tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204010862024-03-13T13:29:14.860-04:00Random MusingsI can be a bit random. And, sometimes the writing bug hits. When it does, it goes here, on this blog.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.comBlogger728125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-60100849241123524352012-12-17T10:03:00.000-05:002012-12-17T10:03:00.675-05:00Confessions of a Reformed Homeschooler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is 3 days after the attack that left children and teachers dead in a public school in CT.
Eww, public school. Except, that is what we (or where we) are now, and frankly, we are loving it. The kids have EXCELLENT teachers (Kristi's helped her gain 1.5 YEARS in reading in 3 months), the school is very cooperative and friendly and my kids like the "routine."
That said, Saturday night, I seriously considered pulling them out and re-starting the homeschool. Yes, they love their friends and teachers. Yes, they enjoy what they are doing. Yes, I am enjoying watching them. But, what if something like this happened at Bethel?????<br />
<br />
<br />
Then, Sunday morning, as Preacher Dude Dean expounded on peace and what TRUE peace was, I remembered my prayer last year when we were deciding to send Kristi to public school. (We had already crossed this bridge with Travis a year before).
God, I trust YOU to take care of her and protect her. I trust YOU to put people in her path to help her grow. And I trust YOU to give what is best for her.
Every morning, I pray with my kids on the way to school. If something big is happening, we pray about it, but every day, I say at least two things -- God, keep them safe and help them to have fun.<br />
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Friday morning, I walked in with them because I was volunteering that day. As we walked in, I bent down and prayed in Kristi's ear -- Please be with them and keep them safe today.
That afternoon, after being with some of the most wonderful kids on Earth, and some of the most fun parents, I heard the tragic news. We didn't dwell on it at our house -- we talked some about it, we prayed about it and answered a few questions. Over the weekend, they heard more, saw more and learned more. My sweet little children had to be exposed to the big, bad world. But, it's okay. My God is bigger than the bad.<br />
<br />
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So, today, Monday morning, the week before Christmas, I find myself praying the following --<br />
<b><i>God, be with Mrs. (Jill) Barker. Give her and Mr. Conner the wisdom and insight to deal with and lead the children and faculty at Bethel Elementary.</i></b><br />
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<b><i> Be with Mr. (Kevin) Drury and Mrs. (Brittany) Pless. Thank you for the positive influence they have in my children's life this year and continue to show them how to best teach the young people in their class. Give them wisdom. Encourage them. Protect them. Let them have a love for the students in their class that can only come from you. Thank you for Mrs. (Karen) Hopkins and the love and support she gave Trav last year in his transition from home to school. </i></b><br />
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<b><i> Surround Bethel Elementary and guide it with your protecting hand. Be with the staff and parents. Help them pull together for the good of the children in this community. Help them to stand strong and be an example of some of the good that is still in this world. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>God, ultimately, prevent anything like the Sandy Hook attack from happening. Help us to have peace in you and trust you with the lives and fate of (Y)our children.
