Travis and I have had the best extended weekend. The NICHE (Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators) Conference was held here in Des Moines on Friday and Saturday, so the kids went to Grandma Tammy and Grandpa Terry's house for a few days. This was only the second time we've been away from all four kids at once. As much as we love being with our kids, we were admittedly excited for the little break. And besides being frightened awake one night at 3:30 a.m. by the sound of our fire alarms going off because of what turned out to be a dead battery, it has been the most perfect of breaks. Dinners out, late night runs, early morning walks, adult conversations, and two days at a homeschool conference.... Who could ask for more? :-) Travis said it was kind of like a second honeymoon--and a timely one, too, as we just celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary last Monday!
Indeed, it has been a fun few days, but I would have to say that the very best part of our couples weekend has been the opportunity to remember just how it is that we got to this place of being the homeschooling parents of four amazing kids. Before curriculum and conferences, before toys and tricycles, before diapers and "Da-da"s, there was us. Had we never fallen in love and chosen to spend the rest of our lives together in God-ordained marriage, there would be no sending kids to Grandma's house, no attending a homeschool conference or purchasing curriculum. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the business of raising kids that we forget why we are in the business in the first place--because we actually like each other and enjoy spending time together and because we chose to be partners and companions for life!
God has given me four beautiful children whom He has equipped me to love and to care for and to educate, but He first gave me His choice of a man to walk alongside me through this life. As I remember that to a fuller degree than I probably have in a while, I am in total awe of the goodness of God towards me. I don't deserve to have a faithful husband who deeply loves God and me and our kids, who strives to follow Jesus and to lead his family, who works hard to provide and care for our household; but by God's grace, he is mine.
What a gift. What a weekend. What a God....
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Sunday, June 10, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Regaining Inspiration
Hello, Blog World! It feels good to be here. Though I haven't been able to making blogging a priority over the past several months, I have certainly missed writing. Some of you so kindly acknowledged that you missed me during my absence, and I very much appreciate that. It has been important to me that what I write on this blog comes from a place of true inspiration and not merely from an obligation to make an appearance. For whatever reason, some of that inspiration was missing for the past months, and just as some of you were patiently awaiting my return, so I was patiently awaiting my ability to. And, finally, here I am, feeling inspired once again. :-)
The past nine months were for me largely dominated by homeschooling. The beginning of Abel's Kindergarten year brought with it a higher level of time commitment, so much of my energies were focused on my role of teaching. Blogging wasn't the only thing that temporarily went by the wayside. So, too, did some of my perfectionist housekeeping ways... by necessity, of course. I'm not sure that any of us really even noticed the slip in cleanliness until this past week since our summer break began. With no school to claim my mornings, my house is regaining a more "spic and span" feel... and that feels good to me! :-)
One thing I haven't quite regained, though, is a healthy level of energy. The past couple months frequently saw Travis and me up into the wee hours of the morning completing projects (we finished our basement early this spring); and now that those projects are all done, my body seems to be begging me to get back to a proper schedule. In fact, I recently found myself so overwhelmingly in need of sleep that I even became convinced I was pregnant. (I wasn't.) But one thing is clear, that I will evidently be always seeking to find that perfect balance between all the things I must do.
It is my prayer for this summer that God will give me that balance--that He will give me wisdom in how I use my time and energy. I don't want to be here just spinning my wheels to accomplish my own agenda. I want to remember that my time and my energy, limited as they are, belong to God. I must use them to advance His purposes. I must seek His direction for my days. I must be sensitive to His leading. And I must be willing to follow.
And the thought of what He might do, my friends... now THAT is inspiring!
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The past nine months were for me largely dominated by homeschooling. The beginning of Abel's Kindergarten year brought with it a higher level of time commitment, so much of my energies were focused on my role of teaching. Blogging wasn't the only thing that temporarily went by the wayside. So, too, did some of my perfectionist housekeeping ways... by necessity, of course. I'm not sure that any of us really even noticed the slip in cleanliness until this past week since our summer break began. With no school to claim my mornings, my house is regaining a more "spic and span" feel... and that feels good to me! :-)
One thing I haven't quite regained, though, is a healthy level of energy. The past couple months frequently saw Travis and me up into the wee hours of the morning completing projects (we finished our basement early this spring); and now that those projects are all done, my body seems to be begging me to get back to a proper schedule. In fact, I recently found myself so overwhelmingly in need of sleep that I even became convinced I was pregnant. (I wasn't.) But one thing is clear, that I will evidently be always seeking to find that perfect balance between all the things I must do.
