Happy Monday All!

I am doing a women’s 10 week Bible study, and most certainly didn’t skip doing my homework last week. I mean, if I wasn’t going to fully participate in the study, what would be the point?

My husband and I did not keep our children out until midnight one day this weekend, just so we could enjoy the fair that came to town. We didn’t feed them every sugary treat in sight or let them ride those germ-infested rides over and over again until I was almost sick simply from watching. I mean, who would blame me if I did, since we live in a small town and the fair coming to town is just about the biggest thing that ever happens here…still, I didn’t do that.

I definitely didn’t waste one of my days away on FaceBook, neglecting my laundry, dishes, and other chores that needed to be done.

No, my mission style bench in my living room has not turned into our laundry buffet. I mean, if it had, at least it would be clean clothes that are piled up to the ceiling, waiting to be put away…but that simply isn’t the case…no laundry buffet at this house.


I surely wasn’t the neighbor you heard screaming at the top of her lungs at her children to get in bed last night, because good moms NEVER raise their voice! How absurd for you to even think that of me.

I was NOT the mom straggling into school @ 7:40 to bring my dish for the Teacher Appreciation breakfast when everything was supposed to be there by 7:15…Nope, not me, I’m ALWAYS on time.

And with that, I hope you all have a blessed week, filled with as few “Not Me’s” as possible 

Worms and such

One day, after school, when the weather was beautiful, Joseph asked me if he could play outside with Isabel. Normally, right after school, I like to tackle homework and get it out of the way. But, for once these two were getting along, and I decided to savor the moment and let them play outside first. We have two big windows in our kitchen, and I looked outside to see them digging in the dirt. I wanted to go out and see what they had, but knew from previous experience, that when the going is good...don't mess it up. So, I waited patiently, until they came opened the back door, "Mom, come look what we found". I walked out, camera in hand, knowing it would be good. They had a bowl of worms. Yuck. Of course, they weren't content with watching them wriggle around in the bowl. They seperated them according to type of worm...then they put them in order from smallest to biggest, from skinniest to fattest. It was a hoot to watch. Plus, did I mention, they were getting along? I just love those kind of days...those kind of moments.

My new favorite song!

Ok, so this post really isn't about much...I guess my life is boring these days...but I am SO feeling this song..."What do I know of Holy" by Addison Road. The lyrics get me every single time, no matter how many times I hear it. If you haven't heard it, please check it out...maybe it will speak to you as it does me. We are all guilty of sometimes making the Lord too small, not giving Him credit where it's due...forgive us, Father!

Here are the lyrics...


I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

Lately, one of our children has been having some health concerns. It turned out to NOT be what we thought it was, and something much, much less worrisome. What we thought he might have, was not a life threatening disease (well, not really), but was definitely going to call for life changes for our whole family. I am so thrilled that the problem, is really a simple one and shouldn't have a problem controlling.
The reason I mention this, is because I am overwhelmed with joy by the fact that I have three healthy children. Maybe in the past I took it for granted, but I don't anymore. There are people's blogs and CB sites I keep up with that share about children who struggle daily, some telling about how they lost their child to some horrible disease. I know, I know...why am I bringing up such depressing information? I'll tell you why :-)
Please, if you have a healthy child, don't take it for granted, Praise God for it.
It is truly the BEST blessing for a parent. Also, don't think that because your child isn't suffering, that other children are not. We, as parents of healthy children, need to offer more support to those who have sick kids. We can offer kind words, prayer, and even donate to good causes to help find a cure, or make a sick child's wish..weather it be time or money. I personally have NOT done my part in these areas, and plan to make a positive change in my life to help others who are less fortunate in the area of health, especially where kids are concerned.
So, this post is basically to help spread awareness, and to Praise God for all the blessings in our lives. He continues to amaze me with His sweet grace, daily.

Psalm 34:1 (the Message) "I bless God every chance I get, my lungs expand with His praise"

Uninvited guests...

Don't you just hate it when uninvited guests show up?
Well, this is what showed up on our back patio...



I know...rude right? I definitely did not invite them, David said he didn't, and I know none of the kids asked them over to play. They didn't bring a gift, they just moved right in and are buzzing around everywhere...we can't even use the patio!
What ever happened to manners and class, and respect for others for that matter?
Anyway, I've told David he must make them leave. I don't care if he has to use poison, a baseball bat, or what...it's his JOB to get rid of them. I know, it probably sounds a bit harsh. But, I'm not too keen on the idea of letting guests stay when they have stingers sticking out of their backsides. So, call me an animal hater, or even an ungracious host...but these uninvited guests are going DOWN! Wish us luck (or David, since he's the one having to deal with them)! I know we should love all God's creatures, but what can I say? I'm a work in progress...

Threshing Floor

To thresh is to separate the grain from the straw or husks by mechanical beating, with a flail or machinery (web definition).
I did some reading on references to the threshing floor in the Bible. There is some good information here, if you want to read more about it.
The reason I bring all this up, is because the last couple years of my life have seemed like a constant learning process. It seems like I remember life being much easier before this season of my life. I have been a Christian since I was young, but a little over three years ago, my family found a home church, and my faith in God began to grow like wildfire. My relationship with Him is more than I ever thought it could be. So, I have to wonder why, as I grow closer go God, does my life get more complicated. I have come up with two possibilities. #1 Somehow I am not trusting God as much as I think I am, and I am bringing it upon myself or #2 The devil is really working to destroy the bond I have with my Father. I'm not sure which of these it is, but I feel like it may possibly be a combination of both?!
Anyway, i used to be a "drama-free" type girl, but lately, it seems to follow me everywhere.
Philippians 4:13 tells us that with God, ALL things are possible. Not some. But ALL things. So, focusing on this scripture, I realize that it is possible to leave the worry, trouble, stress, and yes, even drama, behind. Hard to do? Yes! Hard to know how to let it go? Yes! But is is possible to do this? Absolutely! Because God is on my side. A new CD I have been listening to says, "We will not fear, Lord...We hope in Your Name". So, today I am turning over a new leaf. I am not going to fear, well, I'm going to try my very best not to fear, I'm going to do the best I can to put my hope in Him. I am going to lay myself on the threshing floor, a holy place, and allow Him to get rid of "the bad, the ugly, the flawed" in me...allow Him to make me better, more faithful, more like Him.
I learned a long time ago that happiness is a choice, not brought by someone or something. I think I stopped making that choice a while back, but I am thankful to be reminded of this and to have another chance to try again. So, not only will I sacrifice myself on the threshing floor, for the Lord to take care of me, but I will do it with happiness and joy in my heart, knowing I have absolutely nothing on this earth to fear. Nothing.
I have to tell you, having nothing to fear, is an amazing feeling.
Thank you, Lord, for this chance.

Week one...accomplished!

The first week of school for all three of my babies went great! I know it's only the first week, but I am praying this isn't too good to be true. Knowing they are loving it, makes me know their teachers are being good to them, and that is a priceless feeling a a parent. I am sad thinking about how very fast they are all growing up, but also proud of the kind of people they are turning into, and knowing I had a small part in that. I am so thankful to God for my blessings. Isabel started PreK this year. I was looking back through some pictures (I didn't start saving pictures on my computer until Joseph was a toddler, so I am missing being able to upload Joseph and Andrews very young days), and found this picture from Isabel's 2nd birthday...I feel like she should still be this young, if not younger!


I hope all three of my babies continue to grow into productive, happy people who will always turn to GOD for ALL their needs.

"Lord, Your Word says, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). I seek You this day, believing that You hear me, and I pray that You will deliver my child from any fear that threatens to overtake him/her."
Amen!