Reflections

It is the last day of the year and it is inevitable that we take inventory of the year past. What worked and what didn't. What was hard and what was easy. What we learned and what we did or didn't accomplish. Then, usually, we make plans or goals for next year. This year, instead of sharing my goals and plans I am going to share with you my reflections of 2013. At the end of this post I am going to highlight four books that I read this year that were perspective changers for me.

Here are six words that describe my 2013~
Healing
Trust
Growth
Discipline
Determination
Grace

The following are things that in no way have I mastered. These are convictions, challenges, motivators and good things that have come from my past 365 days.

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Keeping a Thankfulness journal is therapeutic. There were so many days in 2013 that I woke up feeling awful. Feeling like I didn't want to get out of bed. Physically in pain not wanting to move. Depressed at my life's circumstances. Wanting to give up at times. Getting up and coming down to read my bible, do a devotional and write in my thankfulness journal almost always changed my perspective. There were always things to be thankful for. In fact, I live quite a blessed life in spite of autoimmunity and health problems. Those mornings it was challenging to make the choice to be thankful but when I did it forced me to think on the good things.
Philippians 4:8 says Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
There is a reason why God tells us to "Think on these things." They have power to change your mind and thoughts. I really recommend keeping a Thankfulness journal. Record a few thoughts or sentences each day of the things you are blessed by, what you are thankful for, or what you are grateful for. You can also record answered prayers which is a faith builder in and of itself!

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My family eats 100% different from the way we did at this time last year. What we eat (or don't) is radically different. This was not by choice, but in hindsight and presently I am grateful for the change. It has been a very long, hard journey (really that started almost three years ago) and there were many days when I didn't want to eat this so different. It can be inconvenient, time consuming, expensive, frustrating and require a lot of self-control. However, rewarding times in our life are never easy. They are always hard. We have seen major rewards from this change of eating an organic diet without grains, legumes, dairy, processed foods and refined sugar. I always eat full Paleo (and started on Intro Gaps early January) and my boys almost always eat Paleo and occasionally have Gluten free items (which include GF grains.) My husband eats Paleo except at various social times. The rewards have been major weight loss, lower blood pressure (in a family history of high blood pressure), great cholesterol labs, spinal inflammation in my husbands back is gone, healing in myself so that I can function daily with a above average energy level most days, & a lot less sicknesses from flu's and colds in our house. These things have made it all worth it. The rewards far outweigh the hardships and inconveniences.

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Daily time spent in God's word (The Bible) is vital to my life. This year I have developed a deep hunger and thirst for The Word and for God. I desire to know Him better, to learn from Him, to learn about Him, to trust in Him, to follow Him and to wait in Him and on Him. My desire has deepened - dark valleys do that. The valleys of the past 6 years have been dark, lonely (at times) and depressing but over time, through refinement by God, I desire to earnestly seek Him. I certainly fail still at times but my heart has started to become molded and crafted by His hands. This will take a lifetime and is painful but necessary. Through seeking Him daily, by spending uninterrupted time in His word and praying, I have deepened my relationship and understanding of my best friend- My Lord Jesus.

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I learned (once again) not to put anyone pedestal. Family, friends, celebrities, anyone that is a h.u.m.a.n. If we do this, we will always be let down. Always disappointed. We are human. Fallible humans. Not one is better than another. Acts 10:34 says God is not a respecter of persons. Status or worldly success or talents don't matter to Him. Galatians 3:28 says- There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. In other words, we are all equal in God's eyes. God created us equal and sees us that way so why should we hold up and create various "levels" for the human race?

It is not wrong to look up to someone or admire someone but know they are fallible and check your heart as to where you place them in your life. The only person infallible, trustworthy, worthy to be idolized and placed "above" is Jesus. Live for Him. Let Him be what motivates and guides you - not h.u.m.a.n.s.

