From the Hope Farm - Entries from July 2010Summer Goal Completed
A few weeks ago I set out to potty train. I set aside some time and cleared my schedule. Tucker and i stayed home for several days mastering this art. His garb consisted of underwear. It was not sensible at all to clothe him in full attire especially since many accidents happened those first days. To lighten the laundry we stayed home and he pranced around in Diego underwear.
Somewhere around day three he insisted on wearing yellow boots with his underwear. He begged every morning for the " diego boots". I guess diego wears yellow boots. One Sunday morning I forgot to lock my door after getting dressed. Tucker walks into my room with diego underwear and yellow boots. He emerged with these additional accessories. We had a full photo shoot. I could'nt resist!
He was ready to go! I had to break the news that we were not going anywhere. Several weeks after taking these pics I proudly announce that Tucker's main summer goal is completed!
Madeleine L'Engle - A Circle of Quiet
With the onset of 2010 - after completing a reading list for the year - I have been turning pages diligently, slowly completing chapter after chapter, resulting in an opened mind, challenged heart, and many completed books! A small stack of those books lay on my desk to review. When the new year emerged and reading ensued I knew I would need to employ a highlighter if I were to adequately record the truths gained. Often, God seems to speak to me through my reading list - a truth confirmed countless time and in a myriad of ways.
Without further Ado, I introduce you to...A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle.
 To be entirely transparent, I have put off reviewing this book because I've harbored fear that my simple words won’t do it justice. This book truly inspired me while offering immense consolation to my artistic, creative sides. Her own vulnerable accounts of her failures as a writer were riveting. My soul resonated with so much of her statements that I began to view her words as gold. I was almost sure - at times - that I was sitting in a room listening to her personally tell me stories, like I was sitting at the feet of my own grandmother. There is a refreshing honesty about it, due to the book being assembled in part from bits and pieces of her own journals throughout the years.
Many of you know the author's name for her highly acclaimed children's books such as A Wrinkle in Time along with dozens of others. I have often remembered Madeleine speaking of her many rejection slips - the quantitiy being enough to wallpaper her office. The funny thing is, it only took one publishers "yes", to counter all the "no’s". That yes even invoked jealosy in many publishers who quickly wrote off A Wrinkle in Time deeming it "silly stuff that kids would never read." Her method of working through the rejection, hurt and self-pity was both fascinating and revelatory for me.
The best way I can describe this book in whole is that it resembles a quilt. A homemade quilt has many fabrics differing in pattern and color, many of them very bright. Many of these fabrics do not really “match” except that the small squares are beautiful as a whole when put together. Similarly, A Circle of Quiet is a collection of beautiful thoughts which produces raw, vulnerable soul-piercing introspection and reflection. Lastly, I leave you with the highlighted quotes that are memory worthy. The words that will both encourage and move any creative spirit.
"To Define Everything is to annihilate much that gives us laughter and joy." Page 31
"I think that all artists, regardless of degree of talent, are a painful, paradoxical combination of certainty and uncertainty of arrogance and humility, constantly in need of reassurance." Page 38
"If we are given minds we are required to use them but not limit ourselves by them." Page 43
"An IQ cannot measure artistic ability." Page 43
"The creative impulse, like love, can be killed but it cannot be taught. What a teacher or librarian can do, in working with children, is to give the flame enough oxygen so that it can burn. As far as I'm concerned this providing of oxygen is the noblest of all vocations." Page 45
"One of the greatest weapons of all is laughter, a gift for fun, a sense of play which is sadly missing from the grownup world." Page 99
"When I look back on that decade of total failure - it's been a mixture, both before and since - there was even on the days of rejection slips, a tiny, stubborn refusal to be completely put down." Page 38
He heard God...We were on our way home from Summer Waves water park today, when some interesting conversation occurred between myself and my 41/2 year old. We came off of the Jekyll bridge and he started talking about the clouds: that he had seen a dinosaur in one of the clouds. Sure enough the cloud looked like a dinosaur! His cloud watching continued until I hit a red light. Kenimer and I talked about how the red light might be broken because it was taking so long. Then we were quiet for a few minutes.
