How to Gain a Fresh Perspective

           

To rest,

To sleep,

To dream.

My go to spot 

where my spirit

becomes renewed.    

This is the challenge for the 52 Photos Project this week -

My interpretation is about my process . . . . . . .

It's an amazing thing when you see the mighty hand of God move 

This past week has been an especially, um, stressful one for me. When things are 

looking dark and dreary - there is only one way for me to change my perspective. . . . .

My ray of light comes from laying it all at the feet of the One who gave His ALL for me. 

When there are situations I cannot change, life's difficulties that won't seem to budge, 

challenges which appear to be insurmountable . . . . . 

When the only thing I can change is my perspective -

The way I manage that is by looking up and laying it all down! 

I begin with prayer, thanking God that my children are healthy, and that my husband is kind.

I pray and breathe in and out, releasing some of the stress with each breath, each prayer. 

When at all possible, I get out for a walk to appreciate the natural beauty of God's creation. 

I slow down to examine some of the smaller details in the beauty around me. 

I open God's Word and soak it up! 

I intentionally look for things that make me happy. I get support by asking a friend or two to pray 

along with me. There is power in prayer. 

Philippians 4:6-7 

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication

 with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts

 and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Instead of allowing stress to rush me, I slow to a relaxed pace and seek peace.

 I stop to thank God for the beauty in the clouds, a rainbow in the sky. 

I look and notice baby birds in a nest - and I know . . . . . .

Matthew 6:26 

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,

 and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

So, again, I stop and give thanks. 

It helps to do something for someone else.

 If I can't solve my own problem, I can make soup and muffins for a sick friend or neighbor. 

Sharing God's love is good for the soul!!!

I can do something I enjoy - like crafting . . . . . .

(praying and crafting go well together) 

I take the time to pray for others - to remember that there are brothers and sisters who 

need God's love - need His mighty hand on their life too. 

I remember to keep my worries where they belong - at the feet of the King. 

I revel in His majesty - at the Works of His hand . . . . . . 

and I give thanks! 

Then, I hardly need be surprised at all, when by the end of the week . . . . . . 

my emergencies are solved - miraculously, one by one, each trouble 

- taken care of because He loves me! 

This past week I experienced real miracles as He directly answered prayers and solved 

problems beyond my control. He moved His mighty hand on our behalf

and I am so very grateful.

My so called problems are nothing difficult for the Creator of the Universe- 

the Maker of Heaven and Earth

Psalm 61: 4

I will abide in your tabernacle forever: I will trust in the shelter of your wings. Selah.

I am  immensely grateful 

click on the last picture to hear a song of thanks! 

Linking up with: 

                                     

#1000 Gifts:

141. afternoon walks in the fresh air

142. breeze across the water 

143. rays of light through fruit trees

144. vibrant children 

145. friends who will pray, love, and support

146. beautiful details of my pretty shells 

147. colors in the sky 

148. opportunities to see miracles, even when they come disguised  as problems

149. shelter of His wings 

   

   

1. Walk with the Lord: I'm walking :) I've been praying for the women in my

31 Days to Pray For Your Spouse (31 Days to Build a Better Spouse) Challenge 

I'm enjoying the How to Have a Heart For Your Kids online book club (stay tuned for

my input on chapter 4, coming soon, as an honored contributor) and Journey Through Ephesians 

study has kicked into full gear as well. Each of these things are "Enhancing" (my word for 2012) 

my walk with Christ in my personal quiet time and with others. I also teach Children's Church 

often at LifeChurch in Port Charlotte and daily Bible classes with my kiddos - so, all together

I'm staying in the Word a good bit. :) I'm in awe of the things God is doing in our life. 

2. Health improvement: I've been doing some walk/hiking and drinking my water- well, 

more water than usual anyways and that's an accomplishment for me! I've been using my 

essential oils Citrus Fresh from my friend Carrie at Young Living Oil Lady and it helps a lot! 

If you are suffering from any health issues, or just want to improve your overall health - I 

encourage you to get in touch with this sweet woman and tell her about it. She has prayed 

with me, helped me, guided and directed me, and continues to encourage me and pray for 

my complete healing from RA. She's a wise woman, that one. She loves people with God's love! 

