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Life is full of accidents, but writing is cheaper than therapy.
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Friday, November 8, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Happy Father's Day 2013
"A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society."
-- Billy Graham
-- Billy Graham
I am blessed. My dad is not only a great father, he's also a strong Christian. He's known as a kind, generous, hard working, and funny guy. Maybe someday, I'll follow in his footsteps.
Happy Father's Day, to the guy who always smiles, even when he may not feel like it.
This Arizona Guy was a little chilly, but smiling.
Lots of love to you,
your favorite daughter,
Monday, March 11, 2013
Give Away and Review: VeggieTales, The Little House That Stood DVD
There is a new VeggieTales that came out this week and because I am a cutting edge blogger, I am blessed, I was given a chance to share not only my thoughts, but those of my pre-K Sunday School class with you. This was perfect timing, we incorporated the movie into our lesson on building your house on the Rock. If you happen to be too old for my class, read on for your own chance to win the DVD.
My Thoughts:
VeggieTales continue to amaze me with their creativity by combining current culture, biblical truth and humor. ***Warning*** If you are too religious, you may not enjoy their spin on the Bible. The godly values are there, but this in no way should be the only source of scripture for little ones. I always enjoy VeggieTales because not only are they entertaining, they carry a great message.
Their Thoughts:
Little Guy: I love the new Silly Song, Happy Tooth Day.
My Pre K Sunday School Class:
Gweneth "I loved Humpty Dumpty!"
Mercedes "I liked the three little pigs"
Marcella "I learned I can help my friends."
Aiden "Bob the builder was funny."
Caleb "My favorite part was Happy Tooth Day"
Brandon "Oh, Yeah, I loved the fake teeth song."
The great thing about this movie is it included coloring pages for the kids and a discussion guide, which is a valuable tool for reinforcing the lesson. After the movie and popcorn, our class made a terrific craft about a wise builder. It was one of our best classes.
Learn more about the movie here:
Website: http://veggietales.
Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/veggietales
Twitter: #/ veggietales
- Tell me who in your family would enjoy this DVD the most, nicknames are o.k. with me.
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- Like https://www.
facebook.com/veggietales - Follow VeggieTales on twitter #/
veggietales - Visit http://veggietales.
com/littlehouse/ and learn more about this cute movie.
Thanks for stopping by,
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The Post In Which I get Political
I have been watching the Republican primaries closely. I don't usually blog about politics, frankly, they bore me and the last thing I would ever want to do is bore anyone who reads my blog.
There is something that really is bothering me.
Am I the only one who is bothered by the sudden increase in Newt Gingrich's popularity? His winning South Carolina shows me that so many are willing to overlook the personal morality of our leaders. Have the religious right lost their hope? Have we really decided that personal morality doesn't affect their decision making? Herman Cain's endorsement of him only sickens me more. Of course, what can I expect? Birds of a feather flock together.
I consider my vote a privilege. I'm so tired of holding my nose and voting for the lesser evil. I will not hand it over to an unrighteous/unrepentant pervert. Yes, I said it. PERVERT. Last time I checked the the seventh commandment was still in the Bible. Newt has a pattern of breaking covenants. Especially during the times of sickness. The times when the rubber meets the road in your commitments.
Let's say the shoe was on the other foot and Newt was battling cancer or some other illness. Would his wives stay with him? I don't know. After watching the beauty of my dad, my friends and countless others taking their vows serious, I can't help feeling disgusted every time I hear Newt's voice. His skilled political sound bites are like tinkling brass, knowing his actions.
Now before you start thinking Terri G. is so self-righteous, and how can she judge him? Let's make believe he became president.
Let's look at Callista. Is this the first lady you want your daughters to emulate? She's the woman who carried on with a married man for years. She knew he was married. She didn't care. He was bound for a great political future and she was planning to be a part of it. At any cost.
