Uncharted Territory and Unreached People

Live starfish caught by Brendan at his Middle/High School End of Summer Party. (We threw it back..don't worry)

What do middle school, live starfish, the Buffalo People, the Algonkian tribes, Estaban, and the 10/40 window have in common? I'm so glad you asked. All uncharted territory or unreached people groups...and its all what we're learning about in our homeschool year!

So often people say, "I wish I could be a fly on your wall or one of your students in your homeschool." Well, now is your chance. Today was our first official day of school. When the new curriculum comes, it is impossible to let it sit on the shelves all summer long and not read some of it. SO, we're a little ahead on our read alouds and readers, and we did a little brushing up on our math before today, but really today marked our first official full day of school. It was AWESOME! So come in, be a fly on the wall, check out what happens on a typical day at Superhero School.

I was not ready for this picture...that would be Mr. Incredible taking this shot. It has to feel good to see his entire family up at 7:30am, spending time quietly reading the Word before he left for work. I love Mr. Incredible. Today also began my (shhh he doesn't know it) 30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge by Revive Our Heart Ministries.

When I wake up the crew..you must know I've had my quiet time in prayer and study already. That is a given. This is my time..along with them to read. I read for my Life Transformation Group during this quiet early morning time with my children. Kyle & Shane are reading through Genesis right now...and Brendan is reading through the Psalms. We are going to be memorizing Psalm 91.

This is my very kinesthetic learner before coffee. I kid you not! We are listening to our writing coach on a DVD. This child learns by moving..it drives me crazy, but it works for him. He knows he could never ever sit on his head in a regular classroom. Praise God he can do it here!

Same child, totally focused reading comprehension time! Studying early American History with his brother Kyle..also reading and writing! I love how you can see total growth after the summer. Just like weeds, even in their skills! Math was awesome..we sang some crazy songs to help with our multiplication memory work, and my other boy worked on exponents! Love Math U See!

I want to give a shout out to Excellence In Writing. I love everything about this curriculum, especially the fact that my boys smile when it comes to writing again. Oh happy day!

This boy has been waiting for school to start since the day it ended this past summer. He is my brand new middle school aged child. Talk about embarking on uncharted territory. WOW. Good thing we're studying human anatomy and the brain this year. There are serious changes that happen during puberty (and not all physical either)...totally uncharted for this Mom.

The animals were in rare form today. Dodger had to go to the vet for his check up. Come to find out he has a tumor that needs to be removed and biopsied...the sooner the better. Unfortunately, this will have to wait. We're in sacrifice mode..Dodger will have to hang in there. He was tired after his shots...so our cat Mickey...got to roam without being annoyed by the dog today. We caught him drinking from Shane's water. Yes, he knocked it over onto the floor too..that along with any pencil he could find. If you ask him, he had a great day being mischievous today!

One of Brendan's focuses this year as he digs apart the Eastern Hemisphere is praying through the 100 gateway cities of the 10/40 window. This speaks to my boy's heart for missions and mine too.

He spent part of his day researching China (the first country of several including...North & South Korea, Japan, Russia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, India, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Australia, and Antarctica) He has already made his own fresh ground ink to do calligraphy on rice paper.

You better believe we'll be making some authentic Chinese food and I'm even inquiring about how to grow rice in a pot at home. He of course would love to go to Epcot and see China again, or better yet he told me today that I should write Sonlight and ask if they would consider placing two round-trip tickets to China to really get the feel for the country.

He found calligraphy a bit challenging...not something he really wants to do for fun all the time. But, it was a great experience!

Ahhh..back to school means Mom is back to doling out more than just peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch. Something about the routine of school gets you motivated in all sorts of ways.

Oh...this child! Here he is with his spelling curriculum. He tested out into high school spelling last year I didn't purchase a spelling curriculum and he missed it. I found one that I thought would be awesome this year...and he loves it. He loves it so much that while I took my other two boys over a friend's to play for an hour (because we do actually socialize contrary to popular belief) ;0) , I got a phone call from this child asking me if he could please move on to the next lesson. He would be happy to teach himself. He aced the first lesson...all 15 words..just introduced today. He is a natural at spelling. After dinner I read to him for a bit and then..."please can I go back to the spelling for a little bit?" I'm dead serious.

