Out of my comfort zone

I woke up this morning dreaming and want to share how completely AWESOME God is; A faithful, grace giving, loving, patient, and [the one] TRUE God!!


First, I'm starting with my dream:  I was asked to speak at a church- the one where I grew up to be more specific. In a Church of Christ, women aren't invited to speak, so it was weird. I was already nervous, and as I started to walk on stage, I realized I'd left all of my notes and my bible at home. I quickly prayed, "Lord take control!" As I looked upon several familiar faces, I realized this was going to be even harder than I realized.  I started off with how'd I'd forgotten my things at home, and I hoped they'd bear with me through this. Immediately, sooner than I thought, people started to stand and head for the exits.


Nevertheless, I began speaking:  "I was never good a writer or debater or one to give speeches." As more people got up, this time almost half of the congregation was gone. I felt ashamed, who was I to think I could hold their attention, especially after leaving my bible and notes at home. So I told the remaining people I was sorry for wasting their time and bid them a good evening. As I started to take that first step off the stage, the Holy Spirit yelled, "STOP! Go back. 'The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.' (John10:10)"


So I walked back to the mic and started to speak again:  I never felt like I had much to say unless the topic was Jesus or softball. I can go on and on about all the many attributes of God- His goodness. My son is reading a book called "Do Hard Things." It's about getting out of your comfort zone. We become complacent people when we are not pushed, and start to lean on our own understanding. God wants to stretch us, use us for his kingdom. More often than not we are too scared to step out on faith- to step up to the mic, completely vulnerable without notes.  Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." 


It was at that moment my soul found rest. I wasn't scared or ashamed.


I went on:  It shouldn't matter who gets up or who stays. God is a God of perfect timing. Even if it helps one person, it's a job well done. I have to set pride aside- this is not about me. And I'm honored to speak His truths to anyone who wants to listen. (Or read) 


Dream over: I often have dreams like this, where I feel God is giving me tidbits of wisdom. But it's been a while, so before going to bed last night, I prayed for the Lord to show me...something. He, being a faithful God, did. I woke up and knew I was supposed to share this dream.  Fear of "what will people think" started to creep in my mind. I was going to ignore sharing it. I went on about my morning- grabbed my phone and my bible. I have two bible apps on my phone, both of which give me a verse of the day. Well, today one app is was Matthew 11:28-30 and the other John 10:10. The same two verses I had just dreamed. I cannot express the joy that overtook my heart at that moment. He has a way of making me fall more in love everyday!! I had to call Kyle to share in my excitement!! 


I still had no intention of writing about this. As my day has gone on, I know cannot keep it to my self. I'm going to "Do Hard Things" and allow his glory to shine. So I ask you: What are you not sharing? Don't let fear hold you back!

Fight with Scripture!

This verse has instantly become a favorite, and applies to every area of my life- not just homeschool! I have always heard it, I knew it, but to see it...in black and white, it truly made my heart leap for joy! I am not alone! I will not fail my children; he's already gone before me!! To all you homeschool moms who need a dose of encouragement; check out my latest blog post here.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says,

Choose Delight

 

I just love this picture! When I look at it, I see so much joy! I can only imagine one day jumping for joy before the one true God!! 

I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me;

hear me when I call to you.

May my prayer be set before you like incense;

may the lifting up of my hands be like

the evening sacrifice.

Psalm 141:1-2

 Life has been moving at such a fast pace I forgot to share last month's post over at Beyond The Nook. See how conviction and being delighted in the Lord has changed our school year from dreadful to delightful! Check it out here.

Prayer and Its Power

Out of all the women in the world, God chose me to be a mother to three boys--who have captured my heart.  They test me and try me. They annoy me and make my ears bleed by talking too much. They love me even when I'm not nice; I'm thankful for their grace and His. God knew I needed to be their mother. He knew I would struggle in guiding them. But, He still chose me and gives me tools and strength. My most dependable tool is prayer!

