Manic Monday (Just Give Up Already: A Note to Stressed Out Moms)

Seriously,

throw in the towel.

It's not worth the trouble,

heartache,

tears,

or

time.

Feeling like you are disorganized?

How about those lesson plans? 

Is your school week penciled in neatly between the lines?

What about the housework?

No dust bunnies to mock you, or dishes to soak?

All of the clothes are washed, and you finally tackled that junk drawer...

right?

Did you plan this week's meals?

How's your budget?

Oh, geeze! Who just coughed!?!

I bet your youngest is sick...

again.

(Don't forget to move that dental appointment to next week.)

The cat just barfed in the hallway.

You gave your daughter the look, and your son the tone.

(I mean, are you the only one who can clean up cat barf? You don't have the time for this!)

 When were you able to steal a slice of quiet time in the past month?

What was it that you were going to pray about?

Were you reading Psalms, or John?

 Or was it Beth Moore?

(Pencil that in between, "P.E. class, piano lessons, and Spanish 101.")

Wait.

OH!!!

You've got this!

You aren't even a teensy bit stressed, right?

No?

Then toss out your schedule. 

It's clearly not working.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

(Matthew 11:28)

Cheering you on & checking the fuel gauge,

Layla

P.S. It's funny, but when I finally let Him (Jesus) have it, the towel seems to fold itself. Things fall into place. My schedule changes for the better. And prayer becomes a craving, not a chore. It's funny, because my foolishness is what started the chaos. When I give it all to God before I even start, the cat barf just seems kinda...funny.

Feedback (Quack, Quack)

Hey, friends!

I posted a survey a few weeks ago, and received some great feedback.

Thanks!

I found that most of you enjoy product reviews, though some only like home school reviews,  while others prefer book reviews, and one friend doesn't like reviews at all. I have decided to make most of my reviews resemble short commercial breaks. I will throw them in (occasionally) at the end of a post. You can pretend you are watching TIVO and go right past them, if you like. That way, I can still give a shout-out to something that rocked my little home school mom world, leaving you the choice to skip by them. Sound good? If I come across things that are too good to be true, I'll take your advice and just be me. I'll write an entire post about them, without getting my feelings hurt if you choose not to read. I do not see these longer postings becoming a trend, so no worries. :) (Let's say it three more times, "Reviews, reviews, reviews.")

All of you love cats, so we are good. (If you lied about loving cats, that's okay. I won't tell the cats.)

None of you are kerfuffled about my photos (thank heavens!), and suggested that I enhance/improve them only if that is something I enjoy.

It's not something I enjoy.

I dedicate this photo to all of you:

(It's the salmon that my cats had for breakfast.)

(I knew you'd enjoy that, since you love cats. And my not-so-professional photos.)

Everyone said they like devotionals, so I might start with one a month and see how that goes. They will be simple things that God is working on in my life. Nothing deeply theological. I'm not even sure I am capable of being deeply theological. I'm so glad that God meets me right where I am. Right in the middle of all the messes I create.

It was suggested that I post more about home schooling. I will do my best. We had to take a month off of school, because I was sick, so I realize that there was a pretty big lull in the home school theme. Sorry about that. I have considered starting another blog. I'd post about my other interests there and save my home school stuff for Flat (Tire)d. What do you think? Truth is, I have less to say about home schooling and more to say about life in general, but that is a whole other day of quacking. (I'll try to get that one up soon.) I'm good at quaking. Or, "blah, blah, blahing." I like to talk. That's basically my point. Make sense? Okay...back to what we were actually discussing...

I am in awe of the feedback that I received regarding the Home School Meme post. There were lots of opinions from my readers about Shurley English. An update is coming soon, as I have some things that I would like to add to that post. I should have done a follow-up, but got lazy. (I know, me...lazy? Impossible.)