They all have reading to do...which is followed by several comprehension questions. However, if you are in my home during school...free play time does happen too.  How else do I teach 3 different grades. No TV, no DS, no Wii...old fashioned play and tons of creative fun! On Wednesdays I'll be training my boys for a 5K. They want to do one...and I love to run with them.

I know, what in the world is this? Well, this is my feeble attempt at trying to trick my superheros into eating a healthier alternative. Mr. Incredible worked until 7:00pm tonight, so dinner was on me again. I served up some smart dogs, (which by the way are 1 point per dog), threw them in a bun, put some mustard on those babies and very excitedly served them up. Shane had two, Brendan got one down, but there was no fooling Kyle. He couldn't handle the smell. So...he ate two cheese sticks, an apple, two celery sticks with peanut butter and a rice cake. This is why my husband does most of the cooking.

To end our night, I finished reading Young Fu to Brendan and Walk the World's Rim (true story about Cabeza De Vaca) to my other two - oh such great reading! While we read about he buffalo people we really wanted to try buffalo jerky (we've had it in St. Augustine before). None could be found...says Mr. Incredible on his way home from work...so we tried Jicama instead.

I've been wanting to try it for awhile anyway, it just so happens to fit right into what we are studying...all of us. Originating in Mexico (De Vaca's destination), it was spread by the Spaniards to the Philippines to China and much of Southeast Asia.  It is kind of sweet and starchy tasting. It taste great raw...but if you ask my superheros it is much better with Nutella. Isn't everything better with Nutella?

Well, I hoped you enjoyed your peek into our school day. Everyone is sound asleep..and I'm about to be there too. Before I retire I wanted to continue my gratitude list...1000 Gifts...if you follow the link in each blog you can see its been awhile since I've posted on my gratitude list. It doesn't change how grateful I have been and remain. As I reflect on the events of this day and the end of our summer...

I am so thankful for...

300. His Word that is indeed a light on my path
301. His love for me...I'm a precious pearl worth pursuing.
302. Uncharted territory, albeit, pubescent hormones, unreached people groups, new foods...we don't go through one thing without Him being totally aware and present.
303. Love and sacrifice.
304. His example of both.
305. Skills that have grown and sharpened.
306. Multiple chances to be encouraging to my husband
307. Time spent with friends
308. Time spent with Jesus.
309. Time in His Grace.
310. The Holy Spirit that resides in us is the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead...we have power from Him...thankful that we can use it to pray for the lost.

Run To The Cross

We've been doing this every month for over a year now. It has become part of our lives. We look forward to it, to them. We miss them when they're not there, we intercede for them during our family prayer times, we love them. I just never knew how much it would affect me.

I'm talking about feeding the hungry and homeless in our community. We serve with some amazing people. There are several volunteers and we look forward to doing this together as a team every month. For the past 6 months we've instituted a time of individual prayer. I make the announcement to the 70+ people that are waiting in line to be served that we are blessed to be here to share a meal with all of them, but would love to share the love of Jesus with them by praying with them if there is a need. I let them know I'm available if they would like some individual prayer. My boys and I serve as runners during the meal, then once everyone is served, I am usually asked by individuals to come and pray. Sometimes I just go and pray with them at their seat if they call me over, other times we go into a separate room where there is some level of privacy. It is such an honor to run to the cross with people.

I've prayed for people to be healed, prayed for provision and many other things. I just listen. I think just having someone they can talk to, someone that just looks into their eyes, without judgement and listens...I think that means the most. We're all so different in how we interact with people. One way isn't better than the next. This is just the way God made me. I don't have to pretend to be someone I'm not....and eventually...I find that they feel the same way. Often it starts off with zero eye contact and grandiose stories. Then after a little bit, sometimes elements of raw truth begin to surface. Oh the beauty of taking off the masks.

The other very important element is touch. I've been told "I'm sure you don't want to hold my hand!" The first time someone said this to me, I was shocked. Did they think they were "unclean", "unworthy"? What? Why wouldn't I want to hold your hand and pray with you. I remember my heart sinking...they need to know love...unconditional love...the kind that my Lord gives. (Remember, I was homeless at one time too) Yes I want to hold your hand....I want to run to the cross with you. I want to hug you when we're through. This is me...the way God made me. I walk away humbled at the opportunity to do this every single time! Yesterday was no exception...except this time...I felt like I was standing on Holy Ground.

