tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28670914402811113432024-02-07T21:21:41.981-08:00Surrounded by TruthCamillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-47901297803459343732020-07-11T10:52:00.003-07:002020-09-05T10:21:14.260-07:00Living with Chronic Illness: A look inside my heart and mind.<br />
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<span data-offset-key="8utsn-0-0"><span data-text="true">I feel moved to speak out for myself and my friends dealing with chronic illnesses. My life has changed so much, I was wondering if I could find the words to describe just how? I thought if I share what it’s like for me, I could be some encouragement not only to those of you who deal with daily chronic illness, but hopefully it will help you better understand and support someone in your life, someone you love, who is chronically ill.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8cp93-0-0"><span data-text="true">First of all, I never imagined my life would become this. Who does? But it is not just me who has been blindsided by this. My husband, my kids, my parents, my friends--they never imagined it either. It's a big deal for everyone who loves me, not just me.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="29aeh-0-0"><span data-text="true">But let's start with the little things. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="29aeh-0-0"><span data-text="true">The little things have changed, mainly because my activity level has completely changed. Like, showers are WAY down the priority list, replaced by things like dry shampoo and sponge baths. I literally cannot spare the energy many days to take a full shower and wash and dry my hair. </span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="29aeh-0-0"><span data-text="true">Getting dressed feels like climbing a mountain. My whole wardrobe has changed. I wear actual shoes maybe once per year. Cleaning out the refrigerator almost never ranks anymore! Gardening of any kind is out! Beach walks are out. So is swimming or any type of exercise--even Yoga! I used to LOVE exercising!</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="29aeh-0-0"><span data-text="true">You may be thinking, why not have your kids or husband clean out your refrigerator? My husband and kids are incredible. They handle everything that I can't or don't handle. And they handle anything I ask them or need them to do. But some things, I've learned it doesn't help when they try to help. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="29aeh-0-0"><span data-text="true">For example, I have five children still at home, so we have lots of laundry. I have spent many hours teaching my kids to do the laundry, but I've learned it still stresses me more to have them do it. I love doing laundry and I feel good when I do it. I love sorting the loads and folding the clothes. I love it that I haven't had a single stray sock in years (I am truly a laundry GEEK). I get stressed when they do it. They don't sort the same--close, but not the same. They don't care if all the socks came through, and they fold differently than me. Stress doesn't help my health. Therefore, I do better overall when I do the laundry. Now, if I need to, I can let it go and let them do it all. Or sometimes, I have them carry it, switch the loads from washer to dryer, or fold a load when I'm particularly tired. I've even sat on a stool and just played "overseer" as they sort. But I keep the laundry and I keep more peace. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="29aeh-0-0"><span data-text="true">If you're chronically ill, what's your "laundry?" For my grandma, it was dishes. Anyone else doing dishes for her, I'm pretty sure it took a year off her life each time! I used to think I was being so helpful and loving when I demanded that she SIT DOWN and let me wash the dishes. I dismissed her protests as just trying to be nice. I get it now. I have yelled apologies up to her in heaven many times.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="29aeh-0-0"><span data-text="true">So, if you see me doing laundry, or cooking, doing the grocery shopping with my little scooter, or cleaning my kitchen, or having a child help me clean out the refrigerator--don't yell at me for not taking care of myself. I can't begin to count how many times well-meaning friends and family have watched me do a chore and yell, "Make your kids do that! You need to take care of yourself!" I need you to please understand, when I choose to do a chore, it's choosing to take care of myself. To enjoy the things I enjoy, to be active, to be present, to preserve the peace in my home and in my mind. </span></span><span data-offset-key="29aeh-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span data-offset-key="29aeh-0-0"><span data-text="true">Doing a few things I most enjoy makes me still feel somewhat like a valuable human. </span></span> I do know how to delegate, and I do when I need to. But I"m not going to waste away in a recliner or in my bed if I can move. And most days--not all--I can at least move a little.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1brs1-0-0"><span data-text="true">I hate saying "no." But I have had to learn to say no. I have to, I have to, I have to. And I can't worry if you don't understand. It's about surviving and getting done the things that NEED done. Not to mention that for me personally, I'm hooked to an IV 16 or more hours a day, and I also require around two hours of additional therapy each day. I choose my activities SO CAREFULLY and I can't worry what you think about why I do one thing and not another. Just have to let it go. Say no, let it go.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1brs1-0-0"><span data-text="true">On that same note, I used to think I didn’t care what strangers thought of me. Now I can't care! We can’t explain our illness to everyone we come across. I’m not going to carry a big sign. Someone wrongly judging what they see when they observe me is 100% not my problem. I remember sitting in church one Sunday—and I always sit. I never waste energy just standing for no reason. And two older ladies were standing right behind me talking about all their aches and pains and pesky doctor visits and medications. One of them put a hand on my shoulder and said, “Don’t mind us dear. You don’t yet know what it’s like to be old and have your body start breaking down on you.” I said, "Actually, I do." They laughed—hahaha!! I laughed. And I let it go. But don’t get me wrong. I have flashed my port a time or two. It is hard always feel completely misjudged by people you don’t know, or don’t know well.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="fmlhg-0-0"><span data-text="true">People care for me and want to help me, but often that means selling me their side hustle health shake or supplement, with the best intentions for the most part. I have to graciously decline and deflect all the unsolicited advice and suggestions that imply I’m only sick because I’ve never eaten properly or exercised right a day in my life. Some people have actually boldly implied I'm sick because I eat nothing but sugar, soda, and processed foods. Well-meaning folks assume I haven't considered ________ (you fill in the blank): smoothies, raw foods, a plant-based diet, cutting gluten or dairy, omega 3s, vitamin D, CBD, acupuncture, goldenseal, collagen, kombucha, fermented foods. Have you tried? Have you tried?! This worked for me? This worked for my friend!</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="59ear-0-0"><span data-text="true">It is hard to let go of the frustration I’m confronted with repeatedly of people seeming to assume I’ve never tried the right diet or supplement, consulted the right doctors, researched my symptoms, my disease, and my medications, tried everything, read anything, communicated with others who have exactly what I have. I do all those things! All the time. I manage my health decisions every minute of every day. Do people think I'm just sitting here wasting away in pitiful despair, never attempting to see a doctor or take care of myself?</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="9mfj3-0-0"><span data-text="true">Also, I really hate the question, "How are you feeling?" That question nearly implodes my brain. I am never, ever, not for a minute, feeling well. I am not able to give you any answer that explains or does justice to to the truth--and if I could, I would not have the energy to do so. So I try to be truthful, yet simple. "How are you feeling?" I will almost always answer, "Okay for me." Sometimes I need to say "I'm struggling today," or, sometimes "I'm not well right now." You can ask me. I've learned how to answer. But also know you don't have to ask me. I will tell you if I need to--if it's relevant for the moment!</span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="c7vgm-0-0"><span data-text="true">But let’s get a little more serious. My biggest battle is not the physical illness, it's the mental one. I feel 100% unlovable. Every minute of every day I have a battle in my mind over feeling worthless, broken, useless, ugly, deformed, disgusting, and completely unlovable. But despite all that, I still have to--WANT TO love those around me. I do love those around me. That's what keeps me going, the amazing people God has put in my life to LOVE. And seriously, y'all are amazing. But truly one of the hardest things for me is to have faith that anyone finds me lovable or worth anything at all. It's hard. I just can't put it any more plainly than that. I can't get over it. I deal with those thoughts every day.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="18fv4-0-0"><span data-text="true">The changes in my mental health have been huge: These days, I have chronic PTSD and anxiety attacks that are triggered by my body's physical memories of near-death trauma. I have developed a clinical depression that I need to treat. That is all new territory and I'm learning to accept it and manage it.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="4gdj4-0-0"><span data-text="true">Chronic illness is hard on a marriage. I have to have faith in my husband that he loves me. And I do have faith in him--that's why I married him in the first place and what the vows are for. And he is nothing short of incredible (if you've met him you know!), but the emotional scars are complex and run deep. My personal mental battle makes for big complications. In addition, my attention to him has to take a back seat much of the time. In my home, I have five children who really do depend on me for everything. The housework needs done. Unfortunately, that means I need for the adult in my house to take care of himself. It requires complete determination on my part to give what I can give: care for his children well, care for his home well, and make sure I am present as much as possible for conversation and to be a listening ear. It is painful that our relationship can't be more. It is an immensely difficult trial for us both, and it affects us both deeply in completely different ways. We are not dealing with one deep wound for our relationship, but two--a different one for each of us. I consciously choose to cling to faith in my husband, and faith in Jesus to get us through this one more day. Hopefully as each day passes we will each get a little better at navigating these waters and begin to sail more smoothly.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5vjjk-0-0"><span data-text="true">Faith is everything to me. Facing death so many times--I just HAD TO KNOW. So I made desperate prayers to God for "complete faith." Dying is a reality for me every day. I HAD to know what comes beyond this life. And now for me, in a direct, personal answer to prayer, I do have unwavering faith in God and His perfection, love, mercy, and goodness. There are hard moments. No matter what, it is hard to understand why there is suffering if God is good. But it is understandable, if you just ask. And, as one who has teetered on the brink between this world and the next several times, I can tell you that in my moments of confusion or sadness or doubt, I know that I would rather die having faith in God even if it was to discover I was wrong and nothing comes next. Because that would be better than to have no faith and discover something actually DOES come next. I choose faith even in the moments when I do not understand. That is what makes it "faith." But my God has let me know He is there. I feel His grace and strength in every breath and every heartbeat.<br /><br /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="222mj" data-offset-key="abfe8-0-0">
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<span data-offset-key="abfe8-0-0"><span data-text="true">Let's talk about kids. My kids--being their mom is all-important. I have to fight discouragement because I can't be the mom I want to be. I feel tremendous discouragement not being able to do all the things, all the lessons, all the field trips, walks, trips to the park, art projects, cooking, board games, and good conversations. I have to remember today is today and I am still here. Today, my kids have their mom here. Yes, my kids have to be more independent than other kids. Yes, they probably have more responsibilities than other kids. Yes, they participate in activities less than other kids. But I am their mom and I am here and nothing can replace the love I can offer them each day even if it is only a little.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5apbp-0-0"><span data-text="true">I cry a lot. I experience a lot of pain just feeling worthless and broken. There are many moments things just feel too hard. I feel so sick and so exhausted, I don't know how I can take it another minute. So I cry. I have so much grief for things lost: feeling well or normal (I don’t remember what that’s like), trips--either short day trips or bigger vacations, being able to go out to eat or drink, lost or changed relationships, all the foods I can't eat, the loss of free time, loss of being able to just get up and GO somewhere on a moment's notice, the loss of my "normal" body to a disfigured one with tubes protruding. I will probably never be able to "work" again. Or even volunteer. It is all loss.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2bbi6-0-0"><span data-text="true">I have peace I can't explain to you, but you may notice it in me. Day by day I am given the grace I need to find joy, to keep going, to keep faith, to love, to try, to breathe.With great trial comes great fortitude. We can find it in ourselves to meet the hard moments, and we do.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="dqc4u-0-0"><span data-text="true">Thank you to all who keep me in your thoughts and prayers, who help, and encourage, and empathize. Thank you to those of you who I know I can call when I need help. How could I possibly say I am not thoroughly blessed beyond measure?</span></span></div>
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Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-79777293297032433132020-01-28T12:10:00.000-08:002020-01-28T12:11:45.908-08:00Under PressureTwo nights ago, the pain started again.<br />
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My life is defined by managing very serious health issues, and a few weeks ago I underwent a two-week period of such intense pain that I had moments where I was just ready to die to end the misery. But two different trips to the hospital enabled doctors to locate the problems and patch them up, and life resumed to "normal," which for me is 1) a paralyzed small intestine, thereby I live on IV nutrition and fluids through a port, and have a GJ tube to drain fluids and air that get trapped in there. 2) I have a primary immune deficiency (CVID) that requires monthly infusions of IVIG and causes chronic fatigue as my organs and systems struggle to function without the help of a immune system. 3) I have chronic rheumatoid arthritis that loves to keep me on my toes as to where and when it is going to flare and how badly. <br />
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I manage. I kinda even "cruise" a bit. After 10 years of this, I've learned to gage my energy and dole it out to get through my stay-at-home homeschooling mother days. But it is a constant burden and stressor that never lets up.<br />
