Category Archives: Believing

A Woman Inspired: final thoughts

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I say final, because we’ve been chatting all week, haven’t we?

At the A Woman Inspired conference, we learned, laughed, even crying together – all though our Internet access. Who says nothing good can come from cyberspace? Humph. I’d sign up again – and still go back for more. There is nothing like getting encouragement and godly teaching from like-minded sisters.

My final thoughts:

1. Even though I didn’t get to “attend” all the sessions, it’s okay, I’m not freaking out like I lost money. I can download them for listening at my leisure (read: when the kids are in bed and I won’t be interrupted too much).

2. Loved the chat feature. That really made it interactive and not just one gal lecturing at us. Lectures get dull fast, the chat was just enough to keep me engaged without getting distracted. On Monday, the chat wasn’t up yet; I’m so glad it worked for the rest of the week.

3. Twitter. Then when we weren’t listening, chatting and asking questions at the conference site, we were on Twitter with the #awi hash tag to talk even more. How very ladylike of us. Looking for ways to talk. The good thing about the extra place to chat, was that we didn’t fill the conference chat up with too much silliness. Twitter helped us get that out.

4. It wasn’t a conference, it was a Church. My favorite moment of the conference was Tuesday morning when Heather shared her concern about her MRI scheduled the next day. How amazing it was to watch these ladies encourage, pray and love all over this home schooling mama. It was beautiful. From what I remember, there was a bit of  “I’m crying” posted in the chat box (yes, I was teary too.)

Janice had a lot to say regarding depression and taking medication. Natalie told me if I practiced, I could have an accent just like hers. Shelly wrote a book I want to read. Ali and Melissa teamed up to talk blogging, and I heckled Mrs. F from the cheap seats. Too much fun! (FYI: If I tease you, I want to be your friend. I’m weird like that.)

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea – I enjoyed myself.

That’s it for me. What did you like about the conference? What didn’t you care for? Heck, let’s CHAT about the conference some more.

Homeschooling mom, meet my friend, Mercy

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As a home schooling mom, I know my weaknesses. I’m far from that do-it-all woman who seems to glide through life with ease. I’m unorganized. I get mad, lashing out in anger. Home schooling revealed that in me. I know a lot about learning styles, curriculum and how to teach phonics, but I find I’m teaching myself about me more than any other subject.

I’m also learning a lot about mercy, something I thought I had a good grasp on before becoming a mother.

As a Christ follower, I’ve experienced mercy. I sin. And then I run to Jesus. Amazingly, mercy never runs dry. There is no drought when it comes to the mercy of God. I can define mercy as unearned love and forgiveness, getting love and acceptance instead of judgment and rejection. So I thought I understood.

Now as a mother surrounded by imperfect children daily, I see how much more there is know: how to give mercy freely; it’s importance in raising and leading children. How my children need it. And me too.

This unorganized, non-domestic, fiery-tempered home schooling mommy craves mercy. I need it from the Lord, my husband, my kids and from those in the home schooling community.

I’ve been home schooling long enough to have a wide experience with various homeschooling moms, and from what I can see, there is not much mercy for a woman like me, one of the muddled ones. My sister in Christ, and like-minded home schooling mom, she can be harsh. Legalistic, even. She doesn’t give much room for error. The believer mom who juggles it all with a smile, never missing a deadline, never forgetting to do that little thing that I’m so good at letting get buried under a paper mountain on my desk.

I bet I drive her nuts.

I pray to Jesus, “I screwed up. I’m sorry.”

I say to my kids, “Mom screwed up. I’m sorry. Can you forget my mistake?”

Will you show me mercy?

And this is what I want to say to my home schooling mother acquaintances, these women in my life that will not bend, refusing to overlook my personality quirks.

I screwed up. I’m sorry.

Will you show me mercy?

A Woman Inspired price discount and (wow!) my video

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First of all…

My little rambling-thoughts video about my mom and her story has been selected for display at the A Woman Inspired conference website. Go, me!

Seriously, what an honor that goofy me could make a video that speaks into the hearts of women. This is exactly the kind of blogging I want to do. *content, happy sigh* There are other videos posted as well; go check them out and leave a comment.

And… until April 1 (no joke!) the registration fee is only $12.95. I wish the conference was today, I can’t wait to get started. *more sighing*

Update: They are still accepting video submissions, and it looks like ALL will be posted at the AWI website. Don’t be shy, girls! If I can make a video, and not turn out as a dweeb, you can too.