Archives

Kickin’ Cancer: A Tribute to My Mom

May7

Never in a million years would I have thought my mom would become a statistic of cancer, but she did. My mom had non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lost her battle nearly five years ago only 7 months after being diagnosed. It was an extremely difficult time because I was still praying and believing my mom would come out a victor when my dad called to say Mom had passed away. You never truly realize how much a person means to you until they are gone.

I have yet to meet anyone who had a relationship with God like my mom. She truly walked out her love for Him in a way that still amazes me. She didn’t have a dad growing up, but she KNEW God as her dad as no one else I have known. She inspired me, encouraged me, and always took me back to what God says in His word. Sometimes I would call her to whine about something and she would stop me and say, “Lisa, did you pray about it?”

“No, I didn’t. ” I would sheepishly and reluctantly reply.

“Well, talk to Him first and then we can talk about it afterward.” Not the response I was hoping for, but it came to be the response I was always expecting to hear. I can never tell her this now, but when I go through trials, those are the words that come back to me time and again.

Grammy's quilts for Ian and Malcolm.

She loved to quilt and garden and I have attempted to pursue both of these hobbies as a tribute to her. Although I must admit, I don’t find nearly the same joy in quilting as she did. She made beautiful quilts as well as baby quilts for countless children in the church and her own grandchildren. Her quilts were so well-loved by kids that they were worn to shreds. I even had to hide my children’s baby quilts after a while so  they could be preserved.  I wanted them to have it as a keepsake, but now they have part of  their Grammy’s love to share with their littles ones someday.

When I was wanting to find out how other people dealt with and helped those with cancer, I couldn’t find any information that was written by a cancer survivor that was upbeat. It would have been beneficial to have someone say they had come through cancer victorious and been able to give fresh hope to my mom while she was kickin’ cancer as best she could.

I am pleased to tell you that I have a friend , Julie Evans, who has recently written a book about her journey through breast cancer and being able to kick that wretched disease. Her book is called, Shaken not Stirred… A Chemo Cocktail: A Comedy about my Tragedy. If you have a friend or family member who is going through their own battle of kickin’ cancer I think this book would be a great encouragement to them. Julie has such an exuberant outlook on life that no one can stay down long while reading this book.

I am thankful I had a mother who supported me and led by godly example. May I point others to the Lord like she did for me.  If you still have the opportunity to call your mom and tell her you love her, do it.  If you have the opportunity to wish her a Happy Mother’s day, do it. You and she will be glad you did.

I hope you a wonderful Mother’s Day and know I appreciate you and the hard work you do for your family.

Proverbs 31

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Living on Jupiter: Encouragement and Musings

Mar5

Yes, I live on Jupiter. Jupiter Court. You may have noticed that I gave my personal thoughts that heading. Sometimes I feel as though I am out on another planet! Sometimes I think it would be better if I were on another planet.  From time to time I will broadcast a message from there that will have my musings, reflections, and most importantly, bring encouragement to you.

So, here is an encouraging thought for today: The first day of Spring is less than a month away. “Hip! Hip! Hooray!”  I say.

I am yearning to plant the early crops of  spinach, lettuce, and green onions. I am devising plans to fight off bugs, rabbits, and deer to save something for us from my savory harvest. I have already ordered annuals from one of my home school students and I am beginning to think of new veggies and flowers to plant this year. I am looking forward to going to the home school convention here in town with a friend. And I have saved the best spring activity for last, I am looking with great anticipation to supporting you, my home school colleagues, with portfolio reviews. I wanted to let you know you are giving the best gift you possible can to your children; a personalized education and time spent with you! Have a great week.

You are not my mom!

Feb13

This was a response that I got from a text that I thought was from my son. I know I have to back up the truck so you can jump in to follow my line of thinking here…

My son is out of the country serving as a missionary in Eastern Germany. I was really missing him the other day so I sent him a text to the  telephone number that I haven’t used in over 3 months. Not because I don’t communicate with him, I just don’t use the text feature very often since we skype every week. Anyway, the message I sent him said, “I was thinking of you today. I love you!”

Approximately three hours later I get a message that said, “Who is this?”

I quickly typed, “Your mama!” as this is what Malcolm fondly calls me. I thought that was strange since he knows my telephone number and who else would leave him a message like that? Hmm?!

The reply that was quickly returned stated, “You are NOT my mom!”

“This is becoming even stranger”, I thought to myself. I fired off a retort, “Of course I am!”

“No, you aren’t.”

By this time an idea was forming in my head that maybe, just maybe, I had the wrong number.

“Is this Malcolm’s cell phone?” I asked rather hastily.

“No ma’am.” Were the words that blazed upon the screen in front of me.

