My thoughts as they reveal themselves

Finances

2009-12-07T09:24:00.002-06:00

It's Monday! Sorting through finances is such a dreaded thing for me. we are trying so hard to stay humble and keep all of our finances in line this month. We did not buy any new things to add to Christmas decor so that is nice. Something the sermon said about having a Happy New Year. I want that. I want to have a humble Christmas and I await the new year with less stress in our pocket book. In doing so God knows our financial burdens so I pray that he takes my stress and my worry and allow me to trust him completely. I need to get better at this trusting. Hello....He is God!!!

We got past the being still and we survived : )

2009-12-06T21:16:00.001-06:00

After being still and knowing that He is God and in the midst of being obedient, and after much prayer, I am past the scary part of “can I go, what will happen, will there be a place for us??? What if….” But in trusting, he has blessed us. Oh how my heart is happy and joyful that I am learning so much more about Him. Even today I learned new scriptures and I can embed them in my memory to continuously apply His teaching to my life. My girls are doing well. They are still transitioning but we are pleased with their commitment to be a family through change and a family of serving. Lord, I pray that you continuously teach me new ways to share you with this secular world and Lord, I ask that you bring new friendships into our life. It is not easy as you know when one leaves their church. I pray for friendships, fellowship and for continued growth in my children’s walk with you. Praise be to you and show me how to glorify and honor you everyday this week. I say week, because I know this week will be a difficult one with so many deadlines, commitments, final exams, research …..
I had a wonderful day! Thank you for the blessings! --Dave not so good. The cowboys lost. We did go to church twice today and I LOVE that. What a wonderful time of year as we wait.

Lord, why did I question your calling???? Please forgive me. You know why and what you have planned for me and I want to be obedient.

Changes

2009-11-09T10:34:00.001-06:00

I haven’t a clue why some things happen. Seems I’m learning more and more that you just never know. You simply just never know.

You get so wrapped up in so many daily rituals that sometimes you just get lost in all of it. For me,
…………because I am so high energy it’s hard to just be still.

This year, I had my fair share of learning experiences. I held on with all my heart and all my faith, but sometimes God has different plans and we just never know what they will be like, or if they will be happy, or if they will hurt. Hurt is one of those things I don’t handle well. I just have this insane idea that everyone is loving, and that we are all going to live happily ever after. “I know”………………. “I know” I am a silly girl. That’s probably why I am in counseling trying to be a part of brokenness. I seem to gravitate towards those more needy, broken, and hurt, ……….even yesterday I came home so excited to tell David, “I met this lady and she has no where to go for Thanksgiving, and her mom died and she’s really sad and can we please please have her over to share Thanksgiving with us, oh please.”…… “and she can go with us to your moms and we can share our family with her” and we will all live happily ever after……….I sometimes crack myself up. I’m such a rare soul and when I tend to love too much, that sometimes means you risk getting hurt somewhere along the lines of miscommunication, because we live in such a world that becomes more and more different than what God had intended.

My life has certainly had some major setbacks, hit some turbulence..... It’s that old saying that mama said “you’ll have days like this”
Through all of this, because I am so familiar with self disclosure, I thought “Ok” “God is preparing me with more self-disclosure” “surely that must be it” he must be getting me ready to understand church and life and the whole interaction of it all. I guess I need to understand the dynamics of this if I want to be an effective Christian Marriage Counselor. It makes sense.

A few things I have learned, is that no matter what I have before me, I am never alone. God has certainly shown me new paths and oh man, have I encountered some personal roadblocks. –But it is with those roadblocks that I am gaining strength to move forward and onward to new directions.
With that said, I am in that “Be still and know” waiting period and I have no answers, no ideas, no clue what, if, how, or where I am headed. All I know is that life for me is at a turning point and we just don’t know where that will take us.

I look back at all the pictures of our time with the youth and what a sweet sweet joy in my heart, to have had many precious years there with such wonderful kids. These were special little blessings, and I will carry these joyous moments with me in my heart. I am so grateful to have been a "Mamarie".... I hope I get to put that on my resume : -)

I’m looking forward to just being a mom, a wife and continue working on becoming a Christian Marriage and Family Therapist. When God calls us, sometimes we think we have better ideas but God convicts you and when taht happens......it is scary. In this new calling that he has placed on me, I pray that I am obedient in trust to the path he is preparing before me.

"Be still and know that I am God"

-Marie

A new calling: A time for a change

2009-08-20T09:20:00.002-05:00

Talk about a weeping morning. This week I have been praying about something on my heart and I shared it with my dearest friend but today I asked God to help me as I was in complete worry. God has been churning a calling in me for too long now and although my heart is not physically ready for a change God thinks that it's time.

Now to wait to see what he calls me to do. All I know is wherever he places me and whichever door he opens that it be a place where he plant me in soil of his choosing so that I may glorify him once again. Thank you God for trusting and choosing me.

GCA 2009-2010 has begun : )

2009-08-13T11:17:00.004-05:00

God has called and asked; therefore I have chosen to honor that calling. When we first decided to home school, it was a calling that God was moving in me and I was adamant that he was NOT talking to me. The more I prayed through this, the stronger the calling was and now we are teaching all 3 various levels and courses to get SAT exams completed and fulfilled and graduation requirements. My day starts at 7 a.m. when I start my day in prayer with coffee, and then I begin printing out lesson sheets so I am organized. I finally bought me a nice computer program that creates the transcript, tallies up their grades and makes their report cards. Yay, for software!!! I sit in my office working quickly because the kids are up at 9 and usually only JD is eager for school to start. The girls roll around by 9:30 griping but DO take their lessons back upstairs and by 10 a.m. the craziness begins. Michelle is usually my first customer as she hates math so I begin helping her work through solving tedious Algebra problems, then it is Krissy who is waiting too in hand with her set of Algebra problems, then it is JD waiting patiently with his Grammar and by the time I know it, it is 5 p.m. and the cycle just continued. The stack gets bigger on my desk and the teacher tasks just continue. I designed an SAT curriculum this summer for my girls which included 8000 possible SAT words and that alone takes me hours creating and printing and studying myself before I give to them. Then in between all this, there is lunch, and breakfast and dinner we order in most of the time unless Dave is home, then he cooks for us. By 8 p.m. I usually take a break to catch up on some paper work then by the time I realize it, the day has passed me by. Dave is home by 10:30 and we talk till midnight and then I start again, same routine. Somehow, Grad school also gets done in between there. I do cry a lot. It helps me release the overwhelming day. Dave is pretty awesome to just sit with me and I get foot rubs while I cry. This is not a complaint session, it’s just my day in a nutshell and I am honored that God has entrusted me with the academic knowledge instilled in my children. This school year will be a tad bit more consuming as it entails various high school courses all of which require lots of one on one plus JD’s now taking advanced math and Science.

JD:
We will begin this School year with Zoology 1, 2 and 3 and Math 5th grade as he tested out of the 4th. JD is an awesome student. He loves school; he loves learning and moves through everything with a joy and exciting of what is being presented for him. He will also take Grammar, Language Arts, Poetry, Health, History, Art, and is continuing the study of the book of Mathew.

Michelle:
Well, what I can tell you about Michelle. She hates math, she hates Grammar, BUT she loves History, and she enjoys the Bible studies. She is NOT looking forward to Biology and NOT looking forward to Grammar, and NOT wanting to take psychology but she is excited about World Geography, Health and keyboarding. We will be taking French I this year and the curriculum is on its way. Oh and she also has English I, the Literature books plus projects. She chose to take all these classes because she would like to early enroll for college. So she is pushing herself and me to get this done. I am proud of her but at the same time overwhelmed with her decision. I know it can be done but I will continue praying about this goal she has set for herself. She plans to get a PhD possibly in Theology, possibly History. Her aspiration is to teach Theology at the University level.

Krissy:
Wow, we have Advanced Biology so she can CLEP out of it or possibly just pass at the college level, Algebra II, Economics, Government, Jesus and His Followers study and Life management under God, English 4, Psychology and SAT preparations. She does NOT like any of it except Bible and Literature. She is addicted to the Twilight series and she does enjoy texting as an extracurricular activity. I wonder if that can go on her transcript. She’s great at it. Krissy serves in the Preschool ministry at our church and aspires to be a school teacher.

Both girls plan to work in our practice when I am self employed with my PhD in Counseling. Michelle will handle the insurance and bookkeeping and Krissy will help with calls, scheduling, etc…

I am proud of all 3 children even though they yell at me, complain about the work, disagree with how I teach and gripe about the tedious lessons that they claim are being taught at a college level… (The violin plays softly), I am honored and I cherish every moment as we begin a new home school year at Godines Christian Academy.

Thank you God for providing the finances and time so that I may continue to home school our children. We do have some struggles along the way, but faith has shown that each and every time, we make it and every year we start again knowing that God will pull us through even the hardest of days.

-Marie

fun day

2009-04-16T14:06:00.001-05:00

I just had to write about this special day that God has blessed me with. Often time I get so caught up in the curriculum and the learning that I fail to enjoy the simplicity and the joys that come with homeschooling. We have just had a whole day of Art and exercise. Tomorrow is another day and we will start off from where we left off today. The thing about homeschooling is that if we didn’t finish the day’s work we just try again tomorrow. Even I did nothing but enjoy the day with them. I will pay tonight at class but I am praying that God will stick up for me. Fun day!!!

Good morning Lord

2009-03-26T09:52:00.002-05:00

Good morning Lord,

Thank you for this day. My kids finally woke up on time. Dave helped with the discipline of the girls last night. Sometimes they need to be redirected. Often! But Lord you allowed him to hear my concerns and hopefully we are good to go for at least another week. What a beautiful day it is. I am exhausted Lord but I will get through this day for I know it is a day given to me to honor you.

Amen.

praying

2009-03-24T14:12:00.001-05:00

--Just coming out of a very difficult storm, but finally starting to see clarity. Not sure how to get my thoughts out without becoming a burden so I will just continue to pray and comfort in the Lord. My heart is sad. I pray for guidance and I pray for healing. I also pray for strength and for forgiveness.

My prayer today

2009-02-23T18:58:00.000-06:00

I am so behind with all my life and days just seem to get shorter by the week. My weeks have become days and months become weeks. I ask God everyday for patience for love for guidance and for grace because I know I cannot do this alone. Homeschooling three kids has been so difficult especially with Grad school, counseling, Youth, my church life and home life. Finding a balance is a difficult task but I know the balance gets shifted one way or another. Problem is it gets shifted more towards my church and home life which for me is awesome. I am blessed by that but then the reality of deadlines has to put a damper on my bliss.

Today I began with a great spirit in hopes to assign the kids a weeks worth of assignments which I did, but then it was time to cook, chores, bills, bible study which by the way I am behind 3 days and trying to catch up today as it is due tomorrow. Between homeschooling, cleaning, Grad school, exams, assignments, and now a Library research study, I am so overwhelmed. Every week it just gets a bit busier. Just one more thing added to my plate.

I did take a moment to read with JD, study outdoors with him, make the kids crispy treats, and fancy gourmet hot dogs, but look it is now 7 p.m. and I am just now getting started on the me stuff.

I had a set back after testing Krissy for a practice SAT and realizing we needed to work harder. So, I took a moment to analyze each question with her and assigned her some new words to define and comprehend.

Lord, please hear me and know that I need you to somehow grant me strength to home school the kids, finish the deadlines for this week, listen to a friend in need, support one of our youth through a difficult time, study your word, and make a trip to the Library to do my research that is due Thursday and submit my exam tonight as well as complete my Experiential activity, plus the assigned homework for Psychometrics. I know crying doesn’t help but right now tears is all I got coming out and my body is tired and with Dave home only three days, life is so difficult with just me and I really need you.

Amen

so much to do so little time

2009-01-08T11:15:00.002-06:00

The To-Do list:

I need to get my revision in soon for publication. I was hoping to see my article in print next month but might be March. I am so behind.

Move on Friday the 16th

paint the walls

transfer services

change address

school the kids

purchase a new computer

redecorate

class on Tuesday and Thursday at TAMUCC

and the list goes on................

