So many things to offer up thanks for this early Monday morning ~
{linking up to Ann @ Holy Experience}
~ hopes for a computer to return home tomorrow
~ grateful for an uncle who offered to ensure it will work properly
~ prayers for 10 heading to Malawi today, special prayers for Grant, but protection and big things for all
~ a hot shower, every day, those in Joplin don't even have a cold one
~ a 7 day challenge to not complain (really? even though I have kids?)
~ VBS nearby for children to attend
~ trying to have a more serving heart & knowing the good it will bring
~ breaking bread with friends : laughter at the table
~ another great gardening class with kids who want to learn
~ watching the Maverick's win the Championship - I love that Jason Terry answers every question first with God! Love that man!!
~ a little boy who reminds me over and over how loved I am, even when I am not so lovable
~ an amazing week and a half of family and friends visiting!
God is good - it may not always look good with out eyes, we cannot see the whole canvas, we only glimpse pieces. God is good in Joplin with no running water. God is good in Malawi where there are so many people who have never heard. Pray with me for our team going to Malawi - that God would be more real to them than ever before and would move mightily in their hearts! Praying for miracles to happen while they are on the ground in Africa!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Kids, Kids and more kids!!
What a perfect couple of days we have had! We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with the Lewis Family! It is so fun to watch your best friend’s kids grow up – even if it is with visits a year apart! Watching all our children grow up and deepen their friendships is such a gift too!
We did not take the whole gang : 8 kids ages 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 – out except to church on Wednesday night. Staying close to home was a great choice as the kids woke up and fished, played some afternoon baseball and walked the dogs every day. We even managed quiet time each afternoon for the dads and the youngest of the kids. It was great! Not to mention many meals eaten outside made for 4 very happy adults at meal time!
Sometimes it is easy to feel like 4 kids can be overwhelming – and that you do not really get to see the individual personality of each child with all of them together. This week proved that to be a lie. As our 8 children played together, in small groups, and sometimes solo we were able to see each of our children’s personalities shine.
We did not take the whole gang : 8 kids ages 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 – out except to church on Wednesday night. Staying close to home was a great choice as the kids woke up and fished, played some afternoon baseball and walked the dogs every day. We even managed quiet time each afternoon for the dads and the youngest of the kids. It was great! Not to mention many meals eaten outside made for 4 very happy adults at meal time!
Sometimes it is easy to feel like 4 kids can be overwhelming – and that you do not really get to see the individual personality of each child with all of them together. This week proved that to be a lie. As our 8 children played together, in small groups, and sometimes solo we were able to see each of our children’s personalities shine.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Who defines who you are?
Why is it that what people think matters so much to us? Why do we listen? When someone cloaks their words with honey, yet they stab at the heart. Why? Who are these people that throw these barbs thinking that they are offering helpful insight, but really are tearing through our tender hearts?
The only one who matters, the only one whose thoughts about my performance, my success, my choices who really matters is Jesus. So when those sweet people (unsuspecting I trust, some are) offer their opinions I really need to start responding with a gentle rebuke “thank you for your opinion, I will take it into consideration the next quiet moment I have to analyze my life” – or something to that affect. Not to be mean, but to remind them that they are not walking in my shoes and they do not know what my life is really like.
Dear friends, does it matter if another thinks your choices wrong? That your children wild? That your house messy? Does it really, honestly, truly matter? Without a minutia of hesitation NO!! No – no – no!!! Can I say it again NO!!!
The only one who matters, the only one whose thoughts about my performance, my success, my choices who really matters is Jesus. So when those sweet people (unsuspecting I trust, some are) offer their opinions I really need to start responding with a gentle rebuke “thank you for your opinion, I will take it into consideration the next quiet moment I have to analyze my life” – or something to that affect. Not to be mean, but to remind them that they are not walking in my shoes and they do not know what my life is really like.
Dear friends, does it matter if another thinks your choices wrong? That your children wild? That your house messy? Does it really, honestly, truly matter? Without a minutia of hesitation NO!! No – no – no!!! Can I say it again NO!!!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Life is precious!
Life is precious. We saw that personally this week.
Robert was working his 12 hour night shift the other night. He usually heads home about 8am. So when the light on the answering machine was blinking that morning I suspected something was up.
I finally got ahold of him, and he told me he was headed to Dallas and that he would not be home. They had an accident.
Words you never want to hear.
They had an accident. One severe enough for Robert to be heading to Dallas to meet his guy who went by helicopter.
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