We have only been back from our trip a few days, and I am beginning to question whether I should continue to home educate or not. As a home educating mom of my two lilies, it was not always easy for me to block out the voices of the nay Sayers to home education, from family members and friends, school teachers and believers alike came the constant sound of their disapproval (difficult indeed for one who thrives on the good opinions of others). So in the quietness of the morning, I took those loud voices to the Lord, and asked that He would make it clear what I should do and whether or not it was His will for me to educate my little ones.
My time with the Lord was fruitful as He reminded me that during the time we were away, I had spent very little time in His Presence and that the enemy was now finding a foothold in the recesses of my mind to plant doubt and discord. My heart sank, but it was true. So I decided to leave it with the Lord.
While at the breakfast table, as we sat with our plates full of pancakes and syrup, my oldest daughter began a conversation she had with her aunt, who told her that every time she came into the house that the girls were watching television. A feeling of embarrassment swept over me, as I thought of my sisters comment and my daughters poor spelling of one word in particular and began to talk to her about it. You see, things did not end well with my sister, and her criticism of my children though just perhaps at times, grated at the fibre of my being.
To make matters worse I made my daughter cry. I felt like an awful mother, and continued to wonder how I could teach her. Then I asked myself what was all this about? I had been worrying about how I looked to others, I was embarrassed, I was ashamed and I was concerned that I would be judged as a poor teacher, because I let my children watch television and their spelling wasn't that great. But, was this really all about me? Or was it, what was best for my little lilies? So I asked the Lord, direct me. After the church service I went down to get my girls from Sunday School, and it happened that I began to speak to their Sunday School teacher who praised my girls, and I began to speak to her about what program her mother had used for her and her siblings when they were being home schooled.
It was through that conversation with the Sunday School teacher that I felt that I might have to take a good look at our curriculum and how to really teach my girls what they really needed to know. For now I would continue to teach them what we have.
But this mornings scripture also was speaking to my heart and seemed to hold something special just for me. John 15:1-8, I am the true vine... but it was verse 7 that spoke to my heart, 'If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.' What was the secret to knowing what I had to teach my lilies? It was that I had to abide in the vine. What is the secret to homeschooling my lilies? It is that I abide in the vine. Once I abide in him (the vine, Jesus), I can ask what I wished and it will be done. I had forgotten these past weeks to abide in the vine, and I was not producing fruit, but if I remain in the vine, I will bear much fruit and my lilies will be blessed with the best education that God would give them.
Lord, help me to abide in the vine and prune me as you will so that I might produce fruit. In Jesus name, Amen.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A Caribbean Thanksgiving
Reggae and Calypso music played in the background, as we gathered in my sisters home to enjoy our Thanksgiving meal with family, it was great!
Thirteen to fifteen of my family got together for the first time in many a year to join me in the celebration of our Thanksgiving meal. A few were unable to attend the meal, but came later for the family photo's.
I shared the reasons we celebrated Thanksgiving in Canada, and one of the things that I liked to do as we sat around the table. And asked each person shared one thing they were thankful for. Several of the children and to my surprise the teens shared what they were thankful for, my sister Jennifer who has MS was very thankful for life and family, as were we all. Everyone was well fed in fact many said that they were stuffed. LOL! I am glad that I did not have Turkey. Hahahaha!
Though it was not all perfect. There were several hiccups and frustrating moments during our time together, and some even felt the need to sabotage the evening with their antics and personal grievances. I gave God thanks for the many blessings that I did have. Like having my sister Vonnette attend. I had not seen her in twenty-nine years, and we got along well. I thank God that I was able to take pictures and give Him the glory, but Thanksgiving was not just about us but about Him.
So salt fish, dumplings, fungi, and goat meat all eaten, not to mention the rice and peas, and curried side dishes. Salads and all kinds of treats, the meal was topped off with Carrot cake not Caribbean but a much welcomed treat, all were well fed and a happy Thanksgiving was had by all.
Happy Thanksgiving, Canada!
