Hindsight is something you truly do not appreciate until you are through the storm and breathing easy and then glimpse back and see all the ground you have covered and all the comfort, blessings, LESSONS, and CHANGE that has occurred. That is when you cannot deny, that God is what got you through it! AMEN..
I spent alot of time in 1 Peter these last 18 months, and Ephesians, but a few verses really hit the spot in 1 Peter.
This verse came to me but it didn't really make to a card for many months:
1 Peter 2:18-24
Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that your should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth" who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live.
This year actually started around April of last year when God showed me somethings I was just not really wanting to see. For those that do not know me, I do not handle "conflict, trouble, bumps in the road, or set backs well at all. I turn into the Taz manian devil (and not the cute one, either). Frustration is like gasoline on a fire, and then the downer thoughts come and it is not a pretty picture. So in August I did what any "rational" person would do and I just went ahead and started my year early. You know how the last week of December, you think about all the plans and resolutions that you made and all the projects you started that are still not finished. And then you get irritated, and try to plan to get them done the first few weeks on the next year. And you look at all the stuff you did this year and how you could do things better next year and make all sorts of plans and lists. Well I got really focused and go busy starting 2008, and decided "IT WAS GOING TO BE GREAT!!!) {not just okay, or good enough, but great} I went for a long talk with God by the Falls Lake and we got a few things taken care of and things began to fall into place. Finally, a purpose, a plan (a doable plan) and some relief, at this point anything was fine with me--just make something happen {preferably no paint brush involved (lol!!!) but, even that I would submit and just do it!}.
Well, it was rough going at first. Every few minutes having to stop, renew, close mouth, strain muscles to congur up a smile, but eventually it happened. Prayer partners had prayer partners praying for them, while they prayed for me. {SERIOUSLY!!} but, I was not going down without a fight. My "Psalms 23" became a weekly must have, my index cards were divided and go many places with me, my music became very purposed and very much used and before you know it, progress!!! whoa hoo. By christmas, things were clearing and we were making strides...
2008 in "Short" {ha ha} Summary
I have highlighted my personal favorite post for each month, and given you the link to that posting. You can go over to the sidebar and scroll down to the Archives and select a month and go back and read any postings you want. The early posts are barely formatted and are long and personal, but it is all "real" and all from the Heart.
I spent alot of time in 1 Peter these last 18 months, and Ephesians, but a few verses really hit the spot in 1 Peter.
This verse came to me but it didn't really make to a card for many months:
1 Peter 2:18-24
Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that your should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth" who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live.
This year actually started around April of last year when God showed me somethings I was just not really wanting to see. For those that do not know me, I do not handle "conflict, trouble, bumps in the road, or set backs well at all. I turn into the Taz manian devil (and not the cute one, either). Frustration is like gasoline on a fire, and then the downer thoughts come and it is not a pretty picture. So in August I did what any "rational" person would do and I just went ahead and started my year early. You know how the last week of December, you think about all the plans and resolutions that you made and all the projects you started that are still not finished. And then you get irritated, and try to plan to get them done the first few weeks on the next year. And you look at all the stuff you did this year and how you could do things better next year and make all sorts of plans and lists. Well I got really focused and go busy starting 2008, and decided "IT WAS GOING TO BE GREAT!!!) {not just okay, or good enough, but great} I went for a long talk with God by the Falls Lake and we got a few things taken care of and things began to fall into place. Finally, a purpose, a plan (a doable plan) and some relief, at this point anything was fine with me--just make something happen {preferably no paint brush involved (lol!!!) but, even that I would submit and just do it!}.
Well, it was rough going at first. Every few minutes having to stop, renew, close mouth, strain muscles to congur up a smile, but eventually it happened. Prayer partners had prayer partners praying for them, while they prayed for me. {SERIOUSLY!!} but, I was not going down without a fight. My "Psalms 23" became a weekly must have, my index cards were divided and go many places with me, my music became very purposed and very much used and before you know it, progress!!! whoa hoo. By christmas, things were clearing and we were making strides...
