Crayon Ready by Deena McDaniel Positively Beautiful Blog

 Eye Soul Action by Deena McDaniel Positively Beautiful Blog 4/4/2020

Wake up and do it again. “We’re getting ready for retirement,” my husband chimes in. I wonder what day it is. Our social distance lifestyle isn’t anything new for these Hillbillies. Life on the farm is truly laid back. You go to the store once a week if that much and live life to its fullest every day while watching the seasons change. Back to basics. Is it inconvenient? Why yes. Is it a new normal? Of course. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”-James 3:16  Level headed ambitions drive desires away from discord.

When we were raising 4 kids on a 40-acre farm with Lord knows how many critters the impact was right in front of your face. Your kids watch, imitate and learn your habits. Even the way they use their hands in conversation became similar to my own. Now we live 24/7 with the family.  We’re not the “rats in the cage” of life, we’re the blessed, not the stressed creative crew. “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.”-Psalms 119:30 Oh yes that sounds so perfect as you read it.  Like my home is filled with angelic children bringing me homemade projects of joy. I never dream small. I do dream often. I endeavor even when I’m afraid.

Perspective pops as we’re seeing progress. I’ve done spring cleaning in several areas in my home. Tasks that I’ve been putting off. You too? And I've found that the day sweeps away quickly after my afternoon nap. You too? Suddenly I’m in a new, yet familiar pattern of life. When the kiddos were tiny, I’d get up only to work toward naptime. Which brought me to the next goal, to work toward bedtime. All in between was life. It’s the same now but I’m the napper.

Homelife will be rewarding when it’s a job and not a chore. As you make your own schedule you could choose to nap all day, binge watch a show or attack projects. Suddenly a person who’s not ever made their own agenda can freeze in their tracks because of too many options. Our “have too” things are a given. We have to eat, but not all day and out of the chip bag. “Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.”– Thomas Jefferson We’re given an unusual opportunity here with a stay at home lifestyle. *Remember when you told your friends you’d love to just stay at home and be that “homemaker” of leisure. “Oh you don’t work,” a person says, “you’re a stay at home mom.” Yep, we’re all that stay at home moms now. Look through the eyes of your children, because they need you more now than ever.

After Homeschooling for 29 years now you’d think I’d have it all down.  But, each kid comes with a different learning style and goals. Toddlers and teens, the one-room schoolhouse is at its best for me back in the day. We’re down to only one in school now, but I do feel your pain of progress.  Getting the crew to focus and work together is tough. Now even if my schooling was the worst ever, my children have been taught about Jesus. They’re schooled in the Bible. At the times when their character is tested, we can sigh and smile. You too are raising world changers.

Some parents are for the first time in their lives spending all day every day with their children. Think of it as what you’ve been waiting for, to really “know your family.”  What have you noticed about their likes and dislikes? Are you aware of their “love language?” Could you tell me one new thing you’ve learned about your children, your spouse or yourself during the age of social distancing? We’re all learning new skills. Think of it as a gift from God. “If you wait until you’re ready, you’ll wait forever.”
― Will Rogers

The girls and I have continued our coffee time and devotions in the mornings. Our lives haven’t changed much, our minds have changed forever. Have you had a morning when you wake up and wonder if this has been a crazy dream? The fantastic part of isolation is understanding God’s word. Yes, in times of trouble lets see how our churches fill up! Even on social media church service, we’re seeing an increase in numbers. Our tiny church of 200 people had over 3,000 impressions on our Facebook feed. The Word is getting out. www.palmvista.org/live if you want to join us some Sunday.

But still, I’m the one who thrives on social connections. Face to face impressions power my enthusiasm. “We’re your disciples,” Rosey my 18-year-old daughter smiled. There’s that character thing I’m talking about. Yes, it’s 2 girls, my husband and me, two dogs, a bird, two iguanas, goldfish, squirrels, blue jays and those friendly rats who love the treats I left them. Not quite the 40-acre farm, but no matter where you reside, live your life to it’s fullest. We’ll be able to tell our great-grandchildren of the 2020 pandemic. “How did you do it Great-Granny?” I can hear Arlowe’s children beam. (Arlowe is our first grandbaby who also lives now on a 40 acre farm with mom and dad.) What will life be like in 2040? Probably just like this, love Jesus, raise a family and work towards naptime.