From The Heart Online

How Our School Room Is Changing My Life

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:18:55 PST

At the tender age of 34, I'm in Kindergarten. For our first official year of homeschooling, the goal was simple: develop discipline - for me and for our children. Sure, reading, counting, blah blah blah... but mostly, getting into the daily habit of working. Routines. Dedication. Follow through. Such is life. [...Unless you're a stay at home mom for a few years. Then all those

Returning...

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:11:19 PST

the bout ends humored bowed i am won When my eyes are turned (or returned) on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, I see. All that stuff - even though it drives me crazy - really does fade in His presence; when I get that He actually does love me, even in my mess. And always did. Reminds me of my husband, who continually reminds me of God... And I see clearer what matters. Love.

When Doubt Creeps In...

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:57:39 PST

The wrestling I couldn't put into words may be wrapped up in one word. Doubt. I may have allowed the 'what-if's to grab hold... Check out this post from "What I Say Matters" on the subject. I'm challenged by it. And encouraged. Perhaps you will be too. Enjoy :)

Ding Ding... A Quick Note Between Rounds

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:56:24 PST

Sometimes I don't know whether to fight, scream, or go blind. Sometimes God allows instant results and provides clear direction, other times He just doesn't. Ding Ding... Let the wrestling begin. With God... me... the enemy... It's not new. We all wrestle. So what. But even in the scrapping - when I'm on the

... Because Fun Is Allowed...

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:33:23 PST

Just for fun... .

An Epiphany About Epiphanies...

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:57:20 PST

The sheer volume of crumbs that collect under our table amazes me. How can there be so much? ... and how long has it been there by the way?! Mmm. Discovering dirt. My favorite... Speaking of which... (yes, that was my super smooth segway...)for the last two years, my continual prayer has been to have a heart of love. 'Teach me to love, God! Fill me with love! Help me

On Loving Porcupines

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 23:23:36 PST

For good reason, porcupines are not pets. I mean, they’re not exactly snugly… But, in His wisdom, we have each been assigned our very own precious porcupine – people who are downright painful to love. --So how does one love a porcupine?-- “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will

A Blogger's Aside...

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:47:49 PST

Bloggers wonder about quitting. Or at least wonder ‘What am I doing? ..and WHY?!’ Why do some writers have stellar success –and quickly I might add- and others (yes, like me) must work to find every reader. The task of ‘building readership’ weighs, heavy. But do I need to do this? Why? Because ‘other people’ have that? Pardon me a moment while I look in the mirror and ask, “

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:38:09 PST

What Can We Bring to the Lord? I want it desperately ... to hear those words from my Father, "Well done, good and faithful servant". Forgetting, always forgetting, I look to deeds and action to please Him. What I can do... What can we bring to the Lord? What kind of offerings should we give him? Should we bow before God with offerings

Welcoming Amy Sullivan and her Insights on Serving Others

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 09:38:45 PST

Once in awhile I find contentment that comes from just doing what God has given me to do. Even if it's small. ... but sometimes I get caught up in the pursuit though, and clamor for tasks... "What should I DO, God?!" I welcome my friend Amy Sullivan to share her perspective on that place of searching for the next act of service... I love this woman. Real, to the point and a

Death of a Dictator (or, "Learning How To Love My Kids")

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:50:33 PST

Sugary milk clings to her spoon as she waves it over her hair, daydreaming. Again. “Eat your cornflakes dear” She blinks away dreams and drifts the spoon toward her bowl. Hiding the spoon under milk, she catches a single cornflake and watches it float. I glance the clock. Bedtime was an hour ago, and I feel the minutes wasting. She swirls the spoon, watching flakes dance. “Eat dear, Eat

Reach - The Results Are In! (Well... Some of them..)

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:21:20 PST

Photos courtesy of my friend, Don M Photography I went with the 'urban chic' scarf. Snazzy, no? Don and I alternated a bit. He sang and shared the heart behind the song, and I read, sharing the heart behind the book. Hmm... I look like I'm keeping time here... To end the evening, Don played softly while I read the last poem. Okay. Here's the deal. 'Reach... for a change' happened

... Ever Thought Heaven Might Be Boring?

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:24:08 PST

The worst job I ever had was not the two months spent dodging manure-caked hooves under a heifer. It wasn't even the night shift of dangling chickens upside down in the barn-stench. The absolute worst was hunching over a conveyor belt in a white jumpsuit and hairnet watching pill bottles go ceaselessly by. My mission: to ensure the cotton ball was indeed inside the bottle. That’s it. For 8

On Entering The Moment...

