Whew. Life as a family of 6 is busy. And fun. And adventurous. And {slightly} chaotic. Okay, completely chaotic. But, its OUR chaos and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Sometimes, Jess and I just meet eyes over the top of our kids' heads {and whatever mess they've just made}, and give each other THE LOOK. You know, the one that says, "Don't you dare laugh. These are YOUR children. I mean it. No laughing. Seriously." And, then you decide its more fun to laugh anyway.
During the course of today:
-we have stopped Laney Kate from crawling to and digging in the trash can approximately 14 times
-we have cleaned up Laney Kate's spit up messes from the floor around 5 times
-we have pulled a crawling Laney Kate away from a place she shouldn't be (ie, the bathroom (left open by a brother), the boys' bedroom, the fireplace, the stove, the screen door (left open by a brother)), somewhere in the ballpark of 64 times
-we have fished minute particles of whatever Laney Kate can find to stick in her mouth about 3 times
-I grocery shopped for our family of 6 (including coupons and ad matches, having the oil changed, and filling up the gas tank...hey, at least Wal-Mart is a one-stop shopping experience!)
-ran children to and from school
-prepared Valentines
-staunched the bleeding on Ayden's face after he "pretended" to shave like Daddy in the tub
and cut his lip for real
-studied for the spelling bee with Ayden
-practiced Landon's nursery rhyme he has to memorize for school
-made dinner with the help of my little chef, Cams
-wiped {and suctioned out} Laney Kate's nose
-gave baths
And, then we looked at each other and wondered why we are so tired tonight?
But, what a fun day we've had. The boys played with their Play-Doh for a record amount of time before arguing, and then it was only brief. Laney Kate is a crawling, pulling up, teething little 8 1/2 month old with a sweet disposition and the prettiest smile EVA. Dinner was NOT a battle. And, tomorrow is the last day of school before our first 4 day weekend.
I'd say we're pretty blessed.
Ready for sleep.
But, definitely blessed.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Ayden's 7th Birthday
Dear Ayden,
Seven years old! My goodness. I have to just stop and take it all in. Seven. I can't believe you are already seven years old. Wasn't it just yesterday that Daddy and I first held you in our arms? I know I say somehing similar every year, but it seems like every passing year goes faster than the one before.
The past year has been full of big events! You became a big brother yet again to our precious Laney Kate. You graduated from Kindergarten. And we made the big move back to Missouri, where you started a new school with a new teacher and new friends. And, you have handled it all like a champ. You love and dote on Laney Kate and help me with her and your brothers. You were sad to leave your school and Mrs. Tracy and your friends in Jacksonville, but you were so brave to go to Pineville Primary with Mrs. Burch and you have made some great new buddies. I have been so proud of you through it all!!
Since you started first grade in August, you've lost four teeth. In fact, you have three empty spaces in the front right now. I tried to get you to sing "All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" but you weren't so sure... ;)
You still have the same tender heart as always. Sometimes, we have to peel back the attitude to see it, but it's there just the same. You like to make the people you love happy, and you are quick to offer encouraging words. Sometimes I wish you would be a little easier on yourself and take encouragement as well as you give it, but I know that you come by your perfectionist tendencies honestly, and we'll just work through that together. ;)
Your favorite hobby of the past year has been Legos. Wow. First, it was Star Wars and Pirates of the Carribbean Lego sets, and now it's Batman and Ninjago. It's so fun to watch you create with them. You just got your first Batman set for Christmas, but you've been creating those characters for months using the pieces you already had. Your friends are into Legos, too. At Parsons last year and the beginning of this one, Mrs. Tracy had to ban all Legos from school because the boys weren't paying attention and were arguing over them. A few weeks ago, you went to Buffalo Creek with Daddy and after you were in bed that night, he told me that after the program, you had disappeared to the fellowship hall with the other boys your age. When he went to get you, he said there you all were, gathered around a table playing with the Legos you had ALL pulled out of your pockets. We laughed and smiled at the fun you had.
You still love to draw, too. Daddy and I can barely write our own names....so we both say you didn't get your talent from us. But, Mr. Rusty says you have a natural ability, and, not to brag, but I agree. ;). You will sometimes sit for an hour drawing out a whole story scene, using up every inch of the paper, front and back.
You are so funny. Most times, you don't mean to be, which makes it even funnier. But lately, you are into joke telling. You make most of them up, and to be perfectly honest, most don't make a lick of sense, but when you laugh at your own punchline, it makes me smile.
