Quite often in the Booker household, we have a p.j. day where we just hunker down and the kids stay in their pajamas all day long. Kaden would live in his p.j.'s if I let him, so he always gets quite excited when I announce that no other clothes will need to be worn for the rest of the day!
Today was one of those days. Jesse has had a yucky cold for about a week, so we didn't go out and about or have any friends with wee ones over. I always feel bad if my kids are the cause of another's sickness, so we gave up all plans for the day. It actually turned out to be quite cozy. Grampy and Grammy came over for an impromptu lunch - unafraid of colds - and had a few hours of fun playtime with the boys checking out all of their new Christmas prizes. This broke up the day very nicely and helped me not to go too stir crazy, as well.
They are running rather wild now, chasing each other all over the place. Jesse is in his boots over his p.j.s - per his request, and we're just counting down the minutes until Daddy gets home. This is his long day, so it is tradition for the boys and I to just have cereal for supper on these nights. A meal we all think is quite fun (and oh so easy for Mommy!) And then when Daddy gets home, the lights are going to be OUT, and we are all going to be hiding in the bathtub....waiting for a kickin' game of Hide and Seek!
Let the games begin, Daddy! You're going down!
Until we get a phone call from the Lobby telling us to keep it down........
Merry Christmas!
We're heading up to my peeps this afternoon after the kidlets' nappy-doos....also known as the "Land of Dial-up," so I'll be signing off for a few days. May you have a wonderful CHRIST-mas celebrating Jesus with your loved ones!
This may be our first and last Christmas for awhile with my whole, entire family together, so we are going to savor it. My wee bro is moving to Texas for a year or so to do some Border Patrol training, so he may not be here next year. And my Sis-in-Law goes to her family in Virginia for Christmas every other year....but this Christmas we are together - all of us.
So, it shall be festive and joyous. Days filled with yummies, games, sliding, movies, visits, tea, and friends and family from near and far. Oh, and let's not forget the family Christmas photo that has become tradition....where everyone's sole purpose seems to be to try and be an irritant to poor Marmie! Good times, good times! Honest to goodness, I think our family could make the big bucks in having our own reality T.V. show. Gotta' see it to believe it! It's true, and I love it!
Merry Christmas!!!
This may be our first and last Christmas for awhile with my whole, entire family together, so we are going to savor it. My wee bro is moving to Texas for a year or so to do some Border Patrol training, so he may not be here next year. And my Sis-in-Law goes to her family in Virginia for Christmas every other year....but this Christmas we are together - all of us.
So, it shall be festive and joyous. Days filled with yummies, games, sliding, movies, visits, tea, and friends and family from near and far. Oh, and let's not forget the family Christmas photo that has become tradition....where everyone's sole purpose seems to be to try and be an irritant to poor Marmie! Good times, good times! Honest to goodness, I think our family could make the big bucks in having our own reality T.V. show. Gotta' see it to believe it! It's true, and I love it!
Merry Christmas!!!
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree....
Why did you die on MEEEeeeee?!
Seriously. Not really sure what happened here, folks, but our tree has suddenly turned completely brown and when touched it immediately drops all of its needles! This has never happened to us before....Hmmmmm. Maybe it hates us.
I'm thinking it's because we didn't trim a little more off the base once we brought it inside after cutting it down. There have been previous years where we have forgotten to do this, and it has kind of stopped drinking its water, but it has never just up and kicked the bucket like it did this year! Because we live in a hotel, it's super hard to regulate our heat up here, too. So, that may also be an issue. Or maybe Jesse has been feeding it some sort of special snackies? Who knows?
Whatever the reason, she came down this morning during Jesse's nap. I prepped Kaden to see if he was going to be devastated, but he was totally fine. Besides, we're off to Grampy & Grammy's house tomorrow, anyway, so it's not a huge deal. I'm just glad we celebrated our family Christmas last week!
Seriously. Not really sure what happened here, folks, but our tree has suddenly turned completely brown and when touched it immediately drops all of its needles! This has never happened to us before....Hmmmmm. Maybe it hates us.
I'm thinking it's because we didn't trim a little more off the base once we brought it inside after cutting it down. There have been previous years where we have forgotten to do this, and it has kind of stopped drinking its water, but it has never just up and kicked the bucket like it did this year! Because we live in a hotel, it's super hard to regulate our heat up here, too. So, that may also be an issue. Or maybe Jesse has been feeding it some sort of special snackies? Who knows?
Whatever the reason, she came down this morning during Jesse's nap. I prepped Kaden to see if he was going to be devastated, but he was totally fine. Besides, we're off to Grampy & Grammy's house tomorrow, anyway, so it's not a huge deal. I'm just glad we celebrated our family Christmas last week!
Our Family Christmas Letter!
I had this letter already written before I decided to save us a bit of moolah on postage. So, here you have it bloggy style this year.
Sorry for the excessive verbage. It fit nicely on one sheet of cute Christmas paper, and it was originally intended for people who don't read this blog - and who therefore don't already know all of these details! Feel free to skim......
Dear Friends and Family ~
I am always amazed at how quickly the months fly by, and I can hardly believe that we have already entered another Christmas season! If there was one word that could describe the Booker’s lives these past twelve months it would be: WHIRLWIND. It has been a wild ride this year ~ one in which we feel we have hardly had time to catch our breath. Yet, it has also been an adventure and a year of trusting the Lord like never before; and for that we are grateful.
At the end of the summer, Kevin finished his final graduate class at Philadelphia Biblical University, and our chapter of being students in “the big city” came to a close. Kev graduated this month with a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and two Bachelor’s degrees - one in Business and another in Bible. We will be forever thankful for those three years in Pennsylvania, and we have made some lifelong friends who must now come and visit us up in “God’s Country!” :0)
Upon completion of his studies, Kev candidated and accepted the positions of Pastor of Family Ministries and Worship Leader at Calvary Baptist Church in Brewer, Maine, and we moved our little family back home to our “roots.” We are enjoying getting to know our new church family, and it has been wonderful making new friends and also reacquainting with so many old and dear.
Even though we are “home,” it has taken us some time to fully adjust as we made two different moves within two months and also experienced several weeks of some sort of sickness that none of us seemed able to shake. To add to the excitement, I crashed our “new to us” car just a couple of weeks after purchasing it, and as soon as we got it fixed, our other car promptly bit the dust! Joy unspeakable! We feel as though we are finally settling in now, though, and we are starting to experience the new “norm” of life for our family. We have a roomy, two bedroom apartment located in a Christian owned and operated hotel with café that is just a mile down the road from the church. The kids love being able to share a room together, and we often hear them giggling long after we have tucked them into bed for the night!
Kaden is now 4 ½ years old and seems to be growing up so quickly that I am afraid to blink. He is still obsessed with bugs and creepy crawlies of all kinds, and all summer long we had a plethora of tadpoles, beetles, worms, frogs, and salamanders living with us! We had a great time hatching frogs from tadpoles, beetles from wax worms, and moths from caterpillars; and we daily go on all sorts of adventures to try and find new “pets”. Kaden collects the “treasures,” and Jesse “loves” them to death! It is most definitely a boys’ world here! Kaden also loves books and music, painting, playing with his new friends, and all things outdoors. His silly sense of humor continually keeps us in stitches with Jesse as his biggest fan! Kaden is a wonderful big brother, and his sweet, tender spirit is a constant delight to us.
Jesse is now 1 ½, and I honestly have no idea where our baby went. This past winter we had a horrible scare when he grabbed hold of my hot curling iron and was unable to let go. We went through weeks of tending deeply burned hands which ultimately ended in skin grafts and a cast for his first birthday. This was truly the most traumatic thing that we have ever been through as parents, yet I fear that it is only the beginning with this one! Jesse is curious and fearless, and that combination is terrifying! It is a rare week that goes by where he does not have some sort of bruise, bump, or black eye from one of his tumbles. We like to call him our “wild child,” yet he also has a tender little heart and a hysterical sense of humor that redeems his oh-so-strong will. He is definitely the life of our party!
I am still living my dream in being able to stay home with my boys. I feel blessed to be near both sets of parents and so many wonderful friends who are in the same stage of life as I. A parent of children who are now grown and gone reminded us just weeks ago that we are truly in the greatest season of our lives right now. The days may be crazy and full of chaos, and we may wonder if we’ll ever get a complete night’s rest again, but they are also very full of life and love; and we would have it no other way!
Our hearts are full this Christmas as our home is filled with laughter and silliness, the pitter patter of
little feet, and the craziness of life. Merry Christmas to all of you! May you have a blessed
Holiday season celebrating with your loved ones.
Much love!
Amy and the Boys ~ Kevin, Kaden, and Jesse
December 2008
“For unto you is born this day, in the City of David,
a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” ~ Luke 2:11
Sorry for the excessive verbage. It fit nicely on one sheet of cute Christmas paper, and it was originally intended for people who don't read this blog - and who therefore don't already know all of these details! Feel free to skim......