Prayer is so powerful and vital! I think Satan is so hard at work in my life to discredit its power. He wants me to question God's faithfulness, his power, his love. If I'm distracted by the clutter that Satan fills my heart with, he has me right where he wants me. I have learned to 'Let Go and Let God.'  This has become my catch phrase over the last year. I can't do this without praying, though. If something starts to take root in my heart, I stop whatever I'm doing and ask the Lord back in. It's a daily battle, but not one to take on myself! God fights my battles and gives me rest!! "My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:30) I don't have to be weary and heavy-laden, neither do you. I'm especially thankful for Matthew 6:34. He knew I would struggle and because of this verse I have learned to take it one day at a time.

Oh, how God is faithful!!! I have to share a quick story of how he proved that [again] to me just this morning. I got up early to spend time with the Lord before little people would take over my day. Well, really I got up early because my handsome husband who was behind schedule asked me to make his coffee. Taking advantage of the early hour, I wrote in my prayer journal; making categories for each of my boys. One category being 'Instilling Certain Character Traits Through Books.' I prayed over this child and wrapped up my morning.

I went to the computer to check email and a friend's blog post was waiting in my inbox. I opened it and to my delight, its title was Instill Character Through Books!  How MIND-BLOWING is that?!? God is SO faithful and fast when you pray in His will! I had to drop to my knees to and thank him!!! A couple of the books I had already read, but as I went searching amazon for the others, I found Tiger and Tom and Other Stories for Boys is free for the kindle. Don't know how long that will last, so go grab it!

He is so awe-inspireing, I really have no more words!

God's Character

When there's a stirring within my heart to blog, it seems like Satan throws everything he can my way to prevent it. There are no stops--he plays dirty. Lies sweep over me, telling me I have nothing important to say. Which I guess you could make a case for...however, it's not my words I hope to write here, but the words breathed into me by my Creator. It's not my character that attracts others to Christ; if anything, in my flesh, I turn them away. 

Reading through Deuteronomy this morning, I read this: 31:8 "The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Still feeling incapable of sharing God's goodness and character, honestly, even now I don't know what to write. Satan wants to bring into question God's word. He doesn't want me to share with you. But thankfully God is bigger! 

All day this song has been stuck in my head.

Is that his voice I am hearing?
"Come away my precious one."
Is he calling me?
Is he calling me?

I will rise up, rise up
And bow down, and lay my crown
At his wounded feet!

So, today, I will rise up! God wins!! As my pastor said last night, we are "Under Obligation". Under obligation to study His word, to share our faith, to evangelize, to intercede in prayer for others, to work on building up the church. 

I want to obey Him. I want to be that bright light on a hill that cannot be hidden; because in Deuteronomy 30:9-10 says, "Then the Lord your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand, in the offspring of you body..., for the Lord will again rejoice over you for good, just as He rejoiced over your fathers; if you obey the Lord you God to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul."

Christian's are asleep and need to be shaken awake.  We must share the gospel! It costs nothing, but we gain so much! We have become a divided people. Whether it's because of denomination, race, politics, or a lifestyle choice. It's okay to have different opinions and ideas. We have to show grace and stand for Truth. We have to be united!! Be righteous, not self-righteous. Let the Holy Spirit work through you, and let God's character be your character. Ecclesiastes 9 tells me we are in the hands of God.

v.1 For I have taken all this to my heart
and explain it that righteous men,
wise men, and their deeds are in the
hand of God. Man does not know
whether it will be love or hatred;
anything awaits him.
v.10 Whatever your hand finds to do,
do it with all your might.

There are so many voices out there trying to drowned out the voice of God. You have to be in the Word to hear his voice! In the words of my pastor, "You want wisdom? Read God's word. And while you're holding your bible, you're holding wisdom in your hand. It's yours; all you have to do is read it."  So with that, I encourage you! Read! Write! Share the gospel! Be the voice of God in a world that is trying to drowned him out.  Go out and make disciples. Be blessed, precious one!! 

