We got to head out this morning and spend the day in my FAVORITE city! It was cold but we had a blast. The cherry blossoms were almost in full bloom and the kids were in great moods. (What more could I ask for?) Oh GREAT parking! Yep, we got that too. We were parked about a block from the base of the Washington Monument. We went with hopes of a picnic on the mall, but it was too cold. SO we settled for a "picnic" in the van. But the kids didn't seem to mind. Little Bear kept calling the Washington Monument the "Washing Sheen". It was too cute!
I couldn't ask for a better day off than to spend it with my 5 favorite people on the planet.
If you click on the last picture it will play as a movie!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
The other man in my life
The phrase I use to describe him "He loves hard". Little bear is as rough and tough as they come one second and then in the next he is as gentle as a wasp the next. (Just kidding) He definitely has his gentle side. He reminds me of another child in our family in his passions. Shell- I have always described as passionate. She is always extreme. Either she is REALLY happy or REALLY mad. There is no middle ground with her. And that is how I would describe my little Bear. I love this picture because it truly shows HIM.
For those of you who are mom's and have a son you can understand this....
Bear really is the other man in my life. It was amazing to me when he was born and what it did to my heart. Knowing that he would see me differently than any of my other kids, knowing that he would love me differently gave him a different spot in my heart. He would be the other man in my life.
Each child, my hubby, my friends all have special places in my heart. God designed my heart with special holes that only special people can fill. For that I am so thankful!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
God is calling
Over the past months I have struggled with "God's Calling". I am constantly confused with what I think God has called me to and the current circumstance or situation He is has allowed us to be in. In my human mind, they don't line up. For example: Being called to be a stay-at-home-mom and now I have to work outside our home. Being a minster's wife and now hubby isn't on staff at a church. In both of these two callings I have felt with my entire heart, that they were from God and in those times of our lives, it was exactly where God wanted me to be.
Each day that I go to work I meet a new person with a new story. They all have some story of something God is doing around them and how they are responding to it. Whether it is a response to someone who is hurting in their family, a job they have in a church, a passion they have for a cause, or something God is changing in their heart. No matter what it is, their stories are always about a response to a calling. Each new day and each new person teaches me a lesson.
God whispers quietly into my life a greater purpose. Though He has called many of us to specific things based on individual gifts, the ONE thing that he has called us ALL to is obedience.
Obeying His call can mean a life time commitment or a moment of showing grace. Obeying His call could mean committing to a ministry for a year or giving a hug to someone. Obeying His call could mean changing your heart completely or fixing a meal for someone.
God calls us to obedience in little things and big things. We may never know why He calls our lives into a certain circumstance, but I promise you this, God Is Calling.
God thank you for loving me enough to call my life into circumstances that require action. Help me to not live in question but to rest in Your answers. Thank you for ordering my steps before I could ever dare to dream them. Please protect our family as we walk where you lead. God above all, help me to hear you when you call and to always answer with obedience.
Each day that I go to work I meet a new person with a new story. They all have some story of something God is doing around them and how they are responding to it. Whether it is a response to someone who is hurting in their family, a job they have in a church, a passion they have for a cause, or something God is changing in their heart. No matter what it is, their stories are always about a response to a calling. Each new day and each new person teaches me a lesson.
God whispers quietly into my life a greater purpose. Though He has called many of us to specific things based on individual gifts, the ONE thing that he has called us ALL to is obedience.
Obeying His call can mean a life time commitment or a moment of showing grace. Obeying His call could mean committing to a ministry for a year or giving a hug to someone. Obeying His call could mean changing your heart completely or fixing a meal for someone.
God calls us to obedience in little things and big things. We may never know why He calls our lives into a certain circumstance, but I promise you this, God Is Calling.
God thank you for loving me enough to call my life into circumstances that require action. Help me to not live in question but to rest in Your answers. Thank you for ordering my steps before I could ever dare to dream them. Please protect our family as we walk where you lead. God above all, help me to hear you when you call and to always answer with obedience.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Fun Spring Day
Today we got to go out and enjoy this beautiful weather. We had a fun time out enjoying the history of the town for some "homeschooling" and just being together. It was fantastic for taking picutres and ALL of the kids cooperated. (WOW!!!!) Here is the slideshow of our day. Enjoy!
(PS... If you want to see a picture close up then just click on it. )
(PS... If you want to see a picture close up then just click on it. )
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Here we sit
Yesterday I started my new job. Back in retail. I didn't think I would ever have to say that again. As sad as it makes me to have to leave my children, I am equally grateful that God is providing for us in this way.
When we were in Texas one of my goals while hubby was in seminary was to promote to a store managers position. I wanted this because I knew it would be job security for us if we ever needed me to go back into the work force. And here we sit. I am so thankful that I have the experience in this field and was able to just step back into it in our time of need.
Yesterday was a very hard day for me. While at work, I am fine. I am 100% there. But to come home and see all that I missed on this ONE day, my heart broke.
This past year has been a hard road for us. (Ha! this past 3 years has been a hard road for us, but we will just focus on 1 year) With my health, church, house stuff. It seems like the struggles haven't stopped. This past year my health has asked hubby to carry more than his share of the load. As we sit here in our newest set of circumstances I pray that we can take a breath. I hope that we can use this time to see clearly what God would have us do next.