Dear Friends and Family ~
I am always amazed at how quickly the months fly by, and I can hardly believe that we have already entered another Christmas season! If there was one word that could describe the Booker’s lives these past twelve months it would be: WHIRLWIND. It has been a wild ride this year ~ one in which we feel we have hardly had time to catch our breath. Yet, it has also been an adventure and a year of trusting the Lord like never before; and for that we are grateful.
At the end of the summer, Kevin finished his final graduate class at Philadelphia Biblical University, and our chapter of being students in “the big city” came to a close. Kev graduated this month with a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and two Bachelor’s degrees - one in Business and another in Bible. We will be forever thankful for those three years in Pennsylvania, and we have made some lifelong friends who must now come and visit us up in “God’s Country!” :0)
Upon completion of his studies, Kev candidated and accepted the positions of Pastor of Family Ministries and Worship Leader at Calvary Baptist Church in Brewer, Maine, and we moved our little family back home to our “roots.” We are enjoying getting to know our new church family, and it has been wonderful making new friends and also reacquainting with so many old and dear.
Even though we are “home,” it has taken us some time to fully adjust as we made two different moves within two months and also experienced several weeks of some sort of sickness that none of us seemed able to shake. To add to the excitement, I crashed our “new to us” car just a couple of weeks after purchasing it, and as soon as we got it fixed, our other car promptly bit the dust! Joy unspeakable! We feel as though we are finally settling in now, though, and we are starting to experience the new “norm” of life for our family. We have a roomy, two bedroom apartment located in a Christian owned and operated hotel with café that is just a mile down the road from the church. The kids love being able to share a room together, and we often hear them giggling long after we have tucked them into bed for the night!
Kaden is now 4 ½ years old and seems to be growing up so quickly that I am afraid to blink. He is still obsessed with bugs and creepy crawlies of all kinds, and all summer long we had a plethora of tadpoles, beetles, worms, frogs, and salamanders living with us! We had a great time hatching frogs from tadpoles, beetles from wax worms, and moths from caterpillars; and we daily go on all sorts of adventures to try and find new “pets”. Kaden collects the “treasures,” and Jesse “loves” them to death! It is most definitely a boys’ world here! Kaden also loves books and music, painting, playing with his new friends, and all things outdoors. His silly sense of humor continually keeps us in stitches with Jesse as his biggest fan! Kaden is a wonderful big brother, and his sweet, tender spirit is a constant delight to us.
Jesse is now 1 ½, and I honestly have no idea where our baby went. This past winter we had a horrible scare when he grabbed hold of my hot curling iron and was unable to let go. We went through weeks of tending deeply burned hands which ultimately ended in skin grafts and a cast for his first birthday. This was truly the most traumatic thing that we have ever been through as parents, yet I fear that it is only the beginning with this one! Jesse is curious and fearless, and that combination is terrifying! It is a rare week that goes by where he does not have some sort of bruise, bump, or black eye from one of his tumbles. We like to call him our “wild child,” yet he also has a tender little heart and a hysterical sense of humor that redeems his oh-so-strong will. He is definitely the life of our party!
I am still living my dream in being able to stay home with my boys. I feel blessed to be near both sets of parents and so many wonderful friends who are in the same stage of life as I. A parent of children who are now grown and gone reminded us just weeks ago that we are truly in the greatest season of our lives right now. The days may be crazy and full of chaos, and we may wonder if we’ll ever get a complete night’s rest again, but they are also very full of life and love; and we would have it no other way!
Our hearts are full this Christmas as our home is filled with laughter and silliness, the pitter patter of
little feet, and the craziness of life. Merry Christmas to all of you! May you have a blessed
Holiday season celebrating with your loved ones.
Much love!
Amy and the Boys ~ Kevin, Kaden, and Jesse
December 2008
“For unto you is born this day, in the City of David,
a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” ~ Luke 2:11
Since it's Christmas for Us.....
Two in one day, I know.....but I just came across this and needed to share it. A reminder of how blessed we are in this moment and of the gifts we have in our children who are on loan to us. Snuggle your babies. Hug them tight. Savor. Drink them in........
An excerpt from Mary Beth Chapman's Christmas letter:
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"The last several days, my mind has not been able to stop thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Pregnant and scared, knowing that the baby she was carrying eventually would pay the ultimate price of His life. How would I have lived differently if I knew that my time with Maria was going to be this short? Regretfully, I would have lived much differently. I would have purposely hugged and kissed more. I would have tried to memorize and lock away in my heart certain smells and smiles. I would have colored more and worked less. I would have laughed more and fussed less. Bedtime wouldn’t have become a chore to check off the list of things to get done. Instead it would have been more of an opportunity to listen about the day and offer whatever words were needed. The swimming pool wouldn’t have been too cold to swim in. The flowers in the garden would have all been picked, and definitely more ice cream would have been consumed!
I wonder what it was like for Mary after her son’s death. I know she saw him resurrected and was certain of the fact that she would she him again, but she was still his mom. Mary found favor with God; therefore she was chosen to be Jesus’ mom. But because God favored Mary, she was also chosen to suffer. Not just at the crucifixion, but her whole life. She was chosen to carry a baby in her womb, be persecuted and give birth in a dirty stable. Most of the time at Christmas we end the story there…. in the stable, with Mary, Joseph and Jesus receiving their company. Wise men, shepherds, and angels - you get the picture in your head right? The star, the animals, the Nativity! What about the rest of it? Mary, mothering the Son of God! She was human, she had a baby, and she raised that baby with the heaviness that she was to see him suffer and thus she too would suffer. I think when Mary was hiding things in her heart; it was a lot more than the reality of whom she carried in her womb. I am certain that she was hiding away the memories of first smiles and steps, as well as the first tears and tumbles. Knowing what was to come, did Mary have the opportunity to live differently as a mom to her little boy? I believe she did. I am sure that she watched him differently, taught him differently, and prayed differently. I can only imagine the discussions that she and Joseph would have when their son wasn’t listening, how they probably begged God to let the cup pass from them, but in the end yielding up the prayer we all hesitate to pray when it comes to our children…. Your will be done. UGGHH!!!! I don’t want to. I didn’t want to on May 21st, and I still don’t want to now. Yet somehow we did, and somehow we will continue to. I am reminded more than ever this Christmas, that it doesn’t end at the Nativity in Bethlehem in a cozy manger… it is a journey all the way to the cross on the hill in Golgotha on Good Friday."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
An excerpt from Mary Beth Chapman's Christmas letter:
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"The last several days, my mind has not been able to stop thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Pregnant and scared, knowing that the baby she was carrying eventually would pay the ultimate price of His life. How would I have lived differently if I knew that my time with Maria was going to be this short? Regretfully, I would have lived much differently. I would have purposely hugged and kissed more. I would have tried to memorize and lock away in my heart certain smells and smiles. I would have colored more and worked less. I would have laughed more and fussed less. Bedtime wouldn’t have become a chore to check off the list of things to get done. Instead it would have been more of an opportunity to listen about the day and offer whatever words were needed. The swimming pool wouldn’t have been too cold to swim in. The flowers in the garden would have all been picked, and definitely more ice cream would have been consumed!
I wonder what it was like for Mary after her son’s death. I know she saw him resurrected and was certain of the fact that she would she him again, but she was still his mom. Mary found favor with God; therefore she was chosen to be Jesus’ mom. But because God favored Mary, she was also chosen to suffer. Not just at the crucifixion, but her whole life. She was chosen to carry a baby in her womb, be persecuted and give birth in a dirty stable. Most of the time at Christmas we end the story there…. in the stable, with Mary, Joseph and Jesus receiving their company. Wise men, shepherds, and angels - you get the picture in your head right? The star, the animals, the Nativity! What about the rest of it? Mary, mothering the Son of God! She was human, she had a baby, and she raised that baby with the heaviness that she was to see him suffer and thus she too would suffer. I think when Mary was hiding things in her heart; it was a lot more than the reality of whom she carried in her womb. I am certain that she was hiding away the memories of first smiles and steps, as well as the first tears and tumbles. Knowing what was to come, did Mary have the opportunity to live differently as a mom to her little boy? I believe she did. I am sure that she watched him differently, taught him differently, and prayed differently. I can only imagine the discussions that she and Joseph would have when their son wasn’t listening, how they probably begged God to let the cup pass from them, but in the end yielding up the prayer we all hesitate to pray when it comes to our children…. Your will be done. UGGHH!!!! I don’t want to. I didn’t want to on May 21st, and I still don’t want to now. Yet somehow we did, and somehow we will continue to. I am reminded more than ever this Christmas, that it doesn’t end at the Nativity in Bethlehem in a cozy manger… it is a journey all the way to the cross on the hill in Golgotha on Good Friday."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Christmas With My Boys....
It's been Kev's and my tradition ever since we got married nine years ago to have our own little family traditions outside of the regular celebrating with both of our families. We LOVE the festivities that go along with Christmas with my side of the family and New Years with his, but we have always wanted to have our own "just us" time together, as well. So, since our very first Christmas together, we have usually taken the weekend before Christmas for our own little Booker Festivus!