Today's Manna

Reading in John, chapter 6, Jesus talks to the people and says, "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life..."

After reading this, the word MANNA was stamped on my heart the rest of the day. I know it was the Holy Spirit whispering to my soul to dig deeper. So I look up manna and it took me to Exodus 16. As I was filling up on "bread" I was interrupted more times than I would have liked.  But when my sweet boy came in and asked me to read to him what I was reading, I happily obliged! What greater privilege than to pour Jesus into your children?! I can't think of one. 

I'm going to give you a brief recap of what I read: so Moses and Aaron left Egypt, took the congregation out into the wilderness where they had to "go out and gather a day's portion every day," and they grumbled against Moses and Aaron. But it was to "test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction." They continued to grumble and Moses said, "Your grumblings are not against us but against the Lord." Because they did not listen to instruction and brought back more bread than they could eat, by morning it had "bred worms and became foul."

It's always a good reminder not to live on yesterday's manna! We are so busy, rushing down the fast lane. But never too busy to stop for a bite to eat; whether it's fast food in your car or a home cooked meal.  We tend to not stop and spend time with the one who created life. The one who will give us eternal life. This life IS a test! Are you walking in His instruction?  We can't live on Sunday's sermon or Wednesday night's bible lesson. Don't let those teachings become worm infested and foul. Get your daily dose of "bread". Most bible apps will even read to you while getting ready or driving in your car.

Last year was different than all of my thirty-six-years of life. I opened my bible daily, meditating, learning, teaching, even mentoring. I prayed like I never had before. Oh, how the Lord is faithful!

I have always had a hard time saying no. Often feeling overworked, stressed, burned out and tired. I have never been one to set goals, much less a New Year's resolution. I always thought, "What's the point? No one ever completes their goal. So why set myself up for failure?" I could feel God's nudge to set one last year. So 2015, I started with the word NO. Do you ever get that feeling...when you're doing something and it just doesn't "feel" right? You don't know why, or what's causing it. I mean, you're doing "good works," right?  Well....last year my first response was always, no, at first.  Then it was, "Let me pray about it."

I realized a few months in I had not been on the path God laid out for me for some time, and that's why I always felt burned out. I wasn't being the wife or mother that God had called me to be, because I was preoccupied with things I shouldn't have been doing. But 2015, by saying that one little word, I was able to grow spiritually, invest in my husband and kids, and FINALLY feel like I was doing the Lord's work!!

Again, I want to encourage you; set a goal[s]! Find someone to do it with you, or at least hold you accountable! That makes all of the difference in the world! And remember PRAY! and show yourself GRACE!  Don't compare yourself to anyone.  Be who he created you to be!

A New Year

Wow! It's 2016 already!

Have you already made your New Year's resolution?  Have you already broken it? Two words the Lord put on my heart for this year: Grace and Truth.  We are to give Grace, but stand on the Truth. (Lots more to be written on this this year!) If you haven't made a resolution, I encourage you to make one. Start small. Don't try to run a mile your first time on the track.  Give yourself grace. But, stay true to yourself and finish your goal.  Find an accountability partner!

2015 has been one of the best years of my entire life. I'm not even sure I blogged once last year.  But I put pen to paper, I journal-ed all year. I let God work in me and through me in ways I didn't even know were possible!! How you might ask? Well, by drowning out the ways of the world. Prayer (and lots of it)!! Reading God's word, and meditating on it all day. By being submissive and following my husbands lead.

I don't know how much I'll be on social media this year. Seems to be less and less each year. It can be such a distraction and time consumer in an already busy, hurried life. I want, no, need- to slow down! It is so sad to sit at a restaurant and watch an entire family on their phones.  Family communication has gone out the window. (Oh, if you could only here Joel's version of "out the window" from Dumb and Dumber going through my mind right now. It is SO funny!) I see people posting their "good works" or spew hate from their fingertips on Facebook and Twitter, it's enough to make me want to unplug. This year I want to get back to phone calls or face to face conversations.  I don't want to read posts that blind me from giving grace to someone who God thinks needs/deserves it. I want the Holy Spirit to work in me!

