Freedom in the Dance

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:33:00 +0000

There's No place like HOME

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +0000

He cries, she smiles. They embrace and all is well, even if there's an oxygen machine that hums all night long next to him.

There, truly, is no place like being back in the arms of your sweetie, the woman that you've cared for for over fifty years.

There's been a dramatic change in the physical as well as the spiritual heart of this man. One week in the hospital has given him new life to press forward, pursuing a deeper walk with the God of his youth.

To mom's delight, he arrived home Sat. evening. (Notice the hat; she wears her hat in the house to stay warm!)
We thought he wasn't coming home until Sunday, but he really wanted to go to church and when the doctor gave the release, he was thrilled.

He IS on steroids, which causes him to talk incessantly and his emotions are raw because he's so grateful for the cleansing of God's spirit on his heart, which has produced constant tears of joy.

But he has to care for his physical heart and that means changes that are much more difficult to be grateful for.

Today, for example, he cried tears of sadness. The realization of not being able to do what he's always done weighed heavy on his mind. I brought up the subject of planting my garden this weekend and I regretted opening my mouth when I saw him choke up. Playing in dirt is his favorite! I reminded him that he's alive and yet, somehow, deep down, being alive is so much more than just breathing.

My heart ached for him. Those words fell to the floor as they came from my lips: yes, being alive is wonderful, but we have to figure out: 'What does that look like for you now, dad?'

Well, for starters, a taxi drive to Wal-Mart for their first visit in over a week! Back to McDonald's, but not before he hopped on the motorized cart!

He was happy, I was happy for him!

Deep Breaths

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:53:00 +0000

There's not doubt that I'm on my way home...everyone can hear the squeaks, creaks and rattles of dad's SUV as I head up the hill. There, parked on the street, I spy the back of an open truck, filled with oxygen tanks and I'm asking myself myself why they're here already. They told me to call THEM when dad comes home. I was beginning to sense pressure--(wonder where that came from?)

Well, the truth is Love was home and they called him. He must have thought it would be a good idea if they came. I wasn't ready to face the reality that this is a new season for me with my dad. I walked into the house, following the man with tanks, him showing me where to go. 'Wait a minute, this is my house. Why am I following you?'

Dad still hasn't come home. It's been quiet around here...no constant interruptions, questions like: 'Where's my paper, where's the creamer, did you take my tape, I just got a bill from such and such and I am so angry...'

Honestly, I don't miss THAT, but what I do miss is his laughter, his constant energy-until the Ever Ready bunny needs recharging, and his desire to learn.

Love and I headed to the hospital, caraffe filled with piping hot coffee, to surprise him. Yesterday, I'd promised to bring him coffee because his only complaint other than being in the hospital was how BAD the coffee was. But, because I needed to clean and declutter their bedroom, I couldn't take him any and told him that TODAY I'd make him an entire pot when he got home...that didn't happen, so off to the hospital we went!

Poor guy, I've taken him the paper for three days and unfortunately, the comics page was missing from all three papers! He thanked me for bringing him the paper, but what he really wanted was to do the puzzles...today wasn't the boy's fault, the paper was missing that section!

*****************************************************************************

New day...Saturday...original post from yesterday...how time flies when fifty million, or so it seems, different people need you and you get CONSTANTLY SIDETRACKED!

So, this morning dad calls to tell us he's not coming home again today. Sigh. Then, after I take him the three days of crosswords, he calls to say he is, in fact, coming home today. I'm waiting for his call now.

Things are going to be even busier, caring for him and her. But the great news is that there is joy on this journey...It's my choice to embrace that joy. I chose joy.

Let me encourage you today, if you're struggling with the journey you, too, are on.

YOU can run this race, and finish it. You have the God of the universe living on the inside of you and Father God hand-picked YOU to walk on this path. It was HIS doing, not yours. He is for you and He is with you AND He is IN YOU!

Take deep breaths as you walk...sometimes the road is steep; sometimes it's rocky, and sometimes it's just plain ol' muddy with puddles that have to be stepped in.

Sometimes Tea bags tear!

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:42:00 +0000

Early morning a couple days ago, after finding an organic tea bag in my desk drawer the previous day,

I softly tip-toed to the kitchen, anticipating solitude with a cup of peach deliciousness...

Then it happened...

In the rush of getting back to the solace of my room, I ripped open the packaging and it was too late:

the bag was torn...

I didn't have anymore herbal bags in the cupboard, despite my search for JUST ONE MORE BAG!

So, I did what any herbal hungry tea bag drinker would do...

I fixed the problem.

I almost felt like I won. Won what, you may ask? Well, I got my drink, and I somehow kept that clothespin out of my cup...not completely, but long enough that germs didn't have a chance to brew!

If you're just slightly curious as to why I'd post about my tea bag, let me tell you...

Life is like a tea bag...

delicate

needing a gentle touch

and...

if simmered just the right amount of time,

DELICIOUS!

Sometimes, things in our life are torn, seemingly wasted. Unexpected changes come and similarly to a torn tea bag, we could very easily just throw that bag away, not considering that perhaps the very circumstances we're facing are just opportunities to look with new eyes...
to taste and see that the Lord is good.

Since Sunday night, my dad has been in the hospital and the responsibility of caring completely for my mom, along with homeschooling meant that I needed to be better prepared.

Now, it's not like I've not done that before, but Sunday's message had been stirring in me and I'd been asking Daddy to reveal where I'd been 'faking it'...and the one area that I struggle most with is knowing the truth and yet tripping up in the same general area of joy in the journey as well as running this race by myself, and then when things don't go just like I think they should, losing my sense of reality...turning Dr. Jekyl into Mr. Hyde...

