Hearing the Music

We had a fun and busy week filled with Chess Club, Bowling, Church, Super Friday, Museum Classes, etc. I so love spending time with my kids and seeing them learn and grow! One thing that happens when we have lots of time in the car, is that we get to listen to music. When the kids are preparing for a Children's Choir Musical or Theater performance, we listen to the practice CDs. I find that by the time of the production, I know the music and lines as well as the little performers! Right now, Ryan and Justin are preparing for the Simon Says production with the children at church, and Madison is practicing her songs for her preschool performance. As a result, I find myself singing those songs throughout the day. You know how it is when you can't get a song out of your head? I've been singing about Jesus, Lazarus, John the Baptist, songs about miracles, acceptance, the love of Jesus, hope, praising God, etc. But what about those other times, when I forget about those songs, and my mind is open to the doubt, guilt, the thoughts of "I'm not good enough at..., If only I hadn't..., That mom is so much better at..."? I have to remind myself that those thoughts are not from God, that is the enemy trying to drown out all the good I had listened to earlier. My challenge is to replace all that negative thinking with the truth of God's Word. I'm so thankful that God's mercies are new every morning, and that He gives me all that I need to fill my head and my heart with His truth!

Seeing God in the Shoes

Friday evening, we decided to stop and get Madison some new shoes. I was so happy to find the exact pair I'd been looking for: Twinkle Toes by Skechers. Those are the ones with the sparkles, bling and lights. She was so proud of those, running around the store watching them light up. We hop in the truck to head home. She is still fascinated with the lights, so she continually bumps her feet to make them light up. This startles Johnny each time, because the way the lights are flashing are similar to the flashing lights on a police car. It made me think about how I can be driving along, not worried about anything, see a police car, and immediately get nervous - am I speeding, where is my insurance card, is my registration and inspection up to date? Things that aren't at the forefront of my mind until I see someone who can pull me over for it and give me a ticket. Sometimes I'm that way with God too, only God can see everything all the time. I forget that no matter what, he knows what is going on. I had a discussion with a group of ladies at a Bible Study recently, and the question was raised "What would you do if Jesus showed up in your family room?" My first thought was panic, thinking about what my family room looked like at the moment. One of the ladies gently reminded me, that Jesus already knows what my house looks like. He also knows the condition of my heart, my thoughts, and loves me anyway! But I am convicted to live more in line with what God wants from me, to strive towards a life that reflects Him!

I'm not sure if Madison will be allowed to wear her shoes in the truck anymore, but they sure are cute!

Being Prepared

I absolutely love reading Proverbs 31. The Proverbs 31 woman is an example of what God wants me to strive for as a wife and mom. Isn't it nice to have a guide, right in front of us, to help us along the way!

One verse was highlighted for me last week in the midst of the "winter storm". We were getting ready for some ice and snow. I'm NOT a fan of cold weather and will do whatever I can to not have to go out in it. So as soon as I saw the forecast, I made a grocery list for the rest of the week. I did not want to have to go out for anything. Typically, I have trouble thinking ahead past that day's meals, but in my desire to not have to go out, I made myself plan our meals. What a joy it was to know that I had everything we would need, and that me and my precious children could stay in for those few days. The verse that comes to mind is Proverbs 31: 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her her household are clothed in scarlet.
I know it doesn't specifically talk about having the needed supplies for meals, but it spoke to me just the same. I wasn't afraid of the weather coming in because I was prepared. Verse 25 says: and she laughs at the the time to come. I was able to sit back, watch the weather forecast, and be content and at peace.

So that made me think, "Why don't I do this all the time?". What would life be like if I planned my meals and did one grocery shopping trip a week, on a planned day? How would it feel to wake up each morning, knowing that I had what we needed for the day, and that I wasn't going to be running to the store? (Or McDonalds!) So, now my goal is to write that meal plan and plan my grocery shopping, right down to every Capri Sun and bag of chips we will need.

I've been reading a book by Kim Brenneman called Large Family Logistics, The Art and Science of Managing the Large Family. My family is not considered large, but this book will speak to women with all sizes of families, from 2 kids to 20! Check it out if you get a chance!

So Cold!

I do not like the cold weather. Johnny learned early on while we were dating, that you don't talk to me when I'm cold. I much prefer a Texas summer day, heat and all, to these cold days we've been having. And yes, I will still feel this way this summer when I'm at a swim meet with the kids.

Yesterday morning, I had some errands to run. It was 46 degrees outside, horribly cold, but still manageable for the short amount of time I was going to be out. We came back home, and went about our day. I didn't check the weather during this time. Chess club was that afternoon, and as we are walking out, I remind the kids to get their jackets, and put one on Madison. We walk out and are hit with a blast of cold air that feels much more uncomfortable than it did at 10:00 that morning. I run back in and get Madison's heavier coat, and suggest to the boys that they get theirs. But I didn't take the time to get my heavier jacket. I was in a hurry and didn't wan't to take that extra few seconds to grab it. That cost me big time because now I wasn't prepared. The jacket I had on, while cutting the chill a bit, wasn't going to provide the protection from the cold that my bigger one would. Where else in my life do I take shortcuts? I have the opportunity each morning to meet with God, read His Word and receive the nourishment that will sustain me for the rest of my day. I can rush through that time, but might miss something important that He wants me to know. Taking my time will give me the protection of my "bigger coat". May I take that time each day to be prepared for whatever the world will bring.

Skating

Well, yesterday was our Homeschool Valentines Party at the Skating Rink. Ryan and Justin went immediately to get their skates, while I put the valentines and candy in the big bins with all the others. By the time I got Madison's skates on her, the boys were ready to skate. I see Ryan zip past me wearing rollerblades. This was the first time he tried those and he looked like a pro. He definitely didn't get that skill from me. I tried rollerblades once when I was in my late twenties. I've blocked much of that traumatic event, but seem to recall clinging for dear life to a street sign pole at the corner of Kingwood Drive and West Lake Houston, quite sure that at any moment, I was going to roll out into traffic. That was the end of my very short career as a rollerblader.

How easy it is sometimes to give up on something because it seems too hard or too scary. But sometimes, we just need to trust God and know that even in the fear and difficulty, He is there with us. Where in my life do I need to "let go of the street sign" and "skate" with God?

Trying this again

So, last night, Johnny asked if I had blogged lately. Umm, no, not in over a year. Oops! So here I am, once again, attempting to blog.

Homeschooling is going great. We are involved in many activities with other homeschoolers, which is wonderful. Today we are headed to a Valentines Skating Party, Ryan has a Bible Study with other boys his age this evening, and I'm getting out tonight with a group of homeschool moms for dinner and fellowship.