY6xbymJAoXI4G9g9Ai1olY66YBOo37OoJQLlIa_LDBCdI0qjxYhxlC_xTS0Vn5r1vJAJZketvkNh6f1DZkGoo8SQWUXpFg/s1600/IMG_2842%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxMnHix5raRenMYrNpOS6lOI2AylYHATWXvgazZIYLObc8QY6xbymJAoXI4G9g9Ai1olY66YBOo37OoJQLlIa_LDBCdI0qjxYhxlC_xTS0Vn5r1vJAJZketvkNh6f1DZkGoo8SQWUXpFg/s200/IMG_2842%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want that elephant so bad! I just included this for the baby bump and the new haircut. July 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbdKqL1Zyr_O1DUy2EHGMzwyayHTdV6jqguJUhxMxXNdtYI3mdhyphenhyphen8q58Uzi0dvme3Rrz4YONRwfE7K2yZuq-NhvYVjW3j_Gf1tN5KxKyfpxNtPesxOk2m0-AYSvPTmNpO6huJ0YbPYO50/s1600/IMG_2721%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbdKqL1Zyr_O1DUy2EHGMzwyayHTdV6jqguJUhxMxXNdtYI3mdhyphenhyphen8q58Uzi0dvme3Rrz4YONRwfE7K2yZuq-NhvYVjW3j_Gf1tN5KxKyfpxNtPesxOk2m0-AYSvPTmNpO6huJ0YbPYO50/s200/IMG_2721%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josiah - July 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I tried to find photos of all the kids, but not everyone wants their photo taken (and shared). I am also not terribly savvy at finding my phone photos through Rebecca's laptop. This whole laptop thing is a new challenge for me. For some reason I couldn't find my photos of Paul or the whole family. That will be a chore for another day. Unless google has changed, you ought to be able to click on any photo to bring up the enlargements page.</div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-15229433968297372752018-07-12T12:28:00.000-05:002018-07-12T12:28:19.946-05:00Re-Routing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yesterday I had an appointment at a
building where I had never been, in a town in which I am somewhat
unfamiliar. I had to make a leap of faith and use my google maps app
on my phone. So, the night before my <strike>adventure</strike> appointment, I planned
ahead. I let the phone offer the fastest route and I planned my
morning trip based on the app's suggestion. Yesterday morning I
jumped in the car and followed the instructions the phone gave me.
But, just minutes from my destination a road was closed. The city
department was doing tree trimming and closed off the whole road. I
thought to myself, “isn't that just a perfect analogy for life?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We make plans. Educated plans. We make
choices that we think will be the best for ourselves and our family.
We pray and seek God's wisdom and instruction and we begin our
adventure. But, sometimes, even after doing our due diligence of
planning, there are roadblocks in the way.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is the metaphorical picture of
where our family is right now. We were navigating with the Lord to
lead us and with wisdom and knowledge to guide us. We chose the path
of homeschooling when our oldest was still in diapers. At that time, we
made the best decision we could with the information that we had.
And, it was a good choice for our family.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
(At this point, I need to insert some
news that will change the navigation of this story line. I am
expecting a new baby boy in October. This has not been an easy
pregnancy. Not just because I am almost 40. Not just because of my
“normal” physical ailments of autoimmune hypothyroidism,
fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue. But, also because ten weeks ago, I
had an emergency appendectomy. Due to that difficult first trimester
and appendix issues that were masked by the pregnancy/morning
sickness, I lost an atypical amount of weight. Just this past week –
at 25 weeks pregnant – I finally got back up to my pre-pregnancy
weight.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Aside from that physical stress, there
has been great emotional turmoil. I lost one of my best friends to
cancer in my first trimester. Mindy was 40 years old and left behind
4 children and a grieving husband. My world was rocked by her death.
I still miss her every day. Some days I think I see her and it takes
my breath away. Some days I think about her and break down in tears.
I am still grieving. But, that's not all. To add more duress, there
has been an unexpected change in our housing situation. The landlords
have decided to sell the house which we are currently renting. So,
not only did I have to prep our rental home for sale with realtor
photos and showings, but we had to find a new residence. I am happy
to say that we have found a home to move to in August, but the
process hasn't been easy. And, the emotions of pregnancy make all
these issues even worse than they already would have been.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Back to our story line. Our family was
cruising along with our intention to homeschool every child through
high school. It was our informed decision based on the circumstances
that we were aware of at the time.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Enter the roadblock.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This pregnancy has been difficult and
my health has been patchy. I am tired continually. My aches and pains
that usually abate during pregnancy have not ceased. In fact, in many
ways I am worse than I was 5 months ago. Baby Boy is due in October.
So, I have made the heartbreaking decision that I am not currently
able to continue homeschooling our 6 gems. I may keep some of them at
home, but the little guys (especially the 6, 8, and 11 year olds)
need more help than I expect that I will be able to give them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Roadblocks are not always a bad thing.
Yesterday, I had to pick up my phone map app and reroute my own trail
(because google couldn't understand that my road was closed). So, I
found a new path in the countryside and drove into town from a new
direction. It was pretty. I even thought to myself, “I need to
bring Paul here, maybe we could live in this area some day.” It was
an unexpected trip, but it was still pretty. And, I ended up being
only 10 minutes late to my appointment.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I will now tell you that my appointment
was with the public school office to begin registering my three
youngest for elementary and middle school. I was already emotionally
frazzled just because of the nature of the appointment. Add in the
stress of the road being blocked and I was kind of on edge. I am a
planner. And I like to control <strike>everything</strike> my circumstances. I had
intended to arrive a bit early. I had intended to go directly there.
