Leaving a Legacy

I love reading Brenda’s Sunday Afternoon Tea posts over at Coffee Tea Books and Me.  This dear sister has learned much through the trials she and her famiy have endured through the years.  I appreciate her transparency as she passes along wisdom and truth. 

Today, Brenda’s post got me to thinking about how my own perspective has changed over the years.  In my last post I shared about a time when the kids were little and how vulnerable I felt due to my concern over earthly things.  How would we ever make it on such a low-income?  We had moved to a very expensive part of the country with few job prospects in sight.  We spent 3 months looking and looking for a home to buy with very little money.  It became very depressing to me to visit ill kept foreclosure type homes in need of repair–really all we could “afford”.  My high expectations after all the schooling my husband had completed were dashed.  Would I have to go to work and put the kids in daycare–something that we were very opposed to?   And of course, I think my pride was mixed up in all of the emotions.  “Didn’t we deserve better?”  (Sad to admit, but true.)

Well, as I shared last time, in His time and way, the Lord provided, and I was able to stay home with our children and home school them–still am.  We may not have all the “trimmings”, but we have plenty and always have.  God has been so good.

But, to put it plainly, I was much more concerned then with earthly things.  Now, not quite so much.  (Though sometimes my thoughts still challenge me in this area.)  Maybe it has to do me not currently experiencing those needs so keenly?  I’m not sure.  However, I do know that my focus has shifted more towards eternity.   The older I get, the truth of this old saying shines brighter and clearer in my mind.

Only one life, twill soon be past.  Only what’s done for Christ will last. 

This is where Brenda’s post ties in.  What will people say of me after all is said and done?  Will the things I’ve done or accomplished last for eternity?  Will others want to emulate my life? 

One of my favorite songs by Nichole Nordeman is Legacy.  It pretty much sums up what Brenda was referring to and what the Lord has been laying on my heart as well.

Life Seasons

I couldn’t resist getting out for some fresh air and exercise one day this week.  A few rain showers had passed through mid afternoon wetting the fallen leaves, enhancing their pungent decaying leaf smell that marks early November.  I only had time for a twenty-minute walk down to the pond before I needed to get dinner going, but it was twenty minutes well spent.  Just getting out of the house, where there always seems to be something or someone needing my attention, can do wonders for my perspective!

My walk took me along a dirt path through the woods that leads down a hill into an opening where sits this adorable little cabin.  As often happens when I have time and space to myself amidst the beauty of God’s creation, my thoughts become reflective.  I couldn’t help but think back  a decade or so to the time when we moved to this area after Bill finished school.  The kids were quite young.  We were just a fledgling little family trying to find our place in the large world.  Bill had finished his PhD in a field that to our dismay offered few opportunities.  And, with nowhere else to go, we headed “home”.  We gratefully accepted the offer to stay in this little cabin while we waited to see how God would provide.  They were days filled with great uncertainty for me.  It was a crucible sort of time…a great testing of my faith.

Well, provide He did.  Not always in the way I would have liked.  But, He did indeed prove Himself faithful and used that and many other circumstances to build, strengthen, and purify my faith.  There is no doubt that my faith is far from perfected.  But like the passing seasons that have come and gone for thousands of years, His faithfulness is SURE. 

I know with so much more certainty than I did ten years ago, that He truly will never leave me nor forsake me.  I take great pleasure in that knowledge.  It is what lends a certain sweetness and rest to each day as I think on it.  The fear and doubt that would grip my heart has been replaced with peace–rather the Prince of Peace who bids the stormy waves to be still.

Although His work is far from finished, I am so thankful that He cares enough to continue to mold and shape me.  I have entered a new season with new challenges and trials and lessons to be learned.  I am not the person I was and, thankfully, not the person I will be!  What a joy to travel this road of life with such an awesome and loving Father! 

Rainy Day Daybook

Outside–A cold, steady rain has been falling all day, bringing down more leaves and making it seem more and more like winter will soon be here.  Although we’ve had the wood stove going a few times already this fall, today was the first day that I’ve really appreciated its warmth.  I love watching the orange and gold flames flickering through the glass door.  Somehow, it adds such a nice, cozy feel to the house, and makes me feel so grateful for all things homey. 

In the kitchen–It seemed appropriate for such a late fall day to have baked chicken with roasted vegetables for dinner.  Butternut squash, potatoes, and onions–all cubed and tossed with olive oil, a little salt, and fresh rosemary.  Banana cake for desert was a quick solution to using up the “old” bananas. 

