The Reynolds Nation

As I sit here at my desk, we have already gone through the first few days of 2020. I keep shaking my head when I think that we are already 20 years into this century. Doesn't it feel like moments ago we were talking about Y2K? So much has happened since then. Matthew and I were talking just this morning that I will turn 45 this year, and how half of my 40s will be over and how fast they have gone. And how difficult they have been. But I have hope. I never lose hope. I got that from my mom. I am expecting a great year. Not because I think I won't have trials this year, it's because I am stronger than ever before. So, a few days ago I was listening to something. I can't even remember what it was. But I heard the word BLOOM. And I instantly knew God was saying that this is my word for the year. I don't always take a word for the year, but I knew God was speaking to me. He told me that this is my year to BLOOM. The old is put away and the new is coming. I am walking i...

     This post has been churning in me for months and knew that I wanted to write it and post it one day. I have been very open and honest about where I have been at the last few years, so some of what I write today may not be a surprise to anyone. Either way, I hope it brings help and healing and promise to some of you.      Two years and ten months ago my husband and I had just got into bed. It wasn't very late...maybe around 10pm. Life had been busy...he had just flown in that morning. He was long distance commuting between Florida and North Carolina with his job. I had picked him up that morning in the Greenville, South Carolina airport and then we headed to a swim meet in the same town for our daughter, Esther. We were there most of the day...stopping at some stores before we headed back to our home in North Carolina. I hadn't talked to my mom in a few days, which was rare. I was super busy and she hadn't called me either. I called her, and she di...

The other day I was heading down the road and I heard something on the radio from a woman talking about being a "hot mess." We hear that concept all the time in today's culture. I think that something that started out as a funny has now become an acceptable and cultural norm. It actually almost has a badge of honor on it...if you are a hot mess, then everything is just okay. Because that's the way we are supposed to be as women in today's age. And why would we want to change it... "Everybody is doing it!" Right? So, I sat and pondered this thought for a bit. And it actually made me a little mad inside. It lit a fire in me. Why? Who said this was okay? And why do we have to be like this? Then I started to think about what God must think of this. His beautiful creation...created to be the helper...created to be "born responders"...he has great purpose for us. And somehow I don't think it's supposed to be a strung-out, overbooked, exh...

I have never been a Christmas countdown kind of person, but I am actually getting excited for the upcoming Christmas season. Is it too soon to talk about it??? I used to think so. I didn't want to talk about Christmas until after Thanksgiving...but something has changed in me. Last Christmas season over half of my house was packed up. We were weeks away from moving back to Florida...Matthew was technically living in Florida at that point and we were taking turns going back and forth. It was an extremely cold December in North Carolina. We had a cold front come through Christmas week that froze our water meter at the road and we didn't see double digits for days. And I was sad. I was very sad. My mom had been gone for a year. And we were moving away from the place that I loved. I was just keeping my eye on the Lord and trusting him for each step ahead of us. But, I sure was sad. I can't even explain it. My life was changing and it was changing quickly...and change is not...

Three years ago today our world changed so much here at the Reynolds Nation. On that day we found out officially by the psychologist that Judah was dyslexic. I had been concerned for about 9 months that he was...I had heard on Good Morning one day what are some of the signs of dyslexia. Though I always watched my kids for dyslexia, Judah just didn't have the classic signs... like the turning of the letters B, D and P.  Everyone always looks for that, but Judah didn't do that. But he was behind in his reading. And wasn't progressing in a rate that was okay. So, we had him tested. And it was confirmed. And on that day I started an intense search to find what help we could find for Judah. Several people pointed us to the Barton Reading and Spelling program...and that's the avenue we took. I took the training program and I tutored Judah...he went from a reading level of a kindergartner/first grader to a sixth grader when we were finished with the program. And then I s...

Today was one of those days where your body feels super tired, but you know that you just can't be in bed all day.  Yeah, I know we homeschool. And there are certain liberties that come with that. But we also have a house full of high schoolers and middle schoolers...and you can't take too much time off without it hurting the rest of your week or school year. And with co-op now starting on Fridays there isn't any extra, spare time later in the week. So...we marched into Monday with tired bodies...but we got it done. I guess the question is...why were we tired? Days ago one of my closest friends from NC called and said that she would be at St. Simons Island and could we drive up to see them. It was only 175 miles away...much closer than Western North Carolina.  I tossed the idea around in my head. Do I want to drive that far? Is it worth it? Matthew was going away for the day and night on a business trip, so he wouldn't even be home. If we had more time we would hav...

