Fashion Forward

Today I am feeling a little fluffy. So, this entry is going to be pure fluff- fun. Last summer I found a little show on TLC called  What Not To Wear. It has been on for years, and I had no clue. Probably because we did not have any type of cable before then :). If you have not ever caught the show, the premise is that two NYC designers Stacy London and Clinton Kelly choose someone who is completely fashion inept. They surprise the unsuspecting sloppy dresser. Then, offer them a credit card in exchange for all their current wardrobe. The catch is that they may use the credit card to buy a whole new wardrobe only if they follow the hosts' "style rules". 

At first glance this show seems like another spotlight on materialism and self-centered ness. You would think that these highly successful New York stylist would throw in some crazy trendy, new-ist en-vogue fashion, Sarah Jessica Parker, type stuff for these average folks to wear. Being a reality show it would give the impression that the focus is to tear down some innocent person that maybe has their own taste of clothing. Often bringing them to tears.  But as I have enjoyed watching the show, I have grown to realize what I consider to be it's true message. Now don't get me wrong-- this is not a Biblically focused show and is put on by worldly tv. But the point of Stacy and Clinton's work on the show requires the person they are helping to think about what image they are putting out there. In other words, what their outside says about their inside.

Many ladies that come on the show have the preconception that women that spend time on their appearance must think they are, "All that and a bag of chips." The sloppy dresser or far out dresser that has been selected as the "victim" swears that  they can never wear a planned wardrobe. They have never seen themselves so "put together." I get the feeling they think that dressing well is only for highly successful model types and not for everyone. Armed with helpful tips from the show they realize, they too, can give some thought to their appearance.

I have to say that I have considered and grown a new appreciation for this somewhat obvious view that what I'm wearing says volumes about me. Being a homeschool  mom it seems that I am always running. I have little time or budget for clothes. This little show on TLC actually helped me out. So I thought I would share some thoughts from it with you. Please note that these ideas are not my own. I give complete credit to Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. Except for two things and I will note those when I come to them.

First, your appearance speaks loudly as to who you are. I am sad that we live in such a superficial society. But, it is true my friend. People make assessments about you by your appearance. You can say "smart and professional", or you can say "tired-- haven't had a bath-- feel like I need coffee." Please don't think I am saying that we Christian's should judge people by what they wear. We are to look beyond the surface to the heart. I am saying that others will look at our outward appearance to sum up who we are. It is like the book jacket on a book. We Christian's should know better than to judge the book by it's cover, but society as a whole-- busy as it is, makes very quick assumptions.

So simmering on this I asked my self, "What do I want people to think about me when they first meet me?" I do not wish to fulfill that homeschool ideal of a jumper, no makeup, and super long hair. (Although I often do have long hair, this is due to my laziness to go in to get it cut. Good thing I am not writing on hair styles here. I am very behind there and right now need to color! No matter how much I wish it, gray highlights do not say cool-mature. At least on this head anyway.) What do I want people to see?---Professional, intelligent, successful, thought-out. That seemed really worldly just writing it. Stay with me and we will get to how that accomplishes our goals as belonging to Christ.

Here is the problem, "I have no money or time to put outfits together." Here is where the show What Not To Wear comes in with advice to help us. Below is a list of a few pieces each of us should own:

1 Nice cocktail or evening dress
4 day dresses
1 pair of straight leg dark denim jeans
6 blouses
2 cardigans
1 denim jacket
4-5 camis or tanks (With these under your shirt you can open yourself up to many new blouses or dresses that might have seemed revealing before).
2 blazer jackets
1 black peep toe heel
1 red heel
1 ballet flat
1 wedge
1 sandal
1 clutch
1 everyday bag
5 necklaces
5 bangles
5 earings
The above list is totally from What Not To Wear.

I would add:
Skirts-Pencil and Full.

And Boots

Also Slacks-- gray, black, and brown.

