A Simple Woman's Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Outside my window...It's snowing and the snow sparkles when the porch light hits it!

Praising God for...The strides all 7 of my kids are making in their schooling or college! It's a long road but I'm loving those moments you sit back and notice PROGRESS!

In prayer for...A dear couple in my church on a very hard path of adoption. They await news and it's all I can think about!

I am thinking...About a missions trip I am taking in October with many of my best friends in life! We're making plans and I am on the hunt for Youth Bible Study materials that are in both English and Spanish.

In the Kitchen...

I am reading..."This is a Soul: The Mission of Rick Hodes" by Marilyn Berger

I am learning...More Spanish!! My kids are correcting and correcting me! 

I am preparing...For a big shopping trip to buy food for a Valentine's Dinner at church hosted by our Youth Group. :) 

Around the house...We preparing for a "snowed in day", a day to get lots of school work done, time outside for playing and perhaps a good movie to watch! Oh, and for Rachel's Sweet 16 Birthday coming up!

A favorite quote...“...we need to stop plotting the course and instead just land the plane on our plans to make a difference by getting to the "do" part of faith.”

A Simple Woman's Daybook May 2013

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FOR TODAY

Outside my window...Today is just a GORGEOUS day. We had amazing spring weather this week!!

I am thinking...that I will spend some time tonight watching a seminar on parenting children from hard places.

I am thankful...for my family, for the weather, for my friends, for my church, for God's provision day by day, for campfires and pansies and that the kids have gotten to fish a lot already and for our community pool.

In the kitchen...I am running the water in the sink to try to turn my water from brown to clear again...ewwww...there must have been a water main break!

I am wearing...at only 6 p.m I am in my jammies...don't you judge! ;)

I am reading..."A Mission Minded Family", by Ann Dunagan

I am looking forward to...a friend's visit tomorrow. 

I am learning...perseverance, patience, "love despite". 

Around the house...there's been lots of raking and lots of laundry!

A favorite quote for today..."We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 

One of my favorite things...Cute kids. :) Funny thing is, they're pretty much ALL cute! Oh and puppies...

A few plans for the rest of the week...My little girls are going to their first "girlfriend birthday party" on Saturday!!

A picture I'd like to share:

Running Toward the Easy?

It's easy to want to run toward whatever feels "easy". And maybe this is the "human culture" and not the "American culture"...I don't know. But it seems like the "good life" and the "easy life" are culturally seen as the same? Or maybe that's just me?

I'll admit to running toward the easy life on many occasions in my life and it's that desire that I fight to this day. On many a "hard day," I have been known to say, "Why can't life ever be EASY?"

I've been homeschooling my children since the beginning. My oldest is a sophomore in college and my youngest is in first grade. I've homeschooled for 14 years and I have a ways to go yet (maybe 11 more years?). Homeschooling is HARD. But there's the temptation to present it as "easy" to validate my decision to do it. And there's the temptation to present it as "easy" so that others will not be discouraged from trying it themselves. But it IS hard and time consuming and expensive and it often feels risky... However,  it's also good and it's worth it and I have no regrets for the extra time I've been privileged to spend pouring into my children and just being with them and knowing them deeper. But easy? No, definitely not easy. 

Homeschooling is just one example...there's also our adoption of a sibling group of 4... I love these kids DEEPLY. But is it easy? No, not easy. From the first piece of paperwork we filled out, I'm not remembering anything "easy." It's not easy for them, either, or for our first three children already in the home when they arrived. I fight the fear that to admit the hard is to whisper this was all a mistake. There is not one cell in my body that regrets a minute of our journey...not one cell. I love all seven of my children more than can be imagined and to tell you the truth, if God brought other children to me I would open my arms wide to welcome them!

Then there's my faith walk as a follower of Jesus Christ and my journey to live out His words in the Bible. Also not easy. It's a surrendering of my heart and desires daily. It's living counter culture. But so worth it to live according to TRUTH, to be fully known by my Creator and to know Him too, to live with purpose and to belong to God. 

So, all this "hard"...does that mean I am not happy? No, I am VERY happy!! I am happy AND satisfied. I am fulfilled. I have love, I have security is Christ, I have purpose. I am trying to run after things that last FOREVER. Those temporal things I run after tend to use me up and exhaust me and then they break or fail. Not cool. Not cool at all in the end. 

I've given up the idea of "easy." I'm running after "worth it." 

"And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?" Luke 9:20-25

It's All in a Day...Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...The clouds are clearing after a rainy afternoon. There's a hint of orange since the sun is going down.

