{More Like Him} Tearing Myself Down

Sometimes...no, most of the time...I like to make things look all honky dory.  And, that's honest for the most part.  Life really is good.  Really.  Praise Jesus!!!

 

But there is a part of me that really struggles.  Inside.  Sometimes it has to do with my role as a wife or as a parent or as a homeschool mama.  Sometimes, more often than not, it has to do with how I look - what I perceive as physical flaws - and I verbally beat myself up.  I am so hard on myself.  Too critical.

 

 

I've been in a funk recently.  Like maybe the worst one ever.  I'm struggling to rise above the things I'm saying to myself...  Lies, I know...

 

"You're not attractive...like not at all."

 

"Goodness gracious, look at those dimply thighs..."

 

"What the heck?  Acne???  You're 36!!!  Get it under control!"

 

"You look terrible in that shirt.  You belly is stretchy and squishy and poochy.  You still look pregnant!"

 

"Where are your training bras, you saggy, shrinking flat board?...sob, sob, sob."

 

"Don't smile...too many wrinkles and fine lines. Oh, and yellowing, crooked teeth.  Yuck."

 

"You're old and you look old.  And you look really bad.  And old.  In case you hadn't noticed."

 

And so it goes...and much worse, too...

 

Most of the time I stuff these feelings down and don't talk with anyone about them.  However, a few weeks ago, it all came to a boiling point and I shared all these thoughts and many others with my husband.  And you know what he said to all the things I hate about myself... "Kiley, I would have never described you {physically} by any of the characteristics you mentioned...  You are beautiful."  And he said a lot more, too, but that's only for my ears and heart...

 

Later, we read a devotional that said the following..."Our Creator has "honored" us by the precious gift of His Son.  His gift has declared our worth and value.  Who am I that I should devalue what God has honored by the gift of His Son?  To demean, neglect, or ridicule {myself} is to trample on the blood of Christ.  Might this truth encourage my lips to speak only those things that edify... Remembering the great value that God has placed on {me} makes it more difficult to say hurtful words."

 

"For you know that is was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed...but with the precious blood of Christ..."  I Peter 1:18-19

 

Do you think it was a coincidence to read this devotional that night or was it, perhaps, God-ordained?  Yup, it was God.  No question.  God speaking directly to my heart.

 

And so, I struggle with abusive thoughts toward myself.  And I struggle to see that my value that rises above physical characteristics.

 

But I have a Savior and a Godly husband who speak the truth I cannot speak to myself. 

 

I will listen.  I will learn.  I will repeat.  I will believe. 

 

And I will give myself grace in the meantime...



{Mosaic Reviews} How Do We Know God is Really There?

I thought it would be interesting to ask my kids this question individually without hearing each other's responses...

 

Elijah, age 10: "The Bible tells me about God.  God answers my prayers.  I feel his protection and presence."

 

Luke, age 9: "God talks to me through prayer.  The Bible tells me about Him.  I feel his love and protection."

 

Isaac, age 6: "I just believe.  I feel God with me, like if I'm scared, I can just pray."

 

Sadie, age 3: "My Sunday School teacher tells me about God.  Mommy prays with me."

 

 

We were given an opportunity to read How Do We Know God is Really There?, a picture book written by Melissa Cain Travis and published by Apologia.  In this book, we meet a boy, Thomas, and his father who enjoy spending time together before bedtime in their backyard tree house.  It is a special time where they catch up on the events of their days.  Often Thomas's dad brings along his telescope and they search for planets and stars. 

 

One night, after stargazing, Thomas asks his dad how we can know God is out there.  He questions whether or not there is proof that God exists.  Thomas's dad answers his questions by talking about the findings of Edwin Hubble in regard to the galaxies of the universe. Using scientific fact, he guides Thomas to realize the truth and proof of God's existence through a question and answer style of conversation.  Thomas's dad tells him that the more he learns about the universe, the more evidence he'll have to believe in our Creator God.

 

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."  Psalm 19:1

 

 

I appreciated the conversational tone of this book.  Thomas's dad wasn't simply telling Thomas what to believe, but was guiding their discussion by challenging him to think and discover the answer about God's existence on his own.

