…make up the bulk of life’s moments. It’s all those things that have to be done, all those pains that pierce our weary souls, day-by-day-by-day by wearisome day, that achieve for us the right and privilege to enjoy the glorious moments of 50th Anniversary celebrations like my parents are enjoying this year. With every year passing by, every stretch mark on our bodies, stress line in our foreheads, every ache and pain we suddenly have to manage; marking for us the truth that we have pressed on through the real of life to achieve the ideal of human existence on the planet.

It’s when we, as foolish and selfish people, get bored and stupid and forget the importance of the mundane, thus neglecting such holy, hidden, valuable daily tasks, that we forfeit the glory of the crown that awaits our patient endurance. Life contains so many ‘finish lines,’ rites of passage as it were, that hold within them such joy one’s heart practically bursts at the time of celebration!!!

How many normal days, grocery dollars spent, disappointments experienced, happy little surprises, unhappy little surprises, errands, dull moments, bickering and emotional separations life will demand of our sinful selves. But…if we will HOLDFAST to our hope, persisting without faltering, what exultation is at the other side, awaiting our better selves.

Hmmm. Pondering life’s journey on earth as I peruse the photos of my parent’s quiet 50th barbecue with my kids and grand baby girl. A toast to the couple who has held fast indeed through thick and thin and everything in between…every single day for fifty years. Wow. Pretty big stuff.

First great-grandchild!

…just ‘being’ is bliss. Gloriously lost in the wonder of my grand-baby-girl, Jael Ariana.

…after a wonderful time in Pasadena, California, at CHEA’s 27th Annual Leader’s Conference and Home Educator’s Convention. It’s fun to see different airports, evaluate the amenities and take in the outdoor views.

Today I had a special surprise when my friend, Dr. Lisa Dunne, a professor of psychology at William Jessup University, was sitting on the front row in my last session, “Revolutionary Parenting!”

A familiar face was such a comfort as I launched into my pile of teaching notes, especially knowing it was the final workshop of the conference just when everyone has had just…about…enough!

I call it ‘the graveyard shift,’ but this crowd did not disappoint – I didn’t see a soul sleeping! I did warn them ahead of time, though, to go to the back if they were planning to snooze. Seriously. Now I’m laughing….

Praising God for His amazing grace. Seriously!

…and, playing with the coffee machine here in Pasadena…

Speaking first on “Mom, Dad, Wake Up With The Gloves On!” and later, “Who Am I In This World? Being A Mother Of Impact.”

If we come to mind, please pray for God’s power and anointing and His work to get done through me to these precious, hungry Moms and Dads.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the heat It’s about 100 degrees here currently!

…most all females are asking every time they pack their bags to fly without checking a bag: “How can a woman possibly fit all her loveliness inside a quart-size Ziplock bag?”

Wish me luck! Ha. (Have you ever tried stretching the bag?)

Hubby’s away and I’m so glad because it’s clutter central at the moment. It’s a necessary part of my ritual to get into my ‘about-to-travel-zone’ several days ahead of an event. My family gets it; that’s probably why they’re gone! Ha! Now I’m laughing out loud.

I got up from my chair a couple of nights ago, looked around and said, “this looks like chaos – I gotta share it with my friends!”

Note the 'walking path!'

Flowers!

The bright spot you’ll notice on my makeshift desk (the long eating bar where I work most of the time) is a vase of vibrantly-colored summer flowers my man surprised me with just before he left town for a ministry trip.

Smart move. I think of him every time they grab my attention, which is often!

Shufflin’ off to Pasadena shortly. Hope to see you there!

(www.cheaofca.org for all the details)

THIS IS THE WEEK…I’ll be heading to southern California to share at the CHEA 27th Annual Homeschool Convention which is being held at the Pasadena Convention Center this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday is an all-day Leadership Conference and Saturday-Sunday is the Parent Educator Convention. If you’re sitting on the edge, still trying to decide if you’ll attend…I’m here to give you a push toward Pasadena

Come say “hi” at our booth and sign up for our famous gift bag stuffed full of goodies for Mom or Dad and have a chat to my assistant, Cristin. We are so looking forward to meeting YOU!

All the details about this valuable time set aside to inspire, equip and encourage YOU as you endeavor to raise children who make a difference in the world, can be found at www.cheaofca.org. Hope to see you there!

A shot of our booth in Florida at FPEA. My little brother helped out. Fun!

Security only had to stop by once! LOL

If you’re like us and fixer-uppers are just another name for most houses you’ve lived in, then your growing kids are probably like my fifth-born, who looked at me one day a few short years ago and said, “Momma, I don’t like the family business.”

What is it about having your folks crack the proverbial ‘whip’ as one more Saturday is consumed by caulking, roofing, priming, painting, repairing, pruning bushes, ‘holding the beam while Dad nails it’ as he yells loudly at random moments, ad infinitum. Working for anyone else seems so much easier, doesn’t it?

Recently my husband and youngest son did some serious repair and replacement to our aging fence and it’s been standing outside naked ever since as he’s pondered who should paint it, what it’ll cost, etc.

His assistant (same son) found out the job was open and began pursuing the position! (FYI he already sweeps, mops, cleans bathrooms, handles trash, laundry, kitchen duties, hauling, errands, blah blah blah…for room and board but this was gonna be a ‘paying job’ and he needs the cash.)

Hubby said, “let’s see if he brings it up again, and I’ll take him seriously. Otherwise, I don’t want to have to chase him down to do it right.” He’d rather pay someone double without the nagging. I’m sure you parents understand. Grin.

Consequently, he most certainly pursued the position and 17 hours and a few days later, the exterior portion of the fence has been completed. He also got a good tan. I think it was a bigger job than it had appeared to be, tedious too, in 100+ degree heat, but his hunger for that new iPod he’s been wanting drove him on to the finish line without a complaint!

Trimming the top...

I think he drank a gallon of water every painting session, and Mom supplied him with a happy surprise of espresso, coconut and cream over ice in the afternoons. By the end of day 3, he came in looking like he’d had enough…

Somebody feed the boy!

Now he’s got to do the interior side. He’s so pumped to be doing more than walking the widow’s dog, he’s gonna solicit the neighbors’ fence jobs, too. I love to see that entrepreneurial spirit come alive in our kids, don’t you?!

Especially when they’re generous with what they earn. God sure smiles on that, too.

Grandma’s little angel all ready for the beach…

…this unbelievable symphony of flavors. Blackened salmon, sweet yellow and red peppers with sweet summer onion tossed with olive oil and spices then grilled together, steamed asparagus, corn on the cob, garlic mashed potatoes with sour cream and cheddar cheese…mmmm