Henceforth......yesterday was our Christmas Eve day and night, and all day today it has been Christmas with our little family!!! And have we EVER celebrated! And I tell ya, it just gets more and more fun as our family grows, and as the kids get a little older with each passing year.
Yesterday we went sliding in the afternoon before naptime. We thought it was awesome how we had the whole hill to ourselves....and then once we stepped out of the car, we realized why. It was BLASTED cold! But, we stayed warm by huffing and puffing up the hill - often lugging a child in our arms. As predicted, Jesse is an adrenaline junkie and absolutely loved being indoctrinated into the art of sledding! We had pizza for supper - a family favorite, opened a couple of stocking stuffers each, and topped the evening off with watching A Charlie Brown Christmas!
This morning, after making coffee together and twiddling our thumbs for awhile, Jesse and I woke the other two sleeping beauties so that we could carry on our festivities. We read the Christmas story out of Kaden's kids' Bible - (many more pictures than Mommy & Daddy's)! Then we all sat on the floor together and held hands and prayed together and talked about why we give each other gifts. Very neat. After this, we opened just a couple of gifts and then made breakfast while the boys played, and then we opened a few more after breakfast. I'm very much into letting the kids "savor" the gifts as they come and not have them just tear through them like a couple of crazies. We took our time all throughout the morning and right up until lunch just playing together and enjoying each other. It was so nice!
They are napping away now - with visions of Sugar Plums dancing in their heads, I am sure. And when they awaken, we are going to a Live Nativity with free hot chocolate afterwards! Delish. Grampy and Grammy are going to stop by for a visit this evening, we are going to make a gingerbread house together, and we may even watch another Christmas movie!
A wonderful day, indeed!
Henceforth......yesterday was our Christmas Eve day and night, and all day today it has been Christmas with our little family!!! And have we EVER celebrated! And I tell ya, it just gets more and more fun as our family grows, and as the kids get a little older with each passing year.
Yesterday we went sliding in the afternoon before naptime. We thought it was awesome how we had the whole hill to ourselves....and then once we stepped out of the car, we realized why. It was BLASTED cold! But, we stayed warm by huffing and puffing up the hill - often lugging a child in our arms. As predicted, Jesse is an adrenaline junkie and absolutely loved being indoctrinated into the art of sledding! We had pizza for supper - a family favorite, opened a couple of stocking stuffers each, and topped the evening off with watching A Charlie Brown Christmas!
This morning, after making coffee together and twiddling our thumbs for awhile, Jesse and I woke the other two sleeping beauties so that we could carry on our festivities. We read the Christmas story out of Kaden's kids' Bible - (many more pictures than Mommy & Daddy's)! Then we all sat on the floor together and held hands and prayed together and talked about why we give each other gifts. Very neat. After this, we opened just a couple of gifts and then made breakfast while the boys played, and then we opened a few more after breakfast. I'm very much into letting the kids "savor" the gifts as they come and not have them just tear through them like a couple of crazies. We took our time all throughout the morning and right up until lunch just playing together and enjoying each other. It was so nice!
They are napping away now - with visions of Sugar Plums dancing in their heads, I am sure. And when they awaken, we are going to a Live Nativity with free hot chocolate afterwards! Delish. Grampy and Grammy are going to stop by for a visit this evening, we are going to make a gingerbread house together, and we may even watch another Christmas movie!
A wonderful day, indeed!
All Hail the Chief!
As of this weekend, Kev has been affectionately dubbed "Master Pastor!" I must admit - it is not his most favorite of pet names that I have given him, but it does roll off the tongue quite smoothly!
We had a glorious weekend reconnecting with Philly friends and attending all sorts of banquets and awards ceremonies. Graduation was on Saturday, and then we visited our church family for the day on Sunday. Kevy was asked to speak at a banquet, he won an award, and he graduated with Honors and three degrees - so we are all very proud of him! It was really a pretty special closure to the end of our three years in Pennsylvania. Amidst two part-time jobs and almost every semester him taking extra classes on top of the normal load, our family never once suffered or got put on the back burner. Somehow, (by God's grace, I know) he always managed to keep us priority while also getting our bills paid and papers turned in on time! Pretty awesome.
And now, what should be the final day of our adventure - an eleven hour road trip home to my JESSE (who I am CRAVING!!!!!).....we are finding ourselves camped out at a Holiday Inn in Connecticut after five hours of driving and Kev coming down with a sudden onslaught of the flu. Luckily we had a trash bag close by, and I was taking a turn at the wheel when El Nino rushed forth from the depths! I'd like to hope that he just ate something bad, but I'm pretty certain that he has the good old fashioned flu with body aches and all. Poor so so sick Hubby.
Soooo, while he sleeps and takes hot baths and gets drugged out with flu meds, Kaden and I are doing our best to suffer for the cause. We had a little date in the restaurant downstairs, we hit a couple of shops, we're playing games and reading stories, and after our naps we're going for a dip in the pool! Rough, it's oh so rough......but what is one to do?!
We had a glorious weekend reconnecting with Philly friends and attending all sorts of banquets and awards ceremonies. Graduation was on Saturday, and then we visited our church family for the day on Sunday. Kevy was asked to speak at a banquet, he won an award, and he graduated with Honors and three degrees - so we are all very proud of him! It was really a pretty special closure to the end of our three years in Pennsylvania. Amidst two part-time jobs and almost every semester him taking extra classes on top of the normal load, our family never once suffered or got put on the back burner. Somehow, (by God's grace, I know) he always managed to keep us priority while also getting our bills paid and papers turned in on time! Pretty awesome.
And now, what should be the final day of our adventure - an eleven hour road trip home to my JESSE (who I am CRAVING!!!!!).....we are finding ourselves camped out at a Holiday Inn in Connecticut after five hours of driving and Kev coming down with a sudden onslaught of the flu. Luckily we had a trash bag close by, and I was taking a turn at the wheel when El Nino rushed forth from the depths! I'd like to hope that he just ate something bad, but I'm pretty certain that he has the good old fashioned flu with body aches and all. Poor so so sick Hubby.
Soooo, while he sleeps and takes hot baths and gets drugged out with flu meds, Kaden and I are doing our best to suffer for the cause. We had a little date in the restaurant downstairs, we hit a couple of shops, we're playing games and reading stories, and after our naps we're going for a dip in the pool! Rough, it's oh so rough......but what is one to do?!
Updates....
Our computer has been on the fritz for days, so I have been unable to update. We are in Pennsylvania as I type - we travelled for 11 hours in the yucky, pouring rain - but we are here! Kev officially graduates from his Master's program this Saturday, so we are here to celebrate and see our Philly friends and church family.
I have left my Jesse with Mom and Dad for this trip, and it has been a little weird! We have never been away from each other for more than a few hours, but Mom is keeping me posted and says that he's having a blast! It's been kind of fun having a special time with just Kaden, but I am definitely feeling that our family is incomplete! Although the trip was VERY peaceful and I know that I'll be able to sleep in these next few days without my "Jesse alarm" going off before 6:00 a.m., I feel slightly unsettled, and I am missing those little chubby cheeks like CRAZY!!!
We are potentially sleeping at three different people's places, naps will be all over the place, and there are meetings and banquets galore, so I know that he will be having a much better time with Grammy. It's just a wee bit weird. And during times like this, I realize that we really need to get on the ball and get our WILL figured out. Morbid thoughts, but should something happen.....no plan is in the works. Scary..... Okay, not thinking about that anymore....until we get home, and then a plan WILL be made. Pronto.
And on that cheery note, I am off to hit the hay. It's amazing that after sitting on my rear for eleven hours and doing absolutely nothing but dozing and eating, I am completely pooped!
I have left my Jesse with Mom and Dad for this trip, and it has been a little weird! We have never been away from each other for more than a few hours, but Mom is keeping me posted and says that he's having a blast! It's been kind of fun having a special time with just Kaden, but I am definitely feeling that our family is incomplete! Although the trip was VERY peaceful and I know that I'll be able to sleep in these next few days without my "Jesse alarm" going off before 6:00 a.m., I feel slightly unsettled, and I am missing those little chubby cheeks like CRAZY!!!
We are potentially sleeping at three different people's places, naps will be all over the place, and there are meetings and banquets galore, so I know that he will be having a much better time with Grammy. It's just a wee bit weird. And during times like this, I realize that we really need to get on the ball and get our WILL figured out. Morbid thoughts, but should something happen.....no plan is in the works. Scary..... Okay, not thinking about that anymore....until we get home, and then a plan WILL be made. Pronto.
And on that cheery note, I am off to hit the hay. It's amazing that after sitting on my rear for eleven hours and doing absolutely nothing but dozing and eating, I am completely pooped!
Baking! Baking! Baking!
Yesterday, the boys and I spent ALL day in the kitchen baking and cooking and decorating.....and it was SO MUCH FUN! Surprisingly!
I was gearing myself up for some large amounts of stress and mess and gritting my teeth while flour and sugar flew everywhere. But, it was actually pretty awesome, and the three of us had a ball!
The kids each pulled a chair up to the bar, I gave them both a wooden spoon for stirring, they each got their own cookie and little dish of frosting with a knife, and we baked and frosted for hours!