But, the best of my planning could not have foreseen the roadblock.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lord willing, we will put three (or
more) children into public school this year. It may or may not work
out. We do not at all expect this transition to be easy. In many ways it will be
more difficult, but if I list those reasons I will sound like Debbie
Downer. I am <span style="font-size: large;">choosing </span>to focus on how public school can help our
children and family, because I <span style="font-size: large;">need</span> to keep myself from coming
undone.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This decision has not been easy. I
don't want to be sick. I don't want to turn my kids over to the
public school after sheltering them for so long (I don't deny it, my
kids are indeed sheltered). I don't want to plan for the worst. But,
with the information available to me now, it is time to re-route.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am not writing this to start a debate
(far from it, I really don't like arguments and confrontations). But,
I am sharing my heart, because: 1) If I don't write, I will bust; and
2) Maybe my honest sharing of my struggles will bless someone. Maybe
it will bless me. Maybe it will bless a random reader who stumbles
upon my blog by “accident.” All I know is that my heart is
bursting to write. I am compelled to share this journey, and to do so
publicly.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There may be further roadblocks. Plans
may change again. Any number of challenges could arise which could
cause us to re-route or re-trace our path. <i>We are doing our best to
hold our children loosely while God does what He needs to do in their
lives to shape them to be who He intends them to be. His purposes are
even better than what we would choose for them, therefore His
intended Path for them is greater than the one we map out in our
limited knowledge.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
May God bless us as we re-route this
educational journey.</div>
<br /></div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-35874865525298921312017-08-17T09:53:00.001-05:002017-08-17T09:53:46.134-05:00Update 08/17/2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow! It has been a long time since I have written an update! I will try to get some recent pictures up in the next few days, but for now you will have to settle for words only.<br />
<br />
There've been a number of changes in our family life since 2016. In November 2016, Paul moved to Pittsfield, Illinois by himself to secure an Illinois residency in an effort to get a job working for the state of Illinois. The rest of our family moved to Illinois in January 2017. Paul was indeed able to get hired by the state of Illinois, in the department of corrections. Paul had his training academy in February and March. And then our family needed to move to be closer to the prison where he was to be working at full-time. Paul has now been working in the field of corrections for three years.<br />
<br />
Since March, our family has been living in a small house while we try to figure out where we would land more permanently. We needed to get to know the area better before entering a long-term commitment here. As it turns out, we have found that most of the activities of our daily life are located in Edwardsville, Illinois. We go to church in Edwardsville, we go to Brain Balance in Edwardsville, we go to the YMCA in Edwardsville. So we are pretty much there every day of the week! ( I will talk more about Brain Balance in another post!)<br />
<br />
We recently learned about a farmhouse for rent much closer to the town of Edwardsville, so it made perfect sense for us to arrange to rent it. So, even though no one wants to move more than once in a year, we will be moving at the end of August. We hope to remain in the next house as long as is humanly possible. As much as I like to move, I don't care to move again for a long time. Enough is enough. Seriously, I think I must've packed my brain in a box when Paul moved to Pittsfield last fall... Because I haven't seen it since. ;)<br />
<br />
Today I was reading through my old blog postings, and it struck me that in times past I have been very clever and quick-witted. I'm not sure where that clever mama went off to, but I hope she will find her way back into my brain in the coming years. I truly miss blogging. And I hope to begin doing it more. But, this is shaping up to be one of our busiest school years ever. Rebecca will be in 10th grade, Nelson 8th, Lydia 7th, Joshua 5th, Josiah 2nd, and Jeremiah kindergarten. I am thrilled to say that Edwardsville, Illinois has a phenomenal homeschool co-op, actually there's more than one. I have decided to plunge in headfirst by teaching a class! This is going to be a busy year!<br />
<br />
All the same, I really miss my blog posting and my blog friends! I will try not to be such a stranger! Keep your eye out for pictures in the coming days! </div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-43205682867481133832016-12-25T12:46:00.000-06:002016-12-25T12:46:49.363-06:00Expectations at Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NC6fmi56SfaedGNOsxlBehaaVCQtrXWLmIVHUBeQvdPcSx8lrX76trKgZ5vfOKOq0WzJO9f12ThCJjmPqUbK_vOoJnqMPd08mesuGLzRu46HnjJrvQI-evpKuuBk0iPB46iary4fgo8f/s1600/WP_20161224_001%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NC6fmi56SfaedGNOsxlBehaaVCQtrXWLmIVHUBeQvdPcSx8lrX76trKgZ5vfOKOq0WzJO9f12ThCJjmPqUbK_vOoJnqMPd08mesuGLzRu46HnjJrvQI-evpKuuBk0iPB46iary4fgo8f/s320/WP_20161224_001%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12-24-2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Christmas. The day that most families
are posting photos of smiling kids standing around a pile of
presents. My Facebook feed was full this morning of family
photos. I posted a photo of my own children last night.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, what about the kids without the
piles of glittering wrapping paper? What about the families who may
have gifts, but no longer have a Daddy (or other relative)? What
about those families separated by military service or a job at a
store that stays open 365 blessed days a year?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As usual, my biggest struggle today is
my own battle with<span style="font-size: large;"> unrealistic expectations</span>. You know, the images in
my head of kids playing with new toys, or sitting around a glorious,
pinterest-worthy feast? Everyone is smiling. No one holds a grudge.
No one breaks out into argument because “she got more mashed
potatoes than I did.” We are all guilty of these expectations in
some way or another.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What do we do when reality strikes?
There are no presents, or there is no feast, or the kids continue to
act as they do every other day of the year? Shining new gadgets and
toys may forestall the naughtiness for a time. But, by the end of the
day reality will come pouring down on us. Either your husband will
start talking politics with Uncle George, or the kids will eat too
much sugar and come crashing down in a tumult of blood sugar-spiked
tears. Or, the toddler will take the baby's new toy . . . and break
it. What then?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am writing this now, to answer
that question for myself. What is Christmas really? It's not just a
day for glamorous photos in my FB timeline. It's not just about
presents. And, let's face it, kids will be kids – even on
Christmas. So, <i>what should my realistic expectation be for this
Christmas?</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Whether,
then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of
God.</span></span> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I Cor. 10:31</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It doesn't
really matter if it's a random Tuesday in February or Christmas Day.
Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. Whether you are
celebrating His incarnation with feasting and merriment, or sitting
in an apartment fearing that tomorrow you will lose your electricity-
Live for the glory of God.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Easier said than done, to be sure.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, Christ is
the only Standard by which we can live. Christ is the only Stable, Static Entity in our ever-transitioning lives. CHRIST!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, whatever you
do -whether you open presents, light candles, eat cake, play with
kids, work at your job, cook a meal, go to school, etc – do it for
the glory of Christ. Because Christ is the only un-changeable in our
lives. Christ never fails.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-14735702469374130162016-10-13T09:49:00.000-05:002016-10-13T09:49:26.519-05:00When daydreaming brings better vision...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As sometimes happens, I was hit with some deep thoughts while I was in the middle of daydreaming.<br />
What would happen, what would it be like, if I became blind? (This isn't exactly prose... neither is it any type of poetry I am familiar with. We could call it <i>meandering mind</i>... or derailed train of thought that took me to the destination that was better than the one I anticipated.) Some of this was written with <i>my</i> actual weaknesses in mind, but some of it is written with <i>every</i> woman in mind.<br />
<br />
What if I became blind?<br />
If I became blind, would I finally see?<br />
Would I more clearly see the people that surround me?<br />
Would I fall more in love with my husband as he served me and daily laid down his life for me?<br />
Would I hear the hurt in the voices of the broken, where previously my eyes were deceived by fake smiles and make-up?<br />
Would I love people without seeing such things as tattoos and ear rings?<br />
Would all the designations of beauty that the World gives mean anything at all?<br />
Would I see for the first time that some of God's most beautiful souls are hidden in bodies of people who are "fat," "short," or "too tall?"<br />
Would I love people more if I couldn't see the car they drove? The brand of clothes they wear? Or the color of their hair?<br />
Would I love people more if I couldn't see acne or a smile muted by the crooked teeth it revealed?<br />
Would I see my own daughter, who is covered with white patches (caused by <a href="http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/vitiligo/vitiligo_ff.asp" target="_blank">vitiligo</a>) as even more beautiful than I already know her to be?<br />
How would it feel if I was no longer distracted by hair styles or eyebrows?<br />
Would I be free of forming instant judgments about people?<br />
Would I love more freely?<br />
Would I more readily hug those who might presently make me cringe?<br />
Would I see what true beauty is?<br />
Would I better hear the cries of the hearts of others without the limitation of sight?<br />
Would I love people from all walks of life with more fervor?<br />
Would you drop me off on the "wrong side of town" and I could be free from the burden of such labels?<br />
Would I see myself as beautiful, if I was no longer enslaved to a mirror and a scale?<br />
Would I discover what really matters?<br />
<br />
Lord, free me of my wretched <i>human</i> sight and let me see through <u>Your Eyes</u>! As I enjoy the rich colors of autumn, I rejoice! As I look forward to a day of daughters parading down the aisle in white, I rejoice! As I see my husband's eyes - so blue, so gentle - I rejoice! But, I want to see more than my human eyes can see. Remove the<span style="font-size: large;"> limitations</span> of human sight and let me see people through the eyes of love! <b><i>Transform my heart, that I would truly SEE!</i></b> In Jesus Name, Amen.<br />
<br /></div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-28489179174561935302016-09-16T17:02:00.000-05:002016-09-16T17:02:14.350-05:00A (word) picture to describe my chronic illness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Living with a chronic, invisible illness is awful. This is compounded by the fact that I usually don't <i>look</i> sick. The following paragraphs are from my "book" about living with chronic illness. (It's more of a memoir, really). I wanted to share this picture of disability. This is addressed mostly to people who don't live with a person like me, and they don't really know what it means to have a chronic illness. This is written in past tense, as though I no longer deal with this struggle. But, my autoimmune issues flare up often and I have bad days. I still struggle.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I want to paint a picture for you to understand what it is
like to live with chronic illness. I will use my husband as an
example.<br />
My husband, Paul, worked for UPS for several
years. For quite a while, he was in the position of pre-loader. He
put the packages into the trucks. Sometimes he had to load as many as
four trucks at one time. The work was fast-paced as well as
physically and mentally challenging. It was like a big puzzle that
had to be put together every night. When all the boxes were properly
loaded he was tired, but felt satisfied in a job well done.<br /> Then, a horrible thing happened. Paul's discs in his back became
herniated. He could no longer do his job with the same vigor. And,
there was a period of time that he had to take three months off while
his back healed. During that time, Paul struggled with feelings of
uselessness. He wanted to be able to get out and work.<br />
This kind of situation is hard for a man to deal with. Men were made