Monday night, as I dropped into bed, failure swept over me like a cold blanket, dripping with guilt for my impatience with the challenges I faced and frustration with the boys for being thirteen and 'don't they understand what I have to do here?' A 'head banging' pity party was about to break out right there on my pillow...
But God, He has a way of using the simplest things in our life to teach us about Him, His heart in matters that have eternal significance.

Joy comes in the morning...
His mercies are new every morning and boy, did I need to hear Him for this new day of challenges...

So, Tuesday morning, I loaded my breakfast plate with Bread from Heaven...

Paul writes:
" For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior."
"Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith."
2 Corinthians 12:20; 13:5-6

He already knew about these residual side effects of my humanity trying to choke His word and He lovingly rebuked me for each one.

But for the blood of Jesus, I am hopeless.

Because of the blood of Jesus, I am free.

Free to repent, free to love, to be loved and move forward in grace.

Should you be facing a 'tearing' in your life, or perhaps a stretching that you think,

"I can't do this. I can't go on one more day"...

Get a tea bag, a slice of bread and sit in a quiet place listening, drinking in the Truth and eating His Word.

He is pursuing you.

He knows you can't do it.

He gave His promise to change YOU, not necessarily your circumstances.

Having dad in the hospital has given me the opportunity to see things from his perspective...his everyday caring for mom, all the work involved in her care.

My dad is my hero.

Join in with those who have habits that bring Life:

On Being a Warrior

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:34:00 +0000

"Being a warrior is not about the act of fighting. It's about being so prepared to face a challenge and believing so strongly in the cause you are fighting for that you refuse to quit." Richard "Mack" Machowicz

He turned himself in this morning. He would serve time for the next fifteen months about five hours away from home.

About a year ago our dear friend began a journey toward Life, running upstream from a life of crime, pain and a childhood of abuse. Jesus freed him of his sin, but the residual lies from living on the streets from thirteen had taught him to do things that now, as a child of God, Daddy wasn't going to tolerate and consequences meant he had to grow up and become a real warrior, fighting a battle that he could win.

Even as law enforcement pulled the truck over that fateful day, he knew in his heart, he'd made a very wrong decision, all just to make quick money for his family. Transporting illegals is a serious crime and the penalty would be extremely costly. Sentencing came in August of this year when he was ordered to serve, despite the changes God had wrought in his life.

Initially, we were all shocked, for our life group, "Living the Life", had been praying faithfully for our friend's deliverance from the consequences of his actions. We've watched him grow more and more in love with Jesus, share his faith daily with strangers, minister to others in need of car re-pairs, help whomever, whenever without being paid and allow the Spirit of God in him to radically change this man of anger to a man of peace and confidence in the God he now served.

Why, God? He's leaving four little ones and a wife that adores him? Why didn't You do something that day? Why did he have an attorney that could have cared less abou him and didn't really fight for him? Maybe we could have prayed harder, longer, or done SOMETHING!

These questions whirled around in everyone's head and yet there was a peace. Moreover, here is where one truly knows if what they believe is based on truth or not. The waves were pounding on his foundation and they will continue for a long time, but he's standing tall.
He didn't give up, run away, or fight back. He surrendered to the God that loved Him and he grew more. He continued sharing Jesus, loving his wife and children and serving the body of Christ. He came over here and fixed my car several times, took off my transmission and made arrangements to have it rebuilt, fixed my dad's car numerous times and bought my Love a beautiful birthday cake for his fiftieth~!

I've never met someone like Mino. A warrior of such valor, humbly accepting the challenge set before him. This 'sentence' is just that. A statement that his life is not his own. He was bought with blood, pure blood that now runs through his veins. He cannot help but allow that power to flow through him as he uses this time to bring others to Jesus.

The time he is spending in prison is as a free man in Jesus. Bars on his cell are only reminders that he was once a slave to sin, but now he is an ambassador for the King of Kings to men who truly are in an eternal prison, separated from the God who is passionately pursuing them through the life of my friend.

I would ask that if you've read this far that you will join with me and others who love Mino and pray for him as he fights on the front lines as a warrior in the kingdom of Light.

I would also ask that you pray for his wife and their four children: Pray that God would infuse her with His strength, joy and peace to see His vision for her as his wife and the mother of their children.

He is faithful, of this I am sure.

If you want to send him a note of encouragement or a book that would help him, just drop me a note and I'll email you his address. He would really appreciate that!

'Father, in Jesus' name, I thank you for my friend, Mino. Bless his sleep tonite and surround him with your favor as a shield. Flood his heart with Your peace and remind him that his weapons are mighty through You as he seeks to know you more tomorrow.' In Jesus' name, amen.

A new Year and reflecting...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:23:00 +0000

Whew...Initially, I didn't think I'd ever be able to get back to writing here because the sorrow I'd seen in Haiti was so overwhelming and even now, if I see my pictures from the trip, my heart begins to weigh heavy in my chest and I almost can't bear the memories. For the week after I returned, I felt like I WAS stuck there because I was editing photos and each picture took me back to that moment.

But the holidays came on the heels of my return and that meant I needed to shift gears. My mother has a way of making it impossible to forget that the decorations need to go up as soon as the calendar turns to December. She'll ask over and over, not because she's nagging but because she's forgotten that twenty minutes ago she asked me when the tree was going up or when are we going to bake cookies and am I going to make a cheesecake for Christmas and what am I making for the Christmas dinner?

These are the every day questions that need answering until the decorations are up and the cookies are frosted and the addresses are given so she can mail her cards. It's just what happens when you're turning eighty-three and there isn't anything spectacular on television and your children far away don't call often and nothing happens anymore to spark your life. Yet, she's alive, still thinking, asking, planning and interested...and that is cause to celebrate, decorate and enjoy one more Christmas with mom.