The show would also tell you to choose blouses that have structure. This means that they are not just a t-shirt. They might have a ruffle, ruche-ing , a collar, come in at the waist, etc. I really love shirts that are made out of that spandexy material. The ones I can wash and then throw on the floor, and they never wrinkle. The only thing about these is to look for something that makes them a little more than a t-shirt. Some type of design at the neck for example.

So next, I set out with my list. I can only buy one item every now and then. I definitely don't have a credit card for a whole new wardrobe. But when I do have some extra money I choose to replace something in my old wardrobe for one of the above. Stacy and Clinton would not agree with where I shop. I go to the thrift store :) I love Thrift Town and Goodwill. They carry so many name brands and at my price!!! I can only go when I can set aside some time to look. My guys will not go near there. They do not like to shop for long periods of time. I also hit Ross and Walmart. Yes, I believe you can follow "the rules" on a budget. Another place that is fun and has inexpensive jewelry is Charming Charlie. Then, Payless has super cute shoes for yes---less.

That reminds me of a story. I have a friend that moved away. But I remember when she lived here. We went to church together. She always dressed sooooo cute with matching jewelry. I knew she must, "shop at all the best stores, daaaarling." She had the best personality and always so joyful. I asked her where she bought all her clothes. "Oh, Cindy, I only shop at Walmart." See, it is not about the budget, girls.  

The idea here is to gather pieces that can easily be mixed and matched. Somewhat like Garanimals.Stacy and Clinton would say to mix and match neutrals, patterns, and shine to make an outfit. Here is an example:
Denim Jacket - Neutral
Black Pant- Neutral
Red Heel- Neutral
Blouse-- Pattern
Jewelry--Red and Shine
Then it does not take too much time to grab, put on, and go.

Now one more tip that has helped me from the show. Dressing for your body type. I have a pear shaped body and I am about 30 pounds overweight. So I will only discuss that type. For me layering is very concealing and camouflaging. I want to do what I can to create the illusion that I am thinner. So let me introduce... the jacket or cardigan sweater. It does wonders!  I also love dark pants or straight leg denim jeans. Wearing a belt at my waist also creates an hour glass look.

I have really made an effort in the past few years to try to fix my hair, wear makeup, and dress professionally on a regular basis. [What Not to Wear makeup artist Carmindy is the inventor of the five minute face. I can do 5 minute makeup :).] Does this mean you will never see me in a ball cap, jog suit, and no makeup? No, I have days that that is my outfit. And believe me I am not headed to the gym. LOL. But, the idea that others are looking at my appearance and determining what I must be about has made an impact on me. So I have found that with the right tools in my closet and making an effort in the morning to take a few extra minutes, I can pay more attention to my appearance. Am I a fashion model? Definitely not! Am I wearing the most trendy in style clothes? No. But,I do look the best for me. My husband appreciates it as well.

So now when I have the opportunity to represent Christ, home schooling, my family, my teaching I can put my best foot forward. People will get a good impression. Somewhat like a job interview's first impression.
Please do not confuse me with saying I want people to think I am somebody, believe me I am not. I will be the first to say I bought this necklace at Walmart. Love Walmart, man! But I do  want to put my best foot forward as a representative of all those things I mentioned above. First and foremost every opportunity to give glory to God. Even in my appearance as His bond-servant.

Hope this helps in some way---Tune in to What Not to Wear sometime for more tips.I also have their website in my favorite links.
      
Note: Please don't overly examine my outfit the next time I see you. Remember I am just a student and Stacy and Clinton are the professionals :)

 

              

Encouragement to Homeschool Through High School

 

My oldest son is finally approaching high school. Just when I felt like I had the whole homeschooling elementary and middle school thing figured out, high school is now just over the hill. Like many of you, I feel out of my league here. Even though my degree is in secondary education, I'm intimidated by what all is required to help my sons get in to college.

 So, recently I sent an e-mail to two dear sisters in Christ.They are both very active in the Tarrant County homeschool community. They happen to coordinate successful programs, one in the north, in Keller, and one south, near Arlington. I have had the pleasure of being a part of both their programs over the past 5 years. These ladies are incredible mentors to homeschool moms in our area. I asked them if they would not mind posting some advice and encouragement for those of us with high school or soon to be high school homeschoolers. 