It is my prayer for this summer that God will give me that balance--that He will give me wisdom in how I use my time and energy. I don't want to be here just spinning my wheels to accomplish my own agenda. I want to remember that my time and my energy, limited as they are, belong to God. I must use them to advance His purposes. I must seek His direction for my days. I must be sensitive to His leading. And I must be willing to follow.
And the thought of what He might do, my friends... now THAT is inspiring!
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Saturday, December 10, 2011
Take His Life, Lord
How do I begin such an important post....
The date is December 4th, 2011. It's a Sunday morning, and the Squires family is headed to church. From the back of the van comes Abel's voice. "I want to ask Jesus into my heart today."
Travis and I look at each other in surprise, and as my eyes fill with tears, all I can say is, "Really?"
"In fact, I want to do it right now."
Some mixture of joy and awe and shock washes over me. Travis and I have prayed that Abel--all of our children--would come to know Jesus at an early age; and Abel's own prayers have been giving us hints that something very important has been happening in his heart. Indeed, we have expected that Abel's salvation would come, and yet we couldn't have known it would be at this moment....
"Okay... but can we wait until we get to church so we can sit with you and talk?"...
...That particular morning, the children of the church had been invited to the stage to lead the body in singing "Joy to the World." Abel and Amariah were among the many youthful voices that together created a choir whose sound certainly caused the listeners to consider the purpose for which we were created. And looking back, I realize what a beautiful backdrop that was to what was about to happen next....
Soon after Abel and Amariah had joined us back in our seats, we reached the point in the service where we would be celebrating communion--a perfect time to talk to Abel about the desire he had expressed on the way to church that morning. During our talk, Abel confirmed his understanding that all have sinned and need God's forgiveness--including himself. And after stating in that beautiful, childlike way that he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart because "I want to show Him how much I love Him," Abel began his prayer.
"Dear God, please forgive me for all my sins, and please come into my heart...."
I remain in awe of the goodness of God towards us and our son, that He would extend His grace and grant His salvation to our tenderhearted little Abel. I realize that we (the human race) are so undeserving of this free gift of salvation which is available to all who will believe; and I feel indebted doubly--first for my own salvation and now for my son's.
As I have listened to Abel's prayers over the past several months--prayers such as, "Dear God, please help me to love You more," and, "Dear God, please give me a wise heart," and, "Dear God, please forgive me for all my sins, and please come into my heart,"--I have witnessed a miracle.
Abel's prayer has been answered, and in that, Travis and my prayers have been answered. But this is not an end. It is a beginning. It is the beginning of a life being lived for Jesus.
Oh, Dear God, I cannot express my gratitude to You for Your grace, Your mercy, Your salvation. Thank You for the work You have done in Abel's young heart, where Your Holy Spirit is now residing. As you have answered his prayer for salvation, please also answer his prayers both for a growing love for You and for a wise heart. Take his life, Lord, and let it be consecrated to You.
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The date is December 4th, 2011. It's a Sunday morning, and the Squires family is headed to church. From the back of the van comes Abel's voice. "I want to ask Jesus into my heart today."
Travis and I look at each other in surprise, and as my eyes fill with tears, all I can say is, "Really?"
"In fact, I want to do it right now."
Some mixture of joy and awe and shock washes over me. Travis and I have prayed that Abel--all of our children--would come to know Jesus at an early age; and Abel's own prayers have been giving us hints that something very important has been happening in his heart. Indeed, we have expected that Abel's salvation would come, and yet we couldn't have known it would be at this moment....
"Okay... but can we wait until we get to church so we can sit with you and talk?"...
