We're praying today for Baby Noah and the Estes family. Noah is in a hospital in Greenville, SC and is not responding to medications. Please pray with us for this little boy.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
My Weekend in Lake Placid
This weekend, Tom and I attended a MS conference in Lake Placid, NY. It was a wonderful weekend as we spent time with 25 couples who are facing many of our same challenges . The greatest joy was meeting 2 Christian couples who share similar life circumstances: the husband has MS, the wife is a stay-at-home mom, and the children are homeschooled. Let me tell you, we were all happy to find each other.In one of the sessions, the couples split up as the folks with MS went into one room and their partners went elsewhere to have a discussion. (Actually, we went outdoors to the hotel courtyard to enjoy the glorious, sunny day.) The discussion showed me that my own challenges and fears are not at all unique. As a matter of fact, they are common to almost every person who has a mate living with MS.
As helpful and encouraging as this time was, it was a sad time for me too. I was saddened with the ways people spoke of how they cope with their difficulties. There were two reoccurring themes. First, find something that makes you happy, such as a hobby or a job and have your "me" time. Secondly, find people to help you in the difficult times. Both of these points are very true. I know. I enjoy those principles almost every day in my life. But if that is the only place where my strength is found, I will be let down and disheartened often.
Psalm 46:1,2b
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.... " This is where the Christians hope is centered, the God of the universe. Any other principles I learn are just icing on the cake. My hobbies and friends, my husband and children do bring me great joy. Praise God for these comforts too. But my hope is built on Jesus blood and righteousness.
Yesterday morning, as I read my email, this quote was sent to me in a devotional. It is by Joni Erickson Tadda:
People with disabilities are God's best visual aids to demonstrate who He really is. His power shows up best in weakness. And who by the world's standards is weaker than the mentally or physically disabled? As the world watches, these people persevere. They live, love, trust and obey Him. Eventually the world is forced to say, "How great their God must be to inspire this kind of loyalty."
People with disabilities are God's best visual aids to demonstrate who He really is. His power shows up best in weakness. And who by the world's standards is weaker than the mentally or physically disabled? As the world watches, these people persevere. They live, love, trust and obey Him. Eventually the world is forced to say, "How great their God must be to inspire this kind of loyalty."
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Homeschooling and Rabbit Trails
"Rabbit trails" are the spice of life for me when comes to homeschooling. It takes us places we had never planned to study or visit. Today was such a day when Abby read a story in her vocabulary book about the yearly balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico...... and there we went, off to New Mexico via the internet. I've been homeschooling for over 13 years and I've gone down many a rabbit trail, but I don't remember now I did it without wireless internet connection and my laptop. I think we were at the library every other day.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
I just looked at Caroline's pictures of our Maine vacation. OK, I surrender. If you want to look at really good pictures of our vacation go to Rubies in the Rough.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Nothing New in Maine- Just the Same Old Wonderful
Every year we wonder if it will be the last vacation to Maine for all six of our family members. The girls just keep getting older and their responsibilities continue to change. We have been going to Maine in September for 10 years. This year we continued our usual traditions.....
A visit to the town candy shop. Everyone picks out whatever they want. It's vacation!
Throwing Nerf footballs into the waves and waiting for them to hopefully come back to shore.
Most of the time it was warm but sometimes the wind picked up.
Our favorite sea shell shop in Kennebunk Port
Beautiful sea glass
Perkins Cove
The Marginal Way
OK. We did do something new. I have always wanted to have a tea party on the beach. I didn't bring any good china, just garage sale tea cups. It was a surprise that Abby and I planned for the family.
All you need are the right tools and some ingenuity.
Fog rolled in as we began our yearly visit to Portland Headlight. We got to hear the foghorns but the beautiful view was not seen this year.
Me!
A visit to the town candy shop. Everyone picks out whatever they want. It's vacation!
Throwing Nerf footballs into the waves and waiting for them to hopefully come back to shore.
Most of the time it was warm but sometimes the wind picked up.
Our favorite sea shell shop in Kennebunk Port
Beautiful sea glass
Perkins Cove
The Marginal WayOK. We did do something new. I have always wanted to have a tea party on the beach. I didn't bring any good china, just garage sale tea cups. It was a surprise that Abby and I planned for the family.
All you need are the right tools and some ingenuity.Fog rolled in as we began our yearly visit to Portland Headlight. We got to hear the foghorns but the beautiful view was not seen this year.Me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)