Look It Up!

As most of you know, I am homeschooling both of my kids. The journey is interesting, to say the least, and I'm learning how different the world is from when I was a child.

I remember asking my dad questions such as, "What does ________ mean?" or "How do you spell _______?" To which he would always reply, "Look it up."
This taught me how to use the dictionary very well because if I wanted to know something, I had to look it up in the dictionary, thesaurus, or one of those big red encyclopedias.

Fast forward to me as the parent. Do I send my son to look something up whenever he has a question? You bet I do! Does it drive him crazy? You bet it does! But, is he learning how to effectively learn for himself? Most definitely.

The problem comes in when he sees me run to the almighty "Google" to find answers! He has even seen me use dictionary.com for reference. Of course, this leads me to explain myself... or justify my actions. I have explained that I had to learn the way he is learning first.
But he wants to know why that is important?
Well, because if the electricity is out and you want to know a definition, that is how you find it! Or, if you are shipwrecked with only a dictionary and big red encyclopedias, you will know how to effectively pass the time.

The reality is that times are different but knowledge comes in all forms. Sometimes, I think we all tend to take the easy way out and forget the days of the library catalog.

Remember the days when we would ask a friend for her awesome casserole recipe? Now, we simply type a few words and click enter and we are inundated with several to choose from.

I remember going to the library searching the shelves for a good read. Now, we have book readers and the instant gratification is right at our fingertips.

Dinner on the fly instead of around the table with my family.

Even in my faith, I find myself settling for a McVerse- quick and easy instead of digging into The Word.

Is technology a bad thing? Mercy no! I love my dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. I can't imagine having a huge hunk of ice in a box instead of my refrigerator. I am so thankful for electricity to keep me toasty in Winter and cool in Summer.

Even though I love modern conveniences, I have a feeling that there will always be a dictionary on my shelf waiting to have its pages flipped as the words look it up ring through my house.

Smile :) donnamusing

Happy 2013!

Happy New Year 2013!

I've approached this new year without the usual resolutions. This year holds a couple of new goals for me. They will both take a lot of effort and most of the year to complete. Even if I fail, I'm looking forward to see what this new year holds.

I know changes are coming.
Big changes.

I'm not sure what our little world is going to look like when we close the door on this year but I do know that things will be different.

The year is young, only three days old and really, I haven't done much toward my goals. Just today, I've labeled them.

First, I have resolved to relax a little bit more. And in honor of this venture, I've decided to leave our Christmas tree up through January. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? For me, it definitely does. I believe today already makes a record on how long I've ever left it up.

Part of "relaxing" includes just enjoying life with my kids more. The time passes all too quickly and while they can drive me crazy, I love them and I know that one day I will miss these young days. My kids and I all love the colorful lights, thus we shall enjoy them longer. We will put away the ornaments this weekend and then decorate the tree with cut-out paper snowflakes. Hopefully, we will get some snowfall this January to enjoy together.

Now, that I've told you that I want to relax more, you may have this mental image that I'll be sitting around reading a good book with a latte all year. Even though that sounds lovely, that won't work with my second goal. Actually, at first glance, the two contradict each other but with an intense gaze, they partner quite nicely.

My second notion is to clear out! Throughout the year, I want to CLEAR OUT every drawer, cabinet, closet, attic box, basement cubby, and file cabinet to rid myself of everything non-essential.

Sounds like a lot of work for someone wanting to relax more...

If we haven't worn it, used it, need it, or love it, it needs a new home. We have too many things that could be a blessing to someone else instead of a stowaway in a corner. I know that this needs to be accomplished and I know that more freedom will come as I clear things away.

What do you resolve?
I plan for more snuggles and laughter with less clutter and junk.

Smile :) donnamusing

Have You Heard These Christmas Songs?

When it comes to Christmas music, everyone has an opinion. The best, the worst, the annoying, the awesome... and so on...

For instance, I think most everyone I know would like "The 12 Days of Christmas" a lot better if it simply started at the 12th day! My kids even think "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is super-creepy- he sees you when you're sleeping! "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time" drills a hole in my husband's head! And "Little Saint Nick" by The Beach Boys makes me want to pull my hair out! Ack!

On the contrary, songs like "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole, "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby, or a good version of "Let it Snow" and "Winter Wonderland" whisk me off to a warm fireplace complete with hot cocoa in-hand, there are some others I'd like to share.