Thirteen to fifteen of my family got together for the first time in many a year to join me in the celebration of our Thanksgiving meal. A few were unable to attend the meal, but came later for the family photo's.
I shared the reasons we celebrated Thanksgiving in Canada, and one of the things that I liked to do as we sat around the table. And asked each person shared one thing they were thankful for. Several of the children and to my surprise the teens shared what they were thankful for, my sister Jennifer who has MS was very thankful for life and family, as were we all. Everyone was well fed in fact many said that they were stuffed. LOL! I am glad that I did not have Turkey. Hahahaha!
Though it was not all perfect. There were several hiccups and frustrating moments during our time together, and some even felt the need to sabotage the evening with their antics and personal grievances. I gave God thanks for the many blessings that I did have. Like having my sister Vonnette attend. I had not seen her in twenty-nine years, and we got along well. I thank God that I was able to take pictures and give Him the glory, but Thanksgiving was not just about us but about Him.
So salt fish, dumplings, fungi, and goat meat all eaten, not to mention the rice and peas, and curried side dishes. Salads and all kinds of treats, the meal was topped off with Carrot cake not Caribbean but a much welcomed treat, all were well fed and a happy Thanksgiving was had by all.
Happy Thanksgiving, Canada!
Friday, October 9, 2009
What a week!
This has been a long week, both the Lilies have been sick again and we have been house-bound. I was going a little stir-crazy so by Thursday I had to get out of the house, so the girls and I got ready and headed down the road and went shopping (yes, it was most therapeutic). We had a blast and when that was said and done we went to visit my other sister who has MS and we had a fantastic time with her and my niece and nephew and had a good laugh. God knew how much we needed this time together, and how much I needed adult conversation. So our plans for this week were lost, but we are still having fun.
Our Canadian Thanksgiving is in a few days, and we are planning a Thanksgiving meal to share with my family, however, we will not be having the traditional turkey dinner, but we are going to do it Caribbean style. I am looking forward to having the family around and be able to share a little of what we do in Canada.
God is my refuge and help a very present help in times of trouble, and these last few weeks have not been without their trouble, I give God thanks for all those who have kept my family in prayer, and thank God for His ever present help during those times. He has met me on several occasions here, and has reminded me of the walk that I started on over 30 years ago and the path that I have been on in my marriage, and not forget the wonderful relationship that He has given me with my children. Despite it all, I have been on a journey of self discovery, and He has not disappointed me.
He has been leading me through some of the dark places of my past, and into His light. He is forever faithful and will not abandon me, He is with me even when I feel alone and wondering what on earth I am doing, He is there, He never fails. No, He never fails.
Peace!
Our Canadian Thanksgiving is in a few days, and we are planning a Thanksgiving meal to share with my family, however, we will not be having the traditional turkey dinner, but we are going to do it Caribbean style. I am looking forward to having the family around and be able to share a little of what we do in Canada.
God is my refuge and help a very present help in times of trouble, and these last few weeks have not been without their trouble, I give God thanks for all those who have kept my family in prayer, and thank God for His ever present help during those times. He has met me on several occasions here, and has reminded me of the walk that I started on over 30 years ago and the path that I have been on in my marriage, and not forget the wonderful relationship that He has given me with my children. Despite it all, I have been on a journey of self discovery, and He has not disappointed me.
He has been leading me through some of the dark places of my past, and into His light. He is forever faithful and will not abandon me, He is with me even when I feel alone and wondering what on earth I am doing, He is there, He never fails. No, He never fails.
Peace!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Connecting with my roots. part 2
The Lilies and I have been staying close to my old neighbourhood, I have found that my roots are deep here, much deeper than I thought after nearly twenty-eight years of living in Canada. But most surprising of all is that turning fifty has made me become more nostaligic and in need of the connection between the past and the present.
There are few changes, and many of my old friends have moved on, I try to seek some of them out so that we can share old times and our stories. I sit and think of the past and share them with my Lilies as we walk through the park or the city streets. I do not know if they are listening or if they even care. But I feel that I need to share my story with them, and share all I can before somehow I forget.