If she traveled in my social circles, I'd be sure to stay by my husband's side when she was around. I mean really, she may secretly dream of being married to a hunky electrician after a few months of stalking by the press. Or if Gingrich fails in his bid for president, she may not have as much motivation to stick around.
I'm not talking about being paranoid, I'm talking about being wise. Proverbs 7 warns us about the type of people Callista and Newt are. Their end is not pretty.
They certainly aren't the people I want in power. Regardless of what may be going on in this country, we still live in the best country in the world. I'm hoping we are blessed with a great leader.
Thanks for stopping by,
There is something that really is bothering me.
Am I the only one who is bothered by the sudden increase in Newt Gingrich's popularity? His winning South Carolina shows me that so many are willing to overlook the personal morality of our leaders. Have the religious right lost their hope? Have we really decided that personal morality doesn't affect their decision making? Herman Cain's endorsement of him only sickens me more. Of course, what can I expect? Birds of a feather flock together.
I consider my vote a privilege. I'm so tired of holding my nose and voting for the lesser evil. I will not hand it over to an unrighteous/unrepentant pervert. Yes, I said it. PERVERT. Last time I checked the the seventh commandment was still in the Bible. Newt has a pattern of breaking covenants. Especially during the times of sickness. The times when the rubber meets the road in your commitments.
Now before you start thinking Terri G. is so self-righteous, and how can she judge him? Let's make believe he became president.
Let's look at Callista. Is this the first lady you want your daughters to emulate? She's the woman who carried on with a married man for years. She knew he was married. She didn't care. He was bound for a great political future and she was planning to be a part of it. At any cost.
If she traveled in my social circles, I'd be sure to stay by my husband's side when she was around. I mean really, she may secretly dream of being married to a hunky electrician after a few months of stalking by the press. Or if Gingrich fails in his bid for president, she may not have as much motivation to stick around.
I'm not talking about being paranoid, I'm talking about being wise. Proverbs 7 warns us about the type of people Callista and Newt are. Their end is not pretty.
They certainly aren't the people I want in power. Regardless of what may be going on in this country, we still live in the best country in the world. I'm hoping we are blessed with a great leader.
Thanks for stopping by,
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Marriage Monday: An Ode to my Mother-in-Law
I was thrilled when I heard this month's topic would be in-laws. In my usual state of confusion, I forgot to post this a few weeks ago. With Thanksgiving coming up, perhaps now is the right time. If you will be spending time with your out-laws or in-laws, treasure it.
My mother-in-law died of cancer in 2004. A few weeks before Little Guy hit made his dramatic entrance into the world, I was unable to travel for the funeral because of my advanced pregnancy and a nasty sickness. I clearly remember going to a doctor I had never met, getting a throat culture and blubbering like a baby to him about how much I would miss her. A few weeks later, I had the opportunity to assure him that I'd be o.k.
Now don't get me wrong here, I understand the victory of death as a Christian. I knew Anne was through suffering and in the presence of God. I was just crying for myself. My sister-in-law asked for a letter or a memory for me to send along. This was my pre-blogging life. I was long-winded. I needed to remember her and write it down. I'm posting it unedited except for name changes.
To my Mother-in-law:
I want to thank you for all you have done and shown me in the 12 years I have had the privilege of knowing you. I married your only son and therefore I inherited the title of favorite daughter-in-law. I am blessed, my close friends even admitted their jealousy. They loved you and wished to have you for their own mother-in-law. When you visited us, we did everything together. You took the time to get to know all of my friends. You joined us for concerts, sporting events and even let us take you on almost every tourist attraction in the Northeast. You never mentioned if you were too tired or if we were pushing you too much. You gave of yourself unselfishly.
You had your priorities right. You wanted to be with your family. You invested your time into your family. There was always time for another story to be read to the boys or another game of checkers or Uno. You showed me motherhood, in your sharing the tales of raising my husband. You loved him unconditionally. You encouraged his passions. You have shown me tolerance, not for sin, but for adventure. You told me how you cringed while driving from the mice factory with a car load of mice so the Gman could feed his snakes. But you did it! You let the Gman develop his interests without your inflicting your own opinions. Because of you, I don’t say no when Paperboy and Random find a snake. You let him pursue boyhood interests while growing into a man. You raised a son that knows how to enjoy his family.
