Ruth... five times over!

I've been taking classes online through Leavell College (NOBTS) and this semester since I'm homeschooling I'm just taking one. It's still going to be a challenge- I have a 12-15 page paper to write, and I'll be studying Ruth and Esther in depth, keeping a very very detailed notebook through this semester!

Tonight, I started working on my notebook, and one assignment is to read the book of Ruth in five different translations. I gathered up as many Bibles as I could find in our house, and so far I've read it in the Holman Christian Standard, the English Standard Version, and the New King James... The NIV and NASB are looking at me, wondering when it's their turn.

Interestingly, after I took my base notes from the first translation I read, I noticed other details, asked new questions and gained new perspective with each different reading. I've read the book of Ruth countless times before- we named our second child after this Ruth, so I'm pretty familiar with the story and have always loved it! But tonight as I've been studying, I noticed something new- a comparison that can be drawn from Abraham to Ruth.

Like Abraham, Ruth left everything she knew, loved and trusted to walk a new path into a foreign (to her) land and lifestyle. Is this possibly why Boaz took such notice of her, and found her to be a virtuous woman? Surely her hard work in the field and her devotion to Naomi were factors, but Ruth has proved herself to be adventurous and trusting of Naomi's God. Ruth set out on a journey, following Naomi, just as Abraham set out on a journey following the Lord.

Additionally, Ruth was married to Mahlon for ten years while Elimelech, Naomi and their sons lived in Moab. For ten years, neither Ruth nor Orpah had a child- and Naomi and Elimelech were not blessed with a grandchild. While it isn't mentioned in the story, surely they wondered why, and surely this was a factor in Naomi's despair. She lost her husband, both of her sons, and had no grandchildren. Ruth's barren womb is reminiscent of Abraham and Sarah's lack of children. In Ruth 4, the Lord grants her conception after she and Boaz are married, and she has a son- Obed. Similarly, while Abraham and Sarah went years without having a child, when the Lord intervenes, they are blessed with Isaac.

Mandi Mapes wrote four songs about the four chapters of Ruth. "So Long, Familiar" (chapter one) expresses Naomi's grief over the loss of her husband, sons and future in such an eye-opening, sorrowful way, that I bawled my eyes out the first time I heard it. "Under the Wings of God" (chapter two) describes Ruth's feelings as she starts her new life in Bethlehem. Boaz speaks a blessing over her- that she will find her refuge under the wings of God. Ruth remembers these words, and speaks them back to him later in chapter 3- asking Boaz to cover her, to marry her. "I Already Know" (chapter three) comes from God's perspective. It's as if God is singing over Ruth, promising that He's already planned this whole thing out- He knows who is going to save her and that the whole thing will glorify Him, ultimately. Ruth will be redeemed, and not only will she and Naomi be covered by His garments, but through the marriage of Ruth and Boaz (her kinsman redeemer) redemption will be provided for anyone who will put their trust in Jesus! Their son Obed will father Jesse, who will father David, and generations later, right there in Bethlehem on a starry night- our Savior, Jesus, will be born! Finally "Story of Love" is a sweet song (chapter four) of Ruth's reflection on her life. She's thankful to God for Boaz, and for how her story "unfolded." The lyrics "just like the sun, lights up the moon, this love is a reflection of more than just me and you, and our lives were less than ordinary, while I couldn't see past tomorrow, God was making history" remind us that the story of Boaz and Ruth is definitely more than just a sweet Old Testament love story. Ruth certainly represents us, in our pitiful state of need, and Boaz- the kinsman redeemer- represents our sweet Redeemer!

Homeschooling, day 8!

Our home has been alive with learning for a week and a half now! Baking, finding the area of a pb&j sandwich, reading, building with blocks, Scripture memorization, writing letters and studying the history of the ancient world have kept us very busy! Thanks to Taylor Henderson, PE will be swimming laps at the Vaughan as long as weather permits. What a blessing to homeschool... It's not always easy or fun, but Chris and I are so very grateful for the time we spend with the girls watching them grow and learn.
On Tuesdays, Grace does current event summaries. Last week I chose articles for her (local, national and international). Yesterday she chose her own. Did you know scientists are using dogs to sniff out lung cancer? You won't find Lassie in your doctor's office any time soon, but what an interesting article Grace picked out! She's also grappling with the Libyan conflict, Gadhafi, and learning about our governor Bentley & some presidential candidates.
Ruth is memorizing Psalm 1- yeah, the whole chapter, one verse at a time. Grace is learning 1 Corinthians 13. I know I haven't been as disciplined about memorizing Scripture as I should be, especially great wonderful hunks of it like this! It's fun to learn it alongside them.
Please continue to pray for us as we continue on this journey!

Bible Drill Beach Retreat!