I turned into our neighborhood when Kenimer suddenly lit up and looked very intrigued - I could see his expression through the rear-view mirror.
He then excitedly proclaimed, "I heard God!", "I heard GOD!" (a little louder), then "I HEARD GOD!" very loudly!
I responded, "Well, what did he say?"
His response: "He said He loves Kenimer in the whole earth!"
"Really?!" I asked. "Yes!" proclaimed a very happy Kenimer.
We were not praying. We were not talking about God. There were no spiritual connotations the entire morning, actually.
Even still my son heard the voice of the Lord. Maybe the Lord is wanting to tell you how much He loves you today. Listen and see. Livng Waters 2010The Lewis family took a trek up to the North Carolina Mountains a few weeks ago. Shannon and I led worship for a middle school camp. The site was called Living Waters and was just a few miles outside of a cool, tree-hugging town called Brevard.
This trip was such a refreshment to us in many ways. Shannon's post outlined the ministry side of this trip, while I will focus on the family, recreational aspects of this week for us. Read his account here. First, our children were able to accompany us. The camp operates on parental volunteers in addition to their paid staff. Each middle schooler who attended camp also had a parent who came to work the kitchen, snacks etc. While we were having morning and night meetings the parents were having their own worship and intercessory prayer meetings in the cafeteria. The parents did not room with their children. They stayed with other parents. I saw neat bondings happening as parents prayed with others parents for their children. The benefit for us was that their were many adults who took turns caring for my children while I led worship and attended practices with Shannon. 2nd, we stayed in a three story house. The bottom floor housed female campers and counselors. The middle floor housed the camp director and his wife, along with two children (the same ages as mine!) and another married couple. We stayed on the top floor which had two bedrooms and a full bath. These couples became dear friends. We stayed up many evenings eating snacks, processing the day and enjoying rich fellowship with like minded people.
Other highlights:
A golf cart was the primary means of transportation for staff. We got up every morning dressed and rode the cart to breakfast...and lunch...and dinner... and at snack time. ( I got really spoiled!) While we were at meetings The sitters, my kids (and their friends) would ride the carts all over camp to explore. ( I have a stinking suspicion they spent most of that time throwing rocks- which brings me to the next highlight.
Rock Throwing became a favorite pastime for my boys. They searched for the perfect rock then promptly threw it in the river making different sized splashes. I think they could have done this for hours.
Everywhere you walked at camp you could hear the rush of the falls. It was like having a sound machine on all the time- except this was the real thing. The mere sounds of the falls reminded me of God's love constantly- the roaring rush, and neverending waters. The afternoons were spent in the river. The camp schedule went like this: river time, snacks, then nap time before dinner. We pretty much followed this schedule. The counselors split up and went to different river locations different times of the day. The counselors were very trained on safety and did a good job of life guarding the area. Shannon rode the rooster tail with both boys. The rooster tail is like a water ride, the slope of the rock resembles a tail that has a high jump at one point. The boys were in heaven!
If you were not riding the rooster tail you could go to the Chalet area ( which is the waterfall in the front picture. There were several small rocks to slide and lots of areas to wade and swim. Shannon took the boys under falls and even climbed up the rock side of one waterfall with Kenimer.
Tucker's not so sure.
I Think we look like the Tarzan family in this one!
I really can't describe how special this week was for us. The counselors were some of the most outstanding high school and college kids we have ever met. They truly ministered to us in many ways. Singing original songs and having the kids ask to sing them really increased my confidence that these songs come from Jesus and he has a plan for them. The only job we have is to be good stewards of the songs he gives us.
