Congrats to Jess who won the copy of Sophie Hudson's great book.
Appreciated each comment and thanks for playing!
Happy Monday,
I adore Sophie, AKA, BooMama. She's one of those "Friends in my Head". (Please don't judge the crazy!)
In honor of her first book and our imagined friendship I'm giving away my copy of this sweet, funny book.
All you need to do to enter is leave a comment below about your favorite family memory.
For a second chance come like my page on Facebook-Lessons From Aisle 12, and if you already do, just share this link on FB, or you can retweet. (Score-look at all those opportunities you have to win!)
I leave the comments open until Sunday night at 9pm, then notify the winner.
XOXOX,
Because of our middle child's health battles over the past few weeks we had to cancel our vacation plans.
Sadness abounded, but we have tried to make the best of a yucky situation and explore our city, enjoy each others company and just be thankful he's not in the hospital.
Yesterday we did one of the things the kids (and us too) typically enjoy which is stop at our favorite convenience store, grab a drink and snack then hit the road. We take turns on who get to pick whether we go left or right. Each drive turns out differently and you just never know where you'll end up.
We all love a road trip, so typically these often make the highlight reel of our summers.
I don't know if it's because we've spent ALOT of time trapped together dealing with J's illness or not enough sleep or what, but about an hour in yesterday I had just about all I could take of one of my sweet children.
You know that moment when there's a dull throbbing behind your eyes, a crick in your neck because of the tension you're storing there and you wish you could stretch your arm long enough to the back row to pop 'em in the leg.
(If you don't know what I'm talking about because your kids are always sweetness and light. . .well, then. . please no judgements from you.)
We did make it home with no bodily harm done and no one being left on the side of the road. (It's the small things ya'll) We had some lunch, grabbed our swim suits and headed to the pool.
About the time we pulled into the parking lot a summer thunder rolled across the Kansas sky.
It wasn't raining, but because of the thunder the pool closed.
Sigh.
Let me say, at that exact moment the thought of getting back into the car with the kids was not something I wanted to even consider.
So since there was a park near by we wondered over to check it out. While 2 of my children went to play the one that had been driving me nuts stayed at the table with The Hubs and me.
I decided that if I wanted his attitude to change, perhaps mine needed to as well.
So I began to ask him questions. . ."If you could close your eyes and open them and be anywhere in the world where would you pick?. . .If could have a super power what would you choose?. . .Favorite thing in the whole world to do?. . ."
It was insightful and fun, and tore down some serious tension that had been building between the two of us. He began to ask us questions to and eventually brother and sister joined us as well.
By this time lightening was cracking the sky, so we ran for the car.
The thought of heading home was just not appealing, so we drove around for a bit, and like Kansas is prone to do, in about 45 minutes the clouds parted and the sun shone.
We were just passing a city pool we'd never been to, so we pulled in and were all so excited to try it out.
In the end we had a great 2 hour swim and we all enjoyed each others company.
If I've learned anything in parenthood over the past almost 15 years, it's that some days it rains and some days the sun shines.
But either way, it's how I'm handling both the sunshine and rain that matters.
Sweet Momma, if it's raining on you today, give yourself permission to take a time out and get yourself together.
Do not believe the myth that if it's 'raining' on you there is something wrong with you or your kiddo.
The sunshine comes, and if it's anything like Kansas, it'll blow in when you least expect it too.
Praying for Sunshiny Days for all of us today,
Sadness abounded, but we have tried to make the best of a yucky situation and explore our city, enjoy each others company and just be thankful he's not in the hospital.
Yesterday we did one of the things the kids (and us too) typically enjoy which is stop at our favorite convenience store, grab a drink and snack then hit the road. We take turns on who get to pick whether we go left or right. Each drive turns out differently and you just never know where you'll end up.
We all love a road trip, so typically these often make the highlight reel of our summers.
I don't know if it's because we've spent ALOT of time trapped together dealing with J's illness or not enough sleep or what, but about an hour in yesterday I had just about all I could take of one of my sweet children.
You know that moment when there's a dull throbbing behind your eyes, a crick in your neck because of the tension you're storing there and you wish you could stretch your arm long enough to the back row to pop 'em in the leg.
