Mom: I can't believe you are eating a lolly pop for breakfast.
Zion: It's not breakfast.
Mom: Oh, really? What do you call it?
Zion: (after a long beat) Just a little appetizer.

My girlfriend, Ginger nursing her daughter and finishing up "Redeeming Love" in the desert after a rain. One son, Nicky learns lessons about prejudice, family, and love from the Five in a Row book, "Mrs. Katz and Tush" in the next room....and her boy, Michael discusses Economics downstairs. Chris, the oldest son has shown up at co-op...right on schedule.... to selflessly provide a ride in the family car. And Sam, all grown up and married to B.J....... is never far from her thoughts.

This moment in time, captures perfectly my heart for home-education.

Jemima working on her "Keepers" charm.

Studying Francais w/ Mrs. Tuten.

I've been up during the night lately. Twisting, turning, praying, staring at the rain on our window panes.

It reminds me of other times....times in the past....when the Spirit was prompting. Working behind the scenes.

All those praying knew something was happening. Something.....something.....even if we didn't know the details...couldn't quite put our fingers on it.

Then, it came to pass. One day....all was revealed.
"Be still and know that I Am God."
Psalm 46:10

The duty represents a spiritual disposition that ought to characterize those to whom God’s unfailing promises have been given.

Here is the irony in this term “be still.” While we must take the initiative to fulfill our responsibilities and live our lives, the uncertainties of living in a world of sin and woe will continually challenge us. Personal initiative is no substitute for reliance upon God (cf. James 4:13-17).

Spiritual serenity, the psalmist admits, ought to be cultivated in spite of the shaking mountains and agitated waters (vv. 2-3; i.e., figures for the difficulties we face in life). This spiritual calm, that God commands, does not come from a lack of troubles; it derives from a steady, deep reflection on the ways God has intervened in history on behalf of his people (cf. Romans 15:4).

So as your world crumbles around you, the call from Scripture is: don’t flinch in faith in God. Stand still—not because of a self-made confidence, not because you are the most composed person in the face of disaster, not because “you’ve seen it all.” Be still because of what you know about God.

It is “God’s past” that provides calm for “our future.” Know that he is God! Know it, not merely intellectually, but practically, spiritually, and emotionally. He is your God. He is the ruler of kingdoms of this earth and the all-powerful Creator of the Universe.

If you are the last man or woman standing, be still. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth do change” (Psalm 46:1-2a). Hallelujah!
(commentary taken from christiancourier.com)

When Bradley and I were newly married and young parents ...one of our favorite things to do was scavenge the Rose Bowl, Veteran's Stadium, Long Beach, Pasedena City College, and Santa Monica Airport swap meets for trinkets and gems. We would spend hours and hours searching through vendors collections....truly enjoying the treats we carted home. I love resale shopping and yard sales...always have....but recently........ I've been bitten by the thrift store bug again. This is dirt cheap treasure hunting at it's best.

Found this lovely duvet yesterday for $3.99. Ran it through the washer and dryer.....stuck my comforter inside it...and I feel like I have a new bedroom.

Each week, Mcabe and Nancy babysit a room full of kids so that their moms can fellowship and study the Word of God.
It's all part of his "fatherhood" training...and the cash he earns keeps him in those cute headbands and skinny jeans :)

I suppose if I'd like the kids to "whistle while they work" I should be doing same.

Ventura Church

For Sale. 2.2 million. 11 bedrooms. 7 baths. Communal Living Experiment????????

Dad and Me

Zion Evangeline Gregg

Brad and I are really sad tonight. The deaths of Brad Renfro and Heath Ledger have brought us back to a time when.... through a similar circumstance..... our own hearts were shattered...hopes were crushed...the future was unsure...footing was lost.... and living was lonely. The Lord used the sudden and tragic loss of a dear loved one in our lives to draw us closer to Himself. Our prayer tonight....is that all those affected...family and friends...all those trembling ...dreaming dark dreams...numbing out...and crying themselves to sleep...would listen....soften.... and submit.

ZED Cards

These are a few of the images from Mcabe's shoot last year. I can't wait to get him in front of the camera again....because he's even quirkier at thirteen!

Mom and I went furniture hunting all around town while Dad sat in the cul-de-sac reading Spurgeon and watching the girls rollerblade this afternoon. Boy, did I need that! I sometimes think the only ones who understand the needs of a home-educating mother are other home-educating mothers and those who love them. I'm sure being away from my in-the-flesh, grumpy old self for a few hours did a world of good for the kids too.

X Box Zombies

Beginnings......

There's this silence...this quietness and sense of peace that hangs over everything when the Lord has moved and placed people and circumstances according to His purposes. Even though things are new and beginnings are sprouting....it's as if the roots go deep....like they were planted before time. Playing pat-a-cake really can be equated with walking on Holy ground when you see His hand in everything.

I believe the Lord gave us a little glimpse of heaven tonight. Can you even imagine what it will be like to step into the Jordan with waiting and cheering loved ones waving us across....welcoming us home?