to work. But, it could have been worse . . .<br /><i> What
if</i> instead of just being
stuck in his bed every day (which was hard enough for a hard-working
man like Paul) he had to lay on a couch at the delivery center and
see boxes and boxes piling up outside of his package cars? What if he had to
watch while someone else tried to do his job, but they were just not
doing it as well as he could have? Worse yet, what if he had to watch
a driver pull away from the bay with the work left undone and boxes
strewn all over the floor?<br /> That was my life (in 2014, when I was at my worst). I knew my job description. Mother: makes meals, tickles children, plays catch, washes laundry, does the
dishes, makes child do homework (or in my case teaches school),
kisses boo boos, keeps the house looking nice. But, I was unable to
fulfill my role as mother. Sadly, I had to watch as jobs went undone,
finished half-way, or completed once again by my eldest daughter. I
had to live in my mess . . . forever seeing that I couldn't do
anything to help. I felt useless. I felt like a failure. There was no
where to turn my eyes to avoid seeing reminders of my sickness.<br />
That's one picture of disability.<br /> Add
to that first picture now (Paul, on the imaginary couch at work,
watching the work get done by someone else to a lesser standard than
he could have done it) – What if he had gotten up and forced
himself to work? What if he had a day where he had less pain and
decided, “I would like to work today”? How would he have felt the
next day? What would have been the long-term repercussions? One good
day of work would be followed by many days in worse pain. This is the
reality of what many chronically ill people suffer with day to day. The
physical pain is one thing. The mental anguish is another.<br /> </blockquote>
</div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-4974941307804289092016-09-04T19:37:00.002-05:002016-09-04T19:37:19.654-05:00A Day Spent Enjoying Ourselves - Photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our two real cameras were in use. So I was happy to have my phone camera. Click any photo to enlarge. (Photos by Bethany)<br />
<br />
At Stephen's Lake Park in Columbia, MO. This park is one of my favorite places in Columbia! On this day we spent a lot of time exploring and photographing nature.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu72TNd1efUyqTpNWhxdoeZXQopuGTPjgrK8G7syB_9XZz54i-9WRjnlkqnmYA36wiMdaHFZULJL4CI7nqbKqZJ6A37fNF__ZGBX7ojX_3YR6QU4PLQAs1l4eGACqTGmoBe4uo2OdrMrE1/s1600/WP_20160901_041%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu72TNd1efUyqTpNWhxdoeZXQopuGTPjgrK8G7syB_9XZz54i-9WRjnlkqnmYA36wiMdaHFZULJL4CI7nqbKqZJ6A37fNF__ZGBX7ojX_3YR6QU4PLQAs1l4eGACqTGmoBe4uo2OdrMrE1/s320/WP_20160901_041%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLMKkbJYPJDE7ivszf6fVhtMmVusR9zB0kdBMwm8YC5d821jRXHiQFHpHscWh8KiRY6SCwPW1Ppb1gpJ3wobyiMSb_P84nsgRuktO-wErHXFGmc1ekizfywltA4q5kkFfE4FrSyaDygw8/s1600/WP_20160901_044%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLMKkbJYPJDE7ivszf6fVhtMmVusR9zB0kdBMwm8YC5d821jRXHiQFHpHscWh8KiRY6SCwPW1Ppb1gpJ3wobyiMSb_P84nsgRuktO-wErHXFGmc1ekizfywltA4q5kkFfE4FrSyaDygw8/s200/WP_20160901_044%255B1%255D.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKW09A59bWl9x_Xkb6C0gkPRR60A2tRaF7KHqwYz6mIT9tImXQ1g6lwrWdakO4s0IiaihX6SX7wGU8doPkQN9zFMRQm60ioOnWn2CNUSR3kENFNrc3Fk5OL1mioK3Nv7kLtLO9uvoyvoa/s1600/WP_20160901_027%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKW09A59bWl9x_Xkb6C0gkPRR60A2tRaF7KHqwYz6mIT9tImXQ1g6lwrWdakO4s0IiaihX6SX7wGU8doPkQN9zFMRQm60ioOnWn2CNUSR3kENFNrc3Fk5OL1mioK3Nv7kLtLO9uvoyvoa/s200/WP_20160901_027%255B1%255D.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w-GgmjAQJNveExtEPDnAqy8R49lTq1T4YcHjg6D10WB4Xea_Yed7J-QfOp8JKB3MsbvooYXMzy4JF_EH6N821EWV054Z6EGHvusHyBzPKUcuuwk8H52qjDlWlAtIgFCK6RaTKCaykTDV/s1600/WP_20160901_038%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w-GgmjAQJNveExtEPDnAqy8R49lTq1T4YcHjg6D10WB4Xea_Yed7J-QfOp8JKB3MsbvooYXMzy4JF_EH6N821EWV054Z6EGHvusHyBzPKUcuuwk8H52qjDlWlAtIgFCK6RaTKCaykTDV/s320/WP_20160901_038%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbQ1VEUG2YL51itUwxQYmx8TXPEaCfy6uRQB81X3lANFvpT8LV2uwaY-bWD-RI4NPrr0KzSBPFpF2mhhPrup_Sks0-PJdyddRgLEez4bUvh0BGvQy3P7wMLUQc0Wn7Z86PLlqYYqgK6z0/s1600/WP_20160901_010%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbQ1VEUG2YL51itUwxQYmx8TXPEaCfy6uRQB81X3lANFvpT8LV2uwaY-bWD-RI4NPrr0KzSBPFpF2mhhPrup_Sks0-PJdyddRgLEez4bUvh0BGvQy3P7wMLUQc0Wn7Z86PLlqYYqgK6z0/s200/WP_20160901_010%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwNk8y5BQyYuD0jzg-D6RlgpX_3sLTnh11sOfMTsA7kYtZbnTxlRVC3Au0RE3X6VorY-CwQsC4EVYcQ9mtb1yuy734hECXymam_Wkermycd8S4mo1PUZC5pmzr8pwL9517crO3RJTBJ65/s1600/WP_20160901_021%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwNk8y5BQyYuD0jzg-D6RlgpX_3sLTnh11sOfMTsA7kYtZbnTxlRVC3Au0RE3X6VorY-CwQsC4EVYcQ9mtb1yuy734hECXymam_Wkermycd8S4mo1PUZC5pmzr8pwL9517crO3RJTBJ65/s200/WP_20160901_021%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjzZdbJzqg8vF0Z6NN4cdvJg6Ng0dkpBM0KXSc76S86FdNxKRkJfqExc6oq1fqeAp0iq3PmWewa0UAGEwSDqp_SmEpFJE62oblSseXDglP6hqe01PmtgAk2hhUCrvbQ3ovM8CTlFVGRMr/s1600/WP_20160901_032%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjzZdbJzqg8vF0Z6NN4cdvJg6Ng0dkpBM0KXSc76S86FdNxKRkJfqExc6oq1fqeAp0iq3PmWewa0UAGEwSDqp_SmEpFJE62oblSseXDglP6hqe01PmtgAk2hhUCrvbQ3ovM8CTlFVGRMr/s200/WP_20160901_032%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLbNAPGYhApkeGq95En5oCmuHSeO04XBKv-KPpvjgcZvxh5z_8k9dqb8wVjJhirIJyWcERI9FumWeFFk2PAl1-IFSUKrb_dLcyHndsfsmQkq9owytSI6RgNNZW9dHuQdlRYNxFBpWEeRB/s1600/WP_20160901_034%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLbNAPGYhApkeGq95En5oCmuHSeO04XBKv-KPpvjgcZvxh5z_8k9dqb8wVjJhirIJyWcERI9FumWeFFk2PAl1-IFSUKrb_dLcyHndsfsmQkq9owytSI6RgNNZW9dHuQdlRYNxFBpWEeRB/s320/WP_20160901_034%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-26713014039129477202016-09-02T15:21:00.003-05:002020-06-03T12:53:35.235-05:00Pecans - Photos by Bethany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(Update June 2020, whoops, looks like I forgot to publish this one too.)<br />