There are times when I feel that I am walking on dark paths and do not know where there are leading me, but the Shepherd knows and he is guiding me there.
From Caribbean carnivals, and historical homes, we have been enjoying all that the borough of Hackney has to offer. Last weekend we found ourselves watching the Hackney version of carnival as the music pounded its way down the streets toward the Downs Park, the place where as a teenager I gave my heart to the Lord. We run along side to take pictures ans see the magnificent costumes and colourful dancers. The Reggae beat filling its onlookers with the desire to dance to its beat.
Then in contrast the Lilies, their cousin and I head toward what we later learn is one of the areas oldest buildings, Sutton House. They offered the children face painting, crafts and dress up, just down my Lilies alley. And I am amazed at the history that we are to discover.
Sutton House was built in 1535 for a Tudor coutier, Ralph Sadleir, but has been in the hands of several different owners, though the house was named after Sir Thomas Sutton who founded Charter House School in 1611 and had been called many things over the years. Names such as 'The Bryk Place', Milford, Ivy and Picton Houses, and also 'the Old House at the Corner'. In the 1980's the house was restored. One of the volunteers said that over the years several of Sadleirs decendents returned and many of them look a great deal like his portrait. There was a story teller sharing a story about a captain who had stories of strange animals from all over the world.
A wonderful time was had by all. It is a great place to visit.
We also visited the Hackney Museum, it is not a big museum but it had the history of Hackney ( and this is the place that I was born and raised), it was history that intriged me and makes me want to learn more about, but also gives me a sense of pride. This is my history. October is Black History month in the UK and there were exhibits that reflected the history of the black community in the area. The featured artist was a local photographer who began taking pictures at an early age. I was especially touched as I saw photo's of men and women just like my parents, and read of the conditions they were living in during the early years after the big influx of Caribbean immigrants in the fifties. Some of those photo's could have been taken in my own home, I marveled at how close it all came to touching my heart, my life.
I was so thankful that I was able to share this with my girls and can only hope that they will one day be as interested in where I have come from as I have been.
God has been good to us, and has been faithful and bring us through and has given us the strength to endure. We have a legacy, that I hope and pray that I can instill in my children as we glorify the Lord as He takes us through this life.
Peace!
There are few changes, and many of my old friends have moved on, I try to seek some of them out so that we can share old times and our stories. I sit and think of the past and share them with my Lilies as we walk through the park or the city streets. I do not know if they are listening or if they even care. But I feel that I need to share my story with them, and share all I can before somehow I forget.
There are times when I feel that I am walking on dark paths and do not know where there are leading me, but the Shepherd knows and he is guiding me there.
From Caribbean carnivals, and historical homes, we have been enjoying all that the borough of Hackney has to offer. Last weekend we found ourselves watching the Hackney version of carnival as the music pounded its way down the streets toward the Downs Park, the place where as a teenager I gave my heart to the Lord. We run along side to take pictures ans see the magnificent costumes and colourful dancers. The Reggae beat filling its onlookers with the desire to dance to its beat.
Then in contrast the Lilies, their cousin and I head toward what we later learn is one of the areas oldest buildings, Sutton House. They offered the children face painting, crafts and dress up, just down my Lilies alley. And I am amazed at the history that we are to discover.
Sutton House was built in 1535 for a Tudor coutier, Ralph Sadleir, but has been in the hands of several different owners, though the house was named after Sir Thomas Sutton who founded Charter House School in 1611 and had been called many things over the years. Names such as 'The Bryk Place', Milford, Ivy and Picton Houses, and also 'the Old House at the Corner'. In the 1980's the house was restored. One of the volunteers said that over the years several of Sadleirs decendents returned and many of them look a great deal like his portrait. There was a story teller sharing a story about a captain who had stories of strange animals from all over the world.
A wonderful time was had by all. It is a great place to visit.
