Your Invitation to Unwrap the Gift

What kind of gift opener are you? You may tear into the wrapping, caring little about the thought and care that went into taping the wrapping paper on straight or how the ribbon has been curled. Or you may ohhhhh and awahhhhh over the pretty paper, noticing the sprig of holly or the neatly printed gift tag adorning the top.  Another question might be - what kind of gift opener would you like to be?

Christmas often comes in the rush of too many concerts, parties, cookie exchanges and trips to the mall that by the time you get to the Holy- day you're person #1 - tearing into the day with the traditional family breakfast followed closely by everyone tearing into their presents, more traditional menus to serve throughout the day, making the rounds to family or being the hostess with the mostest in your home. Maybe a church service in there somewhere?

This year I'd like to be more like person #2 and slowly unwrap my gift. I want to learn the background of the Giver, understand why I need this gift and see with eyes wide open how carefully it's been "wrapped" not at the last minute but just the opposite - lovingly, methodically, purposefully - for me. For you.

I love Ann Voskamp's writing! You have to read her slow or you won't get it. You have to stop every now and then and reread a line, a verse, a paragraph to comprehend her meaning. Her writing is poetic and conjures up a picture in your mind or an idea to be grasped.

She is not of my fellowship and there are times her theology contradicts mine. However, I consider her a sister in the faith and look forward to our unity in heaven! Until then, as far as my comments will go in regards to this book, you'll find an emphasis on the Means of Grace - the gospel in Word and Sacraments. For more information on my fellowship of believers you can go here.

So let's get started!

She explains why we would want to be person #2. "before you ever read of the birth of Jesus, you always have the genealogy of Jesus".  If you show up just for Christmas - you'll miss the meaning! She goes on. "It's the way the Gift unwraps: you have Christ's family tree … before you have a Christmas tree. If you don't come to Christmas through Christ's family tree and you come into the Christmas story just at the Christmas tree - this is hard, to understand the meaning of his coming.
Because without the genealogy of Christ the limbs of His past, the branches of His family, the love story of His heart that has been coming for you since before the beginning - how does Christmas and its tree stand? Its roots would be sheared. Its meaning would be stunted. The arresting pause of the miracle would be lost." viii

If you've never before heard of a "Jesse Tree", don't be embarrassed! She goes on to refer to it's meaning a bit here but Day 1 will give us a chance to look at it more fully. I love how on the next page (ix) she explains what this has to do with you and me. "He grafts you into His line and His story and His heart, and He gives you His name, His lineage, His righteousness. He graces you with plain grace." 

Each day in Advent, He gives you the gift of time, so you have time to be still and wait." (x)
Being still. I can sit still. I can appear still. But my mind? It goes a mile a minute!!!! I am sure this is not what God means when he says to "be still".  But this is what I will attempt to do through this Advent, this "coming" of Christ.  Being still in the Lord, in His word each day as I read each devotion and ponder the message of grace and forgiveness. Join me?

Make sure you've download those ornaments from her website using the code found in your book! Get them ready to put on whatever you've chosen to act as your Jesse tree.
I LOVED how she closes her "instructions" - "To make a Jesse Tree is to trace the family line and heritage of your own forever family - the family of God."(xiv) My family is one grown through adoption and we are a "forever family". What a fitting picture of our adoption through Christ as His daughters! See you on Sunday!

The Greatest Gift

Dear Sister in Christ,

I invite you to join me this Advent season in preparing our hearts for our Saviour’s birth. 

Walk with me as together we read through the devotional “The Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp that guides us through Scripture to see the Jesse tree - our family tree through Christ - unwrapped before our eyes! Consider familiar Biblical stories in light of the only gift you ever really need. 

Purchase the book which can be found on www.amazon.ca or at www.christianbook.com and use the code in the book to access the free download of ornaments to put on your own Jesse tree. Starting with the first day of Advent, December 1, read the first devotion at your leisure. You can then read my post of that Scripture reading with my personal thoughts or doctrinal clarity when needed. Feel free to comment with your own thoughts or just follow along quietly.

As we read and share this special Advent devotional book, I pray that we, a community of Christian women, will be all the more amazed by the Greatest Gift!

Today I am ...

Source

I have had to make a copy of this printable and post it on my refrigerator to remind myself to be grateful.  During the time of year where Thanksgiving celebrations abound, I am finding it hard to give thanks these days. It's too easy for me to wallow, to get caught up in anxiety or despair or let days pass me by without seeing and acknowledging the gifts right before me. And I refuse to do that! But it's challenging to open my clenched fist and receive what He has to give when I don't want it. But He knows best …

Last week at 5 in the morning, I awoke to a crashing thud and flew out of bed. Rushing to the direction of the sound, I opened my bathroom door only to find my husband unresponsive to me on the floor. I didn't know if he was having a seizure or unconscious or what was happening and I called 911 in a stupor. He woke up mid phone call and walked to our bed confused as to why I was on the phone and who I was talking to. I was confused as to why he was walking around when only seconds ago he lay there. 

