Summer Time Goodness

Where have I been? What have I been doing? Am I still here? Are you wondering? If you aren’t I won’t be hurt. I know you are probably just as busy as I am trying to fit every ounce fun, responsibility, rest, more fun, and craziness into the very short 24 hour days as I am. I have been so incredibly busy that I can’t remember all that I have done.

We led our church junior high camp a few weekends ago. To say that the weekend was amazing would not come close to describing it. We spent each night in a different location and found ways to bless those around us everywhere we went. God’s glory and power was evident every step of the way.

P52 Week 30 - Sunshine

Cotton Candy Ice-Cream

The first night before hitting our camping destination we stopped for ice-cream. Little G ordered cotton candy flavor and showed everyone how to savor every last lick as she became one with the cone. I think adults can take a lesson from littles. We often forget to savor every moment as we get so caught up in doing what needs to get done and moving on to the next thing.








Little G got to go camping for her first time that weekend. She absolutely loved the whole experience of staying up too late, sleeping on the hard ground, waking up at the crack of dawn and getting dirty without having to take a bath right after. And the older kids got to go tubing on the lake for the first time. They all had a blast and loved every minute of their time on the lake. That weekend is our favorite part of the summer so far.

P52 Week 32 Summer Favorites

Another first for Little G this weekend was her overcoming her fear of dogs. She has been afraid of dogs since she was tiny. Looking over and spying this moment made me smile big. She fell in love with this dog and as G petted and played with her, so did I.

P52 Week 31 - Dog Days of Summer

PB&J with Love

One afternoon we gave sandwiches to homeless people in town. Little G insisted that she had to make a sandwich to give away also. I have never seen her make a sandwich so carefully before, and she has made her share of sandwiches. She clung tightly to the baggie while we walked around and she intently looked for that special person she made the sandwich for. She rejected all my suggestions of whom to give that sandwich telling me each time that the sandwich she made was for someone special. And she was right, that sandwich made its way into the hands of someone who was hungry. All of the students we had with us and even my little ones who tagged along got to see God move like that everywhere we went.

Never underestimate what God can do through even the youngest of kids. And never underestimate what a young person can do when they are walking in their gifting.

I got to see my kids grow in every way imaginable while we were camping and I was stretched in ways I didn’t expect. A long time ago I learned to stay teachable and over the summer I have been learning to hold my plans loosely (Thanks Kendra for that bit of wisdom.) and allow God to direct my steps. That weekend was like taking a final exam in that lesson, as almost nothing went as we had planned it. God had much bigger plans than we did and His plans are always better. Always, even when we don’t think so, they are.

Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps. 

Life is still going full speed ahead and I have been learning so much about who God is and how He works recently, I wish I had time to write it all down so I don’t forget any of it. I will leave it at that for now as this post is longer than planned, but know, there is so much more to come.

This post is linked up at Project 52 with Kent Weakley.

Mommy Lesson 9 - Seek Wisdom

Titus 2:1-5 (HCSB) But you must speak what is consistent with sound teaching. Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to much wine. They are to teach what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and children, to be sensible, pure, good homemakers, and submissive to their husbands, so that God's message will not be slandered.

Do you have a Titus 2 woman in your life? I seek out Titus 2 women who can speak wisdom into my life and teach me how to build up my home. I’m not talking about physical building up but spiritually building up your family. , and emotionally building up your family. Seek out those who can speak into your life and give you the sound advice you need when you are facing trials.

Proverbs 27:17 (HCSB) Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Mommy Lesson 7 - Wisdom is Essential

Anyone who has been a mommy for more than 2 minutes will be able to tell you that being a mommy is full of tough decisions. The decisions from the very beginning where you second guess yourself about what car seat, crib, stroller to later when you are trying to figure out sleeping, feeding, and playtime. There are so many decisions to make. And everyone you meet asks you about those decisions and then gives you their two cents on the matter. (I have been on both sides of those conversations.)

Then as the kids get older and you have the training and discipline issues. You find yourself constantly asking the question, is this a behavior issue or character issue or is there something else that needs to be addressed? Seriously tough to answer questions as you try to figure out what is in the best interest for that child. Constantly asking yourself if what you are doing is right or should you change it up. We are bombarded everyday with decisions that directly impact our kids and we really never want to make the wrong decision.