Not feeling so healthy

2009-01-08T11:00:00.002-06:00

So this has been a week all its own. With all the packing for the move into our new home, at the end of the day, I am just flopped over, dead tired. We started homeschooling the kids again from the break on Monday of this week. It took me three long days to plan lessons, get organized for all 3 kids. Wow! Glad I did it.

Also my heart thing is sort of back again. Sort of afraid to tell David, but it started back up a few weeks ago. Back to the same old chest pains, hard to breathe, blood pressure is up. BUT between homeschooling the kids, Grad school, and running our household, at the end of the day I am just so overwhelmed and exhausted that I can't even sleep because the insomnia keeps awake. I'm doing my best to keep myself calm so my blood pressure doesn't get so high. It is probably just the move, the schooling, Grad school, being super woman and a lack of sleep. I pray that this chest pain just stop. It really scares me.

Hello 2009

2009-01-03T11:26:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year to our special friends!

It is just so hard to believe that 2009 is here, and a new year is beginning. We have certainly had a year filled with changes, new experiences, and we feel blessed that God has taught us so much in just one year. What a blessing for us a family, to experience God’s revelations and plans for our life. Throughout 2008 we said good bye to some very dear and special friends, but we also welcomed new and cherished friends into our lives. Those of you who live far from us are still in our hearts, and we just cannot wait to take a trip as a family for a visit.
This year we began homeschooling all three of the kids. -JD first, then Michelle which was a surprise then Krissy an even bigger surprise. Now we are AOCSA: Alpha and Omega Christian Scholars Academy.

Michelle took her PSAT and scored quite well for an 8th grader. She is hoping to finish the 8th grade quickly and move on to the ninth soon. Krissy is also doing extremely well. She received honors Status in, The National Society of High School Scholars. We were excited that they accepted our school as a transfer school for the society.

JD is glad that he does not have to take the TAKS test. His hobbies still include, dinosaurs, astronomy, reptiles, and he especially loves research projects. All in all, we stay very busy homeschooling all 3 kids, and it is indeed a blessing that I can do this for them. No matter how exhausted I am at the end of the day, I feel encouraged that David is home at 5:45 to fix all that needs fixing, me included. He is such an amazing person. He provides so that I can school the kids full time while in Grad school, which by the way is kicking my hiney. None the less I am excited to be one step closer to counseling couples. Recently I wrote a paper and it was chosen for publication. So,--Grad school is going well, hard but it is exciting. I do not know when I will receive Licensing, but I do know that the journey of counseling others is fulfilling for me. To be able to reach out to others when their worlds are so broken is quite an amazing opportunity for me, and I am so blessed that God has called on me to serve this way.

A little about Dave: He is still working a full time job, a part time job on three days out of the week, and he is the Principal of AOCSA. We are so grateful for how hard he works in order to put me through Grad school, and allow me to stay at home and school the kids. He also along with me continues to serve at Real Life Fellowship with the Youth.

In November we received word that the home we had lived in for the past 3 years was being put on the market. We finally found a great, amazing, and beautiful home on Sun valley. The house is so cute, and is just like our old house back in Alice with all the little extras and vintage personality. We get to move into the new home middle of January, that is, if the Realtor gets the carpet put in, and the painting done by then. We LOVE the house so much that we will try it, and if all goes well, we will definitely try and make an offer to buy the home. Keep us in prayer!
Krissy & Michelle are sharing the upstairs because it is so big that they can both share comfortably. Downstairs is 3 bedrooms, one for Dave & I with lots of cuteness, a room for JD, and the 3rd bedroom we will use as the office for homeschooling, computer, etc…

So as you can see it has been a great 2008, but we are so excited about the year 2009. Between home school, grad school, Counseling, serving at the church, a new place to call home, this year has already shown to be a great blessing to our family. We are too excited about moving day and all that this year has to offer us.
On behalf of the Godines family, we wish you all a very blessed and Happy New Year. You can always reach us by many methods as both Dave & I have face books, you can twitter us, email us, message us or look at our family blog.
We love you all! We are excited about the new church in Flour Bluff. It is amazing!!! The Godines family is busy, busy, busy. JD continues Science interests, Michelle History interests and Krissy is busy socializing. All 3 of our kids keep us quite entertained, exhausted, and you should here my slang. They have taught me more slang than I probably need to know. These are my favorite Krissy sayings: “You’re a freak of nature” and "Dude mom, you're not even cool"

My son is teaching me to be more like him

2008-12-31T12:18:00.003-06:00

I had to write and share about how amazing God is. We were driving around in search of a house which thanks to Gods graces we have been blessed with a home, but as we were driving for 2 days our local KLOVE Christian station was down. The girls then put it on a country station, and JD kept saying can we please put it on KLOVE. I explained that KLOVE was off air and I wasn't sure if it had anything to do with with the end of the year drive and maybe Corpus didn't make it, however, he persisted in knowing why it was off. He wanted KLOVE back. Well, yesterday as we were in the car, he says to me, "Mom, can't you pay it, so we can get KLOVE back?" Wow, what a gift JD is to us. I explained that it wasn't just my monthly contribution that they needed, but possibly many people who need to contribute in order to keep our local Christian station on air. This reminded me of every time I get my KLOVE bill and how I saw it as a bill along with all the other bills I receive. I realize that it is not or never will and shall never be considered a bill ever again. for it is our monthly contribution that is an investment in my sons walk with Christ. It mattered to him, so much so that he wanted me to fix it by just"paying it." What a gift in the heart of an 8 year old little boy who has a light for Christ and a love for God so great that he teaches and inspires me to be just like him. God is enormous and he is such a blessing to our family. God bless!!! Thank you KLOVE for touching my sons heart, my heart and my family's life.

My date with the kids

2008-12-15T22:30:00.004-06:00

What fun! The kids and I decided to go out and celebrate my last day of the semester. We went to La Playa for queso and chips and some quesadillas. Everyone in there was quite loud and highly spirited with all sorts of colorful drinks. There was plenty of laughter in the restaurant. There was but only three tables with people and we were the only ones without a fruity drink. We get our laughter from Krissy. Anyhow, Krissy was talking about her dinner date with a family friend and then Michelle shared her phone calls from the day. JD talked about his research and the crafts he was doing. People often think I speak Spanish because I'm Hispanic, but actually truth be told, I don't speak it at all, but I can understand very very little. He spoke to me in Spanish and I really don't know what he asked me. I speak French though. Parles' vouz' francais? So I asked for water and I think he said no. He never came back. Then when it's time to pay, he gives Krissy the bill. Ha, that was funny. The girls noticed something, and that was that the other table had 2 very beautiful girls with three waiters waiting on them and our waiter never came back. HMMM? Michelle says, Krissy do something with your eyes and maybe we will at least get one waiter. LOL. These girls, my girls, our baby girls crack me up! Krissy is hilarious. Then she says "I can imply them mom." Michelle is laughing because what was she trying to say by "imply them" then Krissy says oh I mean "rely them" LOL!!!!! She was trying to say "I can read them mom." Teenagers????? Anyway, we finally got water and straws when our meal was over. Then Krissy is handed the bill. Even more funny. She's 16. She says " mom give me your credit card" She writes the amount but writes 23:48. I think she meant to write $23.48. She signs the receipt and hands the waiter the receipt trying to be cool and gives him back my credit card. uh HELLO????? She just handed him the card again. I finally get my credit card, load up all three kids, all filled with laughter and persist to drive them home when Krissy the 16 year old is fighting in the back seat with JD the 8 year old. Michelle says, "if that is what kids sounds like in the back seat, then I ain't having any." We finally get home, JD falls outside, the girls are still cracking up and I am home and quite entertained from my date with my kids. Thank you God for blessing me with three very genuine kids.

The Love Dare

2008-12-13T10:19:00.003-06:00

Day One. The reading was amazing. Dave and I took turns reading the first two days. We had agreed that the first dare we had done quite well that day and in previous days so we moved on to the reading of day 2. Again we took turns reading the day and today we must complete our dares. My dare to day is to do an act of unexpected kindness for him. I didn't make him breakfast because that would be expected, but I have an idea and I am planning it this morning. He works so I may have to drive it out there. Hmmm? I can't wait till we read day 3 tonight to find out what our day 3 dare is.

What was really awesome, is that Dave and I have never laid in bed together with our old people glasses and read together. Now that is romance! He especially liked the football note in there. I had no idea. ??? I learned something new last night.

Already, we are spending uninterrupted time together, reading together, studying scripture, and the dares are fun. So far so awesome!!!

When the kids walked in our room, we just ignored them and explained we were on a date.

Maybe we will get more formal about our dates like dinner, the readings, but that wouldn't work if we read in public.??? Hmm? I digress

The running fast shoes

2008-12-13T10:09:00.002-06:00

This morning Dave was leaving for work and I saw how he was having to adjust his feet in his tennis shoes. Mind you he bought these 2 weeks ago on a father son outing that just him and JD enjoyed. We decided to split up and have me take the girls for dinner and shopping and he and JD did the hair cut, shopping, dinner thing on their own. It was a nice date for all of us. I normally for the past 19 years buy Dave's clothes, shoes, etc... but while he was out with JD, he found some tennis shoes on clearance and thought wow what a great deal. "I must have them" "Mom would be proud at the price and how much money I saved." Ha. The sneakers I come to find out are size 10. I always buy him size 11 shoes so he can have some wiggle room for the big toe. He is complaining of his toe hurting him and this morning I evaluate the situation and realize his shoes don't fit. This is my 41 year old husband we are speaking of. Soooo, I ask him. didn't you try them on? He says, yeah but they were on sale and I can run fast in them "see". Here comes my Spanish. Ay Ay Ay. Are you kidding me? I will venture out today to buy a new pair of sneakers for him because his very gray sneakers do not fit and he is going to end up with very squashed and sore toes.

I have a date!

2008-12-12T10:11:00.001-06:00

Today we begin our "Love dare" Journey. For 40 days Dave and I have committed to the 40 day journey through the book based on the movie Fireproof. Even if you have a healthy marriage, it is a great gift to your spouse and to each other. Why not join the journey. Pick up your copy today at family Christian Stores. I am excited about our date tonight. Dave & I begin day 1 of 40. We will keep you updated.

I also want to try it out before I suggest it to clients along my Counseling path.

OH, This is not just for couples in trouble, it is, I STRESS; It is great for couples who have great marriages, but can you imagine what it would do for those who are at a great level. Hubba hubba, hubba....

I have a date with my husband tonight! yay!

http://thelovedarebook.com/

just writing

2008-12-10T18:38:00.001-06:00

revising my paper hoping to send it for publishing. Kids went to Youth service and dave went to serve. I am stuck at home writing

The myspace top friends: Whats your number?

2008-12-09T09:57:00.006-06:00

Have we succumbed to nothing but a space on someone’s page? Have we really become numbers in someone’s life---- and is our personal worth nothing but a rating in someone else eyes?

My daughter said to me that she was no longer a ‘top friend’ on one of her friends MySpace pages. This made me think not just for a moment, but for a few days.

Upon reflecting on the notion that she was obviously affected by losing that spot on her friend’s MySpace, it dawned on me that she too, just as so many others had placed ratings amongst each other.

MySpace continues to add to their Psychological well being yet once again.

I suddenly feel inclined to write about this friendship scale. I am appalled that this 'top friends' notion is adding to the esteem of our children.

Because she is home-schooled, we already implement too many structures, and shelter her as much as we can-- but I believe I must also allow her to be a teenager as much as possible. I don't like that my daughter has a MySpace but I allow her to have one under several conditions. That I have the password, that I can see it at anytime and that she use it just for communication with friends far away, and those friends who she hardly gets to see or talk to, and while I am in the room. Had I known it would become another method of yet another way to demean our kids then I would say "absolutely not remove your MySpace account", however I am a firm believer that I must raise her to acknowledge her friends as more than a place on a page, but to respect them for the person they are. My challenge to her is that she removes the ‘top friends’ application because I feel it sends a message that we have joined this method of judging each other.

Have we really become so judgmental of each other that we have started doing God's job? Not even God judges us that way. To God we are always number one!!!!