We left Camp Saturday night after some tears and heartfelt conversations. We headed down to Atlanta and woke up early Sunday morning in order to get to GRACE FELLOWSHIP by 7 a.m. We were leading for all three services. Although we were energy depleted at the end of Sunday- I can't think of any better way to spend eight days! A friend of mine stayed with the boys Sunday morning for the first two services and we brought to the afternoon service. She reported that Kenimer cried at breakfast saying that we had to go to the white building to eat breakfast (I think he was a little spoiled also). He was asleep when we got into ATL and was quite traumatized that we were not at Camp! The Lewis Family was completely rejuvenated and encouraged by our eight day adventure! Worship and Spiritual Warfare
I love to attend church and worship with the masses, However , the opportunity to lead a congregation from the stage has taken on new meaning. With the recent study of 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, the importance of praising in the midst of battles has become so true in my life. This passage is a beautiful example of the power of God, it further outlines how praise can actually prompt God to release his power. This passage is full of hair raising spiritual warfare moments. It is also full of examples on how to fight these battles in our daily life.
My husband and I led worship at Saint Simons Community Church this morning. He broke a string during the first song and some of the pastoral leadership was sick. Since we are in a series "Prevail" - specifically on Spiritual Warfare - we recognized the enemy's ploys, as Shannon hasn't broken a string in months, and suddenly broke 4 in a week, all during important worship-leading events! Despite these things, we worship\ped with all that was within us. We cried out to Jesus before the service and asked him to come fight the battle that belongs to Him.
I encourage you to read this passage and then follow along as I outline this incredible story.
Jehosaphat's first steps
He was in some rough waters. He was told that a great multitude was coming against him. (I can relate!). He was afraid. He set his face to seek the Lord. He called for a fast throughout Judah. The country did assemble to seek help from the Lord. They came from ALL the cities of Judah to seek the Lord. What an example of turning your face to the Lord in trying times. I am digging this!
The Lord answers their prayers
God says, Don’t be afraid- the battle belongs to me. You won’t have to fight, God will fight the battle for you - take up your positions, stand firm and see God’s delivering hand at work.
This is the AMAZING part:
As they praised God, He set up ambushes against the enemy. Did you read that? Our sweet Jesus will go ahead of us…. Wow. My Jesus set up ambushes for the enemies of Judah, all of this while they were worshiping Jesus with loud voices. THEN - it gets better - the enemy fought and destroyed one another completely. The account tells us that their was so much plunder for the people of Judah it took them three days to carry it all. What Satan meant for harm God turned into beautiful treasures, hence the plunder that the people gained. This is the part where we see God’s power released.
So what do you guess the people of Judah's response to God was? They worshiped Him with a LOUD voice. Verse 21 also tells us that Jehosaphat appointed singers and worshipers to go out ahead of the army into battle.
And as if this deliverance was not enough there were also long lasting results of this encounter with God for the Land of Judah. All surrounding kingdoms feared the Lord when they learned how he has delivered them. The land of Judah also retained peace on every side.
Jehosaphat knew that great things could be accomplished when the power of God is released. He took the necessary steps to lead his people to seek Him, He answered, delivered him, bestowed inheritance up on his nation (the plunder) and established peace.
Wow. I love to worship and lead others because it is a chance to see His power released.
Thank You Jesus for establishing praise on my lips in the midst of all situations today. I ask you to establish an ambush for my enemies and deliver me from the as-of-yet unseen snares of the devil. I will worship You and seek Your face today. I will commit my children to you while I love and care for them today…. Amen and amen.
Book Club: Boundaries with Kids
So, I have a new relationship with reading. Yes, I LOVE books - lots of different ones. With the onset of new years resolutions I made a reading list for 2010. WITH NO FURTHER ADO let me introduce you to my most recently completed book.
Boundaries with Kids When to say yes, When to say no, To Help your Children Gain control of their lives. By: Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
After all it is the year of the family. In January our church announce that 2010 would be the year to focus on family. Therefore our church turned into a mini-college, offering a 'degree' in family via every course imaginable on different days of the week. There were book tables offering every resource under the sun etc. Ok - no degree was given but you get me right?