<br />
I took these photos last year. At least, I think I am the one that took all of these. My apologies if I have unintentionally stolen Nelson's work. That's the trouble with your son having the best camera in the house. (Click any photo to bring up the enlargements page)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_EqzV0s7G7SsXYjI5u2HTZ7EzhH-kDeGly2a8SXR6yxqhJSbtcWDQwtCTh8-hEYHZQri3EQYwqEgmMszVV4acwkvUMXF8rJvPVFzBXh876kNdUB9NfLPRHb9uJbjVGMioikHn6e95HOA/s1600/SANY3792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_EqzV0s7G7SsXYjI5u2HTZ7EzhH-kDeGly2a8SXR6yxqhJSbtcWDQwtCTh8-hEYHZQri3EQYwqEgmMszVV4acwkvUMXF8rJvPVFzBXh876kNdUB9NfLPRHb9uJbjVGMioikHn6e95HOA/s320/SANY3792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYkokxV4MbrT2CWBp9qq24j3xmMdxYNKy0MtxVnWe4sPFPMnd3ep1D6FDWGHkWO8F6WvCJzj1Cf5eEoCkrBzKTfi96_AC1fHbrQo9IPAc8BoqQ10Q42U6leacMw7ysAgdWMOtNCmjtIX8/s1600/SANY3777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYkokxV4MbrT2CWBp9qq24j3xmMdxYNKy0MtxVnWe4sPFPMnd3ep1D6FDWGHkWO8F6WvCJzj1Cf5eEoCkrBzKTfi96_AC1fHbrQo9IPAc8BoqQ10Q42U6leacMw7ysAgdWMOtNCmjtIX8/s200/SANY3777.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our children - Fall 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbYj90ifK4Swk3JObTw6ufu46TmyZs7_nZHhc05-aJmmpAJ9ZXGcbKFXXyfM7ptPVB5pThV3hl9jB1fbtdyE2X3ClYq4wlKhi29EiD5ne4UdJQqJHpgxxZLu_zBq-kpurHJhlcgC0NyQk/s1600/SANY3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbYj90ifK4Swk3JObTw6ufu46TmyZs7_nZHhc05-aJmmpAJ9ZXGcbKFXXyfM7ptPVB5pThV3hl9jB1fbtdyE2X3ClYq4wlKhi29EiD5ne4UdJQqJHpgxxZLu_zBq-kpurHJhlcgC0NyQk/s200/SANY3796.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QQuZh498K35mlSkSkqpetBe3yGT0WeriLaCpXhN0Xo-Wucs-I48Ivilja-EejmVB3HUg-4g4_qtdcWBy7Nmhb8MkmWbcWh2mGt5QbP1qhfUDRG5oG2W_wRSYyoAX0MvNpou6FS2tO0qj/s1600/SANY3809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QQuZh498K35mlSkSkqpetBe3yGT0WeriLaCpXhN0Xo-Wucs-I48Ivilja-EejmVB3HUg-4g4_qtdcWBy7Nmhb8MkmWbcWh2mGt5QbP1qhfUDRG5oG2W_wRSYyoAX0MvNpou6FS2tO0qj/s200/SANY3809.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE_GomX0R5gS7C_V5eXAB1IE4xBiULaAO_JGHgbpCnNpq_7yddAO7dAGWtKXkC3iftSJ-qJUULycC5Fc-8OP_cQCrO5OPvXfI6pBP2aWmiwiSgFMYszrCh6kP-f18dhtzlhLYWXqw8qAA/s1600/SANY3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE_GomX0R5gS7C_V5eXAB1IE4xBiULaAO_JGHgbpCnNpq_7yddAO7dAGWtKXkC3iftSJ-qJUULycC5Fc-8OP_cQCrO5OPvXfI6pBP2aWmiwiSgFMYszrCh6kP-f18dhtzlhLYWXqw8qAA/s200/SANY3822.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKJLk_1fvMf1_ZsEZIpqc0UFyFBiGKtIzbrA-ZBTX363513rSmjHAgTWdnXfSp8MOJHcN-2x64_3B-tPtkaSgHcjwZ_uojhVZSjd01HzlqPKU79RAdtOPYdWwBs1XqttqdfYLUz08_Bhv/s1600/SANY3832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKJLk_1fvMf1_ZsEZIpqc0UFyFBiGKtIzbrA-ZBTX363513rSmjHAgTWdnXfSp8MOJHcN-2x64_3B-tPtkaSgHcjwZ_uojhVZSjd01HzlqPKU79RAdtOPYdWwBs1XqttqdfYLUz08_Bhv/s200/SANY3832.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-15931876044348626052016-09-02T15:21:00.002-05:002016-09-02T15:22:32.060-05:00Pecans - Photos by Bethany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I took these photos last year. At least, I think I am the one that took all of these. My apologies if I have unintentionally stolen Nelson's work. That's the trouble with your son having the best camera in the house. (Click any photo to bring up the enlargements page)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_EqzV0s7G7SsXYjI5u2HTZ7EzhH-kDeGly2a8SXR6yxqhJSbtcWDQwtCTh8-hEYHZQri3EQYwqEgmMszVV4acwkvUMXF8rJvPVFzBXh876kNdUB9NfLPRHb9uJbjVGMioikHn6e95HOA/s1600/SANY3792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_EqzV0s7G7SsXYjI5u2HTZ7EzhH-kDeGly2a8SXR6yxqhJSbtcWDQwtCTh8-hEYHZQri3EQYwqEgmMszVV4acwkvUMXF8rJvPVFzBXh876kNdUB9NfLPRHb9uJbjVGMioikHn6e95HOA/s320/SANY3792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYkokxV4MbrT2CWBp9qq24j3xmMdxYNKy0MtxVnWe4sPFPMnd3ep1D6FDWGHkWO8F6WvCJzj1Cf5eEoCkrBzKTfi96_AC1fHbrQo9IPAc8BoqQ10Q42U6leacMw7ysAgdWMOtNCmjtIX8/s1600/SANY3777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYkokxV4MbrT2CWBp9qq24j3xmMdxYNKy0MtxVnWe4sPFPMnd3ep1D6FDWGHkWO8F6WvCJzj1Cf5eEoCkrBzKTfi96_AC1fHbrQo9IPAc8BoqQ10Q42U6leacMw7ysAgdWMOtNCmjtIX8/s200/SANY3777.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our children - Fall 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbYj90ifK4Swk3JObTw6ufu46TmyZs7_nZHhc05-aJmmpAJ9ZXGcbKFXXyfM7ptPVB5pThV3hl9jB1fbtdyE2X3ClYq4wlKhi29EiD5ne4UdJQqJHpgxxZLu_zBq-kpurHJhlcgC0NyQk/s1600/SANY3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbYj90ifK4Swk3JObTw6ufu46TmyZs7_nZHhc05-aJmmpAJ9ZXGcbKFXXyfM7ptPVB5pThV3hl9jB1fbtdyE2X3ClYq4wlKhi29EiD5ne4UdJQqJHpgxxZLu_zBq-kpurHJhlcgC0NyQk/s200/SANY3796.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QQuZh498K35mlSkSkqpetBe3yGT0WeriLaCpXhN0Xo-Wucs-I48Ivilja-EejmVB3HUg-4g4_qtdcWBy7Nmhb8MkmWbcWh2mGt5QbP1qhfUDRG5oG2W_wRSYyoAX0MvNpou6FS2tO0qj/s1600/SANY3809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QQuZh498K35mlSkSkqpetBe3yGT0WeriLaCpXhN0Xo-Wucs-I48Ivilja-EejmVB3HUg-4g4_qtdcWBy7Nmhb8MkmWbcWh2mGt5QbP1qhfUDRG5oG2W_wRSYyoAX0MvNpou6FS2tO0qj/s200/SANY3809.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE_GomX0R5gS7C_V5eXAB1IE4xBiULaAO_JGHgbpCnNpq_7yddAO7dAGWtKXkC3iftSJ-qJUULycC5Fc-8OP_cQCrO5OPvXfI6pBP2aWmiwiSgFMYszrCh6kP-f18dhtzlhLYWXqw8qAA/s1600/SANY3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE_GomX0R5gS7C_V5eXAB1IE4xBiULaAO_JGHgbpCnNpq_7yddAO7dAGWtKXkC3iftSJ-qJUULycC5Fc-8OP_cQCrO5OPvXfI6pBP2aWmiwiSgFMYszrCh6kP-f18dhtzlhLYWXqw8qAA/s200/SANY3822.