3. Blogging and Writing: Gidget from HomeschoolingUnscripted  who edits for the HSBA- Post

has been kind enough to help me with edits on my new eBook Perfectly Perfect which I've written

for the new site for young women DIVAgirls  -  She's a sweet one that Gidget, and I love the new 

site by Katie to encourage girls to respect themselves. I'm happy to contribute to such a worthy cause!

I've also been narrowing down the Link-Ups to participate in weekly - Organizing and creating a new 

binder (I heart binders) to keep up with notes and ideas for writing, and preparing a few new 

guest posts - I'm excited to guest post for Jamie Worley at See Jamie Blog.  (It's coming Jamie!)

Journey Through Ephesians

We've begun our "Journey Through Ephesians" and this week has been just what I needed

God is funny that way! He always brings me the exact scripture I need at just the right time. 

Many times He uses people, like you, to encourage me when I need it most. 

Verse 16 from chapter 1 "grabbed me" right off the bat:  

"¹⁶Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers"

Paul is speaking to the church at Ephesus, and he in this verse he is encouraging them 

to pray for each other- he is telling them how he continually gives thanks for them and 

prays for them, "making mention" of them in his (regular ) prayers. 

I've had a lot of special prayers requests from different ladies in our various groups. 

From the "Pray for Your Spouse" group with Ashley Pichea 

From the "How to Have a Heart For Your Kids" group 

and this "Journey Through Ephesians"  group with Amanda Pelser

and the ladies from  "Good Morning Girls"  

*It has been such a blessing to interact with you - to pray for you - and to be 

encouraged by you! I love how these passages in Ephesians 1 sort of

"bring it all home" for me as it calls  us to live by Paul's example in praising God

through good times and bad- to seek wisdom - to believe that God has the 

answers we seek - and to live like true children of the King - worthy of our inheritance 

all a part of the same family - brothers and sisters in Christ- loving, encouraging, 

and praying for one another! 

There is no "big mystery" to living the way we are called to. . . . 

Walk in LOVE! 

Do that by praying and reading God's word - knowing that we are not our own

We are  bought with a price and we are free to live like 

children of the King - daughters of the Living God! 

It's an exciting concept. We are "whole" we are "pure" and we are 

"free" to walk in Love - 

Love for Christ, Love for our families, Love for others

^"18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

 ¹⁹And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

 ²⁰Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,"

Whatever your situation today, know that God loves you,  He will grant you wisdom 

and understanding - This same God who raised Jesus from the grave - has called us 

all to be "part of the body" - loving each other - praying for each other- 

I'm a child of the King - now I need to live like it 

by walking in LOVE! 

Are you praying for the body of Christ? Are you walking in love and 

lifting each other up with encouragement? 

Some of you are! Some of you bless me on a regular basis and 

(in the words of Paul) 

"I do not cease to give thanks for you" 

Linking with: 

            

   

Homeschool Mother's Journal

I didn't make the last couple of posts for the Homeschool Mother's Journal, so I thought I'd 

combine the past couple of weeks to show you some of what we've been up to

I'm not a morning person, but for the past couple of weeks, I've been waking up around 

sunrise to pray. It's a rare thing for me. Here on the Gulf Coast of Florida (down south) 

we get the most fabulous sun sets, but it's unusual for me to catch a sunrise. Obviously

it's not the horizon but the sun reflects off the water behind our home - the fog begins to lift -

and this particular morning there was a pink hue all across the sky. 

Some of us are participating in the 31 days to Pray for Your Spouse Challenge through 

January - I've used this time to pray for my own husband - and the sweet ladies in my group. 

Spence got to spend some good one on one time learning about tying up fishing nets - 

there is not much else in the world that makes him happier -except actually fishing

(Yes, that is one of my chalkboards out there- argh) 

We have a fun little homeschool "book club" which meets once each month. 

Each of the children stands before the group of parents and students and tells about 

a favorite book they've been reading. It's great public speaking practice. 

We then all hang at the park - and the children are awarded with free lunch tickets from 

the local Jason's Deli - It's been so generous of Jason's Deli to support the reading group

and kids in our community! Thank YOU Jason's Deli!! 

