Spring, Scarves and Secret Sisters

I'm resting up these days after being on the road for more than I was not on the road over the past weekend.  I recounted some bright spots with you the other day and there is one more I wanted to share.

I returned from Wisconsin to find a pretty gift bag waiting for me on the schoolroom table.  It was a gift from my secret sister at church.  She's been blessing me with encouraging words, prayer, Dr. Pepper, which came in handy on our Wisconsin trip, and, this time, SCARVES.

Be still, my beating heart.  

I love scarves, especially these springy ones.

In an effort to share something a little light-hearted with you today, I put the girlies to bed last night and designed some fun spring outfits, starring my new scarves.  The first outfit is, predictably, constructed of basics, staples and thrifted finds, but hey, what's wrong with that?!

Scarf: Gift!  Thank you, secret sister!

Vest: Thrift Store find

Shirt: Old Navy, snagged for five bucks!

Jeans: Hmmmmm, I think I bought them new with a gift card. 

Earrings: The girlies made me something like these.  Mama benefits from their creativity!

Shoes: Gift!  Thank you, dear mother-in-law for keeping me stylin' in these Keds.

Bag: Thrift Store find

Scarf on Bag: Old as the hills

Nail Wraps & Polish: Thanks to my friend, Elizabeth, my nails are actually sporting this 

Jamberry "Jamicure."  So boho, so chic!

The second outfit highlights a color I don't wear often.  In fact, I wear it so rarely that I once threw on some pink shorts for a family bike ride and it resulted in a chuckle!  My husband kept seeing the pink in his peripheral vision and repeatedly thought a stranger needed to pass him on the trail.  He shook his head each time he discovered it was only me!  Pink or not ~ this outfit is a terrific transitional outfit!

Grey Denim Jacket: Garage sale find

Pink tee: Old Navy, only five bucks!

Scarf: Thank you again, secret sister!

Jeans: I think I bought them new with a gift card. 

Earrings: Purchased similar earrings from Kohl's with a gift card.

Purse: Gift

Scarf on Purse: Nabbed from Grandma's estate

Sandals: Thrift Store find!

Jamberry products: Purely hypothetical, but oh, so springy!

Maybe you'll feel inspired to shop your closet and pull together something fresh today.  It only takes a minute or two to keep on being well put together!

Happy spring, friends!

Dominique

Bright Spots

I returned yesterday afternoon from a whirlwind trip to Wisconsin.  My aunt passed away unexpectedly early last week and Blossom4 and I traveled there for the funeral.  She had been the secretary at the local Catholic school for 29 years.  She was an icon in her community, a person known for her laugh, kind words and going the extra mile.

Periodically today, I walked through my house, thinking of my cousins and my uncle, wondering how they are faring today, praying that as they ponder why, the Lord will comfort.  I don't pretend to have all the answers, but in my own time of grief and sadness, I've taken some time to list bright spots in a weekend of sadness and sorrow.

I'm truly grateful for family I enjoy traveling with.  I rode to WI with my sister, brother-in-law and two nephews.  I returned with my parents.  Both trips were thoroughly enjoyable, characterized by hours of good conversations, laughter and quality time.  On the trip out there, I was stationed between Blossom4 and my little nephew.  While I'm super grateful to my brother-in-law for driving the entire time, straight through, I thought that I got the good end of the deal.  I got to play with the little ones for hours!  I'm not being cheesy when I say how nice it is to be able to just play with the Littles.  Usually, laundry is calling to me, dishes are leering at me and my to-do list is taunting me.  Not so on a road trip!  We sang silly songs, much to my sister's chagrin, read books, played and giggled. Being with children is a blessing!  And, I even snagged a few snuggle sessions with my teeny-tiny, but chubby cheeked baby nephew.  Divine!!!  Somewhere in there, I guess all that playing and lending a hand with the Littles helped things to go a little smoother, so it blessed me that I could be a blessing to my sister's little family.

I'll also mention that it was really special to have some one-on-one time with Blossom4 all weekend long.  Sure, we were shuttled from event to event and she had to be quiet and be still a lot, but we squeezed in all manner of secret smiles, snuggly kisses and whispered conversations.  I treasure that.

It was really nice to catch up with my extended family this past weekend.  Handing out hugs, a word of sympathy or a hand on their shoulders, we might not have said a whole lot that seemed really deep, but I like what my dad said.

"Sometimes the best way to be a witness, is to just be there."  

It's basic and it's simple, but it says a lot.  I'm so thankful that I could at least be there.

I'm grateful I got to stay with my grandma at her house.  This made the trip easier and less expensive, but added another special element to it.  I'm already treasuring that time we had together this weekend.  We were laughing because she said, "Boy, the girls sure love to dress Western!"  When I agreed, we chuckled together because we know they get it honestly, she does and I do too!