Interestingly enough while I was praying with a man for healing (I always leave the door open so others can see me because I'm alone), I looked up for a moment and saw another man...watching. We locked eyes at one point then he turned away. When I was done it was time to serve seconds. This man approached me and asked if I could talk with him. We went into the room (door open) and he began to talk. He told me a little about his personal story. He was passionate. He talked about a few of his friends praying in agreement to God for a solar generator. He is convinced that the Lord will provide one in His timing. I asked him if he has made a decision for Christ, if he has accepted God's plan of salvation for his life. He continued with his story, how he struggled with anger and judgement, but God got a hold of his heart after he read this book and yes he is now saved. He pulled it out of his back pack...The Purpose Drive Life. I told him that I read that book too. He started to weep. He proceeded to tell me all that has been happening in his heart and life since picking up this book and reading it. He felt like he wanted to talk with me since he had walked in the door, before I even spoke about prayer. He felt like he needed prayer, but wasn't sure what to ask for.

At this point I began to pray in the Spirit and ask the Lord to reveal to me how I should pray for him. I wanted to hear from God. As he stood there weeping, he looked into my eyes, with this "please tell me what I should be doing" kind of look. I locked eyes with him, not having any great wisdom at all, and said...can I just begin to pray over you? He said..."You may not want to hold my hands...since I've been crying and blowing my nose."  So I reached over and placed both my hands on his shoulders. I looked down at the floor and I noticed tear drops on the ground. This man was searching for God's purpose in His life.

So I began to worship God right there. Praised Him for His love, His mercy, His grace! Thanked Him for His Word, His sacrifice, His plans! My new friend praised God right with me. I was getting excited, I could totally feel the Holy Spirit's presence in that room. That scripture from 1 Corinthians 1:27 popped into my head "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." OH I know this scripture! In context it says this: "Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not —to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption."

As I began to pray in light of what the Lord was speaking to my heart. This man's demeanor began to change. It was totally connecting with him. His purpose...to be a light in a dark place. He was no longer angry with anyone for judging him - he no longer judges other either. He knows that some of his choices put him in the place he has been for the past 3 years. He has changed...his heart and mind have changed...but he loves these people. He wants them to know what he knows. He told me he felt that way, but "why would God use someone like me, a man who made foolish mistakes?" I read that scripture to him. We continued to pray a prayer of equipping. The truth is...God equips those He calls. It will never, should never, be you and your strength...it should always be His!

At the end of our time (and it was a good 30 minutes), I gave him a hug and called him brother (he smiled). I told him he could use support, and gave him some local churches...including my own church, where I'm confident he will find support, love and acceptance.

I walked away...changed. Once again, humbled beyond words. This journey to the cross was different. Even now I weep because I still can't come up with the words to explain what God is doing in my own life. I'm pretty sure that what I was telling Andy was the same things that God was speaking to my own heart. This morning in my quiet time with Him, I laid that all down.

Continue to do this new thing in me Lord. I know you are moving people and things out of my life for a reason..to do a new thing. I'm excited, nervous, but more excited. I feel like a little girl, holding on tight to her Daddy's hand. Thank you for not ever letting go!

The Quickest 30 Days

"The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May." - Edwin Way Teale 

I cannot believe the Month of May is over (well tomorrow it will be). Then I look at that picture and think how time has flown since last year. I remember when my parents use to tell me how time flies when you get older. Were they ever right about that. I really wanted to summarize our month of May, but God has been teaching me so much too...I may have to save my lessons from the Lord for another post or two. I use this blog to do several things (besides distract me from writing and publishing my book), primarily it is a place for me to journal my life, but it is also a place for me to sort my thoughts and record my lessons. Today...I'm simply going to journal our journey this past May!

 I love my life with boys. I really do! I grew up with sisters...this is so much more fun!! Typical day at our home! Little brothers just have a way of forcing you to post signs on your bedroom door!