...That particular morning, the children of the church had been invited to the stage to lead the body in singing "Joy to the World." Abel and Amariah were among the many youthful voices that together created a choir whose sound certainly caused the listeners to consider the purpose for which we were created. And looking back, I realize what a beautiful backdrop that was to what was about to happen next....
Soon after Abel and Amariah had joined us back in our seats, we reached the point in the service where we would be celebrating communion--a perfect time to talk to Abel about the desire he had expressed on the way to church that morning. During our talk, Abel confirmed his understanding that all have sinned and need God's forgiveness--including himself. And after stating in that beautiful, childlike way that he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart because "I want to show Him how much I love Him," Abel began his prayer.
"Dear God, please forgive me for all my sins, and please come into my heart...."
I remain in awe of the goodness of God towards us and our son, that He would extend His grace and grant His salvation to our tenderhearted little Abel. I realize that we (the human race) are so undeserving of this free gift of salvation which is available to all who will believe; and I feel indebted doubly--first for my own salvation and now for my son's.
As I have listened to Abel's prayers over the past several months--prayers such as, "Dear God, please help me to love You more," and, "Dear God, please give me a wise heart," and, "Dear God, please forgive me for all my sins, and please come into my heart,"--I have witnessed a miracle.
Abel's prayer has been answered, and in that, Travis and my prayers have been answered. But this is not an end. It is a beginning. It is the beginning of a life being lived for Jesus.
Oh, Dear God, I cannot express my gratitude to You for Your grace, Your mercy, Your salvation. Thank You for the work You have done in Abel's young heart, where Your Holy Spirit is now residing. As you have answered his prayer for salvation, please also answer his prayers both for a growing love for You and for a wise heart. Take his life, Lord, and let it be consecrated to You.
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| "Jesus Dying on the Cross" by Abel Squires, 12-09-2011 |
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Sunday, November 6, 2011
Kids Say, vol. 14
Amariah: "Abel, I hope Ande is a boy because you don't have a brother."
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Elliana (pointing at the alphabet poster): "There's the O."
Mommy: "That's right! What does an 'O' say?"
Elliana, confidently: "/k/!"
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Amariah (praying for my parents' dog who has an ulcerated eye): "Dear God, please help Barney's eye to not fall out and not hurt so bad. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."
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Abel tripped up the unfinished basement steps a few days ago and scraped his shins on the front edge of the step. I, of course, offered my motherly comfort and sympathies; but after his crying had gone on a little too long, I politely asked, "Abel, how are you ever going to play football if you can't fall down without crying?" His smart reply came, "Mommy, that's why they play sports on grass and sand... so they don't get hurt."
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Abel and Amariah were looking out the front door this evening, admiring the stars in the sky. The next thing I knew, I heard them around a corner praying together. Abel passionately prayed, "Dear God, thank You for the beautiful sky that You created, and thank You for Your Son Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Amen."
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Elliana (pointing at the alphabet poster): "There's the O."
Mommy: "That's right! What does an 'O' say?"
Elliana, confidently: "/k/!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amariah (praying for my parents' dog who has an ulcerated eye): "Dear God, please help Barney's eye to not fall out and not hurt so bad. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Abel tripped up the unfinished basement steps a few days ago and scraped his shins on the front edge of the step. I, of course, offered my motherly comfort and sympathies; but after his crying had gone on a little too long, I politely asked, "Abel, how are you ever going to play football if you can't fall down without crying?" His smart reply came, "Mommy, that's why they play sports on grass and sand... so they don't get hurt."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Abel and Amariah were looking out the front door this evening, admiring the stars in the sky. The next thing I knew, I heard them around a corner praying together. Abel passionately prayed, "Dear God, thank You for the beautiful sky that You created, and thank You for Your Son Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Amen."
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Thursday, October 27, 2011
Cleaning: A New and Improved Routine
Being that I haven't blogged in so long, there is plenty I could write about today. However, I have to choose for this post that which I can't get off my mind: cleaning!
Not just any cleaning, though. It's cleaning with Norwex that is crowding my thoughts--and has been for the past few weeks.