It provides a wonderful opportunity for socializing, public speaking, supports literacy, 

and local  homeschool  families! They have healthy menu options, even gluten free, and ICE CREAM!

If you haven't tried a Jason's Deli- well, you get the point - we are fans! 

(I'm not being paid to tell you this I promise- just very grateful for all they have done) 

No, that is not Big Foot wearing a football jersey. That's our friend Nick hiding in the woods. 

You may know his sweet mama- Jenn from "Daze of Adventure"  

(if ya don't know her yet, I suggest you hop over there and check her out) 

Anyhoo, we got the kiddos out for a good long nature walk last Friday on the trails at Tippecanoe 

Nick's silliness wasn't limited to disguising himself with shrubs - he also enjoyed jumping out of them! 

It's a miracle I got this picture at all - since I jumped clean out of my skin! 

  

My boys had a lovely time exploring the trails - which of course, we had to ourselves on a weekday! 

 Who teaches this boy strut thang anyway? :) 

I remember dressing my little brother up in our old dresses when he could barely walk

. . . . . and even with the dress on - he had the boy strut going on! 

The week prior, we had a visit from my sister and her 3 boys - yes, you counted right

6 boys in the house! 

All under the age of 10 - it was a wonderful time

They brought us some hermit crabs - who have been a BIG hit around here - and I'm happy to 

report - are actually still alive. 

It was our "Christmas" gathering for the New Year 

Of course, there was beach time: 

These cousins are only a few weeks apart. They both turned 7 recently

They all have so much fun together- just boys - doing boy things

 It was- as always - the perfect end - to the perfect day! 

We've also been cracking the books! We received our new 

"Big Book of History" from Master Books and LOVE 

can I say LOVE it! 

Here is the link if you'd like to get your very own awesome Big Book! 

3 in 30 Goals: 

I'm not going to pretend to know exactly where I am on my monthly goals - It's been a whirlwind.
But, I press on toward the mark and I know I'm making progress!

* I'm drinking more water and walking some outside - going again tomorrow :) for another nature walk.
*I'm getting a lot of praying and encouragement from and for the ladies involved in the 31 days Challenge
and I love praying for my husband - especially with scripture!(too late for the January Challenge, but it's never too late to get the ebook and start your own journey praying for your husband each day. There is a link on my side bar that will take you right to it. They are only $5 and can really help you lift up your marriage!
*I love the Have a HEART for your Kids group and look forward to sharing chapter 4 with you here on Adventurez - It's an honor for me to write about Rachael Carman's book - She is a woman after my own heart for sure! She humbly speaks about her mistakes and the grace God has given her to continue leading her children in the way God would have them to go.
*We've begun our study in Ephesians and it is going to be a wonderful journey! I'm sharing it in part with my children in our homeschool and really enjoying the facebook page as well.
*Blogging and writing is going well - right on track.
All in all - I'm very pleased with the way January is progressing. Except the laundry. Waaayyy behind!
The goals I have chosen go with my word of the year - and have added value and

"Enhancement" 

to our lives! 

Are you finding special ways to enhance yours? I love to hear your ideas and experiences!

Linking with: 

    
 

Journey of a Lifetime - Falling in Love Again

The Big Adventure 

& My Parents True Love Story

I just have to share some of my sons pictures from his big adventure a couple of months ago-

ALASKA Y'all !!! 

You are welcome to use the pictures for a homeschool lapbook for your personal use only 

click on the pictures to go to sites which contain interesting information on each subject! 

These are GLACIERS y'all !!! 

I love the touch of blue on the glacier below: 

(the site attached below does not cotton to a young earth view - as I do - but I use it as a teaching opportunity- and explain the difference of opinions to my boys- if you are seeking more information 

on the young earth vs. millions of years theories - leave a comment below with your email and I'll be sure

to get you some fabulous reading material)   

The site does have some wonderful information about glaciers for your lapbooks! 

LOOK! Salmon really DO swim upstream! 

My awesome parents took him on a journey of a lifetime! 

A REAL LIVE - HONEST - TO- GOODNESS - MOOSE! 

(we don't get those in Florida) 

One of their best adventures was out to see the Killer Whales - NOT at Sea World any more Dorthy! 