Another surprise blessing was the "quiet room" at the church where services were held.  It was a glassed in room with a speaker, stocked with toys and books.  I could've kissed the person that installed it in the church there!  This meant that I didn't have to sweat Blossom4 and my nephews being perfectly quiet and still.  We certainly didn't have a repeat of Blossom4's antics at my other grandma's funeral last year, where she reprogrammed my Kindle, set an alarm and overrode my Do Not Disturb settings, during the quietest part of the funeral!  The quiet room was a huge relief.  After Blossom4 being cooped up for basically a day and a half from travelling and funeral stuff, I was pretty sure we were gonna get through the funeral on faith... and a lot of bribery with gum.  (Laugh here; don't judge.  I was sporting a heavy bag of entertainment activities, two Kindles and loads of snacks.  Ain't nothin' can prepare you for keeping a 3 yr old quiet and/or still for a DAY and a HALF!)

Sitting through the funeral and chatting with the folks around me, I was reminded that your everyday life, your ordinary holiness, touches others in a million small ways every day.  They took a show of hands for everyone who had ever gotten a band-aid from "Mrs. T."  My jaw dropped.  We tend to discount those things, to label them insignificant and inferior, but they are small services to the Master.  I felt challenged to be "Jesus" in countless tiny things every day, that some day I will see the results in Eternity.  My aunt's life spoke this lesson to me.  The ripple effect of what she did as a wife, mom and insignificant looking part of the school was a beautiful tribute to how everyday life can be big.  That's what I'm trying to remember when I'm feeling sad about her being gone.

Another small bright spot were the stops at Starbucks.  I rarely get to indulge in that little luxury so when the opportunities arose to down my favorite Chai Tea Lattes, I savored them!  And Starbucks is like God; it doesn't change.  It's the same, no matter what part of the country you're in.  There is something a teeny bit comforting about that.

My little family (hounds included) was happy to see me too.  I hugged and looked them in the eyes and relished looking into their eyes.  This life is a vapor; I'm reminded that it's temporary.  Where your heart is, there your treasure will be.  Those truths resound as true as ever, calling my heart closer to them.

I'm glad God made a way for me to make the trip to WI, but I'm so glad to be back in the Hollow.

I'll be praying for my cousins and uncle in the days ahead.  Thanks for letting me share the bright spots,

Dominique

Another Why?

It is normal for a teacher to encourage their students to be prepared for the material they will encounter on a test.  I do the same with the Blossoms.  We learn the concepts, practice them and then study to be ready for the test.

I've recently begun to wonder why we don't prepare for trials in a similar fashion?

"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

1 Peter 1:6-7
NASB, my emphasis added

What if we were ready for trials?  What if in the midst of them we reminded ourselves that our faith is being tested?

Isn't it easier to pass a test if you know the material that is being covered?

I know it's hard wrestling with why we go through hard things here on Earth.  Those thoughts and conversations with God can be heart-wrenching.  

Why, why, why?

I believe that our Father, in His kindness has shown a little part of why we walk through these valleys, this suffering with Christ.  I have found that it seems a little easier to get up to face a day of trials, when I realize that my faith is being tested.  

Will I be found faithful?  Will I keep enduring in the hard times? 

It is a hard realization, but a true one, that our fidelity to Him 

is not tested on those mountain top days.  Our faith isn't tested in the green pastures of life.

Times of duress squeeze the sponge and expose what's inside.

Knowing our faith is being tested can help us know what to do ---

Keep believing.  Hold on tighter.  Fall to our knees again.  Cry out once more.

Are you feeling condemnation that you weren't prepared for this testing trial?  Throw off despair! 

These are encouraging words for you. This trial is to prove and test your faith.  Now we know that.  Now when we feel the doubts, when the despair is creeping stealthily in on the darkest days, we can realize that this isn't punishment.  We can reach out to the Father again.  

Remember, He is always faithful.  

May our faith be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus!

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Around Here Lately

No, this is not me venturing through the girlies' rooms at night, although, Blossom4 did execute a creepy glowing flashlight feat recently.  She stashed her flashlight under my bed and crept out of the room.  I turned off the lights and headed out, only to notice an unsettling glow emanating from under my bed. What??????

I retrieved the flashlight, shaking my head all the while at her antics.  Anyway, this is actually a pic of a Crazy 8s Math Club at our local homeschool co-op.  It's hands-on math and it's been really terrific at getting the kids moving and involved in math.  

I'm big on reminding the girlies often that math is for real life.  Like when Blossom1 was using some fancy fraction work when she was baking the other day... or when Blossom2 was estimating to help me know which packing tape was the better deal...  It's hard to slog through the repetition that leads to math mastery if you don't know why you're trying to master it or what you'll use it for.  

I mentioned the other day, we are also enjoying Crazy 8s daily fun math problem.  Today's was about an octopus who filmed the researcher instead of vice versa!  Fun table talk, ya'll!  Even Blossom4 can't wait for her part of the problem!