 We had so many field trips in the month of May. We started at DeBary Hall. One of the best trips ever! So educational, so fun...for a museum!

 We went with other friends...which always makes it more exciting.

 Every Wednesday we try to focus on Missions, local or foreign. This particular day was very local, and very personal. We have a friend who is a teacher in the public school (her mission field) and she has just had a very difficult year. When my children woke up that morning, the white board greeted them with "Operation Spread Joy!" We were going to be purposeful in spreading joy to one of our dear friends. We prayed for her, made her cards, wrote her letters and finally picked up 3 of the most beautiful sunflowers and marched over to her school in the middle of the day to surprise her. She was indeed surprised. Mission accomplished!

 I continue to give guitar lessons to my 4 students. I love doing this...it combines two of my passions...teaching and guitar!

 On the music note, I had to give in to the fact that my children we're not all going to love the same kind of music as me. My youngest son has a "rock" sense that I never had. I could try to force him to listen to my kind of praise and worship, or let music minister to him...the way it it ministers to him!

 Took my dog out for a really long run one day...it was too long for him. Had to call for Dad to come and rescue him...he clearly needs a 10K app! Speaking of 10K...I have completed that goal (check) and can run 6 miles in 61 minutes.

 Dentist appointments! Not Shane's favorite thing to do by any means!

This was so much fun! My great friend Tammy and I and the "girls"...she lets me hang with them because this is the only "girl" time I get...went to see Jamie Grace, Mandisa and Laura Story in concert!!!  What a blast!! Unforgettable night really!!

 Here we are on our way to the DeLand Courthouse to participate in the National Day of Prayer! What an honor to stand before God and man, to pray for our nation and to read God's word out loud! His Word never comes back void. Here are my children reading through the book of John..in front of anyone and everyone passing by.

 To hear the prayers of children...there is nothing quite like it! You can read more about this particular event here.

 Our future leaders of America!

 We went out to this really great spot in DeLand!! YUM! Oh and we brought our best buddy Jacob with us too!!!

 More guitar lessons. I love this girl! We have totally formed a precious relationship that I'm ever so thankful for! She makes my heart smile. We'll be making more summer memories together this summer! Can't wait!!

 Fun times with girl friends!! Shoe shopping with my best friend! She makes me move out of my comfort zone..and I'm so thankful for her! NO I did not buy those shoes...I could barely walk or stand up for that matter!!

 One of the best days ever...at Gemini Springs! Jacob came along...but the focus was for my sweet dog Dodger! There is the best Dog park here. Tons of property where dogs can run leash free!! OH we tuckered him out that day!!

Absolute beauty all around!! We took trails, got lost and just had a great time. Kyle did inform me that he was not a fan of summer, spring, winter or fall. (He doesn't like getting a little lost...and it was hot that day!)

We saw two alligators...nice and close up! I love see gators in the wild!

 Trips to Dairy Queen!

 Watching the super moon from the beach! Beautiful night!

Still baking...I think these were sweet potato muffins. 

 This was something you don't see everyday...a ringed neck snake in my washing machine. (I love snakes too)...I find them fascinating!

 Great great time at the Holland Family Farm. We went blueberry picking! What a great adventure!!

 We ate until we were stuffed. They said..they weigh the buckets..not the people..so feel free to eat!

 6 1/2 pounds later...we had such a great time!

 Then there was my trip to Kentucky with these two! We had such a great time traveling together!

 My sweet friend Karen's house! OH so much went on here...I'm gonna save the details for another post! On the way home...we sat right next to each other! So much laughing!!

Came home in time for Mother's Day! Which was just perfect! Of course this was the first year Mr. Incredible didn't have his Mom...so we had a special memorial to her on that day. 

There were Downtown Disney trips in May like every month. Another field trip to the Florida Agricultural Museum (my husband took the boys on this one...so the pictures are still on his camera.) I might be able to get him to write a little entry about this trip. ;)

Here we are on Memorial Day. We getting ready to go out the door and visit our Pop's burial spot. He was a veteran...we miss him every day. Life is totally different without him...but we remember him in our hearts and thank God for the opportunity to be with him and make tons of memories with him while he was alive!

Memorial Day...let's remember our service men and women...let's also remember to make memories with the ones we love.