 I wish I could have been there for this! 

No, really - my parents took my son on MY dream trip

OK, I'm still happy for all of them, the therapist says that's how it should be. 

 

I think it's a beautiful sight - this pod of Orka's! 

click on the picture to learn about Killer Whales

This particular Grizzly has been hanging out at one of the animal rescue parks in Alaska

An Alaskan Dall Sheep 

Some of my favorite adventurer's 

 I just may have gotten some of my spirit of adventure from these people. 

I was born on Guam - my mother rode on the back of a motorcycle fully pregnant with me on the island

They used to put a child's port-a-potty in the back of their jeep and took me camping 

It was they who brought me to the lovely island community where I live now 

and taught me to find sharks teeth and snorkel for beautiful sea shells. 

It's one of the best gifts they've ever given me - right after teaching me to trust the Lord - 

and being a wonderful example of what marriage should be

Especially, if you are taking part in the 31 days to Pray for Your Spouse Challenge 

please be sure to read the following: 

They treasure their family 

This year - they celebrate their 45th Wedding Anniversary 

My father bought her a very special ring. (Diamonds are her love language- for real) 

Anyway, when asked about it he said that she deserved it 

- as it turns out 

it was his Africa money which paid for the ring.

 I happen to know, he has been tucking that money away for many years now.

 Planning all along what he would do

 - the details of his big adventure. 

When it came right down to it - he didn't hesitate to go and get her what she wanted.

 She didn't know the cost. 

He may have "wanted" Africa (badly) but he "needed" my mother. 

He did it because he loves her.

He is right, she deserves it. 

She has sacrificed many years serving her family - loving her husband.

She has put her family before herself. She has put his needs before her own.  

She is the woman who taught me not to ever allow myself to begin to think negative thoughts

about my husband - to love, honor, and yes - submit to him. 

(a post for a different day, but godly submission is most cost effective in a godly marriage)

They most certainly are not perfect people. 

But they have remained a steadfast godly example. 

For their children, and anyone who looks closely, they are a wonderful example of true love. 

He told her when she was only 14 and he 16 years old that she was it for him  

 he is a man of his word. 

My parents aren't perfect - but I wouldn't trade them for anything.

One of the most important things that my mother has done - is to consistently pray for her husband

Over 45 years she has prayed for the small things in his life and the big things! 

There is no doubt in my mind that NOT EVERY year has been full of romance

I know first hand that on either side, they've made sacrifices for each other

They each have their faults that could cause a problem here and there

They've had some whopper fights over the years 

Neither of them has had to go very long without hearing "I love you" 

Each of them has known respect and security. 

To him, she will always be beautiful 

 To her, he is the best man in the world

And there is romance

Their children have never for one day worried about them falling out of love

yet I'm so thankful to see them falling in love - again this year! 

He may have given up Africa - but he has his big adventure! 

While I'm praying for my husband these 31 days of the challenge 

 I'm praying to be the wife he deserves me to be

I'm praying God's blessings on him throughout these 31 days and over the next 45 + years

I'm so grateful to have the opportunity 

and I'm praying with you ladies in my group

God bless-

Ephesians 4:25-5:2 

 Be loving and forgiving, speaking only good and imitating Christ. 

...let not the sun go down upon your wrath...

Linking with:

1. Marriage and Family - 

Pray for Your Spouse Challenge is going well - I got to spend a few brief moments with hubs this week 

he read my ebook :)  - Working to "enhance" marriage, family, and homeschool - mostly going well! Have a HEART book club going well read post here 

2. Homeschool - little bit at a time! Read about that here - some great freebies! 

3. Writing- I'm so happy y'all - I finished my ebook for DIVAgirls 

Also linking with: 

*disclaimer - A godly marriage  is one where you are safe to be submissive to God by following your

husbands lead - I worked for six years as a victims advocate - please know that if you are in an 

abusive situation - the best thing you can do is seek professional counseling from a Christian counselor- 

I do not believe God intended us to ever be treated so poorly or would endanger your life

I also believe God can work miracles in people who ALLOW Him -

 a professional will help you figure out the best plan of action - do get help now, please

 - you do not have to be beaten to be abused or in danger!