I am thinking...Actually, I am a little brain dead! School lasted until after 4 p.m. and that's really late for me. My brain wants to stop teaching at 2 p.m. tops!

I am thankful...That though the school day was long, it was a smooth day. No tantrums or fits today. Everyone did what needed to be done. The house is pretty quiet right now at about 7 p.m. Everyone is winding down. :)

In the kitchen...The kitchen is CLEAN!! YIPPEEE!! The dishwasher is running (we were without one from January to last week, that should totally have been under the "thankful list"), I washed the floor today, 3 meals happened today, it's all GOOD!

I am going...nowhere! But tomorrow I bring child #3 to her first driver's ed class!!! Oh where did that time go that my Rachel is 15 years old???

I am wondering...how we'll all do with a busier schedule starting this week...how long it will take the snow to melt...

I am reading...the book of Luke in the Bible and "Come to the Table" by Neta Jackson.

I am looking forward to...Well I have this list of people I want to have over to our house to visit

I am learning...to pray daily for God to help me display the fruits of the Spirit especially to my family: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. :)

Around the house...I am constantly organizing so all of us and our stuff fit (7 kids (though 1 is usually at college), 2 adults, 1 dog...). I have lots of big plans for shelving and closet organization and such!

One of my favorite things...ummmm...oh I know...when one of my kids cleans something without being asked...yup, totally one of my favorites! Today it happened. Ivon (7) folded laundry and organized stuff in the bathroom!

A few plans for the rest of the week...Tomorrow night I get to visit with a girlfriend ('nother YIPPEE!), two friends coming over in the afternoon on Weds. to hang with my little kids (I think I might get them on some cooking projects), Thursday my Ladies Bible Study starts back up...big week!

A peek into my day...no how about yesterday?? It's way more interesting...

And last week when we were all together...

Okay...c'mon...YOUR TURN! The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook "New Years Edition"

I haven't done one of these in AGES and thought it would be fun to do from Nicaragua while still "in my life here." :) Join me by visiting The Simple Woman's Daybook for details!!

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...The winds are blowing, it is just becoming light outside. I can hear the birds waking up and singing.

I am thinking...a thousand thoughts about packing to go home, wondering if my 4 sweeties really "get" that this is their last day living in Nicaragua as a CITIZEN of Nicaragua! Tomorrow they become citizens of the United States (as soon as their feet touch American soil!).

I am thankful...that God made my dreams come true. I am thankful for my family, that God allowed me to adopt, that he blessed me with 4 children when I only had faith enough to ask for 1!!

In the kitchen...I am glad that once we make this morning's pancakes we're done cooking in this kitchen!! Lunch and supper will be takeout food and I'll be defrosting the frig and cleaning out the cupboard today! Starting tomorrow night I'll have a working oven again!!

I am wearing...my jammies which includes my "147 Million Orphans" t-shirt!

I am creating...a family!

I am going...HOME, HOME, HOME tomorrow!!

I am reading..."Nothing is Impossible with God" by Rose Marie Miller. I've completed 13 books in the 5 months I've lived in Nicaragua! I also plan to read 2 Timothy in the Bible today!

I am hoping...for a smooth trip home and that the kids stay entertained over the whole 12 hours of it!

I am looking forward to...seeing my friends/church family!!

I am learning..."Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control!!"

Around the house...It's silent except for the wind, the birds and an occasional chattering gecko!! Everyone is still asleep!

I am pondering...Okay, top secret, but I did ask my husband yesterday...if he would ever consider foster care of little ones but I don't know yet if it's God's will for us...I had to write it in small letters 'cause it's just something I whisper to God... Once you know children who have had to live without parents the reality can no longer be ignored and you want a "family" for every child and there just aren't enough people making room in their hearts and homes. This is an EMERGENCY! Kids need homes NOW! They really can't wait any longer... My momma's heart is in over drive and I don't know how to downshift...or if I even SHOULD!

A favorite quote for today..."Love Does" ~Bob Goff

One of my favorite things...Being a mommy!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...getting settled at HOME, my husband on vacation (!!), buying boots and mittens and hats and snowsuits and SLEDS!!

A peek into my day...packing, packing, packing, packing, packing...

The Simple Woman's Daybook June Edition

FOR TODAY (Join in by visiting The Simple Woman's Daybook )

Outside my window...it is raining a lot...which is a good thing so we can have great beach weather later!

I am thinking...about my walk with God and how I hope my intimacy with God would grow in a mighty way!

