Graduation Day

Congratulations to our Kindergarten Graduate! Mary Elisabeth "Princess Qing Qing" Hancock, We are so proud of you!

I think what is so sweet about Mary's Graduation, is not just my sweet little girl, but her brother's video taping. It might be wobbley, but you can hear his voice over the top of the singing and it is so sweet!

Mary Graduation: Filmed by Nick

Last day of school....

I love this little street sign at Mary's school! "Children at Play".

Today is Mary's last day of school and last day at THIS school. I have had one child in this school since 2002!... (except for one school year, before Mary came to us).

So a long association. I will miss it. We loved her teacher and all the teachers my children have had here over the years. All three of my children went to preschool and kindergarten her. So I big thread in our family tapestry.

I look forward to the next years and new ties and the new school, but today (and tonight at "grad-gee-ation") we celebrate Mary and her successes here.

Congratulations, Princess Qing Qing....you did well!

Looking forward!

Reminders...

God has been giving me a lot of reminders lately. A big one came in sharing some thoughts with a friend from my past. God reminded me who I am and what I am about.... The Brandon Heath Song, I'm Not Who I Was...just reminded me of it so clear.

God has been using authors and songwriters in my life for years to bring me on, or remind me yet again of my life in Him. I thank God for those who at a point in time feel the annointing in their Spirit, maybe not even knowing that is what it is, and write a song, or author a book that years later, time and again, God uses to set afire another's soul. Brandon Heath, Sara Groves, ZoeGirl, Chris Rice...just to name a few artists. And author's Beth Moore, Mark Buchanan, Gary Thomas, Brother Lawrence...again just a few, who have strongly spoken to me and taken me a step deeper with God.

I am reminded and thankful.

This morning I did a page in my devotional book, (Beloved Disciple, by Beth Moore) and it was talking about Paul, and how 14 years later he went back to Jerusalem and Peter and John extended "the hand of fellowship" to Paul because they saw the grace of God on his life. It talked about how we can disagree with another believer in Christ on some points, or have different styles or be called to different areas of ministry, but as we see the grace of God on their life, we still can extand the hand of fellowship. And I started thinking...what is my ministry, my calling? I recently stepped down from leading women's Bible Studies, to focus on my family.

And I have been wondering, if I have been spending too much time focusing on myself. :) Is my ministry my children or is there more? And I just prayed that Abba would show me the path He wants me to follow.

Then driving to work, a Chris Rice song just brought me to tears and joy and fire.... One I have heard many times (especially since I own the CD) and just speaks so strongly to me. I think it is called "Go Light Your World". And it talks about every soul having a candle that the Holy Spirit desires to light. And many of us (me for so many years) have bought into a lie or been robbed of what God would have for us, by believing the world's empty promises, or man's confused philosophies, or pursue other interests to try to light a flame in our life.

I have found in my own life, that I can, for years, continue on those attempts to light my own flame, alternating with times of confusion, and heartbreak. And I too, know truly from experience, God CAN light that flame. It has been empty words without truth to me in the past, and then, I don't why it happened when it did, but through desperately coming to God and having His word in my hand, He re-lit my flame, that I had let almost die out.

So I don't know what God has planned for me and my little family, but "we are a family whose hearts are blazing" and we will "raise our candles ... and in the name of Jesus [be] a beacon in darkest times."....however He leads, as long as we live.


Enjoy...and be reminded...so many need the flame we have....believer and unbeliever alike...need their soul set aflame with God, our all consuming fire! Thank you Chris, Thank you Abba.


Go Light Your World by Chris Rice



There is a candle in every soul; some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a Spirit who brings a fire Ignites a candle and makes His home

So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world


Frustrated brother,
see how he's tried to light his own candle some other way
See now your sister,
she's been robbed and lied to still holds a candle without a flame


So Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world


Cause We are a family whose hearts are blazing
so let's raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus make us a beacon in darkest times

So Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hepeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

What I am listening to.... (ZoeGIrl)

Going Coastal.....in 6 Days

We are heading for our week at the beach in 6 days, and are so excited. This is always one of our best times of the summer and such a memory builder. I wanted to give a peek of the house we are renting.

Doesn't the view look gorgeous! And my kids are going to LOVE the game room and Bella puppy gets to come along!