Amen.</i></b><br />
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Does this mean that my children's school is immune from the the violence that seems rampant in society? Absolutely not. It does mean that God's grace is sufficient and I will stand on that and rest in that.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-25202970711241621052012-01-18T21:48:00.003-05:002012-01-18T21:57:52.184-05:00Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks<a href="http://booksneeze.com/art/_140_245_Book.464.cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 213px;" src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_140_245_Book.464.cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This book is quintessential cute. As we read we are introduced to life as April Grace sees and lives it. There is nothing super deep or life changing, but it is real. There is a story line, but it isn't a complex plot, as such, but more of a "day in the life of" (or months in . . ) type story. April Grace is completely likable because she is innocent and naive enough to be a little sister type, and hasn't quite become with the teenage angst that seems to pervade so many young adult novels.<br /><br />Overall, I enjoyed it immensely. I found it a fun and easy read, and I'm sure younger teens, or tweens, would also enjoy it. As I read it, the main character and story style reminded me of the Junie B. Jones series that younger children seem to enjoy.<br /><br />If you are looking for deep philosophical truths, or life changing revelations for you or a younger reader, this book probably isn't it. However, if you are looking for a fun, easy read, and a chuckle, definitely give this a try. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-19600870093628628932012-01-10T10:26:00.002-05:002012-01-10T10:35:18.475-05:00It Could Have Been MeLife, In Spite of Me<br />by Kristen Jane Anderson<br /><br />This is the story of a young girl, hopeless and despondent, unsure of the future, and carrying a load of grief and anxiety that decides on a cold and chilly night to end it all. She survives the suicide attempt, and this story is the story of her struggle to come to grips with what happened, and what God had in plan for her.<br /><br />Through this book, we have a clear glimpse of what it is like to be depressed to the point of wanting to end it all. We can have a better understanding of what the teenagers of today may be thinking and really feeling behind their responses of, "whatever." and how to get to them before it is too late. <br /><br />This book, to me, was especially poignant, because it could have been me when I was 21. Also similar was the struggle to overcome depression and learn to lean on God rather than myself, and a struggle it was. <br /><br />I would recommend this book to anyone who has a teenager or works with teenagers. Also, I would recommend it for anyone that has never suffered from depression, but perhaps is close to someone who is. Until you have been in that vast ocean with a tiny boat and a single oar, it is almost incomprehensible to know how far away hope seems. <br /><br />An easy read with a great message.<br /><br /><br />I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-14999925362779555702012-01-09T10:15:00.002-05:002012-01-09T10:27:53.081-05:00The Seraph Seal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://booksneeze.com/art/_140_245_Book.306.cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 215px;" src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_140_245_Book.306.cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />An apocalyptic story that reminds me strongly of the DaVinci Code book and movie. The book begins in the present with the "doomsday" date of December 21, 2012 then jumps 30 some odd years to the future. From there the reader is introduced to a barrage of characters and events that try to develop and build to the end. <br /><br />I often felt, as I was reading, that the authors were contriving the story to meet a certain event, rather than letting the plot develop on its own. In other words, they knew the ending and had to write backwards to get it all to fit. As a result, it "fits" but it is jumpy in places and leaves the reader going, "Where did THAT come from?" Also, some of the events that were obviously "supernatural" left me wanting at least *some* explanation. There were times when the symbolism <span style="font-style:italic;">seemed </span>obvious enough to be foreshadowing, but was "non sequitur" enough to make it just seem downright odd.<br /><br />Overall, it is well written (the dialogue is natural, the breaks in paragraphs are logical, etc.), but it just seemed that the authors were trying too hard to make it feel like non-fiction instead of writing a good fiction story. I suspect a great many people will like this book, especially those that like to focus on the end of times, but for me, I just couldn't get into it and was glad to move on to another book.