A few days later, as I found I became more disturbed about the ‘top friend’ application ...that I asked her how she felt about it. She said, “Mom, please........Like really I shouldn't be rated as a friend just by someone's top friends list. Like seriously. That's immature.” Ha! I said to her, but sweetheart........Do you realize you are doing exactly the same thing because you have only 5 friends on your top and one is higher than the other, and you had 72 total on your page to choose from. So my suggestion to her was to remove the rating. I challenged her to think about how God would feel about this. What would God think about rating each other…………

My concern is that kids already have enough pressures just trying to be who they are, and trying to find out where they fit, and where they don't, but to mechanically add to their personal growth just frightens me.

My prayer is that we stop and think about our actions and those actions that we didn’t even know were harmful. These ratings are not Christ like. They are worldly mannerisms of telling each other that 'one' of you is better than the 'other'. Another sad revelation in the lives of teens......

I digress……..

-marie

Home schooling at the homefront

2008-12-08T16:34:00.001-06:00

Need some ideas if anyone has any. I found a really great study I could use as we study Mary. The Bible study takes a look at the Gospels according to Mathew, mark, Luke & Acts but I also found some great activities to concentrate on. The kids are excited about the lesson but I am now in search of a great movie that we can show to go with our Unit study. Any ideas??? Has anyone seen Mary of Nazareth? What do you think about it?

Home schooling this month has so much going on at our home. With Bible studies, lessons, and a shorter month, we are trying to get it all in ---but not sure how we will manage. God first though!!!

We ordered the Menorah for our Hanukkah celebration. Theresa Haigler, Michelle's Life Group leader was very generous and shared it with us. We will use the unit lesson for all 3 of our kids. JD is also looking at the Advent wreath and its meanings.

Michelle will plan the menu for the Hanukkah meals, and Krissy will be in charge of the readings. JD will teach us what he learned about the Advent wreath.

We decided to add some celebrations to our home school curriculum this month as it is a blessing to learn as a family but also to bond and make wonderful memories as we begin the season.

We are running a little late on the advent but JD will catch us up tonight. I am excited to be their teacher and their mother.

Thank You God for blessing me.

The joys of parenting

2008-12-06T21:05:00.002-06:00

so you know that thing where the mom feels what the daughter feels, well it's pretty much true. When the kids hurt, the parents hurt. I used to think it was just me but recently I see that daddy's get all mushy too. I think its genuine when daddy's get all worked up about their kids.

It should be that we care enough to cry with them.

Sure life stinks sometimes but it is never the end of the world and there is always something better up ahead.

As long as you have faith and believe in forgiveness, there is hope, but when you are so closed to being anything but loving and forgiving then it is a very sad day indeed.

I pray that all those we know find it in their hearts this Christmas to look at their lives and realize how much of it---- is their mess ----and how much of it is yours.

If you truly believe you are perfect and thus have no compassion to remove the walls, then it will be very difficult to move forward in love--- and to love anyone.

You have to see that we are not perfect and that we have flaws and God loves you no matter what. But when there is pride and only pride, then how can you love???

So let go of that pride. It only makes it worse.

As days go by, It is final

2008-12-05T11:58:00.005-06:00

so this thing that my family has gone through is finally getting past the hard feelings and the hurt. As the days go by, feelings lessen and acceptance prevails. To make a long story short, I think Dave & I finally decided together that moving on and moving forward is best for our kids. Especially for Krissy. So we do what we can, we move on, and we encourage our children to not be sad about what has happened but rather to rejoice because God is always in control. The grand opening is this Sunday at our church and we will be there.

Soooo I woke up happier than I have ever been. Semester is coming to a close, my article is being published. received my envelope today. JD got a new wardrobe. Me and the kids went shopping. Christmas is almost here and we are looking for a car for Krissy.

I can't believe she will be driving soon, so we are in search of an SUV (small SUV) for her.

Filled out the stuff as we are looking at buying a new house. Who buys a house in December? I know. I may put it off till mid year though. BUT we are definitely buying a bigger home.

This part of our life is done. This has been a wonderful year but we are definitely spending more time on us as a family. We will continue to minister as God calls us and we will help on Sunday mornings in the youth area, Dave possibly may continue Wed. nights with Youth. My schedule is changing and so I will not be available on Wed.s any longer. I also need to balance my load. I will start helping at a shelter. I cannot share where I am working but I am ready to expand my ministry.

I am looking forward to seeing the kids at RLF on Sunday mornings. As the need arises, I will help where they need me. My daughter Michelle said to me: " Mom, who cares" (this is my back bone child)" I want you with me at youth" Thinking about that and not giving her an answer, I say now " I care" and God cares. So that is all that matters.

God has been great-- and as we have learned lessons----- we will grow through them.

It is final that we are moving forward as a family!!

-marie

tiny little tasks

2008-12-03T10:54:00.003-06:00

I have but one day left to finish the 10 page content paper, fine tune my project, study for the 100 question final tomorrow, make cookies for the presentation, prepare to speak and teach, kids going for a visit to Grandma's, soooo much to do, so little time.

The Christmas Star

2008-12-02T20:13:00.003-06:00

Finally got the star on the tree. Dave almost dropped JD. He's not little bitty anymore.

Kids leave tomorrow to Grandmas for a few days while I finish up the semester. They will be back home on Friday so we can actually begin the holiday as a family.

I have a paper to finish writing. project is complete. Making cookies for m colleagues for Thursday. Final exam on Thursday. presentation. No clue how I am getting it all done but I have no choice but to get it all done!!!!!

Christmas decorating

2008-12-01T13:52:00.004-06:00

Kids are decorating for Christmas today as they are on a break from home school. Not so much a break but a time for unity and bonding. I am stuck in the middle of finals and papers, projects. I would give anything for a nap. But, got my Christian music going, words will come eventually and the paper will write itself. I can't take pictures cuz kids say they are not descent but I managed to get at least two. Have I mentioned how much I love my kids? I do!!!!!! They are pretty amazing! Even when they do things that we know are wrong, we still love them and brag about how amazing they are. God is good!!! God is great!!! All the time God is good!

Home school resumes this Friday!!!

My desk is intimidating me. I want my life back. I love being a counselor but I really would like a nap.

Reassured

2008-12-01T12:54:00.003-06:00

of Gods love for us. I can't explain but I do know that forgiveness is big enough. Sometimes I just don't understand how big God is. Today even though we are angry, I must find a way to bring my family together to come to terms with what Christ has laid before us. What is certain is that we will not run away. I will teach my children as a very awesome Pastor said to me, and to take this as a teaching lesson to move forward in his glory. We will however take a few weeks to focus on just being a family and less of the drama.

Still in prayer

Just

2008-11-29T20:20:00.002-06:00

Tired, sleepy, exhausted, papers, projects, focus, kids are laughing, I'm writing, I wish I was out there, JD wants me to decorate the tree, December 4th cannot come soon enough, miss David, house hunting.....

Why can't I just be done with the semester?

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

2008-11-29T19:39:00.000-06:00

This week the trend

2008-11-29T18:59:00.005-06:00

Best part of our week was Pete & Sherry Brooks. If you don't know them, they are awesome!!!!! Pete loved on our family and he brought Christ into our home. Christ was already there sort of by knowledge, but one 'Good Friday', Pete brought it home for us, and ever since then, we are on fire. God is the best part of our days everyday!!!

Wow, what a week. We had all sorts of changes, transitions, awakenings, revivals, growth, forgiveness, school chaos, home school over load, counseling, ........... Life definitely happens at our home regularly. But what a blessing to have friends visit, days filled with fellowship, and surprises.

So, I have this paper to write, a project I have not started, counseling techniques to master which I stink at by the way, a final exam that is kicking my ankles, a house filled with Christmas decorations, containers, and no time to get to the grocery store.

We had several kids as we normally have kids in the house on a daily basis. We wouldn't be happy if we didn't have kids visit daily. Luckily my girls cook for them. The best part was Pete & Sherry dropping by. Dude! That was awesome!!!!

Kids made me breakfast today as I was working on my final exam and Michael and his friend Stephen brought joy to our home as they joined in on the tree decorating which has now given me the best idea ever. I'm all about traditions, and with the kids friends coming by to decorate, well I have decided to start a new tradition.

Continue our Grizwald tree shopping but then decorate it throughout the week and as guests come by to let everyone participate in the decorating till it is all done.

The house is still a mess, I am still writing my paper, and although I am stuck in the middle of this Grad school nightmare, I am feeling blessed because God has turned my week around and life at the Godines home is back on track. God is good! God is great! all the time, all the time he is good!!!!!

Back to paper writing. : ( Kids just left to McDonalds for burgers. Do they ever get tired?

Letting go

2008-11-28T23:13:00.000-06:00

Letting go finally and moving forward. What a relief to finally move on. I think.
So we hit a bump in the road, but we have to just move forward like David says. If only I shared his back bone. Sometimes it can come in handy.

I am confident that God will heal and that God will provide comfort.
I don't care for the mean tactics but what do you do?
I have never been one to fight back.
I don't like favoritism.
Pride is such a waste.
I also don't like rock throwing.
I don't agree with having "eyes and ears" because
that should be left to God and God alone.

I guess I am relieved. maybe in time...........

Another day as mom

2008-11-26T13:24:00.003-06:00

So we woke up, had breakfast, cleaned the house, but still trying to help Krissy through a tough day. Maybe we will go shopping today. What 16 year old wouldn't enjoy a day of shopping for new clothes. I was saving money but I think this would be a great day for uplifting shopping with my daughter. I am thankful that many have come and loved on her the way they have.

When a daughter has a broken heart it's as real as it gets for them. So you try and cushion the pain and keep her busy. Dave my husband has a bad attitude as a daddy does and in his colorful language uplifts her in his way but I choose to seek God out and the mall. What a crazy messed up family we are. I guess we are as real as you get. While my philosophy is quite different then Dave's and as much as I disagree with his mannerism to the situation, I choose to encourage her to love bigger!!!!

Being the bigger person isn't always easy but it is what God wants us to do. So we ask for prayer that healing will prevail. In the mean time as a mom, and as I truly think all moms should care enough to encourage their children to forgive, to love and reach out in peace.

If we can't teach our young how to be Christ-like, then why did he entrust them to us?

I have learned something very important about parenting. Let the kids fight it out but always encourage forgiveness and teach them to be loving.

My mistake is preventing them from the fight. Hmm, that's a toughy..... Sort of like you can do no wrong but you are always wrong. It's crazy.

Another day in the life of mom. God bless

God untangles my messes

2008-11-25T16:31:00.005-06:00

....and I can create some pretty big messes. Thank you God for always loving me.

--Coming close to ending a chapter, a year in my life, but certainly starting a new chapter. Things I have learned, while some are hard lessons, and some are of love and friendship…..I certainly have learned to appreciate my own family. We spent many days opening our home to so many, and learned that some came with sincere and genuine love, and others came with not quite a friendly heart. We have certainly seen people come and go, and lives have changed, and friendships have been broken, some reborn, some more distant. Part of being in this ministry, and probably the hardest for me, was to watch as kid’s lives transformed, some good some bad.

Lessons learned that hit close to heart, my family’s heart, were those of friends to our children who left, came back and the friendships that were strongest survived through Gods will. What a gift!!! God is truly powerful.

Recently our family, as a result of our leadership, went through even more change. It is often difficult to be a parent and a leader all at the same time. Wow, have I learned some hard lessons. But I am pleased with the outcome that God has chosen for me.

I have certainly learned all about forgiveness. Wow have I learned my fair share of forgiveness this year. I think it has made me stronger and allowed me to love some very special people. Even if for just a while they were a part of my life, I am so blessed to have shared some amazing friendships. While I shed many tears because I didn’t agree with outcomes God has chosen, I smile today because I am comforted by his grace that it is all a part of his plan for me.

My focus is solely on my kids and as we close the year, we look forward to new beginnings because God is all about forgiveness. I am taking the lessons learned, and creating new and wiser relationships with those we encounter. As my wise husband said in his very colorful language, …………“I guess I can’t exactly share what he said…..”

