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!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
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?
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?
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, August 24, 2009
First Day
Well, it's been way too long since I updated this thing, so I'm going to start fresh today on our first school day.
Love our new curriculum - My Father's World, Exploring Countries and Cultures. We did our Bible in Windows on the World and worked on the memory verse, John 3:16. Ryan pretty much knew it and Justin knew most of it. The boys filled out their passport applications, Ryan is very excited to mail his.
The rest of our day went well too, loving Math U See. Justin is really taking off with his reading.
Love our new curriculum - My Father's World, Exploring Countries and Cultures. We did our Bible in Windows on the World and worked on the memory verse, John 3:16. Ryan pretty much knew it and Justin knew most of it. The boys filled out their passport applications, Ryan is very excited to mail his.
The rest of our day went well too, loving Math U See. Justin is really taking off with his reading.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sunday Lunches
Well, Johnny had this past Sunday off of work, which is very unusual, so we decided to go to lunch as a family after church. Easy enough, right? Uh, think again.
My first clue should have been when we couldn't get a parking spot in the lot and had to park in the lot next door. We get seated and start looking at the menus. But it is hard to concentrate when you have two year old yelling "Fishies" at the top of their lungs. Think Darla from Finding Nemo and you will get a sense of what was going on. This restaurant has a beautiful fishtank, with several tables right next to it. Unfortunately, if we had been any farther from the fish tank, we would have been in the parking lot, which had no empty spaces, by the way.
Typically, Madison is sitting in my lap when we go out to eat, which makes my choice of meal not steak or chicken, but whatever can be eaten with one hand. But Johnny decided to have her sit next to him this time, which she loved. I was fine, until I noticed her ponytail and bow coming out. Suddenly, I couldn't eat anymore, I was so distracted. I needed to fix that bow! Any of you ladies with girls know what I'm talking about. I tried to get Johnny to fix it, but got that "I'm not sure how" look. So he hands her to me so I can fix it, knowing that my meal will not be near as enjoyable if I am looking at a hair out of place on the princess. Well, she lets out the most tremendous howl "I WANT MY DADDY!". Well all righty then, ponytail and bow come out and I do my best to finish my meal.
But, even with the chaos of a screaming princess and hair askew, I still was amazed at the family God has given me. And I am so thankful he did. With kids come worries, big and small, and sometimes I forget who orchestrated it all. He is the only one who can give me peace and direction when times are crazy. Philippians 4:6-7 says Do not be anxious about anything; but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Have a great day everyone, blessings to all! :)
My first clue should have been when we couldn't get a parking spot in the lot and had to park in the lot next door. We get seated and start looking at the menus. But it is hard to concentrate when you have two year old yelling "Fishies" at the top of their lungs. Think Darla from Finding Nemo and you will get a sense of what was going on. This restaurant has a beautiful fishtank, with several tables right next to it. Unfortunately, if we had been any farther from the fish tank, we would have been in the parking lot, which had no empty spaces, by the way.
Typically, Madison is sitting in my lap when we go out to eat, which makes my choice of meal not steak or chicken, but whatever can be eaten with one hand. But Johnny decided to have her sit next to him this time, which she loved. I was fine, until I noticed her ponytail and bow coming out. Suddenly, I couldn't eat anymore, I was so distracted. I needed to fix that bow! Any of you ladies with girls know what I'm talking about. I tried to get Johnny to fix it, but got that "I'm not sure how" look. So he hands her to me so I can fix it, knowing that my meal will not be near as enjoyable if I am looking at a hair out of place on the princess. Well, she lets out the most tremendous howl "I WANT MY DADDY!". Well all righty then, ponytail and bow come out and I do my best to finish my meal.
But, even with the chaos of a screaming princess and hair askew, I still was amazed at the family God has given me. And I am so thankful he did. With kids come worries, big and small, and sometimes I forget who orchestrated it all. He is the only one who can give me peace and direction when times are crazy. Philippians 4:6-7 says Do not be anxious about anything; but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Have a great day everyone, blessings to all! :)
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