Have you heard these? Here are three songs to try out if you are tired of the same old thing. A touching story, a fun song for kids, and a reminder that the best gifts are from the heart. 



The first one is one I recently caught the tail end of and I had to look it up. I'm so glad I did. Heart-warming!

His Favorite Christmas Story by Capital Lights:

I remember hearing this song growing up so it has a touch of nostalgia for me. Maybe, it still airs on country stations but I don't regularly listen to those. This is a cute song that kids will enjoy.

Wilbur the Christmas Mouse by Ralph and Red:

This song is pure, tender, and sweet. A song to remind us that the best gifts are from the heart. The best gifts are not the pricey "gotta have it" things but instead, they are priceless. 

The Gift by Aselin Debison:

Merry Christmas! Smile :) donnamusing

"Picture Perfect" doesn't exist...

"One thing I’ve learned is that being a mom is hard work, it is not all sunshine and roses, and cookies, and snuggles… I tend to long for a picture-perfect ideal that doesn’t exist." 
-Today, I wrote these words to my sMIL and caught the words "picture-perfect" in my mind for a moment.
What does that mean anyway?

Picture perfect is completely flawless. Picture perfect is all hopes and dreams coming true. Picture perfect is no arguments, no messes, no struggles, no heartbreak.

Picture perfect is... staged. In reality, it doesn't exist. I'm chasing an elusive ideal that I can never hold onto.

I knew going into parenthood that it would be hard, perhaps even harder than some, because our children are adopted but still, I hoped and even prayed for- something close to picture perfect. You know, husband & wife, dog, two and half kids, white picket fence, and walk-in closets. All to the tune of perfect order and function where everyone farts cupcakes and picks flowers instead of eats boogers. Yep, I'm pretty sure that it has taken me this long to finally realize that world doesn't exist. Not here, not anywhere. 

Sometimes being a parent is just plain hard. 
No fun included. 
I hate those moments. 
I'd much rather bake cookies and read a book with my kids on a blanket in the shade any day. 

One of the tough things about the hard times is becoming acutely aware of the things that need to change in myself. I hate that part. I hate the lessons. 
But if I'm honest, I like the other side of the lessons.

We aren't picture perfect. Not even close. Not even neatly staged with bunny ears. We are more like "Awkward Family Photos" - if you have ever seen those then you know they aren't pretty. Far from perfect. But those are real. Real life is messy, uncomfortable, chaotic, and a series of lessons. 

Real life is loving when you don't feel like it. Real life is helping each person pick up the pieces of broken hearts and mending them together. Real life is discipline, correction, and guidance. Real life is staying when you want to run away. Real life is the here and now.

Real life is not picture perfect.

It feels like ChAoS!

Sometimes God brings great trials before a blessing in our life. This stretches us, grows us, and ultimately prepares us to appreciate the blessing.

Other times trials come to teach us something. Maybe even to have a greater appreciation for what He has already blessed us with. Perhaps, to remove some junk out of our hearts.

I'm not sure what direction God is taking "this trial" in our lives. I can't see the ending point.

Sometimes, I have "feelings" or "vibes" about the direction a situation is going, even "peace" of what will be. This time, I don't have that. Instead, I have an ache. A painful, crippling ache in my heart. I am powerless to affect the outcome and I have no idea what will come forth.

Admitting that I feel this emptiness is humbling. I'm allowing my self to be vulnerable and out of control. I'm confessing that I am struggling. My hard exterior is crumbling away to reveal my gooey center. And there is nothing that I can do. But wait and believe.

I have to believe that God is in control. I know He loves all people. Everyone involved in this situation. In my flesh, that is hard to swallow. Yes, God loves EVERYONE in this situation. EVERYONE.

I have a lot of fears. Some are legitimate, some not so much. Regardless, they all feel real. Each jolt is valid within my mind and heart.

So for anyone thinking that I think I'm perfect, you can rest assured that is all wrong.
I'm a wreck. I fail. Often.

I know that I should not be anxious for anything but instead I should pray and receive peace. Yet, fear sneaks up on me.

I trust God, yet I struggle with each footstep on the path.

God is definitely stretching me. He has a plan. I do believe that. I trust that. I trust Him.

