Grains of Sand

For today November 30, 2009 Outside my window.... mostly cloudy and cool, the maple tree is still hanging on to its seeds and they are rustling in a light breeze. I am thinking..... of how blessed I am even in the midst of hardship. I am thankful for..... the tiny handprints on my windows. I am wearing..... a pink t-shirt, purple fleece pullover, black athletic pants and reindeer socks. I am hearing..... the furnace running, pushing that nice warm air throughout the house. I am going..... decorate the house with Christmas cheer today. I am reading..... Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall. I am hoping..... my husband gets a great job offer this week. I am creating..... a menu for our Christmas party. On my mind..... caring for "the least of these". From the learning rooms..... the start of advent, Russia: The Land of Endurance, writing, spelling and arithmetic. Noticing that..... the older I get, the more tenacious my gray hair gets. From ...

For today November 23, 2009 Outside my window.... mostly cloudy and cool and not many birds playing in the trees. I am thinking..... of all that is on the "to do" list. I am thankful for..... my washer and dryer. I am wearing..... my jammies and a blanket wrapped around my legs since it's kinda chilly this morning. I am hearing..... the sweet sound of silence in a sleeping house. I am going..... grocery shopping today. I am reading..... The Case for Christ by Lee Stobel. I am hoping..... to make lots of pies this week.  Yum Yum! I am creating..... photos with verse from the words God has put in my heart. On my mind..... building self esteem in my children. From the learning rooms..... a bit of Thanksgiving. Noticing that..... my oldest has another loose tooth that is barely hanging in there. From the kitchen..... easy dinners this week until Thanksgiving; then turkey, dressing, squash, potatoes, cranberry sauce, salad, sauteed mushr...

For today November 16, 2009 Outside my window.... sun breaking through clouds and frost. I am thinking..... of Christmas and how to make it memorable this year. I am thankful for..... diverse friends. I am wearing..... great shirt and black pants. I am hearing..... the children playing. I am going..... crazy, want to come along? I am reading..... Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I am hoping and praying..... my husband finds permanent full-time employment he can enjoy. I am creating..... a prayer box. On my mind..... I am concerned about my daughter's eyes. From the learning rooms..... Russia: The Land of Endurance, science and nature, and the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. Noticing that..... the holiday shopping commercials are everywhere and it isn't even Thanksgiving yet. Pondering these words.... "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." ( Matt 18:22 ,After Peter asked Jesus in v. 21, "Lord, ...

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. Kailani at An Island Life is embracing this custom with her weekly Aloha Friday posts, so I thought that today I would take it easy on posting, too. In school I remember having to give an impromptu speech in which we chose a fruit that we felt represented us and explained why.  I chose a kiwi fruit because it's not so pretty on the outside, but is much more interesting on the inside. So of course my question for you is,  What fruit represents you? To join in the fun and read other participant entries, go to An Island Life and ask your question. Aloha!

I struggle with forgiveness.  I like to hold a grudge.  This has been something so deeply rooted in me that it was "just something about me".  A character trait, if you will.  More like a character weight. How does one go about changing this?  I would pray and ask God to help me with my unforgiveness.  I prayed for my heart to be softened.  Time and time again something would come up and so would my accusations or blame, resulting in a lack of forgiveness. Then one day during the children's lessons we were looking up verses that instruct us in the importance of controlling our tempers and we looked up Proverbs 19:11 - A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.   I thought nothing of this verse at the time. That same night I found myself being wrongly accused by another individual.  This person had jumped to conclusions and unjustly scolded me.  I was so...

For today November 9, 2009 Outside my window.... bare trees and a mix of sun and clouds in the sky. I am thinking..... of my family and how much I miss them since we all live in different cities. I am thankful for..... my wonderful husband. I am wearing..... comfy gray sweatshirt and black athletic pants. I am hearing..... the hum of the refrigerator and nothing else. (ahhhh) I am going..... to eat cinnamon rolls and drink coffee. I am reading..... The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. I am hoping..... to someday hear the words, "well done my good and faithful servant". I am creating ..... a home where my children feel loved. On my mind..... Eschatology, something I know very little about. From the learning rooms..... Russia: The Land of Endurance, science and nature, and the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. Noticing that..... my chocolate lab seems to be slowing down in his advanced years. Pondering these words.... In almost everyth...

While snacking chips and dip with my 2 year old daughter, I had to let her know that dipping once is ok but dipping your chip in a second time is not a good idea.  As any good daughter would do, she listened to mom and stopped "double dipping".  However, she devised a way to get just the right amount of chip with her dip.  Dip, eat and leave the rest. After taking this picture, I asked her if she wanted to finish the chips and she innocently looked at me and said, "No, I don't want to dip chips two times."

Preparing the inside by removing the slimy, and seedy pulp from the inside. Working together.... to make the pumpkin ready. Supervising the first cut and the finishing touches.  Add a light and the transformation is complete. Whether you're an average Jack, or a little batty.

For today November 2, 2009 Outside my window.... Sun, slowly giving way to clouds. I am thinking..... that a four day work week might be a good idea. I am thankful for..... my children's generous hugs. I am wearing..... a gray hooded sweatshirt and black athletic pants. I am hearing..... the quiet of a tired house and geese flying overhead. I am going..... to treat myself to a nice hot bubble bath and a manicure this week. I am reading..... The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. I am hoping..... to be a more positive woman. I am creating..... a list of personal goals for 2010. On my mind..... the fact that I just typed the word November at the top of this entry.  Where has the year gone? From the learning rooms..... Russia: The Land of Endurance, spelling, and the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. Noticing that..... my children seem at least 2 inches taller than they were yesterday. ;D Pondering these words.... Joy is the ...