Layoffs and Being Rich

It is hard to believe, but its true. After working 15 years for the same company, Kevin has now been laid off 5 times in the last 11 years. A big chunk of the last 10 years we refer to as our years of famine. Just as in Joseph's dream, those years were like the lean, scrawny cows that came and ate up the healthy, fat cows. All of the "fatness" of the previous 10 years was eaten up. But during those years of being devoured, for that is surely what it felt like at times, there was a work being done in us.

There were the ugly things that came to the surface, pitiful moments of defeat. There were mornings spent hiding under the blanket, too beaten down by circumstances to venture out. Wishing that somehow maybe if I tarried a little longer today would be different. The desperate attempts at trying to deliver ourselves from the trial God had purposed for us. The humiliation that exposed pride. The list is not a pretty one so I will stop here.

In the throes of my dying, dying to a life we had grown accustomed to, there were things that came to life. Beautiful things. Treasures. And I am not speaking of the change in myself, though certainly the chiseling was having its effect there. No it was the opening of my understanding of who God was. His sovereignty. That He alone was King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Everything is His and He has dominion over All things. After all these years of walking with Him I was being taken to another level. And despite my own preoccupation with my personal discomfort, God was breaking through and revealing His treasure.

As we ride through another season of transition I want more of His treasure.

Back Again

Hmmm, didn't realized I had neglected my blog for so long. I do go through seasons of longing to write, even feeling like I have things to write, but somehow I just can't seem to get around to writing them. But since I am doing another blog spot review next week, I thought I had best try and remember how to access my blog ;)

Last week Courtney and I entered the Ouachita County Fair photo contest. We not only won ribbons, we actually won prize money. How cool is that? To be honest, we were so cheap we didn't even go and see our work or our competition during the fair. I believe it is entirely possible that we did not have any competition. I entered an unusual Still Life. However, I have somehow misplaced it in my files. You'll just have to wait. It was unusual.

The first picture on this post is one that I took at the Confederate cemetery here in Camden. I set up a Scavenger Hunt for the homeschool group here. We learned about cemeteries and local history at the same time. There were several areas where trees had grown around the ironwork surrounding grave sites. I thought it was very interesting, but this didn't please the judges. They had a special category for Ouachita County history. Next year all the kids plan on entering livestock into the fair. That way they will all get free passes and I can afford to check out what it is the judges are looking for.

My sweet picture of Stephen won a blue ribbon. That was fun!

Now that September is almost over our school week is finally falling into a routine. It is too busy, so that must mean we are fully immersed in our new AR location. Courtney is already up to her eyeballs in debate stuff. Bethany wrapped up her show season Labor Day weekend at the AR State Horse show. That was fun, but even more exciting is the fact that we have found a new trainer for her. This week she offically started taking lesson to learn reining.

I ordered Rosetta Stone this week. So we still have one more thing to add to the "work" week. Foreign language study is probably one of the most difficult academic areas to deal with in a homeschool setting. Few parents are proficient enough to teach a language and even those that are have a difficult time doing it. I have pulled out our old Learnables program (hopefully the tapes still work) and plan to start the little boys on that next week. And the girls will get going on RS as soon as it arrives. I am hoping it is as good as everyone says. We will see.

Well, tomorrow is Debate class and Friday is co-op. Both of which I still have to make preparations for. We'll see if I can make blogging a regular thing. The truth is I would be better served by adding an hour of exercise to my day.

Parting the Waters

Today I am adding a new dimension to my blogging experience. When I was first invited to participate in Jeanne’s blog tour for her book Parting the Waters, I was really excited to be able to help in anyway. But now that the week is here, I am feeling very unworthy.

I was tempted to introduce this book as being about your average family that overcomes adversity, but the Damoffs are not your average family. Jeanne and George are those rare people that live out their faith with intensity and passion. When Jacob nearly drowned and all their hopes and dreams for their firstborn were totally rewritten, many couples would (and have) thrown in the towel and turned their backs on God and His unique plan for their lives. But Jeanne and George and Grace and Luke clung to God.