I am thankful...that God is in every part of my life and that he takes control of even my desires when I allow him to and fill myself up with his truth.

In the kitchen...stromboli has just come out of the oven for lunch.

I am going...to a graduation party later.

I am wondering...when I'll be able to get our dossier sent out...Central America bound!

I am reading...I am waiting for "The Hole in Our Gospel" to arrive! I can't wait to start reading...hopefully Monday!

I am hoping...to stay content and full of praise and focused on God during our whole adoption process.

I am looking forward to...my first born son coming home on Tuesday!! WOOT!

I am learning...to speak Spanish...very slowly...

Around the house...we are cleaning and decluttering (never ending!) and getting ready for our home visit from our adoption case worker.

One of my favorite things...the new Sidewalk Prophets CD, "Live Like That!" There's not a bad song on it and the lyrics are AMAZING!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...family vacation!!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook Spring Edition

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FOR TODAY

Outside my window...It's beautiful and sunny out today!

I am thinking...About what I want the next section of my life to look like.

I am thankful...To have my son home from college and to get to spend family times ALL together!

In the kitchen...We started the week with filet mignon on the grill...yum!

I am wearing...my jammies!

I am creating...a blog post, hehe!

I am going...to youth group tonight! I pray God will use me to love those kids right into the Kingdom!!


I am reading..."What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" by Lysa Terkeurst and the book of Luke in the Bible. Also reading the book of Ezekiel with the family and "Take Your Best Shot" by Austin Gutwein with the kids.

I am hoping...That God will move fast and furious with me and teach me to take risks for him.

I am looking forward to...today and tomorrow and the day after that!

I am learning...what it means to truly be a disciple of Christ.

Around the house...I need to get my head out of the clouds long enough to clean this house!

A favorite quote for today..."The more he cast away, the more he had." John Bunyan in "Pilgrims Progress".

A few plans for the rest of the week...Playing with the kids at the Root Cellar tomorrow,and helping my husband pack and get ready for his missions trip to Nicaragua over the weekend.

A peek into my day...Cleaning, cleaning, and cleaning with the reward of going to Youth Group tonight!

A Simple Woman's Daybook 2/3/12

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

For today...


Outside my window...It is cold and sunny. The ground is covered with very frozen, icy snow. 


I am thinking...About Rachel and I going to play with kids today for an after school program of an inner city ministry. I'm nervous and I'm praying that God uses us and binds our heart with the kids' hearts.


I am thankful...for my life, for my Savior, for His provision, that my husband gets to go to Nicaragua for a week in April with the church missions team.


I am praying for...those who have lost a loved one this week. He was too young; it was too soon.


In the kitchen...some cleaning needs to happen! Rachel made cupcakes for a funeral that is today, Christian made our soup for lunch. I am so thankful for their help! I'm gonna need it for clean up! A busy week=a messy kitchen.


I am wearing...jeans, a blue sweater and sneakers. Oh, and a smile. :) "Your never fully dressed without a smiiiiillleee..."


I am creating...wide open spaces. I've been decluttering for a month with plenty more to go.


I am going...to The Root Cellar in Portland. 


I am wondering...what I'll make for supper. I'll need to go to the store and get some food on my way home.


I am reading...My Bible, my favorite blogs, and "Kisses from Katie" to the family.


I am hoping...that God moves and that we as a family will all be on the exact same page in a ministry sense.


I am looking forward to...a Family Movie Night tonight!


I am learning...to wait and watch for God, to say "yes" to him every day. 


I am pondering...On my mind every day is the orphan, the widow, the destitute, the lost...


A favorite quote for today..."We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first." Oswald Chambers


One of my favorite things...watching snow fall from my cozy living room with my family around me.


A few plans for the rest of the week...Grocery shopping, moving some stuff from my house to someone elses house, church, ministry meeting, and Superbowl Party.


A picture I am sharing:

The Simple Woman's Daybook January 2012

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...It's very dark as it is 7 p.m. :)

I am thinking...About decluttering/getting rid of stuff and all my little projects.

I am thankful...To have my son home from college, for a successful trip to Goodwill. :)

In the kitchen...Spaghetti soup is cooking on the stove.

I am wearing...Jeans, sneakers, a blue sweater.

I am creating...I'm going back to finish knitting my blanket after a Christmas break.

I am wondering...What God would have me to do in 2012.

I am reading...The Bible and A Love that Multiplies

I am looking forward to...my husband's vacation next week.