The paramedics arrived after he made it downstairs to the couch. He complained that he had been up with severe stomach pains and that was the last he could remember before he woke up on the floor.  He answered their questions calmly and it all seemed like a dream. I went upstairs to calm Zanna down as she had awaked to see the ambulance lights outside her window and wondered what was going on. I let her know that Daddy wasn't feeling well but he was doing better now and tucked her back in to bed. As I was coming down the steps to rejoin the exam, the paramedics started calling out Wayne's name as he fell back into unconsciousness. His heart rate dropped to 20 and I silently begged him to wake up. He did shortly and they explained what had happened to him that he was oblivious to. 

After that he was taken to Emerg and I followed behind as soon as my friend came to stay with both kids that were now up.  I found him in the ER quickly and sat with him as we awaited his blood test results.  It was uneventful, thankfully! The tests revealed nothing unusual or cause for alarm. The doctor explained that he suspected that the stomach pain, perhaps some indigestion, was the cause of the nerve being set off causing him to pass out. He was sent home with dr's orders to take the day off and take it easy. 

I am very, very grateful it hasn't happened since and it could very well be one of those really weird things that happen for no apparent reason. Happens to me all the time, not to him. I have had a host of strange symptoms over the years with seemingly no explanation. Was this his turn? Will it happen again?

This week found us in paediatric neurology at the children's hospital with Will. I had suspected since the spring that his absence seizures had returned after 3 years of being medication free. The EEG confirmed it and we witnessed his brain waves change drastically on the screen. And while this was not news we hoped for, I couldn't help but notice the young patients and their parents come through paediatric neurology while we were there. I was impressed by the calmness of the patients, the strength of the parents and the care and concern by the staff. I am grateful for the medical resources available to us where we live. I am grateful that we are dealing with this now and not a year from now when he's away at school. And I am grateful that God's will be done - even when I don't understand it. 

Faith doesn't wait to give thanks.  It isn't always clear to us what God is doing. And when I need to see what God's up to before I give thanks - that's not faith. Paul told the people in Thessalonica to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Faith counts blessings in every situation. Forward in Christ, Nov 2013  article "Give Thanks in all Circumstances" by Kenneth J. Fisher 

It's not about finding the good in the bad. It's knowing that it's all good.

Yes, today I am grateful! 

Beauty in the Dying

 I lift up my eyes to you,

to you whose throne is in heaven.

Psalm 123 - a song of ascents

As L.M Montgomery says in Anne of Green Gables, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." While this earth is full of the riches of God's glory, I must admit I feel sorry for those that miss out on true Autumn Splendour.  It's breathtaking! 

The kids and I went on a nature walk recently and were treated to eye candy all around us - if we were looking. I was busily scanning the uneven ground under me so as not to trip. I was completely missing what was all around me - until I looked up! 

Prof. Deutschlander in his Bible study on the first three chapters of Genesis taught how the physical world around us points to something spiritual. For instance, in fall why is it that the trees are their prettiest and most colourful right before the leaves dry up and fall to the ground?  There is beauty in the dying.

What we see isn't always how it is. And how it seems isn't always what is. Sigh. Too much for my brain. 

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly around the earth seeking the successive autumns." George Eliot

Our own household is in mourning as we grieve the loss of Will's pet bird Xerxes. Four years ago this month the little blue budgie joined our family and moved into Will's room and heart. Xerxes was a unique bird full of personality. He and Will spoke their own language with each other and were often found together doing schoolwork, playing the Wii or playing legos on the floor. For me it's not the bird I weep for but the heartbreak and grief my man-boy feels. I want to protect him and keep him from experiencing this pain but I can't. And somehow I know that it's important for him to work through it himself. So for now he drowns his sorrow in the Hobbit and old episodes of the Brady Bunch. And we will always remember our precious bird friend Xerxes. 

Gathering my Chicks

 This hen has gathered her chicks around her for another school year! Let the fun begin:) It's important to stay positive and upbeat when trying to inspire your children to learn.  We've had a great few days of getting back into the routine of things before all the extra curricular starts up next week. Until then, we are enjoying picking up on familiar studies and adding some new ones. I say if it's not broke don't try to fix it. But I also say doing the same stuff can get b o r i n g for everyone, mama included!

Up on the dock this year for optimal learning enjoyment is .... drum roll, please

Bible - Bible History/workbook, catechism study, memorizing Sermon on the Mount, "Jesus our Family Guest" devotion book and Christlight (Zanna)
Math - Saxon 2 (Zanna) Teaching Textbooks Algebra (W)
Language Arts - Easy Grammar Plus (W) All About Spelling (Z) Learning Language Arts Through Literature, Red book (Z) Institute for Excellence in Writing (w) Explode the Code (Z) Handwriting without Tears (Z) 
History - Canadian History (W) Sonlight Core G -Ancient History (W & Z)
Science - Apologia Physical Science and SHEP (outside program for W) Christian Liberty Nature Readers (Z) Scholastic workbooks (Z)
Artist Study - confessionsofahomeschooler.com artist study

My biggest change in the lineup is Will's math. I have freed us from the shackle's of Saxon and have started Teaching Textbooks. We are loving it! As much as one can "love" math.  Nothing against Saxon but it had outlived it's usefulness and contributed to much heartache along with sinful attitudes.