This family theme was so timely for us. Sometime in the fall of 2009 we looked at each other and had the talk, resulting in a more purposeful life for us. We decided that there was no longer room nor was there time for excuses. We would pursue our dreams - using gifts and talents we would hone our crafts while focusing on living life to it’s fullest We also noted that when we are not experiencing the fullness of our potential and working towards goals we become complacent in parenting. We both desire to parent our kids in such a way that they would be filled with ambition, goals and dreams, full of life and living to their fullest potential. As a parent I often find myself enundated with fulfilling basic needs for my children (health, clothing, sleep, rest, safety, etc), then the paradox emerged: how can we foster these things in our children if we are not living examples? I’ve always heard there is no better teacher than example. We began to pray about how to prioritize our life. Obviously each and every thing we are involve ourselves with in some way affects the entire family.
So, mid-May I was at church and saw that a Summer book club was being offered for moms. The course was titled Boundaries with Kids. This was a five week class that occurred one morning a week with childcare. I quickly signed up. A brief picture of those five weeks- sitting in a room with 20 other moms discussing what was read, how it related to our parenting, processing the concepts and putting them to practice. The tensions of trying to understand the concepts while revealing our own struggles with mothering proved invaluable to me. As a parent this book will step on your toes. So many times while reading, I saw weaknesses in my own internal boundaries with others and myself. Boundaries with kids is broken down into three parts: 1.Why Kids need boundaries, 2. Ten boundary principles kids need to know. 3. Implementing boundaries with kids. While every chapter of this book is beneficial and highly enlightening I want to focus on two truths that resonated with me as a parent
1. A recurring theme in this book: as parents it is our job to set the boundaries. To apply the limits and show empathy while it is the job of our children to protest the limit. This was quite an aha moment for me. Ok - I get it, this is what they are SUPPOSED to do. They must protest, try to change the limit - I must hold onto the limit and show empathy, while they internalize the limit, accept it and develop a loving attitude toward the limits set for them. This concept was continually repeated as a reminder that as parents we have a job. Some have a tougher time than others depending on the temperaments of your children. Nonetheless it is a job that takes a lot of work (and prayer).
2. The last golden revelation I found was in Chapter 11. I am happier when I am thankful: the law of envy. This chapter talks about the dangers of entitlement in children. Before reading this book, I had begun to notice a sense of entitlement among some teenagers and it deeply saddened me. Page 176 states that humble people are those whose entitlment has been broken. They have been humbled, have received, and are thankful for what they have. In that kind of stance God and others are most likely to give them more. This discussion in class occurred two days after I had been around some teenagers that were displaying this "sense of entitlement". I also began to search my heart and repent of any entitlement I might be holding on to. This brings me to the above statement which states that a humble person is one whose entitlement has been broken. This statement hit me like a ton of bricks. First off, I always thought I was not humble - I thought humble people were always quiet and soft-spoken. Why? those people usually get labeled humble. But humility is more a state of the heart rather than a personality trait. I love how the statement mentions that a humble person sense of entitlement has been BROKEN - thus indicating that we all suffer from a selfish nature - thinking that the world owes us. We all wrestle with this fleshly egocentricism. I found this gratitude stealer in many areas of my life. Let's just say that last chapter hit me hard.
This is a practical read for every parent. It is now on my husbands bedside table! 2010 Campaign: I can't shake this.
I was rummaging through the mail the other day - most of it trash. There were an awful lot of campaign announcements which I only briefly glanced at. One particular flyer caught my attention: it was confusing - I had just read one pamphlet about another candidate, then picked up the next one to see statements about the same candidate that were directly conflicting with what I had just read. Looking closer, I saw that one candidate was promoting himself by accusing another: the motive was clear and concise - he was attempting to point out faults in the opposing runner in order to amplify his strengths. His flyer actually put more attention on the other guy than himself. My first thoughts: "are we in middle school?" I quickly went into judgment mode. I was angry that this adult and his accompanying supporters actually printed flyers bashing another candidate.