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Those two weeks of pain I had just after Christmas were frightening. I grew weak and feverish. I lost 25 pounds. I thought maybe I could finally be dying. The pain was too bad to think or sleep or move. Fortunately, the doctors found the sources of the pain and were able to treat it.<br />
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But two nights ago, it returned.<br />
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<i>NO!</i> I told God. <i>NO, NO, NO! I will NOT do this again. NO! You have to take this away now! I can't. I can NOT. NO! Do you hear me? NO!!!</i><br />
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I was in the bathroom where I had been attempting some of the 2-3 hours of physical therapy exercises I do each day to help my body function better, and letting my GJ tube vent.<br />
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I put a thick towel on the bathroom floor and through excruciating pain, lowered myself onto it and curled up into a fetal position.<br />
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<i>No. Help. Oh God. I can't. Why? This is too hard. Grandma Olga, pray for me. St. Bonaventure, pray for me. Mother Mary, pray for me. What is happening? Just no.</i><br />
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I laid there helpless. Broken. I couldn't formulate another thought or word. And then, a vision opened in my mind.<br />
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The Potter's wheel. I saw a piece of clay being formed by two strong hands, and it was very clear to me that the process involved a <i>constant steady pressure</i>. I understood that constant, steady pressure had been on me my whole life. Constant, perfect. Shaping, stretching, refining, perfecting. Our loving Father, from the day we are born, keeps a constant steady pressure on our lives to mold us, make us, shape us into what He has planned for us to be according to His perfect plan. If we are not walking in faith at any point in our lives, then we are confused and overwhelmed by this pressure. We can be overcome with anger, bitterness, grief, depression. Without faith, we don't see this pressure--our trials--for what it is. It is the process of creating, refining and perfecting. But if we know God, we can fully trust the pressures--the trials--that come our way. We can know by faith they are PERFECTLY applied for our own unique soul, and even though hard, we can manage to trust Jesus through it all. That is the sufficiency of His grace. The love of a Father bestowed on His children.<br />
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I watched the wheel spinning with the strong hands applying even, constant, delicate pressure. Then I saw one of those hands lift up and two fingers dug in deep in one particular spot. A beautiful shape instantly emerged on the outline of the vessel, but... OW!!!! That was the pain I knew I was feeling tonight. The Potter's fingers digging in one particular spot. Why? To take a beautiful vessel and turn it into something spectacular and unique. <br />
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<i>Okay. I see it. I get it. </i>I waited in silence. Why?<br />
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The Potter's wheel vanished and my mind recalled a prayer I sent up last week. No. It wasn't a prayer. It was a full-blown tantrum, and it went something like this:<br />
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<i><b>My Jesus, I want to SEE! I want some SPIRITUAL SIGHT! It's not fair! I know you say that those who believe without seeing are more blessed, but I don't care! All the great saints are called blessed and they had amazing visions and spiritual sight! Paul had it. John had it. Peter had it when you let him see Elijah and Moses at the Transfiguration. People all over the world get to see Mary, or the Holy Family, or Jesus. They get visions of your Heavenly realm and divine revelations of your perfect will. I WANT TO SEE. Something. Anything. Please? It's not FAIR! I do believe without seeing, but I still want to see SOMETHING.</b></i><br />
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How is that for an obnoxious prayer? That prayer came to mind in that moment after my vision of the Potter's wheel vanished. I saw myself in the car driving to my doctor's appointment, yelling that tantrum up to God.<br />
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And then I saw it all come together. The constant loving pressure my Potter has placed on me PERFECTLY since the moment I was born. More pressure here for a minute, then more over here. I noticed the pain that had sent me to the fetal position had vanished. The pressure point was gone. The purpose of it had been to answer my prayer for spiritual sight. That pressure point of pain in that particular moment--arriving not long after a hard battle with the same pain--it humbled me enough--broke me enough--for one moment so that God was able to let me see something I could have never seen clearly with my mind full of my own thoughts.<br />
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He is the Potter. I am the Clay.Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-48368264588892429622019-04-23T07:46:00.001-07:002019-04-23T07:46:24.016-07:00Crossroads<span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="36doa-0-0"><span data-text="true">Our pastor gave a powerful message on Easter Sunday that has helped me tremendously. He described the moment Jesus was at a difficult crossroads in His life--the night He asked God THREE TIMES to take away the bitter cup He was about to drink. But Jesus knew what was right, and when the soldiers came to get Him, it says He STEPPED FORWARD to meet them. He chose.</span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="523nm-0-0"><span data-text="true">We often think of crossroads in our life as being huge, life changing moments. They are on occasion, but usually they are not. There are many little crossroads in each of our lives every day--that moment where we decide to choose between our way or God's way. Eve, the very first woman, had that moment--and it is the same moment all of us encounter every day, often several times per day. Especially in our areas of weakness. We choose to step towards or away from, often multiple times per day, angry words or actions, impatience, selfishness, wrong foods, drugs, alcohol, laziness, wrong books or TV, wrong ways to spend our time (too much TV or social media), wrong thoughts (complaining or critical), dishonesty, and more. Satan loves to work by blinding us to the crossroads sign. He keeps us from noticing the decision point.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="kd6u-0-0"><span data-text="true">My weakness is GLUTTONY. I have never known how to eat responsibly, or enjoy food properly without over-indulging my flesh in response to cravings, stress, or other emotions. Food has always been for me a drug and an obsession. Outside of God, it is often what my mind dwells on most--what to eat and when. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1j0md-0-0"><span data-text="true">I have prayed for years and years and years for God to help me grow in this area. I have gained and lost hundreds of pounds (including 60 to 80 pounds of baby weight seven times). Being overweight is distracting and depressing and makes me angry and tense. Dieting or fasting is all-consuming to me mentally. I have always envied people whose lives don't seem to be ruled by thoughts of food.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5qfst-0-0"><span data-text="true">So, how does God answer my years and years of prayers? By graciously bestowing Purgatory, His purging fire, on this area of my life NOW, instead of waiting to pass through His refining fire after death. It is hard, but I'm grateful. For eight years now, I have been physically unable to eat normally, with a GI system that has continued to lose functionality on a steady decline. I have been hospitalized at least ten times for this, needing IV and/or tube feedings. To stay out of the hospital and to stay functional at home as a wife, mother, and homemaker and homeschooling mama, I have no choice but to learn to control my diet SEVERELY, or as a result I can't move or function, and I end up in the hospital.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6hel8-0-0"><span data-text="true">I have to avoid sugar, all grains (even oats, corn, rice), all processed foods. I have to largely avoid dairy and solid foods in general. I can function quite well if (big **IF**) I stick to bone broth, 100% juices, bites of fresh or dried fruit, a bite of cheese or other pure proteins like fish or eggs or chicken, and bites--just bites--of other fresh or steamed veggies, and nuts or natural nut butters. Plus a slew of daily supplements. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="83u7m-0-0"><span data-text="true">With 5 kids in the house, I often fall to the temptation, like Eve, to "take just one bite." Or "just one cookie." Just a few chips. Just one piece of pizza. Satan likes to tell me it doesn't count or doesn't matter. But it does. It makes me so much more physically sick and miserable so that I'm either snappy and irritable as I try to function while feeling sick, or simply makes me so sick I have to lie down and wait out the effects of my lack of self control and pray I can get through it without needing to go to the hospital.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3ak55-0-0"><span data-text="true">Over the years, I have gotten better. I am more detached from food, but it is still a weakness and every day is a long, uphill battle of the mind and body and spirit for me.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="dl2ff-0-0"><span data-text="true">But right now--especially the past few days--I think of Jesus, at His deciding point--at his crossroads. I think of Eve as she faced hers. One small step takes you in the right direction or the wrong one. Satan will try to makes us not even realize the crossroads. He first tries to blind us to the decision point. When that doesn't work, he floods our minds with thousands of excuses to take one tiny step the wrong direction--making us think it's no big deal. That it can't possibly be of any harm.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="be1va-0-0"><span data-text="true">It is.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bihon-0-0"><span data-text="true">I can see the Lord's work in my life, and how He is answering the prayers of my heart in this illness he has allowed for me. I'm so grateful. How many are blessed to have such refining fire in our present lives here on Earth?</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="elodj-0-0"><span data-text="true">Since Easter Sunday, with countless pounds of candies and sweets in the house (5 kids x Easter), I have been able to visualize that crossroads I face every time I am tempted to eat the wrong thing. I visualize Jesus stepping towards those soldiers. I visualize Eve stepping towards that forbidden fruit. And I have stepped away from my flesh and TOWARDS God's will in my life.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="cir6n-0-0"><span data-text="true">What do you need to get better at stepping away from? Think of our sweet Jesus, as every cell in His body longed to step away from what He knew He must do, but He stepped towards it. Think of Eve, how one step towards that tree instead of one step away--it changed everything. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="ed9u2-0-0"><span data-text="true">Think of the Cross. The cross Jesus stepped towards. It represents the crossroads we face every day--Choose Jesus. Choose God's will. Choose God's best. One step at a time.</span></span></div>
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Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-54340102624633047472018-08-03T18:16:00.002-07:002018-08-03T18:16:29.412-07:00Curriculum Lineup 2018-2019Posting here for when I'm asked--I'll have a link to share!<br /><br />Going into homeschool year #16 (but who's counting), here is MOSTLY what we're doing!<br /><br /><u><b>Aram (13)</b></u><a href="http://videotext.com/algebra-a-complete-course/" target="_blank">Video Text Algebra 1</a><br /><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Easy-Grammar-Plus-Student-Workbook/dp/0936981148/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533343017&sr=8-1&keywords=easy+grammar+plus+student+workbook&dpID=41ckcSBmkwL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch" target="_blank">Easy Grammar Plus</a><br /><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Spectrum-Word-Study-Phonics-Grade/dp/1483811875/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533343049&sr=1-2&keywords=Spectrum+phonics+6&dpID=51-SkhcslZL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch" target="_blank">Spectrum Word Study and Phonics 6</a><br /><a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=157295" target="_blank">A Beka Spelling & Poetry 6</a><br />Khan Academy coding (adding Java classes when we find them)<br />
<a href="http://www.typing.com/">www.typing.com</a> and <a href="http://www.nitrotype.com/">www.nitrotype.com</a> <br /><a href="http://duolingo.com/">Duolingo.com</a> Spanish along with: <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0071463380/?coliid=I20026WQ4K0UUT&colid=1V6PX6XHYTY6A&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it" target="_blank">Easy Spanish Step-by-Step</a><br />
Daily Art Challenge (planned by me)<br />
Daily reading journal and 1-hour audiobook time.<br />
<a href="https://kids.wng.org/about" target="_blank">World Kids Magazine</a> (1 page per day)<br />
<a href="https://positiveaction.org/" target="_blank">Positive Action Bible</a>: <a href="https://positiveaction.org/product-group-route-66" target="_blank">Route 66</a> (Mondays) and <a href="https://positiveaction.org/product-group-wise-up" target="_blank">Wise Up</a> (Wednesdays)<br />
<a href="http://picturesmartbible.com/" target="_blank">Picture Smart Bible</a> (Tuesdays)<br />
Flagler Preparatory Academy for science, geography, and history (see below)<br /><br /><u><b>Elon (10) and Oli (9)</b></u><br />
<a href="https://www.cornerstonecurriculum.com/product-page/making-math-meaningful-level-3" target="_blank">Making Math Meaningful Level 3</a> (then 4)<br /><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Easy-Grammar-Wanda-C-Phillips/dp/0936981474/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533343821&sr=1-1&keywords=Easy+Grammar+4&dpID=41YL5y%252B8JEL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch" target="_blank">Easy Grammar 4</a> and <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Easy-Grammar-Wanda-C-Phillips/dp/0936981423/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533343848&sr=1-1&keywords=Easy+Grammar+3&dpID=411OEAFyGEL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch" target="_blank">3</a> (respectively)<br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Spectrum-Word-Study-Phonics-Grade/dp/1483811859/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533343785&sr=1-3&keywords=Spectrum+phonics+4" target="_blank">Spectrum Word Study and Phonics 4</a><br />
Lighthome Publications <a href="http://www.currclick.com/product/16780/AZ-Mystery-Flags--Countries-of-the-World-Cursive?src=hottest_filtered&it=1&filters=0_30514_0_0_0_0_0_0_0&manufacturers_id=134" target="_blank">A to Z Mystery Flags</a> Geography Penmanship<br />
Daily Art Challenge<br /><a href="http://duolingo.com/">Duolingo.com</a> Spanish<br />
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<a href="https://kids.wng.org/about" target="_blank">World Kids Magazine</a> (1 page per day)<br />
<a href="https://positiveaction.org/" target="_blank">Positive Action Bible</a>: <a href="https://positiveaction.org/product-group-route-66" target="_blank">Route 66</a> (Mondays) and <a href="https://positiveaction.org/product-group-wise-up" target="_blank">Wise Up</a> (Wednesdays)<br />
<a href="http://picturesmartbible.com/" target="_blank">Picture Smart Bible</a> (Tuesdays)Piano lessons-Oli, Gymnastics-Elon<br />
Daily math facts practice<br />
Daily reading journal and 1-hour audiobook time<br />Flagler Preparatory Academy for science, geography, and history (see below)<br />
<br /><b></b>