Right now, for me, I face daily challenges about the kids schooling. With four kids who each have a different learning style, I am always asking myself if I am teaching them the way they learn best or am I needing to switch it up. I agonize over books and curriculum purchases afraid that the one I buy won’t really be the one they need. I have learned this year even more about seeking God as I try to make the right decisions. Homeschooling is so great in that area. Knowing that I can tailor each child’s school to the way that they learn best is so great. But knowing what is the right one can be so confusing as you get the conversations about what you are using and why and then you hear their two cents about that decision. (Again, I have been on both sides of that conversation.) Then I go back and rethink my choice wondering if I made the right choice. I really don’t want to mess it up.

But I have learned to not be afraid of messing up. I know that I am going to mess up. I am it’s just a fact. I am not perfect and sometimes the decision I make may not be the right one. However, I know that God will be there to help me make the right decision and help me fix it when I do mess up. I pray every day for the wisdom I need to be able to teach and guide my kids in the way they should go. I have learned that one of the most important tools I need in my mommy belt is wisdom and that wisdom only comes from God.

Proverbs 2:6-7 (HCSB) For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up success for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity.

Proverbs 13:10 (HCSB) Arrogance leads to nothing but strife, but wisdom is gained by those who take advice.

Proverbs 24:3 (HCSB) A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding;

Proverbs 14:1 (HCSB) Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

Gardening Adventures

Do you like to garden? I love gardening. The whole process is relaxing to me. Well… almost the whole process, but more on that later. I have been blessed with a huge area for gardening. This year, we went all out and put in pathways and squared off little plots. I even have an Excel graph showing me where everything is and when it was planted – because I’m geeky like that.





I love putting seeds in the dirt and watering them every day with anticipation. I check on them more than once a day to see if a tiny sprout is emerging.

  

When that first tiny sprout emerges from the earth I get so excited almost giddy really. It’s like the days before Christmas as a kid when you can hardly contain your expectation of what is coming.

And the swelling pride that comes when you see your plants actually growing the way they should.

And then there is the exhilaration when you see your first fruit growing.

I love that I can grow healthy food for my family. I love that they can taste what a tomato is supposed to taste like and that they can go out to the garden and snack on fresh peas whenever they desire. I also love that my kids are learning so many skills while gardening and they know how we get our food. It is important to understand where food comes from. There seems to be an increasingly large lack of appreciation for our farmers and ranchers these days. My kids appreciate what farmers do on a large scale because they do it on a smaller scale.

Then there is this, what really makes me grit my teeth and cry. Lately I have been running out to the garden every morning and every afternoon just to see if my plants are still there. I’m now going out to see this.

A hole where there was once a plant. It is so frustrating so see your plants get sucked into the ground. You see I have (well I don’t have it but you know what I mean) a gopher. This gopher thinks that I planted my tomatoes for him (or her, I haven’t bothered with introductions but if I do introduce myself to him/her it will be with a shovel.) Sorry okay where was I? Oh yeah the fact that I am ready to go caddyshack on the gopher that moved in and has so far eaten 8 of my tomato plants. *Sigh* That is the part of the process that I don’t like in gardening. Replacing what was stolen from me by a rodent.

You know there are so many ways our walk with Christ is like the garden. From when we are just new in the Lord and starting to sprout with such promise, to even that tomato plant that gets sucked into the ground. You don’t want to be that tomato. You have to protect yourself from the gopher. Next year, I am going to make some raised beds and line the bottom with chicken wire to protect my plants. We, in our walk with Christ need to protect ourselves too. We need to make sure that we don’t get sucked into the ground. Surrounding ourselves with others who can keep us strong and give us wise counsel is so important.

