Recently my mom purchased the Princess a new (ADORABLE) swim suit.
While showing it to me, J saw it and became indignant as he saw it was in two pieces.
And I quote-without exaggeration , "MY SISTER IS NOT WEARING ONE OF THOSE KINDS OF SWIMSUITS IS SHE???"
"What kind would that be Honey?"
(Not realizing what he was upset about, because the suit Mom was showing me was just a detachable bottom, but looks like Princess is wearing a one piece when you look at her. In other words she's completely as covered in a swimsuit as you can be)
Still indignant: "THE KIND GIRLS WEAR THAT MAKE THEM LOOK LIKE THEY ARE IN THEIR UNDERWEAR! MY SISTER IS NOT WEARING ONE OF THOSE!"
"No, she's not. That's not what this kind is."
"OH GOOD! I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHY GIRLS WEAR THOSE. IT'S WEIRD. IT'S LIKE YOU'RE TALKING TO THEM AND THEY ARE IN THEIR UNDERWEAR AND YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO LOOK WHEN YOU ARE TALKING TO THEM."
He's 9 and has more sense than most grown women.
Life can be so hard.
I realize that is not a news flash, but it is so true isn't it?
Maybe it's the way social media connects us now, or the age I am, but it seems as if I know so many people struggling.
Whether it's with wayward teens, marriages falling apart or life and death, there just seems to be so much pain.
I had two different sets of friends say goodbye to one of their parents last week.
Two different friends struggling with teenage pregnancy in their families, and all the decisions that have to be made.
Life is Hard.
Now news has come from friends that I went to high school with, that the young mother of 5 has stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to her liver.
The meet with the oncologist today to determine their course of treatment and how best they can battle this horrendous disease.
Would you join me in prayer for Julie?
Because, there is no doubt that life is hard, but that God is greater!
One of the most amazing parts about being a Follower of Jesus is that you are united with believers from all over the world through the bonds of Christ.
If you take the time to pray for Julie and her husband Matt and 5 children, I would appreciate so much if you'd leave a comment that I can pass on to them, and also let me know how I can pray for you.
Life is Hard-but God is greater!
Keep the Faith,
I realize that is not a news flash, but it is so true isn't it?
Maybe it's the way social media connects us now, or the age I am, but it seems as if I know so many people struggling.
Whether it's with wayward teens, marriages falling apart or life and death, there just seems to be so much pain.
I had two different sets of friends say goodbye to one of their parents last week.
Two different friends struggling with teenage pregnancy in their families, and all the decisions that have to be made.
Life is Hard.
Now news has come from friends that I went to high school with, that the young mother of 5 has stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to her liver.
The meet with the oncologist today to determine their course of treatment and how best they can battle this horrendous disease.
Would you join me in prayer for Julie?
Because, there is no doubt that life is hard, but that God is greater!
One of the most amazing parts about being a Follower of Jesus is that you are united with believers from all over the world through the bonds of Christ.
If you take the time to pray for Julie and her husband Matt and 5 children, I would appreciate so much if you'd leave a comment that I can pass on to them, and also let me know how I can pray for you.
Life is Hard-but God is greater!
Keep the Faith,
Word Up!
I'm pretty sure you only got that if you're in the same age category as me.
80's references aside, it's that time of year when the kids are home all day, the pool is calling , and road trips await us.
Each summer for the last few years our family has picked a word to define the summer.
A character quality that we need to improve upon.
This year our word is RESPECT.
Even comes with a theme song, which is awesome!
We are calling it the Respect Challenge.
It begins with
Respecting Authority (Mom, Dad, Adults)
Respecting Siblings (enough said I think )
Respecting Yourself (hygiene, exercising your brain, ect.)
Our verse for the summer is Proverbs 13:13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,
but whoever respects a command is rewarded.
We typically don't do 'allowance' at our house, but we have implemented a payday for each child according to age, then on our chart next to each child's name THEY will put a tally each time they are
I'm pretty sure you only got that if you're in the same age category as me.
80's references aside, it's that time of year when the kids are home all day, the pool is calling , and road trips await us.
Each summer for the last few years our family has picked a word to define the summer.
A character quality that we need to improve upon.
This year our word is RESPECT.
Even comes with a theme song, which is awesome!
We are calling it the Respect Challenge.