I am married to an amazing man who is truly my best friend. He has inspired me to trust again, but carefully and wiser. Not so easy to trust even a little, after the year I have had.

Awesome thing is, that I had some amazing friends in Christ, who were there to help me pick up the pieces, even when it was my fault. I thank them for still loving me even when I had a big stupid mouth. It’s a cyclical process of friendship and while some stay in your circle, some do bounce away and take their own paths. It doesn’t matter if your 13 or 39. We all go through similar changes just at different levels. I am grateful for God’s love because in the end he is who I should have pleased. Why don’t we just get that?? Could it be I’m human?

I am trusting God to reveal his plan for me and to create in me a heart, to move forward and accept the change and grow from it.

So with that said, I am just wife, mom, home school teacher, Counselor in progress, Grad student, and a child of God. I continue to minister using all those gifts!!!

God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving!

Marie Godines

A special day

2008-11-24T09:29:00.003-06:00

Tonight David & I celebrated our family Thanksgiving a little early but since we will be gone this week, we decided to give thanks today. We had a great day filled with youth, the melson's and Leona. What an amazing evening with all the noise, --luckily nothing got broken, a few bruised kids, a torn pair of jeans and the turkey was moist and didn't burn.

We ended up having plenty of food for the whole week. We shared Thanksgiving with our church family teens. Dave shared a special prayer of thanks, friendship and forgiveness and spoke to our youth as he expressed his love for them. We all took turns sharing a special prayer and we held hands. We had a big circle. That was awesome!!!

On the menu was turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, (Chelsey made the best potatoes ever!), corn, rolls, gravy ( first time I ever made gravy), dressing, cornbread casserole, mac & cheese, tons of pies, cookies, desserts, desserts and oh my gosh, Richard brought a gourmet pecan pie to die for. Sooooo delish!!!! Jenny was an angel and she just made my day with all her hugs, her smile and laughter. Katie & Brittnie made the day special. Katie & Jennie rocked the Twister game. Chelsey & Becca made Krissy smile. The younger siblings were great competitors at Twister. The boys shared their underwear and Connor & I made a mess in the kitchen. So we couldn't find the pot holder but socks was the next best thing. Ran out of forks, so we used spoons. Apparently i didn't know the turkey thaws for 4 days. I bought the turkey yesterday. he actually turned out ok. Richard......I just adore Richard!!! Phillip was Phillip and we love him. Grant hugged Krissy and made her smile. Chris, well, Chris was on my roof. I think he even ate up there. Jon Hadden was a dear and I just wuv him. We really enjoyed the kids. They made our day extra special!!!!! Luckily we only sent home one accident to report to a mom. Whooo.

We really had a great Thanksgiving at the Godines home with the high school youth.

I am grateful for the food everyone shared, for how they all came together to share Thanksgiving with our family. Today was about sharing a love and friendship and I am grateful for those who came together to make this a special day. Fellowship is what brings friends and families together and today our church family joined us for a blessed celebration of our friendship, and leadership.

On behalf of Dave & I , we thank you for today. WE missed many kids so we keep them in prayer. We remember Anna who we said good bye to last week.

We will throw our Christmas party in December so hoping all can come back for a nice Christmas gathering.

2008-11-21T14:27:00.004-06:00

Today the kids decided to do their schooling outside.
We got a really nice cold front in.

Who is Susie in your life?

2008-11-19T22:04:00.000-06:00

WET PANTS

Come with me to a third grade classroom..... There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.

The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.'

He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered.

As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.

The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, 'Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!'

Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful. But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie.

She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz!'

Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, 'You did that on purpose, didn't you?' Susie whispers back, 'I wet my pants once too.'

May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good..

Remember.....Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

Each and everyone one of us is going through tough times right now, but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith.

Author: unknown (was sent by email to me)

Grad school

2008-11-18T23:25:00.001-06:00

is kicking my gludius maximus.

AOCSA

2008-11-18T16:10:00.001-06:00

Lord Do I walk through the valley....

2008-11-16T20:06:00.001-06:00

In memory of Anna

Today we have lost a very special young lady Lord. Anna has gone home to you. I will always remember Anna and her smile and her excitement about loving you. Part of being a Youth leader is becoming a friend to these amazing kids and I cannot thank you Lord enough for giving me the opportunity to have this short time with her. She loved you and worshiped beautifully for you. I can still see her at the front at Youth with her eyes up towards you as she sang as an angel would. She was so excited about her new baby sibling on the way. What a blessing to all of us as she was always ready to serve. Anna touched my heart and I will miss her.

This song: "How He Loves" was one of her favorite worship songs. At camp, this song touched us all and it stayed in our hearts and reminded us that God loves each one of us. Anna stood up front of that stage everytime this sang was played and she just lifted her heart and soul to Christ as she expressed her love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Anna,

You will forever be missed. I know that you are in heaven. I rejoice because I know you are with my father, our father.

We love you!

-marie

Leaders not friends

2008-11-15T14:41:00.001-06:00

Serving: Is it a title, are we servants, are we friends or are we just leaders with titles………..?

Serving is a ministry that brings titles, but it is also a ministry that comes from the heart. If it doesn’t come from within our God gifted heart than why even serve? God says to be a light to others and it reminds me that as a light, we must love everyone and love genuinely for we just don’t know the lives around us. As I look to finding my rationale, I am reminded that serving must come from within my heart, and only from my heart can I truly be a great leader. In the bible it says "Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within. Proverbs 20:5 The Message

Boundaries: why must we have so many boundaries when kids already have so many of them? I am not speaking of crossing boundaries but I am saying just love, love all, love unconditionally, love with empathy, with genuineness and with a great respect for all those around us. As a counselor those are my core conditions. I will love you all with a complete compassion and friendship and if I fail, then I will make amends and seek guidance from my Lord on days that I have heard stories of abuse, of torment, of trauma, of death, of hatred, of fear, of being alone, of being homeless, of making mistakes, of being me, of being them……….. Why can’t we be friends? Who says that you cannot be a friend to a child, to a teen, to a homeless, to an elderly, to a stranger, to our own children…?

Love your children. People in my life teach me things about boundaries, about being a leader, but when I seek to be closest with my father, my God, I am reminded that in serving him, I must be me, the ‘me’ that loves with no strings attached. When I have boundaries, I find that my 'well' becomes blocked and I cannot get the abundance of water flow that needs to just transcend.

So my answer for leaders is to yes, have boundaries, but only the ones that are ethical. Should we be friends? Absolutely!!! Should we lead them to Christ? I knew this amazing man who was a friend first and then he led my family to Christ. Be friends! Love genuinely, have empathy, cry with others, be a light, love big, share stories, listen and let go of boundaries and just lead and love unconditionally! Leaders who are friends inspire, motivate and set examples that we will keep in our hearts forever. I am forever grateful for my friend and his love for my family. -----------Be a friend. It is then that we can lead them to Christ.

Just my thought for the day…………

Life is a highway by Michelle Godines

2008-11-14T16:24:00.001-06:00

Life is a Highway

Lord, I find myself taking all the wrong exits on this highway called life.
Why are there so many loops and bridges?
I’m scared to miss the exits you desire for me to take.
So I give you the wheel.

I call shot gun. -Right beside you God.
But I find this seat hard and uncomfortable.
And so I jump to the backseat. Where I can see you at work in my life
-but I’m only watching….not doing anything about it.
I’m a horrible back seat driver, always trying to call the shots.
Acting like I know all about the road.
Fearful and lost in pride.

Then you hush me.
You leave me in awe.
I was lost I the hustle and bustle.
But now, all I see is you.

Sometimes this seems like a cycle.
Jump in the passenger seat then I’m back in the back seat.
Lord, help me to break this cycle.
My ignorance is shameful.
This is my prayer oh Lord!

I love you. Thank You!
Love Michelle

Written by: michelle Godines Age: 14

attack of today

2008-11-14T13:51:00.002-06:00

so I had the kids have fun with their lessons today but why do my lessons keep piling up, and why does my stack continue to grow? I have my coffe, but by the time I solve an Algebra question from this morning for Krissy, JD has added Health & Mihelle is wondering when I'm making lunch. Not done solving Algebra crisis and Sissy is back in my cubby in need of English help. About to add another task. I love my life!!! I really do. I feel happy and blessed and loved. Michelle is making tostado bakes for us all.

The most amazing article

2008-11-14T11:54:00.002-06:00

I have read in weeks!!!!!

I must share with all my homeschool friends.

http://principleddiscovery.com/2008/11/14/a-homeschoolers-guide-to-unhappiness-2/

The messy little corner

2008-11-14T10:55:00.002-06:00

Analyzing this space of theirs............

What is with those chips? Those are a no no.

JD's tray is still filled. Hmmm???

I made homemade tacos. yummo.

Krissy & Michelle will kill me when
they find out I have posted this picture.

Chocolate milk is bad for you even though you
put it in skim milk.

BUT

This is our homeschool and we love it!!!!

AOCSA ( Alpha & Omega Christian Scholars Academy)

I'm dating God

2008-11-14T09:41:00.005-06:00

I just had to share with you a story about Krissy being asked out by a guy this week. Krissy is 16 in the 11th grade and she received a call from a friend of hers who said he liked her and how she felt about that. She said aww that is sweet but

I am dating God right now.

Tears just poured out of my eyes.

I am a proud mommy!!!! This is our Sissy. She is a beautiful girl inside and out.

MY week in a pecan shell

2008-11-14T09:34:00.001-06:00

What a week. I feel like I have all these thoughts I have missed releasing. This was by far one of my most trying weeks. With mid terms last week, papers, and the paper I stayed up till 5 a.m. completing just yesterday, then the quiz …I just felt so exhausted. I was completely worn out and crying just made it worse. Thank goodness for my husband who pulls me together on days that I literally crater. Then there is homeschooling the children.

I was just so set aside for 2 days with paper writing and mid term studies that for 2 days they were so self disciplined. It was impressive, and it just touched my heart how they continue to move in the direction we have already started. I love my kids. I am so proud of them.

We have been busy also working on: The scarlet letter (Krissy), To Kill a Mockingbird (Michelle) and now we are beginning a Newberry Award winner title selection for JD.

Then we are also working on vertebrates and I thought it would be fun for JD to choose one -- his choice and build a diorama of its natural habitat.

I also have a paper to write this weekend, a paper to revise as it qualified for submission to be published in a Counseling Journal. So exciting!!! I hope they publish my work. Then I have a family presentation to create. Once the semester is over, I can concentrate solely on just the kid’s classes and writing my book. Plus we still need to get our online book store finished and in business.

I was hoping to have The Lilly Pad Books up by today but not happening.

So much to do, but I always find comfort and hope because I am not alone. God truly carries me. If you don’t know him, you just have to trust me and trust in him. He is literally my rock.

If only you knew how difficult and stressful days are with home school, finances, tuition, Grad school, and I live through all these day to day life events and smile even when I am like a rag doll plopped over a chair that has suddenly become the closest thing in my life. God is there always!!!!! He blesses me with learning experiences, new friends………………God just continues to bless me.

I have so many thoughts.

But I will stop here.

Theirs is my strength

2008-11-13T04:26:00.000-06:00

'Theirs' is my motivation and my strength
Today it is not my time but it is theirs.

For I was called to be something more than I thought possible.

My eyes are tired, my body weak. Shoulders in pain,

neck burried under rocks

-but if I don't work at these hours

then I can't be a teacher in the afternoon,

So I pray that God give me strength to be a leader, a friend,

a wife, a mother, a teacher and a student.

I know that I am not alone

but today has taken its toll on me and

I do feel certain that I may not get all my tasks completed by 6 a.m.

All-nighters for me are so difficult lately.

Time is so limited for my own tasks, but I promise to

always have time for them.

so, I work late, I work early and I work around 'theirs' so as to

not take away from theirs.

be blessed!

Michelle's Theory of Texting

2008-11-12T18:40:00.002-06:00

Parents are always complaining about their kids always being on the phone and a more recent complaint is the fact and invention of text. My theory on this texting fad is, it is somewhat easier at times and less time consuming. I sometimes find myself on a phone for 2 hours at a time, but while texting I can have a conversation all day and still go on with all my regular activities. I think talking on the phone is sometimes more logical in certain situations. In other situations when you just want to have random conversation it’s easier to text. I personally think texting is fine. If you have unlimited text, then you might as well use it. The only thing in objection I have toward text is the following: (1) you should not text during dinner or family meals. (2) No texting at church (3) no texting if you are out or doing something with you family etc...