As soon as I returned from Haiti, I took my camera in to be cleaned. I was told it would be ready in ten to fourteen days. That was fine, I figured. It would be back in time for Christmas. Well, after ten days I began to call every day. Then, on day fourteen, I was asked to take some photos for a family who had lost their daughter and wanted some shots from the memorial service to remember the day. I immediately contacted Best Buy to see if the camera was back yet No camera, despite telling them I needed it for a funeral service. The following day, I called again and they told me it wasn't ready and they informed me that the part they needed was on order from Thailand and with the problems from the Tsunami they had no idea when it would be ready.. I hung up and began to pray, mostly for my heart to let go of fretting about it~!

Less than thirty minutes later, Best Buy called and apologized. The manager said he'd heard about my situation and was deeply sorry. He also informed me that they were giving me a BRAND NEW CAMERA! I was beside myself with delight.

Note to self: trust Daddy!

He has good things in store for those who fear Him and trust Him! We hopped in the car, headed over and got me an upgrade, complete with video, which I didn't have and a new zoom stabilizer lens!

He is my joy! He delights to bless His kids and I am living proof!

I also had committed to making my gifts, along with orders to fill in order to help my Love head to Orlando for the SHINE 2012 event for AMTC. That meant long hours at the sewing machine and prayer for wisdom on how to make things I'd never made before.

I watched Daddy hold me near Him and I learned better how to listen, especially after everyone went to bed and I could actually think clearly...peace and quiet!

We had a Christmas party with over forty people. The topper for that night was heading out with at least a dozen others to go door to door caroling. One neighbor I'd never seen, was sitting in her car when we began and when we sang, "We wish you a Merry Christmas", she got out of her car and told us that was the most Christmas spirit she'd had all year! That was awesome!

Christmas eve we headed to church. Our pastor reminded us that our life is God's gift to us; what we do with it is our gift to Him.

Then on Christmas morning, the gang (our older sons, along with Josh's girlfriend and her two little ones) headed over for breakfast. A pleasant morning opening gifts. My favorite part was when the big boys opened the same gifts from me and were shocked. I'd made them each a soft guitar case, covered with canvas so they could paint it to their liking! That was one of those projects Daddy HAD to help me with...and He did!

My sister and her family came over for dinner, we played the White Elephant gift game and then they headed out. Long, but great day.

Yet another party to plan for: New Year's was on the way! We bought balloons, made party hats, put up the mirrored ball, I sprinkled glitter EVERYWHERE...down the sidewalk to the street, along the front walkway, on the entrance carpet, on tables, spread confetti on the tables, and hung "Happy New Year" all over the house, too! We put up a canopy out back, complete with flood lights and had a bonfire to boot! There were only about twenty five people that night and the midnite light show was unbelievable. I think firecrackers, fireworks and such went on for an hour straight! People were so grateful because the 4th of July had no fireworks due to the drought and the fire hazards!!! Our home is high on a hill, so we had a spectacular view! But I was ready at 12:05 for everyone to leave~

Then on the 2nd of January, Love boarded a plane to Florida and returns on Monday. The boys and I got to go to a house on the river in the town of Seguin. Click here to see some photos from that trip.

Wow, this month has zoomed past, leaving me little time to process my trip. But, honestly, I am thankful for the gift of each day and because I've had time to recuperate, I am excited to go back and ask Daddy what I need to do now with the experiences I've had.

To wrap up what I believe sums up my month since Haiti is what I observed this past week while sitting on the dock looking out on the river. I saw the water moving, sometimes more swiftly than other times, but it didn't change the reflection of the sky and trees. It wasn't as clear when the current was swift, but it was still reflecting what was above it! My life is going to reflect something. What is it that I am reflecting? May the current not change His image in my life, no matter how fast it moves.

It's Christmas in Haiti...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:17:00 +0000

This is my third attempt to write a post about my trip to Haiti. Tears flow much easier than words.
Until I can clearly articulate the brevity of this experience, it's just best to let my pictures tell a story:

The kitchen at the orphanage that Nehemiah Vision has in the village of Chambrun.

A sweet little boys accross from me in church.

Feet always tell a story...

All the dogs in Haiti look like this.

Until the tears end...

In Obedience...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:22:00 +0000

With less than ten days left before our plane takes off for Haiti, this morning I received an invitation from Daddy God to completely fast from EVERYTHING that would keep me from spending more time with Him.

So, in light of that, you won't hear from me until after I return.
And when I do, the stories he's written with my life will be amazing.
Look to hearing from me after the 30th of this month.
Until then, would you please pray for me and the team? I really appreciate your prayers!
Thanks...until then, God's peace on you and your family as you celebrate Thanksgiving. He is worthy to be praised and celebrated for His goodness and power!

Practicing and Scoring Big...Faith in action...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:12:00 +0000

I wrote this post over here, but after reading Ann's post today, felt it would be worth sharing here...

He shoots...

HE SCORES!!!

THAT was a defining moment in our son, Caleb's, life!

Sure, the other team players shoot and score and it's no big deal because they've been playing for years on a team and they play as though the game is all about them (they only pass the ball to someone they know or are sure they might score...this isn't a criticism, just the way it is at this level, especially if the coach isn't interested in anything other than winning.)

But for Caleb, he told us the ONE thing he wanted more than anything was to be able to score! He put his faith to work and got out there and scored!!!