Okay! FBC Bible Drillers, we're heading to the beach this weekend! "Mr. Chris" will deliver the children's sermon in our absence, and we'll be studying this year's Bible verses, competing in Books of the Bible drills ON THE BEACH, playing putt putt, enjoying the last little drop of summer we can squeeze out of this year, and just generally having fun in God's beautiful creation!

Here's what I need from you: pack a modest swimsuit, beach towel, clothes for three days, sunscreen, beach "stuff" and most importantly your BIBLE DRILL BIBLE! Bring a check for $75, and spending money to cover your meals while we're gone.

Meet at the church IMMEDIATELY following school on Friday!! We'll return Sunday evening. I can't wait! See you soon, and LOVE LOVE LOVE you!

Homeschooling. Day One.

Wow. Today has been a major blessing in the life of our family! We sat down for breakfast together (minus George, who we let stay up late, in hopes he would sleep late, so we could get some schoolwork done in a quiet house!) Chris led the girls in a devotion, then taught each of them math and Bible. The morning just flowed... the girls did chores, got dressed for the day, and did their schoolwork so peacefully. I had to tear myself away from the house to go to staff meeting this morning, let me tell you! I got a good bit done at work, packed up what I could do at home, and came back as quickly as I could. Chris had finished most of the girls' morning work, and I jumped right in so he was able to take care of restaurant business.
We cooked lunch, and finished up the girls' Science, History, Reading, and Handwriting. Then we headed to the pool for P.E.! (Thanks Taylor Henderson for this fun idea!) While the kids and I swam, Chris cut grass, and then we cooked dinner together. Yes. We cooked three meals, at home, in one day. Crazy. Crazy awesome! :)
After dinner, the girls and George went out to the garden with Chris to pick vegetables, while I prepared for tomorrow's lessons. Day One is done, and we are certainly looking forward to the rest of the year! We covet your prayers as we embark on a journey- teaching our children at home, focusing daily on teaching them Scripture first, and enjoying our family to the fullest!

What's big, red, and dangerous?

Our August 14th Children's Sermon, that's what! You'll see tomorrow morning just what I'm talking about. Along with this big, red, and dangerous element, we'll be discussing Albert Schweitzer, and his dedication to his life's mission. Not everyone can be an Albert Schweitzer, called to a life work of practicing medicine in Africa, and building a hospital! But we are all called to something, and God expects dedication on our part when He calls!
I hope I'll see you tomorrow at First Baptist Church, and I pray we'll both come expecting to hear from the Lord. Our Father wants to carry on a constant dialogue with us! We just have to prepare our hearts to hear Him. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." Luke 4:8. That's a beautiful promise!

Preschool Playdates!

Preschool Playdates continues, even though some of our kiddos have returned to school! Today we made cards and delivered them at Vaughan place. We learned that when we do something kind for others, sometimes God brings us unexpected blessings- like playing with 12 week old fluffy puppies! :)
We returned to the church to make our own pizzas and cookies, and then play! 
Next Preschool playdate in 2 weeks- "Goodbye Summer Party on the Playground!" wear a swimsuit, bring a towel and a clean change of clothes!

Pictures are posted on our facebook page- FBC Selma children's ministry

One thing I know for SURE...

There are a lot of things I don't know. There are plenty of things I'm unsure about. But one thing I know for sure is that I'm a wife, and that means I should strive for excellence in my wifey-ness. (I also know for sure that making up my own words is usually more fun than using the ones already created...) God blessed me with an incredible husband, so it ought to be pretty easy to submit and be excellent. But um... I'm me!

Most days I feel like an eeking-by wife, but today I feel pretty excellent. I know I'm doing just what God wants me to do when I'm helping Chris. When I'm working beside him, and doing everything I can to help him, I know I am smack dab in the center of God's will. That's a good feeling. Even when I'd rather do something else, or when helping Chris means physical discomfort (cutting grass which I am allergic to, then sneezing my head off; or helping him in the garden when I seriously hate being hot and sweaty and dirty and surrounded by bugs...), knowing I'm obeying God and fulfilling His purpose for my life is satisfying.

So today, I'm reflecting on how hard Chris has worked all summer to provide awesome fresh vegetables for his family. He (with Mr. Gene's help) tilled the ground. He planted seeds and small plants. He watered, fertilized, nurtured and protected the plants as they grew, and he picks vegetables daily! God has certainly blessed Chris' efforts, and we have an overabundance of vegetables! Chris mentioned that he'd like for me to prepare/freeze some of the vegetables so we can continue to enjoy them through the year. As I started to peel, slice, and freeze, I enjoyed every second of helping my husband today. I ended up baking zucchini bread and stuffing tomatoes for lunch too! It's so funny that things I ordinarily wouldn't get excited about can become truly enjoyable when I have the right attitude and the right perspective. How I want to become an excellent wife! Not only in honor of my sweet husband, but to honor God as well. "A wife of noble character who can find? Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good not harm all the days of her life... Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'" Proverbs 31:10-12, 28-29