Family, Living as Lights...

Well, weekend before last, we got the sad news that Johnny's grandfather had passed away. We traveled to Mississippi for the funeral. Looking around at the funeral home, I was struck with just what a legacy this man leaves. The place was full of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. I don't think I've seen that many little ones at a funeral before. As I was helping my own children navigate the process, I found myself watching them closely. My Ryan, age 11, quietly moved about the crowd, talking to those he knew. I see him working in a church, behind the scenes, doing techwork like his daddy when he is older. Justin, age 9, spent as much time up at the casket as he could, even talking to "Paw". (He told me that Paw told him he loved him). He also talked to just about everyone there, always friendly and social. When he grows up, I see him either leading the praise and worship at church, or delivering the message from the pulpit. (Or both!). And my Madison, age 4. This was her first experience with a funeral, and, as with all my children, I explained before hand about death and what happens when someone dies. She then proceeded to very loudly repeat all of this throughout the visitation time before the funeral. Not sure what to expect from her in the future!

After the service, we gathered together at Paw and Nanny's house for a wonderful meal prepared by their church. It was so nice to see the kids all playing together, swinging, throwing the football and petting the amazingly patient dogs in the backyard. I moved through the buffet line, taking samples of all they yummy food. One casserole in particular really got my attention, and I went back for a second helping. I always wish the recipe cards were placed with the dishes, so I could grab them from my favorites. There is always something that stands out for me in those cases. I ended up tracking down the lady who had made it, and she told me how to get the recipe. Isn't life like that sometimes with people as well? I can be with a group of people and one will just stand out, I won't be able to put my finger on it, they just seem different, but I want to know more! As I learn more about this person, I find out about their Christian walk, and see that the "secret" behind their life, their peace, their radiance, their security, is Christ. We don't have recipe cards that come with us, but we can be ready to share what a difference Christ has made in our lives. What can we do today that will stand out in a crowd and cause others to want to know more about Christ? How are we sharing the Gospel just by our actions?

A Cheerful Heart

We are taking a break from school this week, it is so nice to have some downtime! Part of this week will be spent catching up on some housework. Sometimes I find myself grumbling and complaining when it comes to that part of life, and then this scripture comes to mind:

Philippians 2:14-15 (New International Version, ©2011)

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.

Not only do I want to shine, I want my children to shine. But when I see them complaining, I have to look at myself and wonder what do they see in me. Do they see a mom who is cheerfully going about the work God has given her, or are they seeing someone grumbling and complaining through it? Even if I don't say a word, can they tell by my countenance how I'm really feeling?


Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version, ©2011)


23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.

By filling my head with God's truth, and letting that flow into my heart, what overflows to my children will be much sweeter than anything I could try and muster up on my own.

Planning

Well, the time has come to plan for our next homeschool year. A couple of big "firsts" - Ryan will be in 6th grade, so the start of "Middle School" and little Madison will be starting Kindergarten! I'm re-evaluating our curriculum for Ryan and Justin (4th grade next year), and deciding on Madison's. She has been doing some fun preschool workbooks this year. So, what I'm deciding from now is: Abeka (which we did use several years ago), Rod and Staff (Madison's preschool workbooks this year) and Alpha Omega Life Pacs. Decisions, decisions! I can make a case for each, but making the final decision is so hard. I will think I have my mind made up, and then a catalog for one of the other two will show up in my mailbox. So, what to do? Thankfully, I know the One to ask! As in all things, I will take it to God, and He will direct my path.

We've had a busy couple of weeks here. With three kids and all their activities, we find ourselves on the go quite a bit.

The Children's Choir performed their musical last night. Madison had her first speaking role with her preschool choir and did great! Justin turned in an awesome performance. Ryan worked with the Tech Crew and seems to be following in his father's footsteps.

Several weeks ago, Madison decided to make it "snow" inside, using the little white bead from inside a stuffed animal. (The kind that you can win at a carnival). I have been sweeping and vacuuming, and just when I think I have it all, more shows up. The stuffed animal is long gone, one of the boys threw it out for me. So why do I keep finding these things? I feel sure that they will be around for a long time, and should I ever decide to move my china cabinet, there will be some there as well. But I just want to be finished with it! I find myself like that spiritually as well. I think I need to be "finished", be the "perfect Christian", when in reality, that isn't possible, at least not on this side. There will always be something that needs to be done, something for me to work on, and area in my life where God will say "Okay, Donna, let's deal with this one now". So I will continue to clean the beads, physically and spiritually, as I work towards that goal that God has laid out for me.

This week will bring Science Classes at the Museum, Chess Club, Bowling, Super Friday and Church. I'm excited to see what God has planned for us!

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!