It begins with
Respecting Authority (Mom, Dad, Adults)
Respecting Siblings (enough said I think )
Respecting Yourself (hygiene, exercising your brain, ect.)
Our verse for the summer is Proverbs 13:13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,
but whoever respects a command is rewarded.
disrespectful.
Each tally takes a quarter away at payday.
We also discuss why they are getting the tally.
The opposite is also true, if you get NO TALLY'S for the week you get a special reward on Friday.
It might be a special date with Mom and Dad, a treat-something that speaks to the heart of that particular child.
Also, because we have a vast age range (13 to 5) there has been the discussion of the fact that the older you are more that is required.
I've already had a friend ask if they could join the Respect Challenge and the answer is a big OF COURSE!!
This is certainly not something we have the corner on, but I would LOVE to hear if your joining us!
Or if you pick a different word that your family wants to work on-remember we pick a different word each summer, I would love to hear about what you pick.
Happy Summer!
Blessings,
Feeling alone?
Overwhelmed?
Maybe this sweet reminder will help you today. The words are simple.
So simple even a little one can understand them.
Simple, but full of promise.
Overwhelmed?
Maybe this sweet reminder will help you today. The words are simple.
So simple even a little one can understand them.
Simple, but full of promise.
My Sweet Girl, was coloring the other day and when I asked her what she was drawing, she replied,
"I don't know, but it's for you, and you'll love it".
I had to surpress a grin at her confidence.
But, as those words roamed around my head, I began thinking that really what she was stating was not a confidence in herself, but a confidence in me.
As her Momma, who's bragged on every scribble on every piece of scrap paper since she could hold a crayon, she knew no matter what she was making I would love it.
And, of course she was right.
I have had some God sized dreams laid on my heart in the past few months, but have be so timid in either share them or start to act them.
Why?
Fear of failure.
Fear of rejection.
Fear of just not being smart enough, capable enough, talented enough to do them.
Why?
Because my focus has been on the dream, not on the giver of them.
So, at the same time my focus has begun to shift back onto The Giver, Belle stated that amazing quote.
"And You'll Love It"
That's how safe I should feel in presence of God, my dream giver.
He planted these seeds in my heart.
My passion is for Him.
My dream, my heart, my goals are safe with Him, because I'm his child and just like those artistic works of art from my girl, when He looks at what I am doing, He sees a child doing their best.
Perhaps not perfect-I rarely color in the lines-but done with a heart wanting only to please Him.
What about you? Do you have a God sized dream he's placed in your heart but are to scared to step out and follow Him?
I can promise us both this, if following Him is truly our dream then He WILL LOVE IT!
Blessings,
"I don't know, but it's for you, and you'll love it".
I had to surpress a grin at her confidence.
But, as those words roamed around my head, I began thinking that really what she was stating was not a confidence in herself, but a confidence in me.
As her Momma, who's bragged on every scribble on every piece of scrap paper since she could hold a crayon, she knew no matter what she was making I would love it.
And, of course she was right.
I have had some God sized dreams laid on my heart in the past few months, but have be so timid in either share them or start to act them.
Why?
Fear of failure.
Fear of rejection.
Fear of just not being smart enough, capable enough, talented enough to do them.
Why?
Because my focus has been on the dream, not on the giver of them.
So, at the same time my focus has begun to shift back onto The Giver, Belle stated that amazing quote.
"And You'll Love It"
That's how safe I should feel in presence of God, my dream giver.
He planted these seeds in my heart.
My passion is for Him.
My dream, my heart, my goals are safe with Him, because I'm his child and just like those artistic works of art from my girl, when He looks at what I am doing, He sees a child doing their best.
Perhaps not perfect-I rarely color in the lines-but done with a heart wanting only to please Him.
What about you? Do you have a God sized dream he's placed in your heart but are to scared to step out and follow Him?
I can promise us both this, if following Him is truly our dream then He WILL LOVE IT!
Blessings,
Sticky Fingers
Lead to sticky doors.
Sticky doors lead outside
where I find 3 bikes, two scooters, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and a brown eyed pup.
Throw the ball to the pup, leads to a chase around the yard,
where flowers bloom and weeds do too.
The messy stuff of the life I lead.
Love and life are messy things
and if I were to strive for the cleanest house
the quietest kids
just think of all I'd miss.
Lead to sticky doors.
