Compassion bloggers in Nicaragua - Touching stories of real life

Have you heard of the Compassion bloggers? If you read Ann Voskamp's - A holy experience - you have seen the pictures and heartfelt words of love for these children of Compassion.  

The Compassion blogger team has returned from Nicaragua this month & just in case you haven't yet read about their wonderful journey or looked at their photo's  - photo's that often say much more than any blog post could- I encourage you to go ahead and take a look.

Grab a cup of coffee, and sit back & read through these posts. Open your heart to the truth shared here & allow God to speak into your life.

We are here to serve. We all have a job to do. God has given each a gift to share. It may be a blog post, or a book. It could be a song, or a sponsorship. It may be that God has given you a special heart for those in your community - wherever He leads - just go!

Their trip to Nicaragua may be over - but the stories remain . . .

Read the highlights from the June trip here 
See the other posts from Nicaragua 2013 here 

Read about blogger Christy Jordan Southern Plate - meeting the child she sponsors - here. 

And here where "things are changing" "families are being restored" and "children are dreaming of becoming someone"

Share Compassion with your children & enjoy free homeschool curriculum materials  - here 

Rhythm - Once upon a summer in Southwest Florida

"O" is for . . . Once upon a summer 

Rhythm 

We finish up the morning and afternoon activities, a bit of school, time at the pool, picking up sea shells while walking on the beach. I hurry into the house and get dinner started. I brush sand off my feet the best I can, and don't worry too much about the rest. The floor needs cleaning anyways. I know I'll get to it one day here soon. 

The thunder rolls across southwest Florida as the summer storms it's way into our life. 
The air is thick with salty humidity. The smell brings back memories of childhood visits to the island that remained in my heart from the moment I'd set foot on it. I knew then, I was home. 

I close my eyes and breathe deeply, the salty air of my youth as I say a quick prayer for the one I love to remain safe.

 Across the water, he watches carefully as the next afternoon storm rolls in. The Captain's eye is sharp and he is accustomed to the weather. He takes in  the sky black as night, with intermittent rays of light and bright streaks reflecting off the water and bouncing off the dark clouds. He presses on. 

He's tired. He works, this man, in the hot sun all day. He's fulfilling his lifelong dream - a fisherman; He's fulfilling mine as well. 






Once upon a summer dream, a little girl said a prayer. I smile, remembering.  

I call the children to come in, all 3 boys dirty from head to toe with tad poles in hand, lizards in tow and an egg sack or two they have found. They are in search of a container to use as a home for their new friends. 

The sweat rolls down their faces, big blue eyes shine with excitement from the afternoons adventures. Their spirit is not dampened as the rain falls yet again. 

They know it will bring more tad poles. 




As the storm looms, ominously in the sky, the house shakes with the deep rumble of thunder. Bad as it may look, I know this too shall pass, and there is light shining there, beyond the storm. 




The steady rain begins to fall. I stop to take notice how it moves across the water, and travels across the flat landscape; sometimes raining on one side of the street, and not the other. 

The water pools, as it begins to pour and the ground is saturated once again. All the brown from winter is gone now, and has been replaced with the deep, rich green of summer. 












The heavy rains wash away the heat of the day, not completely, but enough.

 It is fresh. I smile, thinking about how the washing away - really does make everything new. 

As the pounding rain slows to a pitter-patter and the afternoon storm rolls on by. The southwest Florida sky shows promise of another colorful sunset. 







There may be time yet, to run down to the beach and catch sight of it as the sun sinks below the horizon. With dark clouds moved on, we may even get to see the illusive green flash.

 Maybe we will, but we won't rush. 

One way or the other we'll peek outside to see what the summer sky has to offer. We'll soak up another evening sunset painted by the hand of God himself, especially for us. 

I bow my head in a moment of gratitude. I breathe the salt air, and I remember my childhood prayer; To live near my island and have a family of my own. Once upon a summer . . . a little girl prayed. 

Our boys run by, stopping only for a second, to notice the sun dipping down below the water's edge. 

This is the rhythm of summer in southwest Florida. 

stop

Confession: I wrote for more than 5 min. I stopped timing because the words poured out - from my heart. 

Linking with -

A holy experience

5 min Friday @thegypsymama
Blogging through the Alphabet

Freshly Brewed Life

#tellHisStory

Wildlife Wednesday: Incredible Luna Moth

I participate on Wednesday with Kathy Balman @Kathy's Cluttered Mind and Master Books at Creation Conversations to bring you Wildlife Wednesday. We share our adventures in nature and information about encounters with God's beautiful creation.

I is for Incredible! 