Now, Isaac had his moment, as well. He has sat on the sidelines most of every game because of fear and because he says basketball isn't 'his' thing. But this was the last game. And despite the coach not taking a risk and giving him much time on the court, he did go out for about five minutes and he did assist a guy in scoring. That thrilled him as well, but not enough for him to ever want to play the game again. At least not on a team.

These two young men are marvelous and wonderfully made. Each has his strengths and weaknesses, as we all do. My job description is to keep looking heavenward, standing in the place of prayer for them and cheering them on with words of Life and kindness that encourage them to press forward.

This morning was a perfect example. It was time for me to give a spelling test to one of them and I specifically said I wanted the words "Unit 4, Test" written on the top line with the date in the corner. Well, he began an elaborate drawing of the letters in block form...(which is really no big deal, but the lesson he needed to learn was submission.) When I repeated that I didn't want 'those' kinds of letters, but just plain letters, he began to get offended and everything unraveled for him...his countenance changed, his attitude began to get hard! I, on the other hand, immediately saw this opportunity as a teachable moment.

We'd just read two days ago about how Jesus did what the Father told him to do and said what the Father wanted him to, the WAY HE WANTED HIM TO SAY IT ! John 12: 44-50

⁴⁴ Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. ⁴⁵ For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. ⁴⁶ I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. ⁴⁷ I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. ⁴⁸ But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.⁴⁹I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it.⁵⁰ And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”

It was an anointed moment to explain that he was under authority and that if his Savior, who is our example, could submit to His Father's will by obediently submitting his will for us (him) all the way to the cross, then he nor I have any excuses not to submit and that I was the parent, not him and he had to obey my authority because God gave me that authority for his good. I reminded him that perhaps writing his letters a certain way isn't a big deal, but what is a big deal is his response to my authority. That mattered more to God than spelling and that, fortunately for him, I love him. Someday, I told him, he'd have at least one boss that won't care whether he lives or dies. Because I love him, I'm persevering to train him to obey God in order that when he does have an ungodly boss, that no matter what he tells him to do or how he treats him, because he's learned submission, obedience and trust in God, he will be able to be a blessing to that man/woman and God will honor him.

HE GOT IT! I mean he really got it.

When that happens, words cannot describe the joy a mother feels when she sacrifices her days for the next generation.
It's in those moments that I remember the WHY of home education. And it's also a reminder of how important it is for me to be abiding in His love and praying for each one of my five children. Each one is in their own game!

...one never knows when a teachable moment will happen...

Moms, we must be ready to be poured out.

Are you aiming your children toward the bullseye?

Are your thoughts about your children being renewed or are you missing the shot?

This game is too short, don't waste the shots you're given!

You can read more stories of how Jesus followers are practicing their faith on a day to day basis by clicking the link below.
Enjoy.

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 03:42:00 +0000

Safeguarding your faith...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:24:00 +0000

Joining the myriad of others expressing their gratitude, hop on over here:

"Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith." Phillipians 3:1

When I read those words, something inside me jumped. These are powerful words; let them sink in!

...safeguarding my faith...

...simply by rejoicing?

Can it be so?

Oh yes, it is so.

Try it.

I dare you!

On THIS beautifully sunny Monday, I am grateful for...

~rejoicing in the Lord has stirred up new thoughts, a paradigm shift from the negative to faith.

~I received the last $250 for my Haiti trip on Sat. nite.

~my thirst has been whet for His Word like it hasn't been in a very long time

~receiving an email thanking me for praying with someone that received a breakthrough in their marriage!

~anticipation of Angela Thomas coming to our church on Nov. 3rd and our very own Grace Pointer, Sarah Martin, leading worship...nothing less than tasting His presence in an intimate evening of hearts reaching towards His.

~being transformed daily by His Spirit inside me.

~opportunities to serve the body of Jesus. (and learning to say, NO, too!)

~finding out what was causing my Caleb to have symptoms of asthma...dust mites, Cedar.

~new family pictures! My heart aches to be so far away, but I rejoice that He holds them and I am confident that one day we will be near one another.

~my youngest granddaughter turning one!

~clean Legos...all 5.7 million of them!

~the body of Jesus supporting me on my adventure to Haiti.

Rejoice.

It will change your life.

Promise!

Have I mentioned this?

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:51:00 +0000

With the busyness of life just flying by, I may have failed to mention that I am going on my first mission trip ever!
Our destination is Nehemiah Vision Ministries in Haiti.
I am part of a group of about eighteen from Grace Point on a mission to help with the rebuilding of Haiti as well as bring the love of Jesus and share His Gospel of forgiveness and power! This was a true experience of walking by faith and believing Him to do what only He can do!
My passport came in eight days! That was amazing. And the money to purchase it came on the day I reminded Daddy that I had to have $135 and $70 came from my marvelous daughter and her hubby and then I discovered that I'd stashed money!~ Just enough!!!
I've raised all but $250 and money to get all my shots! I have $250 for the shots, but I need a series of three and one shot is $120! so, I'm not lacking very much at all!!!
For this opportunity, I am indebted to those who gave sacrificially, particularly my friend, Della Helfen, in Georgia that gave me money after her husband lost his job! That's faith in action!
My expectations are high for a mighty work to be accomplished through me as well as our team!
Should you want to contribute, you can mail a check made to Grace Point Church, 9750 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX 78240. Just put my name on the envelope so it'll go towards my costs.

I'd be honored to have you join with me on this adventure!
You can also contribute here: Grace Point.

Wordless Wednesday...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:08:00 +0000

Taken at Castroville Park on October 7th, 2011.

Wordless Wednesday...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:29:00 +0000

October is here ALREADY!

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 03:48:00 +0000

Where did September go? So many different events occurred last month...

There was my parent's fiftieth wedding anniversary...We had a surprise party for them and they were shocked. It was a beautiful day!