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Don't miss relationship and special moments because of being sucked into a screen. Email, Facebook, blogs, pinterest, surfing the net and time spent with technology which is always ALL around us can be a HUGE distraction and opportunity killer. Balance must be found. Our families lives can fly by (unnoticed) while we are enveloped in technology. Relationship becomes void. Actual time spent is priceless and where relationships are built. Virtual time is so empty and ultimately SO lonely.

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Following mainstream societal ways can be a big detriment to our well being (in many ways, but I will be focusing on health here.) Following God's path as opposed to the worlds is what God calls us to do. That means we have to be different. Romans 12:2 says - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

If I followed my full Western Medicine MD Doctor and her advice (or lack thereof) I would be dead this year. Literally. Either that, or I would be on ten different drugs that would be a mask to the cause of my health issues. These drugs would eventually give me other symptoms that if they didn't kill me then, they would later. A slow death. A life of unnecessary suffering. God did not make our bodies to be pumped full of daily drugs, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. God made our bodies to heal naturally with the good things He has created and given us. So how do we not "conform?" We ask God for direction. Just because it is easy to go to the doctor and get a pill doesn't mean it is the right thing to do. Just because we can call up a friend for advice and it is easy doesn' tmean that is what God wants us to follow. Ask God what His will is for your life, for your health? Ask Him in what direction you should go to feel better? He will make it clear. If I didn't do this I would never have found GAPS. This is what God used to get me on the path to life and vitality rather than a life of merely surviving and going from one ignorant, greedy doctor to the next all the while medical bills piling up higher and higher. (Sorry if you are a doctor but this is my personal experience.) I do have two doctors (who are investigative and functional medicine doctors) that I highly respect and do help out. Anyway, follow God's ways rather than what society or mainstream media or your friends say to do. Pray, Pray, Pray. God has the ultimate wisdom and knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our past, present AND future. What better person is there to seek wisdom from? Please don't get me wrong here. I am not saying that since I use natural healing I am more holy or "better." I am merely saying don't just do something or follow a certain way because someone else is. Our actions in our lives should reflect the beauty of the Lord and His good and perfect will for our individual lives. Seek. HIM. Daily. That is what it means to be "different."

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Memorizing Scripture and storing it in our hearts (especially as parents raising children) is imperative. There are so many reasons that memorizing scripture is important. This is how the Holy Spirit can speak to us. Since the Word is truth we can speak truth to our children when needed like in times of discipline or encouragement. We can share the Truth with others. We can help bring unbelievers to the sweet Grace of God. (Hebrews 4:12) The Word is active, it is sharper than any double edged sword. It pierces our hearts. When we store up the scriptures in our hearts, it challenges, convicts, encourages us and give us hope. What if someday we don't have the luxury of having a bible? What verses will you have stored up in your heart?

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This last one is the deepest reflection of them all! Always, always, always have bacon and bacon grease on hand! They are the building blocks of life. They are joy. They are love. They are tasty. Bacon makes everything better!

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Here are four books that changed my perspective this year and I wholeheartedly recommend to you to read:

This book is written by a former shepherd named Phillip Keller. He has an amazing, eye-opening look at the relationship between a sheep an their shepherd and how it parallels our relationship with Christ (since we are His sheep.) He walks you through Psalm 23 in ways that I have never even understood or considered before. It is a small book and relatively quick read but there are many places you will want to stop and ponder and think on the the thoughts and insights he shares.

This book is written by Phillip Keller as well and is an even smaller book than the first. I literally read it in a few hours. Phillip talks about his relationship in training this wretched outcast of a dog to be an amazing sheepdog. He parallels the training and discipline Christ gives us in our lives and the refinement it brings as well as the discovery of what our true purpose is here on earth. When my oldest gets a little older it is a book we will be reading together. It truly helps the reader to see their relationship with Christ in a different light, through different glasses - through the lens of love.

