Speaking from the Heart

Then They Do by Trace Adkins summarizes my life. My kids are growing faster than I want. LOL, is there a way to stop this merry-go-around?

Although The Inquisitor will not be starting high school until August 2009, my silent tears have already begun. In the fall, I can see myself waving good bye to him and crying at the same time, like I did when he started pre-kindergarten 9 years ago. I can't help but to think that the next four years will be flying by.

Click clip art for more Then Sings My Souls Saturday.

Prince Charming's Aunt Frances went home to be with Jesus on December 22, 2007. Because we weren't able to attend the annual Thanksgiving reunion, I regret that I didn't get a chance to say "good bye".

Aunt Frances (right) with her sisters Aunt Virginia (left) & Aunt Marry (right)

Aunt Frances with husband Tom, son-in-law, & daughter

When I saw Aunt Frances and Uncle Tom together, I am reminded of Mark Shultzs' song Walking Her Home. For sixty four plus years, they were never apart. It is going to be hard for Uncle Tom, because he had lost his best friend.

Our time apart is short, compare to our time together in the LORD's house.

As I viewed the video, I envisioned my kids going through boxes of memory after I have gone home to Jesus. Will each piece of heirloom bring them a good memory of me? On the other hand, will their hearts filled with sad memories of their mom, remembering me giving them lots of quantity time, but little of quality time?

As a homeschool mom, I continue to struggle quantity with quality time. They often run together, more so during the holidays. As my Christmas "to do" list gets longer, I tend to lose focus on Jesus and my family.

This song is a good reminder for me to refocus on Jesus and my family, not on gifts, Christmas cards, decorations. etc.

Everytime I listen to this song, I thank God for giving me another chance. I could have died from a gall bladder infection. This song also reminds me to take better care of myself. My husband and kids need me.

Moms, your husbands and kids need you also. Therefore, take this season of busyness in stride. When you are stressed, your immmune system weakens and you will most likely to come down with a cold (been there, done that).

For more inspired songs to touch your soul, click on the clip art.

For more Friday Show and Tell, click on the clipart.

This was previously posted in 2007

I became a Christian when I was 12 years old. Not until recently, I thought that by accepting Christ and being good, I will get to heaven. Thanks to my church, I now know that there is more to that. As my faith grows, the thought of leaving my unsaved friends and loved ones behind saddens me. During my morning cycling and one-on-one time with our Father, I was trying to think of ways can become a better witness to them, when "What If" by Nicole Nordeman came on my Ipod.

What if you're right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you'reright?
What if it's true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it's true?

What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?

But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?

What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That's all you find?

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?

You've been running as fast as you can
You've been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you?re wrong?

It's once again Friday Show and Tell with Canadagirl.

Sing to the tune of “I Will Survive-Made famous
by Gloria Gaynor

First I was afraid
I was petrified.
Kept thinking I could never teach
Cause I´m not certified.
But we spent so many nights
Reteaching homework that was wrong.
I grew strong,
so nowI teach my kids at home!
We study math
and outer space.
I just kept on despite the fear
with a big smile across my face.
I bought a set of Base Ten blocks.
I bought books with answer keys.
My parents think we´re nuts,
but they don´t even bother me

Come on, let´s go walk out the door.
We´re on the road now,
'cause we´re not home much anymore
My friends would laugh
and say we´d be unsocialized.
I heard one mumble
that I´d give up by July.
Oh no, not I!
I will survive!
As long as I know how to read
I know we´ll be alright.
I've got all my life to learn.
I've got energy to burn.
and I'll survive.
I will survive.

It took all the strength I had
not to fall apart.
Decided to attend
a play date at the local park,
and I met oh so many moms
who offered eagerly to help.
They used to cry.
Now they hold their heads up high,
and so do we!
My kids are cool!
They´re not those chained up little people
stuck inside at school.
So if you feel like dropping by
and just expect us to be free
you´d better call ahead first´
cause we´re probably busy!

For more Thankful Thursday, click on the clipart

Click on the link to find out the real story for each thankfulness.

• allowing me to grow, before marriage: My Most Memoriable Valentine
• having a sense of humor : We're having Twins (not really)
• tolerating my cooking skills when we were newlyweds : Homemade Gravy
• loving me, for who I am on the inside and not what is on the outside: If I wanted to marry a pretty face, I would have married one.
• being faithful : The Flirtatous Hairdresser
• choosing me: Engagement with a Clang
• the past, present, and future Strolling Down Memory Lane

It's Friday Show and Tell with Canada Girl. Would you like to participate or just visit other Friday Show and Tell Blogges? Click on the above link

Assignment: Write out some goals that you would like to accomplish. These goals should include your personal goals, but also goals as a family.

While setting goals, try to write out small attainable rewards for each goal accomplished!

1 Corinthians 13: Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen,
baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals
and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime:
I'm just another cook.

If I work at a soup kitchen,
carol in the nursing home,
and give all that I have to charity;
but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels
and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties
and sing in the choir's cantata
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another's home
that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return;
but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails.

Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rust,
but giving the gift of love will endure.

--Author Unknown

• Ouch, This poem hits home. As a homeschool teacher, mom, and wife, I tend to forget to have some quality time with my kids . I'm a one-track mind. I tend to focus on completing "to do" list, and spending time with my kids as second priority. I would convince myself that there will be some quality time later. The problem is there is never a "later". Something always come up or I'm too tired. My goal for 2008 is to spend more quality time, rather than quantity time with my kids. Time is quickly flying by.

This goal will have an immediate reward, as well as in the long run. I want my children to know that I love them through my actions, and not just words.

• Less time on blogging, and more time with God. The reward for this goal is unmeasurable, because I will have peace.
• Be a better aunt to my niece, rather than being critical. Restoring love and respect will be a big reward for me.

Dear Daughter was invited to an unforgettable birthday party. The party started at 10:08 and did not end until 8:00 P.M. Hannah's mom planned a neighborhood scavenger hunt. Each group was given a lists. The party members had to go around the neighborhoood asking for items that were on their lists.