<br /><br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-44917652723044847502012-01-09T09:42:00.003-05:002012-01-09T09:48:49.979-05:00I Didn't Want to Like it, but. . .Restless in Carolina<br />by Tamara Leigh<br /><br />When I got this book, I thought it might or might not be interesting, because I figured it would be "fluffy."<br /><br />Well, it *was* fluffy, but it was a very enjoyable fluffy, and an easy read.<br /><br />Admittedly, reading about the characters going to Asheville, and naming landmarks in and around the town (like Mellow Mushroom -- YUM) was fun for me because they were all "local" and it made it a little easier to "see" what was going on in the story.<br /><br />Everyone loves a happy ending, and this was no exception. The author did manage to throw in a couple of surprises, and that was nice, but all of the characters were likeable and it was a fun read.<br /><br />Overall, it is a pleasant book, but not very deep. If you are looking for quick, vacation reading this will be an excellent choice. Likewise, if your reading time is made up of short intervals, scattered around your day, this book is good because it is easy to pick back up on the action and keep going. <br /><br />I would give it 4 out of 5 stars because it was enjoyable, but not very deep.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review)</span>Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-53306308738546510812011-11-24T23:45:00.002-05:002011-11-24T23:46:45.430-05:00Thanksgiving -- Day 24Today, I'm thankful for family and extended family and the relationships within both. One meal, many beliefs, yet we get along and have a good time. (The football game with the nieces and nephews has caused a little, well, a lot of soreness, but oh, the fun.)Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-25430096097499449142011-11-24T23:44:00.000-05:002011-11-24T23:45:25.164-05:00Thanksgiving -- Day 23I am thankful that the cliche is true -- When God allows a door to shut, He opens a window.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-66839374541569044722011-11-22T21:10:00.002-05:002011-11-22T21:49:31.226-05:00Thanksgiving -- 22Today, I am thankful for all the people of "my past." The youth leaders, the Sunday School teachers, the coaches, the teachers. All of those that believed in me and gave me the confidence to be me and strive for the highest. I had a tremendous support network, and as I consider re-entering public education, I pray I will also be that support to some student who needs it.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-85238008377881179692011-11-21T21:46:00.002-05:002011-11-21T21:52:40.103-05:00Thanksgiving -- Day 21I am thankful for social networking sites like facebook. I know that sound cheesy, and flies in the face of all who say face to face friendships are "better," but let me explain.<br /><br />I am basically a very shy person, and am very uncomfortable talking to someone just for the sake of talking Silence does not bother me in the least; I rather enjoy it (to the point that many times I have "an air" of being snobby or snooty, but that's really not the case).<br /><br />Through the Internet, I have been able to deal with people as I am able. It gives me time to think about a response and then respond. <br /><br />I have been able to re-establish old friendships and keep up with them, even if just peripherally. <br /><br />I have been able to get to know other "real world" people better so that meeting them and talking to them isn't so big and scary to me.<br /><br />AND, I have a whole group of friends that I have never met, and really aren't more than a few pixels on a monitor, but yet, they are real in their own way.<br /><br />And in these ways, my life has been enhanced and bettered.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-17404005816919313042011-11-20T21:49:00.001-05:002011-11-20T21:50:34.276-05:00Thanksgiving -- Day 20I am thankful for a future with potential. I don't know what the future holds, but I do know WHO holds the future for me.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-69982610718479241552011-11-20T21:45:00.001-05:002011-11-20T21:46:46.332-05:00Thanksgiving -- Day 19I am thankful that God will never leave me nor forsake me. Ever. For any reason, or at any time.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-2423161377103171052011-11-18T21:00:00.003-05:002011-11-18T21:04:11.927-05:00Thanksgiving -- day 18Today I am thankful for doctors. My family has been blessed with some very good ones -- doctors who take the time when we need it and actually listen to us - or at the very least listen to my "mother's intuition."