Wow! I can't believe it's been a year since I added an entry here. Since this is a personal journal - of sorts - I couldn't let a year go by without a single word... Here is my humble attempt to sum up a very eventful year.
The year began with our second semester of my first year of homeschooling. The girls did great on their end of year testing and I took a huge sigh of relief. I was finally honest with myself and admitted that I hated homeschooling. After evaluating all that we were doing I realized that the I knew for sure the Lord had called me to homeschool...but maybe he hadn't called me to piano lessons, horseback riding lessons, dance, a weekly co-op meeting, art and gymnastics...and lead a women's bible study group..? Ya think?
As I re-evaluated the year I heard clearly from Father that I needed to let it all go and trust that He would meet my needs and, especially the girls' needs. We began the new school year in September with a new curriculum and a clear schedule. We're using My Father's World and I LOVE it. I love the time I have with the girls and all of the amazing conversations that are spurred on by the things we are studying together. The girls and I are all loving homeschooling this year.
In the mean time the families we had living with us have all moved on to bigger and better. The single mom and children were reconciled with dad, and family restored. There is still a long road of counseling ahead, but we are all so thrilled to see the God-glorifying progress that is taking place.
The young couple moved into their own apartment just in time to welcome their first child into their family. She is ADORABLE!! I love her:) They are still doing wonderfully and adjusting to parenthood with grace, just as we all expected.
The single guy got married to one of my precious friends and they are experiencing an amazing first year of marriage. They are a power couple, if ever there was one!! ...so gifted and talented. ...wouldn't be surprised to see their name in lights some day.
Father began to lay on our hearts early in the year that we would no longer be taking in families, but instead focus more on being a discipleship house for young singles. We also had a real desire to host weekend retreats for families or couples. He continued to confirm this through several outside instances and in late July of this year it became official. We found out that we had unknowingly been violating a housing code for Fairfax county by having more than one family in our single family home......doesn't matter that we have seven bedrooms and could easily fit everyone in our home - it was a violation to have more than two unrelated SINGLE adults living with us.
Though this news was difficult to swallow and brought up all kinds of rage about the injustice of it all....we couldn't deny that it was further confirmation of what Father had already been telling us. After living life together for over 13 months our home was empty within 30 days (other than our family of six, of course). We weren't sure how it would all work out, but knew that Father had a plan, and that it was a really, really good one...we just hadn't thought of yet!!:) Of course, the Lord provided (see previous paragraphs...) and did so in typical form...Amazing.
Within that next month we were surprised and blessed to have a full house again!
Jenny, my amazing sister, moved back home - she was a free-be in the head count for housing because she was related and SINGLE (if she were married they would be constituted as another family and, therefore, a violation of the housing code). Next was Sara, a missionary with AIM (Adventures in Missions) who works from home doing marketing for AIM - that's #1. Then came Jeremiah, fresh from the mission field with AIM and looking to be discipled as he seeks the Lord's guidance on what is next - that's #2. We also, temporarily, have Julie. She was on the World Race with Jenny, through AIM a few years ago and has been following wherever the Lord led ever since. She is currently interviewing for med school and looking into some schools in SC. She's with us for a few months while she awaits decisions from prospective schools.
The fact that we have these dear sisters and brother is further confirmation...we certainly didn't go looking for anyone. The Lord brought them to us, as He has for the past 5 years.
We've also held a weekend retreat for a couple that was experiencing a difficult time in their marriage. It was a beautifully productive weekend, and we all benefited from our time together. ...sweet times of conversation, laughing, crying and sharing life together. It truly is an unbelievable blessing to walk alongside our brothers and sisters through the many seasons of life.
There were several priceless visits had, either by friends (new and old) coming to stay with us for a time, or us going to stay with them: Henderson's, AIM Training Camp, trip to Boston, Ryan's, Derington's, trip to Cinci to visit Ft. Thomas crew...
Finally got to see U2 in concert!!! Two trips to NYC: Anniversary trip with Gavin, and milestone birthday trip with Rae!! Mommy trip to Avalon, NJ for a long weekend away at the beach! celebrated lots of "Russ is Awesome" days..:) Too many to count Blake family dates...:)
The Lord truly is amazing. I would never have imagined the way our home would change within this year! His plans are better than ours. We are changed, refined, challenged, blessed by all of those we share life with. Each person brings a different dynamic to our lives and our home. We are the better for it. We don't have any idea how long this season will last, but I so appreciate it and feel blessed to experience it while we have it.