Guess I better get to bed. It's almost one o'clock in the morning and I have this sleepy critter on me.

 Before I go:
I'm excited to get back to blogging and share with you guys what God is doing.  I hope to encourage, to inspire, to give Hope "through him who gives me strength." I will also be writing every other month for a friend's blog; a Glimpse into Lifeschooling Series. I'm pretty stoked about what's going on on her blog! She has put together a team of writers for a number of series. Go join her mailing list here. Here are a few of the different series going on at Beyond the Nook: Motherhood Matters, Building Strong Families, and Lifeschooling.

Happy 2016, y'all!! Get excited, call and tell me about it! Or better yet, come and see me. :)

Tired and Weary

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;" says Isaiah 40:30

As a momma trying to raise Godly men, it's encouraging to know that God, Creator of ALL things, knew my boys would stumble and fall. I've been shocked, scared, and disappointed by the actions and behavior I've seen from my children, but to God it's no surprise. My goodness, He already knows what I'm going to face today. In my flesh, I worry that I'm not doing enough, I'm not teaching them enough. Then I'm reminded (by an 11 year old, no less) that's it's not my job to worry, but pray for strength, wisdom, and discernment.

Isaiah 40:31 goes on to say, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength."

Awe! Such sweet words to my soul. I just need to fill them with Jesus, point them in the right direction, and let the Spirit move them and God will lead their steps. He will correct them and renew them. I'm thankful God doesn't get tired and worn-out. And even though I do, I'm grateful he renews my strength, so I can keep pouring Jesus back into them.

Get over yourself

I have not been on blogger in months, but today the Lord is stirring my heart, so here we go!

I know this blog title may sound harsh. But that's exactly what God said to my heart this morning.  I thought, "Surly he's not talking to me!"  But, no, he was!

I've been doing a bible study in the mornings and I've been in the Word...or so I thought.  Last night at church the preacher said, "Put away your study, and just BE with God.  Don't just read your bible, but stop and meditate on what he is speaking to your heart. Let the Spirit lead." I opened my bible to Proverbs because it's one of my favorites.  He always convicts me there. But as I was reading, it didn't feel right, my mind started drifting (I kept getting this vision of Jesus on the cross) and I wasn't understanding the words. I was thinking, "Jesus died for me on the cross; he went through all of that pain. I don't want it to be for nothing....I need seek him with all my heart, let him lead. Stop trying to do this on your own." So, I just started praying and flipping through the pages. I ended up in Romans and that small still voice said stop. 

First thing that jumps off the page was Romans 7:18 "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out."

I stopped right there.  That was the only verse I read... My sinful nature WILL take over if I'm not in the Word.  So I began to pray again.  I want to do his will and cannot do it on my own.  Show me your way, Lord!! I flipped one page over and Romans 12:2-3, 6-8 jumped out at me:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 

Now I could hear God yelling at me in my own mind, "Get over yourself!" Mercy is my gift, as it usually comes very easy.  Usually! I know this is already long, but I want to share this story:

Tuesday we went bowling with some friends.  I hadn't had lunch, so I stopped and got something on the way.  I took it in, as the boys were playing I was going to scarf my food down.  The old man (who is never very nice) said, "I guess I didn't need to pay someone to work the snack bar if you're just going to bring in your own food." I ignored it the best I could and finished while waiting on the rest of our group.  Heather finally got there (she is in charge of leading this up for us homeschoolers) and we went up to pay.  And again, this old man says to her, "You need to tell your people not to bring food in!" Instead of telling him I was sorry and it wouldn't happen again, I just handed her my money and walked away. Even though I could feel the Spirit telling me to show mercy. I let anger win.  Thank goodness!, Heather was very sweet to him and stood there talking to him.  Come to find out, he is battling cancer and was in need of a little Jesus.  That doesn't give him the right to be rude, but maybe his momma didn't teach him manners.  But that day I didn't teach my boys grace and mercy.  Everyone in your life needs His mercy and we need to give it.  I missed it that day, but I won't next time!! Thank you, Heather, for being the mouth of Christ to that man! I'm sorry I didn't reflect Christ as I should have.