I will post my letter to them both below. Then, this week, I am attaching the reply I received from Missy Hardy, coordinator of the Blue Sky Sports PE program for homeschoolers. Please read for your encouragement:

Good afternoon Ladies,

As February often brings with it mid-year homeschool blues, I had an idea to bring some encouragement to moms of upper level students.

My son is now in jr. high, and high school is on the horizon. As I think of options to get him closer to our goal of college, frankly, I am scared to death. I know that I have many friends in my same boat and are seriously thinking about throwing in the towel on their mission to homeschool all the way to graduation.

I admire you both more than you know. You both coordinate successful homeschool programs in the Tarrant County  area. But what I love the most about being involved with your programs is your desire for true Biblical principles to be in all you do, striving for excellence in the instruction you give, and the idea that you are in it not for the money but as a ministry to equip homeschoolers. You also have both successfully homeschooled children on in to college.

Would you consider writing a short something to encourage moms to continue homeschooling through high school, and some practical advice towards that end? Mainly inspiring those of us that are doubting, that we can accomplish this task God has put before us.

I am hoping to post your encouragement to my new blog that hopefully will go out to moms that need to hear it. It does not have to be very long. I know you both are very busy ladies.

Thank you,

Cindy Fleming

Response from Missy:

My Dear Friend,

​I know you are full of fear and doubt as you begin to contemplate homeschooling through junior high and high school.  I too felt those exact feelings.  But, (and I know I shouldn’t’ really begin a sentence with but) both my son and I managed to leap this hurdle to the satisfaction of us both.  So, how did we survive the daunting obstacles before us?  First, let’s list those hurdles because voicing them is the first step.  These were the big three for my family. “I can’t teach high school levelsubjects.” “I am concerned universities won’t admit my homeschooled student.” Lastly, “My son and I were not handling the influx of teenage hormones as well as I would have liked.”

​Be encouraged! We dug deep and discussed all of our options to get through high school.  Some friends chose the public or private school route but I knew that was not an option for our family. I do not judge but do want to encourage you thatif you have been called to home educate your children not to throw in the towel when the going gets rough. You can do it! If I can, so can you! How did I do it? Well, what worked for me and my son, may not work for you and your student but what I wish to convey is “where there is a will, there is a way.”

​Hurdle number 1 – I don’t feel equipped to teach upper level subjects.  None of us do, I assure you.  I am degreed in History and Geography, love reading and writing, and felt very able to tackle those subjects.  Math, science, art and foreign language, no thank you.  We met those needs at a local homeschool education center staffed with teachers who are experts in their fields.  The cost was about $500 per class for year, which is considerably less than private school tuition.  I also hired a private tutor when needed.  Whenever I could, I would co-op with other moms in order to save money.  I would teach history if she would teach the math.  All of these options got us past the first hurdle successfully and with our sanity intact.

​Hurdle number 2 – I am concerned universities won’t admit my student”. Hogwash! I just copied the format of a transcript online and filled it in with my son’s high school work and submitted it.  He was accepted to SMU and Texas A&M.  It just takes time since you are now adding the responsibility of counselor to your list of home education duties. It takes time,not skill, to research universities and submit the required formson time.  Hint- look at what universities you are consideringduring your student’s freshman year.  Be sure to meet those requirements during his high school years.  Keep records of curriculum used. But here is the kicker – most universities look at standardized tests to validate your transcript.  TEACH TO THE SAT AND ACT! Begin your freshmen year.  I recommend College Prep Genius and if you can afford one, a professional tutor for those tests.  www.collegeboard.com has free resources – use them.  My first born did well on his SAT and earned a scholarship to SMU (not a full ride so now he is an Aggie). He was very strong academically and knew what he wanted.  I don’t think I can actually take any credit for getting him into college since most of his subjects were taught by someone other than me.  Pray for me as I embark with my junior on this college admission journey as she has no clue what she wants to do and doesn’t test as well as her brother.  I am praying a lot!

