Girls Night Out

Wooooohoooooooo! The girls decided to take advantage of my birthday and planned a night out. I cannot remember the last time I laughed that hard! We had a great dinner at Hoggy's and then dessert at Cheesecake Factory, needless to say we were stuff, happy, but stuffed! The part that was the most fun was what happened between the pork and the cheesecake! We did a little shopping, so to speak. I'm guessing that since I am getting so old (I'm the oldest of the group by the way) that they thought I needed a little help picking some things out. As a gift one on my friends gave me a gift card for a free piece of... well, let's just say apparel. So we went to pick it out. We got to laughing so hard, and making comments about all of the choices I had, that the sales lady kept coming to check on us. I'm pretty sure she thought we had had a little too much to drink, but it was water all around for us! Finally, after picking out just the right piece of "clothing" that represented the evening well, I used my gift card to pay for it, however, as we were leaving we found the perfumes. Now, we girls can't smell just one, so we had lots of smells going on in the store. After we found just the right one, one friend thought it would be good to spray my new "clothing". I have to apologize to her husband who is probably still smelling the perfume in his car! Of course, we laughed about that too!

What a great night, thanks my friends for a very fun, memorable evening! We need to do that again soon! Love you all!

Hello, my name is Vicki and I just turned 40!

That's right I just turned 40! Isn't if funny how we think some ages are more significant than others! Did we not live through the others years to get to this one? I've had people ask how I was feeling about turning 40. But what are they really asking...you're kinda getting old are you ok with that? Ummmm, yeah, I'm still alive aren't I! : )

I'll be honest, turning 30 was really difficult for me. When you are in high school and looking at the whole world in front of you, you make mental goals of where you want to be at certain times in your life. Well, 30 is one of those, surely by the time you turn 30 you should have it altogether. Ha! At 30, I had 4 children (6,5,4 and 2) there was no "together" anywhere to be seen! Survival mode better sums it up. Now don't get me wrong, I would not trade those days or my children for anything, it just wasn't the picture I had of where I should be.

So now that I am a decade past all of that and I think about being 40, I realize/have learned that nobody has it altogether! Amazing what a little time and perspective can do for you!

I am very blessing with a wonderful husband that loves me, and incredible children. I have family and friends whom I cherish. Even after being told that I didn't need a big party, my husband and mother threw one any way (I knew they would), and it was a wonderful evening! The party was, however, trumped by the OSU game, but living smack dap in the middle of Buckeye Country what can you do! I did find out who my "real" friends are because they were talking to me instead of watching the game! Not really, I know they all love me too! : ) I'm just glad they won so everyone was in a good mood!

One thing that really sticks out to me is the fact that God has never left me, or tired of being there for me during these past 40 years. When I think about the history that we have, all that He has done and all the places He has taken me, it is very overwhelming! What's even more amazing is that I know He will continue to be with me over the next 40 (or so) years, and so as I look ahead now from this age, I have no idea where I'm going but that's ok, He knows the way and I'll let Him show me the steps!

Everyday Life

Oh, sometimes you just have to laugh! Day-to-day life is the best, it's the little things that make you smile.

This afternoon, as my husband and I were sitting and talking, he was flipping through the ads that come in the mail. He was looking an ad from a grocery store and was telling me some of the prices. He told me the price of bacon and I, thinking that was a pretty good price, asked him if it was the 12 oz. or 16 oz. package. He just looked at me, after a minute he asked how I knew the size of the bacon. And then he tested me on potato chips, and I was right again! I told him that was my job! I am not one that goes to the store and just randomly picks stuff up--no, mom and I have a lengthy process of planning meals and shopping as cost effectively as possible! So you can better believe that I am going to get as much bacon as I can for the lowest price!!!

Then, one of my favorites today--one of my children, told me that they just figured out what "six-feet-under" means! Ahhhh, perhaps we should have better classes on idioms!

Oh, by the way, I have now been passed in height by 3 of my children! Of course, I tell them that is not really that big of an accomplishment, but I guess it's a big deal to a growing boy!

Good times!

Weird!

Weird...have you ever felt that way? And not even sure why? I've been struggling through some things and I'm just feeling weird and that's about all that I can do to explain it. It's not comfortable and I don't really think most others would understand. It's somewhat a feeling of uselessness, or perhaps a feeling of being replaced. I think anytime you are replaced, you are not sure where you fit anymore. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not that those who have replaced you are bad, in fact, they are doing a great job, just without you and it doesn't seem right to jump in and help them. I hesitate to even mention it because I don't want a "pity" position, but what do you do with it? Where do you go from here? The circumstances are not that which I can leave and "move on", so how do I "move on" without leaving? I've been ponding this for a while now with no idea of an answer. I do realize that this is a time of growth--better yet pruning! Very uncomfortable! My facade is wearing down and I feel like others are beginning to see my frustration. How do you cope with that--you want to be real but you also don't want to be seen as a whiner! It's hard to keep up an appearance when you are so sad and confused on the inside. I'm sure this isn't making a lot of sense but then again, I'm just feeling weird!