Who in your life needs compassion? What is your gift? What is God calling you to do that you're not doing?

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9

 

Declaring it a Miracle

On the radio this morning I hear, "We are supposed to declare miracles! And then we are supposed to share them. No matter what you think people will think of you."

I have to share what happened yesterday. I was going to keep it to myself, because who believes "stuff" like this anymore. I did share it with Kyle when he got home from work, but even there, I almost didn't tell him. In fear he would be skeptical or think it was coincidental. But he says, "Why didn't you tell me this earlier today? I would have liked to have known that." So let me share now with you.

The boys have all been sick with strep over the past couple of weeks. So I took them to the doctor right away to get them all on meds. All seemed to be on the uphill. That is until this nasty stomach virus starts to hit one by one. Johnny first, he wakes up at 5 a.m. throwing up and with the worst belly pain. We knew what it was because his cousin was here over the weekend and had it, and lasted several days, throwing up several times a day.

The next morning (yesterday) Justin woke up crying, writhing in pain. He couldn't sit, he couldn't lay, he couldn't stand. Nothing he did gave any kind of relief. He would scream and try to lay in my lap, then jump up. Completely useless, I felt! What do you do for your baby when nothing helps. You pray! Pray hard! And rub on him when he gets close enough.

An hour later and still nothing. I had been praying, and nothing was happening. Quickly I asked for wisdom. Thinking I'd get a brilliant idea: give him a warm bath, give him Tylenol, rub his feet. All these things flooded my mind but didn't seem right, and then...

The verse (and I'm paraphrasing), "where two or more are gathered I am there also" entered my mind. I knew God wanted me to pray aloud for him, with him. He wanted me to use this as a teachable moment!!

I grabbed Justin up, put my hand on his tummy and prayed: I pray in Jesus name that you will take this pain from Justin and heal his little body.

That's it. Quick and simple, right to the point. Even now, my eyes fill with tears at his greatness, his faithfulness. Within minutes, Justin started to settle. He laid his head in my lap and took a deep breath!! Within 30 minutes he was able to relax and drift off to sleep again! When he awoke at 9 a.m. he was completely healed. Not only him, but all three of them!

As I shared that with them last night, I love how their eyes lit up and I could see their childlike faith!!

Our God is a miracle working God! Not only in the Old Testament. Not only while Jesus was on earth. But now, through your prayers! Believe it! Declare it! And go tell it!!!

His Way Is Always Better

Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus!

The Lord woke me up early (3AM) this morning, calling me to his word. I was sleepy and tried to ignore it; After all, the boys will be up in just a few very short hours! He kept telling me not to have a spirit of fear, have faith, he will help me find rest. But not until I READ!

Oh, sweet friends, am I glad I did!! You see, I've been having my normal prayer and devotional time each morning, but I haven't felt truly refreshed. Even Jesus had to get up EARLY in the morning to pray to his Heavenly Father. We get so busy in our daily lives that sometimes we forget to slow down and let God lead us, speak to us, show us a different way. His ways are better than my ways, so why do I fight so hard to keep going my way? I think everyone runs into this season during their relationship with God. You're going about life thinking you're "okay" with Him, and focus on other areas of life.

I know God allows us to be tested, to refine us and make us like gold. And I am thankful for these tests and trials. They make me who I am today; a lover and seeker of Jesus Christ. I always love reading through Ephesians when I feel tested. The verses help strengthen my faith and encourage my relationship with my Creator. I then feel empowered, ready to face the devil's schemes.