Sticky doors lead outside
where I find 3 bikes, two scooters, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and a brown eyed pup.
Throw the ball to the pup, leads to a chase around the yard,
where flowers bloom and weeds do too.
The messy stuff of the life I lead.
Love and life are messy things
and if I were to strive for the cleanest house
the quietest kids
just think of all I'd miss.
My sweet kiddos are keeping secrets (some better than others :) ) as they prepare their surprises for Sunday.
This is my 13th Mothers Day that I've had the privilege of being called "Mommy".
But, I will never forget the ache in my heart for the 61/2 years before, when being a "Mommy" didn't seem as if it would ever happen.
Infertility is mean, hard, cruel road to walk.
One of the reasons it's so difficult is that you look 'normal' from the outside.
Another is all the people around you having babies. And you're happy for them, you really are, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. And you wonder WHEN, WHEN will it be my turn.
And then comes that Sunday in May that you cannot avoid.
Mother's Day.
And in many churches, Mother's Day = Baby Dedication day.
I'll never forget the two Mother's Days before I became a mom, sitting in church wanting to RUN-R U N as fast as I could out the doors.
As if somehow, getting away would ease the pain.
The first year it happened, I promised myself the next year I wouldn't fall apart.
That didn't happen.
There were tears. Lots and LOTS of tears.
Why do I share all that, when obviously now I get the joy of not ONE but THREE people to call me "Mommy"?
Because, this Sunday when you're sitting in church, and some women looks miserable, reach out to her.
Love on her.
If you notice a faithful woman isn't there this week, don't judge her-stop and pray for her.
While Mother's Day is wonderful for so many reasons, let's not forget for many it's just another reminder of pain and loss and longing for something they deeply desire, but seems so out of reach.
If you're reading this, and I'm talking about you, please know that I'm praying for you-even now.
Praying that your dreams of motherhood come true, praying that your pain will be eased as you find the strength to give it to Jesus.
Blessings,
This is my 13th Mothers Day that I've had the privilege of being called "Mommy".
But, I will never forget the ache in my heart for the 61/2 years before, when being a "Mommy" didn't seem as if it would ever happen.
Infertility is mean, hard, cruel road to walk.
One of the reasons it's so difficult is that you look 'normal' from the outside.
Another is all the people around you having babies. And you're happy for them, you really are, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. And you wonder WHEN, WHEN will it be my turn.
And then comes that Sunday in May that you cannot avoid.
Mother's Day.
And in many churches, Mother's Day = Baby Dedication day.
I'll never forget the two Mother's Days before I became a mom, sitting in church wanting to RUN-R U N as fast as I could out the doors.
As if somehow, getting away would ease the pain.
The first year it happened, I promised myself the next year I wouldn't fall apart.
That didn't happen.
There were tears. Lots and LOTS of tears.
Why do I share all that, when obviously now I get the joy of not ONE but THREE people to call me "Mommy"?
Because, this Sunday when you're sitting in church, and some women looks miserable, reach out to her.
Love on her.
If you notice a faithful woman isn't there this week, don't judge her-stop and pray for her.
While Mother's Day is wonderful for so many reasons, let's not forget for many it's just another reminder of pain and loss and longing for something they deeply desire, but seems so out of reach.
If you're reading this, and I'm talking about you, please know that I'm praying for you-even now.
Praying that your dreams of motherhood come true, praying that your pain will be eased as you find the strength to give it to Jesus.
Blessings,
Momma, are you feeling weary on this Monday morning?
Maybe I'm projecting, but I have a feeling many of us are.
We had tornado sirens here last night, and although safe and sound, I never slept well, thinking at any moment we might have to make a dash for the basement.
AHH, life in Kansas.
So, I woke up facing Monday with much less energy than it requires.
Breakfast, sack lunches, clean kitchen, laundry, and the list goes on an on.
My littlest helper is home with me on Mondays, and has been sitting and coloring singing to herself most of the morning.
Such joy it gives my heart to hear her sweet little voice singing about Jesus!
But, I was feeling weary and the to-do list seemed to be growing instead of shrinking. . . .
When THIS came on the radio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnmWwudeqfM
Go ahead click on it. .
and turn it up. . .
grab someone (or your broom)
AND DANCE!
Dance the weariness away!
