San Fran - the Sights

Maria and darling Ella picked us up from the airport. 

The first place we hit in San Francisco was the beach.  Well, after In-and-Out Burgers, of course!  Yes, they are that good.  (Try it Animal Style with grilled onions.  oooh.)

This was Ashley's first trip to the ocean and she was eager to dip her toes in the frigid water - 45 degrees or so.  I watched from the beach!  I didn't need to be cold and wet!

Maria drove us around her town - her love for this city and it's people is so evident!  From a beautiful look-out we could see the Bay and beyond.  It was a clear day and we were so happy to be in San Francisco.

I'm Back and on the Road!

The last few months have been crazy. The a January came and the insanity went up exponentially! David's business has been doing well which means extra hours for him. And what has seemed like single parenting for October. November. And December.

It's not been easy for David. Long work hours. Missing family dinners and discussions. I am so grateful to have a partner that can walk through this tough season, trusting God and his wife to take care of other details til the season changes. It's been crazy and but fun too.

But it was still a little too calm for our liking ----

So we bought a new home! Our new place is called Black Bear Crossing and is already not a house but a Home.

The kids and I moved the majority of our household together. In a snow storm. In bitter cold. From a mild Mesa up to the deep snow behind Rules Mountains.

Chris's friend, David, helped. David's mom helped. My girlfriends descended and in three hours packed, moved and unpacked my kitchen. Never underestimate the determination of five women --- and ten kids!

Yet, there were a few hours left in my day. I had not quite reached exhaustion, so I packed up my kids, their friend and I am, as I type, sitting on a plane headed to San Francisco!

Sitting over 10,000 feet above earth, I am reflecting on God's great goodness.

If you've read my blog before, I follow me on Facebook you know that I have battled Sjogrens disease for the past several years. Probably longer but I didn't know what was wrong -- only that my tongue would swell, my mouth was often dry, my skin was flakey, fatigue would come on so strong it would tanked 30 minutes of pep talk to get out of bed each morning not to mention swollen hands, joint pain and tenderness. As if not enough, any time a person walked into a room with a virus or infection, I was sure to be infected and ill within a day. Not fun.

Not for me. Not for my kids. Not for my hubby.

Since August 1, 2012 I have been able to go non-stop. With no illness. Only a couple of flares with joint pain. No colds. No viruses.

Only God!

The difference? Prayer. Fasting. Prayers to break chains of generational illnesses. Prayers for wisdom on what we eat as a family. What I drink. Prayers of thanksgiving for the healing God has performed already! Prayer.

As we near San Francisco, I near a dream. To take my kids places. To work with Seth and Maria Waters at their church. To show my kids our great nation. To serve God by being his hands and feet.

How blessed I am!

I am glad to writing again! And on the road! With God!

Christmas 2012

Our beautiful Ashley Ruth

14 years old

Charming son, Chris

16 years

Our 2012 tree!

And Sherman in his Christmas Sweater and bow.

He seriously hates to have his sweater on, but it was so cold!

We have always loved opening our home to everyone.

Football, birthday parties, baby showers, and holidays - it's God's house to use as he needs it and to feed everyone who comes to the door!  In the three days before Christmas, I fed two different church groups - loved it!  

Then, my special Posole following Christmas Eve service.

And a full house Christmas day!

The Palmer 5;  Spann 4;  Kaesha and Cetabria and our 4 too!

So thankful for the Family of Choice that to which God has called us to belong.

Merry Christmas

(yeah, it's January 3 - but hey, somethings take time!)

Christmas at Our House

Just a typical holiday...

Yeah, really wanted to post photos.  But computer having issues.

Maybe it has a cold too!

Christmas Humming

I was caught this week. Humming. Rather loudly. In Walmart. A kind man was smiling at me when I realized he could hear me. The song in my head had burst out in melodious murmur. Spontaneous. Joyful. I was sharing.

Life would Jesus should be this way!

Knowing our freedom, our salvation, our Hope we burst out in praise to share our good news!!!!

It should be. But it's not.

We don't wish to offend. Or embarrass our children. Or seem foolish.