At our Lighthouse (the name given to our church's small groups) meeting earlier this week, the group leader commented that sometimes, when lacking spiritual fervor, we need to do something new that breaks us out of our lackluster routine. Not at all to demean the truth of what he meant for a spiritual application, I was pondering my new found excitement for cleaning and realized that his statement could likewise apply to any routine... even cleaning.
I wouldn't say that I don't like to clean, but I think it would be a stretch to say that I've ever gotten excited about cleaning (until now...). It's just one of those things that you have to do, and you do it joyfully because you are thankful that you have a home to care for. That has been my attitude, anyway. You develop a routine that maximizes your efficiency, and that's just what you do... often without giving it any further thought.
That was true of me until a couple months ago. I had a certain cleaning schedule, certain cleaning methods, and certain cleaning products that together made up my cleaning routine. It was working for me... I guess... and so I didn't really consider making any changes to it. That was until I started learning about a company called Norwex and the great products they have to offer. The more I learned about how Norwex reduces the use of chemicals in cleaning, the more I questioned my use of chemicals in cleaning. As I learned that with Norwex I could save time and money while at the same time creating a cleaner and safer environment in my home, I began to question just how clean and safe my current home environment really was. I started wondering just how much bacteria I was both breeding and redistributing with the wash cloths, towels, sponges, etc., that I had been using; and I wondered just what unknown effects my various cleaning chemicals might be having on our bodies.
My learning and questioning resulted in some quick conclusions for me. I wanted to not just revamp my cleaning routine, but to make it better. And I wanted to do that with Norwex. My "Norwex Wish List" grew rather large in a hurry, and having been told of the unmatched hostess benefits offered by Norwex, I decided that the most economical way for me to get started with their products was to host a party.
That is just what I did a couple weeks ago, and having just received all my new cleaning supplies yesterday, my new and improved cleaning routine begins--with excitement, I might add--today!
I'm excited to be excited about something as humdrum as cleaning. I realize that the excitement will probably wear off as the newness does, but I believe the reassurance that I have made a change for the better of my family will only grow with time.
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Not just any cleaning, though. It's cleaning with Norwex that is crowding my thoughts--and has been for the past few weeks.
At our Lighthouse (the name given to our church's small groups) meeting earlier this week, the group leader commented that sometimes, when lacking spiritual fervor, we need to do something new that breaks us out of our lackluster routine. Not at all to demean the truth of what he meant for a spiritual application, I was pondering my new found excitement for cleaning and realized that his statement could likewise apply to any routine... even cleaning.
I wouldn't say that I don't like to clean, but I think it would be a stretch to say that I've ever gotten excited about cleaning (until now...). It's just one of those things that you have to do, and you do it joyfully because you are thankful that you have a home to care for. That has been my attitude, anyway. You develop a routine that maximizes your efficiency, and that's just what you do... often without giving it any further thought.
That was true of me until a couple months ago. I had a certain cleaning schedule, certain cleaning methods, and certain cleaning products that together made up my cleaning routine. It was working for me... I guess... and so I didn't really consider making any changes to it. That was until I started learning about a company called Norwex and the great products they have to offer. The more I learned about how Norwex reduces the use of chemicals in cleaning, the more I questioned my use of chemicals in cleaning. As I learned that with Norwex I could save time and money while at the same time creating a cleaner and safer environment in my home, I began to question just how clean and safe my current home environment really was. I started wondering just how much bacteria I was both breeding and redistributing with the wash cloths, towels, sponges, etc., that I had been using; and I wondered just what unknown effects my various cleaning chemicals might be having on our bodies.
My learning and questioning resulted in some quick conclusions for me. I wanted to not just revamp my cleaning routine, but to make it better. And I wanted to do that with Norwex. My "Norwex Wish List" grew rather large in a hurry, and having been told of the unmatched hostess benefits offered by Norwex, I decided that the most economical way for me to get started with their products was to host a party.
That is just what I did a couple weeks ago, and having just received all my new cleaning supplies yesterday, my new and improved cleaning routine begins--with excitement, I might add--today!