You showed your commitment to Christ to my family. You were faithful to read Gods Word daily. You prayed. You prayed for your family continually. You were committed to your church. While visiting us you joined us in our commitment to our church. You desired to know our family of believers. You and I would take time to go out with the ladies when you visited. On the telephone, you often would ask how is so and so. You showed concern for my friends even as your health was failing. You had also showed Len and others Christ’s love in action daily. When Len had the stroke you were there for him. You were such a hard worker. You got up early enough to get him dressed and ready before you had to get ready for work. There were bills to be paid and you faced it. You comforted him in his last days.
You had the gift of diplomacy. You were the peace maker. You had the kind words to soften the situation. You had the ability to smooth the awkward conversations. You also had the spunk and the certainty of your faith. On your trips to our home, we had many hours while the Gman was working to reminisce, share and even debate. You had the skill of discussing issues without letting them get personal. We could debate politics or doctrine and still remain close. You could artfully change the subject, you knew neither of us would change our minds, and you made sure there were no hard feelings.
Another way you demonstrated your love for me and my family was in your thoughts. Each trip north, you would bring a small gift for me and the kids. Just to say “I was thinking of you when we weren’t together”. You even showed my brother’s wife, and their children that same thoughtfulness. Your small gestures of love touched her life. You are already missed. But you have left your many gifts with us. I will guard them as treasures. I will try to pass on these qualities to your grandchildren. I will keep them fresh in my mind, when facing another parenting obstacle. I will think of you as I read in Proverbs. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband (also), and he praises her: Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”
You were a wonderful mother-in-law and I thank God for the time He gave us together. I will love and miss you, but I know we will see each other again because of Christ.
Love always, Terri
Friday, April 22, 2011
Coffee, Logs and Sawdust
I have noticed that when you blog, you can become susceptible to many criticisms. Let's face it, we are putting our family, our opinions, the food we eat, the money we spend and many other details of our life on our blogs for others to see and judge. I can't believe they eat that food. How can she use that curriculum? She is too strict with her kids. She lets her kids get away with murder. How can she show those pictures on her blog, look how messy her sun room is. Look at those spelling and grammar errors, how can she homeschool her kids?
I used to be a judge. It still creeps up on me at times.
I admit, I still fight it. Since re-reading Dave Ramsey, I am struggling with my bad habit, again.
Our church is located behind a Dunkin' Donuts. I'll confess a stupid none-of-my-business judgement I do, even at church. When I see someone with a coffee in their hand, I think "What a waste of money." I have judged their financial behaviors and it is not my business. I have already labeled someone in my mind, before I even knew them. I am critical because I was set free from Caramel Frappes. Does God really care if they buy a Coffee Coolatta? I should be rejoicing they are not still drinking a 12 pack of beer every day.
God has a way of changing me. His best strategy was to fill my life with so much abundance. Not the abundant life with Cadillacs and a Rolex. But just a full, very busy life. I find I have less time to judge or nitpick. Homeschooling, real estate, being an excellent wife, Sunday School lessons, four kids, and blogging. Who has time to even notice, who is doing what? If I can show up to church on time, with my Bible, my kids in somewhat matching, clean clothes and smiling faces, I'm on a roll. Most of the time. Once in a while, I squeeze in time for criticizing in my mind or even out loud.
I was listening to a sermon recently and the preacher spoke about Facebook. He didn't bash it or say how much of a time vacuum it is. He simply asked "Since when has gossip been an activity that Christians should be involved in?" I could have self-righteously told my fake perfect self that his words didn't apply to me because I don't hang out on Facebook. But of course, I couldn't do that because I am guilty of over sharing or eager listening.