(If you don't know what I'm talking about because your kids are always sweetness and light. . .well, then. . please no judgements from you.)
We did make it home with no bodily harm done and no one being left on the side of the road. (It's the small things ya'll) We had some lunch, grabbed our swim suits and headed to the pool.
About the time we pulled into the parking lot a summer thunder rolled across the Kansas sky.
It wasn't raining, but because of the thunder the pool closed.
Sigh.
Let me say, at that exact moment the thought of getting back into the car with the kids was not something I wanted to even consider.
So since there was a park near by we wondered over to check it out. While 2 of my children went to play the one that had been driving me nuts stayed at the table with The Hubs and me.
I decided that if I wanted his attitude to change, perhaps mine needed to as well.
So I began to ask him questions. . ."If you could close your eyes and open them and be anywhere in the world where would you pick?. . .If could have a super power what would you choose?. . .Favorite thing in the whole world to do?. . ."
It was insightful and fun, and tore down some serious tension that had been building between the two of us. He began to ask us questions to and eventually brother and sister joined us as well.
By this time lightening was cracking the sky, so we ran for the car.
The thought of heading home was just not appealing, so we drove around for a bit, and like Kansas is prone to do, in about 45 minutes the clouds parted and the sun shone.
We were just passing a city pool we'd never been to, so we pulled in and were all so excited to try it out.
In the end we had a great 2 hour swim and we all enjoyed each others company.
If I've learned anything in parenthood over the past almost 15 years, it's that some days it rains and some days the sun shines.
But either way, it's how I'm handling both the sunshine and rain that matters.
Sweet Momma, if it's raining on you today, give yourself permission to take a time out and get yourself together.
Do not believe the myth that if it's 'raining' on you there is something wrong with you or your kiddo.
The sunshine comes, and if it's anything like Kansas, it'll blow in when you least expect it too.
Praying for Sunshiny Days for all of us today,
Summer is supposed to be a carefree, relaxing time. . .but I know for many of us this particular summer is not turning out like we thought it would.
Maybe you're worn down.
If I am totally honest; my nerves are frayed, my heart is heavy, I am exhausted and I'm worn down.
Sometimes, when you're worn down so far it's hard to lift your head up to even see what there is to hold on to.
Maybe you're in that place today.
If you are, know that you're not alone and that I'm praying for all of us who are feeling worn today.
Keep holding on. . .the struggle will end, and redemption will win.
XOXO,
A favorite author that holds a special place in my heart because of how her books have touched my life and heart since high school when I began reading them and because of how she lives her faith out so openly and seemingly without fear, gave some advise the other day to a question I had posted on Facebook regarding writing.
While she gave me great advice about writing, she also told me enjoy the 'holy moments' with my family.
I've been thinking on that so much this week for a couple of reasons. . .
because of who the advise was from
and because it's felt a wee less than holy around here.
Truck that needs repairs, kid that is so sick, cleaning out on overstuffed neglected basement. . .there may be nothing that feels less 'holy' than unpacking a box covered in spiderwebs. . .
Ordinary sight had overtaken holy insight.
Truck repair being paid for by nothing short of miraculous means, clutter being driven out of the dark places and loving a sick child that doesn't often hold still long enough for me to snuggle.
Holy.
Sometimes, I think it's so easy for the seemingly mundane things of life to crowd out the miraculous -the Holy-the little things that make up the grand picture, that in that crowd we lose sight of our goal.
My life is lived so that I can point others to Jesus.
(I can use an awe inspiring story of how our truck is being repaired to do this)
(I can do this by giving away much of what we have in excess that just taking up space in our house)
It's lived to show my kids how much the God of the universe cares for them. Every hurt, every tear, every sickness.
(Oh how comforting a sick boy can bring that home)
Laughter. Team work. Togetherness.
Holy.
I pray that when the ordinary, the difficult, the mundane begins to crowd out the Holy. . .
my focus is shifted back to these treasures I've been given.
Not a book deal, not a full calendar of speaking opportunities.
An ordinary life complete with husband, 3 kids and a beagle, smack dab in the middle of the USA,
A Holy High Calling to love.
If you are changing a diaper today or changing a load of laundry, nursing a sick loved one or just mowing the yard or laughing with a friend, I pray you and I will see the Holiness in each of these moments.