"And feel the hope rising up"
Happy Monday Bloggy land Peeps,
Maybe I'm projecting, but I have a feeling many of us are.
We had tornado sirens here last night, and although safe and sound, I never slept well, thinking at any moment we might have to make a dash for the basement.
AHH, life in Kansas.
So, I woke up facing Monday with much less energy than it requires.
Breakfast, sack lunches, clean kitchen, laundry, and the list goes on an on.
My littlest helper is home with me on Mondays, and has been sitting and coloring singing to herself most of the morning.
Such joy it gives my heart to hear her sweet little voice singing about Jesus!
But, I was feeling weary and the to-do list seemed to be growing instead of shrinking. . . .
When THIS came on the radio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnmWwudeqfM
Go ahead click on it. .
and turn it up. . .
grab someone (or your broom)
AND DANCE!
Dance the weariness away!
"And feel the hope rising up"
Happy Monday Bloggy land Peeps,
I watched my sweet, beautiful, smart, oh so funny, girl have her feelings trampled on last week by some kids who were just being flat out mean.
"You're to little to play with us."
"You're to slow to play with us."
As hard as it is to have that happen TO you, so much harder to watch your baby go through the deep waters of unkindness.
Hard not to run in and tell those older (not by much) kids what was what and they HAD JUST BETTER BACK OFF MY GIRL.
Not that there isn't a time and place for that, but this wasn't that place.
No, this was the place for her to learn and grow, right in the middle of mean.
Learn that:
Yes, there are mean people in this world.
Sometimes the people who are mean, call themselves your friend.
Sometimes, they might even call themselves a Christian.
When someone is mean to you and knocks you down, it does not define who you are and who you were created to be.
And you WERE NOT CREATED TO BE MEAN.
But, the best way to teach our kids about kindness, is to live it out ourselves.
It is hard to 'be nice' in a world that is mean. Harder still raise our kids in such a way that we don't allow the meanness of the world overtake them.
Because, they will drown if we aren't there to rescue them from the unkindness that attempts to overtake us all.
Hard not to be mean right back.
Hard not to fight when WE KNOW WE ARE RIGHT.
Sometimes, most times, 'being nice' or kind, is more important than being right.
Man, can I be really honest? That is such a struggle for me-especially in an election year.
The other day on Facebook I posted this Beth Moore quote: "There is power in kindness. It takes a supernatural power to stay kind in the mean world we're living in."
A few hours later I was trying to make a 'quick' run into Wal Mart on the way to pick up the Princess from preschool.
When I got to the store there were not one, but two retirement community busses out front.
I sighed a very deep not nice sigh and took the time to post this to Twitter: When you pull up to Wal Mart and there are 2 retirement home shuttles out front your dream of a " quick trip" are dashed.
Two different people loving called me out.
And although I tried very hard not show unkindness on the outside while I was in the store, let me just say that inside I was not feeling very kind.
I've defiantly come to see (sadly on more that one occasion ) that my level of hurriedness affects (or can if I let it) my level of patience-which leads to kindness .
Let's face it you can't be kind to someone when you've lost your patience with them.
So, how we do we translate this back to our kids? Because whether we like it or not they are growing up in a world were self centered, unkindness is the norm and not the exception.
I'm sure there are books written about this by people wiser than me, but the best way I can think of is to live the thing out.
Let them see us being kind in a world where that isn't valued much.
Being kind when others aren't being kind to us.
Giving up our parking space to the guy in the parking lot that's being a jerk.
Letting the little old lady go in line in front of us-even when we're in a hurry (HELLO THAT WAS FOR ME)
Offering to help the lady with a crying baby instead of rolling our eyes at her.
Not getting irate at the fast food worker who's first langue isn't English so taking our order is a bit tricky.
Not always being 'right'.
And living by these words penned through Paul by the Holy Spirit so long ago, "And be kind to one another" Eph 4:32a
He didn't leave us any wiggle room did he? Not be kind if they are kind.
Not be kind when it's convenient.
Just BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER.
May kindness be our trademark,
"You're to little to play with us."
"You're to slow to play with us."
As hard as it is to have that happen TO you, so much harder to watch your baby go through the deep waters of unkindness.
Hard not to run in and tell those older (not by much) kids what was what and they HAD JUST BETTER BACK OFF MY GIRL.