Aren't those pretty terms for gossip and slander? Then to make my sharing moreChristian spiritual, we decide to pray for them or excuse their behavior because that are not strong Christians. Like me, the gossip and busybody. This a log that blocks my view too often. It's hard to see all of the great things that God is doing with a beam stuck in my eye.
I love the God's Word translation of Matthew 7:5 "You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye. Then you will see clearly to remove the piece of sawdust from another believer's eye."
Back to my abundant life. Thank you God. I will not complain that I am so pressed for time lately. I will praise Him because it leaves less time for me to get myself in trouble.
Do you find yourself drawn into gossip or just listening? Besides changing the subject to last night's Red Sox game, how do you deal with it? I make mental notes to steer away from subjects or people, but my mental notes get lost in the piles of brain matter. I'd love to hear your strategies. Did I tell you lately, I love comments? I do. Except for gossip and spammers.
Have a great Easter weekend!
I used to be a judge. It still creeps up on me at times.
I admit, I still fight it. Since re-reading Dave Ramsey, I am struggling with my bad habit, again.
Our church is located behind a Dunkin' Donuts. I'll confess a stupid none-of-my-business judgement I do, even at church. When I see someone with a coffee in their hand, I think "What a waste of money." I have judged their financial behaviors and it is not my business. I have already labeled someone in my mind, before I even knew them. I am critical because I was set free from Caramel Frappes. Does God really care if they buy a Coffee Coolatta? I should be rejoicing they are not still drinking a 12 pack of beer every day.
God has a way of changing me. His best strategy was to fill my life with so much abundance. Not the abundant life with Cadillacs and a Rolex. But just a full, very busy life. I find I have less time to judge or nitpick. Homeschooling, real estate, being an excellent wife, Sunday School lessons, four kids, and blogging. Who has time to even notice, who is doing what? If I can show up to church on time, with my Bible, my kids in somewhat matching, clean clothes and smiling faces, I'm on a roll. Most of the time. Once in a while, I squeeze in time for criticizing in my mind or even out loud.
Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
Aren't those pretty terms for gossip and slander? Then to make my sharing more
I love the God's Word translation of Matthew 7:5 "You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye. Then you will see clearly to remove the piece of sawdust from another believer's eye."
Back to my abundant life. Thank you God. I will not complain that I am so pressed for time lately. I will praise Him because it leaves less time for me to get myself in trouble.
Do you find yourself drawn into gossip or just listening? Besides changing the subject to last night's Red Sox game, how do you deal with it? I make mental notes to steer away from subjects or people, but my mental notes get lost in the piles of brain matter. I'd love to hear your strategies. Did I tell you lately, I love comments? I do. Except for gossip and spammers.
Have a great Easter weekend!
Monday, January 24, 2011
My Story Monday: The Angry Paperboy
It was his third day at work. His Mom and Dad have other commitments in their life. Ones that aren't to be interrupted to chauffeur him home from work. He was glad they trusted him at only fourteen to work and arrive home safely. Dad remembered to give him a set of keys to get in the house just before he dropped him and his bike off. After hovering over a toaster for 4 hours making wheat toast, white toast and dry toast, the cool outside air felt refreshing. For about a minute. This December day was frigid. Riding his bike home from work wasn't the same as last summer. The seven mile ride in the 30 degree weather made it unbearable. At least the intermittent hills kept his body warm. He rode as hard as he could up and coasted down the hills squinting. The wind was tearing his eyes. He couldn't wait to get home.
He parked his bike out back and tried the key.
"What the heck is wrong with this key?" He tried it again and again. And again. Rage was clouding his mind.
"UUUGGHHH!"
"That's o.k." he thought. I can break in. He tried the other three doors. No way. Maybe the key fits in the back door.
Wrong again.
He was cold and really angry. Self pity was creeping up on him, but anger won out. He threw the keys accross the walkway into the leaves that had collected in the side yard. That was stupid. His dad will not appreciate it if he lost his set of keys. He had to find them. His parents wouldn't be home for at least another hour. He had an hour to find the keys. Getting inside became an old thought.