2008 in "Short" {ha ha} Summary
I have highlighted my personal favorite post for each month, and given you the link to that posting. You can go over to the sidebar and scroll down to the Archives and select a month and go back and read any postings you want. The early posts are barely formatted and are long and personal, but it is all "real" and all from the Heart.
January 2008 We began the "process" of testing Charles (See the Titus Academy blog http://www.homeschoolblogger.com-dotwigg/ for all that info.
February 2008 is a busy time, our Anniversary, and Charles Birthday (the real one, it is leap year). We started dyslexia training and reading tutoring and saw a difference immediately.
This posting was done in March, but is about our Anniversary. Prepare yourself, we look VERY different now (LOL). http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/03/prayer-request-granted-big-time-best.html
Post about Charles birth, Feb. 29, 1996 http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/03/another-2-prayer-request-answered.html
March 2008 the reality hit... all my "figuring and negoatiating was sadly misguided" Homeschooling was over... (oh, if you could have seen the temper tantrum,.. well I glad you did nt--Taz mania) I was very frustrated, confused, angry and bewildered. I thought we had this all worked out.. anyway all this is on the blog in older posts and on the Titus Academy blog. It is so funny to see where we are now and we were and just Thank God He does not get tired of us and just give in and so OH, alright have it your way! He just let's us spin, and scream and cry and beg. He reassures us that He will work things for good (Romans 8:28) and That He has THE PLANS for us (Jeremiah 29:11). He sends people (sometimes complete strangers :), to bring us the words of comfort, encouragement and Life Changing truth!!!. Other times, he takes our greatest fear and calls for obedience to show us that we truly have NOTHING to fear. I faced my fear and found that I didn't need counceling, I need to give myself a break and quit trying to fix everything. Some things are meant to be broke, and God is the potter not me, He will fix things. I began blogging to have an outlet for my communication that I needed to have, but had no one to have it with. The first post really said it all, http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/03/beginning-new.html
and I have taken a vow, to say it once and then blog it and let it go :). And it is working.
April 2008- My birthday (Uggg-another year wiser???? oh ...) The anniversary of my "proverbial older sister going to be with the Lord" oh how I miss her and really needed her now. Easter. More lessons and discoveries. And the no mistaking clear as a bell, burning bush message that Homeschooling was ending Charles was going to public school.
There are 3 or 4 posts this month on various things. This is my "reflection on the changes this year and the proposed changes for the next, now that I am going to try to act my age. http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/04/eve-of-big-day-i-will-be-38-tomorrow.html
May 2008 Mother's Day, Papa's Birthday, Nannie and Papa's Anniversary, Memorial Day..
Things were in high gear... Somehow peace and focus were installed in my hard head and a plan was established. "This is reality, get out off the "De nial River" out of the boat and start walking!!" I was in a frantic panic now, I wasted all these months trying to get things to go my way and now August was fast approaching, but God is in Control and once we let go of the reigns the plow can tear up some rock and we can get to sowing our field.
As with most months there are several posts, but this is the post I did for Mother's Day to Honor our Moms. http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/05/mother-to-be-honored-and-praised-you.html
June 10, 2008 Charles graduated from Titus Academy. We had family and friends witness his accomplishment. all the details are on the Titus academy blog. and there is a post here too.
The graduation post, with the links to the slideshow we showed at graduation. http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/06/we-did-it-graduation-day-was-success.html
July 2008 was very busy... I had submitted to the going to school, but I was not relying on anyone to tell me things I was arming myself with knowledge. I was going to communicate things to those that were going to be working with Charles and we were going to make this successful. Through it all I received alot of encouragement, assurance and a network of wonderful partners in helping my son. Learned some valuable lessons about second hand information and the power of perseverance and dedicated service to your child and family no matter what the personal cost.
April 2008- My birthday (Uggg-another year wiser???? oh ...) The anniversary of my "proverbial older sister going to be with the Lord" oh how I miss her and really needed her now. Easter. More lessons and discoveries. And the no mistaking clear as a bell, burning bush message that Homeschooling was ending Charles was going to public school.
