"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23
This verse encouraged me this morning as I dreaded the repetitive tasks of the day looming ahead of me. I need to put the clean dinner dishes away, empty the dishwasher, get the kids dressed, make my bed, change a diaper, put tonight's dinner in the crock pot, get the school day started...and that's just within the first hour of the kids waking up!
This verse encouraged me to change my attitude this morning, and every morning for that matter. I am not doing all these tasks for man, but the Lord. He has given me these five blessings called children, he has blessed us with a spacious home and a fridge full of food. He has provided multiple clothes for all of us to wear and machines that make washing all those clothes much easier for me than most women in the world!
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks for God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17
September 29, 2010
September 27, 2010
15 Months Old
This little slide is his new favorite activity. He climbs up on his own and holds on for dear life until his body is nearly as long as the slide down and then he'll let go. He is so proud of himself!
His desire is to do any and everything for himself now...including eat his own piece of pizza.
This cute little desk was meant for Emmie, but he has overtaken it. We often find him sitting there just kicking his stubby little legs and smiling.
He can't get enough Mommy time. He loves to mess with my keyboard when I'm on the computer.
After a long day of playing, nap time for some of the boys. 
Give this kid a broom and he'll sweep an entire area. In Arrowhead, he likes to sweep the outside deck and watch the boats on the lake.So many other fun things are happening: he now runs, he can crawl down the stairs now (much to my relief), he spends a good part of his days kicking around a soccer ball, when the doorbell rings he rushes to see who it is, he loves to be outside and will follow anyone out any door, his favorite drink is water but only from Emmie's cup or my bottle - never from the sippy cups I try to give him, he "talks" on the phone and thinks it's great fun, and he is fascinated by dogs - if he sees one or hears one barking or even hears the word dog he will stop and look around (this has become a good tactic to get him to stop crying...just ask him where the doggy is!). He still loves avocado, watermelon and now ribs and pizza. He is very easy-going and happy. He brings so much joy to our family!
September 26, 2010
Homeschooling Reflections
As I sit here planning for the upcoming school week, I find myself reflecting on my feelings toward homeschooling. Sure there are days that I want to rip my hair out. I have plenty of days that I'm nearly out the door headed for the local elementary school to register these hooligans. And my husband has come home to tears more than once over the course of the last four years ~ Wednesday being the most recent. But all in all, I enjoy it.
I realize that it is not for everyone. I know plenty of people who wouldn't dare and think I'm crazy for even trying. So many of them claim they don't have the patience...as if I do!
All I can say is that by the Grace of God am I able to do this. Yes, I did attend college and obtain a teaching credential, but believe me when I say there are many days when I am convinced a classroom of 20 second graders would be much easier to deal with. I am not endowed with an over-abundance of patience (just ask my children).
This opportunity presented itself a few years back and we accepted it. It's been a rough time getting started and finding our groove, but last year was more positive than negative and so far this year I'm feeling good!
God equips me everyday to continue on this journey. I am reminded of Matthew 19:26, "And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
I realize that it is not for everyone. I know plenty of people who wouldn't dare and think I'm crazy for even trying. So many of them claim they don't have the patience...as if I do!
All I can say is that by the Grace of God am I able to do this. Yes, I did attend college and obtain a teaching credential, but believe me when I say there are many days when I am convinced a classroom of 20 second graders would be much easier to deal with. I am not endowed with an over-abundance of patience (just ask my children).
This opportunity presented itself a few years back and we accepted it. It's been a rough time getting started and finding our groove, but last year was more positive than negative and so far this year I'm feeling good!
God equips me everyday to continue on this journey. I am reminded of Matthew 19:26, "And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
September 14, 2010
A Thankful Heart
Today marks one month exactly since we moved into our new place. I'd like to say that everything is unpacked, in order and in place, but that wouldn't be entirely true. For the most part yes, but it's those last few boxes of random stuff that are driving me nuts. It's the stuff that needs to be hung on our walls. It's the stuff scattered all over the garage that needs to be organized. But we'll get to all that when we can. For now I am just so thankful.
Of course it's easy to be thankful now...looking back.
I wish I could say my attitude was seeping with gratitude the entire time. My mind, left to itself, is negative, critical and pessimistic. I'm just a big whiner like my preschooler, really. I wasn't sure I could handle the emotions of losing our house, let alone the stress of moving, without having a nervous breakdown.
But I love what Romans 8:6 says, "The mind of sinful man is death; but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."
So day...after day...after repetitive, exhausting, stressful day, I begged the Holy Spirit to be with me and control my mind. That changed things. There is an unexplainable peace in the midst of chaos and the unknown. And once that reality penetrated my thick, stubborn brain it became clear to me that I must do what it says in Psalm 37:4-5. "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this."