Those are, at least, the highlights of 2011. I'm looking forward to seeing what 2012 will bring us. To God be the glory! ...much love, dear friends.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Friday, April 01, 2011
Your Girl
I wrote this song after going to a Women's Ministry event at Reston Bible Church. Donna Winship, with Jesus in the Qur'an, was speaking about our identities in Christ, Kingdom living and living our dreams.
I was so inspired that I wrote this song the next day. The truth is, I'm really not a song-writer. I really believe Father gave this song to me. I'm so blessed by it.
My sister asked why I was smiling so much in the video. ....well partly because I really mean every word I'm singing, the other part is that what you can't see is Sutton coming to me and trying to hand me gifts from the toy kitchen I was sitting beside.
Raegan ran the video from my iphone. She did a great job and took a lot of pride in the job she did:) We had to get it under 2min. or wouldn't be able to post it on Facebook.....so there you have it.
I hope you are blessed by the song: Your Girl
much love,
em
Grace vs. Works
John 14:15 reads: If you love me, keep my commands. NIV
or in the Message translation: If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you.
My grace-oriented friends would say to put too much of an emphasis on this verse would lead to a works-driven faith. I disagree, respectfully.
This verse has taken on new meaning now that I am a parent. After having a discussion with my newly four year old daughter tonight about this very topic, I had a bit of a revelation....
Elle is precious, precocious, amazing, creative, immature, witty, brilliant.....and manipulative....as all good children are:) For the past few days she has been going through the "let's test our boundaries" phase. That's okay. I'm used to it. It happens every year or so, with each one getting a little farther apart the older they get.
At the end of the night, Elle and I had a talk. I explained to her that no matter what she did or how she chose I would always love her, but her actions over the past few days had shown me a clear picture of what she thought about me.... "The way you show your love for me, is to do what I ask you to do, be quick to obey. Hearing the words I love you are always sweet to hear, but I need to see your love in action." I re-iterate that her actions haven't changed my love for her; I will always love her, but I am hurt by her choices.
She was very remorseful and went to bed in tears after a hug from me.
I was lying in bed just now rethinking that conversation - as many other mom's are doing, as well. ...should I have said it that way? Was I too harsh? Am I giving her a clear picture of God's love for her? Am I setting her up for a works-mentality toward faith?
The words came back to me: "If YOU love ME, you will obey my commands". The verse doesn't read: if you want me to love you, you will obey my commands. He loves us regardless of our choices. He is always hoping we will make the right choices, but it doesn't change his love for us when we don't. Seeing the scripture this way clearly shows that this verse has nothing to do with earning your salvation or God's love.
It has everything to do with revealing where our hearts are!
Do I believe that Eliot loves me even though she has acted in rebellion toward me for days? Of course, she does. But I also know that Elle was not caring what I thought, or wanted, or needed when she chose to lie to me about feeding her dinner to the dog, or going to dress up instead of coming down for dinner like I asked, to name a few. Her choices also revealed that she didn't trust me. She didn't trust that the plans I had for her were better than the plans she had for herself. She cared about what SHE wanted or didn't want. Her decisions had absolutely NOTHING to do with me. ...therein is the problem.
When we have been bought with a price and are no longer our own - dead to ourselves and alive in Him - making decisions without any care for what our Father, Savior, Redeemer would want, or is asking, is to act without love for Him. That doesn't change His love for us, but certainly does reveal where our love is for Him.
This verse, and others like it throughout scripture, especially the NT, do not indicate that our "works" or "deeds" can earn our salvation. Rather they help us understand that our actions reveal our heart.
Prov 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
or in the Message translation: If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you.
My grace-oriented friends would say to put too much of an emphasis on this verse would lead to a works-driven faith. I disagree, respectfully.
This verse has taken on new meaning now that I am a parent. After having a discussion with my newly four year old daughter tonight about this very topic, I had a bit of a revelation....