 And you simply must listen to this podcast on a classical, Lutheran education. Not that I'm necessarily doing it, but I am inspired! 

Violin lessons for both kids have started back up again. Will also had his audition for the strings ensemble last weekend and was working hard preparing for that. 

 I'm pretty sure I have the most adorable students ever! And they humour their hen as she attempts to take some back to school pictures. 

The boys are still hoping to get some more golfing in before the weather keeps them from it. Will will be in a homeschool gym class. Zanna is taking ballet again. Both kids will be back in the pool. Once winter is in full swing, they'll be downhill skiing with Dad and enjoying some family ice-skating if the aging parents' backs can handle it! And both kids will play indoor soccer in the winter. While Mama chats it up with friends on the sideline.

Some field trips to the theatre and orchestra are planned. Zanna's enrolled in a monthly cooking class at our local grocery store. I also plan on organizing and facilitating a speech and debate group in the new year. That's the plan, anyway!

I prayerfully commit this year into God's hands. May we learn the lessons that he divinely teaches, appreciate the moments with our hands wide open in thanksgiving, savour the time we have together as family and grow in the knowledge and wisdom found only through him. 

End of summer memories

We've been blessed with another great summer and many memories were made. We hosted the Gumm family who helped us out more than they can ever know! Zanna had her first sleepover as a result of this visit and is already asking for another. We also hosted a missionary from Asia who gave a presentation of the amazing work being done in a country where doors have opened ten-fold in recent years. We had the privilege of seeing Koine in concert again and this time around was the best yet! Our favourite Christian band hands down! 
To wrap up the last week of summer, we were able to attend the Labour Day Retreat again. Hosted at a camp tucked into the Berkshire mountains of Massachusetts, we certainly didn't go for the great weather! It rained pretty much the whole time. We had a few moments of relief that allowed the kids to swim in the pool and enjoy the lake.

We were also able to worship outside Sunday morning and had a beautiful view! 

The lake had this pretty big slide that plummets you down into the water. Looks rather ominous in this picture but this was the early morning fog. It cleared up by afternoon and allowed for a very fun ride!

Zanna had a blast! Will had fun playing soccer with the other pre/teens in the indoor soccer field. 
The main motivation for us going was to participate in the Bible Study that was being led by Rev. Daniel Deutschlander. This spiritually gifted man is the author of two of my favourite theological books from NPH - "The Narrow Lutheran Middle" and "The Theology of the Cross:Reflections on His Cross and Ours".  The Bible study/lecture was on the first 3 chapters of Genesis. It was wonderful! We loved his insight and wisdom found in these beginning chapters of the Word! We were not disappointed ....

It was a great end to a summer of lots of fun moments but it's also been a time for me lately of being in a funk. Brought on by several complicated issues, I know it's just a season. But my tears have flowed lately like never before and I'm tired and worn out. It's been challenging for me to start the school year and I've been delaying it - for several reasons. You can't end what you don't finish and this is the year - the last with both kids. And I don't want to dwell on the "last" part. I want it to be a year of good memories and savouring the moments. That's hard to do when I feel like I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown! So I take a deep breath, look for strength not in myself (cause it ain't there anyway) but hope in the Lord, and pray ...
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night while they say to me continually, "Where is your God?" These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you downcast, Oh my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:1-5

The rest of our summer ...

We continued to knock off items from our summer bucket list. After making it through a successful VBS, we filled our days with summer fun! 
Will got his first job and received his first pay check! He delivers the area paper and flyers with the help of his trusty sidekick sister. They wander the streets of our neighbourhood with the little red wagon and cart. Right now the main adversity they've had has been some rain and wind. Just wait till winter! 

Inspired by her brother's new career, Zanna started her own business - face painting. Paints had been included in a loot bag she had received from a birthday party. She set up her shop in our front  driveway. So really there was no overhead. She made up a sign, came up with a business plan, made drawings to show her clients and she was ready to go! Her first customer was her big brother. Technically that was her only customer. The neighbour girl joined her and tried a hostile takeover of the business but Zanna stood her ground! 

Items on our bucket list included a day trip to the water park. After dropping an ridiculous amount of money for our family to play in water that is contaminated with large quantities of sweat and sunblock, I managed to chicken out on the first ride I attempted only to slip and fall on the way back from my walk of shame. I received a HUGE bloody bruise on my thigh, scratches along my leg and several gashes on my foot. After taking some time to wallow in pity for myself, we managed to save the day and still squeeze out some fun.
Also on the bucket list was outdoor movie night. There's something magical about watching a movie outside! Complete with popcorn and pop, we had a fun night snuggled under the stars.

For the second summer in a row, we attended a Shakespeare in the Park play, The Merry Wives of Windsor. We enjoyed a picnic of homemade spring rolls and had fun watching this play on a beautiful summer evening.

We ended the month with a trip to Calgary to visit Grandpa and Grandma. We set out for a day in the mountains even visiting the resort we had our wedding reception and pictures taken in Kananaskis Country.

We also had a good time hanging around the house and property and enjoyed a camp fire, roasting marshmallows and petting the horses.

Summer has almost come to an end ...