I'm putting my crafty creative cells to work lately with overseeing the construction of a castle set for a play our co-op kids are putting on.  

It's been a great experience thus far, lots of work, but still great.  I love for things to be just right, if I'm putting my name on them.  However, this is a class.  Ahem.  Meaning the kids are learning something.  

Actually, it means Dominique is learning something.  

How to let it go.  

How to better instruct.  

How to bring out the best in them.

Really, how good am I at "stippling" (a sponging technique) if I haven't learned enough about it in order to effectively instruct students in stippling?!  

I coached.  I encouraged.  I helped.  I pointed.  I demonstrated.  

And I fought hard inside myself to resist the urge to "fix it."  

And I'm so pleased with how everybody is doing thus far.  It's beautiful!!!!

Apparently I really needed this class.  

It reminds me of parenting.  It's not about me doing this for them.  It's me modeling, teaching, coaching, demonstrating, working with them on how to live life for Jesus on their own.  

Ya'll know we got dumped with snow this week.  The Rugged Mountain Man got to be home a little more than usual, which is fine by us.  (insert girlies - and maybe Mommy too - jumping up and down)  We got to enjoy Mancala games, shoveling, fort-building, hot tea, family time and rest.  

I even pampered myself and used the fine china with my new tea strainer.  I love that little contraption!  

Blossom2 and Blossom3 are really getting good at Mancala.  They've caught on to the strategy of the game and have left me in the dust.  I was beaten soundly several times.  Oh well...

#humbling  #momdefeat  #orisitmomvictory #mathisfun

Well, friends, I hope you're using your days well lately.  They seem to slip by.  Every day I feel like I'm fighting the battle to do the meaningful and eternal, instead of the urgent.  I'm gonna keep fightin' the fight.  I hope you will too.

Hugs and blessings!

Dominique

Why Trials?

Most of us would rather not talk about trials and tribulations, but when I went through the grief and struggles of a miscarriage about five years ago, I discovered that everyone is going through something.

I've found that trodding through trials tends to make us more gracious, more empathetic, more understanding and more loving.  It can make the Body of Christ a more beautiful thing because we get it; we understand.  We've been there.  The sad thing is that trials can also obliterate us.  We can allow ourselves to turn mean, cynical and bitter after a trial.

And why is it that trials rarely seem to come one at a time?  They stack.  They crowd.  They pile on!

The kind of trials that are not the results of evildoing, meddling or sins like murder or theft are a part of suffering with Christ.  (Consequences or results of bad or sinful decisions are not the trials I am chatting about today.)

These true trials are a part of living life as a Christian 
in a fallen world.  

When we find ourselves in these hard times, we tend to wrestle with that dreaded question, "Why?"  

Why am I in this?

Why isn't God doing anything?

Why aren't my prayers being answered?

Why do I have to go through this?

Why?

Reflecting on the book of Psalms, the psalmist asked some really tough questions, causing me to believe that it isn't wrong to ask God a tough question, provided it's asked with a respectful attitude.

He is still God, after all.

As Christians, it's good for us to go to the Word for some of the reasons we go through trials.

Romans 5:3 sheds some light on that question,

"...we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that our tribulation brings about perseverance..."
NASB

James 1:2-3 agrees,

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance..."  
NASB

Exulting or glorying in our trials is a tall order, as is considering a trial a joy.  In my trials, I read these verses and knew I couldn't do either of those things.  I went to the Rugged Mountain Man and said, "I can't do that yet.  I don't even know if I *want* to rejoice in these trials."  He comforted me and encouraged me not to give up, not to despair.

I eventually came to realize that that rejoicing is a work of the Spirit.

No one truly in the throes of a heart-wrenching, back-breaking trial rejoices,
in and of themselves.

But God can work that joy and glorying.  It's a spiritual thing, brought about by the Spirit.

Opening your eyes each morning to find yourself still in the midst of the hardest times of your life, is like hearing tragic news for the first time, over and over again.  The mornings are the worst times in grief or trials.

BUT, we can remind ourselves that we have a response to our question why?  We have an "in" on the lesson.

"Today I'm in this trial, so I learn to persevere."

We can tell ourselves, "I'm getting up right now, so I can endure,
so I can put one foot in front of the other today."

We could be thinking, "This trial doesn't have a point.  I don't feel like there is a lesson,
other than torture here."

But there is.

"Today, I am going to endure in His strength.  Today, I'm going to just keep going, by God's grace."

We'll get to the point of rejoicing over a trial.  It may be somewhere down the road that we can look back and "feel" a little happiness about what we learned in that trial.  It's okay that we don't right now.  It is a work of the Spirit, not a feeling of our flesh.  For now, we can see that there is a point to trials.  We see it by faith.

It's to endure.  

Dominique

All pics from our hike on a mine camp trail, in which there was a series of seven switchbacks on an old railroad grade.  

We all found it to be quite fascinating, as we imagined the manpower it took to build it.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.