Different Drummer

Have you ever felt out of sync with everyone else? You are marching along, playing your instrument to the best of your ability and suddenly realize that not only are you on a different page but playing a whole different song altogether! I feel like that much of the time--I'm different--I see the world differently than most. I don't like doing things like everyone else; unless there is a good reason, and "because it's always been done that way" is not a good enough answer for me. We will not answer for "the way it's always been done." It all boils down to what "THE BOOK" says, just prove it.

We are called to be salt and light in verse 13 of Matthew 5; it then goes on in the following verses to talk about a city that is set on a hill, everyone can see it and it's different from the other towns. How are we, as Christ followers, set apart in today's world? Sometimes, there's no difference at all, that makes me sad. I found a sermon on-line this week from a pastor whose blog I found to be straight and to the point. However, after downloading some of his sermons, I was taken back with the permission he was giving his people to get involved with the world. He told them it was ok to do the same things everyone else is doing. How can we stand apart and be different if we are right there with everyone else. Now, I'm not advocating that we hold up in our homes and never talk to anyone, quite the contrary, if we are engaging (not participating with them) them and going about our business, they will see we are different.

Are you marching to the beat of a different drummer? Or do you fit far too well in our world?


"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16

A Quote for the Day

"There has never in the history of the civilized world been a cohort of kids that is so little affected by adult guidance and so attuned to a peer world. We have removed grown-up wisdom and allowed them to drift into a self-constructed, highly relativistic world of friendship and peers." - William Damon, Stanford University Center on Adolescence

I love quotes! I found this one in an e-mail from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.

I, occasionally, get asked why we homeschool. I think the Bible is pretty clear that it is the responsibility of the parents to raise and train children, no one else can do it for you. But there are now studies popping up that once again prove that the Bible is right! I looked up William Damon, the author of this quote, and I saw nothing to indicate his religious beliefs so I do not know where he stands on such issues. However, he has done studies on adolescence and morals and the decline in our society and the quote is the result of his observation.

It's interesting to me how the farther we get from the Bible, it seems that there are things continually pointing us back to it and the truth found in it. If we would only listen!

Getting Back

I know it's been a long time since I posted anything...writer's block, maybe. But perhaps, trying to figure out why--why write anything at all, why would anyone want to hear what I have to say?

Well, I have a few thoughts...first, I think I want to see this as a journal. A place to write things that I can go back at some point and see where I've been and what I've journeyed through. Second, it's time for me to be real again.

We had a church picnic tonight in which a few people shared what God has done or is doing in their lives. After our time together, I spoke to one of the men that shared. He said it was so hard to talk about himself; he would much have rather been talking about his job.

Why is it so hard to be ourselves? Could it be that we are afraid of letting down our guard and letting people see us for what we are and they may not like us? Do we perceive that others are perfect and that they wouldn't understand?

I think that those are all lies dangled before us to distract us from praising our God. If we are never open about our struggles, how then can we ever share what wonderful things God is doing? How can others pray and encourage us if we put on a nice facade?

So, in saying all of that, my goal is to write about the things that I am learning. If no one ever reads it that's fine, I will have it to look back on and remember...

Miss California, You Go Girl!

Did you see this? During the Miss USA Pageant this week-end, Miss California was asked if she believed all states should allow same-sex marriages. She said no! And what a back-lash she is receiving! They are saying because of her answer she lost the crown!

Why is it that there is a "right" and "wrong" answer to an opinion question? Or is it the fact that it has to do with truth and morality? I'm guessing that she forgot the pat answer of "world peace" that makes everyone happy! Good for her to take a stand and answer such a hot button question in front of the whole country.

We need more people to stand up and speak the truth, even if we may lose something in the process.

As my daughter says about those who want only tolerance, "You should be tolerant of my intolerance!" Think about that one for a minute!

Proud Momma

Allow me a moment to brag...

A few weeks back in our worldview class, we were talking about our government and our responsibilities as citizens to be involved and make our voice heard. One assignment was to read the newspaper and write a letter to the editor in response to an article, it could agree or disagree but the point was to respond. Well, today we found my oldest son's article in print in the Columbus Dispatch! How cool is that? He did a very good job and gave valid points for his argument.

It's neat to see the kids growing and having an opinion on the world around them!

Challenging the Status Quo

I read that phrase a few weeks ago and it has stuck with me. Although not the first time I had heard that statement, I think even more today we need to be actively challenging things.

Why do you do the things you do? Have you ever wondered that? How much of our days are consumed with doing things the way they have always been done? Do we question the "normal" stuff or just go about our usual busyness?

Now, to be honest, I've been called a rebel more than once, go figure. That label has not been used in an unkind way or because I have done "bad" things. On the contrary, I usually get called that because I have stepped out of the box of what is expected: the change of a church home, pulling my children out of traditional schooling, not wanting my children involved in an organized youth program, etc. Things that we never question, we just do them and don't even think about it.