We celebrated 'the boy's' seventh birthday...where has time gone? We met this little man when he was three yrs. old! Ahhh!

Caleb was in the ER for the second time in two weeks for difficulty breathing from an allergic reaction. That was very stressful. I do not believe he has asthma, but rather a reaction to AXE spray that was all over their room.

A cookout at Josh's one Sunday afternoon.

My in-laws blessed us and came for a whirlwind visit...it was wonderful to see them. Just didn't last long enough.

I got to spend time with my wonderful sister and go to lunch with my amazing neice and nephew ! He's pretending to be a zombie and scare me! I love this kid!

Our Life Group, 'Living the Life', began a new study, along with our church, called, "Redemption"!

School started the first week of September. Some days are better than others. But, I must say, Science class is always interesting. This semester we're learning about atoms, all the different types of energy, so thermal energy lent itself to making brownies!

Well, for now, that's all I have time to post. This has taken me three days and blogger has frustrated me~

...so until next time...

Frog and Toad day...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:41:00 +0000

For over a week, I've been anticipating today! My Love and I were asked if we'd like to attend Kyler's school and read to his kindergarten class on 'Grandparent Day'!
His school laid out muffins, fruit, coffee and danish! The librarian noted that this year was their largest turnout ever!
When he saw us, he began running towards us and Love scooped him up.

The hardest part was fighting over who would read! I so wanted to, but Love had his heart set on it. I conceded...sigh.
Before we headed out the door at 7:30, I grabbed one of my favorite books...

Every time the kids come over and they sleep, I read one of the stories from this book and they absolutely love the voices I make!

So, it was no surprise when Love began reading, Kyler began to smile. He was sitting on my lap, so he had to strain to see the pictures!

He continued to sit on our lap after giving us our card!

It was nice to know that we were one of the 'younger' grandfolks...

...and the teacher, Mrs. Suarez, said Love was a 'great story-teller'~THAT made his day!

There was a book about D.W. and a wedding ring, a bunny that got a toothache from eating underwear, a puppy story that was read from a Kindle (we didn't care for that idea at all!), a book about 'OK'. and one about bones with very small letters...

The entire experience brought back memories of when my older boys were in school and I used to go and read to their classes. They both had the same teacher in second/third grade, Mrs. Madsen...I loved that lady~! Those were some good memories, but just when they were in her class.

After almost an hour, we headed out, but not before we got a picture of Kyler with his teacher...
She told the children to put the 'bubble' in their mouth...never heard that one before. This is what Kyler's bubble face looked like as he said goodbye...

Hope to go back every year~!

What a treat to be in his class full of twice as many boys as girls! That should help him to focus more on friendships with the other boys and not have too much drama with only seven girls!

Not all fires are bad...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:48:00 +0000

Only ninety-four miles northeast, fires rage in Bastrop. The flames are licking up the dry, parched land, leaving behind destruction and death.

I really cannot comprehend that kind of devastation. But I am asking God for comfort, protection for the firemen, and a quick end to it all.

****************************************************************************************************************************

But not all fires are bad...

With the first day of our 'Out of the Box Academy' over, Love and I sat in our yard, listening to the sound of quiet, rocking back and forth in our 'Freecycle' swing from Germany, speaking of the day's events and unwinding-- just the two of us.

Soft breezes and mild temps give the hint that maybe the blistering summer is winding down. For that we are also praying.

As we rocked, our words turned to confessions, then declarations and finally to praying the will of God for our home. We both recognize that we're in a war, but sometimes the dry, busyness of each day pulls at the threads of this three-fold cord, threatening to unravel us. Yet, in moments like this, I remember He designed this cord and He holds all things together.

Do you have a place to unwind, breathe deep and renew the spiritual fire in your marriage? Physical passion is fabulous, but the intimacy shared at the feet of Jesus is unparalleled. Just listening to your lover's heart poured out before a Holy God is not only attractive; it's a gift that only you share. Do you treasure that gift? Does your mate feel safe to share their weaknesses in front of you? If not, why?

Start a fire in your life by honestly asking the hard questions about what really matters...

What really matters? One's own relationship with the God of the universe, expressed to us by the coming of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Read about it and then ask Him to reveal to you your need for His love, so you can love your mate.

Make this your prayer: Start a fire in me God!

Bike chains and dog chains...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:34:00 +0000

There are times when, as a woman approaching her fifties, I sense that time is running short to do all the 'fun' things that should be done before I hit the pearly gates!
So, today, I was persuaded to bike ride with twin twelve, soon to be thirteen year old, boys...and mind you, bike riding should be something that's done daily, at least that's what Caleb thinks, and I told him we could do that...

It all began when Isaac came to me and with a Middle Eastern accent, told me that they'd filled my tire (and not blew it up!) and wanted me to take a spin with them...and holding my hand, he drew me away from a letter I was writing...(sometimes these two just amaze me with their wooing skills!)
I told dad I was going to take a ride with the boys to which he responded, "You should take a ride with the boys! Do you have a horn or can you say honk, honk?" I honked and he gave his approval...off we went! (He's been in a really goofy mood lately, very witty and just a hoot!)

Coming around the corner of a street named, 'Anaconda' (that should have been my first clue), a dog came running out of a house when a woman opened her door and a man carrying his little girl walked in. Immediately the dog began barking at us as we rode by and I heard the woman yell the dog's name, but she didn't seem to care and closed her door.
The dog kept pace with us, barking, hair raised on its back and would wander into a front yard and then come back barking...I thought to myself, 'all bark, no bite' just as this dog came into the street and BIT ME!
Immediately, Caleb dropped his bike and went after the dog! I mean literally went for the dog...I was concerned he'd get bit, but instead the dog wandered back into a yard. With great aim, Caleb took off his helmet and threw it at him, hitting the thing square in its back (broke his helmet!!!)! The dog began whimpering, and wandered back toward it's house, which is where I was also headed!