This story is true. It is both painful and beautiful. Jeanne does not candy coat the range of emotions they experienced. She does not deny that there were desperate and dark days, but always there is that turning back to the lover of her soul. Always there is that trust in His sovereignty.

The first time I read this book in manuscript form, my own family was going through a desperate trial. The circumstances were totally different and yet the spiritual truths remained the same. I found strength and encouragement, helpful insights, and courage to meet a new day when there didn’t seem to be much hope. Just recently I read the official, beautifully published book. Its power was undiminished. And as whenever I have opportunity to be around Jacob, I thought, something beautiful is happening.

This book is the story of a real family. It is the story of how God redeems brokenness. Our suffering is never for naught. Parting the Waters is a must read. But go ahead and pick up at least two copies because you will want to share its message of hope with someone you know who is hurting. I’ve already given my copy away.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1579219500
http://jeannedamoff.com

Listing Randomness

I woke up during the night and since I almost never do that, I thought it must be close to time to wake up. I started praying and mulling things over in my mind, but after what seemed like a very long time, there was no alarm and no sunlight. Imagine my horror when a glance at my watch revealed it was 3:30. How long had I been awake? And I wasn't feeling the least bit sleepy, blah! For some reason instead of counting sheep, honestly I don't know why anyone would count sheep, but anyway, instead of that, my mind turned to thinking about the latest "List" going around Facebook. 25 Random Things about yourself. I had decided that I wasn't going to participate, though I had to admit I had enjoyed reading a couple by friends. So here I was with time on my hands, hmmm, 25 things, that seems like a lot. And how random? Well, here are some of the things I thought of...

I stand in awe that the creator of the universe is a mighty warrior who sings songs of love over me.

I believe Jesus died for me.

I know God answers prayers.

I love the smell of nutmeg, wood, my husband (remember random).

I love the feel of a toasty, warm child's cheek, who has just woken up.

I love Dr. Pepper, I'm an addict.

I love chocolate.

I love to dance and sing, but not generally at the same time.

I love Nikes.

I love meteorite showers.

I think Napoleon Dynamite is funny.

I can not tolerate coffee, I mean, please, I don't need to cultivate any more vices!

I am the consummate procrastinator, I spend entirely too much time thinking about all the things I'm going to do.

I have spent almost 14 years of my life nursing babies (mostly mine).

I love to garden, bake, knit, milk goats, take photographs, and play with legos (is that cheating?).

I built a greenhouse with hand tools when I was 16.

I have helped over 100 women birth their children at home.

I have been blessed with incredible friendships.

I wish I could play the piano like Jordan and be as funny.

I wish I could play the piano like Heather and have her great figure.

I wish I could enjoy leisure like Evan and read as fast.

I wish I could ride a horse and laugh like Bethany.

I wish I could be as joyful and friendly as Courtney.

I wish I could be as random and content as Owen.

I wish I could be as selfless and sweet as Stephen.

I wish I could love as unconditionally as my husband.

I want all my children to have a heart for what God is doing in their generation, for God always sings a new

song!

When our family is all squeezing into the van or pouring out, we often sing "The Yerkes Family" to the tune of

The Adams Family. Da Da Da Dunt Clap Clap.

So, as you can see, I stayed awake a very long time. Then I was awakened again at 5:30 by Stephen, but that is another story.

So I'll leave you with this final thought, you might be from the country (nicer, than saying you might be a redneck) if you know that WD-40 is not a good fire starter. ;) Don't even ask.

My garden is calling

Wow, it was another one of those terrific sunny days in winter. The temperature didn't quite make it to 70 as predicted but close enough. Once I finally got through with all the "must do" activities of the day, I wandering outside. I took a leisurely walk around the house thinking about how the yard would come alive in the next few months. Wondering what surprises were waiting just under the surface. Trying not to take notice of the evidence of the septic tank that was not as far under the surface as it should be. Thinking about what we might do in the coming years to put our own special mark on this place. Then it was time to get my hands dirty.