Ephesians 6:10-18 
[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

In verse 12, we are remained that the devil exists and his schemes are active. He comes to "kill, steal and destroy!" (John 10:10)  Satan knows your weakness, and when you're weak...he know just when and how to attack. 

The good news is God has given us a way to protect ourselves. In Ephesians we have the FULL Armor Of God. Put it on daily and be ready to face whatever Satan might throw your way! There is no better way than to start off with God's word. 

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is used for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." 

How is He going to teach me, rebuke me, correct me, and train me to be righteous if I'm not asking the Holy Spirit in my heart at the very start of my day? Better yet, how will I teach, rebuke, correct and train the boys in righteousness if I don't have it myself. They are watching and taking note. On the days I want them too, and on the days I don't. 

Just as I thought I was finished reading and praying, I closed my eyes ready to get back to that faithful sleep I thought I was due; NOPE! 6 AM and just as I started to drift off, my eyes popped open. I tried to ignore it, again, but the Lord said get up. What, get up?? Yes, get up, get dressed, and wake Johnny for an early breakfast. "His ways are better than mine," I reminded myself. So, 6 AM I get up, get dressed, and run out to warm the car. I ran back in to gather Johnny's clothes before I woke him. I was greeted with the biggest smile! At that moment I thanked God for putting it on my heart to get up. Then off to Waffle House we went. 

Be intentional today to be One After God's Own Heart! 

Parents will do just about anything

Oh my goodness... I think I'm gonna die! I just had to spend 18 minutes on the trampoline with this boy.

His daddy made him a deal: For every minute spent reading a non pictured book, he would match with a push up. So 20 minutes equals 20 push-ups. I thought it would be fun to throw on top of that, I would spend that same number of minutes with him on the trampoline. What was I thinking?! It's cold out there! My lungs hurt, my legs are wobbly, and my vision is blurred. O_o

But look at the smile on this boy's face! I will do it again tomorrow!

A Mother's Prayer

I love going through and reading Psalms. What a gift!! It's full of guidance, encouragement and strength for moms.

What comfort Psalm 3:4 gives as we walk through this Journey of motherhood.  We pray for our little ones and he's there; listening. It's crazy and hard to imagine that he loves them more than we do.

I cried unto the

Lord with my 

voice, and he

heard me out of 

his holy hill. 

As I petition for their safety as they go out to play, he is there; listening.

As I pray for myself to be a good mom, he is there; listening.

When I thank him for their joy, and beg him to help guide them; he's listening. 

So on days like today, when my boys won't sit still to work, I won't worry that it's a day waisted. After all, homeschooling was God's idea for our family, he doesn't make mistakes. I am going to have faith in his goodness! I am going to pray for a creative way to teach these here Griffin boys today. 

I'm going to be this mom:

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:2-3

Joel's first baby tooth

Joel lost his first tooth! 

It's bed time so he came in our room to give hugs and kisses. Also to see if he could sleep with us. Because we have to get up early I told him not tonight. He came around to my side and I noticed how loose it was. I asked if I could feel it. Reluctantly, he allowed it. I was surprised, it was barely hanging on! When I asked if I could pull it, I got a firm, "No way!" That is until I told him he could sleep with us. He smiled as he was thinking it over. Then I got the okay. I knew that would do it. One tiny tug, huge tears, lots of blood, and I was holding my baby's tooth between my fingers. A bittersweet moment for me. He's growing up too fast!! 

As Joel bit down on a kleenex, Justin told him to take it out so he could taste the salty blood. Eek! I have boys! ;)

Johnny ran to the bathroom with little brothers in tow. Joel picked out the perfect tooth box to put under his pillow; in anticipation of the tooth fairy! 

Justin is one proud big brother! 

Now that everyone in the house is sleeping it's time for the tooth fairy to make her exchange. Good night all! 

Self-centered or Christ-centered

This week the boys and I did a study of the parable "The Shepherd and The Lost Sheep".  I explained to them how God loves every last person on this earth, no matter their worldly crimes, or sins committed against him. God wants every last soul to know him.