For the moment, there is nothing I can do to impact this situation. It is out of my hands.
However, I can allow God to personally impact my heart. I can feel Him working in me.
It hurts. But a grapevine must be pruned to produce good fruit. So, I welcome the shears- tearing off the dead stuff hanging around in my heart.
I'm learning some lessons on this journey. Greater appreciation for what God has already done is one of them.

With sorrow, I can see clearly, things that I have needed to change in myself. Maybe if I had learned that already, this lesson wouldn't have to teach me that. Better to learn it now, than later, or never.
So, prune away. Even though it hurts.

Smile (at least a small one) :) donnamusing



I caught these lyrics recently:

Whatever you're doing inside of me 
It feels like chaos somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something heavenly

Here is the song:

There's a hurricane a'brewing!

There's a hurricane a'brewing!

The craziness of my life right now falls in line with this hurricane.
What?! What hurricane? Where did it come from?
How many different paths could it possibly take?
How much destruction will come to pass?
How much heartache?
Where will it hit land? When?

So many questions surround this hurricane.
So many questions surround this new element unfolding in our midst.

The first thing to do is to have a safety plan in place.
"God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble." Psalm 46:1

The next thing to do is wait. You can't speed up or slow down a hurricane.
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

When the storm hits, go to the safest place.
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." Psalm 91:4-6

Remain calm during the storm. (This one is often hard.)
"Be anxious for nothing, but in every situation, through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus". Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be afraid. The winds may howl but have faith.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

There are many paths this hurricane may take, some making it last longer than others. Keep holding on.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

If you need help, ask for it!
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5

Realize that the world is still turning. Rejoice.
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Emerge after the storm. Continue to walk in faith.
"Walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people." Galatians 6:9

The storm will come and the storm will go.
Whatever changes the storm brings will alter life as we know it.
But I'm holding on. This ride of life is about to get a little crazier.
I don't know what the end result will be but I have to have faith that it will all be okay.

Smile :) donnamusing

Seeking HIM . . . Not "the plan"

I call out to you, Lord seeking your face but mostly wanting to know your plan. What is it, Lord that you have planned? Could you just let me see what is up the road? The waiting is hard. The uncertainty is crushing. But I know that you are strengthening my faith when you bring a journey that stretches me. You have given me a glimpse, a very small glimpse of something that "could be." I struggle to know "will it be?" "when?" "how?" 

Of course, I don't want it to hurt. I don't watch to stretch so far that I feel it. Can we skip all the hard stuff and just receive the blessing? Could you just allow it to be easy? 

What if I am "hopeful" for nothing? Is this carrot dangling in front of me something that I can grab on to? How long will we chase it? How tired will we be? Or will you simply lay it before us?

I know you only allow us to see your plan in your time, as you choose to reveal it. Am I being impatient? Will this require sweat and blood?

As a parent, I often only allow my children one piece of information at a time because I know what they can handle. Sometimes, I withhold all of the information and surprise them with a car packed down for vacation. Sometimes, I make them work for it so the prize will mean more to them. What is your plan, God? Why have you allowed this tiny glimpse? Will it become nothing and fade away, leaving me with an ache that never existed before? Is it even from you? Will I pass it by and always wonder what could have been? What is this?

In the midst of the struggle, a friend pointed out Jeremiah 29:11-13 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

With special emphasis on verse 13: "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." 

You have a plan, Father. But the plan isn't what my heart should seek, it is you that I must seek with all of my heart. As the deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after thee. 

Driving home tonight from coffee with a friend, my heart fled back to a song that God gave me to pen about ten years ago. Here I shall share the words:

You are the peace that passes understanding.

You are the calm in my storm.

Jesus, you are the Holy One. The one true begotten Son.

You speak, peace into my life.

You hold me when the storm is raging.

You catch me when my grip is fading.

You love me when I'm holding on.

You smile when I desire you.

You grieve when I've forgotten you.

You run to me when I run to you.

You are the light that guides me everyday.

You are the shelter when I pray.

Jesus, you are my Savior. The one and only sacrifice.

You speak, love into my life.

You hold me when the storm is raging.

You catch me when my grip is fading.

You love me when I'm holding on.

You smile when I desire you.

You grieve when I've forgotten you.

You run to me when I run to you.

You are my peace, my life, my strength. 

You are my calm, my shelter, my guide.

Whether this is something from you or a stepping stone along life's path, have YOUR way in my life, Lord.

Smile :) donnamusing