Blessings
While she gave me great advice about writing, she also told me enjoy the 'holy moments' with my family.
I've been thinking on that so much this week for a couple of reasons. . .
because of who the advise was from
and because it's felt a wee less than holy around here.
Truck that needs repairs, kid that is so sick, cleaning out on overstuffed neglected basement. . .there may be nothing that feels less 'holy' than unpacking a box covered in spiderwebs. . .
Ordinary sight had overtaken holy insight.
Truck repair being paid for by nothing short of miraculous means, clutter being driven out of the dark places and loving a sick child that doesn't often hold still long enough for me to snuggle.
Holy.
Sometimes, I think it's so easy for the seemingly mundane things of life to crowd out the miraculous -the Holy-the little things that make up the grand picture, that in that crowd we lose sight of our goal.
My life is lived so that I can point others to Jesus.
(I can use an awe inspiring story of how our truck is being repaired to do this)
(I can do this by giving away much of what we have in excess that just taking up space in our house)
It's lived to show my kids how much the God of the universe cares for them. Every hurt, every tear, every sickness.
(Oh how comforting a sick boy can bring that home)
Laughter. Team work. Togetherness.
Holy.
I pray that when the ordinary, the difficult, the mundane begins to crowd out the Holy. . .
my focus is shifted back to these treasures I've been given.
Not a book deal, not a full calendar of speaking opportunities.
An ordinary life complete with husband, 3 kids and a beagle, smack dab in the middle of the USA,
A Holy High Calling to love.
If you are changing a diaper today or changing a load of laundry, nursing a sick loved one or just mowing the yard or laughing with a friend, I pray you and I will see the Holiness in each of these moments.
Blessings
I'm finding myself more and more in the In Between places of my life.
As a Momma. . .
A Freshman, 4th grader and first grader, all going to be in school full time next year.
For the first time in almost 15 years no one will be at home with me during the day.
What's a Momma to do?
In Ministry
More readers here, book in progress (I can't believe I just typed that out loud!) a few speaking
engagements lined up for the fall and spring.
But, it's in between where my dream wants to go and where my reality is.
What's a Sister to do?
In Life
I'll be 42 in August. Yep, pretty sure that's right in between the beginning and the end.
What's a Girl to do? (lots of moisturizer and sunscreen for one thing!)
Sometimes, being in between can feel overwhelming and frustrating.
It can feel lonely and like an eternal struggle.
But, I'm finding that in the In Between, I need Jesus more.
More for direction and clarity. More for peace. More for grace.
And that when I need him more, He never says He can't or He's stuck, because He's never in between. He's always right beside me.
So when I make the conscious choice to remember and believe that, suddenly the In Between places aren't quite so scary anymore as He lights up the dark.
Not so lonely as He is a constant friend.
Not so overwhelming as He is constant peace.
Not so aimless as I follow His path for me.
In Between where I've been and where I'm going.
And just like in the beginning and just like at the finish, Jesus is carrying me every step of the way.
Are you In Between any places? I'd love to hear your stories and what gets you through those In between places.
(For the first time I'm joininghttp://lisajobaker.com/2013/06/five-minute-friday-in-between/come check what's going on!)
In between where I've been and where I'm going!
As a Momma. . .
A Freshman, 4th grader and first grader, all going to be in school full time next year.
For the first time in almost 15 years no one will be at home with me during the day.
What's a Momma to do?
In Ministry
More readers here, book in progress (I can't believe I just typed that out loud!) a few speaking
engagements lined up for the fall and spring.
But, it's in between where my dream wants to go and where my reality is.
What's a Sister to do?
In Life
I'll be 42 in August. Yep, pretty sure that's right in between the beginning and the end.
What's a Girl to do? (lots of moisturizer and sunscreen for one thing!)
Sometimes, being in between can feel overwhelming and frustrating.
It can feel lonely and like an eternal struggle.
But, I'm finding that in the In Between, I need Jesus more.
More for direction and clarity. More for peace. More for grace.
And that when I need him more, He never says He can't or He's stuck, because He's never in between. He's always right beside me.
So when I make the conscious choice to remember and believe that, suddenly the In Between places aren't quite so scary anymore as He lights up the dark.