I am even having friends come down for a couple of the days...and we will be celebrating Nick's 11th birthday! (My little boy is turning 11! EEEEK!) Since I am into digital scrapbooking now, I will have far less to pack for our trip too!

I just praise God on how awesomely He has blessed us to be able to have these times as a family and care for us.

This weekend, God reminded me of who I am in Him and fanned the flame of the fire in my belly. I thought again of the book by Beth Moore, Believing God. If you have never read it. it is a must. (you can also take the Bible Study online.) Another of those reads that I need to re-read each year. I am taking it with me to the beach, (I just bought the audio version to listen to on the way up) along with Mark Buchanan's Things Unseen, Your God is too Safe and Holy Wild. A time of refreshing and renewing in more ways than one.


(Gosh, I just realized, I won't be able to read all those..and I want to. I guess I will get a second one on audio...:)

Memorial Day Weekend....

PS: A post script up front. :) After Nick saw the smilebox I made, he wanted to make one of his own! So here is Nicholas' creation:

Make a Smilebox postcard

It was a pool weekend for my kids, Sunday and Monday. First at my brothers and then today...five hours at the aquatic center. Lots of splash, probably a little too much sun, and tons of fun.

I feel a little sad tonight. Ache. Too long and too personal to share...but something like what Mark Buchanan talks about in Things Unseen (I need to read that AGAIN..it is a read again about once a yearer type book)...when he talks about this longing in our heart that can never and will never be full this side of heaven. About God setting eternity in our hearts and anything that is temporary just does not resonate. I have really been reminded of the temporary these past few days....school over, school closing, holding babies, seeing how quickly they grow into men, and people from my past reminding me of days so long gone, yet still so recent.

With so much temporary, what legacy do I want to leave? My degrees, my job, my scrapbooks, a book I wrote? A presentation? A dinner cooked? A flower planted? No....and in some of these things, yes.

My legacy is not what I do, or did, but how. It is the love I share in what I do. It is being the eternity person. At least for MY family, the person in it for the long haul. The person that will reflect, to the best of my ability that corner piece of God which is faithfulness. I will be here. I will love you. And until God takes me, I will not leave. And I will never stop. God's love. That is the legacy I want to leave.

And I ache. I do it so poorly. Yet, with hope, I know God is saving my soul. I do not mean just my eternal soul for some time in the grand here after, I mean he is redeeming my present day soul here and now. He is redeeming my emotions, my thoughts, my dreams and loves and my relationships. Yes, Lord. That is what I want. That is what I need. That is what is eternal and lasts.

I surrender to you. All to you my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

Wanna smile....look below at Kenny Oden and their grandpa (my brother) and great grandparents.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Memorial Day....

Do you know I actually had to look up what Memorial day was really about? I mean, I vaguely knew it was about remembering folks in the military..and if I would have thought further, it would have clicked that it was to honor those who had died. (Vs Veterans Day honoring all veterans.)

The Memorial Day Order:

The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and comrades will, in their own way, arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
We are here to play, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers sailors and Marines, who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains, and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon the Nation's gratitude—the soldiers and sailors widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander in Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this Order effective.
—General Orders No. 11, Grand Army of the Republic Headquarters.

I feel we are so far away from that intent. It has become a holiday of BBQ's, swimming pools, lakes, picnics and a day off from work. Yet, enjoying family, in a time together...of fun, is honoring what other's have died for. A life where we can have peace and enjoy our families.

I have been reflecting on how quickly life passes. I spent yesterday with my brother's family. My "little nieces" all grown up...Michelle with twin baby boys of her own. Woooosh! A lifetime goes by. I also had a suprize message from someone I knew when I was 17/18. A lifetime ago.

So today is a day of reflecting, remembering and being grateful. I thank the Lord so much for the little ones in my life. As they grow quickly and so soon will have lives of their own...I savor them today... We are going to head out to the acquatic center...and honor the day..as family.

Blessing to all of you, who may be missing someone who sacrificed for us all. I pray you will find peace and hope. God has set eternity in our hearts, partings and temporary goes against our soul and spirit. So does being alone. God puts the lonely in families. Belonging is His way of caring for us.