We had such a special time and so many cool conversations. I told Kaden that we would be able to eat a few of these treats but most of them would be going as gifts to others. He said: "I love sharing things, Mommy! I love giving presents to people!" We talked about the reason behind giving gifts to people at this time of year - because God gave us the greatest gift of us in sending us His Son, Jesus. And Kaden said: "Yeah. And he gave us an even bigger gift when he died on the cross for us, too. Right?"
It was just such a cool time. And I almost didn't do it. I had planned to do all of the "messy" stuff during their naps to avoid getting my kitchen all sticky and yuck. Had I stuck with my original plan in being more worried about my floors and the potential mess, I would have missed out on some awesome moments with my boys and some really cool Christmas memories.
I'm learning.
I was gearing myself up for some large amounts of stress and mess and gritting my teeth while flour and sugar flew everywhere. But, it was actually pretty awesome, and the three of us had a ball!
The kids each pulled a chair up to the bar, I gave them both a wooden spoon for stirring, they each got their own cookie and little dish of frosting with a knife, and we baked and frosted for hours!
We had such a special time and so many cool conversations. I told Kaden that we would be able to eat a few of these treats but most of them would be going as gifts to others. He said: "I love sharing things, Mommy! I love giving presents to people!" We talked about the reason behind giving gifts to people at this time of year - because God gave us the greatest gift of us in sending us His Son, Jesus. And Kaden said: "Yeah. And he gave us an even bigger gift when he died on the cross for us, too. Right?"
It was just such a cool time. And I almost didn't do it. I had planned to do all of the "messy" stuff during their naps to avoid getting my kitchen all sticky and yuck. Had I stuck with my original plan in being more worried about my floors and the potential mess, I would have missed out on some awesome moments with my boys and some really cool Christmas memories.
I'm learning.
Dates With Daddy
At Bagel Central yesterday....
DADDY: Are we always going to do this - even when you're older?
KADEN: Yup. We'll do this even when I'm a big man!
DADDY: YEAH! High five! Buddy's forever.
KADEN: We'll be buddies until I die!
Priceless.....
That's the idea, Sweetheart. That's the idea.
DADDY: Are we always going to do this - even when you're older?
KADEN: Yup. We'll do this even when I'm a big man!
DADDY: YEAH! High five! Buddy's forever.
KADEN: We'll be buddies until I die!
Priceless.....
That's the idea, Sweetheart. That's the idea.
Keeping it Simple
Kev and I sat down and had a serious chat about money the other morning and have come to the conclusion that this Christmas is going to need to be paired down in an extreme way. In the past few months we: moved, crashed our car, and graduated from college. So, needless to say, we are the poorest we have ever been!
On the one hand, this kind of stresses me and even makes me a little sad, because I really really really love to give, and I really really really love to cook, and there are also a few traditions (like sending cards and family photos) that I really love to do....but all those things cost money!
However, on the other hand, I HATE excessiveness, I despise shopping, I don't like stressing about money, and I thrive on simplicity. Soooo, whether we want to or not - this time, we have no choice in the matter - Christmas is going to be very simple this year. And the more that I come to accept this fact, the more I am beginning to embrace it!
We are going to forego the "Family Christmas Letter" along with the family photo. (Be still, my soul! This part of the plan I am reluctantly giving up). However, when thought about realistically, everyone will chuck the letter and picture within a couple of weeks if not sooner, anyway! And seriously, the people who really care about all the boring things that go on in our lives read our blog or check facebook or talk to us on the phone or see us face to face anyway! I'll instead write a little bloggy version of our Christmas letter perhaps, and post it just a bit before Christmas.
We are also going to only get each other one present. For the kids, we're going to give them stocking stuffers, one gift apiece, and one gift to share. Good heavens - that's totally sufficient in my mind, anyway! By the time Grampy's, Grammy's, Aunties, and Uncles all hand out their gifts, we'll still be dealing with the glazed eyes of overload. I'm sure of it. And I have many married friends who don't even get anything for each other, either. So, it's not like anyone is going to be suffering!
I want to be more intentional and focus better on what Christmas is truly about - especially with our children getting older. I want to do more of the simple things with them each day in the time leading up to Christmas, also - like decorating cookies together, reading and relaxing by the tree, doing little crafts, savoring the magic, having people over etc., - simple things! - as opposed to constantly fighting the crowds and stressing over how far to stretch the budget. I want Kaden & Jesse to see us living out what we are trying to teach them: It's better to give than to receive, it doesn't matter how small your gift is as long as you give it out of a heart of love, and it's not "stuff" that's supposed to make us happy, anyway! That is NOT what Christmas is all about!
When, just by sheer necessity, excessiveness is weeded out of our lives - at least for me - a burden is almost lifted - and I'm able to relax again and just focus on what I'm supposed to be thinking about anyway.
Gifts will still be given....but with more creativity and thought put into them. Packages will still be unwrapped....but they'll be savored more as there will just be a few. Bills will get paid. Wisdom will be exercised. Stress will go down! And above all, Christ will be better celebrated, more intentionally talked about, read about, and sung about - and perhaps even more so now, because after all - He truly is the reason for this season!
On the one hand, this kind of stresses me and even makes me a little sad, because I really really really love to give, and I really really really love to cook, and there are also a few traditions (like sending cards and family photos) that I really love to do....but all those things cost money!
However, on the other hand, I HATE excessiveness, I despise shopping, I don't like stressing about money, and I thrive on simplicity. Soooo, whether we want to or not - this time, we have no choice in the matter - Christmas is going to be very simple this year. And the more that I come to accept this fact, the more I am beginning to embrace it!
We are going to forego the "Family Christmas Letter" along with the family photo. (Be still, my soul! This part of the plan I am reluctantly giving up). However, when thought about realistically, everyone will chuck the letter and picture within a couple of weeks if not sooner, anyway! And seriously, the people who really care about all the boring things that go on in our lives read our blog or check facebook or talk to us on the phone or see us face to face anyway! I'll instead write a little bloggy version of our Christmas letter perhaps, and post it just a bit before Christmas.
We are also going to only get each other one present. For the kids, we're going to give them stocking stuffers, one gift apiece, and one gift to share. Good heavens - that's totally sufficient in my mind, anyway! By the time Grampy's, Grammy's, Aunties, and Uncles all hand out their gifts, we'll still be dealing with the glazed eyes of overload. I'm sure of it. And I have many married friends who don't even get anything for each other, either. So, it's not like anyone is going to be suffering!
I want to be more intentional and focus better on what Christmas is truly about - especially with our children getting older. I want to do more of the simple things with them each day in the time leading up to Christmas, also - like decorating cookies together, reading and relaxing by the tree, doing little crafts, savoring the magic, having people over etc., - simple things! - as opposed to constantly fighting the crowds and stressing over how far to stretch the budget. I want Kaden & Jesse to see us living out what we are trying to teach them: It's better to give than to receive, it doesn't matter how small your gift is as long as you give it out of a heart of love, and it's not "stuff" that's supposed to make us happy, anyway! That is NOT what Christmas is all about!
When, just by sheer necessity, excessiveness is weeded out of our lives - at least for me - a burden is almost lifted - and I'm able to relax again and just focus on what I'm supposed to be thinking about anyway.
Gifts will still be given....but with more creativity and thought put into them. Packages will still be unwrapped....but they'll be savored more as there will just be a few. Bills will get paid. Wisdom will be exercised. Stress will go down! And above all, Christ will be better celebrated, more intentionally talked about, read about, and sung about - and perhaps even more so now, because after all - He truly is the reason for this season!
Let the Wild Rumpus Begin!
We got our Christmas tree yesterday amidst the drizzle. I looked online at the forecast prediction for the day and saw that it was only a 3% chance of rain....hmmm.... She surely did rain, but that did not spoil our fun one iota.
Up until we moved to Philly, we always went to a rockin place called Piper Mountain to get our tree, and I have craved going back ever since. So, yesterday - three years later - we were finally reunited with our most fave Christmas tree spot EVER. And having kids just makes it that much better. We took our hefty little saw and chose and chopped our very own tree. Then we meandered over to the little gift shop while the tree was being wrapped for us and got some free apple cider and homemade donuts. And then, to top the trip off, we went on a little horse and buggy hayride all around their tree property which the boys absolutely loved. So so so much fun.
And the drive there and back was beautiful, and we got some winterberries on the way home, and now our place looks super festive, and so far...knock on wood....Jesse hasn't done a whole lot of damage to this new "decoration" in our home! When we first brought it in, he kept on screaming at it and dancing all around. And he likes to keep "trimming" it by shoving whatever toy he's playing with deep into the branches, but as of this afternoon anyway, it seems to have lost it's newness factor for home. The last thing that he shoved into the branches was an empty oatmeal container last night! So, hopefully, the tree shall stay standing until Christmas.