We read this book by Sam Wellman together as a family this year. It was a life changer for me. I literally found myself thinking about Corrie's life and her faith for weeks and months after we finished reading the book. Corrie's faith in the worst possible conditions of World War II Nazi concentration camps is astounding. You will learn about her family growing up, her sister Betsy who is also an amazing hero of faith, and their victories and trials in their walk with the Lord. Once you have finished the book, I recommend watching the movie The Hiding Place. In the movie you actually get to see her in real life and hear her faithful words. Don't watch the movie first though! The book has way more detail. Corrie's understanding of the Lord will challenge you and at times bring you to your knees. Her endurance and courage are incredible. She is certainly someone to admire and glean from.

This last book by Pam Forster is really more of a devotional or a checklist. It is only about 20 pages long. It is meant to be a continual resource to come too and get back on track with the biblical and Godly way of parenting. There are six areas of focus: Love, Prayer, Instruction, Protection, Provision, and Example. In each section there is a bible verse describing the topic, and a checklist of questions followed by verses to evaluate how you are doing in this area of parenting.  I took a verse each day and read it in the Bible in context, journaled about it and wrote my thoughts and convictions on it. It was a very fruitful time. It is a book I have come back to time and time again for the gentle reminders through scripture of my calling and the Biblical guidance of "how-to" when it comes to my ministry as a parent.

I pray you have a blessed new year and that you might be able to think back on your year personally and reflect on the triumphs, valleys, victories and challenges that came along!  Cheers is too many more reflections to come for the next 365 days!

~Blessings~

Dying to Read More!

My goodness the past month has been a WHIRLWIND.  It is a blur.  It has been TOO busy for my taste but things are winding down now.  Yay!  I am not one who likes to be TOO busy.  We finished co-op with our final presentation night which was such a blessing.  Corbin got a free ticket to our local waterpark for reading over 600 minutes in a couple months.  Cody received his preschool binder that he worked so hard on all year and I wrapped up teaching my first preschool co-op class.  Our homeschool here at home is winding down too.  Between those things, sickness, doctors appointments, GAPS diet (which takes a lot of prep), planning meetings, Sunday school teaching, bible studies, fellowship with friends and family, starting our garden, and more, things have been downright crazy.

One thing I have been really missing is sitting down with a good book. I have several that I am reading right now and several on the list too read. I look forward to starting summer with some lazy days curling up with a good book and a glass of carrot, celery juice (yeah, you read that right, carrot, celery juice. That is what I can have right now. Actually I really love it. Heheheh!)

Here are some books on my reading list:

The Fruitful Wife

I haven't started reading this one yet but have heard and read really good reviews on it.  I can't wait to start this.

Parenting Collection: The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, and Parenting isn't for Cowards all in one book.

I have read the Dare To Discipline book in this 3 in 1 book and it was great!  I am now in the middle of the strong willed child section.  It is also very informative and motivating.  I was (and still am) a strong willed child and happen to have one just like me. Dr. Dobson helps so much in figuring out how to live life with one!  Fortunately, because I am one I have an inside scoop on what makes a strong willed child (or person) tick! I have always loved Dr. Dobson.

Why America is Free

I have started reading this book. I really, really love it.  I wish I had books like this when I was in school.  I have learned more (truth) from this book than anything I read in school when I was a child.  I also love the way it is written.  It is not merely just facts but instead an actual story with characters.  Interspersed throughout the book are factual tidbits and information. Michael Farris of HSLDA recommended this book at our last homeschool conference.  I am so glad we purchased it.  I can't wait to read it with Corbin and Cody. How important it is for them to know and understand why America IS free!

Educating the WholeHearted Child (3rd. edition) by Clay and Sally Clarkson

I have started reading this book and consider it to be a go to resource for me throughout most of my homeschooling.  Clay and Sally have a lot of wisdom to pass down and I am so appreciative of such a great resource. This is their description on the book from their website:

You’ll find 384 help-filled pages packed with useful information, insights and encouragement:

■Ideas: Hundreds of practical ideas, teaching methods, lifestyle suggestions, and product recommendations

