Learning All The Time

I'm always amazed at the tidbits of information my children have. If I want to know about science or grammar, Tyler is usually my guy. History anyone? Ask Wes. Art, spelling, biography? Go see Maddie. And it's usually stuff I know I haven't formally "taught" them.

Life is so exciting for my children. They learn through programs on the History Channel; the read books; the play learning games; the talk with adults and other children; the ask questions and look up answers; they take care of pets, cook, clean and all the while learn.

So even though we're officially on Christmas break, my kids are still learning. And growing. Most exciting of all, is they find Jesus peeking around the corners of their lives, a part of it all.

So, what are you learning this holiday season? We're learning to relax, enjoy one another, play together, and experience life. And enjoy the joy of the Lord that slips in when we are learning all the time.

In the Fullness of Time

Every year when it hits Christmas, I turn to this passage in Galatians 4:4 to get a tingle. In the fullness of time, God sent his son! So often I think life is passing by, nothing much is happening. But the reality is that EVERY day matters! And, just when I think I've waited beyond my ability, God shows up!

During this Christmas season, I hope you find time to simply BE. Enjoy the time with God, having no expectations of him or of yourself. Regardless of the circumstances in your life, simply anticipate. And revel in the fact that in the fullness of time in your life, God acts.

Have a Christ-filled Christmas.

"I Told You So!"

Last Thursday Wes came in the house, holding his head. His head and hand were covered in blood. When I finally got the children calmed down, I learned that the rope swing snapped when Wes was on it and he'd fallen and hit his head on a stump.

Well, Tom had been telling the children that the swing needed to be checked for safety. So, a trip to the Dr. and 4 shots and 4 staples in the head later, everyone had decided that Dad was pretty smart.

You know, our Heavenly Father tells us many things that we need to check in our lives. But, like the children, sometimes I'm having to much fun nursing my personal sin of greed, envy, anger, etc. to check in with the truth of it and it's effects on everyone around me. Until somehow, something snaps and people get hurt.

Wes' head injury makes me grateful that my heavenly Father takes care of us, even when we are unwilling to do as he asks. If we get just a glimpse of how much he loves us, we'd run to him and do whatever he asks. For in his will, is safety, peace, and joy. And, freedom from painful scars that occur when we have to be put back together.

Why I voted for John McCain

Well, it's officially over for me. I voted at 9:30 this morning and it only took 15 minutes. I've had lots of people ask me who I've been voting for and I'm finally declaring that it was John McCain. I don't think that I backed the next President but I thought I'd share my reasoning for those who asked.

I've been reading a yearly Bible that is broken up into Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs each day. As I've been going through the Old Testament sections, I'm amazed by how much God had to say about slaying the innocent. He took Israel to task again and again for that, talking about the blood running in the streets.

In the United States the same phenomenon has been occurring for a long time. But, because it's done in abortion clinics throughout the land, we don't see the blood. I'm so saddened that we will debate what a candidate will do for our wallets but not speak up for God's most innocent victims.

I know women who have opted for an abortion and I have NOTHING but compassion for them. But, the time for me to remain silent in the name of tolerance has passed. Abortion kills the innocent and harms the women who think it's their only option. Physical scars sometimes result, emotional ones almost always do.

So, I took a stand for the unborn. Yes, I'm concerned about our economy. I do think John McCain has the most experience to handle all the crises that come our way. And, I'm grateful that there are still people like John McCain and Sarah Palin who will stand up for the least of these. And I will too.

Life Lessons from the Cat

Saturday, Wes came into the house with our indoor/outdoor cat Peanut. And Peanut was NOT happy! He is a feisty little guy and can seriously have attitude. Peanut wanted to be outside. He howled at the door, jumped on Wes' leg and carried on terribly!!! What in the world was going on?

Roadkill. Yep, a squirrel was dead in the middle of the road and Peanut was eating it. Gross I know, but that is cat behavior. Wes found him there and a truck slowed down to avoid hitting him. So, the cat came in while my son had roadkill cleanup duty. (The rest of the story is the cat later went out and found the squirrel, finishing his delectable feast).