Up until we moved to Philly, we always went to a rockin place called Piper Mountain to get our tree, and I have craved going back ever since. So, yesterday - three years later - we were finally reunited with our most fave Christmas tree spot EVER. And having kids just makes it that much better. We took our hefty little saw and chose and chopped our very own tree. Then we meandered over to the little gift shop while the tree was being wrapped for us and got some free apple cider and homemade donuts. And then, to top the trip off, we went on a little horse and buggy hayride all around their tree property which the boys absolutely loved. So so so much fun.
And the drive there and back was beautiful, and we got some winterberries on the way home, and now our place looks super festive, and so far...knock on wood....Jesse hasn't done a whole lot of damage to this new "decoration" in our home! When we first brought it in, he kept on screaming at it and dancing all around. And he likes to keep "trimming" it by shoving whatever toy he's playing with deep into the branches, but as of this afternoon anyway, it seems to have lost it's newness factor for home. The last thing that he shoved into the branches was an empty oatmeal container last night! So, hopefully, the tree shall stay standing until Christmas.
Thankful
Sitting in my p.j.'s.
Listening to Daddy and his two little helpers make coffee.
Christmas music playing in the background.
Revving up for a fun family day of getting and decorating our Christmas tree.
An awesome family day and feast with Kev's family yesterday.
A cozy, long apartment where the kids can ride their bikes from one end to the other.
Wonderful friends both near and far.
Two amazing little boys.
My best friend and soul mate of a husband.
A loving Savior who gives above and beyond all I could ever ask or imagine.
Thankful EVERY day......
Listening to Daddy and his two little helpers make coffee.
Christmas music playing in the background.
Revving up for a fun family day of getting and decorating our Christmas tree.
An awesome family day and feast with Kev's family yesterday.
A cozy, long apartment where the kids can ride their bikes from one end to the other.
Wonderful friends both near and far.
Two amazing little boys.
My best friend and soul mate of a husband.
A loving Savior who gives above and beyond all I could ever ask or imagine.
Thankful EVERY day......
Merciful Heavens!!!
Holy dyin'!!!!
Blessings upon us all - the internet access here is not the greatest, to say the VERY least. I have felt absolutely cut off from the world these past weeks, I must say. For some miraculous reason, we have connection today, but there are no guarantees for tomorrow, so I shall blog and email away with abandon! I also need to get our Christmas picture card together; otherwise, at the rate that we're going here, it's going to be a Happy New Year card!
This past weekend, our little fam kicked it up to the County to celebrate an early Thanksgiving with my parents and brothers. We had our first snow while we were up there which was tons of fun! We drove up late on Thursday after Kev's meeting at church, so we didn't arrive until Midnight, and we left late afternoon on Saturday - so it was a whirlwind visit, but still very nice and lovely.
We all went on a group four-wheeler in the FREEZING cold, we ate lots of yummies, the boys went hunting, and we just had a really great time vegging with family. Loved it. And we shall do it all over again on Thursday with Kev's little fam. Glorious!
I think we're going to be getting our Christmas tree this weekend, even though I feel like it's a little early to be doing so. The Holidays sneak up so quickly, and I just want to lengthen and savor them as much as possible, so methinks we shall do it on our family day this Friday. (This may also prove to be a very large headache with whirling dervish child who will probably attempt to climb said tree a kajillion times a day. I may wish we had opted for a fake table trop tree....but where is the fun in that?)
In a couple of weeks we are heading back to Philly for a five day trip (2 days of driving) for Kev's graduation. We have actually decided to leave Jesse with my parents as the weekend is going to be crazy with events, two very long drives back to back, and nights spent at several different places. I think it's a good decision that we made, but it will be the longest that I've ever left him....in fact, I don't think that I have EVER left him overnight, so I'm feeling kind of weird about it. He's quite the Mama's boy, but he absolutely loves Mom, and she gives him undivided attention which he loves, so I think he'll do okay. OH man - it's just going to be weird; I'm going to miss him like CRAZY! On the other hand, I'm also excited for some extended time alone with Kaden. Being older does come with its privileges!
So, that's all for now, I guess. Lots of covert Christmas ideas and shopping going on, fun things to make with the kidlets, and special memories to be made.
In case I can't get online forever again - Happy Thanksgiving! And while I'm at it -just in case - Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day, Easter, St. Patty's Day, May Day, Happy 4th, Merry Summer......you get it......
Blessings upon us all - the internet access here is not the greatest, to say the VERY least. I have felt absolutely cut off from the world these past weeks, I must say. For some miraculous reason, we have connection today, but there are no guarantees for tomorrow, so I shall blog and email away with abandon! I also need to get our Christmas picture card together; otherwise, at the rate that we're going here, it's going to be a Happy New Year card!
This past weekend, our little fam kicked it up to the County to celebrate an early Thanksgiving with my parents and brothers. We had our first snow while we were up there which was tons of fun! We drove up late on Thursday after Kev's meeting at church, so we didn't arrive until Midnight, and we left late afternoon on Saturday - so it was a whirlwind visit, but still very nice and lovely.
We all went on a group four-wheeler in the FREEZING cold, we ate lots of yummies, the boys went hunting, and we just had a really great time vegging with family. Loved it. And we shall do it all over again on Thursday with Kev's little fam. Glorious!
I think we're going to be getting our Christmas tree this weekend, even though I feel like it's a little early to be doing so. The Holidays sneak up so quickly, and I just want to lengthen and savor them as much as possible, so methinks we shall do it on our family day this Friday. (This may also prove to be a very large headache with whirling dervish child who will probably attempt to climb said tree a kajillion times a day. I may wish we had opted for a fake table trop tree....but where is the fun in that?)
In a couple of weeks we are heading back to Philly for a five day trip (2 days of driving) for Kev's graduation. We have actually decided to leave Jesse with my parents as the weekend is going to be crazy with events, two very long drives back to back, and nights spent at several different places. I think it's a good decision that we made, but it will be the longest that I've ever left him....in fact, I don't think that I have EVER left him overnight, so I'm feeling kind of weird about it. He's quite the Mama's boy, but he absolutely loves Mom, and she gives him undivided attention which he loves, so I think he'll do okay. OH man - it's just going to be weird; I'm going to miss him like CRAZY! On the other hand, I'm also excited for some extended time alone with Kaden. Being older does come with its privileges!
So, that's all for now, I guess. Lots of covert Christmas ideas and shopping going on, fun things to make with the kidlets, and special memories to be made.
In case I can't get online forever again - Happy Thanksgiving! And while I'm at it -just in case - Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day, Easter, St. Patty's Day, May Day, Happy 4th, Merry Summer......you get it......
Thinking, thinking, thinking.....
Sometimes my wee little pea brain just starts to go crazy with ideas and thoughts on life and parenting and being purposeful and intentional and "Am I doing a good job?" thoughts and "Am I doing enough?" questions and etc. etc. etc....
As of late, I am having lots of serious thoughts and ponderings mostly about this whole crazy responsibility of parenting my boys. I am this weird mix of one part of me wanting to be loosy-goosy, let's-just-have-fun and not be too serious and then the other part of me thinking that maybe-I-should-be-way-more-purposeful-and-intentional-in-ALL-that-I-am-doing with the kids. Kind of like how I was in school. I didn't take a lot of life too seriously and always wanted to be where the action was, yet I was super anal retentive when it came to my classes and my studies, and I demanded perfection from myself when it came to my grades. Kind of a weird combo.
I think that's what is playing out in my thoughts as of late. Sometimes I honestly, seriously toy with the idea of homeschooling my kids. I love the philosophy behind it and I stand by it; yet, this is something that I never in a million years dreamed that I would EVER want to do. I'm not sure if I could even stay structured enough to ensure that my kids were educated properly! Yet, as the time gets closer for Kaden to go to school, I'm not loving the idea of other people getting him for more hours of the day - actually his BEST hours of the day - than I do. I still have time, so I continue to process....
On a smaller scale, today I was reading Kaden some books from the library - just some fun and silly books - and then I got to wondering if I should just be reading him only Christian books, and "maybe I shouldn't read him the Polar Express because it's about Santa and we don't really do Santa in our family." And maybe while Jesse is sleeping we should be doing something that is educational. And I probably should have given him some carrot sticks for a snack instead of that handful of swedish fish. And what about this? Or how about that?
I guess the bottom line is balance. It is so easy to be influenced by other people and by things that I read or by things that others do. It's so easy to compare and judge and feel insecure and get all stressed! I think that an even true-er bottom line is doing what is right for your own family! What Kev and I may choose to do in our relationship and with our children may never work for yours and may not even be good for yours! No matter how big or how small something may be. There's freedom in that, eh?
My friend has a quote on her fridge that says: "Comparison destroys contentment." Man - so so true. Especially for women - I think that is something that many of us struggle with. I know that I do! But when I just let go of my insecurities and give them to the Lord - trusting that He will show me what He wants to do with my family and with my life - then I can rest, and I can just live and LOVE my boys.
And in living and loving and trusting my Savior for His wisdom and grace - I really do end up being intentional and purposeful in my mothering. That kind of takes the stress out of my ponderings. It also takes the comparing factor away, as well; because then my eyes are fixed on the Author and finisher of my faith rather than on other people and circumstances and such. He alone I desire to honor and He alone I desire to please. And as a result of looking to Him alone, it also takes the legalism factor out of life, which I really really love. Grace and truth, Baby.