<u><b>Mikko (6)</b></u><br />
<a href="https://www.cornerstonecurriculum.com/product-page/making-math-meaningful-level-2" target="_blank">Making Math Meaningful 2</a><br />
<a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=302619" target="_blank">A Beka Letters and Sounds 1</a> and <a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=302635" target="_blank">Language 1</a><br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Spectrum-Phonics-Grade-2/dp/1483811832/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533344176&sr=1-3&keywords=spectrum+phonics+2&dpID=5100QsOZM9L&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch" target="_blank">Spectrum Phonics 2</a><br />
Lighthome Publications<a href="http://www.currclick.com/product/91920/AZ-Character-Series-KJV-2Book--BUNDLE?src=hottest_filtered" target="_blank"> ABC Kind Kids Care</a> penmanship<br />
<a href="https://positiveaction.org/product-group-enjoying-gods-gifts" target="_blank">Positive Action Bible Grade 1</a><br />
<a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/gods-design-for-life-for-beginners" target="_blank">God's Design for Life for Beginners</a> science (Masterbooks)<br />
<a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=302538" target="_blank">A Beka K5 Social Studies</a><br /><a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=197629" target="_blank">A Beka Community Helpers</a><br />Daily Art Challenge<br />
Daily reading journal and audiobook time <br />
<br />
<u><b>Millie (4)</b></u><br />
<a href="https://www.cornerstonecurriculum.com/product-page/making-math-meaningful-level-k" target="_blank">Making Math Meaningful K</a> (finish) then <a href="https://www.cornerstonecurriculum.com/product-page/making-math-meaningful-level-1-parent-teacher-book" target="_blank">1</a><br />
<a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=302465" target="_blank">A Beka Letters and Sounds K5</a><br />
<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Spectrum-Phonics-Grade-1/dp/1483811824/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533344898&sr=1-2&keywords=spectrum+phonics+1&dpID=514UXjo%252BYcL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch" target="_blank">Spectrum Phonics 1</a><br />
<a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=201103" target="_blank">A Handbook for Reading</a> (A Beka)<br />
<a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=301019" target="_blank">A Beka Writing with Phonics K5</a> penmanship\<br />
<a href="https://positiveaction.org/product-group-enjoying-gods-gifts" target="_blank">Positive Action Bible Grade 1</a><br />
<a href="https://www.masterbooks.com/gods-design-for-life-for-beginners" target="_blank">God's Design for Life for Beginners</a> science (Masterbooks)<br />
<a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=302538" target="_blank">A Beka K5 Social Studies</a><br /><a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=197629" target="_blank">A Beka Community Helpers</a><br />Daily Art Challenge<br /><br /><u><b>Flagler Preparatory Academy</b></u> is a co-op class I offered to teach this year. We will meet once per week and study science, geography, and history.<br /><br /><b>Science:</b><u> </u>We will be learning The Elements Song and working on memorizing the periodic table. We will memorize the planets and constellations. Then we will work on memorizing basic human anatomy.<br /><br /><b>Geography:</b> We will be building big 3-inch binders with seven tabbed dividers--one for each continent. We will be filling using worksheets from various geography workbooks (Geomatters Continent and State Activity workbooks, World Geography by TCM, and the three "Trip Around the World" workbooks.<br /><br /><b>History</b>: Using the History Through the Ages timeline notebook, we will be plotting the 500 most important people, events and inventions in world history to build a solid foundation and preparedness for success in high school history.<br /><br />HERE'S TO ANOTHER GREAT HOMESCHOOLING YEAR! GOD BLESS!!!!<br />
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<b><br /></b>Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-64097457409521181422017-10-12T14:08:00.002-07:002017-10-12T14:08:20.356-07:00Simple Menu PlanningThis is just a quick rundown of the very successful meal-planning system I have used for years to feed my large family (7 kids ages infant to now grown).<br />
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1. I don't plan breakfasts or lunches. They are the same simple options. My great grandparents ate oatmeal every single morning. Every morning. I am not remotely sorry my kids can choose between cereal, eggs and toast, or oatmeal--and any kind of fruit we have. Once a month I may buy graham crackers and/or yogurt (they love graham crackers and milk). On Saturdays when Dad is home I sometimes do pancakes or waffles or breakfast burritos or coffee cake.<br />
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Lunches are either 1) leftovers from our dinners (if they don't want it, then they're not hungry), 2) PBJ or PBH with carrots and/or apples or whatever other fruit I have, or 3) bean and rice burritos with cheese and sour cream--I always keep refried beans, a batch of spanish rice, and tortillas on hand. If my kids don't want it, they are not hungry. My five year old won't touch a bean burrito one day, but on another he will eat 4. I'm not remotely concerned about lack of variety. My children have never known true hunger and they are over-fed privileged middle-class Americans. I am teaching them to simplify.<br /><br />So, I essentially plan for dinners only. My grocery list keeps me stocked on cereal, milk, bread, eggs, oatmeal, fruit, PB, jelly, tortillas, beans, and rice. Then I write my weekly dinner menu, then write the rest of the grocery list from that.<br />
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Sundays: Leftovers<br />Mondays: Pasta night<br />Tuesday: Sandwich night<br />Wednesday Mexican night<br />Thursday: Soup night<br />Friday: Pizza night<br />Saturday: Wild card night (like fish or meatloaf or...)<br />
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I have a master list of meals in each category. They are meals I can make without a recipe or with a familiar one. They are ones I know my family will eat, within reason. Sometimes I see a fun recipe come up on Facebook--I may throw that on a weekly menu to try it. If we love it, I keep it on my master list. Here is my list:<u><b><br /></b></u><br />
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<u><b><br />PASTA MEALS</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Spaghetti with marinara (optional add in grated squash, zuchini, eggplant, carrots, chopped spinach, ground turkey or beef, italian sausage, or make meatballs</li>
<li>Fettucine Alfredo (options include with chicken, shrimp, smoked sausage, ham or bacon, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, carrots, zuchini, squash--I change it up)</li>
<li>Tuna casserole</li>
<li>Beef Stroganoff</li>
<li>Lasagna</li>
<li>Macaroni and Cheese</li>
<li>Stir-fry with lo-mein noodles or other asian noodle dish</li>
<li>Ravioli or Tortellini with sauce</li>
<li>Baked pasta--like shells or ziti or rotini--add in veggies or meat and change up the sauce</li>
</ul>
**I usually heat up a loaf of italian bread and <i>maybe </i>throw together a spinach salad or a caesar salad kit. <br />
<br /><u><b>SOUPS</b></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Chili (vegetarian or with meat)</li>
<li>Beef Barley</li>
<li>Chicken & Rice or Chicken Noodle</li>
<li>Potato Broccoli Cheese</li>
<li>Baked Potato</li>
<li>Wedding Soup</li>
<li>Minestrone (add in meatballs or tortellini or italian sausage or...)</li>
<li>Navy Bean soup with ham</li>
<li>Split Pea soup</li>
<li>Clam Chowder or other seafood bisque</li>
<li>Tomato Soup</li>
</ul>
<br />**I usually have biscuits, bread, rolls, or cornbread to go with soup.Grilled cheese goes with the tomato soup of course (my fam loves it when I throw sausage patties in the grilled cheese). Sometimes just cheese and crackers. Sometimes a $2 caesar salad kit.<br />
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<u><b>SANDWICHES</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Meatball Subs</li>
<li>Philly Cheesesteaks</li>
<li>Reuben Sandwiches</li>
<li>Bratwurst or Polish Sausage</li>
<li>Hot Dogs</li>
<li>Cheeseburgers/Patty Melts</li>
<li>Tuna/Tuna Melt</li>
<li>Fried fish</li>
<li>Fried or broiled chicken (add in pesto and provolone or BLT)</li>
<li>Sloppy Joes</li>
<li>Barbecued beef or chicken</li>
<li>Cold cuts</li>
</ul>
**I usually serve a bag of frozen french fries, onion rings, or some chips, or I make roast potatoes, and cook some kind of veggie like canned green beans, frozen peas or corn, and maybe serve some fruit.<br />
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<u><b>MEXICAN</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Burritos or Soft Tacos (if I can find green chiles, I make a batch to smother). Served with refried beans, spanish rice. Filling is usually ground turkey. </li>
<li>Shrimp tacos</li>
<li>Fish Tacos</li>
<li>Chicken or Steak Fajitas</li>
<li>Enchiladas (or enchilada "lasagna")</li>
<li>Nachos</li>
<li>Mexican "pizzas" (tortillas layered and stacked with beans and fillings then baked and cut into wedges)</li>
<li>Tostadas</li>
</ul>
<u><b>PIZZA NIGHTS</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Homemade pizza</li>
<li>Stromboli</li>
<li>Calzones</li>
<li>Pizza made on french bread or ciabatta</li>
<li>Frozen or take-out pizza (rare, but a treat)</li>
</ul>
<u><b>WILD CARD NIGHTS</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Baked fish with lemon pepper, usually served with brown rice risotto and veggie, or baked or roasted potatoes</li>
<li>Baked salmon or salmon patties, again with rice and veggie</li>
<li>Fried fish</li>
<li>Beef Stew</li>
<li>Pot roast</li>
<li>Chicken Fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy</li>
<li>Meat loaf with baked or mashed potatoes</li>
<li>Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes </li>
<li>Stir fry with beef, chicken, or shrimp and veggies,</li>
<li>Fried chicken or chicken tenders/nuggets, mashed potatoes and gravy</li>
<li>Chicken pot pie</li>
<li>BBQ chicken</li>
<li>Hot wings</li>
<li>Chicken noodles with Mashed potatoes (southeastern ohio fave)</li>
<li>Roast smoked sausage, potatoes and cabbage</li>
<li>Jambalaya or gumbo (chicken, shrimp, sausage or any combo)</li>
<li>Roast turkey</li>
<li>Baked herbed chicken and rice</li>
<li>Quiche (usually spinach and bacon and/or ham and broccoli)</li>
</ul>
<br />
There you have it! My master list for meal planning. Email or comment if you need recipes. My recipes are simple and not labor intensive for the most part!<br /><br />Happy planning!<br />
<br />Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-75020242282908248352017-01-01T09:24:00.000-08:002017-01-01T09:24:28.920-08:00On Removing the Pledge of Allegiance from our Schools...<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bmuv1" data-offset-key="8ja4k-0-0">
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<span data-offset-key="8ja4k-0-0"><span data-text="true">Yesterday, a hoax article (that appeared to come from AP and ABC news) circled FB that announced "Obama Signs Executive Order to Ban Pledge of Allegiance in Schools." According to the fake article, Obama did this because it is not "freedom" to make all students claim loyalty to the Christian God.</span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="8ja4k-0-0"><span data-text="true">Before I checked if it was a hoax, I pondered this action. What would it mean for America if a President did in fact make this decision?</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8ja4k-0-0"><span data-text="true">I homeschool, so why would I even care, you may ask? I care because I believe in freedom.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="54ke3-0-0"><span data-text="true">If our govenment wants to make a change at some point, I would prefer they just adjust the wording and kept the patriotic spirit for American Citizens--but maybe there is too much history with this pledge to simply alter it. Could you say it without having to ponder the missing words? </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3uaf5-0-0"><span data-text="true">But I would say I would have to agree with this action. Our CHRISTIAN founding fathers agreed that there needed to be a separation of church and state. Schools are "state." Children cannot be forced to recite anything that alludes their loyalty to a God they do not choose.</span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="3uaf5-0-0"><span data-text="true">America is great because we are FREE to choose our religion. Forcing all children to say a pledge that includes the God of Christianity is not religious freedom, and I want my religious freedom the same as the next person. I also want my parental freedom, which means being able to educate my children without having to worry that someone will tell them what religion they must accept or adhere to. I don't want my child forced to speak words of loyalty to ANY God or religion.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="fphe3-0-0"><span data-text="true">I don't tell my own children what they have to believe (that would not be freedom). I tell them they have to make their own choice. They have to find their faith or beliefs for themselves. It is my job to present things, to teach them to THINK. To teach them to SEEK. To teach them to LEARN. To teach them to listen to their own hearts and find their own purpose.</span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="fphe3-0-0"><span data-text="true">That's not the same as giving my own children the freedom to make other types of choices, like stealing, or bullying, or murder, or drugs. They have that freedom, but as a mama, as long as they live under my roof... ... they will have no choice but to be decent human beings who are kind and generous, loving, accepting, non-judgmental, and wise. As an American, they will have no choice but to obey our laws or be punished. We have laws to protect our safety and our possessions--or we really would crumble (you could argue those are Christian laws... but we will just agree that we need governed on a basic sense of decency to survive at all). Even removing speed limits and traffic lights would be disastrous to our society! As humans, we have learned the important aspects of a successful society.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3rppf-0-0"><span data-text="true">I just read the story of the Mayflower to my boys this morning. Why did the Pilgrims come here? Because they wanted religious freedom. That was the dream. I would hope it still is. America is only America because it is a melting pot for all people who want to be free. I am glad our founding fathers were moral, principled Christians. That got us off to a good constitutional start . But even they understood we all needed to be able to be FREE in what we choose to believe. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3o5g8-0-0"><span data-text="true">I am a Christian. My closest friends may tell you I am one of the fiercest Christians they know--especially after coming face to face with death a few times. I had to get the issue of God and faith sorted out. If you ask me, I will be very frank with you about what I believe (and, sorry, some of you have gotten an earful from me without asking--but only if I love you the most!). I believe God designed us with free will and the ability to make our own choices. Therefore, it is not "God-like" or "Christian" to force anyone to choose to believe in God. As a matter of fact, last I checked, Christians are called to live in peace with others, and be charitable, loving, kind and non-judgmental towards all.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d7rv0-0-0"><span data-text="true">If you feel "called" or inspired called to stand up and preach the Gospel, or speak out on anything--any other religion or issue at all, then by all means do it. You have that freedom, and we have the freedom to listen or not listen and choose whether or not to believe you. How could America be so great if we were not so filled with diversity, and color, and options? There is such depth and possibility! No matter what you believe, your beliefs are only enhanced by the contrast of the others around you! My faith is only strengthened by the contrast and contradictions of others around me. The more your beliefs are challenged, the more strongly you can form them. You can compare! Think! Reason! Learn! Expand your mind! Know! We are so blessed to have such freedom in America!