CY'S FIRST WEEK AS A SOPH IN COLLEGE

We weren't the only ones dealing with "the dreaded first week". Cy began college again. He surprised us Wed night by dropping over to vist.

Stacia conned him into dancing with her.


Jared danced with her

Eventually she walked him to the door and he went back to his home.


Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE the relationship the olders have with the youngers? We miss Cy but he is doing well on his own. AND....it's so fun when he surprises us with visits!

©2008 D.R.G.

FIRST TIME STACIA MADE ME FEEL REALLY OLD

Continuing on with the theme of firsts: On Wed. I had a hair appointment.

When I returned, Stacia said, "Mom, I like your hair."

I replied, "Finally, someone around here notices when I get my hair done."

To which she replied, " I like your BLACK hair - it's not white."

Um....HELLO! I think the gray is taking over the dark hair if my 3 yo can notice it after 6 weeks.

©2008 D.R.G.

FIRST DAY OF PWOC 2008

Tuesday was also the Kick Off for this year's PWOC. Debbie organized it. Her theme was "Clearing out a Space at Jesus' Feet". It was fun. To read more about it you can go here.

I was busy making a PWOC brochure to be given out at Kick Off, Base Newcomer Breifings, Crossroad Student Centar and Chapel. It was approved, printed and ready to go by Tuesday night.

I also had my debut in a skit....I played the frazzled spouse of a deployed Airman. It was a hoot.


For more embarassing photos, you'll have to visit the link above. ::snort::

I also spoke on Mary and Martha.....a devotional I thought I'd work up to share today. ::snort:: The Lord has been gently and powerfully calling me to "settle" at His feet.....in the midst of our busy first week.

©2008 D.R.G.

First Day of School (Tuesday)

I had planned a rolling start but the children were raring to go. This is fine. I did feel like I was trying to "catch up" with the children all week. ::snort::

When the children were younger we used to wrap all their school books up and open them the first day of school. We have far too many books to do that now.

I used to have the kids color coordinated...school supplies, plates, towels etc. (I have confessed to being slightly neurotic in my younger days). This practice ended as our family grew and we were no longer able to find enough colors! ::snort::

THIS year I decided to color cordinate the school supplies of the younger 4. We have crates of notebooks, pencils and such. I simply HAD to buy a FEW treats to begin the year.

Arielle's Loot

Nolan's LootZander's LootStacia's LootAttacking the school supplies!

Zander loved his file folder!

WHOA - combining my love of notebook rings wi th index cards....I haven't a clue what I'll use these for, but the possiblities are endless.

The older boys got new folders to store papers for their portfolios and journals to write in daily.

School is off and running and I'm still desperately trying to organize the year.

©2008 D.R.G.

Gentle Mourners

I realize I've not really "updated" the blog - as in real life things/photos - since Tuesday. That is a sure sign that life is busy and not going quite the way it is scheduled to go. I will not get a SSS out this week....I was determined to get a devotional posted to Support4HomeSchool.....and I shamelessly cross post those. ::snort:: My apologies beforehand that this is not flowery and is rather disjointed.

My heart is full. My spirit is quickened and I would like to leave you with a few short verses that I’ve been crying out, praying out, breathing out, and gasping out….over various situations.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth”. Matt 5:4, 5

Do you remember the definition of “gentleness/meekness” from last week? If not – quickly – it’s a balance between uncontrolled anger and passively ignoring sin. It’s meekly taking a stand, its power under control.

The main theme of the Sermon on the MT is righteousness. Jesus shows us what it looks like to live a righteous life and tells us to SEEK His kingdom and righteousness above all else (Matt 6:33).

There are times that we mourn the sin around us. There are times that we are forced to find the balance between doing nothing and overreacting or reacting in the flesh to the sin around us.

If you find yourself in one of those times, I believe Jesus is lovingly telling you, as He’s been whispering to me, that it’s OK to mourn and it’s OK to “gently” respond to the sin around us rather than ignoring it or blasting away in the flesh…..He longs to comfort us. We shall inherit the earth.

Sorry, my thoughts are disjointed, but that’s all I can write today. My heart is too full, my time is too short. {I must say that I really HATE SIN.... I hate the foothold the enemy of our souls takes in our lives....I hate the ravages of sin on families, on lives,on our society....I'm grieved this week...I'm also determined to spend more time doing battle on behalf of dear sisters who are fighting battles "alone".}

May God bless us as we settle into His presence and race after Him with all our energy.

©2008 D.R.G.

Pray for Our Governor...

Mike and I have felt like we need to be praying for all the candidates but especially for the Palin family. I know there is controversy about whether Gov. Sarah should be a candidate etc.

I know I prayed for a candidate that would be a social and fiscal conservative and would fear God. I believe God answered. We've also believed that because she IS a Christian there will be much spiritual warfare. I'm ashamed that I've not been praying for ALL the candidates (though I am now). I feel a special need to be praying for this Christian woman who is trying to follow God's path for her.....for the protection of her family, her marriage, her reputation...... I've told others that I sensed in interviews that Gov. Palin felt a destiny to be involved in politics and that God was leading her to these positions (mayor, governor).....I think that comes across in the following clip.

This link was sent to me. It is a 15 min clip which shows Gov. Palin addressing her home church - Wasilla Assembly of God. She's actually addressing the Master's Commission (which we thought cool because of the girls.) This is fairly recent (she mentions Trig's birth). In hindsight it's amazing to see what appears to be the hand of God moving on this one woman. Whether you agree with the Pentecostal movement or not - it's apparent to me that her faith in Jesus is real...and she's very capable of articulating it in a public forum.

BTW - after hearing how OLD 44 is it has been fun to hear all say how YOUNG it is this past week. ::snort::

©2008 D.R.G.

Blogoversary Giveaway

I have several copies of this golden oldie by Stormie Omartian to share. If you'd like a copy, leave a comment (contact info included).

©2008 D.R.G.