Life's Quilt

I haven't written in my blog for a couple weeks now and was thinking on what God would want me to write. I started this blog to be an encouragement to others  and  Satan often tells me that I have nothing to say. What do I write about?  It seems like a jumble of different things that come up in life.

 That is when I realized that our life is like a quilt. Many pieces cut up just to be sewn back together. O the beauty that comes from the finished product. Why? Why cut up fabric just to sew it back together? I am not a quilter, but I sure admire those who are. They have a vision as to how the finished project will look. That is how God sees our lives. He sees that finished project when often we only see bits and pieces. We see the knots and strings, and mistakes, but when He puts it together,  it is a wonderful creation of beauty. 

I think of the pieces of my quilt. God,family,friends,adoption,homeschooling,church, and many more. Through God's Grace these pieces are fitting together to make my life. I want to share my stories with you! 

How can I encourage you. my reader? What would you like me to write about? Please leave me a comment as to how I can be an encouragement to you. Sometimes we just need to hear from others who have been there. As we search each day to do what is right, remember our quilt is being put together, piece by piece. Be patient, the end result will be breath taking!

At a Crossroad March 11,2017

Are you standing at a crossroads wondering which road you should take? I hate making decisions. We have to make them everyday.Some can be planned ahead,(using your  to do list). What to  make for dinner, what science unit to do next, and so on can be planned in your planner. This helps with decision fatigue as I discussed in my last entry. I am still trying to get the hang of using my bullet journal-not quite there yet, but it is a work in progress. I would still love to hear what kind of planner you use. I changed some settings on my blog and everyone should easily be able to leave a comment now.

Many people use a GPS. Some times they lead you astray. As Christians the Bible is our GPS. When we are at the crossroads trying to figure out which way to go use your Bible. It will NEVER lead you astray!

 This week my husband, son, and I made a hospital visit to try to be a blessing to someone. Hospital visits are never in our daily schedule. They are not usually on our to do list. They interfere in the plan, and take time.

Maybe the first thing on our to do list should be to be a blessing. Maybe we would look at our day differently. Instead of seeing things as an interruption, maybe we would see them as an opportunity to be a blessing. We are all busy, our lives are full, but are we a blessing to others? I am speaking to myself here. I get wrapped up in my lesson plans and "things" I need to do. But the most important "things" in life are NOT "things".

I think back many years ago to another hospital visit we made, taking our kids with us, so they could learn to love and care about the needs of others. I came away from that visit feeling so blessed. I had went to be a blessing, but I was the one blessed. I had that same feeling this week as my husband and son and I went to visit a friend in the hospital. I lectured my son on the way in about how we needed to be a blessing to others.

As we left both these visits, many years apart, I realized I had received a blessing. This week I listened to my son pray for the person we had visited with true concern. Again "I" was blessed.

So when we are at the crossroads, making a decision, think about what God would want us to do. Maybe we should think" WWJD" more often, I know I should.

This song sums up my thoughts:

WHERE EVER YOU ARE

Are you standing
At a crossroad
Wondering which road you should take
And you're dreading
The decision
And a possible mistake
But the will of God won't lead you
Where the grace of God can't keep you
You will never be out of His care
Remember that the Lord's already there

(chorus)
Wherever you are
Wherever you're going
God is right there beside you
Seeing and knowing
Wherever you go
He already knows
What lies ahead and what's behind
You'll always find He's never too far
From wherever you are

You are waiting
To hear thunder
And see lightening in the sky
Oh, but God can
Work His wonders
Through a still small voice inside
Just keep listening and learning
And continue on your journey
Following the One who is the way
He's the only road you need to take

Are you planning? March 2017

As a home school mom I am a planner. I actually LOVE to plan. To me planning is half the fun of actually doing. Getting ready for vacation, a new school year, a party, or family get together is always exciting. Pick a theme, try new recipes, pack, research or whatever leads up to the event is part of the fun. I do procrastinate too at times but it goes against my nature. I do admire spur of the moment people and we all need to be more flexible at times.

How do you plan? To do lists, bullet journals,happy planners,management binders,digital apps,calendars, and on and on and on!!! I love them all. LOL. I like things fun ad creative too, scrap booking, stamping, doodling,clip art...........

I am trying to be more organized and more "clutter free" in 2017, Last year I put together some Home Management binders and have been pleased with the results. Mine are simple  school type 1 or 2 inch 3 ring binders designated to certain areas. I have a medical binder, bank binder, home management binder, and address/holiday binder Each binder contains  the information needed for our family and  is clearly set up so any family member can go to these binders and get the information needed with out mom having to go get it for everyone. This is a great help during an emergency like a hospital stay or the loss of a wallet while on vacation. Information and phone numbers that may be needed can be accessed and relayed easily.

I also have my school calendar binder with home school logs,schedules, etc. This helps to see at a glance how our school year is going and what has been accomplished as well as field trips, reading logs, test results, etc. Another binder I want to do is a Blessings Binder, but I may incorporate that into my daily journal.

With the busy days we lead I also need a too do list. I don't always use one, but I need too. I read that it actually helps with brain fatigue if you write it down. Once written down your brain doesn't have to "worry" about trying not to forget to do it.Meal planning and even clothes organization (putting outfits together) help with brain fatigue-so I hear, I haven't gotten that far yet.

I want to put together a notebook for my Daily Journal". I want it to be a combination of a to do list,bullet journal,planner. Their are some neat you tube videos on these , You can get as  creative or simple as you want. It can be done with any notebook of your choosing, something you already have. It is not something that you have to go out and buy. Use what you have! If you want a creative touch dig out the gel pens, stickers, card stock etc.

As I am working to put mine together, I would love to hear from you. What kind of planner do you use? What works or doesn't  for you? Did it help you?  Please leave me a comment with you thoughts!

Happy Planning!