</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d1smn-0-0"><span data-text="true">As for the pledge being removed from schools, what do I think? No matter what happens, I would hope American schools will always teach children to be patriotic citizens, proud of our great country, and inspire each one to contribute according to his/her strengths. We as parents must teach our children to be patriotic, loyal and helpful to our country however they feel called to do so. </span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="d1smn-0-0"><span data-text="true">And don't forget, the greater burden is on the parents, not the schools. Schools have the burden of teaching reading, math, and science. Parents are the ones responsible for raising decent, loving, generous human beings who contribute to society. </span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="d1smn-0-0"><span data-text="true">If this "Order" is ever signed for real, some Christians will be appalled that I don't oppose it. It is not my calling to get up on a soap box about making America a completely Christian country. Apparently, I am called to step up on a soap box about being thankful for freedom in America. I am thankful to be able to be Catholic (my choice), which is the very religion our founding fathers were escaping when they founded this country.</span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="d1smn-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>I pledge allegiance</i></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d1smn-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>to the flag</i></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d1smn-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>of the United States of America</i></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d1smn-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>One nation</i></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d1smn-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>Under God </i></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d1smn-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>Indivisible</i></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d1smn-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>With Liberty and Justice for all.</i></span></span></div>
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Parting thoughts:</div>
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What part of "Liberty for all" do you not understand?</div>
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And whether we say "Under God" or not. If God really does exist, we are "under Him" no matter what. If God created us, He didn't need permission to create us. He wouldn't need permission to help us, or to destroy us (or the whole world for that matter--just ask Noah). It's my business if I want to believe in a God like that, and your business if you don't. </div>
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I want to be a person who loves. Who is kind. Who is giving, empathetic, and understanding. I want to be someone who encourages love and unity to keep America strong, appreciating each person's unique spirit, strengths, and purpose. This is the type of person my God tells me to be.<br />
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Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-26599613811224250032016-08-22T12:14:00.001-07:002016-08-23T10:11:59.097-07:00A Different Kind of Detox"Detox" is a big deal these days. Most people start off their new diets or health resolutions with a "detox." <br />
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Often, we are prompted to do this because we have been feeling bad. Our lack of self-control in life weighs on our conscience. We are having health problems: fatigued, achy, sleepless, sluggish, depressed. We feel guilty because we know we have been eating poorly. We know are losing muscle tone and can't run an 8-minute mile like we used to. The clothes in our closet that no longer fit hang there, taunting us, torturing us.<br />
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But our health is not always just about our bodies and what we eat. Our spiritual and mental health plays a big role in our quality of life.<br />
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I don't know about you, but the physical detox is hard for me. Actually--it's the closest to impossible thing I ever attempt. So. Hard.<br />
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We are not always ready to commit to the physical detox. It is hard to give up the very things that we have come to rely on to get us through our stressful days--the nap, the chocolate, the fancy coffee, the snack, the ice cream, the glass of wine. <br />
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There are other ways to detox. I'm starting a 40-day detox now. It's a Word Detox.<br />
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Our words are TOXIC. Not only the words we speak. Our thoughts are formed of words, too. (Other eloquent people have deemed this "Stinkin' Thinkin'.)<br />
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Starting today, I am eliminating speech and thoughts that are:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Angry</li>
<li>Whiny</li>
<li>Complaining</li>
<li>Judgmental</li>
<li>Selfish</li>
<li>Negative</li>
<li>Mean</li>
<li>Fearful</li>
<li>Discontent</li>
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Remember the Bible tells us that our words have the power of life and death. The power to bless and to curse. Not just our spoken words, but our thoughts, too.<br />
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If you are not quite up to committing to a physcial diet detox, or you have been trying to and failing, consider trying this spiritual detox instead.<br />
<br />
I would dare to say the spiritual side of our lives is more powerful than the physical. Detoxifying spiritually will be life-giving to your soul. But it will also heal your body. Look. It says so:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Pleasant words</b> are like a honeycomb,<br />sweetness to the <b>soul</b> and <b>health</b> to the <b>body.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Proverbs 16:24</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>It is not what goes into the mouth that <b>defiles</b> a person, <br />but it is what <b>comes out of the mouth</b> that <b>defiles.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Matthew 15:11</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>From the <b>fruit of the mouth</b>, one's <b>stomach is satisfied;</b> <br />the <b>yield of the lips</b> brings <b>satisfaction.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Proverbs 18:20</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes <b>no mistakes in speaking</b> is <b>perfect</b>, able to keep the <b>whole body</b> in check with a bridle.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
James 3:2</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Let the <b>words of my mouth</b> and the <b>meditation of my heart</b> be acceptable to you, <br />O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>Psalm 19:14</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But I say unto you, That <b>every idle word</b> that men shall speak,<br />they shall give account thereof on the day of judgment.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For by thy <b>words</b>, thou shalt be <b>justified,</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and by thy <b>words</b> thou shalt be condemned.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Matthew 12:36-37</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Let no <b>corrupt communication</b> proceed out of your <b>mouth</b>, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>but that which is good to the use of edifying, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>that it may minister grace unto the hearers.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ephesians 4:29</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>but the <b>tongue</b> of the wise is <b>health.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Proverbs 12:18</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But now ye also put off all these;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your <b>mouth.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Colossians 3:8</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Death and life are in the power of the <b>tongue</b>:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Proverbs 18:21</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Even so, the <b>tongue</b> is a little member, and boasteth great things.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And the <b>tongue is a fire</b>, a world of iniquity:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>So is the <b>tongue</b> among our members, that it <b>defileth the whole body</b>,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and setteth on fire the course of nature;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and it is set on fire of hell.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
James 3:5-6</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Set a watch, O Lord, before my <b>mouth</b>;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>keep the door of my <b>lips</b>.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psalm 141:3</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>He that keepeth his <b>mouth</b> keepeth his <b>life</b>:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>but he that openeth wide his <b>lips</b> shall have <b>destruction</b>.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Proverbs 13:3</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A wholesome <b>tongue</b> is a tree of <b>life</b>:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>but perverseness therein is a<b> breach in the spirit</b>.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Proverbs 15:4<i> </i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
These verses above are just a few of the many that make a connection between our words and thoughts to both our physical and spiritual health. This kind of detox will actually help you both physically AND spiritually. According to these verses and more, we can expect health to the body, mind and soul, self-control, <i><b>and it even says that our stomachs will be satisfied!</b></i> Yes. If we watch our words. <br />
So it says. Right there. In the Bible. I say we give it a try.<br />
<br />
Who's with me? Forty days. August 23 through October 2.<br />
<br />
I will at least give an update to how it goes for me!<br />
<br />
God bless you!<br />
<br />Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-55840416027970245432016-04-18T08:08:00.001-07:002016-04-18T08:08:17.907-07:00Routine, Routine, Routine...Oh, what a lifesaver!<br /><br />In the early years of homeschooling and trying to be a good manager of my home, my over-ambitious and hyper-excited self tried a little too hard sometimes. I tried the color-block scheduling thing, which was just too much pressure. Carefully-planned 15-minute increments for each family member? Yes... we never made it past 8:00 a.m. without falling behind. And leaving me feeling like an epic failure quite early every morning.<br />
<br />
<br />
HOWEVER, attempting that method did usher me into the world of ROUTINE. As I prayed about my daily failures and offered them up to God, and asked repeatedly, "HELP," God took my ashes and started building.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLEbokAfmj0GITOc1nMYIqYPAiOhUTETSXfrsbhJLxo_wDivQGSM9BAUsbJr5-spFt-ZW4JDK94CPEupMSm7vOqJk7Nx6U9XAFFKQtEjx-pG2dILAaKc1y8wR15NTXuML9br-lsp01LE/s1600/20160418_105822_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLEbokAfmj0GITOc1nMYIqYPAiOhUTETSXfrsbhJLxo_wDivQGSM9BAUsbJr5-spFt-ZW4JDK94CPEupMSm7vOqJk7Nx6U9XAFFKQtEjx-pG2dILAaKc1y8wR15NTXuML9br-lsp01LE/s400/20160418_105822_resized.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I find keeping our routine posted generally helps my boundary-needing children <br />stay on track and be more willing and obedient.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
God gently pointed to one thing at a time, and block by block, our solid framework of routine has been built. It is pretty unshakeable now.<br />
<br />
<br />
It started by declaring nap time every day from 1:00 to 4:00. For everyone in the house.<br />
<br />
That meant lunch was generally 12:30 no matter what.<br />
<br />
Then we pledged to do our Bible lesson first every day at 8:30. That generally meant breakfast was at 8:00.<br />
<br />
My husband's work schedule made it so 7:00 became our ideal dinner time. So... <br />
<br />
We made a habit of doing our chores at 5:30 p.m. so the house would be nice when Daddy got home.<br />
<br />
Then, at 6:00, as I (or my daughter) cooked dinner, we made a routine of the older ones playing intentionally with the younger ones. Reading to them. Building blocks. Playing with toys. Coloring.<br />
<br />
And now... 14 years later, our routine is like a fine-oiled machine. It always works. Even if we deviate here and there, when we come back, it is still there, functioning perfectly, and we just pop right back in.<br />
<br />
Here is how we roll:<br />
<br />
8:00 Breakfast (Some kids get up earlier--if they do, they can eat and start on their independent school work. Also, since my pre-schooler is usually the first up, often his school is already done or we get it done while the older kids eat at this time)<br />
<br />
8:30 Bible lesson<br />
<br />
9:00 School<br />
<br />
11:00 Beach or pool or park<br />
<br />
12:30 Lunch<br />
<br />
1:00 nap<br />
<br />
3:30 Older boys (ages 6-10) do daily yard work<br />
<br />
4:00 Play time (their daily 30-minute video game turns may be taken at this time)<br />
<br />
5:30 Chores<br />
<br />
6:00 Older kids play with younger kids<br />
<br />
7:00 Dinner<br />
<br />
7:30 Family time<br />
<br />
9:00 Baths/showers/pick up house<br />
<br />
9:30 Pajamas and brush teeth<br />
<br />
9:45 Prayers/bedtime talk/devotions<br />
<br />
10:00 Bed<br />
<br />
Now what you don't see is all the things that occur within this framework during the course of the day: Having the 4yo play with the toddler. Taking the toddler potty. Switching a load of laundry while the boys finish an assignment. Typing this blog post as the boys finish their last bits of schoolwork before we head to the beach. Helping my high schooler with her work.<br />
<br />
Also, even if we don't start right at 8:30, the routine says that Bible lesson is first. <br />
<br />
Soon, I will post an actual "day in the life" post so you can see how this routine looks in reality. The day may seem busy and crazy, but the framework remains solid and unshakeable and always keeps us on track. Hopefully, you will see!!<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
<br /><br />
<br />Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-29312063113977060682016-03-29T06:06:00.002-07:002016-03-29T06:37:42.165-07:00The Best Day of My LifeDo you know me? If you were to describe me, what would you say?<br />
<br />
I am a wife and mother of seven. A homeschooling mama. A homemaker. I am an organizational diva. A master of living simply. A laundry "nerd." I don't do crafts or scrapbooking. I'm horrible at home "decorating" (but my home is neat and organized!) I love writing. And speaking. I am a good teacher. I love to crochet, and sew a bit. I love cooking and managing my kitchen. I shop at TJ Maxx (not Target). I like good coffee and dark chocolate and red wine. I love tamales. My number one greatest weakness is ice cream. Or maybe food in general!<br />
<br />
I have been to death's door and back several times. I have lived in times of plenty and in times of poverty. <br />
<br />