If we truly want to follow God's leading, there will be times that He calls us to do things that are contrary to the norm. Isaiah 55:8 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. That's a hard one to wrap our minds around, it's contrary to our culture. And our comfort zone!

In Romans 12:1-2 it says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (ESV). We must test the things we do and think about, even if that means going against the flow. If we test everything against the scriptures and have a book, chapter and verse for everything we do, we may look weird to the outside world but we will be on the mark with God.

So what ways do you challenge the status quo? Look around at what you do and ask yourself "Why?" It might be interesting to see what you come up with!

On the Road Again...

Well, we aren't called Journey Church for nothin'! We will soon be finding another place to hold our Sunday meetings. We do not believe that God is calling us to build/buy our own building to meet in. I guess, there are a few reasons behind that: first, we don't want to be tied to a building and become focused on it and not people; next, we want to be able to give to others (i.e. missions, those who are in need, etc), instead of, paying for all of the up keep of a building; and finally, we don't want to get too comfortable! So I guess that leaves us looking for a new home. Where we find ourselves right now, however, is not new for us; in the 14 months we have been meeting on Sundays, we have met in 3 different places (and 2 different times), each unique to itself. I don't know all of reasons why God keeps moving us, but one reason I can't overlook is the fact that with every new place God brings us new people! I have to believe that because He is moving us to a new place that there is someone we will cross paths with that we wouldn't have where we are now. It's wonderful to be a part of a church that just wants to be available to be used by God, and to let Him lead us wherever He wants us to be. I can't wait to see where He takes us this time, it's always an adventure, and that's a good thing!

A Quote for the Day

I found this quote on an e-mail from TheChristianWorldview.com, I thought it summed up a lot of what is going on in our world today.

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom.

What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.

The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half of the people get the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that, my dear friend, is about the end of any nation." -- The late Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931 to 2005

Thought for the Day

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

There was Swearin' Today!

Oh, sorry, that should be "There was a Swearing-IN Today!" I have always been a poor speller.

Well, we now have the most liberal, socialistic President ever! If this is not a call to Christians to wake up and take a stand, I don't know what would be! Although, it's staggering to me just how many Christians voted for him! My government teacher in high school said, "if you don't vote, you can't complain!" I have come to understand the truth in that statement more and more over the years. However, might I add something to that...instead of complaining, which by the way we could really get in to, why don't we pray. We are told in I Timothy 2:2 that we should pray for our leaders. And as hard as that may be for us to do, I believe we must! Now is the time for Christians to stand up and the best place for us to start is on our knees!

Let's remember that this election and the results of it, did not surprise God. I believe we are seeing God through the lifting of His great hand of protection over our country. And this I do know--that God is still on His throne and that seat is NOT up for grabs!

May God bless America!

How to Worry Less

As the kids get older, it seems that there is so much more to worry about. Or could it be that the worry changes? This, too, is coming from the fact that our oldest just got her driver's permit! (I'm sooooo not old enough for that!!) There are so many ways for them to get hurt, and not just physically. I guess this is where the rubber meets the road, did we do our job well? Did we train them up so that they will make wise choices?

I believe it was Mother's Day this past year that our pastor did a different type of service (now I must say that a lot of our services are different so this was not totally new), he and his wife shared about rasing their children. It was neat to hear from someone who had been there done that. One of the things that she said has really stuck with me, she said to "pray more and worry less." I like that, we have access to the God of the universe and yet we worry about things! Seems silly doesn't it when we look at it from that perspective!

So I am trying to pray more and worry less! And there is a wonderful peace that comes with it!

The Evaluator

Ok, this one may hurt a little...

This year we are doing a worldview curriculum from Summit Ministries called "Lightbearers." We have had incredible discussions about how the world thinks and what it is trying to get us to believe. The influences are everywhere. One assignment we did was called "The Evaluator" in which we analyzed things we allow into our minds that could influence us. We had to pick a book, movie, album or TV show to evaluate or put through the ringer so to speak. The discussion was wonderful!

Here are a few of the questions, are you ready?

* What attracts you to this form of entertainment? Why do you like it?

* How does it make you feel?

* What are the major messages being sent? Do you agree or disagree with them? What are the subtle messages?

* Does it reflect reality?

* How do the messages compare with your personal values?

* What might happen if you imitated the lifestyles and choices of the characters?

*How does it make you feel to know that by supporting this entertainment you are supporting the ideas it is promoting?

And this is the kicker--
* Would you feel comfortable if Jesus watched this with you? What would He say about it? Does the Bible say anything about entertainment like this?

So how did you do? What did you evaluate? One show that was brought up was Hannah Montana. One of the subtle messages we talked about in this show was the sissifying (is that a word?) of the men in this show. They are seen as weak and dopey, we are so inundated with feminism in our society that it is even seen in children's shows and the sad thing is most of us don't even realize it! No wonder girls (and boys) are growing up with wrong ideas of headship in their relationships!

There are good shows and movies our there, however, they are few and far between. What shows have you found that pass this test with flying colors?