Maybe parents don’t really understand the whole ‘text’ thing, but if they can remember when all they really wanted to do was talk on the phone with there friends, well it’s the same with us teenagers today. -- Just minutes cost and texting is easier.

A note from the parent: I am posting Michelle's theory and hope to get some comments about her theoretical concept.

Happy Birthday Dave

2008-11-12T14:22:00.001-06:00

God said that when two or three are gathered in his name that he is their in the midst of it all. God has truly been there with us, as we share a relationship that was built with a union of two people who share a love for God but also share a love for each other.

It is through that love that our children are loved.

I could not have asked for a better partner to share my life with, and raise our three smart, witty and beautiful children.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that we may have life. Our life is truly a gift from God and I am honored to share that life with you.

The road is sometimes hard, and often stressful. Our lives may endure setbacks, and then there are days that seem overwhelming. Even when we get off track, I always go back to this scripture because it is the scripture where it all began the day we got married.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Corinthians 13: 4-7

----And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love. Corinthians 13:13

I am forever grateful to you for supporting us, for leading our family to God and for holding me together on days I am completely broken, and days that I feel I am spilling over with tasks, to-do lists, Grad school papers and projects, and homeschooling the kids.

You work two jobs (20 hours-our inside joke) just to make all this happen and we are so grateful!

I close with a final note as I know you love reading Psalms.

A psalm of David. Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Happy Birthday! All my love Marie

everything I once held dear

2008-11-11T18:05:00.002-06:00

is quickly taking a new path and I am barely holding on.

Looks like after the degree plan meeting with my Grad school advisor, I must bundle up 4 classes at a time. I start counseling next year and need lots of practice before I can begin helping others.

What does this mean?

It means no Wed. night Youth for me.

It means more on my plate, one more course and I was barely functioning with 3 classes + homeschooling.

My life is just making so many changes................ I just don't know anymore.

Homeschool lessons

2008-11-11T11:42:00.000-06:00

Homeschooling today

2008-11-11T11:38:00.000-06:00

--Another day at home with the kids. Today we are taking care of quizzes, Krissy is working on her literature, Michelle on Health and JD is working on his geography skills. I am researching and trying to find an activity for The Scarlet Letter and To Kill a Mockingbird. I am slightly overwhelmed with researching, writing a paper that is due in 2 days for myself. This home of 4 educators and a dad is leaving me a bit in need of a foot rub, shoulder rub, and possibly a new chair for my desk.

Other than all the work we have ahead of us today, it is a beautiful day in homeschooling. We have our Christian,80s, 70s, some classical music going on our playlist.

Be blessed

-marie

Still processing

2008-11-11T11:17:00.001-06:00

After being moved to tears tonight, hidden tears that is. I realized that I must continue working on my growth as a person so that I can be a servant to families, to teens, to children, to couples………….. I have decided to enroll in my Wed. class even though I have Youth. I will just rush from class to Youth group and make it 30 minutes late but I will be able to stay with them for the lesson, the afterwards………… I was nervous about doing this, but as I am working on finding me and my rationale, I think it is important to let God work on me as much as he can. He is not done with me yet and I am just so excited about how he is moving in me. He is creating a stir in me. I am making some really awesome friends on campus. It is good. My life is processing as we speak.

My weekend

2008-11-10T16:08:00.003-06:00

After some time away from my church for reasons that i would like to keep to myself, I finally decided to go back and just get back in there. Dave and I really love working with Youth but it did seem that for a moment things just seemed to dismantle from the structure in which I had acomforted myself in. What to do when life takes a turn???? I have always been one to move, run away, and sometimes, okay so once and to never look back.

I should be proud of myself in that I am not running away and rather sticking it out because I know that God is an amazing greater picture to the whole small upset I took a stroll through.

So on my greater note, I have to say I was so happy to go our new church. What an awesome time for new beginnings. I needed one. I ran into people, it was awkward, I lived. What I learned was the most amazing thing though!!!! I learned to love bigger, I learned to smile still, to hug even though and to just be me. Will this comfort me through awkward times......? maybe not.
What I do know is that I am not alone.

Funny how stories only get deciphered through one's own perspective or perception for that matter. My consolation and comfort is in Christ and he alone will be my bestest friend.

In the meantime, I am making new friends. I ask that God not make me so cautious so that I might miss a wonderful friend opportunity.

be blessed! -marie

acomforted= my way of saying "in my comfy place"

Making out: The mom and dad

2008-10-31T00:26:00.002-05:00

Making out: The mom and dad

Another sleepless night as I finally have no reason to stay up, other than my head has a new idea for my work. A chapter I would like to ponder is that of public affection, and of affection made well known within the home. No I am talking about making out in front of the kids but rather just being openly in love to where the kids pass by the kitchen and tell mom and dad, "get a room" Oh wait that's my story.

I had to write my new idea for the next chapter or I will forget by morning.

P.S. Some of my work is posted on here so please –DON'T TRY AND PLAGIARIZE! For I will hunt you down………---- and I will huff and I will huff and I will blow your house down………. JK (that means just kidding).

The Story of Us

2008-10-30T10:30:00.005-05:00

Running head: THEORETICAL MOVIE REVIEW

A Theoretical Movie Review of The Story of Us:

A Marriage Derailed From a Cognitive Behavioral Perspective

Ann Marie Godines

Texas A & M University Corpus Christi

A Theoretical Movie Review of The Story of Us: A Marriage Derailed From a
Cognitive Behavioral Perspective

Marital bliss is that feeling we get, when everything is going according to plan, but when it crashes with our reality, days are suddenly unbearable, and that blissful feeling you shared is unexpectedly, far from our reach. Rob Reiner's (1999) The Story of Us is a story of love, a story of forgiveness, and a story of a family, caught up in the whirlwind of the day to day hustle where families try to coexist. The movie presents how two people can easily find themselves caught up in a days worth of circumstances, trying to cope with matters at hand, yet lashing out at the ones you love most. Life happens to the best of us, it happens to most of us actually. For Ben (Bruce Willis) and Katie (Michelle Pfeiffer) Jordan, their disconnected ideas of marriage clashed after 15 years, as they found they were no longer on the same page. Couples would stay in this blissful place, if only both spouses spoke the same tone, stayed on the same page, and never got off track. Unfortunately, life is just not that perfect, and families go through hardships and they do struggle. This movie shows you the "highs" and the "lows" (Nelson & Zweibel, 1999) literally of two people with two kids all of a sudden questioning the strength of their marriage.

The movie begins with Ben and Katie Jordan who discover they are at complete odds with their marriage after 15 years. Katie thinks Ben should be more accountable, and Ben thinks Katie should be less controlling. Their characters are that of two individuals trying to find their balance in a much hustled life. You have the father who is a writer, who often forgets to do simple household tasks, and the mom who is a crossword puzzle designer and writer, who takes the role of structuring the family, including Ben. Then there are their two kids, Erin and Josh. Erin (Colleen Rennison) is the daughter who senses the tension between her parents and is literally joining her parent's hands together, a sign that she needs to reassure her, that her parents still love each other. Then there is Josh (Jake Sandvig) who is similar to his dad, but does not let up to feeling the tension between his parents. As the storyline unfolds, you also have the friends who have a crude sense of humor about their own marriages. The discussions arise about how much is considered fair play, and how a simple little amendment to the marital rules could lessen the marital stressors, as well as topics of adultery and just where exactly is that fine line? The movie showed what it is like for a married couple if and when, idealistic views are not met.

Katie refers to her marriage as that of Crockett Johnson's Harold in Harold and the purple crayon (1983). Harold draws his life, his adventures and when an obstacle arises, he simply draws himself out of that situation. How nice it would be, if only life was like that. For Katie she truly thought that she could paint her ideal marriage and that Ben would draw his world exactly as hers. She chose that book, because for her it was "everything she wasn't" (Nelson & Zweibel, 1999). Katie Jordan saw her marriage as that of having a purple crayon in her hand and drawing a marriage as seen from her eyes. Problem was that she did not allow for any blunders, and if they existed or surfaced, then it became an issue for both of them. Ben on the other hand, was the spontaneous, carefree, not good at planning, constantly joking, as he was the type of husband who mostly turned everything into a funny. Problem there, was that in Katie's eyes, he was childlike, in many areas not responsible enough to put wiper fluid in the car, forgetful of the 'honey-do's' which always seemed to annoy Katie. It was coming home from a romantic vacation only to find months worth of newspapers on the lawn because he simply forgot to take care of that request. The disciplining of the kids also became an issue. Feelings began to erupt into jealousy, resentment, anger, frustration, and stress when things just did not move in the structured way that Katie had anticipated. Control was another issue that affected their marriage. Ben assumed that Katie would take care of things. This story of real life, of real pain, of real love was very well represented of the many lives that do go through these real life situations. The arguments that finally led to their departing to mutual corners, while awaiting some sort of reconciliation, was that of Katie feeling she was doing more than the other, and Ben thinking things had just been blown out of proportion. The movie illustrated how thoughts can be individually perceived and expected to fulfill that perception, only to find that two people do not always think alike. Even in love, we tend to be head strong about our schema and fight about who is right and who is wrong. It is the attitude we have that deciphers our words, that later turn into resentment and hurt.

The movie briefly touched on Katie's mother who was controlling, and structured with high standards. Ben sees Katie trying to be like her mom thus arguments ensue. The message presented is not unlikely of what a married couple goes through. There is lighthearted humor, romance, emotional outbursts, and the movie definitely emulates married life. Ironically when Ben has taken the role of himself and not Katie's Ben, he immediately gains his own sense of identity, strength and suddenly feeling accountable looking at himself through her eyes. Katie sees that Ben can manage without her, which sparks an awakening that she is no longer in control and it emotionally devastates her. The arguments suddenly become grief and fear that she may longer have her best friend, and her husband of 15 years. Theirs is a story of affection, of real life disappointments, of being married and suddenly there are kids and then the realization that their kids are suddenly dependent on them. It is a story of encouragement to families who fall in love, who get frustrated with each other, get annoyed when stress settles in, and become dismayed when things don't go according to plan.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy uses several approaches that pay close attention to the "attitudes, thoughts, and expectations," (Peterson and Nisemholz, 1999) because it is our own mental emotional processes that often decide our words. Cognitive Therapy looks at the thoughts behind the outbursts, the behaviors erupted based on emotion. It also looks at the hopes carried by individuals when their view is unrealistic. This can lead to unmet expectations, thus leaving a person unhappy, and with a feeling of being let down. Cognitive Behavioral Theory addresses the issue of marital conflict and communication as shown in the movie directed by Rob Reiner (1999). Neither Ben nor Katie stopped for a moment to see the marriage through each others eyes, until it was almost too late. When things did not get done as demanded, then it was the insults that soon came. When personal thoughts decided the arguments, then the behaviors of slamming doors, of sleeping apart, of hurting each other emotionally, soon followed. Cognitive Therapy takes the stressors and individually deals with those to find a reframed thinking of the instant thoughts that immediately come to mind. Donald Meichenbaum's Theory of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (as quoted in D' Andrea et al., 2006), speaks to the issues that were evident in the movie. It is the way we think and feel that lead us to our consequences says Meichenbaum. For Katie, she saw herself drawing her own personal schema, and that just would not allow for error. Ben saw her as becoming her mother, rather than just seeing Katie as the woman he fell in love with. When they eventually changed the way they thought as individuals, they were then able to interpret their reality so that they were on the same page.