Wow - rambly, I know. I kind of just went all around Robin Hood's barn, as my Mother likes to say. Maybe it didn't make sense to any of you, but it makes good sense to me. Enough of this seriousness for one Saturday. I need to go find my Kaden and eat a handful of M&M's with him while reading something mindless and perfectly silly......
A happy, rainy Saturday to you, my friends!
As of late, I am having lots of serious thoughts and ponderings mostly about this whole crazy responsibility of parenting my boys. I am this weird mix of one part of me wanting to be loosy-goosy, let's-just-have-fun and not be too serious and then the other part of me thinking that maybe-I-should-be-way-more-purposeful-and-intentional-in-ALL-that-I-am-doing with the kids. Kind of like how I was in school. I didn't take a lot of life too seriously and always wanted to be where the action was, yet I was super anal retentive when it came to my classes and my studies, and I demanded perfection from myself when it came to my grades. Kind of a weird combo.
I think that's what is playing out in my thoughts as of late. Sometimes I honestly, seriously toy with the idea of homeschooling my kids. I love the philosophy behind it and I stand by it; yet, this is something that I never in a million years dreamed that I would EVER want to do. I'm not sure if I could even stay structured enough to ensure that my kids were educated properly! Yet, as the time gets closer for Kaden to go to school, I'm not loving the idea of other people getting him for more hours of the day - actually his BEST hours of the day - than I do. I still have time, so I continue to process....
On a smaller scale, today I was reading Kaden some books from the library - just some fun and silly books - and then I got to wondering if I should just be reading him only Christian books, and "maybe I shouldn't read him the Polar Express because it's about Santa and we don't really do Santa in our family." And maybe while Jesse is sleeping we should be doing something that is educational. And I probably should have given him some carrot sticks for a snack instead of that handful of swedish fish. And what about this? Or how about that?
I guess the bottom line is balance. It is so easy to be influenced by other people and by things that I read or by things that others do. It's so easy to compare and judge and feel insecure and get all stressed! I think that an even true-er bottom line is doing what is right for your own family! What Kev and I may choose to do in our relationship and with our children may never work for yours and may not even be good for yours! No matter how big or how small something may be. There's freedom in that, eh?
My friend has a quote on her fridge that says: "Comparison destroys contentment." Man - so so true. Especially for women - I think that is something that many of us struggle with. I know that I do! But when I just let go of my insecurities and give them to the Lord - trusting that He will show me what He wants to do with my family and with my life - then I can rest, and I can just live and LOVE my boys.
And in living and loving and trusting my Savior for His wisdom and grace - I really do end up being intentional and purposeful in my mothering. That kind of takes the stress out of my ponderings. It also takes the comparing factor away, as well; because then my eyes are fixed on the Author and finisher of my faith rather than on other people and circumstances and such. He alone I desire to honor and He alone I desire to please. And as a result of looking to Him alone, it also takes the legalism factor out of life, which I really really love. Grace and truth, Baby.
Wow - rambly, I know. I kind of just went all around Robin Hood's barn, as my Mother likes to say. Maybe it didn't make sense to any of you, but it makes good sense to me. Enough of this seriousness for one Saturday. I need to go find my Kaden and eat a handful of M&M's with him while reading something mindless and perfectly silly......
A happy, rainy Saturday to you, my friends!
The Power of a Praying Mommy
This was not my idea, but oh how I wish it was.
I love this lady's blog. She has been through much heartache and loss, yet her love for Christ and for her family is so vibrant.....so how I want mine to be.
Anyway, she is challenging herself - and in the process me - ......who now wants to challange YOU....so that we can challenge each other....:0)....to intentionally pray for our children each day about specific things. She is a far more eloquent writer than I, so here is what she has to say about her idea.....
* * * * * * * * * * * *
I don't sit around and pray that my girls will learn to read today, or that they will understand a foreign language by the time they are 6, or that they will know their times table by next week. I do spend a lot of time asking God to give them "undivided hearts (Psalm 86:11), " and praying "that they will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel when they open their mouths (Ephesians 6:19)." I pray that God will help them to be good stewards of their time, their money, their words. I pray for their character, their faith, their decisions, their husbands. I want them to be wise, Godly women who chase after the Lord.
I'm thinking that instead of getting a "My kid is on the honor roll" bumper sticker, I may create a "My kid has an undivided heart" one. And then people will make ones that say "My kid kicked your 'undivided heart' kid's butt" stickers.
Maybe not.
But, the point is that one of the most important things I am privileged to do as a mother is to pray for my children every day.
The other day I came across a verse that God used to prompt me to write this post. If you are a mom (or have someone else you want to pray for specifically), I hope you will join me as I do this for the next 7 days. It struck me that I need reminders during the day to be praying over my girls, and I decided to choose 7 events in a day that would remind me to do so. Then, I chose verses that had to do with that time of the day (for example: as my kids are getting dressed in the morning) and then I put them on notecards.
Here are the events and verses I chose:
1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)
2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)
3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)
4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)
5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)
6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)
I feel like God has been reminding me more and more lately that I need to live my life in prayer. For my children, husband, family, friends, country, those in need, etc., etc. As a mother, it has been so pivotal for my children to hear me praying out loud over them, and I want to commit to do this every day (seven times a day!) for the next week.
* * * * * * * * *
Wow, eh?
What a privilege we have! What a responsibility......
Love it. LOVE it.
So.......do you want to play?
I love this lady's blog. She has been through much heartache and loss, yet her love for Christ and for her family is so vibrant.....so how I want mine to be.
Anyway, she is challenging herself - and in the process me - ......who now wants to challange YOU....so that we can challenge each other....:0)....to intentionally pray for our children each day about specific things. She is a far more eloquent writer than I, so here is what she has to say about her idea.....
* * * * * * * * * * * *
I don't sit around and pray that my girls will learn to read today, or that they will understand a foreign language by the time they are 6, or that they will know their times table by next week. I do spend a lot of time asking God to give them "undivided hearts (Psalm 86:11), " and praying "that they will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel when they open their mouths (Ephesians 6:19)." I pray that God will help them to be good stewards of their time, their money, their words. I pray for their character, their faith, their decisions, their husbands. I want them to be wise, Godly women who chase after the Lord.
I'm thinking that instead of getting a "My kid is on the honor roll" bumper sticker, I may create a "My kid has an undivided heart" one. And then people will make ones that say "My kid kicked your 'undivided heart' kid's butt" stickers.
Maybe not.
But, the point is that one of the most important things I am privileged to do as a mother is to pray for my children every day.
The other day I came across a verse that God used to prompt me to write this post. If you are a mom (or have someone else you want to pray for specifically), I hope you will join me as I do this for the next 7 days. It struck me that I need reminders during the day to be praying over my girls, and I decided to choose 7 events in a day that would remind me to do so. Then, I chose verses that had to do with that time of the day (for example: as my kids are getting dressed in the morning) and then I put them on notecards.
Here are the events and verses I chose:
1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)
2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)
3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)
4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)
5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)
6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)
I feel like God has been reminding me more and more lately that I need to live my life in prayer. For my children, husband, family, friends, country, those in need, etc., etc. As a mother, it has been so pivotal for my children to hear me praying out loud over them, and I want to commit to do this every day (seven times a day!) for the next week.
* * * * * * * * *
Wow, eh?
What a privilege we have! What a responsibility......
Love it. LOVE it.
So.......do you want to play?
A Week in the Life of Me....
Contact with the outside world has been a wee bit interesting these past few days. I don't have the computer during the day as Kev takes the laptop to work. This is going to be changing soon, as I feel that I have lost all connection with what is going on outside these walls, but regardless - even when I have had my opportunities to get online, the service at our hotel has been very sporatic. Today is a good day, so I shall blog at will with no guarantees of when I will be back!
Nothing overly amazing to report. I'm starting to get geared up for the Christmas season. Doing a little shopping and a little planning for what we're going to do with our family. Kaden is at the age where he is totally involved and where he will start to remember what we do for family traditions, so I'm trying to be really purposeful and intentional in the things that we are going to do. We've already made cookies together, and I'm just excited about savoring the little things and doing all kinds of fun cooking and crafting and reading and playing.
Kev and I were able to go on a really nice date a couple of days ago. It was just so nice to be able to really connect and catch up with each other's lives. It's so easy for one day to turn into a week before really sitting down and seeing what's going on in each other's hearts and minds. We had some yummy Mexican food, some great conversation, and THEN we were able to sneak over to see our new little "neice,".....another potential bride for one of my boys.....(right, Scott?) Sweet Kirsten Jael...a truly beautiful little daughter of some sweet friends of ours.
Let's see.....also in this week, Jesse managed to get quite the nice shiner from falling into the corner of a table, and I managed to run over Kaden's fingers with a grocery cart while shopping that very same day. Many tears and drama were involved on that day! A somewhat typical day in the life of us, I guess.....