Elle is precious, precocious, amazing, creative, immature, witty, brilliant.....and manipulative....as all good children are:) For the past few days she has been going through the "let's test our boundaries" phase. That's okay. I'm used to it. It happens every year or so, with each one getting a little farther apart the older they get.
At the end of the night, Elle and I had a talk. I explained to her that no matter what she did or how she chose I would always love her, but her actions over the past few days had shown me a clear picture of what she thought about me.... "The way you show your love for me, is to do what I ask you to do, be quick to obey. Hearing the words I love you are always sweet to hear, but I need to see your love in action." I re-iterate that her actions haven't changed my love for her; I will always love her, but I am hurt by her choices.
She was very remorseful and went to bed in tears after a hug from me.
I was lying in bed just now rethinking that conversation - as many other mom's are doing, as well. ...should I have said it that way? Was I too harsh? Am I giving her a clear picture of God's love for her? Am I setting her up for a works-mentality toward faith?
The words came back to me: "If YOU love ME, you will obey my commands". The verse doesn't read: if you want me to love you, you will obey my commands. He loves us regardless of our choices. He is always hoping we will make the right choices, but it doesn't change his love for us when we don't. Seeing the scripture this way clearly shows that this verse has nothing to do with earning your salvation or God's love.
It has everything to do with revealing where our hearts are!
Do I believe that Eliot loves me even though she has acted in rebellion toward me for days? Of course, she does. But I also know that Elle was not caring what I thought, or wanted, or needed when she chose to lie to me about feeding her dinner to the dog, or going to dress up instead of coming down for dinner like I asked, to name a few. Her choices also revealed that she didn't trust me. She didn't trust that the plans I had for her were better than the plans she had for herself. She cared about what SHE wanted or didn't want. Her decisions had absolutely NOTHING to do with me. ...therein is the problem.
When we have been bought with a price and are no longer our own - dead to ourselves and alive in Him - making decisions without any care for what our Father, Savior, Redeemer would want, or is asking, is to act without love for Him. That doesn't change His love for us, but certainly does reveal where our love is for Him.
This verse, and others like it throughout scripture, especially the NT, do not indicate that our "works" or "deeds" can earn our salvation. Rather they help us understand that our actions reveal our heart.
Prov 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Retreat
Gavin and I are so blessed to be away - by ourselves - in the Poconos this week. (Thank you Jenny for keeping the girls for us! Thank you Blakes for helping Jenny keep the girls for us. Thank you Mom for the use of one of your timeshare weeks!)
This has been a sweet time of reflection, rest and renewal. We had Sunday through Wednesday to ourselves to sleep in, stay in, stay in pj's all day. It was just what we needed. Our friends, the Ryan's, joined us on Wednesday night for the remainder of the week. We've prayed together and worshiped - it's been just what we needed. (We still stayed in our pj's for most of the day....:))
What I've been learning and what has been confirmed: God is definitely ushering us into a new season of ministry. We've known this for over a year and a half, but it's becoming increasingly clear that the new season is upon us and will most likely roll out within the coming year. He's had me in the book of Job for the past few weeks. I see that God wants us to love, follow and trust Him, not because we'll be successful or get good things (and therefore, avoid bad things) if we do, but just because loving Him and being loved by Him is enough.
This is a constant theme over the past few months - even up to the last year. The question He has posed to me has been: Am I enough? ...just me? Is My love enough? Am I worth more than your comfort? Am I worth more than your rights? Am I worth more than stability or security? Do I matter more than your children, your family, your friends? Am I worth it even if you never see a single dream come true? Am I enough?
It has taken me months, and many tests and layers, but my answer has been, and is: Yes! All to you I surrender - every thing, every part of me, all of my dreams, all of me - I surrender. You are enough. I trust You and I know that You are Good! You are a good Father. My hope is in You, Lord!