The day after a three weekend can be rough. Especially when your family spends the Monday at Disney all day and they get home at 11pm. I had some tired kids this morning. I, on the other hand, was home all day so I am ready for the week...hehehe. So, I thought I would post some thoughts that are rummaging through my head on this first Tuesday in September (can you believe it's September??). 1. First I am posting a picture of my special girl. She is 9 years old today. She is one of the best dogs we have ever had. We all adore our Holly. 2. Luke 6:40...look this scripture up and tell me what you think. 3. Summer is coming to a close...yes, it will be hot out for awhile here in Florida, but I know we are on the backside of the season. Summer is my least favorite season, so I am happy. 4. Have you decorated your house for Fall yet??? I haven't...I am thinking that September 15th is acceptable time wise. Not too early, but not not too late. What do you consider the right ...

So, have you seen this book? It came out last year...published by one of my favorite writers, speakers and Christian women. I started listening to her pod casts over a year ago. Three days a week she sends a podcast out in email to thousands of subscribers. Each podcast has a different theme...some are fun and easy...quick dinners, how to discipline your toddlers and lots of homeschooling advice. But some are much more riveting. I love that she encourages you to get in the Word of God. She believes that we have a generation of believers that don't know our bible. And how can we fight the good fight of faith if we don't know what God says. So, she doesn't ask you to follow her...she moves you to find the answers yourself in the bible at home that may have a bit of dust on it. I subscribed also to a monthly scripture writing list and daily devotionals that are for current issues that we deal with as moms. The best part is that Heidi St. John doesn't act like she is ...

So, is that what your Monday look like? Crazy? Tired bodies? Attitudes from the kids? A husband who is trying to get out the door? I know what that looks like. And I try everything in my power to make sure my Monday goes well. Here are some of the ways I have that happen. 1. Go to be on time. Weekends can be so hard and tiring. Get the kids to bed on time, but most importantly put yourself to bed. 2. Wake up to an empty kitchen sink. I hate waking up to a dirty kitchen. The first thing I have to do in the morning is make a meal...I don't like to start behind already. 3. The most important...take some time before anything...even if it's for a few minutes...take time in prayer and the word. Getting myself centered in God makes all the difference. If you have little ones, keep your bible on the bedside table and read a psalm or proverb before your feet hit the floor. Assign a certain day to pray for a particular child. These few things are game changers for your house. 4. ...

When I look at this picture it makes me want to cry. I can't believe that we are 17 years into this. Who knew? Matthew is the one who wanted to homeschool. I never planned on homeschooling. I had total plans to put Bryn in school. I couldn't imagine being with kids all day long without a break. But God had different plans. He knew that to capture my kids hearts that this is what we needed to do. One of my favorite scriptures right now is Luke 6:40, which basically says when you are fully trained the student will be like their teacher. And I know some amazing teachers out there. Some of those teachers are my close friends. But there are a lot out there that I wouldn't want to teach my kids. Their ideas, morals, foundation may not line up with mine. And I want to be the main influence in their life. Does that make me perfect? No. But I know my heart. And my husband's heart. And we hope to pour that into our kids. I told another friend the other day that you are the be...

Hey, how are you doing? It's Friday. Don't you just love the sound of Friday? Yes, I love it! Even though I stay at home, there is such relief knowing my husband will be home...and we can sleep in...and we don't have anything planned for the weekend. I want to use Friday as a day to remember the good things that happened this week. 1. My hip is feeling so much better. It's not all the way healed, but there has been so much more relief. 2. I got to spend the morning with my best friend. School has started for her again, so we don't see each other as much. So, I really enjoy the time we get together. :) 3.  I went on a date with my husband on Wednesday. The kids all go to youth group, so we get to go out and be alone. It was a Chipolte and Starbucks night for us. 4. We had friends from North Carolina come to visit us for two days this week. The kids (and me too) had such a fun time. Time at the beach and time in the pool. It was a blast. 5. I was feeling rea...

 I prayed a lot to go home this past week. I had hurt the muscle in my hip and things were looking bad. I could barely walk, let alone travel with an 11 year old 1200 miles away. I did everything my doctor told me and more. I was determined to go. And go I did. We headed to upstate NY last week for a mini family reunion. We are from the Dutchess County, Orange County area in NY. It's one of the prettiest place in the country...right by the Hudson River. And it's only minutes from NYC. The picture above is my brother and I at the house that we grew up in. It's always sweet to go back. It was even sweeter to have our kids there and now my brother's grand baby...to walk and play at the same places that we did. There were lots of moments that day that I wanted to cry. There were definite tears in my eyes. Life is so full circle. The picture above is all of us that came from Florida to the reunion. We stopped at one of the most awesome creameries that you could go to. ...