If only two people could share this amazing love for each other, that would sustain any and all possible setbacks that surface throughout the years as a couple, then married life would certainly become more bearable. That is what many couples strive for when they are reflecting on their marriage. I absolutely enjoyed and was deeply moved by this movie. It depicts real life, real love stories that are relentlessly evident in our society. In the movie, Ben commented how he thought marriage was forever, truly suggestive of the vows 'till death do us part'. There was a strong emotional connection on my behalf during and after watching this movie. It spoke to me so much that I was in complete tears with the closing moments. It is a story that can speak easily to many marriages, mine included. Married 19 years to date, however I recall those issues of chaos, of working full time, of being a mother, structuring the day by day lives of three children, of balancing a budget, of making sure the repairs got done, and griping when things did not match up with my personal plan. It is easy to assume the world revolves around us. The turning point for our marriage was learning to change the way we thought about tasks, and the talents we each brought to the marriage. The movie touched on how Katie's strengths did not necessarily mean Ben's faults or lacking there of. Katie and Ben did not spend much time managing their stress levels, but rather blaming each other for the stress they were enduring. Learning to manage stress (D' Andrea et al., 2006) rather than avoiding it is also a strategy of Cognitive Therapy. Changing one's cognitions helps to change behaviors such as the immediate behavior response that is emitted from the emotional thoughts felt momentarily about issues at hand. CBT Theory targets the mindset behind the consequences.

This movie speaks to families all over, the hardships that families go through as the love for one another, becomes something easily forgotten. The feeling of being in love, of allowing ourselves to think it is not always about us, and that we can see ourselves through their eyes. When we are open to a reframed thinking, then we are open to the marriage. That is what this movie is about. It is so easy to get derailed when we simply allow ourselves to leave things as is, in hopes that the yelling will eventually stop. It is about cognition, about the emotions behind the spoken words, about coping with stress so that the marriage is more communicable. Marital bliss can exist and couples can indeed coexist, for it is our perceptions that can lead us closer -or farther apart.

References

D' Andrea, M., Ivey, A.E., Ivey, M.B., Simek-Morgan, L. (2006). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: A multicultural perspective. (6^th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

Johnson, C. (1983). Harold and the purple crayon. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

Nisenholz, B., Peterson, J.V. (1999). Orientation to counseling. (4^th ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Zweibel, A. (Producer), Nelson, J. (Producer), & Reiner, R. (Director). (1999). The Story of Us [Motion picture]. United States: Culver Studios.

Marriage

2008-10-29T20:57:00.002-05:00

Is what you create. It is a moment that has been gifted to you to share yourself with another person. To share ‘the you’ that God has created and enhance ‘the you’ that you could be. Marriage is love, it is intimacy, it is gleaming with light, it is that a walk in the park, a drive with the rooftop down, cozy cold winters, quiet moments, and it is truly a special relationship. Cherish it! Live it! Be a part of it!

Too often we live in it but we fail to live it. When I say live it, I mean really share that life with your spouse. It is the most beautiful thing that God has given us. -and smile. smile lots.........be in love. Totally be in love!

Harold and his purple crayon is

2008-10-28T12:24:00.003-05:00

a lot like me, or shall I say I am like him. I have this idea of this world according to me because it's a world I dream of.

If I was to draw my world it would like this:

With my purple crayon in hand I draw green grass, rainy days, dark and cool evenings, God, me with a cup of warm green tea, hot cocoa (the homemade one that i make), highlights in my hair (i miss the salon), pedicures, God, my blankie, foot rubs, true friends, not the plastic kind, porcelain houses (Dept 56), vintage purses, vintage everything, antique furniture, a new carpet, everyday a Sunday, happy children, laughter, clean bedroom, clean desk, church, painted toe nails, loud 80s music, music that I can sing loudly and not be ashamed to listen to some really good classic rock because parents are watching my every move, lots of rainy days, dark blue evenings, cozy couches, lots of hugs and kisses with Dave :), sarcastic movies that my mother said I couldn't watch as a child, horror flicks that make my toes curl, love stories that make me smile,romance, lots of hugs again, church, God, couch time with Dave, a clean house, friends over for dinner, sharing my testimony, cheese dip, BBQ's, dates, more music, all kinds of music, not so much country, but some, a big black Chevy truck with tan leather seats, holding hands with dave, an egg collection, Christmas year round, Marvin Gaye, a little funky music, and other drawings of hidden secrets..............................

A day in my world

2008-10-27T14:08:00.004-05:00

today is such a beautiful day that the girls decided to go on a picnic. The Talley girls thought it would be nice to meet up at Dennis park for lunch. They loaded up a basket with some goodies, mac & cheese and chicken nuggets. I didn't have any water bottles for them so they decided to drive over to stripes on the way. I get a call that Krissy just fell and all i heard was blood. Soooo I hop in the car, JD & I drive over to Yorktown and Cimarron and find Krissy in great spirits but with a nicely banged up knee, ankle and leg. she'll end up with some bruises---- she bruises if you just breathe on her. She gets that from me. We girls bruise easily. Anyhow, I load up her bike in the car while Lauren, Michelle, Cassidy and Chelsey head on over to Dennis park. I need to get Krissy home to clean her up as if she was four again. I drive her to the park to meet up with the girls, then to CVS to load up on medical first aid supplies. Then I get her home, bandage her up and thus far, my day has been non-productive. I scored some mommy points but I lost some research time. It's all part of the grand big scope of things. My life as it reveals itself is pretty interesting. To me anyway.......... Then Dave calls that he has ripped his last good pair of work pants. JD is late with school work today, Krissy is in her drama zone, also behind on school work today. Lauren is laughing at the notion of Krissy having to take a bathe. Michelle is finding humor in our day and now I must try and re-focus myself into my research once again. The day is not over and we have already entertained a day in the life of mom.

Passion of Mind

2008-10-24T01:01:00.003-05:00

wow, what an amazing movie. It's really late but I had to write a few thoughts before morning so i could be able to write with excitement as soon as I awake. Demi Moore in an outstanding performance. I have all this inner psychology suddenly exploding with excitement. I am really excited about the psychoanalysis theory and how it relates to her repressed thoughts. Maybe not psychoanalysis but rather a theory dealing with multiple personality disorder as a result of grief and repression. Was I meant to be a psychologist instead of just a Psychotherapist? I need to get to bed so i can be early to write, write, write.

Drama infestation

2008-10-22T22:56:00.002-05:00

I just can't do it. This is just one of those places and moments in life that I get completely annoyed about. I don't understand it. It's officially my pet peeve. I am just at complete odds with my life right now. I am at odds with selfless people who continue to lash out at us and act as if it is all about them and only them. Forgive me for being angry Lord but at this moment I am in just an angry place and I am too annoyed. How could this have become so messy when it was all done in your name? Why when we did the right thing, it was the wrong thing even to those who have Christian eyes. I just don't get it. Pray for my heart because it is simply at odds with all those around me.

I know we must go through this to honor you but I don't like it. I will accept it and continue to pray and hope that others will eventually just leave us alone and let us continue serving you, moving forward and just let us worship where we want.

I know we must also be the bigger person, but my question is what then when you do that and they lash out even more?

Amazing because she is

2008-10-14T20:51:00.002-05:00

it's like this. God says carry this cross for it is just for a while and I am honored that he has called me to bear this cross for I know I am not alone. It is through this time that I know my Lord Jesus is with me, that he loves me, that he sees what has happened and I will trust only he to lead us through this temporary setback.

I am strong, yes hurt............... but strong. God thank you for making my daughter stronger than I. She is a precious gift and her light...............the light that you have allowed her to shine even brighter Lord has been our strength. Lord keep me calm for I too get angry in times of today, times of yesterday, times of weeks, times from months past. Lord just hear my heart and know that I trust you.

I am totally praising you in this storm Lord. I do not understand it............ but I give it all to you---- for I know there is a plan...........Thank you God for Krissy! She is a lightening bolt on fire for you. I am proud to call her my baby. What a blessing she is. Amazing because she is.

becoming me

2008-10-12T12:13:00.000-05:00

I’m told I must find my theoretical rationale yet I am stuck in the middle of living a rationale. Hmm? Watching things around me crater, friends treat each other as enemies, kids manipulate their lives in such ways that even I don’t know what rationale that would fall under. Possibly stupidity---- but that has not exactly been theoretically defined. Narcissism, pathological, self centered is what exists but I must focus on person centered. Give me a break! I am supposed to see the good and healthy when they can’t even see it themselves. Interesting when those who have the opportunity to have life chose to destroy it and live it NOT according to what God has suggested. The world I live in is not only filled with devious and conniving narcissism but it is filled with people who are that far off that they really don’t see how broken they are. Finding my own personal rationale is not as easy as they make it seem. I am stuck between living it and finding it. --Crazy how that works.

I guess that’s why it is suggested to focus on those who come to you. Problem is I want to focus on even those who don’t want the help. I suppose this would be Gods rationale. Why isn’t his rationale in the text book of educating counselors?

Well here’s to finding me along the way as I begin choosing my theoretical pathway to helping others……………………………………

Are you a Christian?

2008-10-10T11:08:00.001-05:00

So it occurred to me that saying you are ‘Christian’ is something that I get easily annoyed with especially when you say you are Christian and you act entirely opposite of what it truly means to be Christian. If you are going to say you are Christian than be Christian but don’t dishonor the rest of us who are proud to be a part of Gods greater world, by saying that you are following his ways when you are freely acting out in some narcissistic manner according to your own interpretation of what it means to be Christian.

In case anyone was wondering, when you say you are Christian, you actually are saying that you love God, that you will follow his ways, that you will NOT submit yourself to the worldly sins, the worldly mannerisms that make us become who God does NOT want us to become. He provides a stronghold of love for you to easily grab unto. He is by far constantly fighting for your life, fighting for your heart, and it is a battle that he is constantly willing to do on a daily basis, yet you choose to create a superficial mindset that declares to you that Christian is something you can wear on a t-shirt, but be pathologically misconstrued in the sense when you are living contradicting Gods words.

Let me define Christianity for you: One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. --One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

When we live according to Christianity, we truly honor and respect that he is our father and he is almighty, he is all powerful, he is everything we should all strive to be.

It’s not easy to rebuke the ways of the world but if you can’t find a way or refuse to believe that your ways are not Christian than be mature and figure out what it is to be a Christian before you say you are.

God is an amazing and powerful influence and if we just submit to his ways and love as he wants us to love to be humane NOT human, to be a Christian by heart. BY HEART!!!!!

I am saddened that this is so difficult for the world to comprehend.
When you truly love Jesus, that world is so much better than the world we are exposed to.

My thoughts are that if you say you are Christian--- then live it. Don’t take that precious honor and disrespect my father by saying that you are a Christian.

Question: "What is a Christian?"

Answer: Webster’s Dictionary defines a Christian as “a person professing belief in Jesus as the Christ or in the religion based on the teaching of Jesus.” While this is a good starting point in understanding what a Christian is, like many secular definitions, it falls somewhat short of really communicating the biblical truth of what it means to be a Christian.

The word Christian is used three times in New Testament (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Followers of Jesus Christ were first called “Christians” in Antioch (Acts 11:26) because their behavior, activity, and speech were like Christ. It was originally used by the unsaved people of Antioch as a kind of contemptuous nickname used to make fun of the Christians. It literally means, “belonging to the party of Christ” or an “adherent or follower of Christ,” which is very similar to the way Webster’s Dictionary defines it.

this is the life!!!

2008-10-08T10:04:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful morning it is with my three babies all here at home beginning the day with God. I cannot express to you how that feels. Krissy has brought so much of Gods love into the school day. Truly amazing that God can be a great part of your school day. She turned on her Christian music on her cell phone and that is what we are all listening to as they do morning devotionals and bible study. At 11 a.m. we begin with academics, PSAT, algebra, history, literature, etc….. God I thank you for this blessing. My heart is overjoyed with this blessing!!!!

Deal with it

2008-10-04T21:29:00.005-05:00

so today really stinks. overload of homework. Research papers, counseling strategies, yard work, groceries, laundry, bills to be paid, a desk with papers that need shuffling..............My daughter comes to me about wanting to be home schooled which I totally support but really some people just don't know how to support a God thing. I am really fed up with friends thinking that our choice in homeschooling our children is something that needs more thought. I would absolutely do anything for my kids so to give this more thought is not an option because when it comes to my babies, they have my first and foremost heart. God has truly inspired my family and has blessed us with this feeling of always wanting to be closer to him. God is truly touching our hearts and for my daughter to ask to join my school along with her brother & sister is a gift from our heavenly father. deal with it!