I felt so honored by my son's chivalry that I'd do it all over again just to see the man in him rise up to protect his mother! That's my boy~

This was a big dog, not a little yipey thing, either! I knocked on the woman's door and when I told her, she asked if I was ok, and I told her, "NO, your dog just bit me!" She apologized profusely, but I told her to keep her dog in her yard...I was too overcome to even think of saying all the things I'd thought of on my way to her house!!!! That was a good thing. One never knows if maybe one is going to the same church or worse...I see her in a situation where she'd need ministry and I was the ranting woman she'd had at her front door!!!

Well, my nerves have somewhat settled and I checked my leg...no open flesh! But I just drove to get the address and when I made a report so no one else gets bitten, the man said she'll get between two and six tickets! Wow! Very painful lesson!

Who would have thought that today would have turned out like it has so far? Yet, I did what I set out to do: GET MY HEART RATE UP!

Have a great weekend. Won't be around again until after we get back from the Coast...with tons of pictures, too!!!

As the waves return to the shore...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 05:28:00 +0000

After a month or so away, it is so good to be back and writing again...

********************************************************************************************************

"Intimacy is the mutual mingling of souls who are taking each other into themselves to ever increasing depths. The truly erotic is the mingling of souls. Because we are free beings, intimacy cannot be passive or forced." Dallas Willard

Our twenty-ninth anniversary is approaching. Like waves returning to the shore, my heart returns yearly to the memory of those special moments that remind me that I am his and he is mine...

,~he chose me, a single mom with a little girl named Rachael.

~he embraced and chose her to be his own, adopting and giving her his name.

~I followed him as he followed Jesus to KY for twelve years and together we had two beautiful boys.

~he gave me the gift of staying home to care for our three little ones, as well as freedom to work from home and occasionally get a job only to decide within six months that I wanted to be home!

~he got up every morning to go to a miserable job so I could stay home.

~he put me through beauty school and cared for the children while supporting my dream.

~I learned what love was through this patient, long-suffering man...

~I packed up everything and we headed back to NY because Daddy had spoken His Word to his heart and tears flowed as we headed back home...

~after eleven years of bugging him, he agreed to more children and we got doubly blessed with twins boys.

~after twelve years in NY, three local moves, an unsold home and no job, I followed him again to fulfill God's Word and dream for him to Texas.

~He moved to the country for me, despite his desire to be in the city...

~I learned to trust Daddy's love deeper when he lost his job for the third time, we had to leave the 'Ranch' and he needed me to be his cheerleader.

~He fought for me when we needed freedom from an oppressive situation and God delivered us by giving him His word.

~we grew more in love as we sought His heart for our life together, despite the struggles we found ourselves in...

~he opened his heart and our home to bring my parents to Texas to live with us.

~I wear the same band he placed on the third finger of my left hand so long ago and the Mother's day ring for the right hand back in 2004...the only two rings I ever wear.

Thank you, my love, for twenty-eight years of adventure...I don't regret any of it, for I know that the best is yet to come.
I love you, Jef.

Slow down days...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:20:00 +0000

Is this my cry or is it just what happens in the summer when the giant yellow sphere in the afternoon sky pushes the thermometer to an almost ungodly temperature and the birds fight for a drink from the old fountain, while neighbors hide indoors to stay cool?

It seems as though the long summer days have a way of changing the way things get done around here...do you find that to be true?

...less pressure to get started with our studies (we're doing Math on M,W,F and reading on Tu,Thurs)...

...it takes a lot less time to dry clothes on the line...(that's a good thing)! I found a nastalgic book at the library: "the Clothesline" . You might pick it up if you're one who, like me, longs for simpler times and the history of one of my favorite ways to celebrate being a country girl in the city!~

...if I'm to walk, I have to be out of the house by 6:45 or the sun will break through the clouds and bring unnecessary torture to an already challenging task! Morning temps are a cool 74 or so, maybe!

...the birdbaths have to be filled twice a day and the plants watered before the sun shines through to bake leaves and flowers.

...any errands HAVE TO BE DONE BEFORE NOON, if pos-sible, because the a/c is not working and won't be fixed on a car with over 211,000 mls.

...I always get the 'itch' to read something in preparation for the upcoming school year; a book to inspire me: but this year as I've collected my stack of 'must-reads', I'm reading intentionally to hear His voice, His direction...and there's no pressure! Books like: "The Divine Conspiracy" by Dallas Willard; "The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education" by Grace Llewellyn; "Homeschooling the Teen Years"; "Redemption" by Mike Wilkerson, just to name a few...

As the summer season becomes official this month, may my days slow to enjoy these moments with the boys, dig in the dry dirt and reflect on all His goodness to me as I hear Daddy's heart for His boys, Isaac and Caleb.

Speaking of them, they've had a sad event happen this week...one of their hens, Snowflake, died. When I returned from my walk Monday, I went to water the Garden and found them in tears in the backyard, digging a hole to bury her...we held each other and I hurt with them for their loss. She will be missed.

I am confident that nothing is wasted in regard to Daddy teaching His sons how to know Him, love Him and live for Him, especially the loss of an animal they loved.

God, help me hear Your words for their hearts.

*********************************************************************************

Ever just know?

