SUMMER PARENTING

I have already realized that this summer is going to be different. As our children become older it seems their social life changes. They are old enough to be able to ride their bikes more places, they are invited to many social events and they are old enough to become a little more independant. This scares me. How do I give them more freedom without constantly worrying about what they are doing. I was really fretting over this today and an idea came to me. Wally and I have decided to sit down with each child and prepare a summer contract. It will state what they are allowed to do and what activites are off limits. In other words...don't even ask to go there. It will also state consequences. I hope this works. I pray that this eliminates the famous saying "I didn't know I couldn't do that...or you never said I couldn't go there." Pray for us...really I mean pray for us...parenting isn't easy.

SCHOOL'S OUT

Summer has officially began in our household. The boys are out of school, Ally gets out in 4 days and I probably won't be called to sub.

I am looking forward to some down time and a more laid back routine. No more rising at 6:00 am to pack lunches and fix breakfast.

I also want to use my summer wisely. Lots of plans to organize my house, go to the pool and work on my speaking schedule.

I am also praying about a part-time job opporunity.

Have a great summer!!!

REFLECTION

As I was driving to work today I heard the sad news about the tragic death of Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter. My heart goes out to this family and especially to the teenage son who was driving. Sometimes life doesn't make sense to me. I know that this beautiful young girl is with Jesus...but I have a heavy burden for this young man. I am so glad that I was teaching at CVCA today and my first period class prayed for this family. It makes one think of the important things in life. Yes...last night a life was changed on American Idol...but lives were changed in the Chapman home hours earlier. Yesterday was the 2 year anniversary of the death of my grandmother. Our lives have never been the same. Lives have been changed in positive ways and relationships have been changed in negative ways as well.

I don't have the answers. I really have no words to say that could comfort anyone going through a difficult time. I cling to the fact that "I don't know what the future holds...but I do know who holds the future."

God's Leading

I read a wonderful article by Jill Briscoe on following God's will. Jill says "Once I sense the direction that God is leading, I need to have a personal Gethsemane, a personal Calvary and a personal Pentecost.

Personal Gethsemane - She explains that this is when you are aligning yourself with the will of God when you don't want to do what He is calling you to do. Our prayer changes to be "like His and that His will be done and not my own."

Personal Calvary - She explains that this is where the "I" gets crucified and we are "dying" to what we really want to do.

Personal Pentecost - This is where Jill says we "receive the power to do what we know deep down we need to do"


GREAT STUFF

THERE'S A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE

Ashley learned today that she has been accepted into medical school. She will be part of the graduating class of 2012. We are so proud of her and can't wait to see how the Lord will use her in the career.

PERFECT CAREER

Today I was substitute teaching at my favorite school and I had a 2 hour break. I was thinking how blessed I was today to have this time off to relax and do somethings for myself. I asked myself..."What would be my perfect job."

Here it is:

First choice would be a full time career speaking and writing. I would love to be able to put all of my energy and creativity into one area.

Second choice would be teaching a Bible class at a Christian School

Third choice would be working at a church and being part of a "Creative team". I created this job description myself. My only job would be to collaborate with other creative people and plan creative worship services, outreach events, etc.

What's your perfect job?

OPENING DAY!!!

Today is opening day for Twinbsurg Baseball.

The Sand Gnats play at 1:00 and the Mets play at 2:00.

off to the game....

QUOTE OF THE DAY

This is something that makes one nervous when your dog has a digestive problem.

"Mom...Grady (our puppy) smells like syrup again"

It's going to be a long night...

A NEW SEASON FOR ASHLEY

Ashley hit a milestone this weekend as she graduated from college. It's hard to believe that this phase of her education is over! I know that she brought home more then a diploma from Bethel College. She brings home many memories, new friends, wonderful Biblical teaching and a wonderful boyfriend. I am reminded of what Ron Hutchcraft says about evangelism. We go to college to prepare ourselves for a vocation to support our ministry. In other words...we are all evangelists disguised as teachers, lawyers, business men and women and for Ashley...a doctor. We are proud of her and had a wonderful time with friends and family this weekend.

MOM/Manager

I am thrilled to announce that my son's sixth grade rock band has their next gig. They will be doing 3 sets for their school's relay for life. I acted as their temporary manager and booked the "gig" for them. They are so excited!!! So am I. We were finally able to watch a video of them at the school dance. They did great. They are preparing to submit their video to "America's Got Talent" t.v. show.

I am so thrilled that they have big dreams. I hope they never lose their enthusiasm!!!I'll keep you posted on the next Little Rock Three tour date. Let's see if I am their temporary manager...10% sounds fair to me.