Psalm 1:1-3 How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the LORD's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Exhausted Mommy - Determined Baby

I write tonight a very exhausted mommy. One day at Grandma's house and Baby G thinks she has full reign of the house. It was a not so great day for her. She tried to have things her way all day. Now mind you, my mother in law does not spoil the kids or let them get away with anything. So, why Baby G thinks she can come home and get her own way is beyond me. Now, as I sit with the dishwasher running, I do not want to clean up the rest of the mess. My living room looks like G force winds came roaring through - oh wait they did, lol. I have a mess of lunch still needing to be swept up from when she decided that she was not going to eat while sitting at the table and she needed to empty her mouth of her food before she could cry about me telling her otherwise. It was a frustrating and trying day. Filled with the words, "No," and "Obey Mommy," and "Seriously?!?" I could not keep up. She was like a tidal wave leaving destruction in her wake. She even found a pencil so she could draw in a library book - the first time she ever drew in a book. I write this to keep it real. I do not want anyone to think that my kids are perfect or that I have this mommying thing down to a science. I do not have it figured out. I know that today, I could have reacted differently at times, with less exasperation. (Okay, so I was really exasperated and I was biting my tongue a lot today.) I am sure I put an explanation point at the end of her name more than once. I have to remember that her strong and determined personality was instilled in her by the Father in heaven. He created her for great works and the personality she has is needed for what He has planned for her. It isn’t about me having an easy time training her. I need to remember on days like today to just lean into the Lord more and seek His wisdom in training her to put that determination and energy to use in ways that are more constructive.

I do take great delight in her personality most days. She usually makes me smile and even today, as she was in the tub, she made me laugh. I was having her show me where her nose, eyes, ears, teeth, hair... are, and she was being very cute showing me. So, yes even the best of us has long days. Nevertheless, the joy in them can still be found. Here is a picture I took of her the other day. She wanted a book to read in the car and she chose Vegetable Gardening for Dummies. lol - It was so cute as she lugged this large book to the car with her. Then, she started reading it as we were on our way, I looked back at her, and she had the cutest furrow of disappointment as she realized the book had no pictures. Then I turned to the middle where there are a couple pictures and showed her the tomatoes, then she was happy again.

Look at that smile - She is so proud of herself.

Psalm 139:13-15 (English Standard Version)

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Matthew 11:25-30 (English Standard Version)

At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and) learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Thursday Thirteen - A Prudent Wife

Proverbs 19:14
Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Do you know what it means to be prudent? I looked it up and it basically means wise and careful. Here are some questions I am now asking myself as I challenge myself in being a more prudent wife.

1. Am I wise in handling practical everyday problems?
2. Do I use my common sense when handling situations and making decisions?
3. Am I careful about my conduct and how I carry myself?
4. Am I careful in providing for the future by foreseeing what we will need and making sure we can meet that need? Short term like dinner and long term.
   
5. Do I use money wisely?
   
6. Do I choose my words carefully?
7. Am I practical when it comes to my desires?
8. Do I have good judgment when making decisions?
9. Am I discerning of all that is going on in situations?
10. Do I use what I have on hand wisely?
11. Am I careful of my attitude with my husband?
12. Am I careful in the upbringing of my children?
13. Do I stay level headed with all that life throws at me?

It says a prudent wife is from the Lord. It is important to be prudent then to be a blessing to our husbands.

Trust in the Lord

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord. This is a very common thing to say when encouraging someone who is going through a tough time. It is easy to say to yourself, "I don't understand what God is doing but I will trust in Him during this time of trouble." But how about when you are sailing through life? Do you still trust in the Lord? Or, do you trust in your own ability? When you go to work, do you trust in your own experience and ability to do the job? Or, do you every day set aside your own understanding and trust God to guide you through the day. At home with your kids, do you wake up ready to handle every situation that arises with your own knowledge and understanding or do you lay that aside and trust God?

Baby G is blessing number 4 in our house. I thought that I had the whole parenting, child-training thing down. When she was born, I was trusting in my abilities and my own understanding not in the Lord for wisdom. I thought I already had all the wisdom I needed to train up Baby G. After all, I had experience with the three older ones, how could I possible not know what I was doing? God has given me a blessing who constantly challenges me to trust not in my experience as a mom but in Him to give me the wisdom I need to train her. It seems that whatever the issue, anything I did with the others does not work. I have to constantly go to the Lord and ask him to give me the wisdom needed to mother her. The wisdom and understanding I already have is useless, I need new wisdom. I really believe that God gave me this blessing to teach me to not lean on my own understanding even during the good times. I am prone to being a know it all. Really, I am. I love information and knowledge. I read all the time to glean more information and knowledge. However, I need to make sure that I am leaning on God and trusting him to direct my paths instead of trusting in my own understanding of how I think the situation should be handled.