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKJLk_1fvMf1_ZsEZIpqc0UFyFBiGKtIzbrA-ZBTX363513rSmjHAgTWdnXfSp8MOJHcN-2x64_3B-tPtkaSgHcjwZ_uojhVZSjd01HzlqPKU79RAdtOPYdWwBs1XqttqdfYLUz08_Bhv/s1600/SANY3832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKJLk_1fvMf1_ZsEZIpqc0UFyFBiGKtIzbrA-ZBTX363513rSmjHAgTWdnXfSp8MOJHcN-2x64_3B-tPtkaSgHcjwZ_uojhVZSjd01HzlqPKU79RAdtOPYdWwBs1XqttqdfYLUz08_Bhv/s200/SANY3832.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This year we don't have too many pecans. In fact, I'm not sure we will even get one bucket. Between storms and Japanese beetles our pecan tree was stripped.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-17593204104306927062016-09-01T10:26:00.000-05:002016-09-01T10:31:14.932-05:00Photographs by Nelson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We were all feeling creative the other day, so I encouraged Rebecca and Nelson to get their cameras out. This post is only Nelson's work. I will post Rebecca's photos later. Please let Nelson know which picture is your favorite.<br />
<br />
(CLICK any photo to bring up the enlargements page)<br />
<br />
<b>Nelson's photos:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXwGZ352UrX7in7_-JKF3_K9B2CDxAAJ3sDHwXEaLhkTh7jbBDMUVfBFLv6Xu5Az6SjdO9P62bnIwfiMEhrFzqWtth6hwiIjm5Tb0KUo5lihHs8S1uXj6D2I-y0OcRA3UM99JpD5yPX0d/s1600/SANY3979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXwGZ352UrX7in7_-JKF3_K9B2CDxAAJ3sDHwXEaLhkTh7jbBDMUVfBFLv6Xu5Az6SjdO9P62bnIwfiMEhrFzqWtth6hwiIjm5Tb0KUo5lihHs8S1uXj6D2I-y0OcRA3UM99JpD5yPX0d/s320/SANY3979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1A8p6dBQur8kzYWdYiecZSW4WdVHbpY7zml1sE3EIFht9FzB0q00stxrdceUxq6tblzPFjgPXd6AXN-kRFmx4xa9I42Bv1kjLEW65kA1gSx0XpF6Wf5lzeGF9Neoq7RQkzhTHW68724N/s1600/SANY3992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1A8p6dBQur8kzYWdYiecZSW4WdVHbpY7zml1sE3EIFht9FzB0q00stxrdceUxq6tblzPFjgPXd6AXN-kRFmx4xa9I42Bv1kjLEW65kA1gSx0XpF6Wf5lzeGF9Neoq7RQkzhTHW68724N/s200/SANY3992.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMqCh9DVwRwJDC8EM-XuzcaXN2FPVtffzNlHaCIYgb1X7FxfEwkjpO6nanyYjc_p5XpmTMGe8XoF1tRncSvyLfnwxwAMhd3ZR-P7KK4F4xbTx6324S77Bukv6mYTLYAGRfqrU0LaWiBbR/s1600/SANY3994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMqCh9DVwRwJDC8EM-XuzcaXN2FPVtffzNlHaCIYgb1X7FxfEwkjpO6nanyYjc_p5XpmTMGe8XoF1tRncSvyLfnwxwAMhd3ZR-P7KK4F4xbTx6324S77Bukv6mYTLYAGRfqrU0LaWiBbR/s200/SANY3994.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6K5BiENzonTDSB8ceQfWkH9a4ewgh29LGbU41aYyq4YMfywSM1CPGcQuLVYoWxls0OCgkfTYD_BD3YdEKxxZCUd3h1B2M7wK0pWdXazEX0cMZf0xparFXh20zua3WVfa8JwJekjlyje0y/s1600/SANY3995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6K5BiENzonTDSB8ceQfWkH9a4ewgh29LGbU41aYyq4YMfywSM1CPGcQuLVYoWxls0OCgkfTYD_BD3YdEKxxZCUd3h1B2M7wK0pWdXazEX0cMZf0xparFXh20zua3WVfa8JwJekjlyje0y/s200/SANY3995.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVw24KDgFfA9v0HPyZ0brW1j3ttqoDljnoFjd3wa0xU0msgjQWNdOkrsbrHrTgjEG4iKkWx6um7d4fMUAJDJJ0_x94fkm7Y1cZsz3MAemw_oAqs2Nv9m3t-WW6EzqD3HMCxlfQZZfu49G/s1600/SANY4000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVw24KDgFfA9v0HPyZ0brW1j3ttqoDljnoFjd3wa0xU0msgjQWNdOkrsbrHrTgjEG4iKkWx6um7d4fMUAJDJJ0_x94fkm7Y1cZsz3MAemw_oAqs2Nv9m3t-WW6EzqD3HMCxlfQZZfu49G/s320/SANY4000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXLsN3qkxZY8IeL3citj3lD3HqlraqYkIgmds657N3l6DoiA5WQTtBgUIozLgoVNNgj-FMKYYBiMJ8YuI_-I8piNY0FqfuNr_ZZHrh_Pk6igAj5ONjKOzGR_xNO_wfPvigtXPQyAJ6biq/s1600/SANY4003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXLsN3qkxZY8IeL3citj3lD3HqlraqYkIgmds657N3l6DoiA5WQTtBgUIozLgoVNNgj-FMKYYBiMJ8YuI_-I8piNY0FqfuNr_ZZHrh_Pk6igAj5ONjKOzGR_xNO_wfPvigtXPQyAJ6biq/s200/SANY4003.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoi01pMj-Dc0Zd-ehbEvLNDOR-ItFx6Diz2GB3QnaNkBei7q0-wFRQdLCgoo6Y9lspk9j_75q7ls6bGLSMbJARJz98AtHNHAIK7h3aLpaG0jbFvdKBUVtkBFi-cryfkUC4YchcD4uHa8N/s1600/SANY4013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoi01pMj-Dc0Zd-ehbEvLNDOR-ItFx6Diz2GB3QnaNkBei7q0-wFRQdLCgoo6Y9lspk9j_75q7ls6bGLSMbJARJz98AtHNHAIK7h3aLpaG0jbFvdKBUVtkBFi-cryfkUC4YchcD4uHa8N/s200/SANY4013.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4E5xAyu4vxdZN-KLajsirL4N-KaWcl-AGyi7bHm3fRTVrMCQtnam5Jw2wr-EMRRS8Ly4q1EcOUxUN2zfjiCGgjTReAMYSmjYYw5TY08sFO2E3mDrQhhAppJC6WHoluymmLilJ0L2j4Gd/s1600/SANY3722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4E5xAyu4vxdZN-KLajsirL4N-KaWcl-AGyi7bHm3fRTVrMCQtnam5Jw2wr-EMRRS8Ly4q1EcOUxUN2zfjiCGgjTReAMYSmjYYw5TY08sFO2E3mDrQhhAppJC6WHoluymmLilJ0L2j4Gd/s320/SANY3722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-36936963145725861312016-08-28T12:40:00.001-05:002016-08-29T21:11:56.714-05:00Book Review - Wingfeather Saga<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mMI1mbJxCOpZOIxacg3P1yfFfQh3GE-YxANzPyejdwMPaEl0oBBywRkk3DHTFdb4r66Pn1GbT6WQJH7xMkOD0o8A01P5-aRhCgVNWAaTUVdXElgg2UEWK1-XWFPTkVlPMGqy1O1KgtY3/s1600/wingfeather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mMI1mbJxCOpZOIxacg3P1yfFfQh3GE-YxANzPyejdwMPaEl0oBBywRkk3DHTFdb4r66Pn1GbT6WQJH7xMkOD0o8A01P5-aRhCgVNWAaTUVdXElgg2UEWK1-XWFPTkVlPMGqy1O1KgtY3/s200/wingfeather.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit: Amazon.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