Was it easy - no.
Did I get side tracked and frustrated - yes.
But it was what got me through. And here we are in a beautiful home (basically brand new on the inside thanks to the landlord), in a cul-de-sac with other children to play with where our furniture fits perfectly and we have amenities that we didn't have at our old house.
It's been a rough couple of years, but it is amazing to be able to look back and see the many ways God provided. I remember learning in Bible study last year about the meaning of Jehovah Jireh: the Lord will provide. From where I sit right now, that is an understatement. We truly are blessed!
Of course it's easy to be thankful now...looking back.
I wish I could say my attitude was seeping with gratitude the entire time. My mind, left to itself, is negative, critical and pessimistic. I'm just a big whiner like my preschooler, really. I wasn't sure I could handle the emotions of losing our house, let alone the stress of moving, without having a nervous breakdown.
But I love what Romans 8:6 says, "The mind of sinful man is death; but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."
So day...after day...after repetitive, exhausting, stressful day, I begged the Holy Spirit to be with me and control my mind. That changed things. There is an unexplainable peace in the midst of chaos and the unknown. And once that reality penetrated my thick, stubborn brain it became clear to me that I must do what it says in Psalm 37:4-5. "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this."
Was it easy - no.
Did I get side tracked and frustrated - yes.
But it was what got me through. And here we are in a beautiful home (basically brand new on the inside thanks to the landlord), in a cul-de-sac with other children to play with where our furniture fits perfectly and we have amenities that we didn't have at our old house.
It's been a rough couple of years, but it is amazing to be able to look back and see the many ways God provided. I remember learning in Bible study last year about the meaning of Jehovah Jireh: the Lord will provide. From where I sit right now, that is an understatement. We truly are blessed!
September 1, 2010
Battling the enemy
This one is long, but big lessons were learned on my part. ~ Have you ever had one of those mornings where nothing went right and it was all you could do to hold it together? Monday morning was just such a morning for me.
Actually, let me back up to the weekend. I felt full of joy. I had planned my lesson for our very first co-op on Monday. We were looking forward to being part of such a fun group. The kids were having a blast in Newport Beach. I was ready to join them and relax for a couple days.
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8
Jay joined us Saturday night after a long day of (unsuccessful) fishing, but was in a sour mood. It ticked me off. He rained on our parade as far as I was concerned. I didn't care that he had worked hard all week. I didn't care that he had only gotten two hours sleep the night before and been on a boat in the sun all day long. I didn't take into account that he really just wanted to go home, but stayed at the beach with us for dinner because I gave him a guilt trip.
Very few words were spoken that night, or the next morning. So we show up at church at odds with each other, which always feels so wrong! I was very emotional during the service. He apologized to the kids and I afterwards. In my heart I didn't forgive him. I held a grudge the whole day. I was bitter. I was on edge. I was rude and grumpy all day long. Truth be told, there were actually three separate times that I blew a fuse and said hurtful things and bad words in front of my three oldest and even worse...to them. Jay and I went to bed without speaking. The enemy was getting the best of me. He was egging me on and kept justifying my feelings.
"...He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44
Monday morning I woke up early to have my quiet time with God. Granted, I was in a bad mood and felt no joy. My devotional reading was about the protection of the Lord from the enemy. Hmmm. Then I randomly decided to read this photocopy of something my mom had given me several weeks ago on being captive to our thoughts. Whoa! That hit me right between the eyes. I read it, looked up a few scripture verses and wrote in my prayer journal. I knew what needed to be done, but I did not want to do it.
It was a rare morning where Jay didn't leave until later, so when everyone was awake I pulled he and the three oldest aside to admit my wrong and ask their forgiveness. That was very humbling. I did it kicking and screaming inside. My pride was in high gear that morning because I really just wanted to hold onto my grudge and go about my day. Then we prayed together before he left and I asked for a peaceful day and no anger on my part.
Slowly things began to unravel...We had to be at co-op on time to get set up. I certainly didn't want to be late on day one. I wanted to make a good impression. I was totally insecure about what I had planned and kept doubting myself. The kids were all moving at extra slow speeds. The boys were arguing. Emmie woke up whining and eventually it escalated into a full-blown meltdown. Aaron happened to pick that day to sleep in, which was not good since I needed to nurse him before I left him with my mom for the day.
I thought of the verses from James 1:2-3: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." But I didn't really want to be developing my faith that particular morning.
Then as I'm doing Gracie's hair she says to me, "See mom, your prayer this morning didn't even work." Wow! That provided a teachable moment. I explained that Satan was working extra hard to ruin our day and that we needed to stand strong and pray more.