You are beginning to be very curious about Jesus and what it means to be a Christian. Daddy and I are praying every day for your (and your brothers' and sister's) salvation. The wheels are turning and I know the day of yor salvation will be soon. You think (on some days) that you'll grow up and be a preacher like Daddy. You understand the importance of telling others abouthe Lord. This morning, your Daddy was speaking at FCA, and you very tenderly explained to your brothers what he was doing and why. A very special moment for your Mama to hear, for sure.
Oh buddy, I love you Soooooo much!!! You melt my heart when you still want to snuggle with me. You are such a sweet boy, telling me and the rest of our family that you love us at random times of the day, every day. I am so very proud of you and the big boy that you've grown up to be. I am so excited to see what the year ahead holds for us. In a blink, it will be your 8th birthday. But, for now, let's enjoy every scone of seven. Have the happiest of birthdays, buddy.
I love you to he moon and back....times infinity!!!
Mama
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Focusing on the eternal
I've been pretty quiet on my blog lately (for all 3 people or so who read it ;) ). To be honest, I just can't talk (or write, I guess would be more of an accurate statement), about the things that are going on in our lives right now. Maybe one day, but right now its just too raw and painful. I can say this, though: the Lord continues to teach me, to comfort me, to carry me, to love me, to be what I need when I need all the time. I'm more in love with my husband than ever before and I am filled with thankfulness for our family.
I finished up a Bible study that I was doing through the summer and felt drawn to the book of James as my next study. I love James. Talk about convicting. All that talk about the tongue. Yikes. Its also the book from which my favorite Miss Kim-ism is found: Whats down in the well comes up in the bucket. Yep, James is definitely a doozy. But, I love it. Even when it steps on my toes and brings conviction to my heart. Because, God's Word tells me that he disciplines and rebukes those He loves (Rev. 3:19).
So, with all that being said, I've been study for about a week and have made it all the way to verse 11 in chapter 1. And today, as I read verses 9-11 for the first time, I was like...ummm, okay, soooo.....what do You want me to take away from this??
Funny I should ask.
The Lord started moving my pen across the page of my notebook and pouring out His truth into my heart. The end result? Things are so temporary. We get so wrapped up in our "stuff" that we forget that it ain't goin' with us. But, do you know what is eternal? Well, lots of things, but 4 specific ones are etched onto my heart.
Their names are Ayden Parker, Landon Ryan, Camden Isaiah, and Laney Kate.
4 precious babies entrusted to Jesse and I. Its our responsibility to teach them about eternity. To teach them that Jesus loves them so very much that he stretched out his hands on the cross and took the punishment for their (and mine, and your) sin. All so that we would have a way to spend all of eternity with Him.
We beg God for the day of our children's salvations. We anticipate eagerly the way God will use each of them in His kingdom, not just as adults but from the moment they ask Him to come and live in their sweet little hearts.
Yes, Lord.
And, so, it makes me wonder. Do you know Him? If you don't know Him, I sure would love to tell you about what He's done for me and in me and through me and with me.
I finished up a Bible study that I was doing through the summer and felt drawn to the book of James as my next study. I love James. Talk about convicting. All that talk about the tongue. Yikes. Its also the book from which my favorite Miss Kim-ism is found: Whats down in the well comes up in the bucket. Yep, James is definitely a doozy. But, I love it. Even when it steps on my toes and brings conviction to my heart. Because, God's Word tells me that he disciplines and rebukes those He loves (Rev. 3:19).
So, with all that being said, I've been study for about a week and have made it all the way to verse 11 in chapter 1. And today, as I read verses 9-11 for the first time, I was like...ummm, okay, soooo.....what do You want me to take away from this??
Funny I should ask.
The Lord started moving my pen across the page of my notebook and pouring out His truth into my heart. The end result? Things are so temporary. We get so wrapped up in our "stuff" that we forget that it ain't goin' with us. But, do you know what is eternal? Well, lots of things, but 4 specific ones are etched onto my heart.
Their names are Ayden Parker, Landon Ryan, Camden Isaiah, and Laney Kate.
4 precious babies entrusted to Jesse and I. Its our responsibility to teach them about eternity. To teach them that Jesus loves them so very much that he stretched out his hands on the cross and took the punishment for their (and mine, and your) sin. All so that we would have a way to spend all of eternity with Him.
We beg God for the day of our children's salvations. We anticipate eagerly the way God will use each of them in His kingdom, not just as adults but from the moment they ask Him to come and live in their sweet little hearts.
Yes, Lord.