Reading–That Distant Land by Wendell Berry.  With the busyness of life of late, I am happy to have at hand this collection of stories from one of my favorite authors.  It seems I only have snatches of time here and there to devote to reading, and so it’s been nice to read these short vignettes taken from Berry’s other books. 

Pondering–God’s faithfulness.  It reaches to the heavens.  Truly amazing!

Thankful for–The simple treasures of life.  Morning light illuminating the golden maple trees along neighbors driveway; the gentle breeze stirring their leaves.  Stillness.  Smiles of loved ones.  Hope.  Promises handed down through the centuries in His living Word; promises surer than any created thing.

Busy with–Life!  Luke and Michaela’s schooling.  Starting a home business.  Last minute fall yard details–fresh coat of paint on the picnic table, gardens need cleaning up (waiting until it dries out a bit), north side of garage needs the algae washed off.  Speech and debate season, though off to a slow start this year, will be kicking into gear soon.  Did I mention starting a home business  (or busyness)?!  All good things, I think,  that require TIME. 

I really am not a big fan of cramming every moment of my day full of activity.  So, with effort, I am trying to make room for moments of quiet, peace, contemplation.  15 minutes of quiet with a cup of tea or coffee, settling before the fire with my reading in the afternoons can do wonders.  I really must make the effort.  Also important to remember is the priority list.

Priorities– 1) Daily time spent with the Lord, focusing on Him and His plans for my life; reading His thoughts and giving them first place in all things!  2) Loving and serving others by the strength that He provides.  3)  Cultivating gratitude and trust in Him as He leads me through my days.

 

His Work, Not Mine

God’s goodness is sooo abundant.  Some days it seems more evident to me than others.  And right now, my heart is full with the knowledge of it.

I don’t have much time (yes, still), but I just wanted to quickly share what the Lord has been teaching me.  Perhaps I’ve mentioned it before, but the lessons have been driven home by necessity of late. 

The lesson I am (in the process) of learning is this.  Plain and simple. 

It is He, God, who causes the growth in the hearts and minds of my children.

There is a time and season for telling them who He is.  A time to instruct  and memorize and require the reading of His word.  And these are all good at the proper time.

However, ultimately, it is His business, this growth.  It must be His work and not mine.

I am learning that there is a time to step aside so that He may accomplish the work that only His Spirit can do. 

And I saw a little glimpse of it today, and my heart is filled with gratitude.

God is good!

A Rather Blustery Day

So, the picture doesn’t quite do this New England day justice. 

Just imagine the leaves, a falling and swirling mass of color against the backdrop of a deep blue cloud studded sky, with shafts of light piercing through off and on.  Leaves sweeping up and over the roof, pine needles forming a soft carpet beneath the swaying pines. 

The wind settles a bit before sunset, but returns to sound its familiar warning as it presses against the windows, “Winter is coming…”

And to further aid your minds eye…a bit of a song from a friendly bear who knows what a blustery day is like.

Hum dum dum ditty dum Hum dum dum

Oh the wind is lashing lustily
And the trees are thrashing thrustily
And the leaves are rustling gustily
So it’s rather safe to say
That it seems that it may turn out to be
It feels that it will undoubtedly
It looks like a rather blustery day, today
It sounds that it may turn out to be
Feels that it will undoubtedly
Looks like a rather blustery day today

I rather like blustery days!

Suffer Long and Be Kind

Life has just been busy lately and I’ve felt too distracted to write any blog posts.  But, I’m still here and thought I should drop in so that this place doesn’t look so forlorn and neglected! 

What have I been doing? 

Well, nothing too out of the ordinary.  Keeping all the plates spinning is what it feels like on some days.  Thankfully, the new school year routine seems to be settling in a bit helping things to run fairly smoothly. 

Luke’s online courses are progressing fairly well.  There was a period of adjustment as he became accustomed to all the various aspects of this new type of learning.  One of the main reasons we signed him up for this was to help him develop a greater sense of responsibility as he must stay on top of assignments and prepare for scheduled quizzes and tests.  We’ve always encouraged this and sought to develop these skills, yet I think being accountable to someone else besides mom and dad takes things to a whole new level.  So, yes.  So far, I’m happy that we chose this route. 

Of course there are other challenges that arise, almost weekly, with raising teens.  However, the Lord has been directing as much (maybe more?) attention on my own character in the process.  A goup of verses that He has brought afresh to my attention is the ever powerful LOVE verses of 1 Cor. 13: 4-8a.

I haven’t moved much beyond the first part of verse 4,

Love suffers long and is kind…

I am always saying to myself, “Suffer long and be kind. ”

Plain and simple….yet, at times, oh so difficult to DO.

But, by His grace I press forward.

