Creative Discipline???

Today my boys have been ROWDIE... remember the cheer?? They have totally annoyed the snot out of me, each other, and even themselves. They are 10 and 11 years old and weigh over 100 pounds each. The whole time out-spanking cycle is quickly fading as effective or practical. This morning they were required to hold their hands out.. one at ear level and the other at hip level and walk toward each other until bellies touched. (Act it out if you have to). They ended up laughing and sort of got along the rest of the afternoon. LATER.... they were CRAZY in the car. Their Dad had them put their hands on the top of their heads and not talk the entire drive home from music class. It's a thirty-five minute drive. They then had to stand at the barn while he fed the animals with tiny pebbles in their hands while holding them at a ninety degree angle to their bodies. THEY HATED IT... no tears, no guilty feelings, and surprisingly (and thankfully) they have come into the house and pleasantly agreed to watch Stand By Me on television. At this moment, they are playing "this little piggy" with each other's feet and laughing riotously. This is a sign of their solidarity.

The entire day causes me to reflect about how God sometimes gets our attention in unusual and unconventional ways. Small, subtle whispers to get us back on track are lovingly bestowed rather than the curse of hell-fire and brimstone. I pray every day to be a good parent and wife and behave in a manner pleasing to HIM. I am thankful.... even on our worst and craziest days. Praying God will guide me and I will be wise enough to listen...


"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" Proverbs 22:6

The Cowboy Way

This weekend we celebrated the birthday of one of our "cowboy friend's" affectionately known as "Brother Dale". The boys were absolutely giddy as we crossed into the Virginia mountains and were oooooozzzzzing of excitement. Sadly, as we crested one of the mammoth hills, we heard an ugly poooof bum bum bump. Something had happened and we lost pulling power. THIS is not a good thing when you have a horse trailer with horses and four people's gear for the entire weekend. We called our mechanic and he felt we should "limp along" to our destination. Upon arrival, the entire camp went to work. Everyone who knew anything about motors took a look at the engine and it was decided to look at it again in the morning.

We then proceeded to fellowship and visit with everybody there. Andy took his guitar and he and another guy took turns playing while we all tried to sing along. EVERYONE was welcome and the "cowboys" made certain ladies had chairs. Snacks, drinks, and laughter were shared into the wee hours of the morning under a showcase of God's talents in the clear night sky. Children ran wild, got dirty, played in the fire, and were warned "if they didn't stop.. they'd 'pee' in the bed".

Saturday morning, camp was a flurry of activity. Andy and Brother Dale (the birthday boy, remember?) took off to find a part. Everyone else waited a while, then decided that Dale nor Andy would want the day wasted waiting on them. My boys took off with their grandfather and some other "horse friends" and I never doubted they would be well taken care of.

Andy and Dale returned, created a part since one could not be found and the riders returned to camp. Andy nor Dale never did get to ride. A HUGE meal was prepared and everyone was more than happy to wait for their turn to eat while being lulled into relaxation by nature's symphony. More food, stories, and laughter were shared until we all eased to our beds and felt the contentment of friendship.

Sunday morning brought the moment of truth... would the "fixing" be enough? Unfortunately, as we headed back down the mountain, our truck took another turn for the worst. A zizzzing sound and we had nothing.. we coasted to the side of the road followed by my father in law for safety. As Andy's blood pressure began to rise, guess who came pulling in? You guessed it.. Brother Dale...

To make a too long story short, we were helped by many to arrive safely at our home. THIS is the Cowboy Way. Go together, return together. Share what you have. Be hospitable. Help others when you can. These men may not say "I love you" to one another... but to me.. everything they do and are epitomizes the love God wants for all of us to display.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV, John 13:34-35)

Circular thoughts..

Today is August 1. The turn of the calendar page matches the turn of my stomach. Really? August already? You see, dear ones, August causes me to feel that 'itch" in my being... the one that starts the process of circular anxiety. It goes something like this:
OH NO.. school is starting soon, I have WAY too much to do and can't get into my classroom! What kids will I have? What challenges will I face? What fun will we have? (temporary smile).. then the stress engine starts back up... Have I done enough this summer to make it memorable for my boys to write an essay about? How many projects can I complete before I have to go back??Why did I not cross off more of my to do list? How come I was unsuccessful at ending world hunger? loosing 200 pounds? and curing cancer?

You see.. in the world of Education.. August is our "technical" NEW YEAR. I am torn each year between "working like a mad woman", "living it up" and being a "lazy bum" because of the long days I know lie ahead where NONE of these will be an option. Then there is a tremendous tinge of guilt that says (as many people actually have the gaul to say as well).. "be glad you get summer off". Here is the thing.. It is necessary. It is required. Each child needs a new and fresh start. Without summer break, none of us could be fresh.. and that would be very sad and unfulfilling.

BUT WAIT.. while you are on my crazy train.. here is HOPE!! At the same time, I am excited. I GET to start another year with amazing students who keep me humble and real. I have the opportunity every day... every... day... to show them love and compassion and encourage them to be great students and even better people. I am blessed to have wonderful colleagues to share the journey with and we are stronger than any bad day or policy that can come our way. So yes... enthusiasm and excitement with a pinch of apprehension is the order of the day... a hearty welcome to you August first!!