And, so, it makes me wonder. Do you know Him? If you don't know Him, I sure would love to tell you about what He's done for me and in me and through me and with me.
Friday, July 13, 2012
To Jesse
10 years ago today I was nervously sitting as my hair was done and makeup was applied...as the white gown went over my head and the veil was clipped to my hair. After waiting for what seemed like to me the longest time ever in all my 19 years, my wedding day had arrived. As the time for the ceremony grew near, the reality of what I was doing became more and more clear; to pledge forever to this man who had captured my heart as a 16 year old girl. Needless to say, I was incredibly nervous.
I shouldn't have been.
Today, Jesse and I are celebrating 10 years of marriage. I'm still trying to figure out how we've had time for an entire decade to pass, but here we are...4 babies and 10 years later...and I'm more in love with my man than ever before.
We've had so many memories together...happy, sad, funny, mad. Jess, remember when ___ spent the night with us and had a tummy ache and what happened then? I'll never forget that...and I wonder if the neighbors ever missed that shovel? Remember when the toilet broke and water started spraying everywhere? Not so funny at the time, but I bet our faces and panic would have been comical to see! When I look back, I remember so many funny things. And, I want to say thank you. Thank you for teaching me that life is fun...funny even, and that my serious self can laugh - at myself or the situation or along with you. We've laughed a lot over the years.
As we talked last night, you told me you were glad it was me. I'm glad, too. Because there isn't anyone else I want to travel this journey with but you. I remember when we found out that Ayden, Landon, Camden, and Laney Kate were each on their way. I remember when each of them arrived. When we brought Ayden home and weren't really sure what we were doing but figured it out together. Then a little brother for him in Landon. Our two surprises, first Camden and then Laney Kate. I couldn't ask for a better Daddy for them. Thank you for loving them.
But, more than anything, thank you for loving the Lord. As we face our future, you encourage me to seek the Lord for myself, but you set an example for me to follow. Your passion for Jesus is the best thing about you. I don't know if I've ever told you this, but one of my favorite things to do is to watch you worship. Your surrender and sincerity and desire to serve and be pleasing to the Lord are evident in your life anyway, but even more so in your worship. I know that worship is a passion we both have and that we both believe worship isn't something we do when we sing, but a lifestyle we live. And you do. Your life is a life of worship. So many times you pray that you would bring honor and glory only to the Lord. And you do.
There are so many things to share...so many things to remember - more than I could ever write about. But, you, Jesse LeRoy Ball are my knight in shining armor, my hero, my very best friend, my confidante, my prayer warrior, and the love of my life. As we continue on this journey together, I can't wait to see what the years hold for us. There's no one I'd rather go with.
I love you.
Cassie
![]()
I shouldn't have been.
Today, Jesse and I are celebrating 10 years of marriage. I'm still trying to figure out how we've had time for an entire decade to pass, but here we are...4 babies and 10 years later...and I'm more in love with my man than ever before.
We've had so many memories together...happy, sad, funny, mad. Jess, remember when ___ spent the night with us and had a tummy ache and what happened then? I'll never forget that...and I wonder if the neighbors ever missed that shovel? Remember when the toilet broke and water started spraying everywhere? Not so funny at the time, but I bet our faces and panic would have been comical to see! When I look back, I remember so many funny things. And, I want to say thank you. Thank you for teaching me that life is fun...funny even, and that my serious self can laugh - at myself or the situation or along with you. We've laughed a lot over the years.
As we talked last night, you told me you were glad it was me. I'm glad, too. Because there isn't anyone else I want to travel this journey with but you. I remember when we found out that Ayden, Landon, Camden, and Laney Kate were each on their way. I remember when each of them arrived. When we brought Ayden home and weren't really sure what we were doing but figured it out together. Then a little brother for him in Landon. Our two surprises, first Camden and then Laney Kate. I couldn't ask for a better Daddy for them. Thank you for loving them.
But, more than anything, thank you for loving the Lord. As we face our future, you encourage me to seek the Lord for myself, but you set an example for me to follow. Your passion for Jesus is the best thing about you. I don't know if I've ever told you this, but one of my favorite things to do is to watch you worship. Your surrender and sincerity and desire to serve and be pleasing to the Lord are evident in your life anyway, but even more so in your worship. I know that worship is a passion we both have and that we both believe worship isn't something we do when we sing, but a lifestyle we live. And you do. Your life is a life of worship. So many times you pray that you would bring honor and glory only to the Lord. And you do.
