What does Halloween mean to me? Chili...of course! Our church has an annual Fall Festival, filled with games, candy, space bounces and best of all.. all the chili and hot dogs you can eat.

I signed up to bring a pot tonight, along with nine other chili connoisseurs. I am thinking of my childhood today as I prepare my Mom's "Saturday Afternoon Chili." She would make a pot of her famous concoction and it would simmer on the stove all afternoon, through ballgames on the TV and through leaf raking fiascoes in the yard. Autumn in the South brings all those sounds and smells, tastes and feelings to the foreground.

I am grateful. Thanks, Mom.

To everything there is a time and a purpose for everything under heaven.

Well, last night was a first for me. We actually created a Homecoming Dance, "Movie Magic" in our very own back yard. Unbelievable and way cool. DJ, dance floor, twinkle lights in the trees. It was beautiful.

As a homeschooling family, we have the amazing ability to allow our children to dream big dreams and then do our best to make those dreams come true.

I am grateful and amazed. Hurray for "The Academy!"

Thoughts on My 26th Year as a Mother

Mary's Magnificat: Mary, the most significant mother of us all, spoke these words while the baby Jesus rested in her womb:

^{From the book of Luke:}

⁴⁶ And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

 ⁴⁷And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

 ⁴⁸For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

 ⁴⁹For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

 ⁵⁰And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

 ⁵¹He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

 ⁵²He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

 ⁵³He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

 ⁵⁴He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

 ⁵⁵As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

As I awaken on my 26th year of celebrating Mother's Day as a mom, my heart is filled with gratitude for the mercy and love that the Lord God has spread abroad in my heart and in my life.  One perfect husband (since I'm the perfect wife, of course). Six children, each one so beautifully special and precious have adorned my life and shaped me into the person I am today.  And grace upon grace- an incredible son-in-law and perfect little grandson have been added and I have the promise of a beautiful daughter-in-law in a mere few weeks. They make my heart sing. The Lord's love overwhelms me, my cup does indeed run over!