The Truths in the Midst of Lies

Have you ever had a time when you just felt like a failure, a dud, a person who can't manage to get anything accomplished?? That's me lately. It can't be the winter blahs already--fall just got here. I won't go into all the sad, pitiful details (especially since I'm trying to get something accomplished), however let it be on the record that lies are deadly. Oh, that's right, there's already a record of that, in Genesis, I believe. Eve listened to Satan's lies and we've been listening ever since. I've been listening double time lately.

So what is are the truths in the midst of the lies? Well, the first truth is that God made me and He loves me very much (to quote Bob and Larry). Secondly, this life isn't all about me; I need to get my mind off myself. The more I think about all the blunders, miscommunications, failures as a parent, financial stresses [mmmmmm, zipping my lip now] the worse I feel about myself, the less I'm able to do what's before me and the less I'm able to honor God.

The last truth that I'll talk about today is "Do the Next Thing". So many times, I find myself saying what is the next thing that I need to do. At the "Do the Next Thing" link you will find a transcript of a radio program by Elisabeth Elliot (when she was hosting Gateway to Joy). Even though the circumstances are different, I need to rely on the Lord to guide me to my 'next thing'.

I found this Elisabeth Elliot newsletter titled "How to Simplify Your Life" which is equally inspiring and helpful.

Well, I'm going to get something done on my daunting stack of papers.

A Husbandy Post

I enjoy listening to Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Recently I was looking around the Revive Our Hearts website and found this prayer guide: 31 Days of Praying for your Husband. It is a 4 page pdf which I printed front to back and put in clear plastic sheet holders. Now, I can use it to pray for my Hunny!

We went on our date night last Saturday night and we went to see Fireproof. Amazing movie. It really touched on so many real aspects of marriage. It also had a clear presentation of the gospel. Amazing.

The only downfall to the date night was that I ate M & M's and licorice (true confessions of the weak at heart). I paid the price though...my joints were aching so bad. I should have taken my almonds and raisins. I also should have taken Kleenex, but that's another topic. It was great to be out together.

A Quilt Giveaway

You read right...Pigtails and Snails is giving away a beautiful quilt of her own design. Run right over and leave a comment to have your name added to the drawing! Hurry, ends tomorrow Friday, October 17.

Thanks Heather for letting me know about this one!

Studying Beethovan

My girls are doing a composer study with a couple other friends. They are starting out with Ludwig van Beethoven. I've been searching to see what I could add to the study. Here's what I've come up with so far...

Making Music Fun has this homeschool lesson plan for Beethoven
Making Music Fun also has this great coloring sheet.
Kidzworld has this information available.
Here is a pdf of what was happening in the world during Beethoven's life.
Classics for Kids has a lesson plan for Beethoven.
Classics for Kids has this short, concise biography of him and timeline figures.

I'll add more as I find it. I know there are sites where you can listen to the music, however with dial-up we are better off checking the CD's out of the library.

Enjoy a symphony today!

Coming off Sugar

I am doing my best to stay away from sugar. Just a little tidbit about me...I love chocolate. Problem is chocolate doesn't love me. I have been feeling awful--achy joints, headaches, tired, tired, tired (did I mention tired?). I've begged the Lord to take the sugar craving away from me or give me the fortitude to just say no! He didn't take the craving away, but He is giving me the strength each day to make healthier choices.

Today makes 11 days. Yippee! Pass the cake...um..carrot. :)

Recipe Swap

The topic for today is Lunchtime Favorites. I guess since you don't need a recipe for peanut butter and jelly, I'd better give you one of our other lunchtime goodies. These work well for lunch or could be an after school snack.

Pita Pizzas
You will need:
pitas--we use whole wheat mini pitas (found at Trader Joe's)
spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce
mozzarella cheese
any toppings you like--we use turkey pepperoni

1. Cut the pitas open.
2. Spoon on the sauce.
3. Sprinkle on the cheese and toppings.
4. Bake in hot 450 degree oven or toaster oven.
Watch carefully--these only take a couple minutes to bake. They will burn easily.

Check out Randi's blog, "I Have To Say" for more lunchtime recipes. Her recipe looks wonderful and the pictures are beautiful.

Soccer Season

We have had a good soccer season. Praise the Lord, my girls have had no significant injuries. I'm also praising Him for the growth in character and skill that I have observed. My little Bethany is a dedicated, hard working soccer player. She has the unique ability to watch where the ball is going to go...and get there (rather than getting in the middle of a 6 girl pile-up!) She is so fun to watch.

My Marissa has really practiced and played hard this year. She is in the oldest division, so it's a regulation size field. She has grown in her ability to encourage the other players and even help instruct them when needed. She has also shown herself a versatile player, playing each position well (except goalie, she has NO desire to play goalie!) Last night, her team won their tournament game. An exciting game, 0 to 0 the whole game, into overtime, 30 seconds into overtime, my Marissa scored the only, winning goal!! Very exciting! Now they play Saturday.

I'll try to post a picture of Marissa soon. Funny how as she gets older, I get fewer and fewer pictures of her. She seems to duck out of pictures.