I pray for his blessings and love today.

And speaking of a long time ago: 1975 Private Sandra Hancock.

Still struggling

Same as this day...... just too busy (or too distracted, restless) to do anything about it. :( Prayers appreciated.

Last Day of School...2 out of 3

Yesterday was the last day of school for Nick and Tadpole. (Mary still has another week. Ignore the date on my photos, my camera date is messed up.)

The boys had fun with an ice skating party for the whole school (Indoors of course). It was hard saying goodbye. As Victory is closing and many students will not be coming back next year to the new school. ...or are still undecided. :( One of Nick's classmates, has been with him since preschool...7 years already...and they are moving out of state.

I could tell Nick was sad, with a little bit of a testy attitude...poor thing. I am praying that God will bring many of the same kids back next year to the new school and all will work out.

We celebrated the last day of school by going to a little carnival in our hometown. Rides and rides and more rides! All three had tons of fun and it was a great way to finish off the school year.

Two gents striking "manly poses" ready to "attack" the carnival!
A happy girl on a pink and purple train~

Wind swept boys...just off the Scrambler!~

Fun was had by all!

How quickly.....

Today was the end of school picnic for Nick's class. Tomorrow the school is going ice skating...the last day of school.

I am so cognizant today of how quickly these little ones grow. From diapers to board books, to baseball and gameboys...

Soule Mama was blogging today about the little notes all over her house, and how one day, they won't be there....

My heart aches...to stop the clock, but more than that, to stop myself. To realize that time is going by, they are growing up and not to miss this moment.

I read on someone blog yesterday a phrase, I am sure I will misquote it, that said...as a momma.......I do not have to be perfect, but I need to be present.

I know how many times I am checked out in my own thoughts or doing those things I think I NEED to do...and I miss a moment of joy and realness.

Today I am aware of that. ...Keep me aware, Abba. Help me to realize what is important.

”This is our predicament. Over and over again, we lose sight of what is important and what isn’t." Epictetus

And it was good!

"Equipping students who are dedicated to serving the Lord for His glory and desire to impact their world by their commitment to learn and live with character while they lead with compassion."

Last night I went to the informational meeting on the launching of a new Christian school, Summit Christian School, at the facility where my sons' school is closing down. I had been disheartened and so very sad about their school closing, and just the family feel of it, and the teachers. I had not found any good solutions for next fall. One of the many things up in the air and heavy on my heart.

As I said, last night was the informational meeting on Summit and it was GOOD!. I was so blessed from the moment I stepped into the room to the sound of worship music, to the engergized and passionate faces of those organizing it. The words of the principal brought tears to my eyes. Each word spoken, made me want to stand up and cheer. Hope, faith, love....it was all there. I immediately responded with a pre-registration card for my family and a volunteer card on how can I help.

It is a good thing. To hear all how God is opening the way and making things happen and hearts respond. Totally awesome.

If you live in the area, and are interested in your child learning to be discipled and grow in their faith and academics.....check it out.

God so answered my heartache, with his favor and blessing. Prayers now as the steering committee, administration, teachers and parents all work together for opening this coming fall!

http://www.summitcs.net/summit_christian_school____fair_oaks,_california/home.html

Art of the "Fluff - i"

Hearing some "interesting" noises from my boys room, when they were suppose to be in bed, quietly reading, I opened the door to......

I said...no pillow fighting.

Nick's response:

We aren't pillow fighting. This is the Art of the Pillow, Art of the Fluff - I.

.... uh huh.

Vacation Countdown!!!

We LOVE the beach! It has become a family tradition now, for the past 4 or 5 years, that we spend a week each summer at the beach. Rent a house and have a blast. Usually we go in August it seems, but this year... WE ARE GOING IN 14 days!!!

And I can't wait....

Just what we need! Just what momma needs! I was saving my vacation time this year, for when Olivia comes, but I just need a week. We all do. To kick off the summer.

So Nick will be spending his birthday at the beach!

Wheeeee!

Wish you could join us.....

14 days ~ 14 days ~ 14 days ~ 14 days ~ 14 days ~ 14 days ~ 14 days ~ 14 days ~ 14 days ~ 14 days ~

I can smell the salt air, hear the waves and feel the fog rolling in!