 

The words spoken by Thomas's dad are somewhat sophisticated as an adult would speak and Thomas answers as a child would - in simple words that younger children can understand.  They go back and forth with Thomas's dad stating a fact or making a point, then Thomas restating it more simply.  This type of conversation allows young readers to understand the logic behind the scientific evidence.  It helps this mama understand as well!  He, he!!!

 

Beyond the content, the book appears to be quite well made with a hardcover and thick, semi-glossy pages.  The font is easy to read and each page has colorful illustrations that especially enhance the scientific portions of the text. 

 

I would love to see more books of this nature in the future - taking some of the "big" questions and answering them one by one in separate picture books. 

 

If you are interested in purchasing this book, reading a sample from the book, or learning about other materials by Apologia, please visit their website for pricing and other information!



 

{Creative} Changes Coming

I just opened an account with picmonkey and I'm having tons of fun!  You'll be seeing lots of changes around my blog as I figure out how to update and create a new look with my limited skills.

 

Ever wonder where I came up with my blog name?  It's based on the sweetest song by Andrew Peterson called, "You Can Always Come Home."  I decided that I need to memorize the chorus and sing it to my kiddos all the time. 

 

Because it's true. 

 

And it's God's truth to each of us as well.

 

{Mosaic Reviews} Waterproof Bible

Every once in a while, I am introduced to something that is so unique it just knocks my socks off...or maybe in this case, I should say it floats my boat!  The Waterproof Bible by Bardin Marsee Publishing is spectacular!

 

 

I honestly didn't know what to expect of this Bible before receiving it.  I couldn't imagine how it would be made or how it could possibly be waterproof.  But I knew I was excited.  And so were my boys.  When I mentioned that I would be receiving the Waterproof Bible and the little I knew about it, my three oldest boys asked if I would give the Bible to them.  They were sold before even seeing it!

The gentlemen that created the Waterproof Bible have a passion for being in God's creation and years of experience and adventure in the great outdoors but neither of them had a good solution for taking God's Word with them.  One took inexpensive Bibles along on trips knowing that they would be ruined by the end of his trip.  The other just didn't take a Bible with him at all.  They longed for a solution...  Together they created the Waterproof Bible. 

 

We had a chance to speak with Bobby from Bardin Marsee Publishing and he said of the Waterproof Bible that we can "take God's Word anywhere with worry free confidence that it will stand the test of time..."  As their motto says, you can "Be Inspired.  Anywhere."

 

 The Waterproof Bible is made of synthetic paper and thread that is stain and tear resistant.  The Bible is sewn together in sections and then sewn as a block before also being secured with waterproof glue.  The synthetic paper allows the text to be ultra clear and readable.  The pages of the Bible stretch and it would take a great deal of stretching before tearing.  I stretched one of the back pages in the "notes" section and it didn't tear on me.  That spot is a little stretched out but it held up to the pressure I put on it.

 





 

The synthetic pages can be highlighted without worry of your markings washing off or smearing!  It is recommended that you use dry highlighters which are a cross between a crayon and a colored pencil.  I didn't happen to have a dry highlighter, so I just used a colored pencil.  It seemed to work just fine!   

 



 

The Waterproof Bible comes in several popular versions: KJV, NKJV, ESV, NLT, and the 2011 NIV.  Another option allows you to choose either the complete Old and New Testament Bible or just the New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs.

 

The complete OT and NT Bible is about 6" x 9" with a one inch spine while the NT with Psalms and Proverbs is pocket sized about 4" x 7" weighing less than a pound.  Perfect for camping, hiking, taking along on your fishing trip.

 

The Waterproof Bible comes with three cover options - blue, pink or camouflage.  Can you guess which cover my boys were hoping for?  They said, "Anything but pink!"  Ha, ha!!!

 

I really wanted to put this Bible to the test and one day we had a terrific rain storm.  All. day. long.  It felt wrong to be so excited leave our Waterproof Bible out on the patio table, but that's what we did.  My boys kept careful watch and kept asking if it was time to bring it in yet.  Nope!  It needs to stay outside for a long time to get a good thorough soaking.