We also visited the Hackney Museum, it is not a big museum but it had the history of Hackney ( and this is the place that I was born and raised), it was history that intriged me and makes me want to learn more about, but also gives me a sense of pride. This is my history. October is Black History month in the UK and there were exhibits that reflected the history of the black community in the area. The featured artist was a local photographer who began taking pictures at an early age. I was especially touched as I saw photo's of men and women just like my parents, and read of the conditions they were living in during the early years after the big influx of Caribbean immigrants in the fifties. Some of those photo's could have been taken in my own home, I marveled at how close it all came to touching my heart, my life.
I was so thankful that I was able to share this with my girls and can only hope that they will one day be as interested in where I have come from as I have been.
God has been good to us, and has been faithful and bring us through and has given us the strength to endure. We have a legacy, that I hope and pray that I can instill in my children as we glorify the Lord as He takes us through this life.
Peace!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Connecting with my roots part 1
The girls and I had a wonderful morning, we went to the park, conservation park that I grew up to just right across the street. We learned so much history, history that I took for granted as a child. How wonderful that I get to share it with my lilies.
The big white house that stands beautifully in the park was one of three mansions, though only the one remains,there is a gazzebo and cricket pitch and tennis court. It has a lovely pond and many different types of birds, I want to return with our binoculars. The magnificent trees that have stood much longer than I have been alive about two to three hundred years to be exact stand tall and majestic in the park, how amazing is that. The poplars, maples, magestic oaks and willows grace this park where elderly people stroll, and the younger men jog, or school children in uniforms play supervised by their teachers. Two men playing tennis on the tennis court and mothers with their children spend a few hours enjoying a picnic and the marvellous wooded walks that speaks of mystery and intrige. I begin to wondered how I missed this growing up, but I did, back then like most children I lived in the here and now.
I point out the willow where I was kissed and enjoyed this wonderful time with my Lilies as we played in the fields. They pick leaves and watch for the four footed creatures that don't want to appear, expect the squirrels that scamper around gathering their nuts for their winter store.
The gathering places so quiet and serene, I watch as my Lilies play.
The big white house that stands beautifully in the park was one of three mansions, though only the one remains,there is a gazzebo and cricket pitch and tennis court. It has a lovely pond and many different types of birds, I want to return with our binoculars. The magnificent trees that have stood much longer than I have been alive about two to three hundred years to be exact stand tall and majestic in the park, how amazing is that. The poplars, maples, magestic oaks and willows grace this park where elderly people stroll, and the younger men jog, or school children in uniforms play supervised by their teachers. Two men playing tennis on the tennis court and mothers with their children spend a few hours enjoying a picnic and the marvellous wooded walks that speaks of mystery and intrige. I begin to wondered how I missed this growing up, but I did, back then like most children I lived in the here and now.
I point out the willow where I was kissed and enjoyed this wonderful time with my Lilies as we played in the fields. They pick leaves and watch for the four footed creatures that don't want to appear, expect the squirrels that scamper around gathering their nuts for their winter store.
The gathering places so quiet and serene, I watch as my Lilies play.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
We're Here!!!
Yes, the Lilies and I are here in England, and are very happy to be here. We were met by my brother with huge hugs for all, who I am sure that my Lilies thought drove like a speed demon, for after a bumpy flight and a being knocked about in the car, my youngest Lily complained about an upset tummy in the backseat.
At the house we were greeted with more smiles and hugs from my sister, who quickly enveloped my Lilies in her arms. My youngest Lily held onto her aunt for a long time and kisses were shared by all, as the cases were brought in.
Though the Lilies were happy to see their aunt, and after only two hours sleep the playground outside was beckoning them to come and play, and off they went to the new swings and activity table out back.
My Lilies are enjoying their time with their aunts, uncles and cousins, they are being blessed especially by my sister, as she has been lavishing her love and time on them in a very special way. As for myself, I have been enjoying my visits with family and old friends who have dropped by, the laughter and the stories we have shared have been amazing.