May I be more willing to be foolish in the eyes of this world if it means I share Hope more this coming year!

Advent Traditions and Calendar

I love traditions!  This week I have been cleaning my house to prepare for Decking the Halls on Saturday.  The cleaning I don't like so  much, but preparing for the red and white and family and friends and feasts - I love!

This year, I want to make the Advent Wreath part of our tradition.  So I did some research - of course!  And I'm posting what I learned as well as a devotional schedule for you to add to your family traditions.

I'm thinking this could be a fun thing for littles as well - make paper candles out of paper and place so they "burn" all week and you can talk about them and their meaning!

Hope you enjoy!

The Meaning of Advent

 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel,”  (Isaiah 7:14)

             "Advent" means “Coming.”

                Our Expectations, Anticipation and Preparation for Christ

 

·         Watching for fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies

·         Watching for His Birth

·         Watching for his Resurrection

·         Watching for His Return

                 

 The Advent Wreath

 “And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,”  (Rom. 15:12-13).

             Traditionally, during the Christmas season we have an "Advent Wreath" in our Churches, and this is remarkably celebrated in all Denominations, including Orthodox, Catholic, liturgical, Mainline and Evangelical. The Advent Wreath is a  tradition that cuts across denominational and theological boundaries. It dates to the beginning of the 19th century in Europe. This Advent Wreath is arranged with 4 or 5 Advent candles, 3 or 4 of which are in a circle, along with one in the center, all on a base of evergreens each has a powerful message for us about our Lord. This has prevailing imagery we should not take for granted or consider just another holiday decoration.

 ·        The Wreath: The wreath itself means "victory" as Christ's victory over sin (Praise God!!) so He can save us. The Advent Wreath has 4 or 5 candles that are arranged in a circle symbolizing Christ's eternity, as a circle has no beginning and has no end, it is a symbol for God, Who is eternal and thus without beginning or end. The evergreens mean He is "ever with us," they are usually pine branches or holly that are used as a base that represents anticipation, newness, renewal and His everlastingness. The red berries of the holly represent the shedding of Christ's blood.

 ·        The Candles: The Advent candles mean the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His Son. This refers to the significance that Christ is the Light of the world. When they are lit, the illumination is to symbolize the Christ of eternity and His coming as the "Light of the World" and our worship and honor of His most precious gift of His Grace and mercy. These candles also have a color theme too, purple, blue, pink or rose and while. The first two or three are purple meaning royalty and this is also the color of suffering and the darkness of sin, connecting Jesus' birth and crucifixion and His triumph over sin. Blue means sky and life, pink means joy, and white means purity.

 

Meaning of Candles

·            1^st Week – Purple -  "CANDLE OF HOPE" means His promise and hope. We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises He made to us. Our hope comes from God. (Romans 15:12-13)

 

·            2^nd Week – Purple -  "CANDLE OF PREPARATION" means His light and preparation. Preparation means to 'get ready'. "Help us to be ready to welcome YOU, O GOD!" (Luke 3:4-6) (Some traditions combine the first two)

 

·            3^rd Week – Rose -  "CANDLE OF JOY" means the angels sang a message of JOY! (Luke 2:7-15)

 

·            4^th Week – Blue -  "CANDLE OF LOVE" symbolizes Christ love. God sent His only Son to earth to save us, because He loves us! (John 3:16-17) (some traditions omit this one)

 

·            5^th Week – White -  "CHRIST CANDLE" symbolizes the incarnation, the heart and reason of the season, God giving light to the world. Its location is in the center as Christ's light is central and radiant. This reminds us that Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! (in wreaths that have 4 candles, it is in the circle among the rest of the candles)

 

Sunday, Dec 2.                                                                  Purple                   Candle of Hope

Sunday, Dec. 9                                                                  Purple                   Candle of Preparation

Sunday, Dec. 16                                                                Rose                      Candle of Joy

Sunday, Dec. 23                                                                Blue                       Candle of Love

Wednesday,  December 25,  Christmas Day               White                    Christ Candle

 

·        Each candle is during a family devotional.   Scripture is read that teaches the principle.  Then the previous candles are re-lighted.