Do you see how that water just bubbles up?!  Pretty awesome! 

 

When we finally brought the Bible back inside, we shook it off over the sink and dried the outside with a towel.  I fanned the pages and some drops of water flew out.  And that was it.  Dry.  Amazing!

 

Later on, the boys took our Bible out to their "fort" in our woods.  It was muddy.  The Bible got muddy.  The boys got muddy.  What cleaned up the most quickly?  The Bible.  A damp cloth wiped all traces of mud off the pages. 

 

The Waterproof Bible is one of the neatest products I've seen in a long time!  My boys are begging me to buy them each their own camouflage Bible to use for all their outdoor adventures - camping, fishing, and hiking.  (So, don't tell them they'll each be receiving one for Christmas with their names imprinted on the cover.  Shhhh!!!) 

 

As our family is trying to incorporate more outdoor activities into our lifestyle, I am confident this Bible will be a staple in our supplies.  I am just that totally excited about it!  And years from now, as my guys cross off one of their biggest dreams from their bucket lists - hiking the Appalachian Trail with their dad - I am confident their Waterproof Bibles will truly have stood the test of time ready to be pulled from their pack for a morning sunrise meeting with their Creator.

 



 

 If you are interesting in purchasing your own Waterproof Bible or other accessories, please visit the fine folks at Bardin Marsee Publishing.  You can even customize your Bible covers.  You won't be disappointed!

 

 

{Mosaic Reviews} We Choose Virtues

One of the biggest benefits I find as a homeschool mama is the ability to work on character training as life rolls along at its usual pace.  And, to be completely honest, I'm not just talking about my kids' character development.  I have not "arrived" nor do I expect to any time ever, so my lovies and I work on our character development together.  I always take a step back when I hear my own negative attitudes or words being repeated by my children.  Yikes!  That's eye opening, for sure!

 

As a result, I am always open to new ideas for helping to shape our character.  I, like many others, prefer to call this shaping "heart training." It is very important to me that our character training is linked with God's Word for we learn in the Bible that what comes out of our mouths flows from what is in our hearts (Matthew 15:19, Luke 6:45, Proverbs 4:23 to name a few verses).  I want my life and the lives of my children to honor God above all else so we use God's Word as our guidebook for life. 

 

Recently, I was introduced We Choose Virtues, a character training program designed to be fun, catchy, and simple to use that makes a positive impact in kid's lives.  There are twelve virtues taught that fall under the three main categories: Obey, Be Kind, Be A Helper. 

 

The "Obey" virtues are: Obedient, Attentive, Self-Controlled, and Honest.

 

The "Be Kind" virtues are: Kind, Forgiving, Patient, and Gentle.

 

The "Be A Helper" virtues are: Helpful, Perseverant, Diligent, and Content.

 

 

I received the Virtue Flashcards shown above.  Each virtue has an adorable cartoon kid from VirtueVille and short story associated with that character quality.  These flashcards teach each virtue by using the phrases "I am..." followed by its catchphrase explaining the virtue in simple to understand words.  The flip side of each card also teaches the antonym of each virtue "I am not..." or "I don't..." along with a Bible verse connecting the character quality to God's Word!

 

For example, the "I am Helpful" card has the sweet boy, Hat Matt, on the front of the card.  The catchphrase says, "I find things that need to be done and I do them."  Helpful's antonym is "I am NOT...selfish, lazy, or unwilling to serve and I don't have to be asked."  The Bible verse is Ecclesiastes 4:9, "Two people are better than one.  They can help each other in everything they do." 

 

I really appreciate the way these cards are laid out with several different ways to explain and illustrate each virtue.  With the variety of simple to understand words, it has been easy to teach the virtues to my three year old all the way up to my ten year old.  Coincidentally, four of my children fall exactly into the We Choose Virtues target age range.  Pretty perfect fit!

 

 

One interesting and helpful aspect of We Choose Virtues is the Family Character Assessment.  This assessment allows each family member to grade themselves on a scale of one to ten for each virtue...one being that you really struggle with this virtue, ten being that you have a good handle on this virtue.  I had one of my sons fill this assessment out and it's interesting to see where he placed himself on the scale.  I agree with him on some areas but not on others.  I plan to use this with each of my children and myself, then go over it with them individually.  I am curious to see how my husband would evaluate me on each virtue...  The point of this assessment is to see where each person needs individual attention, training, and goal setting in regard to each virtue.

