Family

This entire week my children have been gone to Camp Allstar from 9am to 3pm. My oh my. I have spent some great time with God in peace and quiet. I have been able to grocery shop with sanity and no surprises in my cart. I have been able to keep a very clean house. I have been able to write so much stuff. It has been so peaceful and so good yet there is just a piece missing.

I can hardly stand not being with these little bundles of joy. Even through the insane grocery store trips, the messy house, and the noisiness I have found I miss them so much. I am so ready for them to be home again. I love them so much. This time has been nice but it is not real life.

I have learned to be content with both things. I can still be in the presence of God in all the noise as I can in the peace and quiet. It is called practicing the presence of God. It is interesting because it is the same thing that Brother Lawrence talked about in his book with the same title. He said his quiet time devoted to prayer and his work time in a noisy kitchen were both the same. God is with us at all times and the lines of communication can remain open in all things.

Girls-mama loves you to pieces. You are God's precious gift to me and you bring me such joy. I sure hope I remember this next week when I am breaking up fight number 100 or washing ink off the wall or cleaning up several spills. No matter what I LOVE YOU! Isn't precious to know that God loves you even more.

Thoughts on So You Think You Can Dance

Well, I am completely bummed because I just realized this show has been on Wednesday and Thursday. I have only seen the Thursday evenings so far. I do however want to point out a favorite of mine. There was a guy named Brandon who was 18 and complete muscle. He was a power house and I am so interested in watching him. An added bonus was he dressed normal! He is the real thing. He is one of the reasons that I enjoy the art of dance.

Unfortunately there were a lot of poll dancing looking numbers. Seriously what is the deal?! That is not dancing people. Dancing is an art and a strong and difficult discipline at that. Please quit ruining it! If I see another poll dance booty shaker I am going to scream!

Also, that guy dressed up like a woman-come on-Simon had it completely right when he said he is the reason why fathers do not like to see their sons dancing. Men dancers are my favorite because they are so strong and solid. It really gets under my skin when men are not masculine on there. I danced with some great male dancers and as we were growing up they were given such a hard time. I hope to see some of them on this show because they were so good. When we were at National Competitions they racked up awards. Ah, I digress.

I am not really recalling any females I am keeping my eyes on yet. At least none so rememberable so far. Okay-LONG update. So, what about you? Share your thoughts.

One Girl's Journey

Among the constant turmoil and dysfunction she realized she had only one solid companion. Yet she could not see Him with her eyes. He was invisible. She was so young that it did not matter. She possessed that childlike faith. She just needed someone who would let her know things would be alright. So off they went again to talk. The fighting had gotten to a higher decibel level than she was okay with. This was her common practice, retreating with her best friend. They had things to talk about and the dysfunction was too much for her to handle.

As time went on she really got a hands on grasp of Him. She experienced Him tangibly firsthand in a dream. At her church there was discussion of her Jesus coming and dying for her sins. This was incredibly hard to swallow. Her best friend whom she had always talked with dying on the cross because of her sins. Such torture. Such pain. She didn’t think she was worthy of this act. It just was not fair. She could not receive it. It was too hard. She had experienced so much pain she could not bear for Him to receive excruciating pain on her behalf. Yet unknown to her, in His great love for her, He had different plans. Plans she could not refute. He willingly laid down His life for her so she could truly live.

Hurt and confused she went to sleep and that is when it happened. He came again to her in a magnificent dream. She was at a giant waterfall with many others. They were all clothed in wooden barrels. The sound of the rushing waters was deafening to her ears. All she could feel was cool winds and the freezing water drops hitting her cold body. Each person in their barrel went over the waterfall one by one. Then it was her turn. There was no stopping it. She was terrified and there was no one to save her or at least that is what she thought. Over she went along with all the others to her impending death. For every other barrel shattered on the rocks so far below them.

Then that is when the most wonderful moment of her life occurred! In a flash, a huge bright hand stretched across the vastness of that waterfall and caught her. He lifted her up gently and simply said to her, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” At that she woke up from her dream and knew it was Him, her very best friend. So she accepted His sacrifice for her unworthy as she felt. Her life would never be the same.

Do Not Forget to Register

Hey all! Just wanted to remind you to register for the homeschool conference coming up at the end of July. There is a early bird special going on if you are interested.

This CD ROCKS!

Oh my, I just had to let you know that this is the best CD that I have heard in a long time. You must check it out! Here is his website.

AND....................
The Refresh My Soul Weekly Devotional is up Here.

Memorial Day Whirlwind!

Hey all we have been busy, busy, busy!!! I had the great fun of having some wonderful visitors this weekend. My parents came in for several days and we had a great time! Saturday my wonderful aunt and uncle and baby-a BIG dog named Savannah who was sweet as pie-came in and spent the day with us. My favorite part was finding out my aunt was as much of a Starbucks lover as me! Good times. She even had a fancy drink of choice too! Good blood I tell you! :) And another favorite part was this was the very first time I got to meet my uncle. They lived out west for most of my life so we never did get to meet until this weekend. It was well worth the wait. He was my God father so it was about time we met! We had a good time. Of course I forgot to get a picture but I will see them again soon and will try to remember to get one then. I love my family and will get a pic of our mini family reunion.

Sunday we went to church and it is always good because my parents really enjoy our church. We then had some down time because my mom and dad went to visit my other aunt who lives near but does not talk to me. Dysfunctional, I know. Not a good story to share. Love covers.

Then Monday we took on a huge remodeling project. When we bought our house we took on a big project! To give you just a quick idea about it you have to know that our home came equipped with three toilets. Not just normal toilets I tell you but in interesting colors. They were pink, yellow, and blue. We finally let go of the blue toilet in our master bath. It was the last room we had to complete. I sure wish I had taken before and after pics! There was pink wallpaper and a red brick flooring-not sure who was the designer but I am glad it now looks modern.

Today my parents left. My girls started a church sports camp. I was alone for a long time. Boy is that rare! I felt like a piece of me was missing. I had a great time with God. I am hoping to use my time to continue to write and re-write my projects for She Speaks. Please lift a prayer if you think of it. Well, how was your weekend?

Season 4 is here!

I was so excited to find out that tonight was the first episode of So You Think You Can Dance! This is one of my absolute favorite shows. There are two of my favorite choreographers on the show too. Brilliant pieces they create. I just love the art of dance and this show is so versatile. All forms of dance are a part of it. The point is to see who can be the most well rounded dancer. There are some sick b-boys and poppers this year and great jazz and amazing ballroom. Please let me know if you are following this. I know it doesn't get as popular as American Idol but it is just as good. Especially to a former dancer. I am telling you this is the show to watch!!!
*****My disclaimer is that with all shows I cannot say I would approve of all wardrobe selections.