(I do NOT have affiliate links. I just include links to make your life a little easier.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_2_32?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=andrew+peterson+wingfeather+saga&sprefix=andrew+peterson+wingfeather+saga%2Caps%2C3550&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aandrew+peterson+wingfeather+saga" target="_blank">The Wingfeather Saga</a>, by Andrew Peterson is an incredibly entertaining and encouraging series! I read the books first to see what they were about. And, then I re-read the series aloud to the children over the past few months. (This series is a great way to rack up homeschooling hours!) I loved hearing the book through their ears, while they folded laundry or colored quietly. (Yes, friends, that is one of my motherhood secrets right there. Bribe the kids to fold laundry by reading aloud. Just kidding. I love read alouds for their own sake! The laundry is a bonus.) <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Short summary- </b>Book One, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Edge-Dark-Darkness-Wingfeather-Saga/dp/1400073847/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472403371&sr=1-1&keywords=andrew+peterson+wingfeather+saga" target="_blank">On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness,</a> begins the epic adventure of the Igiby Family. They are pursued by evil while making unlikely allies around every corner. The fictional creatures they come against in their journey add yet another spark of interest to an already difficult escape.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The characters</b> of the Wingfeather Series are fictional, yet very real. <b>The plot</b> is exciting and drives forward with momentum. <b>The fantasy locations</b> of the book are ingenious and the fantasy creatures and foods range from laugh out loud funny to turn your stomach queasy (or both at the same time). Every detail of this series is well thought out and well written. I have no qualms comparing this series as a modern day epic adventure like the Hobbits went on, or like Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy experienced in Narnia. Yes, I think this series is <i>that </i>good!<br />
<br />
I don't know how Peterson would sum up the theme of the book, but I think the undercurrent of the book is individual struggling with the darkness inside of yourself and how it affects the people around you. There is also a strong element of how facing your own demons can change the world (for better or for worse). It is hard to explain this without completely spoiling the book for you. I wish I could give specific examples, this series is ideal for essays on character, plot, theme, etc! (oooh, more homeschool credits!)<br />
<br />
The characters were children and adults that my family could <i>easily</i> identify with! One child seems a bit selfish and impulsive, another child is sweet and tender yet brave, another child is studious and decisive. Other characters have hidden or dark pasts that they are trying to overcome. The children work together to fight against evil. The children have certain talents that allegorically represent spiritual gifts. The whole book has a strong allegorical leaning. The tale will lead to thoughtful discussions around the dinner table.<br />
<br />
The Wingfeather Saga is a<b> must read</b> for Christian families! It will be a blessing to every age group! I highly recommend adding this to your family library!<br />
<br /></div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-6312597517576287492016-08-14T19:55:00.000-05:002016-08-14T19:55:45.086-05:00Aug 2016 - Update, with photos!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In case anyone is curious, or stops by the blog check on me:<br />
<br />
- Our family is still living in mid-MO.<br />
- We are still home educating. (Our local homeschool cooperative is in Boonville, MO, and it is called B.A.T.C.H. If anyone sees this post because they are doing a google search for a homeschool group in Boonville, please contact me. I would love to put you in touch with the group! We don't have a web page, but we do have a Facebook group.)<br />
- We are holding at 6 kids. (winks) The "baby" is 4 years old!<br />
- I am still fighting with disability in the winter months, but nothing like I have in years past.<br />
- The kids are becoming more involved in sports and community.<br />
- Rebecca is beginning 9th grade, Nelson is 7th, Lydia is 6th, Joshua is 4th, Josiah is 1st-ish, and Jeremiah is in kindergarten... more or less.<br />
- We are still trying to battle learning disabilities with diet and brain exercises. Maybe I will write more about that at another time.<br />
- Life is busy.<br />
<br />
How is that for keeping it short and sweet?<br />
<br />
I am not writing much these days. When I read my Bible I journal in whole sentences, because I think my thoughts might be useful for a book <i>some</i>day. But, right now my hands are full with being a wife, mother, and teacher. I will try to write again soon.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Below: Our kids, July 4, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nelson (12), Joshua (almost 9), Rebecca (14), Lydia (almost 11), Josiah (6), Jeremiah (4)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQJvUkH9rRSs-ISgbywGSBhRoKNvcQL0shkqw-9BSYBYeNxliZfPWaduYd4ygbWjrOdeSSbmBw4zLoBjtLOWgP0UyDaA77rcqCW153nu-6bHf8t0LMHNmoWAoiuaZD7B1h2Kxp_LLSNg5/s1600/WP_20160704_029%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQJvUkH9rRSs-ISgbywGSBhRoKNvcQL0shkqw-9BSYBYeNxliZfPWaduYd4ygbWjrOdeSSbmBw4zLoBjtLOWgP0UyDaA77rcqCW153nu-6bHf8t0LMHNmoWAoiuaZD7B1h2Kxp_LLSNg5/s320/WP_20160704_029%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The whole tribe on the Fourth of July in Arrow Rock, MO.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8kDf3zMNRBtBgsxL7vEhH0-wfofq4yP8bXOBYRmzVlTwEvtCDZmiK86ufS8Mc_IxvYSGJqQKGXR0g1q9av3oBQ__7Uk4WttVUQl724NlOagcZHN2qLn6dKdhxX7jZc-GPxseeRmobRyp/s1600/WP_20160704_009%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8kDf3zMNRBtBgsxL7vEhH0-wfofq4yP8bXOBYRmzVlTwEvtCDZmiK86ufS8Mc_IxvYSGJqQKGXR0g1q9av3oBQ__7Uk4WttVUQl724NlOagcZHN2qLn6dKdhxX7jZc-GPxseeRmobRyp/s320/WP_20160704_009%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3667923606438454545.post-16529662853870597712015-10-16T16:41:00.000-05:002018-08-14T10:31:40.136-05:00Are we monsters?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(<b>Re-posted 8-14-2018</b>. I removed this posting before because I felt scared. Scared of criticism. These are sensitive issues, and hard to open up about publicly. But, I think more good will come from this posting than harm. I pray to that end!)<br />