Right then I realized that I was conversing with a stranger. My face flamed a brilliant shade of  red as I was thinking how embarrassing this was for not only me, but the other person on the other side of this conversation. I typed furiously, “I am so sorry! I thought you were my son! I bet this was really weird then!”

The reply I received stated, “Yes, it was a bit weird, no biggie.” And  the next thing the person typed made me laugh and not feel so bad was, “There for a minute I actually thought I had a secret admirer !” Bless that person and their sense of humor!

What does this have to do with home schooling? Very little other than to say “I love you!” to your children today at some point when you are having school. Be sure it is face-to-face or if you text them, make sure you have the right number. 🙂

Reflections of the past year

Jan16

Another year has gone by and I can hardly believe that January is already half over! I have a hard time sitting still and reflecting over the past year, but this blog is going to make me do it. 🙂 I will share my reflections, add comments, and challenge you to consider things this year as we start 2012.

1. I started something new; this is it- a blog. I realized that if I don’t start, then it will never happen. What have you been wanting to do that you have not yet attempted? Why not make this the year you try.

2. I started to de-clutter my house. I am one of those kinds of home school moms that keeps curriculum, trade books, and educational magazines and resources thinking that I will use it at some time. I decided that if I have not even looked at the “stuff” over the past 3 years I am going to get rid of it. I took several boxes to the co-op I used to attend so that someone else can be blessed. How about you? What are you keeping that you can give away or throw away?

3. I found time to spend with my husband. I am incredibly busy (aren’t you?). I teach 11 different classes and find myself only seeing Dale when we get up in the morning and when he first gets home. I have really tried to get my schoolwork done by 7:00 a few days a week so I can spend evenings with him. It  has not been an easy thing to do, but I know that school will always be there and  lessons can always be improved, but I want to honor Dale and let him know I love him by spending time with him.  I heard a gal say she and her husband put the kids to bed early one night a week so they can have a date night, which is their downstairs. 🙂 Will you consider setting aside couple  time for you and your husband if not once a week, what about once a month? I think you will notice a difference in your home- you, your husband, your children and your attitude.

4. This was a hard one, but I have decided to cut down on my schedule for this upcoming year. I love everything I do, but I also realize that if I have to text Dale from another part of the house (which I have done) to say hello, I am doing too much. Take a look at your schedule. Are you doing too much? Is there something you can give you up this year?

5. I made “friend dates”. Time flies by, and before I know it, another month has passed and I still have not seen my girlfriends. Who have you not seen in a while? Can you catch a quick dessert for an evening? If not, try calling them and setting a timer so that you don’t feel guilty for catching up and leaving other duties. There are always dishes to wash and laundry to do, but friends are for a season and when all is said and done, people matter, NOT household duties. You can quote me on that!

6. I did some things for “me”. I bought a pair of running shoes with my Christmas money instead of spending it on things for the family or house. It was a splurge, but I am walking 6 days a week and felt that I needed to get fitted for a pair of shoes. After 2 failed attempts and having to go back each time to the running store, I finally found a pair that I like. What is that you want to do? Make the time or set aside a little money each week to pamper yourself. You deserve it!

Have a great year and remember to have fun and make time for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

Soup’s On: Paying Forward Kindness

Dec21

It’s amazing what one act of kindness can do. I tutor two primary aged students and go to their house twice a week. This family amazes me because of the way they treat me each and every time I am there. If the children are at home and are available, all 6 of them meet me at the door and say hello and they seem genuinely glad that I am there. I even have one or two of them escort me to my car each week. I can’t say enough nice things about this home school family as I see love for other people demonstrated to me through them.

Two weeks ago was no exception as I was offered a bowl of delicious homemade vegetable soup since I arrived early to tutor. (This could become a habit. 🙂 ) I had to decline since I has eaten earlier, but I asked Mrs. L. if I could have a doggie bowl to take home. I was even bold enough to ask for an extra serving for my hubby because he likes soup too. The next thing I know, I have enough for dinner for more than just the two of us! I told Mrs. L. that it looked like I wouldn’t have to cook tonight and she said that was her intention. That just grabbed me as I thought of her generosity and kindness toward me and my family. She certainly could have kept the soup for her family, but instead she gave a large portion of it to me.

This made me think of how I can serve and bless others who I see during the week. Isn’t it fabulous to think that one small act of kindness can touch another person who is then motivated to go and do likewise? What an amazing ripple effect that one bowl of soup can have. I am making an extra batch of soup to pay forward the act of kindness that was shown toward me this week. Just a thought: if anyone comes to mind that you can help, why not bless them?

Matthew 25:40

New King James Version (NKJV)

40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’