<br /><br />In the 14+ years Bernard and I have been married, there was only one doctor (a heart surgeon) that was snarky, snide, and snotty, but he was good (probably saved my husband's life or at least extended it a few years) and we only had to deal with him once, so it was tolerable. :PKarma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-66239453422738945142011-11-18T20:43:00.003-05:002011-11-18T20:54:53.537-05:00Thanksgiving -- Day 17<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxrCMOwa4l_oyezpxvX56OlC6JYvH94ZID-YQHqSbUfbgJY5CFfZ6JdHLY9rVXItAjctu9kBmCj-_SgkyeKR4886d4SKU2vOqzfdISxN1uKJCG1KzyPFjafweZCrj2uvZF4tD/s1600/Img_1797a.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxrCMOwa4l_oyezpxvX56OlC6JYvH94ZID-YQHqSbUfbgJY5CFfZ6JdHLY9rVXItAjctu9kBmCj-_SgkyeKR4886d4SKU2vOqzfdISxN1uKJCG1KzyPFjafweZCrj2uvZF4tD/s320/Img_1797a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676519191099982962" /></a><br /><br /><br />Today, I am thankful for music.<br /><br />I have always loved music, and though I'm not all that great, I guess by virtue of being a music major in college I know a bit more than the average Joe. But it is not the academic side of music that appeals to me. While there was one point in my life where I could spout off music "facts" about just about anything, nowdays, I have to think about it before I give an answer.<br /><br />But, the one thing that still sticks with me is the emotion behind it. It sets the tone; it heals the soul. Without words, it speaks to our hearts.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Bach gave us God's word, <br />Beethoven gave us God's fire, <br />Mozart gave us God's laughter. <br />God gave us music that we might pray without words.</span>Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-31666272157762704872011-11-16T22:43:00.002-05:002011-11-16T22:54:43.587-05:00Thankfulness -- Day 16Today, I am thankful for the little people in my life. Not just my two kiddos (definitely those, but not *just* those), but others that I get to be around.<br /><br />Last Spring, I coached some of the absolutely cutest kids on the face of the Earth in peewee baseball. I don't know how much about the sport they learned, but we had a good time. <br /><br />Now, I am helping coach the Princess's basketball team. THAT is a hoot. 14 girls -- 6, 7, and 8 years old (10 of them have never been on a basketball team before) and it is just so much fun to be around them. I have a feeling that when the season ends in February, I'm going to have 14 favorite little girls.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-40142562429630526522011-11-15T22:10:00.002-05:002011-11-15T22:56:32.776-05:00Thankfulness -- Day 15Today I am thankful for my coworkers. We are a motley bunch - different beliefs, philosophies and life-styles, but generally, a good bunch. My supervisors have always been supportive of me and my peers treat me with respect. I am truly greatful that I have a positive work environment.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-22545817583514051922011-11-14T21:40:00.002-05:002011-11-14T23:39:30.384-05:00Thankfulness -- Day 14Today I am thankful that God is the Great Physician. After receiving news that someone near and dear to my little boy is going to "be okay," I am rejoicing and thanking Him. :)Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-8497752475057582202011-11-14T09:40:00.003-05:002011-11-14T20:26:25.835-05:00Thankfulness -- Day 13In January, 2000, I had the privilege to travel with a group to Moscow. While on the trip, we visited hospitals, schools, and orphanages/boarding schools. I remember well standing in the lobby of one of the hospitals talking to the patients on the geriatric ward. As the group leader got to discussing Christ and his love, a couple of men left and some of the women looked absolutely terrified while looking up and down the hall.<br /><br />Unsure what was happening, we stopped and just asked if everything was okay. One lady explained that they grew up under communism, and the way were talking could have gotten all of us arrested. <br /><br />Though they were no longer communist, they still couldn't believe they were free.<br /><br />So, for day 13, I am thankful that I am free to worship, and beyond that, I am FREE in Christ.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-91652396528133541992011-11-13T09:30:00.001-05:002011-11-13T09:31:37.619-05:00Thankfulness - Day 12Today, I am thankful for God's provision. He is never late; He is never early, and He always gives me exactly what I need.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-43873231714820504502011-11-11T11:09:00.002-05:002011-11-11T11:39:19.982-05:00Thankfulness -- Day 11<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdE6_EyQbgBtgBy6QTVN4uX94atjaIcbRW19UdHI1SPuXsgXMrO_RuRbQFybrhfpjKUzifVeE0TL4K1uueC1JTT3NaBanXU2nOzMN6b5npo6E7iaJLqvvuYPCY9mGxr6jmR9Fx/s1600/Crw_8194.