There are 3 or 4 posts this month on various things. This is my "reflection on the changes this year and the proposed changes for the next, now that I am going to try to act my age. http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/04/eve-of-big-day-i-will-be-38-tomorrow.html
May 2008 Mother's Day, Papa's Birthday, Nannie and Papa's Anniversary, Memorial Day..
Things were in high gear... Somehow peace and focus were installed in my hard head and a plan was established. "This is reality, get out off the "De nial River" out of the boat and start walking!!" I was in a frantic panic now, I wasted all these months trying to get things to go my way and now August was fast approaching, but God is in Control and once we let go of the reigns the plow can tear up some rock and we can get to sowing our field.
As with most months there are several posts, but this is the post I did for Mother's Day to Honor our Moms. http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/05/mother-to-be-honored-and-praised-you.html
June 10, 2008 Charles graduated from Titus Academy. We had family and friends witness his accomplishment. all the details are on the Titus academy blog. and there is a post here too.
The graduation post, with the links to the slideshow we showed at graduation. http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/06/we-did-it-graduation-day-was-success.html
July 2008 was very busy... I had submitted to the going to school, but I was not relying on anyone to tell me things I was arming myself with knowledge. I was going to communicate things to those that were going to be working with Charles and we were going to make this successful. Through it all I received alot of encouragement, assurance and a network of wonderful partners in helping my son. Learned some valuable lessons about second hand information and the power of perseverance and dedicated service to your child and family no matter what the personal cost.
This post is probably the one that caused the most stir, and I do promise if things are this bad and I am sick I will call (Next time). Charles was very upset I posted pictures of his room, "He was embarassed", to which I said, but why when "Nobody keeps their room clean and all parents yell, "clean your room and there is nothing really that messy" (Has been a great Visual lesson in our house, and a useful tool :). If I say it, I will do it and If I bring things up there is an issue that needs attention. In keeping my vow to say it once and then, ..blog it and let it go, http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/07/are-chores-important.html
August 2008 was a quick month.. My personal purpose became very clear. I actually began school!!! I really did not think it was going to happen. I went back to Vance-Granville Comm. College, changed my major and in 4 semesters I will finally have my Associates Degree. Things are finally personal again and they are moving!!!. We through together a family vacation, Camping and hiking at Stone Mountain (sleeping on the ground and walking were not going to be easy with my back and hip, but the boys were so excited, oh well that is what ibuprofen is for.. lets go) It was the BEST Time!!! and I was able to hike!! Charles made we a walking stick and they slowed down and we had a blast before Charles and I started school. He thought it was great that I started school before him and that I was going to have to do homework and have grades too. We continued tutoring through school starting, but had to stop but he was getting services at school so we were alittle at ease about it not causing a setback. My first weeks of school were rough. It has been along time since I was in the classroom setting, with so many personalities, views and just alot of change and things to absorb.
My favorite post for August, is about a girls night out to the movies, this was a great time with friends and I definitely plan on doing more of these in the coming year, http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/08/friday-night-at-movies.html
September 2008 was pretty uneventful. School kept us busy. Charles did awesome!!! the teachers were so surprised. He was loving school, finally success!!!! The struggles, heartache and tutoring has paid off!!!!. He is succeeding at learning and liking it!!! School is still challenging, starting to wonder if this was really the plan or if I "made this" happen. Kind of thinking this is not going to work out. Talked to a friend and got a whole new perspective on school and myself (not a comfortable conversation, but oh was it beneficial.. and kind of nice to hear :) and then they asked if I was familiar with 1Peter 2:18-24, "The servants passage" {Oh my!!! how is that for confirmation!) It became a card in both stacks from this point. And things became alittle lighter and I gained something I haven't had since highschool, alittle self worth and esteem. The stupidity as the world calls it, is smiled on by God and so "Bring it on", I now know to whose praise and pleasure I am working for, if I can please others in my efforts that is great, but if I can;t that will have to be okay too. I love revelations like this that clear the boulders from our path and lighten the skies.