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:08:00 +0000

Last Sunday, our community of Jesus followers heard a message about 'The Land Between' and, at that moment in time, I couldn't really see myself in that place....but Daddy has a way of revealing what's going on inside by external pressures.
As of late, I've been feeling pressure/wrestling with whether or not to continue educating our sons at home..."Is it time, Father, to give them more than I'm able to give them?" I've been sensing an internal pressure that's been revealing itself in my level of frustration, more with myself than them...
*sigh*...
Yet, when there is this pressure, the tendency is to begin meditating on me and what I see: where I'm coming up short, my fears, their lack of training, and many other issues.
Then there's MY desires, dreams, goals, mom and dad living with us, Jef and the youth drama, add to that the individuals Daddy God has been bringing into our life to love, encourage, share life with and minister to...the list goes on and on...(but I'm not complaining about them...)

Welcome to the Land Between...blurry and void of life, not much vegetation, fruit or color.

(As I write this, once again, I'm having a conversation about my expectations with Math in order to play the X Box later...*sigh*)

Yet, on Monday, when I began feeling intense pressure for answers, I noticed I'd been cleaning vigorously and it dawned on me what I was thinking about...ever just know it's time to direct your thoughts in a healthy direction because your house is a little too clean?
My Love was off that day, so I asked for his ear to listen...we headed to the only place in this home that's private...our room.
That's when the emotions began to spill out and I knew it was time to just PRAY! Ever just know that letting loose isn't always the best answer?

WE prayed and that's when I saw what was happening...I was in the land between and the last thing I needed to do was fear, worry, fret, question or complain...
I took my focus off of me, my circumstances and the boys education and placed my focus on God! He knows what my boys need better than I ever will...He wants me to trust Him with them and their future. The breakthrough came in my thinking when I let go of trying to figure it out or get answers...it's really true that He is the answer!
I still have no knowledge of the upcoming school year, but that's not what I need. I have an answer, the one I needed at that moment and for our future...to T R U S T.
There has been a 'peace beyond my own understanding' that is assurance enough that I'm headed out of that dry land and headed to a place flowing with milk and honey...

He drew me to these verses on Monday:

'1 Tim. 1:5-The goal of my instruction is that all believer's will be filled with love that flows from a pure heart, a clear conscience and a sincere/genuine faith.'

'1 Tim. 1:19-Cling to your faith in Christ Jesus, and keep a clear conscience, for some have deliberately violated their conscience, as a result they've shipwrecked their faith.'

Have you ever just known it's going to be ok AFTER you've let go and just trusted what you can't see?

Cling to your faith in Christ Jesus...and begin to expect Him to lead you...He delights in demonstrating how BIG He is~

Envisioning the wind in my hair...

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Sun, 29 May 2011 06:12:00 +0000

Sitting as close to my Love as possible and is acceptable in public, my senses are acutely aware of this moment...my heart aflame with love for this man, the man of my dreams...is it possible to passionately hunger for him the way I did almost twenty-nine years ago? Can it be that I am falling in love again with this man that vowed to love, protect and cherish me as long as our lungs fill with oxygen...how can this be? I know I love him, but what happened to passion?

It's like I've been sitting on some train, unaware of the beauty just outside my window because I've been preoccupied, distracted, busily writing a story or so I thought that's what I was doing. The locomotive is loud, the speed uncontrollable and I am comfortable in this seat...

...but today all that changed*...

I envision myself getting up, clutching on to every seat as I make my way to the back of the car, forcing open the metal door that's keeping me in...then, in an instant, I'm leaning over the edge, the wind pushing against my face, my dress blowing frivolously free. As my left hand holds on for dear life, my right arm, in abandoned freedom, extends towards the trees whizzing by in a fury...and as I open my eyes to this beautiful moment, I am undone...I am never going to be the same again.

...this is what marriage is all about...

...a Divine love affair with the Author of the Universe writing our story with His pen, asking us to jump out of our seat and grab hold of His hand while He ignites passion and inks eternity on our hearts for each other and Him...all the while reminding us that we cannot do this on our own...this ride is too dangerous!

Passion Himself has pursued me, pulled me from my comfort, invited me to join His adventure and lavished on me the love from one man, as flawed as I am, yet one who loves me from his heart...a heart that will never let me go.

Because I am undone, I must hang on.
I can do nothing else.

Let the flames of passion for my lover burn away all selfishness and mold us into His image together.

*we attended the Love and Respect conference and I am forever grateful for our pastor, Mike Sharrow, for his passion for His savior, Jesus, and his love for His Church.

Are there termites eating at your tree?

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Sat, 21 May 2011 05:13:00 +0000

Last evening, the twins and their buddy, Jordan, came running into the house exclaiming that they'd just witnessed a tree around the corner topple over! (Sigh of relief that they weren't under it!)

Caleb went back with my camera and took these pix:

This morning as we walked, I took advantage of the moment...as we examined the tree together, we talked about the lesson to be learned...
that we can go a long time and even produce leaves (works), but if we don't regularly 'check ourselves' to see that we're healthy on the inside, we will crash, both physically and spiritually!

*********************************************************************************
Along those lines, I have been pondering, first when I heard the initial news of Arnold and his wife, Maria Shriver's divorce after twenty-five yrs. of marriage (nothing happens out of nowhere...there had to be a history of problems that came to a head) and then when new reports came out that Arnold Schwarzenneger had fathered a child fourteen yrs. ago.
From all appearances, he had everything...fame, fortune, notoriety.
All that is gone, or at least tainted now.
Wonder...was it worth it?

This is just another reminder that no one is exempt from the consequences of their choices. It may be hidden for fourteen years, but it will come into the light for all to see.
Reminds me of Jesus saying that whatever you speak in private will be proclaimed on rooftops!
Help me, Jesus, to check myself, guard my lips and remember that all heaven is cheering me on, my words/life is being recorded and one day EVERYONE WILL SEE THE MOVIE!
Until that time, I'll keep my eyes open for those nasty termites...