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:56:30 PDT

His back toward the building, his sly brown eyes watched around us as we chatted. Adjusting his low-riding pants, he told me of his arrangement to buy a friend’s Ritalin prescription. I wondered what Ritalin would do to someone who didn’t need it. Two years later, I saw him again, in a mall food court. We chatted briefly, the whole time his aged eyes darted from side to side, unable to maintain

Hmm... Which Scarf Should I Wear?

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:37:30 PDT

A generous friend of mine, knowing how I admire her splendid scarf collection, lent me her stack of scarves to peruse. She thought I'd enjoy wearing one at the Reach event this weekend. She's right. So, I tried some on. Whaddaya think? Matchy-matchy Urban chic Ballerina Eastern dawn And finally, the 'speaking in public' wrap. I'm reeeeally

The Many Sides of Mom

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:38:19 PDT

Hands cupping mugs, we swap stories about sewing, shopping, childhood tendencies. Elbows on table, we three are completely different, yet the same as her in some way. I’ve known her for over thirty years, yet never noticed that dash of daring she shares with her second daughter. Trading courageous tales, they grin at uncovered sameness. I, the oldest, look just like her - my face, the way

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:28:50 PDT

Passing along the most beautiful post I've ever read. "On earth as it is in heaven" indeed... This is Jesus-like living if I've ever seen it. 'Kisses From Katie' Jesus, thank you for your servants. Teach me how. Show me - change my heart to one of true servanthood. Help me to bend - to truly love.

Love Struck

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:21:24 PDT

Grey clouds swell, climbing for the top of the sky. Air dampens as heavy clouds edge closer. One long cloud sprawls across the sky, its deep blue underbelly pregnant with rain. The far clouds rumble. At the other end of the sky, rolling thunder follows a white flash. Two ends of sky stretch toward each other, competing to veil blue. They head toward collision right above me. Cloud

Back Just In Time For Your Invitation!

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:17:30 PDT

Aaaaand, we're back! Had a momentary glitch. (forgot to renew the domain name, and someone snuck it away on me - won't let that happen again! ... I hope) Guess what! It's here! The "Reach For a Change" Event is coming up in two short weeks! Here's a sneak preview of Don's God-given talent: Sure, our event will be way lower key than the Aboriginal Music Awards, but still - it'll

Cause for Pause On This Country Road

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:05:14 PDT

Country stones clink under us as the car tears down gravel road. Serene pastures disappear behind the trail of billowing dust. Windows roll up, conserving air, until we’re past. Paused at an intersection, we’re caught all in grey cloud, blind. Stopped, we wait for dust to pass... Many days and interactions were Spirit-filled and powerful. Often I sensed and witnessed God’s obvious and

Sharing the Stage In November!!

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 22:23:29 PDT

It's official!! On Nov. 5th, Don Amero and I will share the stage to bring you an evening of music and poetry! "Reach... for a change" ~ Be inspired ~ ~ Get encouraged ~

'Doing It'

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:21:15 PDT

(Image from www.freechristianillustrations.com -check 'em out!) A few years ago, my two children were babies. I loved them, but felt as though I wasn’t doing enough ‘just staying home’ with them. I begged and pleaded for something great to do. One day, my loving Father spoke clearly to my heart: ‘You’re doing it’. You've seen me reach and stretch and wrestle, trying to figure out the

Am I Living As An Enemy Of The Cross? What Jesus Has To Say...

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 21:15:39 PDT

This summer - maybe this whole year - has been one of wavering; this back and forth between abundant faith, and insidious doubt. One minute, I’m at the height of faith, ready to take on the world in Jesus’ name and do anything He asks, and the next minute, I’m overwhelmed by the task he gives me, and begin to doubt if I even heard right, if I’m sane… if he’s able… Today (thanks to the

Poised For Filling

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 22:41:17 PDT

Wordless white what is new, unsaid? Spilled like milk silent mouth poised open emptied out for filling .

Wednesday Morning Worship: A List of 'Thank You'

noreply@blogger.com (From The Heart Online) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 06:05:56 PDT

Thank you Lord, for… -life giving words between friends -giving meaning and purpose to my life -the children you’ve given me to raise -their cheeks, eyes, mouths, voices, wiggly feet, personality and purpose -loving me enough to pay the penalty for my sin so I can come confidently into your presence -your patience – to guide and teach me, and your