Now he was livid, hot from anger. But still cold. Rustling through the leaves desperately looking for the keys, he was too frustrated to pray. He finally found the lost useless keys and strangely, a plastic case.
"What's this doing here?"
He picked up the garage door opener. He was inside in a moment.
"Thank you God!"
Psalm 139:1-4
O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
This is a true story, I praise God as I see my children experience His hand touching them. This is an answer to my prayer. "Oh Lord may our children know you and see you move as I have so many times. Let it not end with my generation."
I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Progress, I think...
The free dictionary defines it.
prog·ress
n.
1. Movement, as toward a goal; advance.
2. Development or growth: students who show progress.
3. Steady improvement, as of a society or civilization: a believer in human progress. See Synonyms at development.
4. A ceremonial journey made by a sovereign through his or her realm.
intr.v. pro·gress, pro·gressed, pro·gress·ing, pro·gress·es
Idiom:1. To advance; proceed: Work on the new building progressed at a rapid rate.
2. To advance toward a higher or better stage; improve steadily: as medical technology progresses.
3. To increase in scope or severity, as a disease taking an unfavorable course.
in progress
Going on; under way: a work in progress.
Speaking of progress, of course, I cannot resist this opportunity to promote my fairy blogmother's blog.
Visit Lizzie at A Work In Progress, she is just as crazy as myself.
Some examples from my week:
- I have read numerous books for pleasure, stayed up late and slept late. Maybe regress.
- I have learned I can live without internet and I'm fine. Progress.
- I have lost my phone and all my contact #'s in the pond. Regress. It was not a nice way to get a new cell phone. Verizon still does not support the iPhone. Regress. I am learning patience. Progress.
- I cruelly tortured my children and made them stay at the beach with me for hours. Slight tan, progress.
- I have resisted the urge to stock up everything for hurricane Earl. I finally went out today and picked up my important things. Orange Juice, a pre-cooked chicken, a lobster and straws were my non-panic items. I have been craving a lobster roll for months. I live in a resort area where I am daily pummeled with ads for lobster rolls, lobster dinners, lobster eggs benedict, fried lobster, lobster bisque, I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE. The funny thing is, I have never cooked my own lobster. Today, I learn. Progress!
- High School for Paperboy is starting soon. I am overcoming the demons of discouragement and the feelings that almost every homeschool mother battles. We start this upcoming week. God was faithful to send a stranger my way for some major encouragement. He has no idea. Paperboy wanted to spend the night at a friend's house. He needed someone to fill in for him at his job. Daddy had a wonderful solution. Mommy could bring Little Guy and read a book while he sold papers.
What about my late night novel reading? How convenient, you have a doctor's appointment, thanks for bringing it up right in front of Little Guy. How can I say no?My six-year old, who has been asking for 'money jobs', has his first test at capitalism. He passed with flying colors. Eye contact, making change, using manners for three hours...Progress, much. - Back to the stranger. An older gentleman pulls up to the restaurant. "Where's Paperboy?" "He had a day off, this is his little brother." The man proceeded to buy his paper and tell me he doesn't come here to eat. He stops by every morning to buy his paper from Paperboy. He offered my son a job. He noticed some things about Paperboy. Some things he noticed: He is a hard worker. He hustles. He is friendly. He is funny. He can multi-task. He knows what is going on in the world. He is articulate. The stranger asked me about homeschooling and why I did it. I explained how I saw the writing on the wall and gave God the credit for directing me. Our conversation ended with the best encouragement a homeschooling mother can receive. "Whatever you are doing, keep it up, you are doing a great job." I resisted the urge to hug and kiss this stranger. I thanked him. Progress.
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver".
I hope to notice and encourage someone today. Progress.
I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Mom's Chatter and Prayer Warriors
I hope all you Moms enjoyed the pampering that Mother's Day brought. If it didn't bring any pampering, that's what Mastercard is for. Actually, I am kidding on that one. Who is the master when one is burdened in credit card debt? But seriously, my Mother's Day was very lovely. How lovely was it? Glad you asked.