I'm excited to be excited about something as humdrum as cleaning. I realize that the excitement will probably wear off as the newness does, but I believe the reassurance that I have made a change for the better of my family will only grow with time.
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| My new Norwex supplies, most of which I received free through the Hosting program (and all of which I will use)! |
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Monday, September 19, 2011
I Guess They Were Right
"You're a busy mom...."
I can't begin to number the times I've heard that statement upon making any type of public appearance with my four young children. I must admit, its overuse over the past couple years has bothered me some, mostly because I haven't felt all that "busy." I suppose I have been... busy, that is... but I guess when you're busy doing what you have to do, you don't always take time to think about how busy you actually are.
Lately, however, I can say that the common opinion that I am a busy mom has felt quite true. For one thing, the return of the school year has taken a considerable chunk of time from my days. After only four weeks of teaching a kindergartner and a preschooler simultaneously, I have found myself further behind in housework than I've been in while. Indeed, I can't deny that homeschooling is keeping me busy.
Oddly enough, though, that wasn't what changed my mind on the "busyness" assessment. It was the countless number of times in a day that I hear, "Mom, Mommy, Mom!" that caused me just the other day to stop and say to myself, "Yes... yes, I guess I am busy." I am the go-to person for four kids. I am the helper for every need. I am the answer-er for every question. I am the listener for every story. I am the entertainer of every idea. I am a mother of four, and I. Am. Busy.
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I can't begin to number the times I've heard that statement upon making any type of public appearance with my four young children. I must admit, its overuse over the past couple years has bothered me some, mostly because I haven't felt all that "busy." I suppose I have been... busy, that is... but I guess when you're busy doing what you have to do, you don't always take time to think about how busy you actually are.
Lately, however, I can say that the common opinion that I am a busy mom has felt quite true. For one thing, the return of the school year has taken a considerable chunk of time from my days. After only four weeks of teaching a kindergartner and a preschooler simultaneously, I have found myself further behind in housework than I've been in while. Indeed, I can't deny that homeschooling is keeping me busy.
Oddly enough, though, that wasn't what changed my mind on the "busyness" assessment. It was the countless number of times in a day that I hear, "Mom, Mommy, Mom!" that caused me just the other day to stop and say to myself, "Yes... yes, I guess I am busy." I am the go-to person for four kids. I am the helper for every need. I am the answer-er for every question. I am the listener for every story. I am the entertainer of every idea. I am a mother of four, and I. Am. Busy.
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Friday, September 9, 2011
A Long Awaited Reunion
I think our busy (but fun!) summer is unofficially over. This past weekend saw us traveling once again, this time on the road to my hometown for my 10-year high school class reunion. I have looked forward to my class reunion(s) since before I ever graduated from high school, and I can say that 10+ years down the road, I enjoyed being there just as much as I had anticipated.
I grew up in small town Nebraska, and though I now live neither in a small town nor in Nebraska, a piece of my heart will always remain there. It's part of who I am. My past is there, and that means a lot of memories are there.
Obviously, I have been back home many times over the past 10 years. However, when the purpose of the trip was to attend a class reunion, more memories and emotions were evoked than what I would get from the typical we're-going-to-Grandma's-house trip.
Reuniting with old friends--people who share so much of my past--really was a most unique feeling. We engaged in good conversation almost as if it hadn't been 10 years since we last did so. There was a sense of camaraderie in the comfortableness of it all. It felt good to be back together again.
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I grew up in small town Nebraska, and though I now live neither in a small town nor in Nebraska, a piece of my heart will always remain there. It's part of who I am. My past is there, and that means a lot of memories are there.
Obviously, I have been back home many times over the past 10 years. However, when the purpose of the trip was to attend a class reunion, more memories and emotions were evoked than what I would get from the typical we're-going-to-Grandma's-house trip.
Reuniting with old friends--people who share so much of my past--really was a most unique feeling. We engaged in good conversation almost as if it hadn't been 10 years since we last did so. There was a sense of camaraderie in the comfortableness of it all. It felt good to be back together again.
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| Some of the girls at our reunion luncheon |
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| Two of my best girlfriends from high school |
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| 11 of 35 classmates |
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