  

 

 Another aspect of We Choose Virtues that I liked was the list of Memory Verses and Bible Heroes.  We were able to read about a Bible hero that displayed the character qualities we focused on during the review period.  Again, this meets my goal of tying our heart training to the truth from God's Word!

 

My three and six year olds enjoyed the Coloring Pages of each sweet kid from VirtueVille.  My two older boys were not attracted to the cute kids or coloring pages but they certainly benefited from the content we discussed.  I am considering purchasing the Coloring Book in order to have the stories that tell about each adorable kid and help to explain their catchy names - Kind Kettle Gretel, Content Cake Jake, Forgiving Feather Heather, etc.  Because we didn't know the background stories of each VirtueVille kid, we didn't focus on their names, but notice that each kid's name begins with the same letter as their virtue making it easier to remember the virtues you are working on developing. 

 

As an alternative to the coloring book, the Parenting Cards also explain each Virtue Kid's story and character quality along with the basic information from the flashcards as well as helpful tips, what to do after saying "Sorry," and so on...

 

We Choose Virtues is jammed packed with valuable character training for kids of all ages.  The materials are visually appealing, strong in Biblically based content, and easy to implement in whatever way works for your family.  As an added bonus, you can purchase a kit that contains the essential elements or pick and choose the most valuable items to meet your family's needs!

 

Please visit We Choose Virtues for more information about the people behind the company and all their great products.  If you decide to make a purchase for your family, please take advantage of these discounts codes!  Any purchase you make can receive 15% off by entering VIRTUE15 at checkout.  If you decide to purchase the Homeschool Kit during the month of April, you can receive a 20% discount by entering HOME20 at checkout!

 

You can also find We Choose Virtues on Facebook and Pinterest!

 



Teamwork

There is no denying the fact that I need some assistance in getting various jobs completed around our house.  With six family members home essentially all day long every day, our house is bound to get messy. Well, I've recruited the cutest helpers I could find!

 

 

Sadie and Isaac often team up with certain chores.  On this particular day, I overheard a sweet conversation between the two of them...

 

"Sadie, you are good at cleaning the mirror!"

 

"Thanks, Isaac!  You are doing a great job like me!"

"Sadie, we are doing a good job building each other up like Mama said."

 

"Yes, we are.  We are best buddies and are nice to each other..."

 



 

Having found ourselves recently with a lot frustrated, critical words coming from our mouths, I have been challenging the kids and myself with this Scripture...

 

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen...Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you."  Ephesians 4:29,32

 

How encouraging to hear this conversation and know that God is changing our hearts for His Glory!

{Project 365} Day 27: I'm Fine

Never has it felt so good to hear the words "...and I'm fine" after an 8:00am phone call that wakes your sleep followed by the words "I had an accident..." 

 

The kids and I managed our week fairly well while Mike was traveling.  We prayed for safety every day he was away.  Then today, the day he was finally back home, he had a car accident. 

 

We're praising God that Mike was unhurt, the car appears to only have a broken front bumper, and we were reminded to pray for safety even in the three miles it takes to travel to and from work.

 

 

This morning's chaos stirred up long held fears of mine about car accidents in rivers and my inability to rescue my children.  I've never been in a car accident but my mind always imagines the worst.  When I struggle with fears and this one in particular, I repeat...

 

"Jesus, captivate my thoughts..."  {"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  2 Corinthians 10:5}

 

"Jesus, remove my fears..."  {"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears in not perfected in love."  1 John 4:18}

 

"Jesus, let me feel your presence..."  {"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6}

 

"Jesus, give me peace..."  {"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."  Isaiah 26:3}

 

 

{Project365}: capturing this life - one photo (or so) every day for one year

  

Needless to say, once the kids and I returned home (after rescuing Mike with a warm car while waiting for the tow truck), I spent some time talking with the Lord trying to calm my jittery nerves.  It took my stubborn fearful heart a bit of convincing, but by early afternoon, I felt at peace again.