For those who know me best--those of you who feel you have had a glimpse of my heart (you have if you have read some of my blog posts)--I would hope you would say you know I love Jesus. I passionately seek God and His truth. His ways. His best. I desire to honor Him in all that I do.<br />
<br />
I hope you will say you have seen a life that has been upheld by God,
led by the Holy Spirit, provided for by God, and characterized by
prayer, study, meditation, and obedience (as much as this sinful soul
can muster).<br />
<br />
Maybe you have read how God has saved and
redeemed me, and made me a new person. How He rescued my marriage and
my family, healed me from mental illness, and led me into a blessed life of peace through many
happinesses and many trials. He has taught me. Grown me. Tried me.
Refined me. Changed me. Loved me. Forgiven me. Blessed me. Chastised me.
Saved me.<br />
<br />
I would hope you would say that. If you know me, I think you would.<br />
<br />
I feel like that has been the underlying theme of my life for at least the last 15 years, or even more. Seeker of perfect truth. Perfect love. The Perfect One and His Perfect Ways.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you would agree that you know this to be true about me, then I hope you will still have faith in me when I share my continuing testimony of my faith journey, of which this last step has been momentous.<br />
<br />
Saturday evening, April 26, 2016, I was anointed and confirmed as a member of the Holy Catholic Church.<br />
<br />
It was, without question or contest, the best day of my life. It was the day that everything my heart has ever longed for was fulfilled.<br />
<br />
It has been a gentle journey of four years, led lovingly and surely by my Shepherd, which, truth be told, I tested severely and even fought fiercely at many points along the way.<br />
<br />
And towards the end, these last few months, since starting RCIA classes, He has tested me. Would I hold fast to this gift He gave me in answer to my fervent prayers for truth and a faith that is finished? <br />
<br />
I say with <i>complete</i> confidence that my faith has now been finished. Perfected.<br />
<br />
I finally have a absolute peace about Jesus and His work on the cross and what that means for sinners. No, I didn't have that before. In the Protestant church there are too many differing doctrines. Faith as a Protestant means having to choose which statement of faith you think is best. In the Catholic Church, there has only ever been one doctrine on salvation since Jesus and the Disciples themselves. <br />
<br />
I now feel united in Christ with all my fellow Christians, even my dearest friends who even themselves differ between them on doctrines. Now I am able to simply love Him with those who love Him and are laboring for Him, because my faith journey took me back to very Jesus himself, and the beautiful faith He entrusted to His disciples to unite us all as Christians as one in the body of Christ. <br />
<br />
<br />
Maybe someday He will give me the grace to put my testimony into words. I would hope so. I blogged for years under the blog title "Growing in Truth." Because that was my heart. I longed to grow in truth. Many times during those years God clearly called me to be His "mark." To take a stand in faithfulness and obedience when others around me did not. And I set my face like a flint, pointed toward Jesus, and would not be moved.<br />
<br />
The moment I knew that He had brought me home to the Holy Catholic Church, I closed that blog and opened this new one, "Surrounded by Truth." That is definitely how I feel now. I have found the pillar and foundation of truth, and am firmly planted on it. Within it. And thereby, I have made a new "mark". I have claimed and held fast to what He has told me, and followed in obedience, and I will not look to the left or the right, and I will not let go.<br />
<br />
It was a big move. For a big answer to a big prayer--the fervent prayer of a soul preparing to meet God. But it was a sure move. For the surest thing I have ever known. <br />
<br />
<br />
God bless you and give you His peace and faith.<br />
<br />
-Camilla "Therese" Anderson<br />
<br />
<br />Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-38292454304830996462016-03-04T14:12:00.000-08:002016-03-05T13:06:14.468-08:00Why Don't You Just Stop It?One of my friends and I used to have a little running gag. We would send each other a bottle of "Stoppit Spray" if we needed to: stop complaining, stop over-eating, stop making excuses... stop anything.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hTEeLIN6-EEzISJ4jUvftyARHS0rNMuFkK6BM3cgy56ev8MKFZtkAGr-E_QdkPLBQ3BkY0mVs0ZdLJ1CEsppDTdIizVxFssu4EkHx_iyVDHl2sZY0dG9BOtEs2TIwWzD38aOowbpVog/s1600/stoppit-spray-logo-web-e1402343689237.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hTEeLIN6-EEzISJ4jUvftyARHS0rNMuFkK6BM3cgy56ev8MKFZtkAGr-E_QdkPLBQ3BkY0mVs0ZdLJ1CEsppDTdIizVxFssu4EkHx_iyVDHl2sZY0dG9BOtEs2TIwWzD38aOowbpVog/s320/stoppit-spray-logo-web-e1402343689237.png" width="122" /></a></div>
Wouldn't it be nice if we could just spray this on ourselves to stop an unwanted behavior or thought process?<br />
<br />
I think this sketch by the famous TV-psychiatrist Bob Newhart is equally hilarious:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It's funny because on the surface, it seems absurd. But I think on a deeper level, it's funny in an uncomfortable way.<br />
<br />
I mean, why DON'T we just STOP IT?<br />
<br />
I will tell you why.<br />
<br />
We are human.<br />
<br />
We are sinners by NATURE. Which means, at the very core of our being, we desire selfish things which conflict continually with the well-being of others and the good of all things.<br />
<br />
<i>I want my way. I don't want to wait. I want to be recognized. I want to be respected. I don't want to work. I want to eat that (and that, and that, and that...). I want to watch that. I don't want to exercise. I want to be angry. I deserve respect. I'm afraid. I can't help this. I want to speak my mind. I want revenge. I want justice. I want sympathy.</i><br />
<br />
I want, I want, I want...<br />
<br />
Me, me, me...<br />
<br />
I once read an interesting quote, and because I studied psychology for years, it struck a very deep chord:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The root of all mental illness is selfishness.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know this is not true of all mental illness, of course.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But it struck me because I was mentally ill, and it was true for me at that point in my life. I spent many years looking for someone to label my selfishness, my weaknesses, my problems, my lusts, my laziness, and my chosen lack of self-control. I didn't want to take the blame--and wouldn't have to if it was an illness.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But it wasn't an illness. For me... then, and now, I know that I just need to remember to STOP IT.<br />
<br />
The Bible has much to say on this matter. Have you ever stopped to think about how many times it tells you in the Bible to simply "Stop it?" Repent. Turn from your wicked ways. Avoid fleshly lusts. Why would God tell us to do something we were utterly unable to do? Why would He say simply, "Stop it" if we simply could not? <br />
<br />
We can. <br />
<br />
Are you sick or are you selfish? There is a sure way to find out. Shut down your mind. Lift up your eyes and your head and look around. Start looking, listening, helping, and serving others. Live for others for a few days.<br />
<br />
Your family, your husband, your children, your siblings, your parents, your friends: Listen, love, hug, encourage, help, serve, smile, give.<br />
<br />
Your home: Be grateful for it, care for it, clean it, make it pretty as a gesture of thanks for God's provision.<br />
<br />
The world: Remember that all you see are needy. They may be discouraged, tired, hurt, sick, depressed, stressed, or struggling. Listen, encourage, smile, help, and give.<br />
<br />
Try this for a few days. If you start feeling better, you are not sick. You are just selfish. <br />
<br />
That indeed is good news. You can just STOP IT! </div>
Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-81405462292667849452016-01-27T15:19:00.003-08:002016-02-18T13:48:04.700-08:00My Homeschool PreschoolI get asked about our homeschool methods and resources quite often. After getting three questions in a row about what we do for preschool, it is time to share! Maybe you will get some ideas that work for you!<br />
<br />
Starting at birth, we do a lot of counting, naming colors, looking at alphabet picture books, and practicing using a marker on paper. No pressure. Just for fun and play.<br />
<br />
Starting at age 2 or 3, when I feel the child is ready, we play with alphabet flash cards. I made mine out of cardstock nearly 10 years ago, and have now used them for five children. We start with two letters, then gradually add more. I lay them out, and ask them to find the one I ask for. I hold them up and ask what they are. I ask them to match capitals and lower case. We play with these for about 18 months--they begin to master them in no time.<br />
<br />
I also have used <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/First-Touch-Feel-Picture-Cards/dp/0756615178/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453934539&sr=8-1&keywords=DK+counting+cards" target="_blank">this set of DK counting cards</a> for the past five children. We simply point to the number, and then we count. Once a day.<br />
<br />
I use a 10-cent spiral notebook to practice drawing with markers, starting at age 2 or 3. We practice coloring in shapes with specific colors, tracing along a path between two lines (without touching the lines), connecting dots--first two, then more, then before you know it, they are tracing letters and numbers.<br />
<br />
First workbooks I love for age 2-3-4 are:<br />
<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/My-Book-Coloring-Kumon-Workbooks/dp/1933241284/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453934741&sr=8-1&keywords=Kumon+Coloring" target="_blank"> Kumon Coloring 2-3-4</a><br />
<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/My-Book-Coloring-At-Zoo/dp/193324139X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453934766&sr=8-2&keywords=Kumon+Coloring" target="_blank">Kumon Coloring 3-4-5</a><br />
<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/First-Book-Mazes-Shinobu-Akaishi/dp/4774307092/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453934790&sr=8-1&keywords=Kumon+Mazes" target="_blank">Kumon Mazes 3-4-5</a><br />
<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Amazing-Mazes-Kumons-Practice-Books/dp/4774307106/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453934849&sr=8-2&keywords=Kumon+Mazes" target="_blank">Kumon Mazes 4-5-6</a><br />
<br />
All my littles have loved these books and they are great for simply learning to hold and control a marker and/or pencil.<br />
<br />
I also like to browse Dollar Tree for preschool/kindergarten level workbooks for letters, numbers, shapes and colors. Since they are a dollar, they are great for practice and feeling "grown up." Lots of these are great for learning how to "circle" things, for tracing letters, for attempting to make letters a certain size, for coloring, counting, and matching.<br />
<br />
When ready for pre-K/Kindergarten stuff (the child recognizes most letters and numbers, can count to ten fairly well, knows colors, and can hold a marker to color), I use:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=138525" target="_blank">A Beka K-4 Phonics and Numbers</a> (workbook only--no accessories or teacher's guides)<br />
<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Learning-Letters-Grade-Early-Years/dp/1936024977/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1453936018&sr=8-4&keywords=Spectrum+Preschool" target="_blank">Spectrum Preschool Learning Letters</a><br />
<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Phonics-Readiness-Grade-Early-Years/dp/1609962044/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453936053&sr=8-2&keywords=Spectrum+Preschool" target="_blank">Spectrum Preschool Phonics Readiness </a><br />
<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Spectrum-Phonics-Grade-K/dp/1483811816/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453936125&sr=8-1&keywords=Spectrum+Phonics+K" target="_blank">Spectrum Phonics Grade K</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cornerstonecurriculum.com/Curriculum/MMM/l100.htm" target="_blank">Making Math Meaningful Level K</a><br />
A<a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=99600" target="_blank"> Beka Science, God's World K5 </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>Note: Any of the Spectrum Preschool books are great!</b></i> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfYK5A06Gny44thvHwKcVzJLeq8UHSIsIDH1qMGM8wbV1ENWhNx6LlgY3N68xY2DLt_nir5Pm3A9BaoVFHbLzVP4s35luPZTqN88PNb5tRNC5JfFzVyYTMoNTOgG4pqZQ9mbuJDU8QTU/s1600/spectrumphonicsPK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfYK5A06Gny44thvHwKcVzJLeq8UHSIsIDH1qMGM8wbV1ENWhNx6LlgY3N68xY2DLt_nir5Pm3A9BaoVFHbLzVP4s35luPZTqN88PNb5tRNC5JfFzVyYTMoNTOgG4pqZQ9mbuJDU8QTU/s400/spectrumphonicsPK.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectrum Preschool Learning Letters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Vzuw40EoBTnGTcwlOWLPBYlEM6_NDLLRFqucclOkespSAPJab-ZUmBM2NHwuUhmZJoZHg78dHuQWAlvf8P__KekCK5QEknJri1H07BLxupQd4PpjNEKKbZxzUvgSl-okv1i3XolxK7s/s1600/MMMK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Vzuw40EoBTnGTcwlOWLPBYlEM6_NDLLRFqucclOkespSAPJab-ZUmBM2NHwuUhmZJoZHg78dHuQWAlvf8P__KekCK5QEknJri1H07BLxupQd4PpjNEKKbZxzUvgSl-okv1i3XolxK7s/s400/MMMK.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Math Meaningful Level K</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I continue with homemade flash cards that have names (siblings, Mom, Dad, grapes) and words of favorite things.<br />
<br />
I read books to them.<br />
<br />
I also make them follow my finger as I read the instructions on each workbook page. This transitions always into them naturally reading the instructions for themselves by age 7 or 8.<br />
<br />
Another important tip: I never do too much. I never stress them out. I watch the "light in their eyes." If it goes out, we stop.<br />
<br />
Sometimes we do the flash cards for just two minutes and we find it is not fun anymore or they are not interested "this day." Some days we will play with them for 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Some days my kids will happily sit and work through an entire workbook. I let them. Sometimes, one page is tedious. So I encourage just one or two little tasks (color this item or try making this letter one time), then I tell them, "Great job!" And we move on to something else.<br />
<br />
The workbooks above have lessons on each page that are easily done in just a couple of minutes. Practicing writing a letter (or any worksheet) when you are 4 years old should not be tedious. Some children will find school fun and challenging. But most 4-year-olds, regardless of how much they love school work, can be reasonably asked to practice a particular letter two or three times, and be encouraged with their effort. And two or three times is enough for one day--because if you do that five days in a row, by the end the skill is mastered.<br />
<br />
Bonus material: I had fourboysinarow. They are Star Wars fans. They are also bookish school geeks. I don't know if God made them that way, or if we just cultivate a culture in our homeschool that is fun. But the above books are not enough for my 4-year-old. He often wants to do more. He has a couple of the dollar store workbooks to attempt on his own (which he can do like a pro, now!), But then, one day, while shopping at TJ Maxx, I found these. They rock. Not only are they Star Wars, but the learning format is the quality that I demand.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://Star Wars Workbooks Preschool ABC Fun Ages 4-5" target="_blank">Star Wars Workbooks Preschool ABC Fun Ages 4-5</a><br />
<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Workbook-Preschool-Publishing/dp/B010715R7C/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453936512&sr=1-8&keywords=Star+Wars+Workbooks+preschool" target="_blank">Star Wars Workbooks Preschool Shapes, Colors, and Patterns, Ages 4-5</a><br />