Not that there isn't a time and place for that, but this wasn't that place.
No, this was the place for her to learn and grow, right in the middle of mean.
Learn that:
Yes, there are mean people in this world.
Sometimes the people who are mean, call themselves your friend.
Sometimes, they might even call themselves a Christian.
When someone is mean to you and knocks you down, it does not define who you are and who you were created to be.
And you WERE NOT CREATED TO BE MEAN.
But, the best way to teach our kids about kindness, is to live it out ourselves.
It is hard to 'be nice' in a world that is mean. Harder still raise our kids in such a way that we don't allow the meanness of the world overtake them.
Because, they will drown if we aren't there to rescue them from the unkindness that attempts to overtake us all.
Hard not to be mean right back.
Hard not to fight when WE KNOW WE ARE RIGHT.
Sometimes, most times, 'being nice' or kind, is more important than being right.
Man, can I be really honest? That is such a struggle for me-especially in an election year.
The other day on Facebook I posted this Beth Moore quote: "There is power in kindness. It takes a supernatural power to stay kind in the mean world we're living in."
A few hours later I was trying to make a 'quick' run into Wal Mart on the way to pick up the Princess from preschool.
When I got to the store there were not one, but two retirement community busses out front.
I sighed a very deep not nice sigh and took the time to post this to Twitter: When you pull up to Wal Mart and there are 2 retirement home shuttles out front your dream of a " quick trip" are dashed.
Two different people loving called me out.
And although I tried very hard not show unkindness on the outside while I was in the store, let me just say that inside I was not feeling very kind.
I've defiantly come to see (sadly on more that one occasion ) that my level of hurriedness affects (or can if I let it) my level of patience-which leads to kindness .
Let's face it you can't be kind to someone when you've lost your patience with them.
So, how we do we translate this back to our kids? Because whether we like it or not they are growing up in a world were self centered, unkindness is the norm and not the exception.
I'm sure there are books written about this by people wiser than me, but the best way I can think of is to live the thing out.
Let them see us being kind in a world where that isn't valued much.
Being kind when others aren't being kind to us.
Giving up our parking space to the guy in the parking lot that's being a jerk.
Letting the little old lady go in line in front of us-even when we're in a hurry (HELLO THAT WAS FOR ME)
Offering to help the lady with a crying baby instead of rolling our eyes at her.
Not getting irate at the fast food worker who's first langue isn't English so taking our order is a bit tricky.
Not always being 'right'.
And living by these words penned through Paul by the Holy Spirit so long ago, "And be kind to one another" Eph 4:32a
He didn't leave us any wiggle room did he? Not be kind if they are kind.
Not be kind when it's convenient.
Just BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER.
May kindness be our trademark,
I took this picture of two of my monkeys a few days ago
The princess had begun trying on accessories and began posing, asking me to take her picture.
As soon as my camera appeared, our middle child made an appearance.
Both kids acting out classic birth order roles.
(BTW, if you've never read Dr. Kevin Leman's book on birth order-you totally should!)
I've been mulling this picture and that moment in my head. Really it could have been written in a text book it was so classic.
But, as I was thinking about that incident with my kiddos, it got me thinking about my life and the world and my 'role' in it.
I think one of most amazing things about what God does when He chooses to use people is
more often than not, he plucks them out of their comfort zone-or their 'role' - and uses them in ways they could have never dreamed imaginable.
I've heard that kind of testimony told over and over again.
I live that kind of testimony every day.
But, walking away from your 'role' can be scary and intimidating.
I'm pretty sure that is why God does pulls us out of those comfort zones, so any success
can all be pointed back to him, because we KNOW beyond a shadow of doubt we couldn't do (insert whatever it is He's called you to do here) it without Him.
Maybe you feel God calling you to something that you think you could NEVER do-can I encourage you to
step out in faith
and
DO IT!
Leave your comfortable, typical role behind and follow Him?
Scary. YES
People won't understand. YES
Intimidating. YES
Overwhelming. YES
Which is the coolest part-you get to have a front row seat and watch God do what only he can!
It can be amazing.
So whether you're at home folding clothes today and changing diapers, to tackling the corporate world, to a missionary in the Congo, let's trust God enough today to let Him pull us out of our 'roles' and use us as only He can.
Trust Him. Follow Him.
You'll never be sorry you did!
Blessings,
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