 

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of the God.  Set you mind on things above, not on earthly things."  Colossians 3:1-2

 

And I'm fine, too...as long as I maintain an upward focus.

{Project 365} Day 23: Unglued

Every Wednesday from 1:00pm - 2:00pm, I sit in our van during piano lessons.  I read (yes, one can concentrate even with four loud children in such a small place), pass out snacks to keep my children quiet in said small place, write and make lists, call my mom or text friends for a quick "hello", and occasionally work on schoolwork if I'm feeling especially behind that day.

 

 

{Project365}: capturing this life - one photo (or so) every day for one year

 

I started reading Unglued before Christmas but had to put it down.  I knew it was going to hurt like Aslan's claws tearing into my flesh.  This book dives deep into an issue I've battled hard for about six years - one that I feel creeping up on me everyday recently as I allow pressures to mount while desperately trying to stuff them down. 

 

You see, I didn't know I was a "screamer" until our third son was born.  Frustration, inadequacies, tiredness, trying to control yet feeling completely out of control, things not going perfectly, stress, and a million other emotions welling up inside me to the boiling point.  And then I'd explode all over. 

 

Yuck. 

 

It was a mess. 

 

I was a mess. 

 

Than along came my Titus 2 mentor - not knowing the depth of my struggle - and she began speaking words straight to my heart.  Words of love, mercy, grace, and the need for repentance and reliance on the Lord. 

 

And my heart began to change.  The Lord was making me new. 

 

The Lord is making me new. 

 

Praise God.

 

I need reminders of this sort all the time.  Unglued will be my reminder for this present season.  I'm dying to read it and scared at seeing my sinful ugliness afresh.

 

"Progress.  Just make progress.  It's okay to have setbacks and the need for do-overs.  It's okay to draw a line in the sand and start over again - and again.  Just make sure you're moving the line forward.  Move forward.  Take baby steps, but at least take steps that keep you from being stuck.  Then change will come.  And it will be good."  (Unglued, pg. 14-15)

{Project 365} Day 20: Dedicated to the Lord

Today was a very special day in Silas' life.  Our family stood before our church body committing to raise Silas to know and love the Lord.  Such a huge responsibility!  We are so thankful for the support of family and friends that stand with us in our desire to honor God with our lives and the children entrusted to our care. 

 

 

{Project365}: capturing this life - one photo (or so) every day for one year

{Project365} Day 7: Words Aptly Spoken...

Words aptly spoken (or written) from an unlikely source...

the packaging from a Dayspring calendar received this Christmas.

 

So very much needed this today.

 

 

 

{Project365}: capturing this life - one photo (or so) every day for one year

Facing Fears

This pregnancy has me facing a lot of fears.

In the beginning, it was the fear of man and his opinion of our choice to have another baby.  I wasted the first few minutes after confirming our pregnancy, hidden in the bathroom, paralyzed by the thoughts of what others would say to us and about us.  Fear of how man would think we were crazy or foolish or who knows what.

Worried by the fact that there was no going back...we really were having our fifth baby.  How I questioned whether we could do this.  Fear of not being able to handle five children.  Fear of failure.

Then came the thoughts of miscarriage.  I don't have a history of miscarriage, but I've feared it with every pregnancy.  Each time I'd use the bathroom, I'd take a deep breath and sigh from relief when all was good.  The closer we came to thirteen weeks, the less I worried, but the fear was still there.

In the doctor's office, waiting impatiently for the Dr. to come in, preparing myself not to hear our baby's heartbeat at twelve weeks. 

Feeling those first flutters and pokes around fifteen weeks, then not feeling anything one day...fearing that for some reason our baby had died.  Intentionally poking my tummy and drinking a sugary drink to stir up the baby just to feel something to no avail.

And now, as we approach our mid-pregnancy ultrasound, I find myself fearing what we will learn at that appointment.  Part of me feels like "the jig is up" thinking how it's probably impossible for one person to have five healthy pregnancies with no complications.