After reading through my Sunday School lesson which talks about conflict and not thinking only of myself, it has me in deep thought. We all have people in our lives that it's hard for us to love or even like... Some days I have more trouble with this than others, and I have to rely on the Lord to take my thoughts captive. And pray that he can love them through me! God knows, I can't do it through my flesh..! After reading 1 Samuel 24:1-15 the Lord was shouting loud and clear!!

So get this...

If you don't know the story I'll give you the highlights. Saul is the King, and David was very loyal, maybe even a friend I guess you could say. He lead the army and fought for Saul's kingdom. Until Saul grew jealous of the attention David got form everyone. David was even anointed and would become king (and I don't think Saul knew this)...more on this in a second. Saul was so envious he wanted to kill David, so he had to flee the city. David was hiding in a cave, and Saul, who was out hunting David needed a place to relieve himself. He entered this cave and David could very easily have killed him. But he didn't!! Even though he would have been next king, and even though he probably had grounds to kill him because Saul was hunting him for no good reason other than jealousy. Instead, David felt led to apologize to Saul for usurping part of his power. Even though David wasn't wrong - never did he try to take fame or glory away from Saul, he was nothing but faithful - nonetheless, David apologizes! In hopes of softening Saul's heart.  

The shepherd that goes after that one lost sheep!!

When there is conflict it's easy to go with your own agenda. Even thinking it's from the Lord (he handed it to you on a silver platter, or in a cave in the case of David), but it's humbling to swallow pride and apologize for something you didn't do. 

David was "a man after God's own heart." I want to be the same...but woman of course. ;) 

His ways are always better than ours AND FREEING!! I will never look at conflict the same way again. It's more than just my agenda... I have to look at the bigger picture! It's not about me and my self-centered way of thinking. 

Thank you, Lord, for humbling me and softening my heart!

Fun Filled Day

After lots of reading and a little math, we went on an adventure walk. We found huge (probably some of the biggest I've ever see) ant mounds. Took a stroll through the woods. We skipped rocks and watched our dog chase after them. Found these little frogs down by the lake that were so fast we couldn't catch one. We found walking sticks and carved them just how we want them. We talked about how the Lord uses us, and how he expects us to choose him.  Why it's important to be good, faithful servants. And how to seek the Lord with all your heart and all your soul.

In Sunday School we talked about how you can water and water your garden, and while that is good, it's nothing like a good rain. After rain the plants shoot up and produce better than just me watering everyday. It truly is amazing how God works. So today I told the boys this, and went on to tell them why it's important for them to read the bible and study on their own. Not to depend on church and what momma teaches them. There is something supernatural when you seek the Lord all on your own!

Winter Will Soon Be Upon Us

Most of you probably know how much I despise cold weather. I'm cold even when it's 90 degrees. But when I walk in a room and see my boys cuddled up, cold and reading to each other, I can't help but think about last year. Our winter days consisted of making a fire in the fire place, snuggling up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, and lots and lots of reading! Yeah, I'm ready for that again!

I love that we get to stay home and learn new things together!

No Regrets

Too often we take our loved ones for granted. It's those we love that we tend to hurt the most. You never know when the last time you will see them will be. None of us are guaranteed a tomorrow.

Imagine coming home and finding your loved one has been called to their eternal home.

Have no regrets! Love them fiercely while you can. Hug and kiss them, hold them tight, tell them you love them, day and night. Don't hurt them with you words and mean eyes! Whether it's a spouse, a child, a parent, a grandparent, and aunt or uncle. Love like there's no tomorrow!

I love that Jesus tells us not to be troubled. He knows our hearts and the grief we hold on to. He also tells us that he has gone before us and has prepared a place for us. Find comfort in Jesus, my sweet family.

No regrets!!

BINGO

I've heard so many I love yous, thank yous, I had a good time with you today. I even got a "You're the best mom a boy could have." The hugs and kisses have been endless!!