The Incredible Luna Moth 

The male have thicker and fuller, feathery antenna so they can find the female. The Luna Moth caterpillars are found in North America and eat a variety of trees. They eat hickory, sweetgum, pecan, and walnut trees (to name a few).  

They have a 4-5 inch wing span. 

Our female Luna Moth: 

We found this beautiful female at the Sheltowee Trace Outfitters in Southern Kentucky. There are plenty of hickory, sweetgum and other trees around for the luna caterpillars to eat in the wooded area near Cumberland Falls. The details of the fine, thin wings are incredibly beautiful. The "eye" shapes on each of the 4 wings are striking as well.

As excited as we were about our whitewater rafting adventure with Sheltowee Trace Outfitters, I was thrilled to see the boys get just as excited about this beautiful moth. God's creation never ceases to amaze. If He has created such beauty here on earth, how much more must be waiting for us when our "life cycle" is done!

1 Corinthians 2:9 

 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,

 neither have entered into the heart of man, 

the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

We do not know if this female has yet laid her eggs, but if so, she will not live much longer, as she will have served her purpose. The eggs are medium sized, dark brown, and circular.  Laying her eggs will complete her life cycle.

For you: 

Luna Moth printout - from Enchanted Learning 
You Tube video about the life cycle

*Enter the Master Books Giveaway here to win The Ecology Book 

Don't miss out! Join our Wildlife Wednesday group here on Creation Conversations to share information and discuss God's Creation, hear from the experts, and gain more insight, freebies, and fellowship.

Link up your own wildlife and nature posts and be Pinned to the Master Books Wildlife Wednesday pinboard and shared around the web. Please provide a link back to this post in order to spread the word!

Grab the button below or use a text link:

Real Refreshment - for moms

I'm still on the road from our weekend at the Real Refreshment Retreat in Atlanta. It was such a blessing to spend time with old friends, to meet new ones, and to connect with those we have met online. Being able to hug and sit with women I've prayed for and women who have prayed for me - it's just a special thing. It's a powerful experience. I'm blessed to have had the opportunity. 

I've taken a detour on the way home for an adventure with the kids - surprise! (shocked, I'm sure)

As I reflect on the amazing time we spent - there are a few particulars that come to mind: 

Heidi Saint John. Heidi Saint John. Heidi Saint John. 

Did I mention I thought Heidi Saint John is awesome? She is. Truly. And very sweet. And funny. 

Really funny. 

You can see her at TTD in May as well 
(I can't wait to hear her again in TN) 

She gave a heart felt talk that was down to earth and jam packed full of goodness that I needed to hear. 

I know others felt the same. She encouraged moms, homeschool moms in particular - to stick together, to give each other grace, and to encourage each other. She also had a lot to say about generational curses. If you aren't familiar with that - it's the notion of the "sins of the fathers" being passed down in families. Many times it's dealing with abusive kinds of traits and habits that end up getting passed down in families. 

I had a comment from an Instagram friend when I posted the above pic that she had once taken her son to a counselor (Christian counselor) who told them basically, that they were doomed to fail because of the generational curses being passed down. She now knows better as she has become a Christian and has studied her bible (thankfully) but I was so sad to hear of someone being irresponsible enough to discourage someone looking for help. Good grief! Our God is so much better than that! He is full of love for His children and He has wonderful plans for us. 

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

  "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give 

you hope and a future.               Jeremiah 29:11

Isn't that better news? The God of the universe loves us and has plans to prosper us with hope and a future. Heidi Saint John shared some of her personal story of how she overcame (through the power of God's love) an abusive past. She encouraged us that with the power of Christ - those bonds of sin are broken and we are FREE to walk in grace and love. Powerful stuff. 

Another great reminder for me this weekend: 

What an awesome reminder that He can take the character traits of our children (even the ones we find difficult - sometimes especially the ones we find to be difficult) and turn them into a powerhouse for the Lord? That's right. God of the universe. He can handle our children, and He can help us handle them - to train them for Him. It was a terrific reminder that the foundation we are laying in the lives of our little ones will go a long way in determining their future. It's important that they are grounded in truth, and grace, and love. 

The Apologia ladies were wonderful as always. Each speaker did a fantastic job and each were a blessing to me and the other women I spoke with. According to the web site, "The Real Refreshment Retreats are designed to recharge your spiritual batteries" and I must say - it did exactly that for me. 

On a final note - we were reminded to find joy in the "normal" things of life - Rachel Martin  

spoke about how when people go through tragedies in life - they would give anything to get back to the "normal drudgery" of every day life. Moms who have lost their children would give anything to hear them bickering with each other, or to step on their messy Lego's. It's a profound thought and a sobering one - also a true one. We are not promised tomorrow. We must live today, and live it well. 