I am learning...to find joy in every situation.

Around the house...I am organizing, solving household problems, and decluttering. Also planning improvement projects.

I am pondering...How I can open my home more to others.

A favorite quote for today..."Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!" Psalm 47:1

One of my favorite things...My family under one roof. :)

A few plans for the rest of the week...Youth Group, maybe dinner out with the family.

A picture I am sharing...

                            My Retro-Daughter's Favorite Christmas Present-A Vinyl Player!

The Simple Woman's Daybook~December

(Want to join in? Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook Blog )

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...I am building up Christmas decorations bit by bit. :)

I am thinking...About how wonderful Christmas will be this year.

I am thankful...for my wonderful family, great friends, loving church, Perfect Lord and Savior.

From the learning rooms...I am learning to find joy even amidst life's trials and sadness.

In the kitchen...This week I hope to start making Christmas cookies with my kids.

I am wearing...slippers, jeans, a comfy shirt, and a hoodie.

I am creating...a knitted blanket and fingerless gloves.

I am going...to Youth Group tonight.

I am wondering...when will it snow again?

I am reading...mostly my Bible and some blogs.

I am hoping...I can make up a decent piano background to a song I am singing at church Sunday night.

I am looking forward to...CHRISTMAS!

I am hearing...a Christmas movie.

I am pondering...some fun Youth Group activities for winter.

One of my favorite things...home...

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Here is picture for thought I am sharing..."Bounty"

The Simple Woman's Daybook 11/2/11

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...it is dark. Today we did a little raking and I burned twigs and branches in our campfire which was quite relaxing!

I am thinking...about all the projects around the house I hope to complete.

I am thankful...for God's patience with me, for my home, family, friends, church.

From the learning rooms...I am learning to find joy in every circumstance. This one's going to take me awhile. ;)

In the kitchen...we just finished supper. The kitchen's been kinda quiet today. We need to grocery shop.

I am wearing...blue jeans, short sleeved peach top, black hoodie, slippers. I love slippers!

I am creating...a knitted blanket...actually two!

I am going...nowhere and that makes me happy!

I am wondering...where a certain missing knitting needle could possibly be.

I am reading...my Bible and blogs mostly.

I am hoping...to get to talk to my oldest son on the phone very soon.

I am looking forward to...CHRISTMAS!

I am hearing...the movie Cars 2 and the swishing of the dishwasher.

Around the house...everyone is relaxing in front of a movie and the dog is snoozing.

I am pondering...a power point presentation for Youth Group.

One of my favorite things...home.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Youth Group tomorrow night, my son's soccer banquet Friday night, taking advantage of a sale at A.C. Moore on Saturday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Our first snow on 10/29-10/30 :)

The Simple Woman's Daybook 10/10/11

I thought I would give this fun meme a try. If you'd like to join in, simply visit The Simple Woman's Daybook for details!


FOR TODAY
Outside my window...It is a sunny, warm, perfect autumn day!

I am thinking...About those I am praying for, about preparing for my fellowship group that meets here tonight, about our goals for school this week, about blog posts for this week...there's alot going on in my brain!!

I am thankful...for family, for friends, for my church family, for the beautiful weather, for God's strength in trials.

From the learning rooms...In our homeschool we are learning how to study for tests, reviewing greek vocabulary, and working hard to stay up to date with our subjects. Personally I am praying for wisdom in parenting.

In the kitchen...hopefully cookies will soon be baking and if I feel very energetic, banana bread won't be far behind.

I am wearing...Nike sneakers, brown capri's and a purple/brown top.

I am creating...a blog post!! LOL!!! I am considering knitting a blanket soon (or starting it soon).

I am going...nowhere all day!! YIPPEEE!!!

I am wondering...how long it will take me to become the woman I want to be?

I am reading...a book on discipleship by Jim Putnam which I hope to finish tomorrow and my Bible.

I am hoping...to conquer a good menu plan method and keep the house stocked with the ingredients.

I am looking forward to...fellowship group tonight and a church fellowship a week from Wednesday where I'll get to here from a visiting pastor from Nicaragua.

I am hearing...the dishwasher swishing and my keyboard tapping.

Around the house...my husband is working in his office (aka the sunroom), the kids are done with school and enjoying some down time.

I am pondering...how I can use movie shorts that my daughter just learned to make in Youth Group.

One of my favorite things...just one? Autumn leaves.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I'd like to have a campfire with the fam before it rains on Thursday and take some autumn photos.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Savor each moment. They pass quickly.