<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Workbook-Kindergarten-Workbooks/dp/0761178058/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453936553&sr=1-1&keywords=Star+Wars+Workbooks+Kindergarten" target="_blank">Star Wars Workbooks Kindergarten Writing & ABCs Ages 5-6</a> <br />
<br />
<i><b>Note: They have lots of other options to choose from that include numbers, counting, and phonics. Some are only $6.00 on Amazon!</b></i><br />
<br />
Happy schooling! May God bless your homeschool!Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-55237302241175832272016-01-10T17:39:00.002-08:002016-01-10T17:42:04.425-08:00Family Menu Planning: Meal IdeasHere I am sharing my "Master List" for meal planning in case it will give you some ideas for things to make for dinner. Email me or leave a comment if you want me to share any of my recipes.<br />
<br />
My master list is divided into these categories:<br />
<ul>
<li>Pasta</li>
<li>Soups</li>
<li>Sandwiches</li>
<li>Mexican</li>
<li>Pizza-ish Stuff</li>
<li>Traditional/Other</li>
</ul>
When I plan a menu, I usually do about three weeks at a time, because that is what my pantry and cupboards can comfortably hold. Each week has one pasta night, one sandwich night, one mexican night, one pizza night, one soup night, one day for leftovers, and one "other" meal. That is seven days. Easy to fill it all in! <br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b> PASTA</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Spaghetti</li>
<ul>
<li>Vegetarian (with shredded spinach, zucchini, carrots)</li>
<li>With meat</li>
<li>With meatballs</li>
</ul>
<li>Pasta Alfredo</li>
<ul>
<li>Chicken & broccoli</li>
<li>Ham, tomatoes, spinach or asparagus</li>
<li>Smoked sausage, spinach or kale (cajun seasoning optional)</li>
</ul>
<li>Baked ziti/penne/shells/rotini</li>
<ul>
<li>with vegetables/ricotta</li>
<li>with mini meatballs</li>
<li>with italian sausage and peppers</li>
</ul>
<li>Lasagna</li>
<ul>
<li>Vegetarian</li>
<li>With meatballs</li>
<li>With meat sauce</li>
<li>Lasagna roll-ups </li>
</ul>
<li>Ravioli</li>
<li>Chicken parmesan</li>
<li>Eggplant parmesan </li>
<li>Beef Stroganoff</li>
<li>Tuna Casserole</li>
<li>Chicken or Turkey Tetrazzini</li>
<li>Homemade macaroni and cheese</li>
<li>Baked four-cheese pasta with mushrooms/asparagus</li>
</ul>
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>SOUPS</b></u> <br />
<ul>
<li>Chili</li>
<ul>
<li>Vegetarian</li>
<li>With meat</li>
</ul>
<li>Beef Barley</li>
<li>Chicken Noodle</li>
<li>Potato-Broccoli-Cheese</li>
<li>Wedding Soup</li>
<li>Minestrone</li>
<li>Ham & Bean soup</li>
<li>16-bean "goulash" soup</li>
<li>Split Pea and ham</li>
<li>Clam Chowder</li>
<li>Seafood bisque</li>
<li>Tomato Soup</li>
<li>Vegetable/Alphabet</li>
<li>Lentil Soup</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u><b>SANDWICHES</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Meatball subs</li>
<li>Philly Cheesesteaks</li>
<li>Reuben sandwiches</li>
<li>Cheeseburgers</li>
<li>Patty Melts</li>
<li>Bratwurst</li>
<li>Polish Sausage</li>
<li>Hot dogs</li>
<li>Corn Dogs</li>
<li>Tuna Melts</li>
<li>Fish</li>
<ul>
<li>Fried</li>
<li>Broiled</li>
</ul>
<li>Chicken</li>
<ul>
<li>Fried</li>
<li>Broiled</li>
<li>Chicken caesar</li>
</ul>
<li>Sloppy Joes</li>
<li>Cold cuts</li>
<li>Baked subs/sandwiches</li>
<li>BBQ Beef/Brisket/Chicken</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u><b>MEXICAN</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Burritos</li>
<ul>
<li>Smothered with green chile </li>
</ul>
<li>Tostadas</li>
<li>Tacos</li>
<li>Soft Tacos</li>
<li>Enchiladas</li>
<li>Fajitas</li>
<ul>
<li>Chicken</li>
<li>Beef</li>
<li>Shrimp</li>
</ul>
<li>Enchilada Casserole</li>
<li>Tamale Casserole</li>
<li>Tortilla Towers</li>
<li>Nachos</li>
<li>Quesadillas</li>
<li>Chimichangas</li>
<li>Fish Tacos</li>
<ul>
<li>Fried</li>
<li>Broiled</li>
</ul>
<li>Huevos Rancheros</li>
<li>Breakfast Burritos</li>
<li>Puffy Tacos</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u><b>PIZZA-ISH STUFF</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Pizza</li>
<li>Stromboli</li>
<li>Calzones</li>
<li>Deep dish pizza</li>
<li>French Bread Pizza</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u><b>OTHER</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Baked fish</li>
<ul>
<li>Lemon pepper</li>
<li>Lime pepper</li>
<li>Dill</li>
</ul>
<li>Salmon patties with dill cream sauce</li>
<li>Fried Fish</li>
<li>Beef Stew</li>
<li>Chicken Fried Steak</li>
<li>Meat Loaf</li>
<li>Meatballs with gravy</li>
<li>Pot Roast</li>
<li>Beef Stir Fry</li>
<li>Korean Beef Wraps</li>
<li>Beef pot pie</li>
<li>Beef meat pasties</li>
<li>Fried Chicken</li>
<li>BBQ chicken</li>
<li>Chicken wings</li>
<li>Chicken noodles</li>
<li>Asian chicken wraps</li>
<li>Chicken stir fry</li>
<li>Egg roll skillet</li>
<li>BBQ Ribs</li>
<li>Pork tenderloin medalions with black pepper cream sauce</li>
<li>Marinated pork tenderloin</li>
<li>Smoked sausage/cabbage/potato roast</li>
<li>Chicken & sausage jambalaya</li>
<li>Chicken pot pie</li>
<li>Turkey pot pie</li>
<li>Roast turkey</li>
<li>Chicken & rice casserole</li>
<li>Baked chicken</li>
<li>Chicken nuggets or chicken tenders (homemade) </li>
<li>Quiche</li>
</ul>
Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-31117608608031378962016-01-09T13:09:00.003-08:002016-01-09T13:18:35.674-08:0012-Week Family MenuI have this blog mainly to share the things I am passionate about. Meal planning is one of those things. <br />
<br />
I love meal planning and managing my kitchen. I think it is one of my strengths (unlike home decorating). I wrote out this 12-week menu in just minutes as I was sitting here. I am excited at how it works to feed our large family, and I am passionate to share it.<br />
<br />
This meal planning "system" for our family works beautifully. It is very cost effective. It is RELATIVELY healthy (the majority of our meals are what constitutes "REAL" food). I won’t go into the details of how I simplify the kitchen organization, and save money on the shopping (and believe me, I do). I won’t go into details on how I sneak extra veggies into the meals (like sautéing shredded carrots, zucchini, and chopped spinach with garlic and Italian seasonings and adding it to our spaghetti and/or pizza sauce).<br />
<br />
I just thought if I shared what I do, you might get ideas for you. I know what it is like to get stuck in a rut. But for me, I have found the way to not get into a rut with our meal planning, is to create exactly that: a rut. Or more or less: a system that repeats and keeps things simple and RELATIVELY healthy.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is how we roll for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and dessert:<br />
<br />
<u><b>Breakfasts</b></u>:<br />
Monday: Oatmeal<br />
Tuesday: Eggs and Toast<br />
Wednesday: Cereal<br />
Thursday: Eggs and Toast<br />
Friday: Oatmeal<br />
Saturday: Pancakes/Waffles/French Toast or Breakfast Burritos<br />
Sunday: Cereal<br />
<br />
About once every other month, I will buy a bunch of yogurt, and sometimes bagels and cream cheese. Just for fun. It's a party--I tell you. <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Note: If your child doesn't feel like eating oatmeal, then they are not hungry. They can wait until lunch.</i><br />
<br />
<u><b>Lunches</b></u>:<br />
<ul>
<li>Leftovers, or</li>
<li>Bean Burritos/Nachos/Tostadas/Quesadillas, or</li>
<li>PB Sandwiches with fresh fruit and veggies, or</li>
<li>Once per month: Homemade mac & cheese and/or hot dogs (treat)</li>
<li>If they’re lucky, I might have bought some ramen noodles (every 3-6 months)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>If your child doesn't want the leftovers, or the bean burrito... again, they are NOT truly hungry. My children, and most likely yours, have never really known what true hunger feels like. They don't have to eat. They can wait until the next meal.</i><br />
<br />
<u><b>Snacks</b></u>:<br />
<ul>
<li>Plain pretzels</li>
<li>Plain tortilla chips and salsa</li>
<li>Popcorn (that I pop in a pan)</li>
<li>Baby carrots or other fresh veggies</li>
<li>Fresh fruit</li>
<li>Dried fruit</li>
<li>Nutella fold-over sandwiches about twice a month (they have to “pay” for those in smooches and other nonsense)\</li>
</ul>
<i>If a child is complaining they are hungry, but refuses one of the above snacks, they are not really hungry. They are bored. Give them chores to do.</i> <br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>12 Weeks of Dinners</b></u>: (The first three weeks below is the menu as it is currently posted on my refrigerator)<br />
<br />
<i>You will notice a pattern, which is what makes it simple: <br />• Sunday is leftovers day<br />• One night is “sandwich” night<br />• One night is “Mexican” night<br />• One night is “pasta” night<br />• One night is “soup” night<br />• One night is “pizza” night<br />• Which leaves one “wild card” night</i><br />
<br />
<u><b>Week 1</b></u>:<br />
Sunday: Cold cut sandwiches with fixings, chips and dip, apples, oranges, carrots<br />
Monday: Chicken-bacon-ranch & biscuit casserole, peas<br />
Tuesday: Nachos with salsa con queso, ground turkey, black beans, guacamole, & fixings<br />
Wednesday: Eggroll skillet with ramen<br />
Thursday: Fish Tacos<br />
Friday: Beef Barley Soup, biscuits, pumpkin pie<br />
Saturday: Meatball Subs with marinara, French fries, green beans<br />
<br />
<u><b>Week 2:</b></u><br />
Sunday: Leftovers<br />
Monday: Salmon patties, risotto, peas<br />
Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo with broccoli, spinach, and carrots, garlic bread<br />
Wednesday: Burritos and Tostadas<br />
Thursday: Lasagna, Garlic bread<br />
Friday: Red lentil/tomato soup, quesadillas<br />
Saturday: Reuben sandwiches, onion rings, corn<br />
<br />
<u><b>Week 3:</b></u><br />
Sunday: Leftovers<br />
Monday: Smoked sausage roasted with cabbage and red potatoes<br />
Tuesday: Spaghetti, garlic bread<br />
Wednesday: Baked chicken, baked potatoes, peas<br />
Thursday: Enchilada casserole<br />
Friday: Stromboli with marinara sauce<br />
Saturday: Bratwurst, French fries, pickled beets, green beans<br />
<br />
<u><b>Week 4:</b></u><br />
Sunday: Leftovers<br />
Monday: Chili<br />
Tuesday: Tuna Casserole<br />
Wednesday: Burritos/Tostadas<br />
Thursday: Chicken Parmesan<br />
Friday: Cheeseburgers, French fries, applesauce, corn<br />
Saturday: Asian Chicken wraps<br />
<br />
<u><b>Week 5:</b></u><br />
Sunday: Leftovers<br />
Monday: Quiche<br />
Tuesday: Spaghetti & Meatballs, Garlic Bread<br />
Wednesday: Fajitas<br />
Thursday: Chicken Noodles/Mashed Potatoes, green beans<br />
Friday: Pizza<br />
Saturday: Lemon-pepper tilapia, risotto, peas<br />
<br />
<u><b>Week 6:</b></u><br />
Sunday: Leftovers<br />
Monday: Sloppy Joes, corn on the cob, onion rings, fruit<br />
Tuesday: Sesame-ginger stir-fry with lo-mein<br />
Wednesday: Tortilla Towers<br />
Thursday: Homemade chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans<br />
Friday: Stromboli<br />
Saturday: Clam chowder, cheddar biscuits, salad<br />
<br />
<u><b>Week 7:</b></u><br />
Sunday: Leftovers<br />
Monday: Polish sausage, roasted potatoes, beets, applesauce, green beans<br />
Tuesday: Lasagna<br />
Wednesday: Burritos/Tostadas<br />
Thursday: Chicken Pot Pie<br />
Friday: Pizza<br />
Saturday: Grilled cheese, tomato soup, green beans<br />
<br />
<u><b>Week 8:</b></u><br />
Sunday: Leftovers<br />
Monday: Patty melts, corn, French fries, fruit<br />
Tuesday: Pasta alfredo with spinach, tomatoes, and ham<br />
Wednesday: Enchiladas<br />
Thursday: Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, corn<br />
Friday: French bread pizza<br />
Saturday: Potato-cheese-broccoli soup, salad<br />
<br />
<u><b>Week 9:</b></u><br />
Sunday: Leftovers<br />
Monday: Tuna melt sandwiches, chips & dip, salad<br />
Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, asparagus<br />
Wednesday: Fish tacos<br />
Thursday: Chicken wings, corn, fruit, French fries<br />
Friday: Calzones<br />
Saturday: Vegetable alphabet soup, corn bread<br />
<br />
<u><b>Week 10</b></u>:<br />
Sunday: Leftovers<br />
Monday: Baked philly cheese steaks, French fries, green beans<br />
Tuesday: Spaghetti & Meatballs<br />
Wednesday: Burritos/Tostadas<br />
Thursday: Chicken and sausage jambalaya with black beans<br />
Friday: Pizza<br />
Saturday: Chili<br />
<br />
<u><b>Week 11</b></u>:<br />
Sunday: Leftovers<br />
Monday: Cheeseburgers, onion rings, applesauce, corn<br />
Tuesday: Baked chicken/rice/lentil casserole, peas<br />
Wednesday: Tamale casserole<br />
Thursday: Baked ziti<br />
Friday: Stromboli<br />
Saturday: Chicken noodle soup, rolls<br />
<br />
<u><b>Week 12:</b></u><br />
Sunday: Leftovers<br />
Monday: Meatball subs<br />
Tuesday: Tuna casserole<br />
Wednesday: Thai-beef lettuce wraps<br />
Thursday: Sausage alfredo with spinach<br />
Friday: Pizza<br />
Saturday: Italian Wedding soup, french bread<br />
<br />
<br />
This system makes filling out a weekly menu quite simple. I think it is so very reasonable to have a few simple choices for breakfasts and lunches (our grandparents ate the same thing EVERY morning!).<br />
<br />
I have a
master list that lists all the meals my family likes for each category:
Soups, sandwiches, pasta dishes, Mexican, and “other”. It is not a
lengthy list. I am looking at it right now. There are nine soups,
twelve sandwiches, eight pasta dishes, seven Mexican dishes, and about
20 dishes in the “other” category (chicken pot pie, fried chicken,
quiche, stir-fry, meatloaf, baked fish, etc.)<br />
<br />
I don’t stress about finding
new recipes. I don't have any cookbooks (not needed if you have the internet!). I have one card box that holds our favorite time-tested recipes. However, if I see a recipe that pops up in my FB news
feed that fits in one of our categories and really sounds good, I may
grab it and throw it on the menu for fun. If it works and everyone loves
it, I will add it to the master list to be put into our rotation, and add the recipe to our card box.<br />
<br />
And
as for desserts: Maybe--MAYBE-- once a month we will bake something. With
cereal, pancakes, PBJ, and occasional Nutella sandwiches around the
house (not to mention us big ones drink sweet coffee), we don’t need any more in the way of sweets! With eight of us here, holiday and birthday treats alone keep us well supplied
with desserts! Sometimes Breton and I will find a recipe we are
dying to try… so we do. And sometimes we will make muffins or donuts for
a fun weekend treat. We don’t sweat the desserts at all! If you live in America, you do not need to put sweets on your menu. You will get more than enough sugar anyway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>If you would like any of my recipes, please comment or email me! I will be happy to share them!</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
HAPPY COOKING!Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-46507668346483244262015-07-03T12:30:00.002-07:002015-07-03T12:34:08.229-07:00The SCOTUS Decision on Gay Marriage: Talking to my Teen DaughterI was putting away laundry, and she came to me. She said, "I need to figure out what I think about all this before I go to camp in two weeks, because it is going to come up. I'm not sure what I believe. I don't know what to say."<br />
<br />
She is 16. It is no longer my job to tell her what to believe. It is my job to guide her with reasoning of basic truth so that she can be discerning and make solid decisions for herself that align with the <i><b>calling God has for her specific life.</b></i><br />
<br />
So. I did my job. I gave her some reasoning based on solid truth, and appealed to her heart to discern whether it be true. She can then take that basis, and meditate upon it, so when the issue comes up in her life, however God arranges it for her (which are different circumstances and people than would be in my life, or in anyone else's life), then she can have a solid foundation on which to discuss and reason out her position.<br />
<br />
What did I tell her about the recent U.S. Supreme Court Decision legalizing gay marriage?<br />
<br />