It was pointed out to me that I never documented a real example of my typical home school day. OOPS! Sorry. Honestly, I think it never occurred to me that you would want to know. I feel like my days are pretty hum-drum, but if you'd like to know more...that's what you'll get. ;) You also requested to know more about my health issues. I'll try to include some more detailed glimpses into that. Most of the time, I feel as though that topic is a real "downer," but it did occur to me that I feel far less alone when I find someone else who struggles with similar issues. If I can help someone feel less lonely, then...well...that would be totally worth it.

Most of you like recipes, so I'll post those if I come across one that is super fantastic. I have no intentions of becoming a food blogger, so you might want to stay with Pinterest on that one.

I loved that you love my sarcasm. That was going to be extremely hard to tone down. Thank you for giving me permission to not work on my...er...personality.

Only one of you turned down giveaways/contests (because you never win). If I do more of these, I will make sure to throw in some "Everyone Gets Something" bonanzas. It was also mentioned that you don't like jumping through hoops to enter contests/ giveaways. I don't either, so I'll keep those as simple as possible.

Kinda *blushing* from all of the gushing about my Just Write posts. Thank you. *shyonerysmile* I like talking about nonsensical things.

Well, I guess I'll wrap this puppy up! Once again, I appreciate all of the feedback that I received on my blog and Facebook. It helps me to know what is on the hearts of my readers, who I consider friends. I promise to stay true to myself, but feel that I can use this blog better for God's glory if I am truly connecting with all of you. Always feel free to speak your mind (nicely). I may agree. I may disagree. It's all good. :) I can't wait to hear you quack back.


Cheering you on & checking the fuel gauge,
Layla

P.S. I am aware that you shouldn't end sentences with prepositions. I hope that you can over look my intentional mistakes. I like breaking the rules on here. It's the way I talk, so it's the way I write. Word up. (Just don't even think about turning in your homework that way!)

Human Trafficking Awareness Day (How Homeschool Moms CAN Help)

Usually this is Wordless Wednesday, but I have too many words bubbling to the surface to ignore. I realize this topic isn't a comfortable one. It gnaws at my soul and has made me physically ill at times. I have often wished that I could "un-know" all of the things about human trafficking that have been brought to my attention.

 There are PRICELESS lives at stake.

It sickens and repulses me to think that women and children (yes, even boys) have been sold and treated with less dignity than most animals.

I am convicted by all of the past assumptions I made about hookers/prostitutes, and how they "chose" that lifestyle.  

Oh, man! How little did I know.

My heart is heavily burdened with responsibility to be Jesus' hands and feet to those who have been trafficked, sold...

exploited.

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:27)

"Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." (Isaiah 1:17)

"From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight." (Psalm 72:14)

Okay, so what can a busy home school mom, with no experience in this issue, do to help? 

THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS!!!

For starters, get educated. Read blogs, books (I have many suggestions), articles, and anything else you can get your hands on about this horrific type of modern day slavery.

(First shameless plug: I know this author. He rocks. Buy his book, then buy Kleenex.)

(Or buy this book. Don't forget to order Kleenex.)

Find out if your state has a local coalition for fighting human trafficking. If you live in Oklahoma, go to this link. There are ways that you can get involved locally.

Host a jewelry party to help build circles of protection around rescued women and children.

* PRAY * PRAY * PRAY *

Look into reputable sites like here, here, here, and here, to discover the many creative ways to reach out a helping hand.

Another freedom fighter can be found here . Her testimony blew me out of the water! Don't let the name of her ministry turn you off. Give. It. A. Chance. I promise that if you read her story, you'll be reduced to tears and praises to God for what HE alone can do. (Annie has replied to a couple of my tweets. *Yes, I thought it was pretty awesome!*) Follow her on Twitter and then pick your jaw up off the floor from the amazing testimonies she constantly shares. P.S. Annie, if you are reading this, I dream of walking the strip with you someday, sharing the Good News. I would love to see you in action, girl! ;) *secondshamelessplug*

One last thing, if you should ever want to contact me with questions: layla@paytonlink.com ...

DO IT!

I'll answer what I can and seek answers to what I am ignorant about. 

Remember, we aren't just talking about women here,

we are talking about children (babies) too!