A few nights ago, I found myself reading blogs of families who are facing difficulties in pregnancy, stillborn births, chromosomal defects, and the knowledge that their babies are not likely to survive outside the womb if they even survive to full term.  The fear grows with every story I read or family that I personally know who has faced such circumstances.

Lying in bed that night I was unable to go to sleep, fearful.  Crying out to the Lord to fill my mind with His peace as a verse to that effect kept floating through my mind.  Knowing that even if any one of those scenarios comes true in our lives that we wouldn't change our decision to have this baby, to carry this baby to term.  But, consumed with fear.

One blog post I read (with all the blog jumping I can't find the link now...) was speaking about their son whom they lost mid-pregnancy due to chromosomal issues.  They wrote that even though they couldn't have known the length of their son's life during their pregnancy, his life was never truly in the balance.  The Lord always had a plan for him.  Their son's days were known to the Lord before he was even conceived.  She made the point that for those of us who know the Lord, our lives are not hanging in the balance either.  Anyone of us could lose our lives or one of our children at any point in their lives.  Our days are numbered according to the Lord's plan.  As hard as it is for me to imagine losing a child, it was one spark of hope in the midst of my fear.

A dear friend left these verses tucked in my purse today at church after sharing my fears with her...

"You will keep in perfect peace

him whose mind is steadfast,

because he trusts in you."

Isaiah 26:3

"There is no fear in love,  But perfect love drives out fear,

because fear has to do with punishment. 

The one who fears is not made in perfect love." 

1 John 4:18

While I know there is nothing to gain in fearing what I can't control, my sin nature keeps me focused there.  A thought came to my mind the other night, maybe something I've heard elsewhere, or maybe just from the Lord...

"Fearing the uncertainties of the future robs me of today's joy."

So what am I to do?

I need to keep my mind focused on the Lord and His peace.  I need to be in Scripture.  I need to be cautious of the reading I do...the internet is not always a good thing.  I need to avoid personalizing other's stories and fears as my own.  I need to live today trusting that the Lord's plan is perfect and good despite my lack of understanding. 

I need to fight fear. 

Big time.

Resurrection Sunday

We had a wonderful Easter weekend after a very busy (and stressful) week. Of course, the reason for our celebration trumps any of the other "traditions..." I had the priviledge of helping to lead Sunday morning worship telling the story of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. One of my favorite songs from Sunday is "Wondrous Love." (Oh my, you should hear Sadie sing this..."for my sooooouuuulllll! for my soouuuullllllll!")

My guys all decked out in their new duds...

After snapping about 5 shots like this one, I gave up on the idea of taking a sweet family photo...kinda too bad...Mama looked super sweet in her new maternity dress showing that little baby bump!

The kids had a blast searching for eggs...the boys were too quick to get any decent pictures.

Oh, there we go with a sweet smile...after the egg hunt, after the boys had already changed into play clothes, after mama had massively windblown hair and a much larger belly from being stuffed full of holiday dinner. Ah, well...the story of my life. I intend to leave my legacy in words rather than pictures of myself. Grin.

In Focus

If you've been keeping up with my recent posts, you're well aware that I'm in the midst of learning how to use my camera in manual shooting mode. When I starting taking those first few pictures back in August after purchasing my camera, I was struck by one main thought...

... my camera replicates how my eyes see!

This is not a new revelation to the scientific world, I'm sure! My theory is that camera inventors used ideas from how our eye was designed by our Creator God and applied those abilities to cameras. I really should look this up to learn the similarities between how our eyes work and how a camera works...(however, it is doubtful that the scientific world would credit God with any design...)

But, for now, we're gonna go with what I'm discovering through my photography journey. Take a look at something near you and only look at that object. Do you see how your eye focuses on that object and the surroundings start to blur out the more you focus?


I never thought about this idea until I started seeing the world through my pictures. Let's just stop here a moment and ponder the awesome creativity of God... He thought of this!!! Not scientists and inventors...they're borrowing the original idea from God!


And now, my mind begins to think on this... What if I lived my life in focus with God? That He was the one main focus in my life? That's not to say that I would ignore the rest of life's responsibilities, of course.

But, what if... What if I spent my days with God as my focus? Don't you think that I'd begin to see life like He does? That I would begin to love like He does? That I would think less of myself and what I want to see other's needs? That I would respond like He does? That I would encourage, train, and correct like He does?

