Getting back in the saddle!

Welcome to my newly moved over site! (itakejoy.com) I am just beginning to fill out this blog, but am excited for the possibilities of having some new ways to be creative with my blog.

For those of you new to itakejoy, I have been on a wonderful history trip with 2 moms and 4 kids to Philadelphia, Boston, New York and ending up at a great blogging conference in Harrisburg, Pa. Great, great days!

However, it will take me a few days just to get back to my center in this home where I live. My sweet husband and children are my priority and so I want to provide for them as I get back in the saddle of life at home! Several weeks of traveling have fed my soul with beautiful memories, roused my mind with challenging and inspiring conversations, and invigorated my passion to keep writing and reaching out to so many women who long for a personal touch, voice of life and encouragement.

We are gearing up for the mom's conferences, will be doing some new online book studies, giving some books and conference registrations away, so stay tuned and I will be back with lots that is bubbling up in my heart. For now, an omelette and tea with Joy are on my immediate agenda.

But, alas, my suitcase awaits, the refrigerator is empty and Joy and I need to get to the business of making this last year of her education at home the best one yet. So, I will post soon.

Peace and grace today!

Great quotes! Louisa May Alcott's home.

Too busy talking to friends, so I asked Joy and Christie, (my daughter and her bf) to write the past couple of days as they share some of their impressions. What fun I am having and how blessed I am to have a few days of pure fun! Here are just a few of the great quotes we saw as we walked through Louisa May's home--the author of so many wonderful books, including Little Women. "I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." - Louisa May Alcott

So true.

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." — Louisa May Alcott

"A faithful friend is a strong defense; And he that hath found him hath found a treasure." — Louisa May Alcott

Great memories and tears coming to my eyes several times. What fun we have had running through halls of history, homes of great writers and talking, talking, talking as we go.

The girls brought tears to my eyes yesterday morning. "Who gets to have an education like this! To read their stories and then to see the lives these great people lived and to know the rooms where they lived and wrote, the places they fought battles--makes us so very grateful to have known and seen these things! It makes me want to think, "How am I going to live my life in such a way as to leave a legacy of faith or courage that will help and influence others."

And so we have been busy every minute, and in the evenings we have had precious conversations with friends where we are staying and being treated to great meals, rousing conversations and heart-felt prayers. Such a blessing to me and a filling of my soul. All grateful to God for strewing my life with such blessings.

Deb, Jane, me and Shelley (below) staying up too late but having fun talking around the kitchen table. What great food and hospitality. 

Off to see Paul Revere's home! and then training to New York City for more fun and friends. Have a blessed day.

Boston In the Fall

--We got to see Joel, so exciting! We've been missing you!

"And I've never been to Boston in the fa..."Oh, wait! I have!

Joy and Christie reporting from the home of our lovely hosts, listening to a song, giggling our faces off and thinking about History. Well, we really aren't thinking about history. Actually, I just had to think about history to write that sentence, so I suppose we are. Yesterday, after hardly any sleep and several cups of coffee, we ventured out to explore the history Boston has to offer. We had lots of fun, ate a good deal, learned a lot, ate some more, saw the graves of several famous people, ate a muffin, stood on the very ground that our founding fathers stood--and some of them died on--and ate Boston creme pie. Eating was our favorite part. Overall, it was a great success. 

Today, we went to Lexington and Concord, visiting museums detailing the events of April 19, 1775, the day the war truly began. We never knew that the fighting lasted all day, the colonists chasing the British all through the countryside, engaging them several times in various ambushes. Although the colonists began with only 70 troops against 700 redcoats, their ranks grew along the road until they swelled to 4000, leaving the redcoats at 1700, the day amounting to a good rout of the English by the farmers and ordinary men of America. They had no training, no supplies except for what they provided themselves, but they beat the British because they were driven to protect their families, and to fight for liberty. It makes me wonder, if we were forced into the same situations they were, would we respond as bravely? 

Anywho, we will leave the pictures to speak for themselves and tell the rest of the story. Enjoy!

Our motley crew trooping along in Boston.

Wait...don't stop! Click the "Read More" link to see more pics of Boston, and us...

In the Granary graveyard where revolutionists such as Samuel Adams and James Otis. The English spelling of "lyes" makes this graveyard seem even more eerie. 

We practice holy reverence in the Anglican church along the red brick road.

Beautiful, isn't she?

Re-enacting the scene from the battle sparked by "the shot heard 'round the world." Joy and I are the redcoats, facing the chapel, while Jack and Jackson are the colonists, who suffered greatly in that first encounter. In other words, we win. Haha.

Beautiful countryside around the old north bridge. Even in a place of war, there is always beauty.

Silly Philly

(Jack is strong, really.)

And we're off!

Hello, it's me (Joy). Reporting, most faithfully at the call of my mother, to all you bloggers and blog readers!