With that - I am off to scratch the back of a little boy needing my attention, and to make plans for our day tomorrow. We will enjoy our adventure tomorrow - and every day thereafter, as I am determined to find joy in each one and to share that joy with my children. 

These are the real gifts in our lives. 

1000 Gifts and counting: 

Back scratching-  boy cuddles - little hands reaching to hold mine (even though they are getting bigger)- road trip adventurez - girlfriends - prayer warriors - family babies - new baby smell - time with extended family -  special  cousins and making memories - time to be refreshed and encouraged. 

Linking with: 

 Bigger Picture

Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring

#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  

Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  

Monday for Moms - Heartily, as to the Lord

Colossians 3:23 

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men"

This past week, we had some sweet friends visit from Chicago. Hyacynth @Undercover Mother

It was the 2nd year they have been able to visit us while they were down this way and we were happy to continue our new tradition. This time her sweet husband was able to join us and mine even took the day off (a rare treat for us). I love it when a plan comes together. 

One of the things we got a kick out of while they were here is that her oldest and our middle boy "took" to each other and their very boyish play style. They even had to take their toy guns to the beach with us, and you'd have thought they were landing at Normandy. They crouched and crawled around, sneaking up on an enemy - only they could see. 

They put their whole hearts into it. They were sold out to the idea that they were little soldiers. Anyone looking on, would immediately know and understand who they were and what they were up to, without a word of explanation. They didn't waste any time worrying about what others might think. They jumped in with both feet, into the thick of their imaginary battle. 

It made us smile to see our little boys playing so well. It was a wonderful example of "little boys being boys". They had no script, yet they knew just what to do - heartily sold out to being soldiers. 

What if we were to put our whole hearts into everything we do just like these little boys? What if we were concerned only with what God thought and didn't worry about what men thought?

I want to serve God in that way. I want to give Him my all in everything I do. Heartily!

Right now that may mean "scrubbing toilets - as to the Lord" or "teaching homeschool - as to the Lord" and "cooking dinner - as to the Lord". Moms make a difference in this way. We are teaching our children how to live. 

It is my desire to show them how to live life "heartily, as to the Lord." 

Colossians 3:23 "Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" 

*This is our bible verse for the week - the boys will write it out in their spiral bible notebooks and we will say it out loud every day - in our homeschool, driving down the road, taking a walk - until they can say it on their own. It is one of the ways we are teaching them God's Word and one of the ways they will learn to live heartily for Him. 

#1000 Gifts and beyond 

sold out little soldiers -special friends- time at the beach - time with Daddy -learning scripture reminders to live heartily for the Lord - opportunity to share - lessons from my children-play time- Monday night bible study on the island - fellowship 

Linking with: Bigger Picture Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days   Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  

God wants to bless your family

I'm excited! I'm fired up! 

It can be a wonderful thing to let the kids go spend time with the grandparents. It is hard to leave them, but it's also important for them to have the special time with Grandparents and. . . . . .  who knew it could be so awesome for me to spend a little mommy time without them?

I don't like being away from my kids, but this weekend was really good for me and good for them as well. 

This past week has been a whirlwind of activity. We plowed through our homeschool as I prepared to attend the BEECH Retreat. The boys have had special time to spend with grandparents and with daddy, so I could go and learn, grow, and renew. I am coming back to them a better woman. I return refreshed and renewed.

Although it has been hectic, getting it all done, it has been so worth-while! I cannot express how grateful I am that God provided the opportunity for me to participate. I've learned much in the process and believe whole heartily that He intends to bless my family through it. 

God wants to bless my family. He wants me at home teaching my boys, and He has been faithful in providing financially for me to do so. 

God wants to bless your family too. He wants us to have life and have it abundantly!!! 

Gods love for us is so great, so deep, and so wide! We cannot comprehend the depths of His love for us. As much as we love our children, as much good as we want to see for their lives - He loves us even more than we are capable of understanding. We are His children. 

#1000 Gifts and counting: 

* privilege of seeing God's plans come to fruition
* inspiration to Go forth and do what I am called to do 
* Grandparents & making special memories 
* One on One time with my little guy 
* physical strength to do what I need to do (and healing) 
* God's amazing provisions! 
* fun with new friends 
* time with old friends
* opportunity to share my heart 
*  BEECH Retreat!!!!

linking with:  Bigger Picture Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home
 The Wellspring - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days   Raising Mighty Arrows -Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs  Works-4-Me   Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Our Christmas this year was spent quietly at home. My parents weren't able to come as they were, like us, down with the flu. Although, being sick isn't our idea of the perfect way to spend any day - much less Christmas - it turned out to be a lovely celebration and sweet family time. 