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdE6_EyQbgBtgBy6QTVN4uX94atjaIcbRW19UdHI1SPuXsgXMrO_RuRbQFybrhfpjKUzifVeE0TL4K1uueC1JTT3NaBanXU2nOzMN6b5npo6E7iaJLqvvuYPCY9mGxr6jmR9Fx/s320/Crw_8194.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673772835939782482" /></a><br /><br />Today is a day we set aside to remember those who have given of their time, and even life, to protect our country.<br /><br />If I started making a list, I am afraid I would miss someone, because there are many young men and women that I want to say "Thank you" to.<br /><br />However, there are a few that stick in my mind today.<br /><br />Papaw Shuford -- WWII veteran.<br />My FIL, Randall Shuford - Vietnam<br /><br />Thanks you, gentlemen, not only for your service, but for the heritage you have established for my children.<br /><br />And one that is near and dear to my heart -- my former student Stephen Hall who is currently deployed. <br /><br />But, then, my mind goes back over the years, and I remember standing in the cemetery trumpet in hand, waiting for the salute. Some of the families I knew well -- the father of a college friend; the grandfather of a lifelong friend, but others were complete strangers -- the 19 year old that died for his country in active duty. But one thing united them all -- the pain on their face of losing their loved one, for the briefest of moments when the flag was handed to them, evaporated and became something else -- they were comforted with the knowledge and pride that their loved one had done something that mattered.<br /><br />So today, I say, "Thank you!" However you served, wherever you served, THANK YOU!Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-51050886637654662912011-11-10T23:05:00.002-05:002011-11-10T23:12:51.898-05:00Thankfulness - Day 10Today's thankfulness is short and sweet. I am thankful that my kids have clothes. Lots of clothes. So many that even when we bag up several bags full to sell or give away, they are not lacking and do not miss anything. <br /><br />Furthermore, we are blessed in that we have bought very little for our children. My mom works at a larger clothing department store and gets phenomenal discounts which she uses to buy their clothes for Christmas and birthdays.<br /><br />So, not only do they have clothes, they have nice clothes, cheap. :)Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-32011958604115256532011-11-09T22:16:00.002-05:002011-11-09T22:41:02.815-05:00Thankfulness -- Day 9Today, I am thankful that I enjoy reading and writing. There are times when life simply gets to be so "much" that to sit down and put it on paper (or on a screen as is more often the case nowdays) is almost cathartic.<br /><br />Even moreso, I am thankful that at least one of my kids LOVES to read (the other one will get there. eventually. maybe). One is a natural story teller, so when she figures out the whole writing thing, I think she may enjoy that, and be good at it.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-21975127367436520182011-11-08T21:39:00.002-05:002011-11-08T22:01:14.417-05:00Thankfulness - Day 8Today is difficult. Not because I don't have things to be thankful for, I have many, but because my heart is heavy. <br /><br />Trav's teacher is facing a fairly significant surgery and will be out for several weeks. In addition to my concern about her and her family, there is also the pain of watching my little boy's anxiety of worrying about his beloved teacher and wondering how he will get along with the substitute.<br /><br />On top of that, I am making some fairly weighty decisions concerning my "career" and Kristi's education. <br /><br />On top of that, I am dealing with some disappointments in things not working the way I want and the feeling of rejection that comes with it. <br /><br />I think, then, for these things I will be thankful.<br /><br />For when I am carrying a heavy load, there is Someone beside me who will carry me.<br /><br />When I am anxious, He will hold me and remind me that it is going to be alright.<br /><br />When I am worried about the future, He reminds me that He is *holding* the future.<br /><br />So, today, I am thankful that "HE IS!"Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-8879785354503383842011-11-07T21:27:00.003-05:002011-11-07T23:17:55.993-05:00Thankfulness - Day 7<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsApLXSC9ZyZN9OdB834fzFYwCZz0nVDzDE6xWwyL2hQE9-PE-ZPrieiZ6abO35chdWKFlHcm1qdxOSxA1AMxoa2G9tqtiJI6057wpTZKKG-COYeia9eX8AcgPwmuHr_JOlnS/s1600/Img_0716.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsApLXSC9ZyZN9OdB834fzFYwCZz0nVDzDE6xWwyL2hQE9-PE-ZPrieiZ6abO35chdWKFlHcm1qdxOSxA1AMxoa2G9tqtiJI6057wpTZKKG-COYeia9eX8AcgPwmuHr_JOlnS/s320/Img_0716.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672446586820818562" /></a><br />Today, I am thankful I am a parent. Not only because I love my kids dearly, but because they have taught me so much about the Heavenly Father and His love for me.