I was able to have some nice visits with some friends and their babes this week...more to come this next week, as well. I always love that. We also went to a day long conference with the deacons and wives from our church yesterday. Although I'm not much of a fan for giving up my Saturdays, I really did enjoy getting to know these couples a lot better. We actually had quite the hoot together during a good part of the day. Kev told me that I was quite "boisterous.".......uh-oh. They all saw the real me, I guess!
We have started a new family tradition where every Friday night the boys put on their p.j.'s and we go downstairs to the little Christian cafe. We eat a pizza and listen to whatever live band is playing, and then the kids run around a little until bedtime. It's quite nice, really! Both kids love music, and it's really fun being so close to whoever is playing on the stage. This past Friday, we also acquired a new pet - a little lone fish that was struggling in an aquarium down there with no one to love him. Kaden and I took pity on him, so now we are fishy sitting him back to health. He's quite cute, and both boys are thrilled with our new addition. I have to keep Jesse from giving him hugs and squeezes. Instead, he just points and screams to his heart's content! Good times!
And the name of our new pet? "Fish Bowl." Classic.
So...yup. That sums up our week in a nutshell. I hope all of you are doing well. Happy Sunday to you!
Nothing overly amazing to report. I'm starting to get geared up for the Christmas season. Doing a little shopping and a little planning for what we're going to do with our family. Kaden is at the age where he is totally involved and where he will start to remember what we do for family traditions, so I'm trying to be really purposeful and intentional in the things that we are going to do. We've already made cookies together, and I'm just excited about savoring the little things and doing all kinds of fun cooking and crafting and reading and playing.
Kev and I were able to go on a really nice date a couple of days ago. It was just so nice to be able to really connect and catch up with each other's lives. It's so easy for one day to turn into a week before really sitting down and seeing what's going on in each other's hearts and minds. We had some yummy Mexican food, some great conversation, and THEN we were able to sneak over to see our new little "neice,".....another potential bride for one of my boys.....(right, Scott?) Sweet Kirsten Jael...a truly beautiful little daughter of some sweet friends of ours.
Let's see.....also in this week, Jesse managed to get quite the nice shiner from falling into the corner of a table, and I managed to run over Kaden's fingers with a grocery cart while shopping that very same day. Many tears and drama were involved on that day! A somewhat typical day in the life of us, I guess.....
I was able to have some nice visits with some friends and their babes this week...more to come this next week, as well. I always love that. We also went to a day long conference with the deacons and wives from our church yesterday. Although I'm not much of a fan for giving up my Saturdays, I really did enjoy getting to know these couples a lot better. We actually had quite the hoot together during a good part of the day. Kev told me that I was quite "boisterous.".......uh-oh. They all saw the real me, I guess!
We have started a new family tradition where every Friday night the boys put on their p.j.'s and we go downstairs to the little Christian cafe. We eat a pizza and listen to whatever live band is playing, and then the kids run around a little until bedtime. It's quite nice, really! Both kids love music, and it's really fun being so close to whoever is playing on the stage. This past Friday, we also acquired a new pet - a little lone fish that was struggling in an aquarium down there with no one to love him. Kaden and I took pity on him, so now we are fishy sitting him back to health. He's quite cute, and both boys are thrilled with our new addition. I have to keep Jesse from giving him hugs and squeezes. Instead, he just points and screams to his heart's content! Good times!
And the name of our new pet? "Fish Bowl." Classic.
So...yup. That sums up our week in a nutshell. I hope all of you are doing well. Happy Sunday to you!
A Week-end in the County
And we're doing this Dial-up style.....my the patience that has been required of me to wait for this one little page to open up for me to type upon. In the time it has taken for this glorious computer to dial up, I have managed to: run a bath for my kids, read an entire story to Kaden, do all of the supper dishes, and wash an entire load of laundry.
Just kidding......kind of...
Anyhoo, my wee bairns and I kicked it up to the County for a few days to see my little family. I haven't been up north (Canada, as Peter likes to refer to my homeland) since we've arrived back in Maine, so we were all more than a little excited for this trip.
While Hubbito has been the mighty white hunter this weekend, I have partaken in all sorts of wondrous country activities that my soul has craved for many a month. Dad and I went for a long four-wheeler ride all bundled up in whatever clothes we could find and went looking for a bunch of moose that he had found in some field the other day, we have raked mountains of leaves and jumped into them, we picked apples from Mom's winter apple tree and I'm going to make oodles of yummy applesauce when I get back, we carved a pumpkin, I've had splendid visits with my cousins and my big bro, Mom has let me sleep in EVERY morning - glory to God in the Highest!, we've cooked and decorated fall and Christmas cookies, we've had tea parties, I don't think I've been hungry once this entire week-end because I have never stopped eating, and Mom and I have had movie nights every night after the rest of the house has hit the hay!
Food, fun, family, fellowship. Wide open spaces, the country fall air. Quality time with my mom and my boys. I am refreshed and rejuvenated!
A glorious week-end, indeed!
Just kidding......kind of...
Anyhoo, my wee bairns and I kicked it up to the County for a few days to see my little family. I haven't been up north (Canada, as Peter likes to refer to my homeland) since we've arrived back in Maine, so we were all more than a little excited for this trip.
While Hubbito has been the mighty white hunter this weekend, I have partaken in all sorts of wondrous country activities that my soul has craved for many a month. Dad and I went for a long four-wheeler ride all bundled up in whatever clothes we could find and went looking for a bunch of moose that he had found in some field the other day, we have raked mountains of leaves and jumped into them, we picked apples from Mom's winter apple tree and I'm going to make oodles of yummy applesauce when I get back, we carved a pumpkin, I've had splendid visits with my cousins and my big bro, Mom has let me sleep in EVERY morning - glory to God in the Highest!, we've cooked and decorated fall and Christmas cookies, we've had tea parties, I don't think I've been hungry once this entire week-end because I have never stopped eating, and Mom and I have had movie nights every night after the rest of the house has hit the hay!
Food, fun, family, fellowship. Wide open spaces, the country fall air. Quality time with my mom and my boys. I am refreshed and rejuvenated!
A glorious week-end, indeed!
Ten Things
In the quiet of the boy's naps and Kevy running errands, I am reminded once again of how full my life truly is and how blessed I am with all that God has given me.
I am getting to know myself better and better with each passing year and life chapter, and I am becoming increasingly aware of how much I really do not like change....it's really not my fave! Yet, how much fun would it be to lead a safe and boring life for all of one's days? Not very! So, even though these past fews weeks have been a little MWWWWAAAAHHHH-ish....I'm thankful for them...and I'm excited for what the future holds. I'm excited for these new changes, this new home, and this new chapter of our lives.
~ I'm excited that our boys now live so much closer to both sets of grandparents. Both Kev and I had grandparents who played huge roles in each of our lives, and we have always wanted that for our children.
~ I'm thankful for the support system of our moms and families, as well. They have already blessed us beyond measure in these few short weeks that we have been home.
~ I'm excited for the boys to be sharing a room together. My big bro and I shared a room for quite a few years when we were really young, and those are some of my very best memories with him. Naps may still be taken separately, as I tried that the other day and they laughed together for an entire HOUR before finally falling asleep, but I honestly don't mind that, either. Those times are what family memories are made of.
~ I'm thankful for my beautiful MAINE friendships....many old from the very earliest years of our marriage and also some new with our new church family. Some of my girls I have yet to hang with - which must be remedied forthwith....But my life is full here. I never have an excuse to be lonely.
~ The help that we have received since we arrived home has been amazing. In the midst of moving, I had help with the painting and decorating, food was made, the boys were watched, and offers for borrowed cars have been coming out our ears since ours have died. Rach has been my sanity, Anna has loved on my boyzies at church, and friends have called and emailed often.
~ I'm thankful for how much fuller my life is now because of our three years in PA, as well. Some lifelong friendships were made there along with some fantastic memories. I will forever treasure that chapter in our life. We even got a Jesse out of the whole deal! :0)
~ And for my sweet Kaden. My boy who forever changed my life and created for a me a role that I wondered if I would ever be worthy of....Mommy. What a gift he is. What a treasure. And he warmed my heart the other day when he told me that he wanted to start doing some Mommy and Kaden dates - "Just us!" he said. You'd better believe it, Buddy. I am honored you would ask.
~ And sweet Jesse - my boy joy wild child. I daily eat humble pie with this one, and he has aged me already. Yet, I would not trade him for the world. He is boy through and through and he delights me. (On my bad days, Kaden and I threaten to sell him to the zoo, but they honestly are fairly few and far between....okay, maybe once or twice a week....) I'm praying that he will be a warrier for Jesus, and that he will love and serve Him with the intensity that he has for all of the rest of life. He is a leader. Those spitty kisses....those squishy hugs....be still my soul!
~ And my Kevy. The man who I would follow to the ends of the earth. My best friend and my soulmate who knows me better than I know myself. I honestly do not know where I end and where he begins. He is the heartbeat of our family.
~ Finally, Lord Jesus. It's all about You...and all this is for you. Thank you for your gifts, your patience, your wisdom that you give, and the grace that You so freely bestow. Great is thy faithfulness Oh God my Father......