Devotional Verses for the Season

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS       November 28- December 1, 2012                

SUNDAY: Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2

MONDAY: Matthew 1:18-24 and Luke 1:26-33

TUESDAY: Luke 2:1-5

WEDNESDAY: Luke 2:6-7

THURSDAY: Luke 2:8-9

FRIDAY: Luke 2:10-12

SATURDAY: Luke 2:13-14

 

THREE WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS     December 2-8, 2012                                      

SUNDAY: Luke 2:15-16

MONDAY: Luke 2:17-18

TUESDAY: Luke 2:19

WEDNESDAY: Luke 2:20

THURSDAY: Luke 2:21

FRIDAY: Matthew 2:1-2

SATURDAY: Matthew 2:3-6

 

TWO WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS         December 9-15, 2012                        

SUNDAY: Matthew 2:7-8

MONDAY: Matthew 2:9

TUESDAY: Matthew 2:10-11

WEDNESDAY: Matthew 2:12-15

THURSDAY: Galatians 4:4-5

FRIDAY: Ephesians 2:8-9

SATURDAY: 1 John 4:7-16

 

ONE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS            December 16-22, 2012                      

SUNDAY: Ephesians 2:12-22

MONDAY: John 7:37-38, and 14:6

TUESDAY: Matthew 28:19-20

WEDNESDAY: John 8:12

THURSDAY: John 9:4-5 and Matthew 5:14-16

FRIDAY: Psalm 98:1-6

SATURDAY: John 1:1-3, 14 and Romans 6:23

 

CHRISTMAS DAY                                         Tuesday, Dec. 25                                                      

Psalm 100, Revelation 3:20-21

 John 1:29 and John 3:1-8 and Psalm 25

We made it!

September 28, 2012

I made it!  I survived August.  I conquered September!

I am only 3 pounds heavier than I was August 3rd.  Considering my stress level, that's a miracle!

 I have not yelled at anyone.  Although, one nurse nearly felt my wrath, I was able to catch myself before unleashing on her a litany of why I homeschool and its benefits for my family and why each family must choose the educational method best for them and for each student, and...

I digress.

In the past 7 weeks, I have been to Denver twice.  Grand Junction once.

I have put my daughter in an operating room - twice.  I have sat with two friends having surgery.  I have watched my husband struggle with a knee problem and then have surgery too.

My in-laws have visited.  A friend has stayed with me.  I have driven to hand therapies and doctor visits.  I

My child has blackedout once and had a minor seizure (like there's such a thing in the eyes of a parent!).

And in my spare time I have arranged lessons for two children.  I have reworked Math problems.  There was the chemistry lessons I've had to watch.  I've ventured into the area video learning.

Then there's my extended family....

Shall we talk about the ills of rabbit brush and allergies in the Four Corners Area?

I also turned 43! 

And celebrated 21 years of marriage.

I'm not known for being able to hold it together this long.  By now I would have yelled at husband and kids alike.  I would have taken to bed for at least one day and hid from the world. 

Maybe I'm maturing.  Maturing in Grace. 

Not everything has been done - laundry still lays folded on the couch downstairs and my bathroom could use a good scrubbing.  Dishes are in the sink.  And a bag of apples needs to be cored and sliced for freezing.  The garden has hot been prepped for the winter and my basil is going to freeze on the vine soon if not taken care of - but that's okay.

I'm sitting in His Word more.  Learning His definition of perfection vs. Mine.

Mostly, I'm realizing this Life is not about me!  Shocker!

It's about Him.  And how I live for Him each day with each struggle. 

Micah 6:8 spells out what God wants:

"What does the Lord require of you?
     To do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with the Lord your God."


That's it.  That's all. 

It's my belief he wans us to this for ourselves too!   He wants us to do justly for ourselves - rest, set reasonable expectations and schedules -  and our family - be there for them, be present in covnersations and each moment - ;  to show ourselves mercy - we can't do it all and it's okay! - and realize in humility we can accomplishing nothing apart from him. 


Do Justly  - for you and your family today.

Love Mercy - His compassion is new every morning!

Walk Humbly - it's all about Him!