It got worse...
We were rushing about, scrambling to load up. I got in my car and the speedometer didn't go on. All of the gages have been acting up, but of course it would be this morning that it just doesn't work. After several attempts of turning the car on and off, I just decided to leave. Then my garage wouldn't shut. It took my mom and Jaylon several minutes to move stuff around and get it to shut. I forgot their science notebooks in the rush.
I called Jay to tell him about our morning since he had left and started to cry. He reminded me that it was just the devil trying to get the best of me. I cried all the way to co-op. We pulled up and I told the kids we needed to pray again. I blubbered through the prayer. I walked in and my sweet friend listened to my drama. Then we prayed as a group and I felt the weight of the weekend lift.
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Some would say it was Murphy's Law that morning, but I disagree. It was Satan, the enemy of my soul, hard at work. He had gained a foothold over the weekend. And sadly I allowed him to do just that for a couple days, but thankfully the Lord got me back on track and renewed my strength.
Actually, let me back up to the weekend. I felt full of joy. I had planned my lesson for our very first co-op on Monday. We were looking forward to being part of such a fun group. The kids were having a blast in Newport Beach. I was ready to join them and relax for a couple days.
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8
Jay joined us Saturday night after a long day of (unsuccessful) fishing, but was in a sour mood. It ticked me off. He rained on our parade as far as I was concerned. I didn't care that he had worked hard all week. I didn't care that he had only gotten two hours sleep the night before and been on a boat in the sun all day long. I didn't take into account that he really just wanted to go home, but stayed at the beach with us for dinner because I gave him a guilt trip.
Very few words were spoken that night, or the next morning. So we show up at church at odds with each other, which always feels so wrong! I was very emotional during the service. He apologized to the kids and I afterwards. In my heart I didn't forgive him. I held a grudge the whole day. I was bitter. I was on edge. I was rude and grumpy all day long. Truth be told, there were actually three separate times that I blew a fuse and said hurtful things and bad words in front of my three oldest and even worse...to them. Jay and I went to bed without speaking. The enemy was getting the best of me. He was egging me on and kept justifying my feelings.
"...He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44
Monday morning I woke up early to have my quiet time with God. Granted, I was in a bad mood and felt no joy. My devotional reading was about the protection of the Lord from the enemy. Hmmm. Then I randomly decided to read this photocopy of something my mom had given me several weeks ago on being captive to our thoughts. Whoa! That hit me right between the eyes. I read it, looked up a few scripture verses and wrote in my prayer journal. I knew what needed to be done, but I did not want to do it.
It was a rare morning where Jay didn't leave until later, so when everyone was awake I pulled he and the three oldest aside to admit my wrong and ask their forgiveness. That was very humbling. I did it kicking and screaming inside. My pride was in high gear that morning because I really just wanted to hold onto my grudge and go about my day. Then we prayed together before he left and I asked for a peaceful day and no anger on my part.
Slowly things began to unravel...We had to be at co-op on time to get set up. I certainly didn't want to be late on day one. I wanted to make a good impression. I was totally insecure about what I had planned and kept doubting myself. The kids were all moving at extra slow speeds. The boys were arguing. Emmie woke up whining and eventually it escalated into a full-blown meltdown. Aaron happened to pick that day to sleep in, which was not good since I needed to nurse him before I left him with my mom for the day.
I thought of the verses from James 1:2-3: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." But I didn't really want to be developing my faith that particular morning.
Then as I'm doing Gracie's hair she says to me, "See mom, your prayer this morning didn't even work." Wow! That provided a teachable moment. I explained that Satan was working extra hard to ruin our day and that we needed to stand strong and pray more.
It got worse...
We were rushing about, scrambling to load up. I got in my car and the speedometer didn't go on. All of the gages have been acting up, but of course it would be this morning that it just doesn't work. After several attempts of turning the car on and off, I just decided to leave. Then my garage wouldn't shut. It took my mom and Jaylon several minutes to move stuff around and get it to shut. I forgot their science notebooks in the rush.
I called Jay to tell him about our morning since he had left and started to cry. He reminded me that it was just the devil trying to get the best of me. I cried all the way to co-op. We pulled up and I told the kids we needed to pray again. I blubbered through the prayer. I walked in and my sweet friend listened to my drama. Then we prayed as a group and I felt the weight of the weekend lift.
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Some would say it was Murphy's Law that morning, but I disagree. It was Satan, the enemy of my soul, hard at work. He had gained a foothold over the weekend. And sadly I allowed him to do just that for a couple days, but thankfully the Lord got me back on track and renewed my strength.
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