I am getting to know myself better and better with each passing year and life chapter, and I am becoming increasingly aware of how much I really do not like change....it's really not my fave! Yet, how much fun would it be to lead a safe and boring life for all of one's days? Not very! So, even though these past fews weeks have been a little MWWWWAAAAHHHH-ish....I'm thankful for them...and I'm excited for what the future holds. I'm excited for these new changes, this new home, and this new chapter of our lives.
~ I'm excited that our boys now live so much closer to both sets of grandparents. Both Kev and I had grandparents who played huge roles in each of our lives, and we have always wanted that for our children.
~ I'm thankful for the support system of our moms and families, as well. They have already blessed us beyond measure in these few short weeks that we have been home.
~ I'm excited for the boys to be sharing a room together. My big bro and I shared a room for quite a few years when we were really young, and those are some of my very best memories with him. Naps may still be taken separately, as I tried that the other day and they laughed together for an entire HOUR before finally falling asleep, but I honestly don't mind that, either. Those times are what family memories are made of.
~ I'm thankful for my beautiful MAINE friendships....many old from the very earliest years of our marriage and also some new with our new church family. Some of my girls I have yet to hang with - which must be remedied forthwith....But my life is full here. I never have an excuse to be lonely.
~ The help that we have received since we arrived home has been amazing. In the midst of moving, I had help with the painting and decorating, food was made, the boys were watched, and offers for borrowed cars have been coming out our ears since ours have died. Rach has been my sanity, Anna has loved on my boyzies at church, and friends have called and emailed often.
~ I'm thankful for how much fuller my life is now because of our three years in PA, as well. Some lifelong friendships were made there along with some fantastic memories. I will forever treasure that chapter in our life. We even got a Jesse out of the whole deal! :0)
~ And for my sweet Kaden. My boy who forever changed my life and created for a me a role that I wondered if I would ever be worthy of....Mommy. What a gift he is. What a treasure. And he warmed my heart the other day when he told me that he wanted to start doing some Mommy and Kaden dates - "Just us!" he said. You'd better believe it, Buddy. I am honored you would ask.
~ And sweet Jesse - my boy joy wild child. I daily eat humble pie with this one, and he has aged me already. Yet, I would not trade him for the world. He is boy through and through and he delights me. (On my bad days, Kaden and I threaten to sell him to the zoo, but they honestly are fairly few and far between....okay, maybe once or twice a week....) I'm praying that he will be a warrier for Jesus, and that he will love and serve Him with the intensity that he has for all of the rest of life. He is a leader. Those spitty kisses....those squishy hugs....be still my soul!
~ And my Kevy. The man who I would follow to the ends of the earth. My best friend and my soulmate who knows me better than I know myself. I honestly do not know where I end and where he begins. He is the heartbeat of our family.
~ Finally, Lord Jesus. It's all about You...and all this is for you. Thank you for your gifts, your patience, your wisdom that you give, and the grace that You so freely bestow. Great is thy faithfulness Oh God my Father......
Created for His Glory
Remember about a thousand posts ago I said that I was going to be more real and vulnerable in my blogging, and I wasn't just going to write about the good and cute and super Mommy moments where everyone would think that I'm amazing and have everything all together and all of my ducks perpetually in a row? (Well...those of you who know me well, already know this is not true of me...but I'm just saying... Just in case I'd fooled a few of you.....)
Anyway, this is going to be one of those posts....
This past month has been HARD. I'm still trying to put my finger on exactly why this has been the case, but I think that it's just been because of a whole bunch of little things - two moves and all of the packing and unpacking that goes with that with two wee ones, perpetual sickness that we just CAN NOT seen to shake, trying to adjust and readjust to new living arrangements, the somewhat instability of our current living situation - being unsure of how long we will be able to stay, both cars dying - one because of me and the other because who knows why, the kids adjusting to sleeping together thus making nights a little more sleepless and interrupted......I don't know. All seemingly little things in the grand scheme of life, but when they're added up together, life has just become stressful and a little overwhelming these past weeks.
Anyway, in the midst of these somewhat darker days for me, I am finding that the easiest place to release my stress and frustration is on my children. I find myself getting more frustrated with Jesse's busyness, selfishly irritated when Kaden comes out of his room at night after kisses and prayers, because now he's interrupting "my time," irritated even more because once "my time" finally arrives, all I want is my bed, stressed because anything that I want or need to do in life or ministry or WHATEVER has to become an event where I need to get a sitter for the kids or weigh the pros and cons of if it will be worth doing while having two little rugrats by my side, frustrated that no pocket of my home can seem to be free of messes even for a moment because I have a whirling dervish of a crabby-as-of-late toddler, and just tired.....oh so tired....sleepless nights, refereeing squabbles, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning....
I have found myself wishing that my life were a little different, that my youngest's wiring and personality were a little more RELAXED...(holy cow, child!), that I could just get away.........
Yet in the midst of my whining, my Father is slowing me down and quietly whispering in my ear that I am HIS child.....and He does not treat ME this way. Christ expects no perfection from me, and He is not wishing for time off from me! God did not create me because He needed me; He created me because He wanted me. The act was based on the pure pleasure of His will. I am created to be His pleasure! He loves me for who I am, and He created me for relationship.
A pretty profound truth when looked at in the context of my relationship with my children.
This is the attitude I need to have with my boys. And this is my prayer for this new day. Why did we choose to have babies in the first place? Well, one of the reasons is because we WANTED to...pure and simple. Did I expect perfection from them when we made plans to become parents? Apparently so, by my actions sometimes! I am blessed beyond measure, and my life is full and rich. I love my life for what it is, and I love my boys for who they are. The truth is, no matter how crazy life is right now, I would have it no other way.
I just need to be reminded.....
And the enemy of my soul desires to have me. In Genesis 4:7, God told Cain that "if he did not do well, sin was crouching at the door; and its desire was for him, but he must master it." Satan waits for the weak moments. He desire is for my defeat, and he would like nothing better than for me to lose focus on my most important ministry of all - my family. The battle is so much bigger than my often very narrow minded focus.
I love II Chronicles 16:9 - "The eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him." Strengthen us all Lord Jesus. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood......"
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" ~ Psalms 91:1,2
Anyway, this is going to be one of those posts....
This past month has been HARD. I'm still trying to put my finger on exactly why this has been the case, but I think that it's just been because of a whole bunch of little things - two moves and all of the packing and unpacking that goes with that with two wee ones, perpetual sickness that we just CAN NOT seen to shake, trying to adjust and readjust to new living arrangements, the somewhat instability of our current living situation - being unsure of how long we will be able to stay, both cars dying - one because of me and the other because who knows why, the kids adjusting to sleeping together thus making nights a little more sleepless and interrupted......I don't know. All seemingly little things in the grand scheme of life, but when they're added up together, life has just become stressful and a little overwhelming these past weeks.
Anyway, in the midst of these somewhat darker days for me, I am finding that the easiest place to release my stress and frustration is on my children. I find myself getting more frustrated with Jesse's busyness, selfishly irritated when Kaden comes out of his room at night after kisses and prayers, because now he's interrupting "my time," irritated even more because once "my time" finally arrives, all I want is my bed, stressed because anything that I want or need to do in life or ministry or WHATEVER has to become an event where I need to get a sitter for the kids or weigh the pros and cons of if it will be worth doing while having two little rugrats by my side, frustrated that no pocket of my home can seem to be free of messes even for a moment because I have a whirling dervish of a crabby-as-of-late toddler, and just tired.....oh so tired....sleepless nights, refereeing squabbles, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning....
I have found myself wishing that my life were a little different, that my youngest's wiring and personality were a little more RELAXED...(holy cow, child!), that I could just get away.........
Yet in the midst of my whining, my Father is slowing me down and quietly whispering in my ear that I am HIS child.....and He does not treat ME this way. Christ expects no perfection from me, and He is not wishing for time off from me! God did not create me because He needed me; He created me because He wanted me. The act was based on the pure pleasure of His will. I am created to be His pleasure! He loves me for who I am, and He created me for relationship.
A pretty profound truth when looked at in the context of my relationship with my children.
This is the attitude I need to have with my boys. And this is my prayer for this new day. Why did we choose to have babies in the first place? Well, one of the reasons is because we WANTED to...pure and simple. Did I expect perfection from them when we made plans to become parents? Apparently so, by my actions sometimes! I am blessed beyond measure, and my life is full and rich. I love my life for what it is, and I love my boys for who they are. The truth is, no matter how crazy life is right now, I would have it no other way.
I just need to be reminded.....
And the enemy of my soul desires to have me. In Genesis 4:7, God told Cain that "if he did not do well, sin was crouching at the door; and its desire was for him, but he must master it." Satan waits for the weak moments. He desire is for my defeat, and he would like nothing better than for me to lose focus on my most important ministry of all - my family. The battle is so much bigger than my often very narrow minded focus.
I love II Chronicles 16:9 - "The eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him." Strengthen us all Lord Jesus. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood......"
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" ~ Psalms 91:1,2
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