Alpha & Omega Christian Scholars Academy is a school for kids who love Christ with all their heart and are academically ready to focus on braving the real world. That world is God's world and as long as we live in it, we should live by his truth. Nothing wrong with getting academically intelligent along the way. You know homeschooling is not a bad thing. It totally rocks!!!!! The food is great at AOCSA and we are the best dressed school. It's all about the PJ's. Best of all, everyone starts with Gods word, and it's only smiles, less stress, hard work, but great tutors who really care.

Our Lord Jesus Christ says that when two or three or more are gathered in my name, then there am I in their midst.

There is five of us. Dave (Superintendent), Marie (Principal), Michelle (scholar), Krissy (scholar) and JD (scholar). =God with us

Just thought I had to put this out there.

Making some needed changes

2008-09-17T21:02:00.000-05:00

Well, what an amazing week it has been. Had some hard feelings to deal with as I was slowly releasing myself from some ministries dear to my heart. I had to make the decision to leave life group ministry. Realistically looking at a 7 day week, being a wife, a fulltime mother of three with two now homeschooled, and two nights a week on campus, plus all the Grad work and research I am doing, on top of field trips with Michelle & JD, plus keeping them socialized, and praising my Lord Jesus Christ, I logically narrowed my youth ministry to Wednesdays and Sunday mornings. After the entire week has progressed, my only days left would be Friday night and Saturdays. WOW!!! --2 days and no time for Dave & I to just date. So I needed to take Sunday afternoons to be with him, cuddle, hug, and just be his wife. That of course doesn’t mean I will not be a part of youth anymore but now that I am also becoming a counselor I will spend many days at shelters, agencies, community centers ministering to children and teens there as well. I don’t know if God is calling me to go further, onward and serve him elsewhere. In the meantime, I am back logged with reading, teaching and even cuddle time is over due. I know that God has a new place for me to serve and he will soon keep me very busy. I will do as much as possible to still help with RLF youth even if it’s just planning activities for the kids. I really like taking them places. -Something about me being all frazzled, sweaty and gross smelling after hauling 8 or 9 kids around. Yeah I know. I could use prayer. LOL. I am feeling more and more that God is calling me to move forward with my ministry. I have a great passion for serving. I do know that. I would like for God to really call me into an area of great need. I’m ready for that ministry.

math teachers

2008-08-31T20:32:00.003-05:00

Math should not be stressful yet these poor kids are stressed out so I will write in their frustration because it is just not fair!!!! Krissy is expected to grasp a lesson without a resource, - a math book. Lauren will be tested on Physics not yet taught. I am just frustrated for the girls.

Now I must tackle new theories of a new college, and learn to change the way I think psychologically speaking. Yuk. Just when I got all the theories, now I must re learn new ones because the ones I was taught just don't match mental health.

On another note, Dave is home and it is nice spending the evening with him. Tonight we are watching prom night with Lauren. Our adopted daughter is home for the weekend. Praying for all who are affected by the hurricane.

Someone hid my clothes today and caused me to be late for service. Other than this, I have had a pretty Good day.

overwhelmed

2008-08-31T20:08:00.003-05:00

A few too many things I am proud of. I feel overwhelmed at times and it is difficult when God is asking me to do one thing but there are too many other things that are also in need of my attention. I love working with youth and it is definitely a part of my heart and my life. I enjoy the kids and I enjoy their laughter. Sometimes I forget that it is God calling me to fully commit myself and I get caught up in personal tasks. Seeing Krissy sing today reminded me that God will pull me through everything. I get stressed out when life pulls me in one direction and Krissy and Michelle pull me into more teen activities. I know that trusting God to steer me in this path that he is navigating me through, is the only way for me to live. Why I succumb to my way at times is a part of what makes me unique. I truly believe that God has called me to be better at who I am not just for me but for all who are around me. I can never be perfect but I can certainly show my love for Christ and open my home to kids who find my tiny little house fun. I still can't believe that our home is a fellowship home for all who enter, especially when they are coming from such amazingly ginormous places. I am constantly amazed by humbling learning experiences like these that teach me about what is really important. It is the most humbling experience for me to see them make themselves at home, eat our food, never criticize our tiny shack, but rather share an amazing fellowship with each other. Christ is present and Dave and I are deeply touched by these moments. I must be honest that I am worried with Grad school, Home schooling JD and my family that I might feel strained and overwhelmed so prayer would be nice. Not sure how the new changes will affect us in our home.

Proud of me

2008-08-26T20:50:00.003-05:00

Today was amazing. with it being the second day of homeschooling, I think all went well. My mom brought JD a really cool student desk and now we just need a chair. I think the best part of our day is bible study. Michelle suggested we also do devotionals daily so i will get more details from her on how to best do that. I am feeling quite blessed with my life. Last night I was touched when Dave turned to me and said: " I am so proud of what you are doing." Tear. he's proud of me. He said he admired what I was doing for JD. I am now a member of the local Home school Association so we can start participating in the local events. I can't wait for JD to get out there and make friends. God is working in our lives and studying bible with my son and language, math, etc.... is just such an honor and a blessing.

A day is a blessing

2008-08-25T20:47:00.004-05:00

day one of being a homeschool mom. Amazing, exhausting, motivating, inspiring.................... I began at 4 a.m. with eyes wide open. Thats a laugh. No clue as to why I woke up at such a time but have it so, I was up. By 6 a.m. tacos had been conjured up and breakfast was served at 6:40ish a.m. By 7:15 all 3 kids had eaten, Dave as well and the day began. I started my bus route of driving two gorgeous girls to school. I am quite the bragger when it comes to my girls. They are seemingly beautiful. Krissy with her amazing tan and new haircut. Wow she looked amazing. Michelle has blossomed into a darling baby doll. She is also breathtaking. Both with nice crisp clothes, new shoes, and Krissy with a new necklace that she treasures and a charm that signified a friendship with two of her male BFF's. That's right Sissy has male BFF's and tons of girl BFF's. JD and I started class around 8:40ish. That went really well. We worked hard till 3;30ish. I like the ish as you can gather by now. Any who, I did pretty good if I do say so myself. We began with Bible and that is how days should begin ---------with God! We flew through Language, Science, Spelling, Poetry, History, Math, Journal writing.......... Then 3:50 came around and it was time to load up JD and head to Kaffie. What was I thinking leaving 10 minutes early. Traffic was ridiculous. Of course there were the dads waiting outside for their newly 6th grade children. so cute. I admire those dads. Which brings me to the drop off at King High School this morning where i was touched at seeing a daddy video taping his son as he got out of the car. Must have been his first day in high school Aawww. So sweet. I truly admire love like that. I married a man like that. So back to the car chaos on Lipes. Not at all enjoyable to say the least. It was atrocious. Simply atrocious. Finally wandered up Michelle and then a 40 minute drive to King. Traffic was unbearable. I picked up Krissy and Becca. then we listened to stories of teachers, of boys, of lunches, of paperwork, of stuff needed, of purses, of shoes, of jeans................ I love high school talk. such a joy! Then we made it to HEB to pick up a cake for Krissy, then the bank, then home to finally possibly dream up perhaps a nap. NOT! A nap was just not feasible. So, I was joyed with Krissy in my room, simple talks that make me happy to be a mom. When all of a sudden we were surprised by two lovely gentlemen who made my Krissy glimmer with happiness. It was her BFF's Grant and Jon. so sweet those boys. We just adore them. They enjoyed cake and then ran home to do homework. dedication! Important! Now I am enjoying a diet coke and then in a few i will complete signing a trillion kaffie Middle School papers and possibly just possibly, get an organized plan for tomorrow. Good day, Great blessings, Peaceful inspirations and joyous teenagers + a dog, a hamster and my JD. These are all blessings that I smile with joy because God has touched my day, my life and my heart. Today I sing praises.

Transitions

2008-08-13T22:55:00.002-05:00

Transition is not something I grasp with a willingness but it is something that seems to coexist within my life at this time. I am puzzled, maybe frazzled by the confusion that is within my heart as to what exactly that all entails and what it means to me. How it effects my kids, how it effects me personally and how it effects my focus is still on the median. This blog is completely vague as are my questions about what all this means for us? I have no clue. All I know is that transition is not my favorite part of life. I personally like things to remain as they do and just exist as they always have. That's all.

My week of chaios, Gods love for me

2008-08-13T22:42:00.002-05:00

So Friday night we had this rock band party and it was so amazing! I had played before at Chelsey's but Dave and I got to play it finally by ourselves and man was it awesome. I had so much fun on electric guitar. I sang all night. Sad I knew all the songs from back in the day. I even rocked out on guitar. It was just what the doctor ordered after having a week of unfortunate events. Started out with one week left for graduation. Then the car doesn’t start. Turns out its the battery so we buy one. Then I have non stop assignments with three days left to get it done. Group projects. Those don’t always go very well but turned out I got it through it, then I am at presentation day when I decide to try out the CD prior to presenting about an hours time left before it’s my turn and the CD doesn’t work. Cratered!!!!! I am cratering by the moment. SOOOO I leave the classroom, leave the campus, drive home going faster than I should have been, make it home in 10 minutes, a normally 20 minute drive, then I ransack my room for the USB drives I have, but wouldn’t you know it they are missing.........Arrghhh!!!!! At this point I’m crying mad. So JD starts praying, Michelle was busy, so I take my instinct phone memory card, attach it to the computer, remove all the data I have on it, then I transfer all the movie files about 21, a power point, and font files to my cell phone. I rush back to school, and 20 minutes later I am up. I insert my cell phone card and it worked. I was so relieved that I made it through that morning. I had all my friends and youth praying that morning as it was Grant Melson who stayed up the night before helping me get things done, editing movies. I just don’t know what i would have done without the youth there with me moment by moment. And when I say moment by moment. They brought me food to this corner I had been attached to for a week finishing up assignments, writing papers and somehow the girls sensed when tears were about to erupt. I was like a crazed emotional being with an abundance of stress limited time and deadlines that were approaching too quickly. One evening Chelsey came in and asked if I wanted some dinner. Sweet. Grant said mamarie, its almost over. Jon Hadden was amazing at sending me text jokes. Becca and Chelsey prayed and when I cratered, they cratered with me. Okay so then I present, I rush home, room is a mess but I am on 3 hours of sleep, its Tuesday now and I begin finalizing the next presentation for Wed. morning, that goes well, drive home with the idea that I have completed my research paper, two presentations, done the study guides all tucked away in my cornered computer cubby. BUT NO!!!!! That would be too easy. I walk into my room thinking I could probably take 15 minutes to close my eyes but NO, the computer crashed with all my notes from the semester, all my finals study guides, not to mention all my other important data. Okay. What to do but cry and more praying. This is the week that God was my bestest friend because he held me up like you wouldn’t believe. One day till finals and and three days till graduation. Turns out costing us $450.00, so there went the shopping trip I had promised the girls to San Antonio with a graduation dinner at PF Changs. Sorry Becca, Chelsey, lauren, Krissy and all the little sisters. : ( Then we had a $1500.00 tuition bill due that Friday which was already a struggle. But wait, there’s more!!!!!!!! Apparently I haven’t had enough. My father is suddenly leaving his wife and wants to move in with me. Are you kidding me? I had to say no. I haven’t seen my father in months, see he isn’t allowed to see us because his wife says he is married to her and he had to choose long long time ago so he chose her and her son. Then I hear from him and he needs me to take him in. I am suddenly pressured by the prodigal son and the bible telling me that i should take him in no matter how badly he hurt me and my kids. BUT I just couldn’t do it. SOOOO I haven’t heard from him in days and again as always it will be months. If that’s not enough, I have high blood pressure and on two of those days I had to take my nitroglycerin which i hate taking because it makes me nauseas, and sick and I didn’t have time to be sick, but it was heart attack vs. sick and --——sick won so I am sick to my stomach living on coffee and popcorn. The good news is coming. On Thursday several youth girls slept at the house went with me to class and were right there with me as I walked into my first exam, then the second exam and it was over!!!!!! I had completed my Bachelors degree in psychology. Yay!!!!! So we head home make tacos, eat cake, and enjoy a movie. I love these kids. They are little angels! So then Grant says lets have a Rock band party. I say that sounds great probably what i needed. oh and Lauren has been with us now 2 days so we are having a great great time!!!!! So Friday, Richard, Grant, Jon Hadden, Chelsey, Lauren, David, JD & Michelle, Krissy...... plus myself all played like we were little rock stars. Krissy more than us. ARGGHHHH!!!!! The unit goes. Our air unit cratered and now we have no air conditioning. Jon’s mom suggested someone, i called him next morning and we got it fixed. We have air, the unit is overdue but I’ll deal with that later. The car is fixed. I graduated cum laude. Mr. Melson brought me the paper with my name in it. He is super sweet. Oh forgot the family Friday movie which was not family oriented at all. Krissy chose it. I am too embarrassed to say what Krissy chose. Anyhow, all in all, we lost some money, struggled financially, struggled emotionally, had some fun, shed some tears, shared some laughter, and it is now Tuesday. I say that we have conquered the storm with Christ as my navigator. I could not have made it through all this without Christ and he sent me several teenagers to make sure that on days that i cratered, they would do something funny to make it all better. Being a part of their lives is a calling but sharing it with them is a blessing. Its funny last night i went to Jon Haddens house for taco soup and cake for his birthday and I was asked to sit with the grown ups. I never get asked to sit with the grown ups. i am surrounded by teens so much that JD says “ what happened to my mother?” “What have you become?” I could possibly be a 39 year old going on 16. What a rough storm it was. What a learning experience it was for me. God showed me so much in just that week. He also let me know that I had to just stay strong, faithful and trust that he was steering me towards calmer waters. I’m here. We’re broke, but I have an amazing family and church kids with parents who are always ready with prayer and hugs. My husband has been my rock. Wow, has he literally lifted me up this week. He pulled me through it all and JD prayed everyday with me. My son is a romantic and he has the most amazing heart. I love this kid. Thank you God for how you have blessed me with so many hearts. Now I get to take two weeks off, spend it with the kids, and just enjoy some rest and relaxation. Any ideas for planning a party for Krissy let me know. I am throwing her a 16th birthday party. But ssshh. she doesn’t know. Grants birthday is also next and I’m excited about that. Sometimes we go through really tough times when it feels like you are under attack but I know for a fact that when you believe in God that there is a rainbow. you just have to be patient and in the meantime lean on those who love you for support. I have great friends!!!!