Mid-Week Catch Up~

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Wed, 11 May 2011 20:22:00 +0000

After only being able to talk on my cell phone through the speaker, I finally went to Sprint and got an upgrade via my Love's account! Whew! A free phone is always the best, even though I know NOTHING is free; but I did receive a little 'belt holder' for free. Love can use my account in Sept. to get an upgrade and a new phone (he's had the same phone for five years!!!) Amazing.

**********************************************************************

Then there was Mother's day.

I'm speechless.

I've never felt more honored...it started long before Sunday.

My sweet Rachael & hubby sent me a card with notes and hand-prints from Hailey and Triny and their 'signature', too.

Tear-filled day.

When I woke up on Sunday, Love made me keep my eyes closed and he walked into the dining room videotaping me...I was instantly overwhelmed because Josh had been there...he enlarged thirteen of my photos; and I mean enlarged...there were life-size pix of Triny, Patience, Rachael, Dan...its like they are here with me.

On the sideboard was a giant pix (see below) which topped the whole gift off, along with the roses and lilies!

All I could do was sob and try to breathe.

These were photos he searched for from my external hard drive that he came and stole and returned without my knowing!

What a guy!

The little boys made me oatmeal and a card...I never did eat it in bed because I couldn't stop crying and looking at these amazing pictures~

That afternoon, I received a portfolio from Carrissa and her two, we hung out while the little one and Love napped, then we all piled into her Flex and headed to N. Braunfels for a swim and an impromptu photo shoot!

It was a blast...we always wind up at Mc D's for ice cream when we have an outing, so the day ended sweet...we had dessert first, then came home to dad's BLT's! Great ending to a fantastic day!

I did get to enjoy the service on Sunday morn with my mom. The message was on adoption/foster parenting. I cried through the entire service, literally. We have wanted to adopt for years, even gone through all the classes, but then we heard, "NOT NOW." In hindsight, it's easy to see why; but at the time, I could not understand. So, we are fulfilling the Scripture about caring for the widows and orphans, just not the way I/we planned. There will come a time when one of my parents leaves their shell and heads to heaven...then we'll be caring for a widow or widower and it'll really hit home then!

*********************************************************************************

Then, Monday evening, Amy came over and brought me the exact things I'd picked up to buy at JoAnn Fabrics but laid back down! God knew and I was listening...what a gift she is and I do see her as my own daughter! Jordan, her son, is like a grandson to me!
Last night, my dear friend, Lisa, called to wish me a happy day...seems like every day there's been a reminder that my 'job' of mothering is a worthwhile venture!

Today I received this:

The same thought resonates through my brain every time I receive something from Hailey...

What if I had aborted Rachael?

There would be no Hailey, Trinity or Patience.

Immediately I'm overwhelmed again with the mercy of God towards me in my sin.

For all those women who believed the lie that it's just 'a blob of tissue'...

I am so sorry...

(If you'd like to write me about your story, I'd love to hear it. Getting it 'out' helps.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A glorious birthday week

noreply@blogger.com (Daune) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:34:00 +0000

Isn't celebrating a birthday far more wonderful when it's spread out over days? That's what happened this year.

My love took me out on Thursday evening and bought me a new lens that I'm learning how to use, four dresses and showered me with much affection. Then, Sunday, my boys, three out of the four, bought me a bougainvillea tree and bush that they gave me at Josh's during my surprise party.

We need rain so I can plant them...really need rain...the dry ground is cracked and too resistant to any type of planting and there are water restrictions already in place. Yesterday as I watered my flowers in the front yard, I saw a helicopter flying in the distance and wondered, no worried, that the water police were out in search of all the water hogs in SA!!! I hurried and got back in the house so I wouldn't be in trouble.

Life has been getting back into somewhat of a routine, but things are winding down and I'm really ready for 'school', at least the seat work part to be over! That's when the real learning begins!

My Leadership class ends this Wed. and although I'm sad I won't be sitting down with the same five other Grace Pointers, I am relieved it's finished. I plan on taking the same class in the fall...

I've been taking oodles of pix that can be seen on my Facebook page, if you're interested. That's where I come alive...not the Facebook page, but in capturing life all around me.

It's not Monday, but that's never stopped me from being grateful...so here's my latest gratitude list:

~my Love spoiling me with a surprise party on Sunday

~my son, Josh, making shishkabobs the night before to grill

~hearing a voicemail message from my son, Dan, the next day, wishing me a happy birthday. Now I can listen to it over and over.

~receiving a card and check for a lot of money from my in-laws...sweet!

~all the gifts I received from everyone that came to Josh's, including an MP3 player, two picture frames,

two handmade little birdhouses, plants, a scarf, money and cards. Overwhelming love.

~that evening, listening to Hailey and Trinity sing to me. Made me cry!

~that our grill housed and raised three wrens...and that we can now grill with no fear of harming them!

~Isaac made me a chocolate bliss cheesecake with Oreo crust...oh my word!

~I am grateful for how deeply I am loved.

~my sister in NY calling and chatting.

~my sister here sending a mum and pot home with my dad for me.

~My love getting his car fixed so I can have mine back.

~Grace Point Church and their encouragement to me to capture events going on with my Canon camera

~my Life Group family

~my dad receiving a letter from his sister after writing and repenting to her and the restoration that only God brings when they humbled themselves.

~air conditioning when the temps reach close to 100 degrees!~

~being God's friend through Jesus

~my Savior rising from the dead JUST FOR ME!

Have a blessed week as you love others just as He loved you!