<br />
I found another one today... another blogger, from a certain kind of religious homeschool background, that has left the faith entirely. I don't go looking for these people. I truly believe that God leads me to them for two reasons, and I can't really determine an order of importance here: 1) to warn and caution me of what can happen in my own family if I wander too far down the path of rigid rule-keeping, and 2) to pray for these children and adults who are wounded and angry.<br />
<br />
As I have <a href="http://coveredbyhishand.blogspot.com/2015/09/broken-vessels-drowning-in-storm.html" target="_blank">said before</a>, our hearts ought to break for the same things that make God's heart sad. I imagine that God is saddened by the children who leave the faith (whether they come from legalism or liberalism). But, unlike us, God can see the big picture. He knows what is happening in every thread in the tapestry of grace that He is weaving with our lives.<br />
<br />
I am seeing more and more people who - as a response to recent scandals and abuse - are withdrawing from the homeschooling movement entirely. I read a lot of bloggers who lump all Christian homeschoolers together as being isolationist, fundamentalist, legalistic people who are inherently dangerous.<br />
<br />
<b><i>We cannot paint all of homeschooling with so broad a stroke as to say that all homeschool children are in danger.</i></b> We should certainly be aware of signs of abuse when we see them, but we should not expect that all homeschool families are abusive.<br />
<br />
Our family still home educates our children. It can be exhausting and challenging. But we love it! However, I will go on record as saying that I do not think that every family should homeschool their children - it's not for everyone. While most of the homeschool families I know appear to be balanced and healthy, I have known some sad situations where a child was not being educated adequately.<br />
<br />
It seems like the people coming out of these dangerous, cultic type homeschool groups are the ones who are speaking most loudly against the movement as a whole. Perhaps their experience was limited to meeting only people just like their own dysfunctional families (that is usually how those types of protective groups operate). I am sure there are also a lot of children like the ones I know who grow up being homeschooled and graduate to become happy, healthy people who love the Lord and raise up nice families of their own. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Not all homeschool families are monsters! </i>I have no statistics to support this claim, just my own experience.<br />
<br />
I think we can be honest and say that there are some dangerous systems of thought and isolation that may lead some families into abuse. But, even then, <i>God can grab people out of danger and set their feet on more firm soil</i>! By the grace of God, this is what He has done for our family. We were being drawn down some dangerous roads, but God has plucked us away from the fire.<br />
<br />
The expression that comes to mind is - Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater.<br />
<br />
Should we re-evaluate why we are homeschooling? Absolutely!<br />
Should we ask ourselves if our own family is isolationist or abusive? Absolutely!<br />
Should we honestly evaluate if we are fit to be homeschooling our own children? Absolutely!<br />
<br />
If you cannot answer all those questions to the affirmative, then I submit to you that maybe you are in danger... Danger of holding an ideal so strongly that you may not be asking God what HE wants for your family.<br />
<br />
I believe that most of the families who have emerged from scandal and disgrace originally intended to raise godly children. They meant well! (Just like I mean well!) No parent would go to all the work of homeschooling with ill-will in their hearts. Maybe they just didn't see red flags along the way. Maybe they were lied to by gurus who also meant well. I can't really say. But, I truly believe that they meant to act in a way that pleased the Lord.<br />
<br />
So, even though my voice is strongly joined with those who oppose abuse, control, legalism, and performance-based "grace," I will be among the first to admit that none of us is close to perfect! We all make mistakes in our parenting journey. <span style="font-size: large;">God can redeem what (to us) looks like ruin!</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text 2Cor-1-3" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28787F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28787F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Blessed be the <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28787G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28787G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28787H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28787H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>God of all comfort,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 2Cor-1-4" id="en-ESV-28788" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28788I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28788I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text 2Cor-1-4" id="en-ESV-28788" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%201&version=ESV" target="_blank"> 2 Cor. 1:3-4 ESV </a></span></blockquote>
<br />
<b><i>Performance-based Christianity will lead to rigid rule keeping. Rigid rule keeping without love will lead to rebellion against God and family.</i></b> We must balance love and rules to grow healthy, happy children!</div>
Bethany W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.com0