With each struggle passing we have gained new perspective. Seeing things in a new light with new grace. I pray that through this new time of hardship that God will allow us to grow and see in yet another way. I pray that by being away from my children it will make me appreciate each moment I have with them even more.
I choose joy... I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical... the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God. ~Max Lucado
When we were in Texas one of my goals while hubby was in seminary was to promote to a store managers position. I wanted this because I knew it would be job security for us if we ever needed me to go back into the work force. And here we sit. I am so thankful that I have the experience in this field and was able to just step back into it in our time of need.
Yesterday was a very hard day for me. While at work, I am fine. I am 100% there. But to come home and see all that I missed on this ONE day, my heart broke.
This past year has been a hard road for us. (Ha! this past 3 years has been a hard road for us, but we will just focus on 1 year) With my health, church, house stuff. It seems like the struggles haven't stopped. This past year my health has asked hubby to carry more than his share of the load. As we sit here in our newest set of circumstances I pray that we can take a breath. I hope that we can use this time to see clearly what God would have us do next.
With each struggle passing we have gained new perspective. Seeing things in a new light with new grace. I pray that through this new time of hardship that God will allow us to grow and see in yet another way. I pray that by being away from my children it will make me appreciate each moment I have with them even more.
I choose joy... I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical... the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God. ~Max Lucado
Friday, March 14, 2008
Attempting
Attempting to settle in. Wow! That is a big chore. Boxes everywhere, kids everywhere, cats everywhere, emotions everywhere. But we are moving forward. I start my new job on Monday. I am nervous that my "mommy emotions" will get the best of me. It is very hard to step out of a job that I LOVE and into a job that I need.
Every time I get emotional and start to be sad, God taps me on the shoulder and whispers "Be thankful".
So today we are attempting to settle in to our lives. I am attempting to relish every moment with my children. I am attempting to show my best friend how much I love him. I am attempting to live a life that points to Christ. But each time I fall short.
These are the lyrics to a song that have become my prayer through these tough times:
Give us faith to be strong
Father, we are so weak
Our bodies are fragile and weary
As we stagger and stumble to walk where you lead
Give us faith to be strong
Give us faith to be strong
Give us strength to be faithful
This life is not long, but it's hard
Give us grace to go on
Make us willing and able
Lord, give us faith to be strong
Give us peace when we're torn
Mend us up when we break
This flesh can be wounded and shaking
When there's much too much trouble for one heart to take
Give us peace when we're torn
Give us faith to be strong
Give us strength to be faithful
This life is not long, but it's hard
Give us grace to go on
Make us willing and able
Lord, give us faith to be strong
Give us hearts to find hope
Father, we cannot see
How the sorrow we feel can bring freedom
And as hard as we try, Lord, it's hard to believe
So, give us hearts to find hope
Give us faith to be strong
Give us strength to be faithful
This life is not long, but it's hard
Give us grace to go on
Make us willing and able
Lord, give us faith to be strong
Give us peace when we're torn
Give us faith, faith to be strong
Every time I get emotional and start to be sad, God taps me on the shoulder and whispers "Be thankful".
So today we are attempting to settle in to our lives. I am attempting to relish every moment with my children. I am attempting to show my best friend how much I love him. I am attempting to live a life that points to Christ. But each time I fall short.
These are the lyrics to a song that have become my prayer through these tough times:
Give us faith to be strong
Father, we are so weak
Our bodies are fragile and weary
As we stagger and stumble to walk where you lead
Give us faith to be strong
Give us faith to be strong
Give us strength to be faithful
This life is not long, but it's hard
Give us grace to go on
Make us willing and able
Lord, give us faith to be strong
Give us peace when we're torn
Mend us up when we break
This flesh can be wounded and shaking
When there's much too much trouble for one heart to take
Give us peace when we're torn
Give us faith to be strong
Give us strength to be faithful
This life is not long, but it's hard
Give us grace to go on
Make us willing and able
Lord, give us faith to be strong
Give us hearts to find hope
Father, we cannot see
How the sorrow we feel can bring freedom
And as hard as we try, Lord, it's hard to believe
So, give us hearts to find hope
Give us faith to be strong
Give us strength to be faithful
This life is not long, but it's hard
Give us grace to go on
Make us willing and able
Lord, give us faith to be strong
Give us peace when we're torn
Give us faith, faith to be strong
Saturday, March 8, 2008
My Heroes
Who is my hero?
If I had to name my heroes....my list would be short. I guess it is because I am not easily impressed. A hero is someone that is admired, looked up to, one with courage. I have said before that my hubby is my hero... and that will always be true. But today I must name a couple more who make my list:
Chris and Becky are adopting from Ethiopia. They already have 2 beautiful children and now God is leading them to open their lives to 2 more. The amount of courage and faith that this family has shown as they step out in obedience, is amazing. They have trusted God for each step and patiently waited to see the miracles that He will give next. Here is a small video of another miracle that God has provided for them.
Please pray for this family as they approach the final stages of their adoption. Pray for their new little girls and the new lives that they will transition into.