​Hurdle number 3 – teenage (and quite possibly, Mom’s) hormones.  This one nearly did us in.  Thank God for the homeschooling resource center where my son took classes.  Ninth, tenth and part of eleventh grade were hard but I have to say, he outgrew that difficult stage.  Today, he is so appreciative of my time and efforts and is an outstanding young man of God.There is hope!

​Finally, many of these hurdles leave out one important component that I have to daily remind myself.  Why do I homeschool?  It is not for academics but because I want to raise my children to love God with all their hearts.  That is hard to do if they are not learning in an environment surrounded by others who love God.  I could care less if they score high on the SAT or get a scholarship to university if they are not all God intended them to be. I find that our homeschooling journey will be worth all the hard work and tears if my children walk with the Lord and pass their faith onto their children.

In Him,

Melissa

I will be posting the other response in a few weeks. I know that this has encouraged me. I am so thankful that the Lord has put these women in my life. It assures me to know that He provides all we need to accomplish His goals in our children when we come to Him and ask in His will.

Hope this has been helpful in reassuring you as well.

A "Bitterness" Intervention

 

It has been a month since my "Bitterness" intervention. I feel that it has been long enough that I can now share about it.

Right after Christmas my family all ganged up on me on the ride home from church. They were all in agreement. I was .....Bitter! Well except for my little guy who said that he thought mommy was sweet and that everyone else was being mean.That's my baby...thank you!
Well the truth is, yes, they were right. After many tears and some introspection I had to turn to the Word and ask the Lord. "Lord, how have I shown bitterness to my family?" Ouch!

I'm the fun mom. I'm the loving mom. I'm the mom that teaches my boys joy and thankfulness, right? Right?

The conclusion. Yes, I feel like I would like to go have some fun. I feel like I am hugging and loving my family. I feel thankful. But what is my family seeing on the outside through my actions.

My boys' scout Court of Honor program included this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson- "What you DO speaks so loud that I cannot hear you speak."   

So I am admitting today that my actions were not matching the lessons I was teaching my kiddos. See if any of these hit home with you:
1. I feel that I am thankful for my home and my family. Outside I am constantly griping that I have no help and the house is a wreck.
2. I feel grateful for the man the Lord has blessed me with and proud of the boys. Outwardly they hear me complaining to friends on the phone.
3. I feel that I am encouraging and using my words to build up. Outwardly my words are quick and sharp.
4.  I feel that I am privileged and blessed to be a stay at home mom and homeschool my kiddos. Outside I am constantly anxious and tired.
5. Inwardly I feel happy and love the Lord. Outwardly I seem irritated and angry.
6. Inside I want to serve and help. Outside I am annoyed and put out.
7. I feel patient and caring. Actually I am quick tempered and self focused.
8. I feel appreciative and gracious. I actually complain and am judgmental.

So when I look at my behavior on the outside I feel deeply ashamed and have an immense desire to repent. I want what I think I'm feeling on the inside to become my actions. How terrible would it be for my boys to grow up and never experience the mom I "think" I am. I too need to realize that I cannot be that mom on my own.

So, to the Word! My mind quickly turns to the "put on" and "put off" commands: (Colossians 3:5-17)

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Did you read 12 thru 17? Ouch again! That is what a Christian mom should look like.

Ok, now I have to dig deeper. See the truth ladies is that our outward appearance is linked to our inward thoughts. I may think I "feel" all those things I wrote above. But in actuality if I really abide in those thoughts, I am lodging and dwelling in the love of Christ. It will show on the outside. I am getting pretty bruised here.

So where is my heart?  Let's draw back the curtain and take a look inside shall we?  It is tough for this control freakish girl to realize that I cannot  be in charge of everything in my life. I want to do the "right" thing. I want to do my best. I am a law follower. I want my life to look beautiful on the outside. My head knowledge is right on. Listen to what Jesus says to us prideful folks:

Matthew 23---"Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.... 27 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." 
 
So to sum up what I have learned so far. I see myself being the "right" wife and mom. I "feel" that I am working and working in the right direction. But truth be told, at home, I am not living it daily in my actions... Peel the onion some more... my heart is not there either.