I really couldn't believe my eyes.
I know this conduct is normal in political campaigning. The voice of reality screamed, "this is just how its done. Its par for the course." Tried as I might, I could not accept it as standard procedure. Recognizing the need to learn what our candidates plan to accomplish while in office is important. It is a unique American freedom to be able to choose our officers and parties. However, you don't need to throw dirt at your opponents: doesn’t reputation, good virtue and vice speak for itself?
The more I processed these actions the more disheartened I became. This is directly contrary to God’s heart regarding honoring others. God began to remind me of scenarios when I had exhibited the same behavior. Ok, lets clarify: I've never posted baggage about someone 'round town nor have I broadcast it to a large group, but there has been the instance where I shared a wound or wrongdoing committed against me with a close friend. I wondered - was it necessarty to share that specific issue with that person? Why did I do it? In some cases I might have been working through a significant hurt or hurdle - that may have been appropriate. However, there are the times I know my motive was to taint the image of someone I was offended by. It made me feel good to know that they knew 'the Truth' about that person - it felt good have them on my side. Sure, there are appropriate times to disclose information, especially when it involves the safety or moral well–being of another. Yes, sometimes we may genuinely need empathy from a safe, caring friend, counselor or pastor. However, we need to search our hearts.
I have been thinking a lot about the damage I can do so easily with my tongue. How quickly I can tear someone down in order to feel empowered.
I want to speak life into and honor all people. It seems acceptable in our culture to discuss people and their weaknesses freely, especially when we are let down, disillusioned or hurt. I have felt betrayed by people - it is so tempting to disclose the details of these downfalls. Admittedly, I have discussed situations when I should not have. Usually when I do this I create another level of anxiety for myself. I always know when I have spoken of thing I should not have.
While the desire to be used by God grows stronger daily, the refining fire is also shining it’s light into my heart daily. I found the following scriptures while digging around for God's heart on this subject.
"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor". - Exodus 20:16
"A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." - Proverbs 16:28
Disclaimer: I don't in any way consider myself an expert on political matters. Therefore welcome any thoughtful comments.
Lastly, the candidate who had been the topic of the negative campaigning did indeed release a statement that began with "It has been rumored that..."then he simply corrected the false statements with truth, supplying dated evidence. There was no need to go to battle. He only needed to put out the fire. I can appreciate that.
I love calling your name.
I spent a few days composing a soppy, mushy love post for our six year anniversary. I tried all the usuals- i.e. six reasons why I adore my husband, listing his great attributes etc. etc.
Im not certain the reason, however none of these formats seemed fitting this year.
As I was scouring the fridge for a quick bedtime snack, I called my husbands name- I then told him something (can’t remember what)
Then it hit me. I call his name dozens of times a day. Sometimes its to tell him stories, tell him news, process something, ask him to do something, share an idea. Tell him something that’s broken, tell him something funny, tell him something sad, ask him to get something out of the car, ask for a cup of water at night, tell him what was on sale at the store, share something cute about the kids, or most recently, in the middle of the night when I became suddenly sick. Our house is small but it seems that when our conversations begin we are in different rooms. Thus talks usually ensue after I have called his name. He answers- then we begin talking. When he is gone I miss calling his name and I miss him not being right there.
Simply because I love calling his name.
I love how he answers. He most often says: yes sweetie, Yes dear, etc. I realized that I don’t have to call his name before I begin talking to him but I choose to. The fact remains: I love calling his name. I am grateful to have had the last six years to call his name. I look forward
to 66 more.
I also enjoy looking at my man while he does his thing! Thanks to Chris Moncus at ChrisMoncusPhoto.com for catching a moment when we were both gazing at one another.