<br /><br />When I looked at and held Travis for the first time, I was overwhelmed at how much I loved him, and how suddenly he had a grip on my heart.<br /><br />Three years later, when I looked at Kristiana the first time, I had that same feeling and was in awe at how I really could love two as much as I loved one.<br /><br />And to think, God feels the same way about me. . . .<br /><br />As my children grew and developed, my sense of pride in their accomplishments was unparalleled. I rejoiced in each new step, and at the same time enjoyed encouraging them to do the best they could be.<br /><br />And to think, God feels the same way about me. . . <br /><br />There are times when I watch them sleep at night, peaceful and still, and I think of their future and what I hope and dream for them, and my heart fills once again with the love and thankfulness that they are in my life.<br /><br />And to think, God feels the same way about me. . .<br /><br />There are those moments (that are becoming more rare as my kids become older) when they come and climb up in my lap and say, "I love you Mama; you are the best in the world," that make me all warm and fuzzy inside and at those moments, I know I would do absolutely ANYTHING to make my children's worlds right.<br /><br />And to think, God feels the same way about me. . . <br /><br />When something happens that is out of their control and they are upset or sad, I feel upset and sad. I want to take them in my arms and make them feel okay again. If someone hurts them, I feel that hurt. If something makes them mad, I get mad. When they are disappointed or let down, I feel disappointed or let down. I, literally it seems, feel their pain.<br /><br />And to think, God feels the same way about me. . .<br /><br />Then there are those times when the kids know my last button and are jumping up and down on it pushing me past *that* point. I put aside my "mother" face and in its place grows frenzied hair, red eyes, smoky ears, jagged teeth and I lose each and every one of the fruits of the spirit that just moments before I may have possessed. I don't want to deal with them patiently, or in love, or with humility or meekness, I just want to explode on them and open a can.<br /><br />And to think, that is NOT how God feels about me. . . <br /><br />And therein, I am thankful for my kids, and even when we have days like today, they can show me the Heavenly Father's love for me.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-20459674131273957452011-11-06T18:33:00.002-05:002011-11-06T18:35:42.243-05:00Thankfulness - Day 6Today, I am thankful for employment and choices and choices IN employment. Each week, it seems that I have at least one lady or gentleman who is late 40s, early 50s, just laid off from a job they have worked for over 20 years, and they are having to get their GED just to find a job. <br /><br />I can choose to work or not, part-time or full-time, teach or assist. The choices (and subsequent changes) are daunting, but I am thankful I have that choice.Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20401086.post-61204268723755617072011-11-05T22:43:00.004-04:002011-11-05T22:58:24.783-04:00Thankfulness - Day 5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-4aJj9C_KXbu49uLrTKjsVYLkYlbqQ97aDhcz1j4dwfpLIMumyAt7w34iaLnwOdVHawM9K4oqjbtmCFgEKzzsWGxb1qcnuf4jY6FGlTOzuy2wMW9o3YE4K3MV70GWbePwO_h/s1600/final+5x7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-4aJj9C_KXbu49uLrTKjsVYLkYlbqQ97aDhcz1j4dwfpLIMumyAt7w34iaLnwOdVHawM9K4oqjbtmCFgEKzzsWGxb1qcnuf4jY6FGlTOzuy2wMW9o3YE4K3MV70GWbePwO_h/s320/final+5x7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671709541208266498" /></a><br /><br />Today, I am thankful for my grandmothers and the Godly heritage they gave me.<br /><br />Lela Kilby Mull "Mom" was a prayer warrior and fantastic cook. <br /><br />Mattie Lucille Valentine "Mimaw" was a dear woman to me. Also a good cook (I wonder if my current physical shape was as impressed by them as my spiritual?), I remember her being there for me when life knocked me down. <br /><br />Neither grandmother was financially well off, so they didn't give me money, or leave me an estate. <br /><br />But, what they did give me was longer lasting and far more valuable. From them, I learned to call upon the Lord, to love unconditionally, and to trust in the Lord.<br /><br />For that, I am thankful.<br /><br /><br />(The picture above is my grandmother Mattie Valentine, taken around July, 1970. I am sitting on the right and my cousin Danette is sitting on the left. Standing (l to r) is my sister Kelly,my cousin Scotty, my cousin David, my brother Kevin, my cousin Dale and my cousin Shannon).Karma Shufordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663072227285727062noreply@blogger.com0