Ponderings In The Field of Grace

We thought about going to the mountains this weekend, but now I think we might just put it off for a little while. I guess since I am not a “mountain” person, I was just not expecting there to be a huge demand in the summer for places to stay. And I was definitely not expecting the rates to be what they are at these places! Good night half the places charge anywhere from $55 to $125 for a CLEANING fee! How much do they pay their housekeeping staff?!?!

So, needless to say since I am such a cheapskate, and my dear husband is NOT going to camp out anywhere. I don’t think the mountains will be seen by these eyes for a little while longer at least.

It has definitely been an interesting summer so far. We ended up having to do school through the whole month of June. (We finish this coming Wednesday!)  We’ve decided to try and do more fun trips together and try to learn as much as we can about our state along the way.

So far we’ve been to six state parks and two national parks. We’re all learning a lot and having a great time along the way.

Oops got to run. Just realized I didn’t do something. I’ll write some more later!

It’s been a long day, but we did get a good bit done. So that’s good, right?  I took The Professor to Columbia for some academic testing. He did well overall. The Dr. was pretty pleased I think, so that is good. I was also able to get groceries, so one more thing off the to do list. It has been so hot though. Unfortunately a pretty typical southern summer day. When we climbed in the van at the Dr.’s office the thermometer on the van read “105″. Now I know it wasn’t that hot actually, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the heat index was pretty doggone close.  That heat is so draining. I think the humidity was 65% or higher which made it feel even worse. Luckily though it cooled off this evening. Hope it doesn’t get that hot again tomorrow, or I might try running through the sprinklers!

As I was reading my Bible this morning, God really laid on my heart some of the people I met in Maui. Things are so different there than they are back home. Of course, I do live in the “Bible Belt”.  It just makes me so sad to think about all the shrines at almost every beach, etc. I was reading this morning in Romans and ran across this verse:

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they will be without excuse.

All over the island I ran into people and markers which acknowledged the awesome wonder of creation. But I also got a sense of resentment for being forced to accept a religion, rather than developing a true relationship with that Creator. To some of the people I talked with, there seemed to be a feeling of,   “It’s all the same, you just get to choose what you want to call it, and how you want to worship.”

My heart is breaking and crying out, Lord please send your children there. Go before them I pray. Let the people of Maui see You and only You in the actions of your children. Send missionaries with a heart for You. Ones who have a real relationship with You. Help them as they share the message of the Gospel. Be with these people as they live out your love to the people of Maui each day.

Wow, just got a phone call saying someone I haven’t talked to in years may be calling me tomorrow. Such mixed emotions right now. Firstly I am amazed at how God is working in my life right now. I never would have been able to even consider talking with this person just 3 weeks ago. But God really dealt with me on some unforgiveness and bitterness I have harbored. I can truly say I am almost eager to talk with this person and tell them how sorry I am for the way I acted. The timing is just blowing me away. On the other hand, though, I have to admit I am scared. I am not sure what their reaction may be, though I think it may be a good one. (I hope so anyway.)  Lastly, I am nervous how this may affect another relationship I have. Sadly, I guess, I am more worried about what this second person will think of me, than I am how and why they react a certain way. Confusing enough? Oh well, I think I will be spending a lot of time in prayer tonight seeking God’s will in this and looking to learn more about how to live for Him instead of myself…

Enjoying another day at home with the kids.

School is running a month later this year because of all the breaks we needed to take, but they don’t seem to really mind. I have to say I’ve been pleasantly surprised with their attitudes.

Princess and I are talking about fables, parables, and legends this week in history. We’re talking about Johnny Appleseed today.

Also, I think we might watch some videos today in honor of  World Oceans Day. I found some awesome videos on Netflix about dolphins and oceans. Since we can’t make it to the ocean today I think it would be a good substitute!

We’ve had a really nice weekend. Friday we were so tired we collapsed on the couch and watched a couple of movies. Have I mentioned I love Netflix’s Instant Watch option? We watched two funny movies we never would have picked up in a rental store. The first one was a cute romantic comedy, My First Wedding. The second one was an Australian film I think, Better Than Sex. It was funny how true to life some of the scenarios in it were. The Knight was on call so we couldn’t really go anywhere Saturday so we opted to stick close to home. We visited Landsford Canal and walked the Canal and Nature Trails. We got to see some of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies, and we even ran into the Professor’s former speech therapist. We haven’t seen her for close to seven years. She couldn’t believe how much he had grown. Today my Mom and I went to a bridal shower for my cousin’s daughter. It was a nice little drive but we got to hang out with some family so that was nice.  Overall I think it’s been a pretty good weekend. Now to see what the coming week holds…

The Pharisees and Sadducees  came up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. But He replied to them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?” “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.”  And he left them and went away.

-Matthew 16:1-4 NASB

Things have been so busy around here lately. Every night there is somewhere to be. In the meantime, my house is falling apart! I pray I can get all of this done before our trip. I sure do not want to come home to a messy house! Oh well, guess I’ll do the best I can. So much to look forward to in the coming days. Kids are growing up so quickly. Where is the time going?

We spent yesterday out and about. We picked up a few clothes and went out to eat. I don’t know which one the kids enjoyed more- Cracker Barrel or Wendy’s…

The kids sure are enjoying the nice weather though. They have been outside so much playing, riding bikes, doing a little bit of everything. Looks like it will be good weather the rest of this week, so they should have a good time. Here’s hoping anyway.

This week has been insane! We’ve gotten so much accomplished, but it has been non-stop for me. We actually took a Spring Break this week, and I got some things done around the house. The kids pretty much spent the beginning of the week outside playing with the hosepipe. Who could blame them? It was almost 90 degrees! The Shady Tree Shack reopened for the year to signify the beginning of our warm weather. Of course all they had to offer was ice water, but with it being as hot as it was there really weren’t any complaints.

Today my baby is 7 years old. I know people say this all the time, but honestly, I don’t know where the time has gone. I’m enjoying it though. He wants to go fishing on his birthday. He’s so excited. His new friend is getting to come to his party. He can’t wait!  He’s counting the hours until J gets here!

I think it is going to be a lot of fun.

We’re surprising him and the rest of the kids with a day trip tomorrow. Should be a lot of fun! Exhausting, but FUN!!!!