On another note, I am really enjoying reading through the middle ages with Michaela for her history study.  She too has been progressing towards greater independence in her learning, so I am so glad to be a part of this aspect.

Each day, we curl up on the couch to read aloud.  We are currently reading The Lantern Bearers, by Rosemary Sutcliffe.  The story takes place in Britain at a time of great turmoil as the land is deserted by the Romans (who had ruled there for centuries but are forced to return to the homeland to fend off the barbarians) leaving the people defenseless against the invading Saxons.  It is not a very happy story, but it is written with great detail and insight, and I think really helps us to learn the history of the time period. 

Well,  I’d better go.  It is actually just about time for our reading time, and I need to hang a few clothes on the line before heading to the couch. 

Enjoy your day!

 

 

Fall Meanderings

 

Calling All Vegetarians

Have I mentioned that the teenage years, at least in this house, are filled with upheavals, questions, grappling with ideas, etc. etc.?  It’s a good thing, I think, though at times can be a bit unnerving for us parents.

We are going on week four of Luke going without meat.  I’m not exactly sure how this boy who only a few years ago was gung ho on hunting deer, squirrel, turkey, and whatever else a young boy of 12 could set his sights on, now has decided that any and all killing of animals is “way” wrong, and especially the eating of such.  Yes, we’ve discussed how God gave man dominion over the earth, including permission to eat animals.  All to no avail.  And actually, for the most part we’re ok with it.  Our main concern has been to keep him from buying into philosophies that, intentionally or not, view animals on the same plane as humans. 

So, this mother, out of concern for her dear boy, would like to solicit recommendations on ways to ensure that enough protein is consumed by her “recently turned vegetarian” son.

We have stocked up on all things peanutty, legumes, tofu, and milk/egg products. 

If any of you have experience with this, I would greatly appreciate advice on how to ensure good health…especially considering that he is in a major growth time of his life.

Any thoughts?

Thanks a bunch!

Never Let a Single Day Pass

 

 

…..without saying an encouraging word to each child.

Particularly wherever you have noticed any–even the slightest–improvement on some weak point .  Some point at which you have been picking and criticizing.

And never fail to pass on any nice thing you have heard said about anyone, to that child.

In David’s prayer for Solomon, he said, “…prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised” (Psalms 72:15).

“More people fail for lack of encouragement,” someone wrote, “than for any other reason.”

~Wise words from Ruth Bell Graham’s journal found in her book, It’s My Turn.

Two Books

Sitting on my desk are two wonderful books written by two godly women.  Though my days have been pretty packed lately, I’ve found them easy to pick up and read a few pages here and there.  Both books are so very practical and have given me fresh hope and vision for the future as well as great encouragement for the present. 

Although I’ve known little bits about both of these ladies (I used to do an aerobic workout on VHS with Stormie–remember those days, Lorelei?) , and always heard good things said about them, I never really knew all that much about their spiritual journeys.  They both write in a style that is very transparent, and somehow I’ve begun to feel like I’ve known them for a long time, perhaps because I can relate to much of what they have to say. 

I’ve found the Power of a Praying Wife to be a practical and easy guide to help direct my daily praying for my husband.  It’s very practical and is sort of like one taking my hand and helping me to be faithful to pray.  Stormie has such confidence in the power of prayer…or rather of God to answer prayer.  It is exciting and inspiring.  And, actually, it has been a nudge to awaken me–why do we weaklings tend to get so “sleepy” when it comes to prayer–to the need for specific prayers of all types for all our loved ones.  I’m considering getting one of her other books, the Power of a Praying Parent. 

The other book that has been such a comfort and inspiration to “run the race with endurance”, is Ruth Bell Graham’s, It’s My Turn.  Wow.  Now this is one lady that I want to sit up and listen to and take notes on as she shares life lessons!  It is so encouraging to read of her fears and failures, her need for dependence on God, and most importantly her triumphs as she placed her trust in God throughout her life’s journey.  I appreciate her tactful honesty as she shares about her own weakness, as well as those of Billy and her children.  Yet, I can think of few other families who inspire me more in their love and devotion to God.  And, when she wrote this (copyright 1982), I wonder if her son, Franklin (whom she worried about for his childhood and teenage rebellion) had even begun his ministry with Samaritan’s Purse.  I haven’t finished the book yet, nor have I taken the time to look up when Samaritan’s Purse was begun, but I have to wonder at her joy and amazement at what God would do through her humble yet persistent efforts as wife to one of the world’s greatest evangelists and mother of five children. 

Needless to say, it gives me great hope and determination to follow in her steps.  To be faithful to fulfill my roll as wife and mother as God would have me to do….by His grace!