God is my bestest friend

2008-08-05T12:27:00.002-05:00

If ever I had a day that was worthy of writing about-- it would be today, this week, this month......... Wow! Words can not seem to describe the error, the hurriedness, the struggles, the emotions, the exhaustion, the craziness, the mishaps, burdens, let downs, prayers....................

This has been the final week of my completing this Psychology degree that has tested my every ounce of energy, my faith, my commitment, my dedication, my belief that God will carry me. God has carried me like you have no idea. God has taken my struggles and has showed me that if I just trust in him, that he will take care of everything. I had two group projects. both of which didn't go well, group wise. I ended up doing some hard work and on one project, did the whole 'group project' alone. With no sleep but a couple of hours a day and I am NOT exaggerating, I truly have not slept in days for over three hours. -With little energy, lots of emotion, many tears i managed to call on friends for support. i called Grant Melson one of our youth kids to help me with a presentation video. he was eager and ready to help. Bless his heart! After two long days of quick hard non stop work,at 2 a.m. I switched gears to studying for final exams. I show up to class on time coffee in hand, then on break decide to insert my CD into the player just to have it ready for my presentation. Wouldn't you know, it DID NOT WORK! I panicked and that is stated mildly. What to do? I decided to sneak out, rush home as if on a very long potty break. I ransacked my room for my USB case which surely would have a large enough usb to add files, power point and movie files. of course USB is nowhere to be found. My room is destroyed, i broke my desk drawer, literally the door cover came off. At this point I am in tears. My day is over. I am thinking this is it! So i stop my crying, calm down, pray a little more, really ask for God to intervene because i am not doing a very good job of things on my own. It then hits me that I have an iphone. Soooo I take the memory card out which is large in memory by the way, remove all music and pictures from it. Sad. More tears! Then i save my power point to the phone card, along with 21 movie files and music for power point file, and it saved it all and it fit perfectly. I then prayed, grabbed my phone transferring device and drove right back to school still in tears. Walk in, look down so I don't make eye contact with anyone and take my seat. 20 minutes later, Dr. Seidel says you ready. i say yes sir. i at this point don't know if it will work but i was trusting God's decision. Wouldn't you know it worked. it WORKED!!!!!!!!! I was so thankful, relieved and joyed. I know that when God says calm down, stop, breathe, listen, hear me, pray, come to me, he means it! He ain't fooling around. I have but three days left of this mess I'm in but God is amazing and he is mighty and he is wonderful and he is GOD! Now I am off to Starbucks to study hard for finals and prepare as best as I can. God is love!!!!!!!!!!

Jesus I stand for you

2008-06-02T05:53:00.000-05:00

Being that I could not sleep, figured I would try and get out my thoughts so that I could sleep, possibly for an hour or so. Camp is what God is saying to me. Go to camp!

Dear Jesus,

See I have this amazing family and year round I am crazy busy with school but this is the first summer in 4 years that I am actually taking a break. First of all I get sick, probably always was, lucky to have made it with all the stress I put on myself. I should have listened to you Lord. I know I am stubborn and even though I am , you still continuously stand right there beside me. Since I was a little girl, you hugged me from above. Always wondered if you knew my pain. I now know that your promise to me would be revealed as an adult. I still can't believe I found you even after all the anger and stress i carried growing up. I don't think I realized just how amazing you were up until a few years ago. You still amaze me even today. I am surrounded by people all with different family styles, characters that take part in my real life story. I still have to wonder what you are saying to me about my father. This one particular situation is taking quite long but I hope that if I do trust again, this time it will be for real and of you. I pray for my dad. For my mom who lives alone, I pray for her too. I thank you Lord for blessing her with friends who love her and who take care of her back home.

Now on the matter of my not sleeping. Heavy on my mind is that I am nervous. Dave can't sleep when I am not right there next to him. He too has so much work stress and I am there every day as his listening ear to comfort, pray and console him. JD and I have so much to do. I wake up every day anxious to spend the day with him and the girls. I worry that while I am at camp, Michelle will not know what to cook, or will she be scared if it storms. Please don't let it rain. I worry that JD will wake up before Michelle and be afraid. I know I shouldn't worry but it is happening so I will put all this in your hands. I also worry that Dave will miss me especially since I will be gone during our anniversary. First time in 18 yrs., I will be away during our special day. I know you will bless us. Dave said to me that you were calling me to serve and that was pretty amazing when you could have called anyone but you asked me to serve. I love that man. Speaking of which, we gave this impromptu mini motivation for Krissy which did not go well. I just didn't know what to say. My hair was a mess, makeup smeared, and there I was on camera ala' bad hair day, bad look day. That was pretty enlightening. Me the perfectionist who writes things down before hand, sat there and said .........I just don't recall what I said actually but then at the end, Dave gives me a kiss, not a big kiss, just an I'm gonna miss you kiss. The kind of kiss I get when he gets home that says I'm home. My heart broke again, because I knew he was saying I'll miss you, but I am proud of you. I do hope Jake edits that by the way.

Then there is my friends. Some are broken, some are moving, some are hurt, some betrayed, and some lost. I carry their pain. Tonight I learn of yet one more family in anguish. Breaks my heart to hear that they love you and they are suffering. I know you see what is happening down here but Lord I pray that you will heal them. My heart breaks for those whose pain and grief feels unbearable. I pray Lord for all my friends, their hearts and families.

Oh and Lord, this camp thing. Okay. I will go and serve you and I will stand for you! A wise 8 year old said to me yesterday that "sometimes God has these tests and he ask questions to see if you will get it right or not, and its what you answer." JD is a blessing to my life. Lord thank you for him. You sent us a gift uniquely packaged to share with us. Thank you for Krissy and michelle. Thank you for picking me to serve you. Forgive me for being selfish.

Jesus I do stand for you and for all you lead me through!

Amen

18th anniversary planning

2008-06-01T20:25:00.000-05:00

what an awesome day God has made. I am sitting here trying to plan an amazing 18th anniversary surprise for David since I will be gone that day. Thoughts running wild through my head about what to leave behind and how. Ideas are poring but nine that seem really exciting.

Will miss dear friends who are moving and realize more everyday that I am constantly blessed with Friends from God. Amen!!!!

Simply annoyed

2008-05-29T08:22:00.001-05:00

What a night! I'm simply annoyed by the pain, the manner in which I have been let down by my body. How does this happen? Why to me? I had so many expectations for the week. I planned to finish the table, the boards, the lamp for my mom, the painting, repair the back door, paint the kitchen, plant a garden, and for three days I have done nothing other than be tormented by this excruciating pain on my back and now today it has traveled to my shoulder. not related but because I can't sleep straight so I try and sleep twisted to accommodate the area hurt which results in more soreness. On top of all this JD has family picnic today and that is very important to me. I've never missed any of his events. Dave has offered to go in my place and take the green blanket that we always use, his lunch and spend that time with him. Broken hearted I am but happy that JD will have one of us there. I on the other hand will be here at home trying desperately to stretch this mess out in hopes that tonight I may feel no pain. last time this happened it only took 3 days, well it is day 3 and what is taking it soooo long? Sitting here is now painful when it wasn't yesterday. Urkks me. Just simply annoyed by the whole matter. I want my life back!

2008-05-28T12:09:00.000-05:00

Boring day. My back is out. Hurt it yesterday while spray painting the stools. Whatever I did has left me in severe pain. I couldn't even get in the car to drive Michelle to school this morning. was painful. Didn't sleep, cried last night, but dave stuffed me with Tylenol which just isn't helping. I think I'll get him to bring some Tylenol PM, or Aleve when he gets home. I pulled out a roast for dinner, I'm out of diet coke. Not good! JD is home with me. Had accident at school One more day of school and finally he will be home safe with mommy. I was saddened to hear about my close friends and their breakup. That just hurts my own heart. Krissy should be home soon and with friends. sounds like fun but also sounds like I need to fix snacks, maybe nachos. That would be easy. I was deeply touched when Brad said I cook take JD with me to camp since we didn't have a sitter for him, but looks like it all worked out. Mom will schedule doctors appointments for when I get back, Michelle will sit with JD and Dave will take them to work two of the days. Mom will come and sit for one of the days. Looks like I am camp bound after all. I feel annoyed because I am not able to finish the painting and the house repairs as planned because of my back pain. I'm not very good at not doing something. I need to be working. I look over at the unfinished tasks and it just frustrates me. God please relieve me from this pain so that I can continue my work.

JD's series of unfortunate events

2008-05-28T11:32:00.000-05:00

JD has had a series of mishaps since my time off from school. During recess he ran into an electrical box that left him with a nice bump on the head. This weekend he visited a friend and fell off a slide, got the air knocked out of him and a sore back. Today the school nurse called with a kiting accident. seems someone else's kite fell and the string landed on JD's neck and as the child pulled the string, it cut his neck leaving a nice big gash, burn. The heat and sweat didn't seem to help the situation. I therefore did what mommy's do and went to school and brought him home to put an ice pack on it and medicine. Teacher however said not good reason to take him home. wellllll. I think not.

Inspiring thought

2008-05-21T11:34:00.000-05:00

So many women today were not taught how to run a household efficiently while in the care of their mothers. God gives guidelines for how a virtuous woman lives. Proverbs 31 is an empowering look at the role of women. Not only is a virtuous woman righteous in the Lord, but she is a loving wife and mother, a smart shopper, a seamstress, a gardener, a good housekeeper, and trains her children with wisdom. Her husband appreciates her and can praise her to his associates and friends because she is worthy of praise. Is this attainable for the average Christian woman? Absolutely! All things are possible through Christ. We can all be "Proverbs 31 women."