So where am I, and how do I get back on track? Track is exactly the ticket. Hebrews 12:1 says,  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

What race?... Not homemaking... Living for Christ and His kingdom, Beloved. 

I don't know about you but exercise and I do not seem to get along. I have tried to pick up jogging several times. It never seems to stick. Why? Pure laziness my friend. Pure laziness. I often feel discouraged that my spiritual race seems to be in the same shape. When life gets "tough", serving gets tiresome, and my work doesn't show results I want to just stop the race, and park it under a tree. "It" meaning my rear, you know?
Or even worse, are those time I turn around and begin running in the other direction. Endurance my friend is not to be taken lightly, and it is not to be conquered on our own.

Hebrews 12:2 continues, " 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." 

He's at the finish line spurring us on. If only I could keep focusing on THAT face, most marvelous- wonderful face. I often consider that I have nothing to boast in. Jesus always made the right choice, always had the right attitude, always said the right thing, and never missed an opportunity to do the right action or service. And all while everyone around Him questioned His motives, cursed Him, condemned Him, betrayed Him, and denied Him..even unto death. What for? The JOY that was set before Him.

What does that tell me? I am in desperate need of a savior. Jesus is that righteous one.

Let's continue with my original train of thought. I started on the topic of bitterness. My heart feels overwhelmed with the tasks that are before me. I wimp out. I begin to focus on me. "Why is nobody helping me?" "Why am I so tired?" "I need a break?" I never seem to catch up!"  that then leads deeper to --- "I want to criticize, judge, complain, get angry"---"Maybe I should take a break from the work?"

Starts out:
A little rest...a break let's say...
Then self focus..."What about me?"
Loss of joy...
Giving Up...
Wimping out...
Tuning out and turning toward idolatry---adding "functional Saviors" (I heard this term from our previous associate pastor's blog Pew to Practice ) -- whether it be food, movies, books, hobbies, Facebook. Anything that helps you get away from the work. The world uses drugs, alcohol, etc. There was a song that was popular in my college day, "Your own personal Jesus". Something that helps you "cope".
Protesting...
Critical spirit...
Complaining...
Bitterness that you were ever given the task in the first place.

My pride is really offended by all the things I've said here. Pride in the image of who I think I am and want to be, in comparison to the huge difference in the actions that are shown to those that are closest. I have been sitting on the "judgement seat" of everyone else and not even considering my own guilt.

When my husband and I attended marriage counseling with our pastor a few years back now we received a "Log List"  written by Wayne Mack. You may view it by clicking on "Log List." This is a look at the "log" that is in your own eye before you try to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Working through the list helped me to realize that I am not perfect, and how am I to compare others to perfection?

In example: I recently adamantly commanded my older son that his chores were sorely behind, all the while my camped out pile of laundry, staring from the couch, bore holes right through me.

It's so easy to focus on self and the fault of others. It is our human nature. I seem to kick myself for reverting back there so quickly. I know better. I am a new creature in Christ. But still the old ways seem sweet when the road gets bumpy. I'm the ostrich that sticks her head in the sand. Frightened, weak, and unable to measure up. Feeling sorry for myself that I cannot complete the work set before me in my own strength... I hide.

I resemble the servant in the parable of the talents that was only given one talent. Feeling the weight of my family responsibilities; I take my "talent", sit on it and pout. Remember that there were three servants and the master each gave them talents (money). You can read the story from the Bible by clicking here. One was given 5, one 2, and one 1. All the other faithful servants took the talents and returned with double portion of what they were given. They were praised and rewarded for the return of their labor. The servant with the one took it and hid it. He came back to the master with what he had been given. Listen to what Jesus said happened to that dude:

Matt. 25:24-28
He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' 26 But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.

I got to go find my talent, sisters, and pull it out of the back yard. That talent needs to get back to work. No wonder my work isn't increasing and growing. No wonder God is not blessing. I am like Israel in the desert.They were released from slavery led to a new land flowing with milk and honey. They saw miracles we can only imagine...Still they grumbled and were complete cowards when it came to following the Lord into the Promised Land. Only focusing on the "poor me-s." They did not expect that God would enable them to complete what He said He would do. Too bad they did not long for and rely on Him.  