As the new year approaches, we are finally kicking this terrible illness. Although our camping plans are out of the question for New Years Eve - cold temperatures and getting over the flu doesn't go so well together - we will enjoy another (fairly) quiet evening celebrating together. 

As 2013 draws near I'm thankful for this down time to reflect on the past, to enjoy the memories each special Christmas ornament on our tree represents, like the tiny sea shells we've gathered at our favorite family beach spot, and the sand dollars we've collected. I smile at the memory of finding shells on our honeymoon in Costa Rica, and then turning them into icicles with our firstborn son when he was a toddler. 

That toddler is now 11 years old and we've added 2 more boys to the family. Each year we add some kind of new ornaments to the tree - salt dough ornaments the boys paint themselves, this year the small nests to which we added the eggs and birds to represent the time we spend together exploring creation. The years fly by all too quickly, our boys are growing up fast, and I know it won't be long before I'm looking at the tree ornaments and remembering the time when they were "only" 11,  7 and 8 years old. 

I've been praying for the families in Newport. I cannot imagine how different, and heartbreaking their Christmas was from ours. Praying for them reminds me to be thankful for every moment, even when we are sick or struggling. My main focus for the new year is to savor each day, to savor  the moments that make up the day.

 I want to remember the bigger picture by focusing on the little things - teaching our children to honor the time God has given us by appreciating the time we have together. 

I'm thankful for what we have, thankful for the time to enjoy it. Teaching the boys to appreciate God's blessings, to find the gifts in the little things - is one of the most important lessons we can share with them. We have to be "in the moment" to do that, prepared to look closely and soak in the details. 

Every moment in our lives quickly becomes a memory. I want to work harder to be truly present in those moments. I cannot slow the passing of time, or keep my boys young, but I can savor each moment along the way and celebrate each day with them - celebrate the little things which make up the bigger picture. 

As we are physically recovering from our illness, our celebration of the New Year will include family time - playing with the new basket ball goal, cooking some special treats, and taking a walk in the Myakka Forest, soaking up a bit of sunshine as we discuss what goals the boys have in mind for 2013. Later - there will be sparklers - and we have a tradition of watching the ball drop, unlike the one at midnight, ours drops about 6 p.m. and looks a little something like this: 

Happy New Year Y'all - Savor the moment! 

#1000 Gifts and counting: 

*the little moments *special ornaments gathered over the years *hot chocolate *family traditions *sunset *camera to capture the moment *family favorite foods *games we love *health returning *quiet time of reflection 

Linking with: SoliDeGloria  Bigger Picture Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows -
Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word    Thursday Quick Tip

What does biblical giving look like today? What can we do?

Matthew 25:45
 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'







We participate each year in helping local children by stuffing stockings full of toys with our local homeschool group. It's a wonderful way to teach our boys to think of others instead of themselves (especially, this time of year). 
We have spent time buying toys and clothing for children who need them.

 But, is it enough? 

The local children certainly need to enjoy a toy or two for Christmas. I'm glad we have participated and believe it is a worthwhile cause, but there are needs that go far beyond a few items in a Christmas stocking. 

Last year was the first year we got involved with Compassion. Although our budget is limited, we are a self employed family and we are making huge sacrifices so that I can stay home to school our children, we felt the call to do more. 




(photo credit Marilyn Moss Whitten who organized the homeschool project) 

As gifts for family members, we purchased chickens for families. Yes, chickens. 
Turned out, my mother was far more moved by the gesture of providing for a Compassion child than by yet another pair of earrings. We made hand made cards letting our family members know that a gift in their honor had been made to Compassion providing much needed support to children and families in need. 

A gift of just $13 can help a malnourished child receive emergency feeding. 
I may even print a few pictures from the Compassion web site to insert into the cards this year. Looking at those eyes and a full plate of food is about as heart warming as it gets. 

A baby and mother can be fed for a mere $14. Or, you can opt to feed them for 6 months with a gift of $84, a year of food and nutrition for $168 for both mother and baby. 

The medical needs of a baby can be met at $55 for an entire year. Most Americans spend more than that on the family Christmas tree each year. 




Even a gift of $4 can treat a child for parasites - a very real danger for those living in less than sanitary conditions. There are gifts available - which you can specify and gift in the name of a loved one - in every imaginable price range. 