1. America is a free country. Our forefathers came here for religious freedom. They wanted to be able to live, educate, pray, eat, worship and marry according to how they believed. In America, all denominations of Christians are free to be Christians outside the Catholic Church. In America, I am free to be Catholic even though the country was founded by those who didn't want to be. Jews are free to practice Judaism--and have Jewish weddings, and eat after Jewish law and customs. Muslims, Buddhists, Wicca, Mormons, Scientologists, Hindi... in America, all are free to believe what they like and practice their beliefs--include wedding ceremonies that align with their culture and beliefs.<br />
<br />
America is FREE.<br />
<br />
As long as we don't HURT or DESTROY. Which is what laws are in place to keep us from doing.<br />
<br />
2. Each individual is accountable to God for himself/herself only. A person may acknowledge that, or may not. My question to her: Do you believe you are accountable to God for your beliefs and behavior?<br />
<br />
3. Marriage, by definition--BY ORIGIN--is between a man and a woman. If it is not a man and a woman, it cannot be marriage. That is like taking a rock and deciding it is an orange. It doesn't work. No matter how you discuss, debate, change society's perception, preferences, and tolerances, a rock will always be a rock, and marriage will always be marriage; which is, by original definition, a man leaving his mother and father and cleaving unto his wife for the purpose of being fruitful and multiplying through the male/female union. It is a basic, essential, physical, sexual, spiritual essence of life. Anything else is not marriage--I don't care what you call it. You can take a rock, and paint it to look like an orange, and call it an orange, and most people may say, "Nice orange!" But they know it's a rock. I think spiritually we are all designed to recognize this on some level. We can call it marriage--but it's different. It has been painted. We know that. Everyone knows it. But you are free to call it as you see it.<br />
<br />
<br />
I say let us love each other, and enjoy each other--all our goodness, and love, and humor, and talents, and gifts, and strengths, and weaknesses, and quirks. And if I respect and love you, I will listen to your heart and maybe ask you questions, and help you however I can. And if you respect and love me, you will listen to my heart, and maybe ask me questions, and help me however you can.<br />
<br />
We're all in this world together... <i><b>for better or for worse.</b></i><br />
<br />
May God have mercy on us all.<i><b> </b></i> Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-62983781516895527852015-07-03T07:46:00.001-07:002015-07-03T12:05:05.155-07:00For the Love of GodThat's an expression that has been around forever, and is often said when one is ultimately frustrated or exasperated with someone else's actions, or the condition of things (because of someone else's actions), or the state of the world (because of our actions).<br />
<br />
But it is a loaded statement.<br />
<br />
It means, "For the love of God, why didn't you do this right? Or at least better?"<br />
<br />
It essentially challenges you this: If you really love God, why don't you do things that PLEASE Him, instead of things like (this).<br />
<br />
So, ask yourself, in your life, what could you be doing for the love of God? How can you adjust <i><b>your actions</b></i> today for the glory of God and the greater good of the world?<br />
<br />
Could you...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Be a better steward of your time, home, belongings, money--<i>for the love of God</i>?</li>
<li>Be a more patient and loving parent--<i>for the love of God</i>?</li>
<li>Turn your back on a temptation, at least today, for the love of God?</li>
<ul>
<li>Laziness--<i>for the love of God</i></li>
<li>Gluttony/Over-eating--<i>for the love of God</i></li>
<li>Wasting time on social media--<i>for the love of God</i></li>
<li>Spending too much money--<i>for the love of God</i> </li>
<li>Anger--<i>for the love of God</i> </li>
</ul>
<li>Give something--to a neighbor, to someone less fortunate, to the sick, to the homeless--<i>for the love of God</i></li>
<li>Show mercy to someone who has hurt you or angered you--<i>for the love of God</i></li>
<li>Bless your spouse and/or children with words and actions of love--<i>for the love of God</i></li>
<li>_____________________________ (add in your conviction here)--<i>for the love of God</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<i><b>For the love of God, do something of virtue today to align yourself with God's will and to be one with His love for you today, so that you can be His love to all those around you.</b></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>To him who will <b>love</b> Me and will observe my commandments, will I manifest Myself; and he shall be one thing with Me and I with him.<b> </b></i><br />
<br />
<b>DO YOU LOVE HIM?</b><i><b> </b></i> </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-39122040950240567622015-04-02T10:36:00.001-07:002015-04-02T10:41:33.556-07:00The Best Part of Waking Up...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRzqzINdNUeNanU9UZw5Qt8lGiDZqKh7k0fegWbBnnARG-1woGdmuMrz-AJDxZV0tZegiwIz6n9TjYcQYYgZG7jQFQJpbreBchMe3arCgWRz2EQcY_qO_SJ28ry3IOvLHntnSCWf07T4/s1600/spider.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRzqzINdNUeNanU9UZw5Qt8lGiDZqKh7k0fegWbBnnARG-1woGdmuMrz-AJDxZV0tZegiwIz6n9TjYcQYYgZG7jQFQJpbreBchMe3arCgWRz2EQcY_qO_SJ28ry3IOvLHntnSCWf07T4/s1600/spider.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Is spiders in your cup. And coffee in your bathwater. And sea witches, and sewer inspectors. Lemmee explain. No. There is too much. Let me sum up. (yes, you know where that came from, so read it with a Spanish accent). <br />
<br />
Soooo... my little Millie is teething. Eight, count 'em... EIGHT teeth all at once. She's being quite cheery about it considering, but let's just say it was still a looooonnng night.<br />
<br />
But it was a nice night, filled with sweet and thirst-quenching prayer and meditations. And then in one groggy and not-so-sweet 2:00 a.m. moment, God sent me <a href="http://the-toast.net/2015/04/01/two-medieval-monks-invent-bestiaries/" target="_blank">this</a> (through a FB post by Kendra at <a href="http://www.catholicallyear.com/" target="_blank">Catholic All Year</a>), which fixed it all quite nicely and kept me smiling and giggling. Hilarious! Well... at 2:00 a.m. ...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://the-toast.net/2015/04/01/two-medieval-monks-invent-bestiaries/" target="_blank">But, what were those monks thinking (or drinking) when they drew those illuminations? </a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://the-toast.net/2015/04/01/two-medieval-monks-invent-bestiaries/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg39Ju5k23e3mVpiYQfCzPP3uzDHmOWHDw5ND1TYBhoqscodRr1gRUlpA7uTn-YC9n3lnwcW8JP7LhdnFd77panSIfIPsBIN6GsbcH7S4xwqvFYco4XqTQH503NOH3tnfMoDN3uN8iR8k/s1600/fish.jpg" height="400" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="copy-paste-block">
<b>MONK #1</b>: what part of the knight do fish go on<br />
<b>MONK #2</b>: the head<br />
<b>MONK #1</b>: thanks<br />
<b>MONK #2</b>: oh absolutely<br />
no problem at all<br />
<b>MONK #1</b>: both lying flatwise across the head, or…?<br />
<b>MONK #2</b>: no one on each side<br />
like ears<br />
MONK #1: ok great</div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
</div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
(Click the link to see the rest!)</div>
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</div>
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</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But... back to the best part of waking up. In case you forgot. God decided my April Fools was<br />
<br />
1. To give Cam April Fools Day one day late<br />
2. To use coffee, spiders, and sewer inspectors, and sea-witches to shake things up and get her into gear.<br />
<br />
Hilarious, He is. I bet He cracks Himself up quite a bit.<br />
<br />
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This was MY plan:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh96xo0vUMCnYPm4peafIhhIKShcDOpJ1mh8OXpj8V81tIWVfUqz-G3c_0UgwF4fSR-8AJfzw8viTknt1Mo9gxU98AvroE5rBbTH1SzmJ2NyiJwhVf9qM6zBlIw7dRIt0LtJQnGl8OZgw/s1600/tub.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh96xo0vUMCnYPm4peafIhhIKShcDOpJ1mh8OXpj8V81tIWVfUqz-G3c_0UgwF4fSR-8AJfzw8viTknt1Mo9gxU98AvroE5rBbTH1SzmJ2NyiJwhVf9qM6zBlIw7dRIt0LtJQnGl8OZgw/s1600/tub.jpeg" /></a></div>
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My daughter took the baby to give her a bottle and a snooze. I fed the boys some breakfast and settled them nicely in their room amongst their Legos, and thought a relaxing hot bath with a cup of coffee... then I'll be ready. Ready for everything!<br />
<br />
Well... except that thing that I thought was happening Thursday. What was that... ... ... Nothing comes to mind. I must have been imagining it. So,<br />
<br />
I fill the antique claw foot tub, using my favorite "Boheme" scented body wash. It's day, so I don't light the candles. But while it's filling I get the Tervis cup filled with fresh hot coffee with some cocoa powder and half & half. As I'm lying there soaking, mentally preparing to tackle a "doable" portion of the day, I ponder grabbing one of Millie's toy donut rings (you know, the stacking kind), to use as a floatie for the Tervis cup, to keep the coffee hotter longer, floating in the bath beside me.<br />
<br />
Then, I see it, and I am enjoying my coffee no longer. And, no longer need it to wake me up.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhsJr0WZ0FKGZByOwjBtnDGZEbcu6gbwdY8O0hYTYwmIYnil5DG97PUVrydRQ5kZ2kaCIVav5T0A7hyphenhyphenoyXPz5sFgJV36BPmZ-X0UbrblqEtVS4rb2OoByyDRYisFItc_pwuCnqp4cW9E/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhsJr0WZ0FKGZByOwjBtnDGZEbcu6gbwdY8O0hYTYwmIYnil5DG97PUVrydRQ5kZ2kaCIVav5T0A7hyphenhyphenoyXPz5sFgJV36BPmZ-X0UbrblqEtVS4rb2OoByyDRYisFItc_pwuCnqp4cW9E/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
A big spider, heading down the wall right towards my bath. I leaped up, grabbed a washcloth, and smushed it, at the same time, leaving my poor, unbalanced Tervis cup of coffee bobbing and spilling. I flung the washcloth to the far corner of the bathroom and rescued my drowning cup. My bathwater is now brownish--infused with mocha latte. I figure if the coffee was coming OUT of the cup, what was inside is probably still okay to drink.<br />
<br />
Nope. Blech and double blech.<br />
<br />
So I finished my bath, much more quickly than I planned, and got some of my coffee by osmosis. Whatever works. But God apparently was saying "Get going." I was about to find out why.<br />
<br />
And, I get dressed, and keep my hair wrapped in the towel, and start baby stepping into my day. Lessee... Start the boys on ten minute turns playing with the baby, start Breton on projects 1 and 2 (in that order), I'll get laundry going, and then clean up my desk...<br />
<br />
Ready, set...<br />
<br />
"Mom, why is there an inspection truck in the driveway?"<br />
<br />
Facepalm. That's what was happening Thursday. Sewer and termite inspection. Because we're moving to Florida, you know, and selling this old farm house.<br />
<br />
I whip my towel off my head. No good. With my new pixie haircut (I'm growing it out after losing it last year), I get this, because I've left it in the towel too long. Exactly. This. Not kidding.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxyRMCrBa_-u3PE2M_TnutqOvJUcIr5H3jNAEKi-MhizesbNbbleoQrwdc-06NQbQu8Dh3MF1lI0UXqGNtegbwaXzgxQVfBNkVRLM6dhbvg34Gzbhs3xSzjsuSs6iV1q3F3Q4UEERfR0/s1600/ursula.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxyRMCrBa_-u3PE2M_TnutqOvJUcIr5H3jNAEKi-MhizesbNbbleoQrwdc-06NQbQu8Dh3MF1lI0UXqGNtegbwaXzgxQVfBNkVRLM6dhbvg34Gzbhs3xSzjsuSs6iV1q3F3Q4UEERfR0/s1600/ursula.jpeg" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I'm new at this short hair thing. You comb or style it IMMEDIATELY, or you get it wet again. So... I figured it was better to face the inspector with the towel on my head. Wrapped it back up, opened the door with a smile!<br />
<br />
No problem. He only had to run water in my kitchen sink, which was overflowing full of six glasses and spoons from last night's rootbeer floats, and six cereal bowls and spoons, and the remnants of the milk and cereal therein, miscellaneous coffee and juice cups, and a couple of bottles.<br />
<br />
Such a gentleman. It was "not a bother at all."<br />
<br />
By the time he had walked to the basement and come back up, my kitchen was sparkling and the clean laundry had been hauled upstairs, and though my head was still towel-wrapped, I kinda felt like I had it all together.<br />
<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
April Fool's Day was not all on me. My daughter and I managed to do this to my son's truck while he was visiting last night, hanging with the little ones and distracted by rootbeer floats. He saw it on his way to work today.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPmhwGog1cIa1VwL-M4v-L1pSquSDoC3tupop1RVH3EGKSIeAITkhGGnpCP8TCkCrjLxDn1z8abo2OUbnGCMgjGeY_uwvgPjTMj7wg_pMysYrdLq10bWZALz5Kpra9H_LLAOjtCxbyE4/s1600/Snapchat--4265477544330946586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPmhwGog1cIa1VwL-M4v-L1pSquSDoC3tupop1RVH3EGKSIeAITkhGGnpCP8TCkCrjLxDn1z8abo2OUbnGCMgjGeY_uwvgPjTMj7wg_pMysYrdLq10bWZALz5Kpra9H_LLAOjtCxbyE4/s1600/Snapchat--4265477544330946586.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Gollum, taped to his passenger side rear view mirror.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Prayers for you, dear readers, to have a blessed day, too. Because, actually, I really do feel quite blessed.<br />
<br />
Especially after Millie tried to fist-bump the sewer inspector. That was cute.<br />
<br />
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<br />Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-39669020270148735012015-04-01T10:55:00.001-07:002015-04-01T14:30:48.412-07:00This Thing Called Suffering...What's it all about, anyway? Oh, how I have begged and pleaded and struggled to get my mind around suffering in this world, especially these past few years as God has allowed my fair share. Not that I'm complaining about my personal suffering (much), because there's always someone who has suffered more. But I've complained plenty to God about my lack of understanding about it all.<br />
<br />
I have an insatiable desire to know how God is only and always good and Holy, because that is the only kind of God deserving of our faithfulness. But reconciling the knowledge of good and evil to it all... it overwhelms me. Darn it all, Eve... why'd you have to take that bite? (no disrespect meant, by all means, 'cause I'd have probably done the same and even sooner...)<br />
<br />
So...<br />
<br />
How's your Lent been going? And your Holy Week? I'm still very new to learning about liturgical living. This is my second ever official-awareness-of/attempt-to-observe the Lenten season. This year, my most fervent prayer specific to Lent has been for God to help me understand suffering. Or, more specifically, how the suffering He allows contributes to His glory (or how it WILL in the future culmination of all things). To help me understand how me accepting my "crosses" brings Him glory, and even furthers His Kingdom, and allows for the help of other souls--their provision, healing, and salvation. Paul speaks of it. There are verses in the NT that get glossed over and ignored continually that have always bothered me. Now that I've been studying more of early church history, I see this teaching was common--the teaching to gladly accept our suffering and see it as good, and as only for God's glory and for the work of His Kingdom. But... I still have been unable to grasp it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“On the Way of the Cross, you see, my children, only the first step
is painful. Our greatest cross is the fear of crosses. . . . We have not
the courage to carry our cross, and we are very much mistaken;
for,whatever we do, the cross holds us tight — we cannot escape from it.
What, then, have we to lose? Why not love our crosses and make use of
them to take us to Heaven? But, on the contrary, most men turn their
backs upon crosses, and fly before them. The more they run, the more the
cross pursues them, the more it strikes and crushes them with burdens. .