As I grabbed a couple of my hand tools from the shed. That's right we have a garden shed! Actually there is still an on going discussion about whether it is the garden shed or the tool shed. It is also sometimes referred to as the man cave, but most often the "Red House". Honestly it is shaping up to be a very nice tool shed and Kevin is happy for me to keep a few of my special tools out there, so I am just having a good time giving him a hard time about his man cave. Besides I had best not cause too much trouble, since I have designs on converting the backside/lean-to into a chick house :)

But as I was saying, as I grabbed a couple of tools from the shed, my eyes fell on the W-M bag full of bulbs that I had "found" this summer. You know how us gardeners are. We (the family) were out in the country looking at a house that I really liked when I noticed an area that had obviously once been landscaped. I also happen to notice that there were bulbs just right on the surface of the ground, really, just right there. So of course I had to pick up a few. Noone was living there, nor had they for awhile. Anyway, now my hands are dirty and I have a lovely old barrel full of surprises. I'll keep you posted as the Spring progresses.

Since little boys are drawn to dirt as much as gardeners, I soon had a little helper. Stephen and I began clearing grass and weeds from around a trellis. The previous owners had built an arbor by the driveway and though the arbor didn't work for me where it was, I couldn't just throw it away. So my dear husband moved it to the backyard and we are going to plant peas around it, hopefully next week!

And all this fun after doing school with everyone and then homemade pizza followed by a Veggie Tale, it just doesn't get any better than this.

I have a daughter needing help with a speech, so must close for now.

Can anyone tell me why some leaves just won't give it up? I mean what is he trying to prove? Its almost February!

Debate That!

Yesterday started very early. Courtney and I drove to Little Rock for a Round Robin, that is debate lingo for a practice tournament. The official season starts in about 2 weeks, so everyone who is participating is madly trying to hone their skills. Courtney looked great in the Goodwill find jacket and skirt. It cost more to get it dry cleaned, then the purchase price. It was one of those intense fun days of alternating between debate and speech rounds. Courtney was able to debate 3 times, give her gardening speech 3 times, and challenge an Apologetics topic (limited prep) 3 times. Of course the day ended with a Pizza Party. You all know that I am rather partial to homeschool kids, but I am even more partial to the speech and debaters. They are so fun and despite being highly competitive, they are very kind. Courtney left the Pizza Party with a handful of email addresses, the promise of new lifelong friendships and joy in her heart. Not to mention she won 2 out her 3 debates!

The girls have gone on a youth retreat. They left this afternoon and will return on Monday afternoon. I pray that it is a time that bears spiritual fruit. Meanwhile it was a rather quiet afternoon at the house. Stephen worked outside with his Papa, while Owen played with Legos in his room. As I was cleaning house I marveled that it had been a long time since I had spent a whole afternoon folding laundry, sweeping, and cleaning up the kitchen. Lest you think I live in a pigpen, the reason is, the girls perform most of the regular cleaning chores. I of course pitch in here and there, but no marathon Saturday cleanings, well at least not generally.

Hmmmm, but there is still a big pile of Christmas decorations in the front room. Though I am really not much of a decorator, I really like decorating for Christmas. We put lights in the window sills on the front of the house this year. I am trying to figure out a way to use the lights in a more generic way. I loved the glow they gave to the house as you would pull up at night. Which reminds me. I have still not uncovered the mystery of why a number of the older homes in the Camden area have a single candle in each window. Does it have some historic significance? Is it a southern tradition?

I am going to be teaching Arkansas history this spring and am having fun learning about our new home state's past. Camden has a Confederate Cemetery. I have not checked it out yet, but I plan to. I can tell you what all the stars on the AR flag mean. And did you know that Arkansas is the only diamond producing state in the nation? And the state song had to be changed due to copyright infringements? And AR produces 90% of the aluminum produces in the US. And Kim McClure's Uncle used to manufacture brooms here in AR (some family member still does). There is just all kinds of interesting AR trivia.