As we go about our busy schedules, taking care of kids, balancing life and the Christmas season, making sure all the bases are covered - let's remember to be grateful for the clean water coming out of the faucet today, for the light bulb that comes on when we flip the switch, the medicine we distribute before the hot meal we feed the family.

 As we put the final touches on our Christmas list this year, perhaps we can find a way to reach across the miles and change the life of a child today. 

The Compassion catalog is the perfect place to start. You can be certain your money truly goes to provide for the Compassion children. 

Learn more about giving with Compassion here. 

My goal is to raise a mere $100 
I am asking for 10 of my readers to give just $10 
Or 5 people to donate $20 to the gift of their choice from Compassion. Perhaps there is someone reading who is looking for the perfect $100 gift to give Aunt Millie, who has everything. If you are one of the readers who plan to do this - please let me know - either in the comments below or in a private message. Our efforts will go a long way with this program! 

Please use this link to donate and make a real difference in the life of a child. 

~Merry Christmas! 


Counting #1000 Gifts I'm grateful for today: *clean water, hot food, Christmas tree, washing machine, fresh food, medicine, soap, shampoo, family, healthy children 

linking with: Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  
Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  

Our homeschool week - Manger, Mantis and ancient Man

In my life this week…

The world's ugliest tree was rescued from certain death- 

I was told by my husband that this tree could not be repaired

 - so I became the queen of duct tape (determined is what I call it

 - Mark says stubborn)   

 po-tAe-do / po- ta-do 

I win. I mean - I managed to salvage it! 

In our homeschool this week…

Clockwise beginning in top right corner - Studying animals who defy evolution, 

Swimming Creatures from Apologia, Print and cursive bible verse copywork, 

Advent study - reading God's word. 

See our Wildlife Wednesday posts and join the group for free information, monthly prizes, 

and much more. Link up your nature posts old and new and they will be added to the 

Master Books - Wildlife Wednesday pinterest board! (get info here) 

M is for Mantis who prays - read that here    

M is for Manger - see picture above and free Silent Night printable below 

M is for Man - the ancient man and his intelligence 

M is for Miry Clay - Ps 40:2  - You brought me out of the pit of destruction, out of the

                                  miry clay,  you put my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm. 

          

              *although it may not seem like a Christmas verse - we are backing up to the reason

               He was born in the first place - He came so that we might live - He came to cleanse

               us and set our feet upon the rock. 

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

  

Adapt your homeschool to fit your needs. I am reading the Genius of Ancient Man aloud and although it is a bit advanced for my younger ones - they are understanding much of it because we have added this project pictured above. While I read - they are sketching and painting examples we discussed from the books historical timeline such as the tower of Babel, Great Pyramids, Stonehenge, and more - all examples of ancient cultures religions, organized government and architecture - ancient man's intelligence. They may not understand every word I read - but they understand the basics, will remember this project, and we are laying a foundation of truth in their lives. It's a wonderful resource! 

I am careful to teach them that many of the cultures had pagan roots and rituals - I have the 

ability to pic and choose how much of that I share with my children. The important thing is for 

them to understand why we choose to believe in Creation and that the bible is our ultimate 

go-to, the foundation of our faith. 

My favorite thing this week was…

Showing my husband the tree of course! (it's important to find everyday ways to play with your spouse - a little friendly competition is fun for us) 

The moments pictured in our weekly wrap-ups are many of my favorite moments - finding joy
in the everyday 

We're cooking…

Florida Snowman Cookies  recipe on link for our Kids in the Kitchen post 

I’m grateful for…

*Our ladies bible study group on Monday nights (IRL) and the volunteers who take care of the kiddos and teach them about Jesus during that time -  *Resources for our homeschool 

*The REAL gift of the season - *Friends who support and love -* husband who puts his family 

first and is a godly example for our boys - *wonderful homeschool companies such as Apologia, Master Books, and GeoMatters who are generous and supportive in the homeschool community - *grateful for reading improvement in little ones 

We're reading …

 exploring and learning about the intelligence of ancient man and our Creator

Also reading Swimming Creatures from Apologia for science (see whale pic above) 

And Geography through Art from Geo Matters 

Freebies …

                                     

                                                 

                       

Free bible study plans and reading plans Free copywork for Silent Night

includes cursive

Linking with - Holy Spirit Led Homeschool , The Imagination Tree , Creative Family Fun , Sun Scholars  , Camera Phone Friday, Favorite Resources this Week, Homeschool Freebie Fridays, Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers  ABC blogging, Collage Friday, Educating Laytons ihomeschoolnetwork Mommy Teaches   homeschool fridays  friday faves Read.Explore.Learn Quick Tips Hammock Tracks Christian Mommy Bloggers