■Insights: Dozens of scriptures, personal anecdotes, quotes, notes, and comments

■Anecdotes: Dozens of "In Our Home" snapshots of Clarkson family living

■Books: A recommended "Family Favorites" reading list of whole and living books

■Helps: A section of reproducible forms for planning and record-keeping

Paleo Slow Cooking by Chrissy Gower

Yes, I read cookbooks.  Actually, I devour cookbooks.  While I don't identify myself as "Paleo" because of some of the things the lifestyle supports that I don't agree with, I do think that for a lot of people eating Paleo makes complete sense.  After I am done with the GAPS diet I will probably be following the Auto-Immune Protocol for Paleo eating.  You can read about that here and here. If you have an autoimmune disorder I highly recommend looking into this way of eating. I love this cook book.  It has some great ideas and also wonderful information at the beginning of the book before the recipes.  It makes eating Paleo style look simple (which it really is.)

Paleo Indulgences by Tammy Credicott

I am happy to say that I finished reading this one!  I am a baker at heart.  I have been baking since I was a little girl. I always asked for baking stuff for my birthdays!  Even when I had to go Gluten Free two years ago I continued baking.  It is not until now that I don't do much baking (for myself at least.) However, I pray that one day soon I will be able to get back to indulging and baking once in a while with almond flour and coconut flour which is what this book uses a lot of.  The recipes are decadent!

Here are some other books I have finished or are in the middle of but don't have pictures....

Keeping Bees and Making Honey

I intend to read this and many other beekeeping books over the summer. I want to have a few bee hives in the next few years.  Bees are getting scarce and raw local honey is getting expensive. I think it would be so much fun to have a few hives and harvest our own honey.

Oswald Chambers: The Man and Message behind My Utmost For His Highest

I did read this whole book and learned so much about Oswald Chambers.  It was a quick read and gave a good glimpse into his life.  It also made me think a lot about my perspective on life and my world view.  Mr. Chambers was a great man of God who was dedicated to his work.  It is amazing that his wife put together all of his works in so many different books after his young, untimely death.  Thankfully she did that so we could glean from his teachings.

The Problem of Pain by C.S Lewis

I am greatly anticipating this book about why pain and suffering occur.  I love C.S. Lewis and his writings and I am sure he will paint great light on this subject.

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller

I am in the middle of this book and want to just inhale it.  I have to take it slow though because it is a "thinker."  I love Phillip's verse for verse explanation and view of Psalm 23.  Since he was a shepherd he has a inside look at what God really means when he calls us his "sheep."  It is such an interesting book. I highly recommend it!

Corrie Ten Boom: Heroine of Harlem by Sam Wellman

We are reading this together as a family right now and what a woman Corrie was.  She suffered so much in Nazi Germany yet never lost sight of God. Her story is encouraging and she is a wonderful example to all of us on how to live out our faith.  We love reading Christian Missionary or Christian American Hero stories together as a family.

Holy War by John Bunyan

This book is on my summer reading list.  I can't wait to read it.  I also want to read The Pilgrim's Progress by the same author this summer. We have the audio book and it was excellent.

The Search For Significance: Seeing your True Worth Through God's eyes by Robert S. McGee

I haven't started this book yet but as soon as school is out I intend to.  It has a workbook with it and I hope to make it part of my bible study when I start it.  I hear it is a life changer.  I am greatly anticipating reading this one.

This goes without saying but the number one book on my list for the summer and every day is my Bible.  I am learning so much in my quiet times lately and love having my Strong's Concordance by my side to help me understand and dissect verses more.  It has been so fruitful. I have also taken to journaling more lately and it is so therapeutic.  It is also wonderful because I can look back and see God's faithfulness through my joys and trials.

I am sure on the book list above there are a few I am missing. I truly enjoy reading and am making and effort this summer to have a bit less screen time and a bit more reading time.  I think it will be much healthier for me. Books are truly a blessing and I don't take them for granted.

What is on your reading list for the summer?