All Wes was trying to do was save Peanut. All Peanut knew was that Wes was keeping him from the one thing he wanted most at that moment. And, there was no way that he was ever going to understand that Wes was truly doing the most loving thing he could for him.

The kids and I had a great life discussion. Parents are like that sometimes too! We do what we can to protect and love our kids while all they see is the thing that they want is beyond their grasp. And, of course, aren't we like that with our Heavenly Father as well?

What is it that you've most been desiring lately? God is your Father and is crazy about you. Perhaps we should hand it over to him and acknowledge that "His ways are higher than our ways, his thoughts than our thoughts." Who knows? Maybe we'll actually be exchanging dead meat for a heavenly banquet.

Those Wonderful AHA Moments

I often go though my days and miss the growth that the kids have. And then, there are these moments that happen which make me alive with gratitude to the Father~the kids are growing!!

Yesterday Wes decided to get out our game cube. We put it up because it consumed the kids thinking. They asked to play it all the time, fought over who got to pick the game, how much time they got, and on and on. We haven't had that thing out in MONTHS. So, today, the children asked about playing it. They took turns after all their work was done. They didin't exceed their alloted time. In one instance, they even turned it off on their own. They didn't nag me about it at all. And, since it's pouring here, you'd think they'd be all over that thing. But, they've found other things to do instead.

For instance, Wes looked up some information on Jupiter's moons and voluntarily wrote a bit about one of them. Maddie played some board games with Tyler that dealt with money management decisions. They watched an educational program on prehistoric animals. And, they actually said they might as well do their housecleaning today, so I have a mopped kitchen floor, and vacuumed den and hallway.

No, not every day is like that. But, I truly enjoy these glimpses I get when the Father seems to lift back the veils of heaven, shows me a bit, and whispers in my ear. Something like, "See? It may not be easy but it's worth it." And, it gives me hope that someday I may get to hear him say "Well Done."

Until then, I keep on. And, am grateful for the reminder that I too am growing as long as I hold onto to him. And just maybe, even though I don't see it, someone else might. And, may glorify God because of it.

An Often Overlooked Part of Education

Last week we had the privilege of going to the beach with my husband's parents, sister and her husband. I know, someone who doesn't like the sand spent two weeks at the beach this year! During the end of the day, my sister in law and I were talking about how important it is to raise our children so we reach their hearts, not just change outward behaviors. And, how hard that is. But if we don't do that, we never really get to know ourselves, or let others see us for who we really are.

That struck a chord with me because I've been there. I used to try to be the idea of the pastor's wife, outgoing personality, perfect fill in the blank, that everyone wanted me to be. Yet, as I've allowed God to love me, fill me with joy and reveal himself to me, I've begun to embrace the real Cheri. More introverted, needing time for contemplation, etc. And, I've found that I am less anxious about things because I know who I am and what I need to refuel my tank, so to speak. Which makes giving to others so much easier.

So, one of my goals with homeschooling is to help my children experience Christ's love in such a way that their hearts are touched and they become the people they created them to be. How do I do this? Through prayer to my Heavenly Father. After all, he made them and knows them. And, he can show me who they are too. And that's part of the adventure of living the educational life together.

Are You Growing?

Today I started thinking about how far my children have come in the last year. You know, you don't know they've grown sometimes if you're with them all the time. You have to look back and then you realize the joys. I just wanted to celebrate some of them today.

Wes~wow, he's grown a lot. He volunteers to help around the house, mows grass, etc. with a "mostly" cheerful spirit. He is writing a work of fiction right now and creates his own spelling and math tests and problems. He is also into normal boy things, of course. His current passions are paintball and cars of all kinds. Wes is also has a very dry sense of humor which keeps us in stitches.

Maddie~wow, she loves art! Maddie spends time drawing, painting, designing clothing out of scraps, and recently sewed her own stuffed puppy from a kit she'd bought. She is constantly journaling and is taking over more home chores, like mopping the floor. Which is great for me, I hate that task!! Maddie sings and dances and entertains us with her zest for life.