This is the post about my poem, "Love Made Me Do It" being published. http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/09/i-am-published-thank-you-for-your.html
October 2008 School is going well, report card was good. Much better than anyone had anticipated. Halloween was a hoot, all three of us dressed up (yes, I gave in and we participated in halloween "fantacy", I dressed up like Sarah Palin {LOL!!!!}, Chris was McClain and Charles was "Mini-McClain". Very funny-- we had a good time with it, we ate dinner at the Carolina Ale house and then went to the Youngsville Halloween Festival.
This months favorite was a scriptural lesson/life lesson post, some commented but asked for it not to be posted and a few emailed me :), that they really identified with this. http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/10/words-can-be-more-opposites.html
November 2008- Thanksgiving!! Chris's Parents and Sister came down and His nephew from Durham came over and we ate together, at Golden Corral!!! Everyone had a good time, ate too much and then left the mess there. This was our second year of eating out and it was different but everyone enjoyed the time together, which is what it is all about, so it was good.
This months favorite post, "Happy Thanksgiving 2008" http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/11/happy-thanksgiving-2008.html
December 2008- Whoa!!! the year is over, so much learned... Busiest month!!! Nannie's birthday, My mother's birthday, Chris's Birthday, Christmas. My semester ended, and report card came out, (see blog post), and I was informed that this and the fact that I live in a town make me ineligible for the "Village Idiot" title that I am always lamenting about. (Ha HA!!) I worked really hard, but really expected the graceful B or dreaded C in my Challenging class, Intro to Human Services--mainly because the the quizzes and papers, my two worst performance indicators. But, it was a very, very insightful and productive semester.
August 2008 was a quick month.. My personal purpose became very clear. I actually began school!!! I really did not think it was going to happen. I went back to Vance-Granville Comm. College, changed my major and in 4 semesters I will finally have my Associates Degree. Things are finally personal again and they are moving!!!. We through together a family vacation, Camping and hiking at Stone Mountain (sleeping on the ground and walking were not going to be easy with my back and hip, but the boys were so excited, oh well that is what ibuprofen is for.. lets go) It was the BEST Time!!! and I was able to hike!! Charles made we a walking stick and they slowed down and we had a blast before Charles and I started school. He thought it was great that I started school before him and that I was going to have to do homework and have grades too. We continued tutoring through school starting, but had to stop but he was getting services at school so we were alittle at ease about it not causing a setback. My first weeks of school were rough. It has been along time since I was in the classroom setting, with so many personalities, views and just alot of change and things to absorb.
My favorite post for August, is about a girls night out to the movies, this was a great time with friends and I definitely plan on doing more of these in the coming year, http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/08/friday-night-at-movies.html
September 2008 was pretty uneventful. School kept us busy. Charles did awesome!!! the teachers were so surprised. He was loving school, finally success!!!! The struggles, heartache and tutoring has paid off!!!!. He is succeeding at learning and liking it!!! School is still challenging, starting to wonder if this was really the plan or if I "made this" happen. Kind of thinking this is not going to work out. Talked to a friend and got a whole new perspective on school and myself (not a comfortable conversation, but oh was it beneficial.. and kind of nice to hear :) and then they asked if I was familiar with 1Peter 2:18-24, "The servants passage" {Oh my!!! how is that for confirmation!) It became a card in both stacks from this point. And things became alittle lighter and I gained something I haven't had since highschool, alittle self worth and esteem. The stupidity as the world calls it, is smiled on by God and so "Bring it on", I now know to whose praise and pleasure I am working for, if I can please others in my efforts that is great, but if I can;t that will have to be okay too. I love revelations like this that clear the boulders from our path and lighten the skies.
This is the post about my poem, "Love Made Me Do It" being published. http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/09/i-am-published-thank-you-for-your.html
October 2008 School is going well, report card was good. Much better than anyone had anticipated. Halloween was a hoot, all three of us dressed up (yes, I gave in and we participated in halloween "fantacy", I dressed up like Sarah Palin {LOL!!!!}, Chris was McClain and Charles was "Mini-McClain". Very funny-- we had a good time with it, we ate dinner at the Carolina Ale house and then went to the Youngsville Halloween Festival.