It started out with my favorite 3-6 year-olds in Sunday School. I love this crew and the secret to why they are so lovable is because they are mostly boys. Now it feels like home with the same ratio of 5 guys to every one girl. We made up a Mother's Day song to the tune of Awesome God. I told the little kids to sing it for their Mommas. They made a cute, non-messy photo frame for their Moms and they helped me decorate my bonnet for the bonnet contest in church. Yes, I do attend Victory Chapel or my favorite nick name, the First Church of the Over Achievers. We have a competitive streak to us, but all in a loving Christ-like way, unless we are playing volleyball or baseball or any sport that involves a ball, throwing or people. No, I didn't win the bonnet contest but the kids enjoyed helping me.
Then we finally picked out our gas grill purchase of the decade. Tonight, I fire it up with some sirloin tips. While I had my first nap Daddy and Little Guy picked it up. So I napped and rested enough to have a sore back. Now that is some serious rest.
For dinner we had lovely takeout from an awesome local seafood restaurant. With little guy on Feingold and Teenagers that inhale food, we went the thrifty way. The fried scallops were so sweet, I am drooling on my keypad.
I was showered with adult chocolate, flowers and a lovely azalea topiary plant. My sons made me cards and even a sweet boy from church gave me one. Oh the love!
Back to the grind, Mother's Day has passed and life rolls on.
Many of my friends and myself have been recently pressed by God to kick up our prayer life a few notches. The longer I serve God, the more I feel convicted in this area. I guess I have finally realized that I can't fix or control anything.
Urgent prayer requests My Dad's wife, Eunice, has just received her last dose of chemotherapy. This one has really hit her hard. I spoke with her yesterday, although she is doing an amazing job with her attitude, she just feels rotten. Please pray for a recovery from the horrible side effects. She has some other health problems too. She hasn't felt normal for months. Let's lift her up in prayer, and I will keep you posted on her health.
Another one from Becky : Hello Terri and all who read her blog,
I have an urgent prayer request from Malissa C. She would appreciate anyone who can lift her brother Christian up in prayer this morning. He has had a brain aneurysm and will be having dangerous surgery to stop the bleeding. Please ask God to help him. Much thanks, Becky.
I am sure so many others who need a miracle come to mind. There are spiritually lost loved ones, sickness, financial pressures and missionaries who need us to mind the gap.
~Prayerfully yours,
Terri G.
For dinner we had lovely takeout from an awesome local seafood restaurant. With little guy on Feingold and Teenagers that inhale food, we went the thrifty way. The fried scallops were so sweet, I am drooling on my keypad.
I was showered with adult chocolate, flowers and a lovely azalea topiary plant. My sons made me cards and even a sweet boy from church gave me one. Oh the love!
Back to the grind, Mother's Day has passed and life rolls on.
Many of my friends and myself have been recently pressed by God to kick up our prayer life a few notches. The longer I serve God, the more I feel convicted in this area. I guess I have finally realized that I can't fix or control anything.
Urgent prayer requests My Dad's wife, Eunice, has just received her last dose of chemotherapy. This one has really hit her hard. I spoke with her yesterday, although she is doing an amazing job with her attitude, she just feels rotten. Please pray for a recovery from the horrible side effects. She has some other health problems too. She hasn't felt normal for months. Let's lift her up in prayer, and I will keep you posted on her health.
Another one from Becky : Hello Terri and all who read her blog,
I have an urgent prayer request from Malissa C. She would appreciate anyone who can lift her brother Christian up in prayer this morning. He has had a brain aneurysm and will be having dangerous surgery to stop the bleeding. Please ask God to help him. Much thanks, Becky.
I am sure so many others who need a miracle come to mind. There are spiritually lost loved ones, sickness, financial pressures and missionaries who need us to mind the gap.
~Prayerfully yours,
Terri G.
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