Tyler~what an energetic, funny young man. Tyler is constantly reading now~at a level well above his age. In fact, we have to watch him or he'll turn on his night light and read until much later than any 8 year old boy should. He's decided to play football this fall and is working hard at his drills to improve his game. He is also a wonderful speller and keeps us laughing with his jokes and puns.

This all reminds me that I too am growing. And, like my children, I sometimes get growing pains. My prayer is that I will continually stay connected to my Vine, so I can bear much fruit. You may not read it in a story or see it in a picture, but I sure hope people will be blessed by the changes God makes in me.

A Fresh Sheet of Paper

I know I'm not cool. I don't have the latest gadgets like a cool cell phone, expensive IPod(my little MP3 cost so little I won't even tell you) or a PDA. True confession: I don't even have a PDA! I use a Mom Plan It book and a large calendar on my fridge to keep up with things.

I just happen to love a blank sheet of paper and a great pen. And, I have very opinionated requirements about what makes a great pen, let me tell you. To me, the pen and paper represent possibilities. Will I write a story, journal, plan my week, make a to-do or grocery list? I might even just doodle~other people daydream, I "day-doodle." The possibilities are endless.

Even though technology is great at times~I love my dishwasher!~there are times when the old ways are best for me. Like my pen and paper.which evoke memories of my younger years, writing and dreaming.

You know, the Bible also states that the newest isn't always the best. In Jeremiah 6:16 God says, "This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." You see, God is NEVER old fashioned or out of touch. He knows us and our tendencies to think in terms of more, better, latest, greatest. And he stand patiently, calling us to return to His ways, the only ones that truly give life and rest.

Today I'm praying that God will show me the paths I should take. Like the saints before me in Hebrews 11 and those in my life, perhaps. And just maybe, my path will include a trip to the store to get a couple of new notebooks and a really great pen.

Living History

During the last week of July we were in Cherokee, NC on our vacation. Well, that's what Tom and the children called it~sleeping in a tent isn't my idea of a vacation! (True Confession: I'm actually beginning to enjoy it~especially the campfires at night.) Well, because Tom is such a sweetie, we stayed in a motel in Cherokee one night. As we thought about what to do that evening, the usual touristy stuff came up, i.e miniature golf. Then we remembered the outdoor drama, "Unto these Hills."

As you may know, Cherokee is an Indian Reservation, of sorts. And for the last 50 years, they've been performing an outdoor drama during the summer months. Well, the children were less than thrilled. "A Play?" "How long is it?" "Why can't we golf?"

But when the drama began, my children were mesmerized. They watched these Cherokee men and women sing, tell stories of their history, and perform native dance. And learned more about the Trail of Tears and Anglo-Indian relations (the good and bad) than any book would ever tell. In fact, they unanimously agreed it was a highlight of our trip.

It reminds me of the need to think outside the box with awareness that God teaches us at all times, in many ways. And frankly, I'd rather live out my story than sit it out on the sidelines.

So excuse me, I have to run. I've got some history to make. I'd love to hear all about yours as well.

You've Got Sand Where?!

Last week we spent time at Epworth by the Sea, a United Methodist Retreat Center on St. Simons Island, GA. The sun was hot, the waves small, and the McElroys got a bit burned. In spite of lots of sunscreen. There was sand everywhere~inside our suits, our car, in our hair and on our bodies. In spite of the inconvience of sand, salt, and sunburn, we had a wonderful time.

What made it great was spending time together. Tom had meetings and the children had some fun with other pastor's children. But, for the most part, we had lots of free time. We could hang out together without the need to be somewhere else. We could linger after meals and talk, or ride bikes for hours~and the men of the family did, riding all over the island. We could exercise, walk, talk, or take naps.

But the other thing that happened is that we spent time talking with other friends in ministry. Stories were exchanged, prayers were prayed, laughter was shared, hearts were opened. And by the end of the week we remembered something really important: We're not in this thing called ministry alone. There are others who understand. While they may not be close enough to see all the time, they're only an email or phone call away. And to me, that's one of God's greatest gifts to us.

So, even though the sand got everywhere and made things uncomfortable, the beauty of the beach is makes up for the momentary frustration. Just like friends along the journey help us remember that our frustrations are but "light and momentary afflictions." And I, for one, am grateful for the reminder that God never intended me to do this thing called life all alone.