Back to the stars. The 25 that form a diamond represent AR being the 25th state admitted to the Union. The 3 blue stars represent the 3 countries that have ruled over AR and the fact that AR was the 3rd state formed from the Louisiana Purchase. The single star over the name Arkansas stands for it being in the confederacy. Now what do you think about that? The diamond shaped field stands for AR being the only diamond producing state in the Union, but you already knew that ;)

Oh, NO! I almost forgot to feed the horses. Gotta Go!

Clear and Cold

This morning we woke to another clear and cold day. I don't know if this winter the temperatures have been typical for south Arkansas. It seems like we have had many nights where the temperatures dipped down into the 20s. We have been enjoying our new fireplace insert. It is good for the pyromaniac in each of us to have a constructive outlet, not to mention the deliciousness of sitting in a warm and comfy living room.

For those of you who have been following our pain. The fence is almost complete. It is finally to the point where we can let the horses roam the whole pasture. Hopefully that will not become a bad thing [ie., we never fully finish the fence ;) ] The horses are delighted to be able to stretch their legs a little more and the neighbors all seem to be happy. Though we do have 5 acres we are by no means secluded. And we are very aware of being watched. A neighbor, who we had not meet yet, on the next block, who has horses, stopped by today to give his approval (code for: he had been monitoring our progress).

This morning we made the move to officially "join" the church we have been visiting for several months. We had mixed emotions. In some ways it feels like severing ties with our home church in Nac, though that is not really true. We are bound by the Spirit to that fellowship. We have shared too much with all those lovely people to ever not belong there. But the move this morning did symbolize that our lives are moving on. We are not altogether sure what God has in store for us but we know He is faithful and that He promises to finish the good work that He has begun. So we are looking forward to the new opportunities He will bring our way this new year in this new place.

I am continuing to make progress on my sock. It is really quite cute and I shall be happy even if I only accomplish making one (just kidding!). To add to my craziness I have also decided to try and propogate some pomegranates (now that I have finally learned how to spell pomegranates). And yes I know that seems totally random but things that stike one's fancy are often that way. I have never had a pomegranate tree before and many of my friends still do not have one. And I feel very confident that having one would make them very happy.

Blah

How can a day start and end so nicely but the middle be so difficult? Getting back in the school routine is always a struggle. Monday everyone is ready to go, ready to make a new start (first picture), then all of a sudden Tuesday its not fun any more (I've spared you any pictorial documentation). Well we survived the Algebra meltdown and the Biology meltdown. Made it through reading lessons. I judged a debate between two talented young men in TX ~ via skype. Bethany and I made some temporary modifications to the barn so that Roxy could get a short reprieve from the cold and wet. And we finished off a pan of brownies.

And since sometimes keeping your sanity means doing something crazy, I have started a new project. I am knitting a sock, maybe I'll do two. Once I finally figured out the initial pattern things have been going smoothly. I'm just not going to think about the heel until I get there ;)

I don't think there is any rain in the forecast for tomorrow, so maybe we will all do better in the morning.

A Perfect Day

It is the end of a perfect day. We got up and working on the never ending fence building project. Actually it really is going to end, maybe even this week. The temperature was great for working outside with overcast skies. Nothing like the threat of rain to get you motivated to finish an outdoor project. So you are thinking, ok, nice weather, nearing the end of a backbreaking project, but what was so special?

Dear friends from Nac came for a visit. They just happened to be in the state visiting family, so they decided to squeeze Camden and the Yerkes family into their visit. The sun came out. And we had a wonderful afternoon visiting. It was a great opportunity to try out our deck. Yes indeed it is a great place to sit and relax. Of course we didn't know for sure if it would be, since we hadn't had time to try it out ;)

The Lord has been very gracious in that I have not had to deal with terrible waves of homesickness. And you know that has to be a God thing, because one doesn't typically leave their home and friends of almost 30 years and go to a foreign land without some anquish. But that being said, there is nothing so sweet as visiting with dear friends and it doesn't matter what country you are in, just being together. And then they were off.

We had a lazy evening, finished off by a sweet time of song and prayer.

O, Taste and see that the Lord is good.