Psalm 63:1  O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Is there a quick fix here sisters? Boy don't I wish there was an energy drink for this. A gym to exercise and get in shape for my attitude towards "running the race." My attitude muscles are majorly flabby. And, attitude does matter... and leads to Christlike actions. The good news--- there is a place to go for help and He is really able to help us accomplish the goals he put before us. Much more able than that Ben and Jerry's or even  the constant nagging I put out there. We must completely and utterly rely on Him alone. Continue to read and it will lead you to song below--- 

For your encouragement:

Psalm 1:1-2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 
  
Mark 12:30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'


John 14:16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 15:5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

 Matthew 11:29 -30 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.

Galations 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Isaiah 40:31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. 

So has my "Bitterness" intervention led to a total rehab? I can only take one day at a time. :) Attitudes of --Peace, Joy, Gratitude, Appreciation, Servitude...Actions-- showing how amazing my Lord is for the precious gifts he has given me. Without my beautiful family there would be no messiness. God bless that beloved mess!!! Today I better choose to start running... and not just a wimpy half-hearted run...nor a  wondering why someone else can't do the running while I sit in the shade with a glass of lemonade...but instead, "laying aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely" (bitterness of spirit)... And as Paul says run as to, "win the race." Not in my own strength, but fully relying on Him... alone. 


Ephesians 4:31-32- Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Proverbs 14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

I highly recommend this book that I recently picked back up to read.

 

Lord, Change My Attitude: Before It's Too Late by James MacDonald 

 

 

Safari Van Update

Last week's post about our van was prompted by a little incident that happened last Friday.

Our dear van died on the side of the road with the kids and I on board. She had never done that before. So after prayer and considering her condition, my husband and I decided it was finally time to let her go. The Lord has recently blessed Dave with a new job that has a car allotment for a new vehicle. So we decided to participate in that and to purchase something  new. We are praising the Lord for all the people and details that He worked out for us to be able to do so. Dave is now driving a brand new crossover vehicle to work. It has incredible gas mileage, and I now have our 6 year old Toyota van. Which I am so happy to report has air conditioning and rolls down the windows. Big Smiles!!!!

The Love Jalopy

Picture from Amazon

I joke with friends about Facebook (not that I have any problems with Facebook). I gently tease... let's say... that some folks sure do want to put their best foot forward. So, say I did have a Facebook page... would I create a page with wonderful pictures of my happy smiling family in amazing vacation spots? Updating my friends on my super romantic fabuloso marriage?  My husband's high-powered 4 figure job---oops I mean 6 (remember I am bad at math). Showing my homeschooling children, all in matching outfits, playing in their classical string quartet (even though there are only 3 of them :) ). Well friends, in this blog you get nothin' but the truth folks.

Let me introduce the jalopy:




Yes, this is my van. She was born in 1997 and is fondly named Safari (because of her model).

I want to share some humorous adventures with you that Safari and I have been on over the years.

First, Safari does not like to roll down her window on the driver's side. Well one day I pulled her in to Arby's, headed to the drive thru. Our Arby's happens to be next to the railroad track. Now remember Safari is shy about rolling down her window. So when the lady came on the speaker, "May I take your order?" I had  to open my door. Safari protested that I was talking to that drive thru lady, and she began to beeeeeeeeeeeep because her door was open. All just in time for the train to go by. Woooooooo Wooooooooooo. "Yes, I'd (Beeeeeep), like a (Wooooooo wooooooo). With a side of (Beeeeeeeeep) and a large (Wooooo Woooooo.)"  The question here is did the lady get my order straight? Did I get lunch that day? "Good Mood Food" you know :)

Next, I want to tell you that Safari is a reddish burgundy color. But she refuses to take a bath, so she looks dirt brown. I assure you I can see through that dusty windshield. I've had years of practice. I have tried to change her mind. "Safari you are really dirty don't you want a bath?" "No." She says, " I like the "Wash Me" engraved on my rear. Kinda like one of those lower back tattoos." What a rebel. "Maybe just let me take some of these fast food wrappers and junk off your floor board." "What and ruin my lovely aroma?" A nice mixture of sweat, car sick throw up, Mc something, and milk that has turned. Mmmm... better than Justin Bieber's Someday Fragrance at Macy's. I think!?!