Life unimportant, unnecessary would blur out...

WOW! This feels like a big revelation to me...something completely related to my God given interests, abilities, and the creativity. This has impact!!!

In recent months, I feel like I am becoming more "me" than ever before. Most of this has come as a result of allowing myself to pursue my creative interests, photography and otherwise. God has designed me this way and it is good to be pursuing it all! If this focus idea is all I get out of my photography journey, then I will count it well worth the investment of time and money.

And God will receive the glory for this revelation that is turning my heart and mind more toward Him everyday...

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3

Sadie's First Prayers

Like many families, we pray at mealtimes, when we get boo-boos, during times of correction and training, before we head out in the car, and so on.

Our boys like to say the meal times prayers. It's almost like a race for who can say, "I'll pray!" first. We've often asked Sadie if she'd like to pray. Every time she just grins and shakes her head no.

Tonight, as we do every night, Sadie and I were upstairs in my room reading, snuggling, singing songs, and enjoying lots of giggles. Just before I was ready to take her to bed, I said, "Let's pray and give one last hug before bedtime."

Sadie replied, "Okay!" Then immediately closed her eyes, covered them with her hands, and said, "Dear Jesus, Thank you for my food. Thank you for my family. Thank you for my toys. Amen."

She was so sincere. Yet, it was so unexpected, I could barely contain my giggles and delight over her willingness to pray out loud. So confident and sure. I hugged her and told her what a nice prayer that was and how wonderful it is that we can talk to Jesus all the time if we want to.

Then she looked at me and said, "Your turn to pray." Of course...so I prayed very simply as she did. When I finished, she encouraged me, "Nice prayer, Mama!"

We prayed about six more times going back and forth. The only difference was that each time she would repeat something I said. My heart just about melted when she prayed specifically for her friends without my prompting...Miss Nell (her Christian Education teacher) and Austin (a boy in her class). Then we added a few more friends from church...Miss Libby (our dear friend), Caleb (or as Sadie says, "Ca-love") and Baby Nick.

This "simple" thing reminds me how much impact we have on our children's hearts right from birth when they are not even capable of understanding our faith or a relationship with Jesus. Sadie has learned this from our family, from her loving CE teacher, and from other believers in our circle of friends. It is normal and natural for her.

I pray that Mike and I will continue to speak words of LIFE and TRUTH, from GOD, into the hearts of our children. And in turn, that our children will have softened hearts ready to receive and respond to God and live a life for HIS GLORY and HONOR.

Settling In

Today marks one month since we've moved. It's been a full month, a good month, with settling in, an OBX beach vacation (Irene...grrr!), starting back into our homeschool routine, and getting ready to open my etsy shop again among just living life with family and friends. I can't say enough how blessed we are. How blessed we have been. Life is good and full. And, of course, God has been evident in all of it!

Beauty in our yard, beauty from the Lord...lots of lovely hydrangrea bushes! We trimmed them on Saturday...hope we didn't "ruin" them!

Lots of butterflies on our one third acre of suburban paradise...maybe we shouldn't rip out all the milkweed that is throughout the yard (from several years of landscaping neglect...). I love watching the butterflies.


Leaf collection and bark rubbing for science...we've had a good start to our year. Mike and I LOVE the main curriculum we're using this year!!! The boys especially like the science and geography. Elijah is our fabulous fourth grader, Luke is our spectacular second grader, Isaac is our charismatic kindergartener, and Sadie is my terrific teacher's assistant. I feel like I've gotten the "homeschool bug" back in my system and am excited about this year more so than the mini-slump I was in last year. Praying that we continue to have God honoring, productive, fun days ahead.

By the way, I love my new camera. Hoping to take an online course all about photography...capturing the everyday, simple joys of life with our family. (So go buy a doll...grin!)

Nothing can fully express how blessed we feel. None of this would be possible without our strong dependence on the Lord, our provider, the one who gives me grace to keep going strong, the one who has opened our eyes to see the good in our simple, sometimes mundane days. Blessed. So very blessed.

Can I say it again? Blessed, we are.