It took us a while to get the ball rolling forgetting this and that, we managed to be the last ones to get on the plane. That's always exciting, and you know a trip is not fun unless it's an adventure. Arriving in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, panting and exhausted, we fell into bed, fell out, and then went on our way! From The Liberty Bell to the Independence Hall, we trekked our way from place to place with smiles on our faces and our learning brains in position. I must say I can't think of a moment any of us were silent, I like to think it's because we're intelligent. But it sure did make for quite a few laughs, from both us and the surrounding homo sapians. We all ate our first Philly cheese stake sandwich in Philadelphia, and our stomachs and mouths are in a state of bereavement now that we are done and know we will have no more for quite a long time. Food continued on as theme as we made our way to an enclosed market were we found all sorts of succulent dishes and delicious nibbles. We now sit happily, (and I might mention early, as we somehow mistook the time and thought we were an hour forward in time) waiting to get on our train. So we bid Philadelphia farewell, and look onwards to the exciting prospect of Boston. Especially us kids, as none of us have been to "Boston in the fall" (Veggie tales, look it up ;-) ), and soon we shall be! Well, much love! 

Now some pictures, courtesy mostly of the faithful little blue camera and my (Joy's) obsessive picture taking. Enjoy!

Click the "Read More" link to see more pictures.

All of us kids with the Liberty Bell. I never knew what a symbol of freedom it was to all nations! It was really amazing!

Food? Delicate figure? Food? Delicate figure?.... I vote food.  

It was DELISH!

I was put on trial in Independence Hall. I was apparently found guilty. Yikes, mommy!

The place we ate those blessed sandwiches. Not sure why Jack is holding the table...

This Guy was at the market, we liked his Tatoo. It was Psalm 23. Go him!

Miss Shelley got her shoes shined! She's one classy chic!

All for now!

This and That--Australia, Relevant and life!

I get to see my wonderful son,Joel, composer,  and such a cherished friend, and studies in Boston! Can't wait to squeeze his neck and plaster him with a mama kiss.

I do think this is the busiest time of my whole life--and I have said that many times. But, it really seems to be a new kind of busy---many wonderful ministry opportunities, finishing Joy's last year well, and spending hours on the phone with my three oldest--still training, loving, advising, praying and keeping up, and searching for time with Clay alone, and my sweet groups of moms here and writing--and of course eating and drinking tea every day--and I just can't seem to get on top of it all. I especially feel badly that I am not writing some of you wonderful friends back--my email boxes are full. Please forgive me if I do not write back--it is not because I don't care about you, but I am just trying to ride the waves of this season and keep centered on the Lord and my family and somehow my correspondence seems to keep building and building. But I do read my comments and emails and you all keep me going-and I pray for most everyone who writes to me. So please forgive me, pray for me and know that I so appreciate every letter and comment I get!

History Trip

Oh, boy, oh boy, oh boy! Going on a fun history trip with my sweet friends and Joy--less than 24 hours to pack and get my ducks in a row! It is a tradition with all of my kids to go on adventures to see the places of people we have studied. Last year we went to Sweden (really Kansas!) and this year to Boston, Philly and New York--Broadway play, statue of liberty, Louisa May Alcott's Home, Freedom trail, tea at the Boston Library with my dear Joel, Minute Man museum, Liberty Bell and Ben Franklin's house and such, Valley Forge, museums, and lots of fun and playing and of course seeing all of you who have written where we will be speaking for one night in Philly, Boston and New York City. Please pray we all stay well and healthy.

Australia 

A sweet friend, Barb Somervaille, in Australia, wants Joy and me to come to do a Mom's conference and a Mom Heart Leadership Training in Australia in June. We are praying about this and hoping something works out. What she wants to know is if there are other moms interested in this who would help her get the word out, come to the conference and or want to be trained in how to start a group. You can email her to tell her of your interest. 

Relevant Conference 

I am so excited to attend the Relevant Blogging conference in a couple of weeks. I love Sarah Mae and have so much to learn from the wonderful women who will attend. If you are a regular follower of my blog and you are attending, I would love to hear from you! Be sure to stop me when we are there! 

I feel so very blessed to walk with God during these days. May His grace and love be real to you today! Please keep the letters coming--they keep me writing. You are all so very dear to me and make me feel like I have kindred spirits all around.

"You are made in the image of what you desire,......."

A life is either all spiritual or not spiritual at all. No man can serve two masters. Your life is shaped by the end you live for. You are made in the image of what you desire. Thomas Merton 

It has come upon me lately that if, as a Christian, Christ lives in and through me, and the Holy Spirit fills me with His thoughts, then when people are with me, they should sense that they have been in the presence of God. They should feel the touch of His love through my hands, the truth and wisdom of His life through my words, the generous forgiveness and grace of loyalty and goodness through my acts of friendship and good deeds. If my grid of life, so to speak, is to worship Him with my heart soul mind and strength every day, then I should be growing into His likeness as He lives His reality through my life. 

May we live into Him and into His will right where we are today.

Live from Chicago tonight!

Tonight, I will be speaking in Chicago for Apologia at a conference to encourage and refresh women. The conference will be offered via live stream. Go to: www.apologiaonline.com/live (new link) and you will find a link to watch the conference for free! Looking forward to seeing you there! Please pass it on and tell your friends!