Cheering you on & checking the fuel gauge,

Layla

Manic Monday/Please Stand By

2012.

How in the world did that happen?

From November to the end of last week, we were slammed with chronic sickness. Most of the end of 2011 is one painful blur. I honestly think that we had no more than 10 misery free days for 2 months. 

"Wow, that's super cheerful, Layla. What's your point?"

My point is, "THANK YOU, for staying with me even though my posts have been weak and patchy. You guys/gals are swell, you seriously are!"

I promise that I have a crock-pot full of "meatier" posts simmering in my little brain. Until I catch a break, I fear that you will continue to find patchy postings, especially this week. My family is on the mend, as far as germs go, but I am still battling my chronic health issues (which I will elaborate on in the future). My goal is to get back into the swing of things by next week, but I know this week is going to be tough. My doc wrote up a laundry list of blood work for me to have done, so I am planning on meeting up with the Giant Mosquitoes (A.K.A. lab techs) on Tuesday. The last time I walked in with a list this long, I walked out woozy due to the 7 vials of blood they sucked out of me. 

Fun Times.

(Yep, you read that right: "Dx: Malnutrition.")

The good news is that I have put on 6 pounds, so I am moving slowly in the right direction.

We still have our house on the market (it's been that way for two years). This morning, we were supposed to have a showing.

It was a no-show.

It's possible that I am still a teeny bit miffed at the fact that I was up at 12:30 a.m. cleaning showers for that showing, but...

...at least my house is clean.

And that does make my Monday a bit less...

...manic.

Please continue to stand by, as I really think that things are beginning to look up. I am excited that we are starting school today and groovin' back into our routine (I miss you, Routine!). 

So, bring your buns next week, as I have a crock-pot full of of meatiness to sandwich between your thoughts.

(That made absolutely no sense, but I am going to post it anyway. You're most welcome.)

Cheering you on & Checking the fuel gauge,

Layla

Wordless Wednesday (Adventures in Anaphylaxis)

Jot it Down Tuesday/Stories on My Wall

She stands there

stoic.

Wisps of Time run their reflective fingers through her hair. 

Laughter and Life bubble up, pushing her higher into Light.

Golden.

Like snow, 

droplets of Wonder melt into her skin,

glistening. 

Infusing sentiments...

...tears from a far away place.

Somewhere,

inside the muddle of madness,

a little bird 

sings

an entanglement of notes.

A chorus of laughter framed in dusk.

*Art by Michael Kirby*

Do you enjoy free writing? If so, please join the link-up at Heather's blog. It's fun. It's reflective. It's an excuse to write nonsense that makes sense in a nonsensical way.

Cheering you on & checking the fuel gauge,

Layla

Manic Monday/Reduced Sauce Sisters No More!

I wasn't going to post anything today. I still feel crummy (virus) and I've been an all around slug. While wallering in my slugginess, upon my couch, I managed to focus briefly on a blog post. Wowzers! That got me on my toes! 

I felt like shouting this from the mountain tops:

"We are not three (or "31") ingredients, simmered down into one Simple Sauce recipe! 

WE ARE GOD'S WOMEN, CHOSEN, LOVED, AND CREATED TO EXALT HIM IN UNIQUE WAYS!"

How about you? 

Ever feel like your God-given individuality has been boiled down to a stale saltless slurry?

Do you feel like you've been trapped in a cage, choking out a dry warble, having lost your melody?

Guess what, princess, not every slipper fits! 

YOU ARE UNIQUE!

God has a plan just for you.

Tailor made.

Cut from His cloth.

What an honor! Praise be to our Lord and Savior, who lifted us from the mire-slop of a simple sauce life! We can dance now, sprinkling the salt of His Glory, while savoring every moment. 

(Whew! I gotta sit down. I made myself a little dizzy there.)

Cheering you on & checking the fuel gauge,

Layla

P.S. I'm not against the Proverbs 31 Woman, just the boxes we have somehow managed to put ourselves in. There's a whole lot more to the Bible than that one chapter.