. . If you were wise, you would go to meet it like Saint Andrew, who
said, when he saw the cross prepared for him and raised up into the air,
“Hail O good cross! O admirable cross! O desirable cross! receive me
into thine arms, withdraw me from among men, and restore me to my
Master, who redeemed me through thee. “</i> — St John Vianney</div>
<br />
And Paul states,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“In my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.” (Col. 1:24)</i></div>
<br />
Oh... how I hate suffering. And we're not even talking about my three-month stay in ICU on life support. I hate being cold. I hate my shower that has no water pressure. I hate my aching feet and wrists from rheumatoid arthritis. I hate having to get up with the baby if I am dead tired. I hate having to tell myself "no" to chocolate. I hate allergies, and snow, and mud, and mosquitos, and dusting and sweeping, and....<br />
<br />
But, I have pleaded to understand. God, can I joyfully accept all these things, hand-in-hand with your work for our redemption? I mean, if you think about it, why would we be joint heirs and be able to reign with Him without having any part of sharing in what it took to get there?<br />
<br />
One thing that has marked my ENTIRE journey of faith is gaping holes in my understanding of the gospel, theology, and doctrine, and the lack of satisfactory explanations (or complete lack of) when my questions are asked. For example... when pondering the crucifixion and the suffering of Christ: How is it that His death was enough? Other people have suffered worse physical deaths, have they not? People make a big deal out of how much Christ physically suffered for us, but there is a disconnect. There has to be more to the story. People before Christ, during Christ's time, and people now have physically suffered more torture, torment, and more painful physical deaths. It wasn't the physical suffering that did the job, was it. There's more to the story. So yes, this person will tell you it was because His blood was pure, so that was what was enough. Yes, but then why the cross? Why the nails? Why the thorns? Why the stripes? Why the pierced side? There is more to this story of physical suffering--more reason, more meaning, more wisdom, and more understanding--and I have always wanted to know. And I'm starting to get it. Christ's <i>physical</i> afflictions were partial to the redemption process and culmination of God's plan of redemption for the whole world. The fully human part of Jesus could only experience human suffering, which makes the human, physical suffering part of His death for us an "example." And because of the curse on mankind sent forth from the beginning, there is a full providential cycle of human suffering that will happen (Noah's flood being an example). The fully God part of Jesus, His sinless blood, the pure and innocent taking on the sacrifice of the guilty--that is the Holy sacramental act that saved us and reconciled us spiritually to God. But, there is still a physical, sin-filled world that is living out its life-cycle with all the ordained suffering that our all-Providential and Sovereign God has put together from beginning to end--ending in pure brightness, sinless, painless, hope, everlasting perfection and glory.<br />
<br />
We're just not at the end yet.<br />
<br />
<i>“In my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.” (Col. 1:24)</i> <br />
<br />
When I first got deathly sick a few years ago and faced dying, God sent me the author <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Complete-Fenelon-Paraclete-Giants/dp/1557256071/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427923789&sr=8-1&keywords=the+complete+fenelon" target="_blank">Fenelon</a> for encouragement. Fenelon, like the Apostles themselves, understood completely the normalcy and continuation of human suffering, the need for it, and how it was necessary for the continued work and culmination of God's plan for mankind. He understood it so well, in fact, he failed to explain it. It was understood. I told you I've been going back to the beginning to find those things that have been lost--those things our early church fathers and mothers understood, because the disciples themselves understood them. I wanna know.<br />
<br />
I just wanna know.<br />
<br />
Oh... I won't get you lost any further in my mind. But, this concept, of God allowing my suffering, for His glory, and for the furthering and completion of His Kingdom and His work. I had to know.<br />
<br />
So since the beginning of Lent, I have prayed for this. With tears. It is my heart to know.<br />
<br />
And, He answered. Of course. With this beautiful story. <br />
<a href="http://faithinourfamilies.com/2015/03/30/when-gods-love-hurts/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://faithinourfamilies.com/2015/03/30/when-gods-love-hurts/" target="_blank">When God's Love Hurts</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, if you need encouragement. If you just can't take one more day of headaches, or emotional struggles, or poverty, or fatigue, or stress, or hurt, or pain, or your stubbed toe, or the loss of your spouse, or your child, or your crippling injury, or your bee sting, or the icy wind...or any of it. Go read it. It may encourage you one tiny bit.</div>
<br />
<br />Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-66687066394150276772015-01-15T13:21:00.001-08:002015-01-23T09:17:25.324-08:00The Way They Should Go<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Proverbs 22:6</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That verse is definitely one of the most quoted by homeschooling parents. It's a verse for all parents. So, the obvious question is, "what is the way they should go?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I believe this verse has two obvious applications.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
First, the way all children should "go" is down the path of faith, obedience, righteousness, and holy living. This encompasses honesty, integrity, morality, wisdom, and virtue (anything you consider a virtue, especially based on the character of Christ). Any parent, when looking into the future, hopes for their child to grow up to be wise, good, honest, hard-working, loyal, moral, ethical, generous, respectful, faithful, loving, serving, merciful, compassionate, and so on.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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So how do we do that? It's simple. If you homeschool, put God first in your curriculum line-up, and link all your other subjects to God. We made a solemn pact in our homeschool that learning God comes first. So before we do any other subjects, we do devotion, memory work (whole passages, folks, such as The Lord's Prayer, Psalm 1, 23, 37, 91, 100, The Ten Commandments, Isaiah 61, Apostles Creed, and more, and as you're learning it break it down verse by verse for devotion), and Bible history. The example of this alone is powerful. It teaches your children to put God first as a rule.</div>
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Then, homeschooling or not, simply exhort your children all day long, whether work, school, or play, to do all things as unto The Lord. (There's a verse for everything,). For example, working diligently or neatly because it pleases God, cleaning and organizing to be a good steward, being selfless, compassionate, and kind when playing, etc.<br />
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In addition, make a habit of teaching them to bring their thoughts and behaviors "captive" to Christ. For example, for each lesson, story, movie, situation, or song, discuss what is good and virtuous, and evaluate for foolishness or evil. Practice discernment. Teach them to identify foolish behavior and avoid it.</div>
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Remind them continually, as the opportunity presents, of the Ten Commandments and other commands, along with the blessings, promises, or consequences related. When faced with a character or behavior issue, use a concordance to look up relevant verses and use them for devotions, paragraph writing, note taking, outlines, and memory work. For example, if a little one is dishonest, look up ten verses on lying and study one a day for ten days. You can address things like obedience, coveting, greed, morality, laziness, quietness, listening, studying, being creative... ... Yeah. Anything your child may need to work on. It's in there.</div>
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Now, the second application of this verse I believe has to do with discovering the unique gifts and interests God gave each child that are unique to him/her, and by developing them will honor God and fulfill God's purpose in their life.</div>
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Sometimes this is obvious. Sometimes it is not. Your job is to be in tune and always on the lookout for clues. And when there are no clues or clear leading, teach them to be led by the Spirit to make wise decisions , and each step will take them one step closer to where God has planned for them to go.</div>
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Take for example, my now 20-year-old. When he was 15 and starting college-level classes, he really did not know yet what he wanted to do other than knowing in general he wanted to be married one day and have a family. After prayer, we decided the wisest course of college study for a young man in this situation would be a BSBA in General Management, considering that could apply toward any field and help with a family supporting job. Lo and behold, his first college level class was financial accounting. He fell in love. He knew immediately that he would be happy doing accounting every day (yeah, I didn't see it coming and was like, "Whaaaaaaaa? Really? Whatever knocks your socks off, boy!). So we finished the BSBA in general management, and added the extra 30 credit hours in accounting needed for a CPA license. He is now 20, a college graduate (plus the extra 30 credits), </div>
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and is happily working as an accountant at Chipotle regional HQ, contentedly preparing to put himself in a position to marry, with a career, house down payment, engagement ring fund, and additional savings. By the way <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiYhxMuKn7c">he is also a pianist</a> and plays for hours a day just for fun. All through college, he would "study 20 minutes, play 20 minutes." <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">His nameplate at the Chipotle Regional Office. My husband joked that it was a Chipotle fail that they didn't use a picture of a black bean for "bean counter!" </span></b></i></td></tr>
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And then there's my six-year-old. He is a gymnast, and an author. He said so very confidently, "Yes. That's what I am. An author. I know it for real." And he is. The greater portion of every day he spends writing and illustrating books (see below). And he could jump before he could walk. I signed him up for beginning gymnastics at age five and within two months had skipped up two levels to advanced. I know which way he should go.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>A couple of pages from today's work in progress. His books are usually 20-30 pages each, fully illustrated, with well-developed plots and lots of writing on each page (well, lots for a 6yo). The above text reads phonetically, "The mommy wolf got back from howling." </b></i></span></td></tr>
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My five-year-old very confidently stated one day, "when I grow up, I am going to be a boss." Leadership. He is also by far the most gifted piano player, and loves it the most. His piano teacher was beyond thrilled at his interest, dedication, and skill. He is committed to practice and precision. And, as an aside, we learned very early on that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vO5nE0aAqc">he HATES poetr</a>y (yes, we sent this clip to AFV. We usually learn nursery rhymes while potty training. He thought that was torture.)</div>
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And then there's the three-year-old. So far we have only joked that he will be the next world dictator. But I'm always on the lookout for clues. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6rHm1Rt1L0&feature=youtu.be">Well, and then he can do this</a>. Yes. Literally. He is climbing the walls. <br />
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The 9yo loves math, science, geography, and "facts." He is gifted in logic and reasoning. He instantly finds fallacies in anything he reads. Even C.S. Lewis. He corrects all his textbooks. How will this develop? Detective? Lawyer? Forensics? Scientist? We will just have to nurture his gifts and interests and see how it plays out.</div>
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And my 15-year-old daughter has no clear vision as of yet. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHXFftaQU6g">She plays piano several hours a day</a>, but for fun. She is not really committed to performance perfect playing, even though she can now play any music she likes. She sang in one of the top children's choirs in the country for three years, singing with the Columbus symphony orchestra in <i>Carmina Burana</i>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNCDd5h6Xqc"><i>Carmen</i></a>, and Pops concerts, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-a3NXZjd-M">toured Spain</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrB41HXyPuM">sang on ESPN for NASCAR</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMu7ho7333g">won a bronze medal in the world choir games</a>. She can sight-sing any piece of music and her range is phenomenal. But she is no longer challenged and does not want to direct. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9eef6M0c2I">She played "Marian" in a children's production of The Music Man</a>, (she was 11 in this video), and she was amazing. She does want to try more theater. She wants to try acapella. She wants to take dance in case she decides to audition as a Disney Princess or do more musical theater (Les Miserables, Peter Pan, and Christine in Phantom of the Opera are dream roles of hers). She is an amazing artist--sketching, colored pencil, Copic markers. She spends as much time drawing as she does playing piano. She will perform anywhere at anytime without reservation. The concept of "stage fright" is completely foreign to her. She loves to sew and crochet. And, she loves to cook. She even imagines competing on Chopped or Cupcake Wars. She did a Cupcake Wars birthday party last year and the results were definitely Food Network-worthy. So, lots of clues. But no clear direction. We will just cultivate her interests one day at a time, putting God first and making the wisest choice possible based on what we know and observe, and she will end up on the way she should go.</div>
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And the babe? At nine months, her laid back, easygoing personality is apparent. But that's not much of a clue yet. Oh, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23vAO9TtwPQ">she can play jumpy swing soccer</a>. And she's probably a lefty--like me and her big sister (but none of her brothers).</div>
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How about you? How have you helped your children find the way they should go? Leave a comment, or leave a link and share your story!</div>
Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867091440281111343.post-39896831132203817632015-01-09T09:35:00.001-08:002015-01-12T11:48:07.944-08:00A Year to LIVE!2014 was not a year to live. I spent a good portion of that at death's door, and the rest trying to get the nerve to drag myself out of the valley of the shadow of death and dare to start living again. It is now time to do that.<br />
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Our family has been through a difficult chapter. Although we feel happy and blessed, the past 12 years have mainly been defined by financial hardship and serious health problems. About a year ago I stated getting that restless, discontent feeling that signaled God was getting ready to make a change, and He has. We are starting a new chapter. I became a new person. All things have become new.<br />
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The biggest new thing is my faith. You don't stare death in the face as much as I have without finalizing your beliefs. Most of my teen and adult life, I have fervently and steadily pursued God and His truth, longing to put to rest all my doctrinal questions, and longing to know exactly how to belong to Him fully, worship Him in a way that most pleases Him, and come to rest in obedience, submission, and mercy. And He has done that. I no longer feel I'm seeking or striving to discover more truth. Now I feel settled fully in His truth. Surrounded by it. Upheld continually by it. It is now in me and all around me, and I just have to sit back, relax, and let it wash over me, lead me, teach me, and grow me.<br />
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Hence, the new blog name for a new chapter. For over ten years I have blogged at "<a href="http://growing-in-truth.blogspot.com/">Growing in Truth,</a>" (first on the original homeschoolblogger!), which I always felt was the perfect defining phrase for my life. It is no longer perfect. Now, I will confidently say "Surrounded by Truth." The chapter that begins with me finally feeling spiritually at rest, complete in my soul, and full in my heart. It is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me! It really is peace like a river, flowing steadily and continually deep down in my soul.<br />
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How about another big new thing? My husband exchanging his small-town job in rural Ohio with a struggling company that couldn't always pay him fully or on time, for an executive position in bustling, beautiful, sunny Jacksonville, Florida. Not to mention the blessing of knowing God hand-picked this job, and my husband, who started this week, LOVES it. He loves the company and the people and the location and the hours and the dress code. But most importantly, he really loves the work. He finds it thoroughly interesting and even a bit fun!<br />
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Not to mention selling our blessed little homesteader farm and replacing it with a beachside home. Yeah. That's big.<br />
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And here's to a new chapter in health. I am going into this new year with a diagnosis I had been lacking, and a treatment that seems to be working. I am going to dare to throw off the fear of ending up in ICU at any given moment. I'm going to quit worrying about getting over-tired. I'm going to walk again, run again, build muscle, play, and go do things. No more hiding away from germs or being paranoid of overdoing it.<br />
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It is time to LIVE. Hence, my "word" of the year. I want to wake up each morning, claim God's mercy, restoration, and healing, and then glorify Him in good works using the health He has restored to me. I'm going to love, cherish and support my husband, train my children for Him with joy and passion. I'm going to experience, fellowship, serve, give, relish, do, try, go.<br />
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This is what I read just before planning this post, and it is perfect:<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i> "But this every one is sure of that worships Thee, that his life, if it be under trial, shall be crowned; and if it be under tribulation, it shall be delivered: and if it be under correction, it shall be allowed to come to thy mercy. For thou art not delighted in our being lost, because after a storm thou makest a calm, and after tears and weeping, thou pourest in joyfulness." </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>"Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us and let us grow old both together in health."</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b>Tobias 3:21-22, 8:10</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Two prayers of Sarah, the wife of Tobias.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And in closing, how about this? Our precious blessing, Millie Jewel, now nearly nine months old, survived the first few months of her life without her mommy, but it blesses me to know that my new chapter is her FIRST chapter! What's the title for the 2015 chapter of your life? I'd live to hear it! Yes. I just caught that typo. It's appropriate. I'm leaving it that way! I will live to hear it! </span></div>
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<br />Camillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12153780460404779678noreply@blogger.com4