~Blessings~

Vacation Reading

We had the privilege of going to see family in Boise, Idaho over Christmas. It was nice to get away for a week. Different scenery, different weather, fun things to do and a lovely family.  We didn't fly, we drove.  We really love road trips and stopping at fun places along the way and I am a big fan of trying to stop at food places that have been shown on Food Networks show Diner's Drive In's and Dives.  We like to make it fun.  This trip we had to get there in a matter of two days because of Steve's days off and Christmas so we didn't have the luxury of leisure.  We had to get there in two days!  (We did go to three DDD places while in Boise though.) Lets just say - by the time we got to our families house we were ready not to get in the car for quite a while.  Anyway.... besides the point.  While we drove I got to catch up on some reading I have been wanting to do. 

One the way there I read Finding Home: An Imperfect Path to Faith and Family by Jim Daly and Bob DeMoss  and on the way home I read  Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent.

Two books in one week!  I haven't done that in years.  What a treat.

Finding Home was written by the president of Focus on the Family.  I love Focus on the Family and Jim Daly which is what drew me to this book in the first place.  I also love biographies. Taking a peek into a persons life that I admire is interesting to me. It's thought provoking and gives me a different perspective on my own life.  Jim Daly has a pretty amazing story.  He went through some horrible situations like being orphaned at a young age, alcoholism in his family that affected him, loneliness and more.  What was so wonderful to read about was how God used each situation in his life to mold him and shape him into the leader that he is today. It is a very encouraging and inspiring story. It will give you hope.  He overcame (through he Lord) and God had a plan for him from the day he was born. If you are looking for a good read and a different perspective along with a good dose of hope then this is a must read.

Heaven is for Real was an excellent book as well.  This little boy named Colton actually went to heaven and came back.  You may think - "yea right..." but there are facts in the book from the parents that back up Coltons credibility and prove that his journey really happened.  I believe heaven truly is for real but this book concreted that fact.  The story that the parents tell about their little guy's near death experience will have you captivated and keep you from putting the book down.  There are some very emotional parts in the book and I particularly like that. A few tears were shed here and there.  You will get a glimpse into the Burpo family and how Todd (the father) and his wife fought together for their son to live.  You will see all the blessings that came out of the trials they went through and you will finish the book with a real glimpse into what heaven is like.  If you want to add a book to your reading list, I highly recommend this one.

Happy Reading!

What is a man?

Seriously…. Think about it. How would you answer this question? How would your husband answer this question? How would your sons answer this question? Chances are we would all have varied answers depending on our upbringings, definitions of success, and societal influences.

I venture to say that Robert Lewis, Author of Raising a Modern-Day Knight: A Father's Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood has hit the nail on the head when he defines what a man is. His definition is clear, concise, and all encompassing. Am I going to tell you his definition here? Sorry, no. You have to read the book. This is one of the BEST books I have ever read and I want you to read it – IF you have sons. Being that I have two sons I was interested in what it takes to raise a modern day knight. Mr. Lewis tells us how to be a man in using the example of the Knights of the Middle Ages and the code that they lived by. Raising a Modern Day Knight gives intriguing testimonies, applicable tools and ideas and a very inspiring challenge for your husbands (or you, if you’re a father reading this post) on giving THE BEST to your sons and being THE BEST as the Father and leader. Robert presents a “vision for manhood, a code of conduct and a transcendent cause to live by.”

This book is written for a Father to read. It is written right to Dad and Dad alone. If you have boys and can, at all get your Husband to read this book – DO! I have to say that even though it is written directly for a Dad to read a woman/wife/mother can benefit from reading it too. Women, you may shed tears reading the book like I did but then again I am pretty sappy. Maybe I should say “Sappy women out there, you may shed a tear!” I think there are audio books out there too for this in case your hubby is not a reader.  Actually there is a whole curriculum and bible study program out there based on this book if you are interested.

This book is laced with biblical truths and is truly a must read for any family out there raising sons. Please don’t miss out take the time to read it.

After all.....
I want this little miracle

and this little miracle

to one day be knights in shining armor!

1 Corinthians 13:11

When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man I did away with childish things.

Proverbs 17:6

Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of sons is their fathers."