This sweet boy and I went on a date this afternoon. He has worked really hard on his reading and got a bingo.

We have these bingo card and each square tells them when or where to read. Such as under a tree, on a beach towel, in the bathtub, before breakfast, on a Thursday, and so on. When they bingo they have coupons. So far they've gotten to do things like go to Sonic with Mama Jean, night fishing with Papa, ice cream with Grammer, and today Justin got a date with mom. (By the way Ma, Johnny got a bingo while you were in California and drew Day With Nana.)

We started off with a drink at McDonald's. On the way he didn't really talk much, and played with the toys he brought. That isn't too abnormal for Justin Robert, though. Once we got there I asked him to leave the toys behind in hopes that he would talk. That did it....his motor mouth started! We drank up and headed to Walmart. I had to get a few groceries and he wanted to look at toys. He has a birthday coming up and wanted to show me [again] what cool toys he wanted. :) Man I love this kid! He goes from isle to isle grabbing everything that caught his little eye. The mask you see me wearing below he wanted me to have. I don't know if you can tell, but I was not too fond of the idea of putting it on. Justin insisted and asked to take a picture. I'm glad I did because the smile on that cute face of his was priceless! After looking at EVERY toy Walmart had we got our groceries and headed for the car. Not once did he ask for a toy! He did, however, ask to get his brothers something. What a cool kid,  huh? Ok, so out the door we go... He helped load everything into the truck of the car, ran the basket and put it away, and ran back to the car to open my door. :)  Again, what a cool kid! Before starting home, we stopped to gas daddy's car up so he'd be ready for the week with a full tank. I asked Justin if he wanted to help; he hopped out and was eager to learn! I'm usually in a hurry and with all three boys. Whom of which would also want to get out, so it's never allowed. The smile on his face, again, was priceless!

All it takes is a little undivided attention! They are putty in your hands. No wonder they forget to listen to us. How often do we stop and listen to them?

One year down

I'll never forget our first year of homeschooling. I was overwhelmed with all the different curriculums and teaching styles. Oh my, what am I going to do to my kids? Am I crazy? Worry and panic started to flood my every thought. How was I going to get laundry done, cook dinner,  iron Kyle's shirts, AND teach math, reading, science, history, and spelling. Then, one night, God softly spoke to me as I was laying in bed praying my heart out. I knew He was with me; God has a way of working all things together for good as we trust him.

I went to a meeting to see what this whole "homeschool group" thing was about.  I just knew there I would get answers.  I did, but not the one's I was looking for. I had Katie, the leader of this homeschool group come over so I could pick her brain. Again, I just knew she would give me answers. She gave me peace...A LOT, but still not (what I thought) the answers I was desperately needing.  She told me to take the next week (as my family and I were traveling to Galveston) to pray for those answers.  I knew she was right, but still I just wanted someone to tell me, "This curriculum, use this!" That week in Galveston, with a different prayer on my lips, I began seeking answers.  

By the time I got home I had peace in my heart. But not because I had 'answeres' on which curriculum to use. It was again, I knew he was with me working out all the details.  So, a week later we began.  The first week was a breeze. They sat at the table and did what was asked of them.  I couldn't believe how easy this was! I wish I could stop there, but I'm not gonna lie.... that didn't last. I had to be a mother with purpose and a plan. I had no idea what that was, but I trusted in God to help us thrive! As the months went on some days were better than others. I noticed every day, though, that the boys may not remember what they learned but how they learned it. 

It wasn't until the end of our year that I realized the relationships I foster with my children were more important than the books we read.  I wished I could have a do over! 

OH, but I do. There is this year! With every year you get to reset. This year will be different!! This year our school will be more of a discipleship!! More to come on this later. For now I have to go feed all the animals...including the kids and husband! ;)

Until then....

Oh, and by the way, Kyle's shirts aren't getting ironed and we don't do near as much science as the boys would like, but it's working!