P.S. Please keep checking back for the link to go live! I will be speaking on "Standing Strong as a Mother" around 9:00pm CST!

This is what I want to be like--blooming in season and out

My beloved porch geranium--blooming in 50 degree weather!

She is like a tree planted by streams of water,         which yields its fruit in season         and whose leaf does not wither.         Whatever she does prospers. Psalm 1: 3

This is  what I want to do--bloom in season and out, bloom and bloom and bloom with the fulness of Christ in me, the fulness of Christ reflecting on my outside in all that I do. Love flowers!

See you in St. Louis, Louis--and new information about Boston and New York City

St. Louis Looking forward to seeing all of you in St. Louis tomorrow night. I will speak for about and hour and then be available for question and answer. For last minute moms, contact dgiles1352@charter.net 

Boston

Also evidently, we had the wrong email on Boston. We are looking forward to seeing so many of you there. Speaking on Mission of Motherhood and Educating your children with excellence. Contact Jane Rattray: momx4js@gmail.com 

Sally Clarkson, a popular conference speaker and  author of 5 books on motherhood and homeschooling, will be speaking in the Boston area on Thursday, October 14, at 7:30. Sally has ministered nationally and internationally as a speaker since graduating from college in 1975. Since the late 1980s, Sally’s speaking ministry has focused primarily on education, Christian parenting, and motherhood. She will be speaking on The Mission of Motherhood: Celebrating biblical affirmation of the wonderful design for motherhood in God’s eternal plan for families and children. You won't want to miss this inspiring evening. Invite your friends. 

The meeting will be held at Hope Chapel, 35 Chocksett Road, Sterling, Massachusetts 01564. 

New York City

In New York City, we will have a cozy evening of fellowship and snacks. All are welcome. Kristen Kill will be hosting us. She has tried to email several of you back, but your emails are bouncing. Please contact her again at: killfam@gmail.com 

Sally Clarkson, a popular conference speaker and author of 5 books, will be speaking in New York City, Monday, October 18,  at 7:00 p.m. near downtown Manhattan. Her topic will be The Ministry of Motherhood: Becoming a mother of influence in the lives of your children. Sally has ministered nationally and internationally since graduating from college in 1975. You won't want to miss this inspiring evening. Please rsvp to the email above so that Kristen can know how many to expect.  

Getting ready for our history trip and looking so forward to seeing many of you in a smaller, more personal venue. Have a good weekend.

Research says nature walks improve learning and brain function!

For behold, He who forms mountains and creates the wind And declares to man what are His thoughts, He who makes dawn into darkness And treads on the high places of the earth, The LORD God of hosts is His name. Amos 4:13

Since I was a little girl, when I have walked out in nature, God has spoken to my heart. His art calls out to my own heart and validates His life and presence to my soul. Out under the myriad night sparkling stars while snuggling under covers on a wind-blown mountain top; sitting on the golf-course in the early evening near my old family home, amidst a pink, purple sunset painting the horizon; watching a swirling snowstorm creep into my mountain valley like an ocean tide sweeping into a cove; watching a mountain lake climb the walls of a faraway castle in the midst of a thunder storm; standing amidst thousands of dancing azure bluebonnets in an abandoned farm field--these and more fill my memory of times I felt His presence. These memories stored up, with many more, calling to my yearning heart, "There is an artist, a loving, good, deeply caring personal designer  behind all of this vast beauty."

And so I became a walker--walking miles and miles amongst mountain roads, sea shores of Prince Edward Island, city streets in the Vienna nights, round the rivers and fields in Poland, all over the world, new places to appreciate the beauty and to fellowship with its creator. 

Developing the conviction that being out with Him was healthy--for me, for my children. Seeing that when fussing was inevitable, moods were tight, I could take my wee precious ones out for a tromp in nature and see their little hearts, with mine, relax, find soothing for our ruffled souls.

So, it seemed, by intuition,  and reading, I knew of Him who the mountains and creating the wind, declaring to me His thoughts, the one who painted the sky with his fingertips and made dawn into darkness--amazing, this! 

And so I incorporated this into my educational philosophy for my children at home--beauty, creation, color, sound, texture, tastes--music, art, great stories--this, I instinctively knew, was from Him. 

No surprise to me, then that the Holy Spirit who led me to these conclusions, would also provide scientific research that would document what I was led to by faith--that a brain functions better when at exposed to the peace and beauty of nature. That a brain surrounded by technology, traffic, noise, clutter, becomes taxed and weary and less functional. All the striving of man depletes man of his noble thoughts. 

However when we practice sabbath rest, when we give our brains beauty, nature and exposure to Him, we find function of life at its best.

And so, even in the midst of my full days, I seek to walk or sit on my porch, or at the very least bring beauty, nature and peace into my home. It soothes my soul, supports creative and intelligent thought and feeds and nurtures the life of my family.

a basket of berries, foliage, apples, to bring the color and beauty of His hand into our home. (thanks, Sarah for putting it together!) Below the article on nature and the brain!

Read and enjoy!