The Beauty of Time

I've been thinking about time lately. I wrote about slowing down on the Country Roads section, and about how slowing down is important~and getting sick reminded me of this one! Today, I've been thinking about how impatient most of us are. Specifically me.

I'm so used to instant everything~text messaging, email, internet information at my fingertips, microwave cooking...So, this past year when I began working with Mary Madison in her 4th grade math text, I was sure that she would instantly get multipication and division.

I spent the entire year doing all I could, using stories, being patient(well, not always), doing the work with her, etc. Yet, she didn't seem to be "getting" it. Family members noted and commented on it. I worried that she should be doing what all fourth graders should, according to some idea devised by educators who never met my daughter. But, the school year ended and she was still struggling a bit.

During the summer, I've backed off. Maddie has played, picked up her new 5th grade math book and worked a bit, cooked, calculated tithes and savings on her allowance. She's totally had the freedom to learn what she wanted, when she wanted.

So, the other day Maddie walked in and said, "Hey Mom, is that what you've been trying to teach me all year?" She explained multiplication and division in two sentences. And then smiled and proclaimed, "Wow, that's so easy!"

What made the difference? I'm not sure of all of it, but a big factor was time. Maddie is a smart girl, "fearfully and wonderfully made" by her heavenly Father. And, when not pushed, she learned what she needed to know in her time. Which is, after all, HIS time.

So what kinds of things are you needing to wait for? Give others in your life the freedom to change and grow in their time, the Father's time. It may be one of the hardest things you'll do but I can guarantee you the joy of discovery you'll see others come to will make it worthwhile. And, while we're at it, maybe we can allow ourselves time too. After all, it's the stuff memories are made of.

Slow Down!

This summer has been so crazy for our family! We've been going on mission trips, camping, attending soccer camps, Bible Schools...It's fun being busy. And,I thought I was taking good care of myself with exercise and eating pretty well. But, I've gotten a sinus infection that's really slowed me down.

You know, I've started noticing a pattern with these illnesses. I've been getting them about twice a year. Once is right after Christmas and once in the summer. Now, part of the problem is all the allergies I've got~including pine trees and grass!! But, both come during times I'm so busy that I often forget I'm human and need to slow down.

I honestly can't remember the last day I just "lived" without an agenda or schedule. But, since I've been sick, I've taken some naps, read a bit, watched a movie and colored in a coloring book. I know that when I'm well I can't do all these things for days at a time, but what about those moments and chunks of time in my day when I can?

I deeply believe that God loves us so much he instituted Sabbath. It's not a sin to slow down, it's just a part of our God-given nature.

So, how about you? What are you going to do to slow down and enjoy the life God's given you? My next plan is that, once well, I'm going to lay on a blanket under the stars and just soak in God's creation. Oh, and by the way, if you see a woman diligently looking through coloring books in the children's section will you come say hello? Chances are it's probably me.

Country Roads...

Late last week I packed up the car and took Wes to visit his friend Ethan in Blue Ridge. So, Wes, Maddie, Tyler and I headed out for the trip. I would be putting about 250 miles on the car in 24 hours and wasn't looking forward to it at all. Yet, something happened on those winding, mountain roads. The air was cooler~something wondeful when it had been in the mid to upper 90s here. The children and I talked, sang, and told jokes and stories. And, life slowed down.

When we got to our friends' home, they said they'd not be home for a couple of hours. So, we relaxed. We read on the porch. We watched deer feeding in their yard. And, for a while, we weren't the pastor's family. There were no expectations, pressures, or even a to-do list. We just enjoyed God's creation and one another.

And you know what? Our friends let us live like that too. They love us unconditionally, no expectations at all. Just loving us for being their friends.

I hope all of you have people like that in your lives. And I pray each of you gets some time~even if it's only 24 hours~to drive, stop, sip and savor God's creation this summer on some beautiful country roads.

My First Time Blogging!

I've been dying to start my own blog, and just decided to do it. I'm hoping that this will be a way for family and friends to keep up with all the goings on in the McElroy world. Visit often and enjoy!!