A late night, and lack of sleep, we entered beds of fluffy white clouds and our sleep was deep, sound and sweet, so much so that we could not get in to church on Sunday morning. Though my oldest Lily was up earlier than expected, she soon walked slowly up the stairs and threw herself back into her bed and under the covers. My youngest, could barely get out of bed, it was 1 p.m before she emerged and that at my prompting.
It's early days yet but plans are underway for our trip to Paris, we are all still excited and can hardly wait for our trip to begin.
At the house we were greeted with more smiles and hugs from my sister, who quickly enveloped my Lilies in her arms. My youngest Lily held onto her aunt for a long time and kisses were shared by all, as the cases were brought in.
Though the Lilies were happy to see their aunt, and after only two hours sleep the playground outside was beckoning them to come and play, and off they went to the new swings and activity table out back.
My Lilies are enjoying their time with their aunts, uncles and cousins, they are being blessed especially by my sister, as she has been lavishing her love and time on them in a very special way. As for myself, I have been enjoying my visits with family and old friends who have dropped by, the laughter and the stories we have shared have been amazing.
A late night, and lack of sleep, we entered beds of fluffy white clouds and our sleep was deep, sound and sweet, so much so that we could not get in to church on Sunday morning. Though my oldest Lily was up earlier than expected, she soon walked slowly up the stairs and threw herself back into her bed and under the covers. My youngest, could barely get out of bed, it was 1 p.m before she emerged and that at my prompting.
It's early days yet but plans are underway for our trip to Paris, we are all still excited and can hardly wait for our trip to begin.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Blessings of Life
Right now I am looking around my living room, and listening to the silence in our home. My lilies are busy doing their school work and the living room is stacked with suitcases etc. It is not time to go on our trip but the packing has begun.
Earlier this week we learned that we would be moving from our cramped two bedroom apartment into a three bedroom row house, I can tell you the joy and excitement we have all been experiencing has been long in coming. The fun part at least for me is that though I have to try to pack up the apartment once again in a short space of time, I do not have to move any of it. My dear husband will have that wonderful job.
But it was my oldest daughter who surprised me with her words as she sat contemplating what it this all would mean, and she said, "Mom, I am willing to stay home and help daddy with the move." I chuckled at her, thinking, "yeah, right! You'd stay while your sister and I went to England." But after some time of pondering her words I have come to realize that my little lily is growing up, she was willing to make that sacrifice, when I sure did not want to. What did that say about me? I questioned myself, and what a wonderful blessing my little lily is to me (sometimes I don't always see it). What a wonderful example of love.
Did not Jesus give himself as a sacrifice for us, how amazing was that. He willingly gave himself for us, for the sins of the world. He is our example.
Though we are about to embark on another move our spirits are high and we are walking in the joy of the Lord and have the promise of His blessings, as I see God in the midst of our hearts and our home. Knowing God is right here in the centre of our lives, we hold onto Him as we trust Him for each step we take. And we bask in the blessings of life.
Earlier this week we learned that we would be moving from our cramped two bedroom apartment into a three bedroom row house, I can tell you the joy and excitement we have all been experiencing has been long in coming. The fun part at least for me is that though I have to try to pack up the apartment once again in a short space of time, I do not have to move any of it. My dear husband will have that wonderful job.
But it was my oldest daughter who surprised me with her words as she sat contemplating what it this all would mean, and she said, "Mom, I am willing to stay home and help daddy with the move." I chuckled at her, thinking, "yeah, right! You'd stay while your sister and I went to England." But after some time of pondering her words I have come to realize that my little lily is growing up, she was willing to make that sacrifice, when I sure did not want to. What did that say about me? I questioned myself, and what a wonderful blessing my little lily is to me (sometimes I don't always see it). What a wonderful example of love.
Did not Jesus give himself as a sacrifice for us, how amazing was that. He willingly gave himself for us, for the sins of the world. He is our example.
Though we are about to embark on another move our spirits are high and we are walking in the joy of the Lord and have the promise of His blessings, as I see God in the midst of our hearts and our home. Knowing God is right here in the centre of our lives, we hold onto Him as we trust Him for each step we take. And we bask in the blessings of life.
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