Safari usually gets from point A to point B. We have had some point "B" for...Bad neighborhood. One time her windshield wipers stopped right in the middle of a rainstorm. I told you she does not like baths. I pulled off to a gas station. I did not have a cell phone at that time. I am thankful that this particular side of town's station still had a pay phone. (Remember those.)  The phone book that had been chained there had been stolen and I was very afraid to touch the receiver. Now Safari did pay for the call with some change she found in her ash tray. Mighty nice of her. But, God is good and He protected us. We've had "B" for ...Bad timing. One time Safari was in a very swank neighborhood. I was almost embarrassed to take her to this particular party. Not sure she would fit in, you know? Of course it was late when it was time to go home. Sure enough her headlights would not work. Sadly, I was too ashamed to go back in, so  I drove around the corner in the dark and parked. Just as my husband came to rescue me, one of the neighbors came out to see who had been parked in front of their home in a big van. Sorry Dude...No spying here.

Our kids have prayed many times for Safari. We've gotten in to head to McDonald's and she refused to go. Causing much weeping and gnashing of teeth. We have all counted to three and bobbed back and forth to get the gas flowing. I can only imagine what my neighbors must think, seeing all the Flemings sitting in the van swaying front and back, rocking the car.

One last story then I will get to the point of all my humor here.. Safari is one hot tamale! I mean hot folks. When the front air conditioning works, the back is broken. When the back is fixed, then the front is broken. I think the vents are playing a somewhat cruel joke. Well it's winter now so the jokes on them. Ha :)

These are funny stories that at the times did not seem so funny. But I want to tell you why I have such sincere endearment for my van. First and foremost there are many folks out there in our world that do not have any transportation. They must walk or ride a bike. Hard for us to think about in our culture. I hope that many out there relate to these stories because they have a "Schlep" too. (Remember him from Saturday morning Krofft Supershow?) You've been there. Some of these same situations hit home. I want to encourage you with the fact that God has provided my van, your vehicle. In my case, he has not seen to give me anything else yet. I am praying toward that end. But now I am content with His provision. Please let me testify that God is good. He has protected us in every way in Safari. She is a good van. I think we in America expect more than we need. She is paid in full and does her job. She's just an old-timer.      

Can I tell you the miraculous way we got her? My husband and I were in deep credit debt many years ago (praise the Lord we are debt free now but that's another story for another time). We had to sell our (then) van, move from our home, and shortly after he lost his job. Did I mention I had a brand new baby back then, as well? Right when we needed it the most Safari was given to us. Yes, given. (I won't mention the precious family that blessed us. I don't think they would want us to.)  She was beautiful back then. She ran like clock work. She smelled like new car. (How the person who gave it to us did that, I am not sure because she was a few yrs old then.) She sparkled and shined. I'm not sure the previous owners ever ate inside her. My husband drove her to his new job and she was our main vehicle for many years. She does her best to continue fulfilling her responsibility to arrive at our destination. She's just not in her glory days any more.

So for those driving a jalopy like mine. I hope you too see her with new eyes. My Schlep, becomes my Wonderbug. My Herbie, my Love Bug. My Jalopy is my Safari. She's no Mystery Machine, she's an adventure every time.

Disclaimer: For those worried about our arrival to destination status-- We do have another vehicle that is my husband's main ride. 

Take a look at these 2 favorite scenes from Facing the Giants:  

#1.***Instructions to watching scene one here: I could not find just the scene I wanted so you will want to fast forward to 1:07 to get to the scene with the car after the game. Then only watch to 2:45***

#2 This is how we felt when Safari arrived ......Blessed!