This pic is very special to me.
I heart number 146 and the 4th
I absolutely love the 4th of July. I don't love the fact that I am almost two weeks in posting facts from my fabulous sparkler day festivities. You'll forgive...right?
I love number 146, yes, indeed I do! My husband ran his first fourth of July race (which was held on the 3rd). He was cute telling me all about it in his bubbly demeanor. He was proud to complete it! I am thankful to his buddies Brent and Jimmy who challenged him!
I love the 4th of July so much that I decorated the first week of June. I am convinced that red white and blue are appropriate for the whole summer. It is July 16 and my 4th decor is still up. Stars and stripes are worthy of being put everywhere. You will find them on my doormat,
In my planters, on the front door, on the screen door and anywhere else is fair game.
This year I even bought some vintage jewelry that was red, white and blue. I also did the unthinkable and bought our whole family matching flag shirts from old navy. I was going to make unique- hand made shirts but time was lacking.
Our 4th was full. Full of amazing times. We started the Sunday off by guestleading worship at my dad's church North Island Church. It was so fitting to worship the God of the ages ( who never changes) on our nations birthday! I loved being able to lead the NIC congregation on this special day.
Our 4th festivities were spent with dear friends at a house on Sea Island. This is a beatiful home right on the beach (where we watched fireworks!) The kids swam in the pool and filled their tummies with watermelon.
Here is pictorial evidence that the kids indeed consumed some melon!
The boys were thrilled with the melon- their friend declined the offer.
The boys were chomping the goodness while their friend decided to swim some more..
And she's back- what do ya know- she wants my baby boy's melon.
Her mother steps in to give her a slice and saves the day. (meltdown was approaching)
Three happy kiddos eating melon.
The big boy there has had his fill. He triumphantly offers his rind!
The two 2 and a half -year olds are still working it !
My boys were climbing on the iron works while proclaiming "Look, Mama, were in Jail" Pretty nice jail- eh?
T'was a wonderful independence day indeed!
There were adults present- my camera simply failed to capture them. My parents and friends parents were also there to add to the celebration! The sad thing is... I probably should take down the fourth decor.... sometime...
Oh Baby
Babe parties. The last two weekends have involved two of them. One was a traditional Saturday women’s shower and the other happened to be a couples shower.
It seems that there is a trend… when I get a baby party invite…there is usually another. The same occurrence with weddings. One wedding invite and soon another and the same with showers. This confirms my theory that clusters of babies are born around the same time. AND. There really might be something in the water…ditto for marriages as well. I fully heart the institution of marriage and the practice of baby making.
I also adore present making.
Though it does take some time and effort. Lately I have been too busy and thus recipients of my baby shower and wedding attending have gotten store bought gifts. I feel that I have done someone an injustice when I buy a store-bought gift. I don’t know why…but if I purchase a gift I really want it to be unique. You guessed: It is nearly impossible for me to buy from a registry. With the ever increasing absence of "extra money” I have resorted to making gifts again.
For the baby showers I make hospital signs. They are signs that record the date, time, weight, and height of the baby's birth and can be placed on the wee one’s nursery door later. The first one I made was for my baby (two and a half year ago)! It was made from a small slate chalkboard. I have made them with wood cut outs of animals or whatever the room theme. These two are a bit simpler as the nurseries were not specific themes- just colors.
This one is for Cassie May. The font is Jane Austen.
This one is for Cannon Van… which is such a smart name. The font is traveling Typewriter.
They were made from two thin pieces of wood, ribbon and acrylic paint…all items in my art boxes in the shed. Never pass up an opportunity to create or “make something” out of your resources. Your mood will thank you later. I promise. It does a body good. Kinda like milk.
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From the Hope Farm by
Thoughts on family life, and 'life as worship' from a 30-something Wife, Mother, Worshiper, Worship Leader, Songwriter, and Musician.
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