Not so lonely as He is a constant friend.
Not so overwhelming as He is constant peace.
Not so aimless as I follow His path for me.
In Between where I've been and where I'm going.
And just like in the beginning and just like at the finish, Jesus is carrying me every step of the way.
Are you In Between any places? I'd love to hear your stories and what gets you through those In between places.
(For the first time I'm joininghttp://lisajobaker.com/2013/06/five-minute-friday-in-between/come check what's going on!)
In between where I've been and where I'm going!
Today we joined a sweet friend and her two boys today to see Monsters University.
(BTW, cute movie we all enjoyed!)
Our oldest is at camp and it was fun to do something with just the littles.
Her boys are the exact age of my two littles and great friends.
After the movie we were outside talking and letting the kiddos run around.
And since three of the four kids are boys the word "poop" was being battered around at one point.
(as a side note, seriously what is it with boys and bodily functions? What is SO comical about them??)
Friends having fun, enjoying each others company.
Sometimes as Momma's though I think we get so caught up in the behavior of the moment we forget to keep our eyes on the prize.
And our prize isn't quiet, always well mannered, always obedient children.
(although bonus if you've got one!)
Our prize is, children who love Jesus. Who want to serve him. Who know their worth, their value and because they know this aren't looking at external things or people to validate them as they get older.
Our prize is rearing children the way our Heavenly Father parents us.
God has never once tried to change my personality. He has molded and fashioned me to use my strengths and weaknesses for Him, but never once has said I was to; stubborn, loud, ornery or any number of things, for Him to use. Rather He's turned those things into tools to use for the kingdom.
Just like He created my personality and yours, He did that for our children too.
Which can be really hard to accept as the parent sometimes.
When you'd just prefer they be quiet and angelic like. . . .which usually has way more to do with what we think others will think of us-instead of what the kiddo may or may not need at the moment.
What if instead of thinking we need to 'break' the mold of our children we instead embraced who God made them and gently worked to mold their little lives?
Could be world changing.
Could be life changing.
Could be church and home changing.
Eye on the Prize. . .not is my child a 'good boy or girl' in public, but does he follow Jesus and have a heart for Him and others? Are they learning to want to glorify God in all they do.
Hard lessons. Worthy lessons. Prize award winning lessons.
Breath easier Momma, with the Perfect Parent as your teacher you can do this!
From the front lines because we're in this together,
(BTW, cute movie we all enjoyed!)
Our oldest is at camp and it was fun to do something with just the littles.
Her boys are the exact age of my two littles and great friends.
After the movie we were outside talking and letting the kiddos run around.
And since three of the four kids are boys the word "poop" was being battered around at one point.
(as a side note, seriously what is it with boys and bodily functions? What is SO comical about them??)
Friends having fun, enjoying each others company.
Sometimes as Momma's though I think we get so caught up in the behavior of the moment we forget to keep our eyes on the prize.
And our prize isn't quiet, always well mannered, always obedient children.
(although bonus if you've got one!)
Our prize is, children who love Jesus. Who want to serve him. Who know their worth, their value and because they know this aren't looking at external things or people to validate them as they get older.
Our prize is rearing children the way our Heavenly Father parents us.
God has never once tried to change my personality. He has molded and fashioned me to use my strengths and weaknesses for Him, but never once has said I was to; stubborn, loud, ornery or any number of things, for Him to use. Rather He's turned those things into tools to use for the kingdom.
Just like He created my personality and yours, He did that for our children too.
Which can be really hard to accept as the parent sometimes.
When you'd just prefer they be quiet and angelic like. . . .which usually has way more to do with what we think others will think of us-instead of what the kiddo may or may not need at the moment.
What if instead of thinking we need to 'break' the mold of our children we instead embraced who God made them and gently worked to mold their little lives?
Could be world changing.
Could be life changing.
Could be church and home changing.
Eye on the Prize. . .not is my child a 'good boy or girl' in public, but does he follow Jesus and have a heart for Him and others? Are they learning to want to glorify God in all they do.
Hard lessons. Worthy lessons. Prize award winning lessons.
Breath easier Momma, with the Perfect Parent as your teacher you can do this!
From the front lines because we're in this together,
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