Thank you Chris and Becky for inspiring us to do more!
“ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
If I had to name my heroes....my list would be short. I guess it is because I am not easily impressed. A hero is someone that is admired, looked up to, one with courage. I have said before that my hubby is my hero... and that will always be true. But today I must name a couple more who make my list:
Chris and Becky are adopting from Ethiopia. They already have 2 beautiful children and now God is leading them to open their lives to 2 more. The amount of courage and faith that this family has shown as they step out in obedience, is amazing. They have trusted God for each step and patiently waited to see the miracles that He will give next. Here is a small video of another miracle that God has provided for them.
Please pray for this family as they approach the final stages of their adoption. Pray for their new little girls and the new lives that they will transition into.
Thank you Chris and Becky for inspiring us to do more!
“ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Spartacus
WOW! 3 post in 2 days. Are you impressed yet??
I had to share this. Our little Bear now runs around saying that he is Spartacus (from the kids show LazyTown) He jumps and spins and runs like he is this big super hero. It is too cute. If I can get him to do it for a video, I will post it. But for now you can get an idea of what I live with by watching this video. Spartacus is the guy in blue.
I had to share this. Our little Bear now runs around saying that he is Spartacus (from the kids show LazyTown) He jumps and spins and runs like he is this big super hero. It is too cute. If I can get him to do it for a video, I will post it. But for now you can get an idea of what I live with by watching this video. Spartacus is the guy in blue.
AHHHHH Bare Feet!!!
You Are Bare Feet |
 You are a true free spirit, and you can't be tied down. Even wearing shoes can be a little too constraining for you at times! You are very comfortable in your own skin. You are one of the most real people around. You don't have anything to hide. Open and accepting, you are willing to discuss or entertain almost any topic. You are a very tolerant person. You are accepting and not judgmental. You should live: Somewhere warm You should work: At your own business, where you can set the rules |
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
And.....we're......off (again)
For most of you who read this you know that we are moving. (again) My emotions are a roller coaster from moment to moment. So I am going to invite you to sit back, secure your safety harness, keep you hands and feet inside the ride at all times, and hold on for dear life; as I take you on my emotional roller coaster.
Excitement: I am very excited for a new adventure. New town, new church, new restaurant, new things to do. I love exploring a new place with my family and finding new things to do for "us".
Fear: I am afraid of trusting God 100% for what is next. (This is where He is stretching me the most.) I trust 99.9%. But completely letting go of plans for tomorrow and being 100% willing is hard. And the blunt honest truth is that it scares me to death. I NEED a plan B, C, D, E, and F.
Joy: I find that I am really joyful that we have the opportunity to truly put our faith into action. I am thankful for the chance to show God off in our lives. (Not that He NEEDS me to do that).
Lonely: I will miss my friends. I hate those moments when you move to a new place, you are sitting around with nothing to do, and the phone is silent. God has blessed my life in a huge way with my friendships. With each city that I have lived God has answered my prayers for true friendship.
Anger: I am angry that we are moving. I guess it isn't that we are moving, but more that we are leaving. I feel like this situation could have been different and because certain things are they way that they are (wow, that was as clear as mud) we have to leave. I am sad.
Peace: In the midst of all of this God has given me peace. A peace that truly does pass all understanding. I know that He will take care of us. I know that "life" will be ok. I know that His plan is perfect. I know that He loves us. And for all of that I have peace.
So as we pack the truck this weekend and we head off on our next adventure, please pray for us. Pray that God will hold us tight in his hand and we will feel His comfort. Pray that my new job will be full filling and that God will open doors to where He will have us serve.
I wanted to share a song that has been stuck in my head.
Excitement: I am very excited for a new adventure. New town, new church, new restaurant, new things to do. I love exploring a new place with my family and finding new things to do for "us".
Fear: I am afraid of trusting God 100% for what is next. (This is where He is stretching me the most.) I trust 99.9%. But completely letting go of plans for tomorrow and being 100% willing is hard. And the blunt honest truth is that it scares me to death. I NEED a plan B, C, D, E, and F.
Joy: I find that I am really joyful that we have the opportunity to truly put our faith into action. I am thankful for the chance to show God off in our lives. (Not that He NEEDS me to do that).
Lonely: I will miss my friends. I hate those moments when you move to a new place, you are sitting around with nothing to do, and the phone is silent. God has blessed my life in a huge way with my friendships. With each city that I have lived God has answered my prayers for true friendship.
Anger: I am angry that we are moving. I guess it isn't that we are moving, but more that we are leaving. I feel like this situation could have been different and because certain things are they way that they are (wow, that was as clear as mud) we have to leave. I am sad.
Peace: In the midst of all of this God has given me peace. A peace that truly does pass all understanding. I know that He will take care of us. I know that "life" will be ok. I know that His plan is perfect. I know that He loves us. And for all of that I have peace.
So as we pack the truck this weekend and we head off on our next adventure, please pray for us. Pray that God will hold us tight in his hand and we will feel His comfort. Pray that my new job will be full filling and that God will open doors to where He will have us serve.
I wanted to share a song that has been stuck in my head.
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