I'm also realizing that if I had a true understanding of God's holiness the answer to these questions would be a resounding - no-brainer - YES! Reading Job was uncomfortable. It's such a fascinating book. ...so many themes. God's holiness was certainly one theme that screamed out to me. The Lord now has me reading Isaiah...are you picking up on a theme?! God is really wanting me to grasp His holiness. ...well, here we go!
much love to you, my precious friends. I covet your prayers, thoughts, concern and love. I love to hear from you. (the girls love homeschooling - I'm starting to:) It's definitely been a journey of refining my character, and is certainly an act of obedience. I'm still in the thick of it. Prayers, advice, thoughts are always welcomed. I'll talk more about homeschooling soon. ...when my head comes above water:)
This has been a sweet time of reflection, rest and renewal. We had Sunday through Wednesday to ourselves to sleep in, stay in, stay in pj's all day. It was just what we needed. Our friends, the Ryan's, joined us on Wednesday night for the remainder of the week. We've prayed together and worshiped - it's been just what we needed. (We still stayed in our pj's for most of the day....:))
What I've been learning and what has been confirmed: God is definitely ushering us into a new season of ministry. We've known this for over a year and a half, but it's becoming increasingly clear that the new season is upon us and will most likely roll out within the coming year. He's had me in the book of Job for the past few weeks. I see that God wants us to love, follow and trust Him, not because we'll be successful or get good things (and therefore, avoid bad things) if we do, but just because loving Him and being loved by Him is enough.
This is a constant theme over the past few months - even up to the last year. The question He has posed to me has been: Am I enough? ...just me? Is My love enough? Am I worth more than your comfort? Am I worth more than your rights? Am I worth more than stability or security? Do I matter more than your children, your family, your friends? Am I worth it even if you never see a single dream come true? Am I enough?
It has taken me months, and many tests and layers, but my answer has been, and is: Yes! All to you I surrender - every thing, every part of me, all of my dreams, all of me - I surrender. You are enough. I trust You and I know that You are Good! You are a good Father. My hope is in You, Lord!
I'm also realizing that if I had a true understanding of God's holiness the answer to these questions would be a resounding - no-brainer - YES! Reading Job was uncomfortable. It's such a fascinating book. ...so many themes. God's holiness was certainly one theme that screamed out to me. The Lord now has me reading Isaiah...are you picking up on a theme?! God is really wanting me to grasp His holiness. ...well, here we go!
much love to you, my precious friends. I covet your prayers, thoughts, concern and love. I love to hear from you. (the girls love homeschooling - I'm starting to:) It's definitely been a journey of refining my character, and is certainly an act of obedience. I'm still in the thick of it. Prayers, advice, thoughts are always welcomed. I'll talk more about homeschooling soon. ...when my head comes above water:)
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Up in the Middle of the NIght
...it's 4:38 and I've been awake for an hour... Always when this happens, because it is rare, I start a little conversation with the Lord. (He's always wide awake:))
"Is there someone I should be praying for?" "Thank you for this day and all the blessings you have poured out on me, Gavin, the girls, and those I love."
I start counting my blessings, and I lift up those I know are hurting.
....those that are hurting. There are so many so close to my heart... I feel helpless. What do you want for them, Lord? I know you want the best for them, but what do you want for them in [this]?
My faith grows as I remember all You have done. I remember the long history from which we come. I remember the impossible made possible. I know that You are good!
I'm so hungry to see Your Spirit set free here in Northern Virginia. I'm hungry to see lives truly changed and set free to be what you have designed us to be. Marriages healed. Lives restored. Justice and Peace. ...your Kingdom.
I don't know what is ahead. I don't really care, I trust you... I do want to cherish this day, this season, this place, these people. Please help me.
I feel so blessed. You are what is special about me. ...and I do feel special.
My cup overflows and my hope is in You.
"Is there someone I should be praying for?" "Thank you for this day and all the blessings you have poured out on me, Gavin, the girls, and those I love."
I start counting my blessings, and I lift up those I know are hurting.
....those that are hurting. There are so many so close to my heart... I feel helpless. What do you want for them, Lord? I know you want the best for them, but what do you want for them in [this]?
My faith grows as I remember all You have done. I remember the long history from which we come. I remember the impossible made possible. I know that You are good!
I'm so hungry to see Your Spirit set free here in Northern Virginia. I'm hungry to see lives truly changed and set free to be what you have designed us to be. Marriages healed. Lives restored. Justice and Peace. ...your Kingdom.