This months favorite was a scriptural lesson/life lesson post, some commented but asked for it not to be posted and a few emailed me :), that they really identified with this. http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/10/words-can-be-more-opposites.html
November 2008- Thanksgiving!! Chris's Parents and Sister came down and His nephew from Durham came over and we ate together, at Golden Corral!!! Everyone had a good time, ate too much and then left the mess there. This was our second year of eating out and it was different but everyone enjoyed the time together, which is what it is all about, so it was good.
This months favorite post, "Happy Thanksgiving 2008" http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/11/happy-thanksgiving-2008.html
December 2008- Whoa!!! the year is over, so much learned... Busiest month!!! Nannie's birthday, My mother's birthday, Chris's Birthday, Christmas. My semester ended, and report card came out, (see blog post), and I was informed that this and the fact that I live in a town make me ineligible for the "Village Idiot" title that I am always lamenting about. (Ha HA!!) I worked really hard, but really expected the graceful B or dreaded C in my Challenging class, Intro to Human Services--mainly because the the quizzes and papers, my two worst performance indicators. But, it was a very, very insightful and productive semester.
Charles and I drove up and picked up Papa and Nannie, drove their car down the Monday of Christmas. Chris's sister and brother in law came down and we went over to Durham to our Nephews home for Christmas eve. Chris's parents and us celebrated Christmas day together and had a wonderful time. We had short family time, but it was good to be together for the holidays.
This post sums up the days of the past and shows the hope of the days of the future. My favorite two songs are in this one and the insight is what made my year GREAT!!! and ensure that 2009 "Will be Fine in my Mind" http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/12/goodybye-2008-hello-2009-15-days-and.html
This post sums up the days of the past and shows the hope of the days of the future. My favorite two songs are in this one and the insight is what made my year GREAT!!! and ensure that 2009 "Will be Fine in my Mind" http://fromtheheart-dotwigg.blogspot.com/2008/12/goodybye-2008-hello-2009-15-days-and.html
What a year.... as the months were upon us I must admit the blessings and benefits of the lessons and trials were not appreciated and attitudes were not always pleasant. Many a days there should have been the Warning sign "Taz is loose, enter at own risk"! and a button, please do not ask me how I am, because I will answer you, and it is not good. But, God is bigger than any pitty party or attitude problem we can make. God is not the author of confusion, and we can cast our burdens that we can not even explain or do not understand, and he will free us and comfort our wounds. What awesome potential every day holds and we get 365 1/2 days to live and learn from the Master! The omniscient one, our creator, our role model that will never teach us something wrong, lead us somewhere unhealthy, or ask us to do something He has not already done. Soon we will rise like He did and be sitting at the feet of our King. Until then we have our days to minister and care for each other, the treasures of our King.
Live freely!!!, Laugh often with the Joy of the Lord and Love always, as Christ has loved you.
2 comments:
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Ha Ha... I just got an email from a friend to tell me someone left a "negative" comment on my blog, I might want to check it. I moderate my comments because I had a person who wanted to advertise yucky stuff and leave nasty comments. I do not believe in changing someone elses thoughts or feelings for them so I posted about anoymous comments and if the person writes a comment that is "offensive in language" I email them and give them the option of editting it and then I will post it. I have only had one other "bad" comment. So This one made me smile and LAUGH!! So whoever wrote it, THANK YOU! I needed that today.
This is the nicest things someone could write :)!! All is good, I am fine and if you do not like it, sorry it was not your turn to be pleased. I can't not enhance things to make them better to read and I am not going to apologize for the length or the content of MY BLOG, if you read the title is says it all. FROM MY HEART, and like my head (brain) it works different than others. Some are excited to share the insanity that I have been blessed with and others well, they needed sleep.
Blessings and Happy commenting :)
Bring on the comments just watch the language and yes, Freakin counts as off color! and name calling is not "nice" either :), but I am a big girl now so.. whatever, Be creative use the dictionary and suprise me.
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