I think that when you are a Christian you are always trying to keep your ear open to God and what he has to say. I imagine my life sometimes having one of those Elijah from the bible moments and have God call me in the middle of the night..."I am here, Lord." Yeah, well that hasn't happened quite yet. But I am expecting it any moment...hehehe!!! A few days ago when I was in New York I had one of the God talking to you moments. But this time it was from another person. When that person speaks truth to you...he doesn't beat around the bush...and speaks straight to your heart. Yeah, it was one of those kind of moments. And I am glad I had an ear to hear. So, I thought I would share with you. I want to be open and honest. And real. 1. Move on with your grieving for your mom. She would want you to move on and live your life to the fullest. 2. Embrace your life in Florida. 3. Let go of that one person in your life that you are holding onto (I will keep that person...

The NCHE posted this and I really just loved it. A few, simple principles to go by if you are about to endeavor into the world of homeschooling. I wish I had seen this years ago. We are about to embark on our 17th year of homeschooling. And though I feel confident (most days) in what I am doing, it's always good to get a few new, good thoughts and ideas. Enjoy!

Hey everyone...I am not lost. Or haven't forgot about writing. I had a very hurt hip earlier in the month. I had a pulled muscle that stretched across my left hip down my leg. There were days that I didn't leave the bed. So, blogging was put on hold. So, I will be back later this week with more stuff to talk about.

"I am bored!!!" Have you heard it yet???? I have. I think I heard it on the first day of summer. The pages of their books were barely closed...and they had nothing to do. Then I look in their room that is packed with toys, gadgets and games...and then I see the pool in the backyard glistening in the sun. And then I remember they are bored. LOL I know things have changed since I was a kid. My mom just released us outside and we found something to do all summer long. We rode bikes, played in creeks, made forts and played house...we came inside only to eat. And we ran until it was almost dark. Summer was fun. And we didn't have any electronics. We were only allowed to watch television on the weekends. TV was never an option. And an iPad wasn't even close to being invented. We had an Atari (remember those), but that wasn't for the every day. We had to keep ourselves busy. Allowing our kids to be creative creates flexible, self-sufficient adults who can think ou...

Weeks ago Matthew and I had reservations to spend several days at a Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine. Our thoughts were to hang low, get some sun on the beach and at the pool and to have some down time. Sounds perfect, right? It did sound good to me too. Especially after the past few months of busy. But then at the same time I get super bored...really fast. I am not sure how much quiet I could handle. And on a whim, about 2 weeks ago I saw a tweet with someone's picture in front  of the Magnolia Farms Silos. And I said to Matthew, "let's go to Magnolia Farms instead." And most husbands would probably say no. But mine didn't. We started to map out the distance... yeah, it's 1136 miles to Waco, Texas. That's a long way. It seemed crazy, but then the more we talked about it, the more tangible it seemed. And so we did it. Yeah, we drove all the way out there. We left super early...in the middle of the night basically, and got to New Orleans by noon...

Years ago my mom was hurt in an accident and she was hurt pretty badly. She wasn't able to walk for a few months. She basically hung out in the recliner at my house waiting for her knee to heal. It took several months. I was her caretaker those months…I had to do everything for her. It was tough. I had five kids…my youngest was only 2 years old, I was homeschooling and my house was really busy. But you do what you have to do. Right? Now, with my mom gone, I sure wish I could go back to those days. Now I realize it was an honor to care for her. This blog post really isn’t about that. During that time she watched a lot of television. Of course, she didn’t have anything else to do. We still have crazy memories of her watching Seven Brides for Seven Brothers over and over again with my girls. Not her choice…it was the girls who were obsessed with that movie. After those few months she absolutely hated that movie…lol  And she seemed to watch QVC a lot. Remember QVC? Where ...

When we prepared to move back down to Florida my husband encouraged me to take a rest when we moved and to start with a clean slate. I was wearing so many hats...babysitter, mom, tutor, doula, homeschooler...and he suggested that I pray about what I was to do next. Go to Florida with no expectations. First, I was to rest. And that was so important to me. I needed to get my life back and to get strong again. I was weary and tired when we signed on our house on that afternoon of January 25th. I was more tired then I have ever been. Mentally, emotionally, physically...I was wiped out. And then we had to move our family 500 miles and set up a new house. I needed a rest. I am still resting and enjoying my new life here. I am being careful about not jumping into too much. My family has to be my priority. And that's where I am right now. But I also have been in prayer about what will be next. What did I want to keep in my life and what did I want to bring to a close. Working as a dou...

So, how exactly did we get here? Back to the beautiful beaches of Florida.  How did we leave such luscious landscape in the mountains and the clear, crisp air? We never thought that we would be back in Florida...except for an occasional vacation. It was never on our radar...we were so happy and content making roots in NC. Why would we ever leave? Even my mind is blown from the events of the last nine months. So, here is our story. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55: 8-9 Last September, Matthew was gearing up for the next open enrollment season in his job as an insurance manager. He would spend weeks training new and old agents as they prepared to sell for the season that runs from October to the end of December. Matthew, for the past 3.5 years, continued to work for the same insu...