I don't know what is ahead. I don't really care, I trust you... I do want to cherish this day, this season, this place, these people. Please help me.
I feel so blessed. You are what is special about me. ...and I do feel special.
My cup overflows and my hope is in You.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
It's been so long....so...very...long
Hi sweet friends:) Melanie, thank you for the encouragement to update. I need to catch up on all of your blogs, too. I sadly have been abstaining from cyber-world for a little while now.
Many things have changed in the last few months so I will try to be brief and expound later. We have a new set of house-mates living with us. We have a mom and her four children; a young newly wed couple; and a single guy.....also, a dog and a cat:) So before you think we're crazy I can tell you that this is such a sweet season, already. We truly are so blessed by each one of them.
....more later:)
I am very excited about homeschooling. We start in a just a couple of weeks!! I have all my materials in and have a plan... more later:)
Gavin and I just celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary and had an amazing time! We've adopted a great idea of one of my friend's. We take turns planning anniversary celebrations as our gift to one another. This year was Gavin's turn to plan and he really out-did himself. ..wine tasting, champagne with friends, and dinner at one of our favorite french restaurants.:)
Raegan is at her first overnight camp this week with the Girl Scouts and her friend, Claire. I miss her. I hope she's doing well.
I also celebrated my birthday since I last wrote, and am getting to use my gift this weekend...in North Carolina...with my Mom and my amazing friend, Meredith...at Westglow Spa!! I can't wait to be back there and show Mer ASU, take her to a real fish camp, and READ A BOOK without being interrupted!!! ..we're also going to lay by the pool!! WooHoo!! I'm so excited:)
So there are other things, of course, but those are the highlights!
I love you, my sweet friends. Blessings to you and your families.
Many things have changed in the last few months so I will try to be brief and expound later. We have a new set of house-mates living with us. We have a mom and her four children; a young newly wed couple; and a single guy.....also, a dog and a cat:) So before you think we're crazy I can tell you that this is such a sweet season, already. We truly are so blessed by each one of them.
....more later:)
I am very excited about homeschooling. We start in a just a couple of weeks!! I have all my materials in and have a plan... more later:)
Gavin and I just celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary and had an amazing time! We've adopted a great idea of one of my friend's. We take turns planning anniversary celebrations as our gift to one another. This year was Gavin's turn to plan and he really out-did himself. ..wine tasting, champagne with friends, and dinner at one of our favorite french restaurants.:)
Raegan is at her first overnight camp this week with the Girl Scouts and her friend, Claire. I miss her. I hope she's doing well.
I also celebrated my birthday since I last wrote, and am getting to use my gift this weekend...in North Carolina...with my Mom and my amazing friend, Meredith...at Westglow Spa!! I can't wait to be back there and show Mer ASU, take her to a real fish camp, and READ A BOOK without being interrupted!!! ..we're also going to lay by the pool!! WooHoo!! I'm so excited:)
So there are other things, of course, but those are the highlights!
I love you, my sweet friends. Blessings to you and your families.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
I-Heart Revolution
I've recently joined the I-heart revolution, in part because of this video, and because I want a voice; to be used in a tangible way. This group is so inspiring and they seem to have a pretty effective way of mobilizing believers.
I hope you're encouraged by this video, as I was.
I hope you're encouraged by this video, as I was.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Decision Made
I've said for years that I wouldn't homeschool unless I knew I was called to do it. "I'm not just looking for more work" was my typical response:)
This past weekend it became clear to me that the Lord is calling me to homeschool the girls next year.
I'm just as freaked out as I was before this decision was made, but I have complete peace. ...further confirmation that He really is calling me, and will provide what I need to do this. I know this year will be challenging, but I am excited to be stretched.
(I'm VERY excited!!! ...starting to dig into curriculum, ect.)
Any words of wisdom are welcomed and appreciated.
This past weekend it became clear to me that the Lord is calling me to homeschool the girls next year.
I'm just as freaked out as I was before this decision was made, but I have complete peace. ...further confirmation that He really is calling me, and will provide what I need to do this. I know this year will be challenging, but I am excited to be stretched.
(I'm VERY excited!!! ...starting to dig into curriculum, ect.)
Any words of wisdom are welcomed and appreciated.
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