There are so many things to share...so many things to remember - more than I could ever write about. But, you, Jesse LeRoy Ball are my knight in shining armor, my hero, my very best friend, my confidante, my prayer warrior, and the love of my life. As we continue on this journey together, I can't wait to see what the years hold for us. There's no one I'd rather go with.
I love you.
Cassie
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Happy 3rd Birthday, Camden
Dear Camden,
Today you are three years old!! My goodness! Where has the time gone? I can't believe you are already such a big boy! Today, for the first time, Daddy has to be gone on your birthday. But, Grammy gets to be here with us! We are going to go see Brave for your special day.
The last year has brought two big milestones for you...you are potty trained and you are a big brother. Mama was not looking forward to potty training because, well, both of your big brothers were really hard. And, when we first started, you were NOT excited. You would cry every time I put you on the potty. But after you figured out what you were supposed to do, it was a breeze. I think after about 2 weeks you stopped having accidents completely. Whew! Mama will be forever grateful to you for being so easy. :)
You also became a big brother just 5 weeks ago to little Laney Kate. You have handled it so well. You aren't too jealous of your little sister and you like to love on her with Ayden and Landon. You have this way of rubbing your cheek on her head and looking up at me with the sly little grin that you have...and its sweet and spicy all at the same time! None of you boys like it when she cries, and you'll say something like, "Whatsa matter, sweet girl?" or "Don't cry, baby, don't cry." You are going to be a great big brother!
You love Ayden and Landon, too. Some days you and Landon, especially, fight like cats and dogs, but you really are the best of friends and playmates. We are out of our school time routine now that its summer, but you two spent most mornings playing together while Ayden was at school. You are both very imaginative! You like to reenact movie scenes (go figure!). The most popular is from The Lion King. Landon will stand up on the back of the chair (which is actually against our rules...just sayin') and you will climb below and stretch out your arms. Then Landon will grab your arms with his hands and you'll look up and say, "Scar, brother, help me!" Landon will say, "Nevah!!!" and then throw your arms away from him, just like Scar did to Mufasa when he threw him over the cliff. Then, you'll switch and you will be Scar. It is so funny! But, you'll never do it when I want you to, so not too many people have seen you. You also repeat lines and phrases from other movies....all of you boys most definitely get that trait from your Daddy. He only has to watch a movie once before he's got down all the lines and quotes.
Speaking of Daddy, you are a Daddy's boy! Your favorite time of day is when Daddy gets home from work and gets down in the floor to wrestle with you boys. He just taught you how to do an arm bar...I don't even really know what that means, but Daddy is proud! ;) You like to sit on his lap with your "night-night" at night and snuggle with him. I always joke that you save your limited amount of sweetness each day for your Daddy! You'll be the most ornery little boy I've ever seen all day long, and the minute you see your Daddy you become ooey-gooey sweetness, looking up at him with adoring eyes and telling him you love him and giving him sweet kisses and hugs!
You also like to sing. Sometimes in a sweet voice and sometimes in one thats, well, scary. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Linda are your Sunday School teachers and they sing Jesus Loves Me and Jesus Loves the Little Children with you a lot...so you like those. You also learn songs from Ayden and Landon that they've learned in preschool choir. And, lately, all three of you boys have fallen in love with God's Not Dead by the Newsboys and you sing it nonstop. Grammy has the Newsboys cd, so since she's been here with us, you all three want to listen to it over and over and over every time we are in her van. And you all know the whole song...not to mention a few others that you've picked up from the same cd. It makes my heart happy to hear you sing about Jesus at such a young age.
You are a very smart little boy...sometimes a little too smart for your own good, because you get yourself into trouble. I often say that its a good thing you're so funny, because I'm not sure the two of us would survive one another otherwise. Although, you haven't quite figured out that you can't repeat everything that I say to you....like, its not okay for you to tell me not to sass you...or to point your finger at me. But, just when I think I'm absolutely at the end of my rope with you, you'll do something funny and distract me. Grammy watched all of you boys a couple of weeks ago so I could have a girls' night and you were really acting up. Finally, she told you that if you did ___ again, she was going to spank your bottom and send you to bed....and she meant it! Your response? "Oohh, that's not good." She said she totally cracked up and lost all control. But you are very smart!! You can count to 14, know lots of letters and are learning their sounds, you know your colors and most shapes, right and left, opposites, and you are a puzzle master. You don't particularly like to sit still and read, but every once in a while we get to enjoy a book together.
You L-O-V-E anything that has to do with superheroes...Spiderman, Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, Thor...and others that I don't even know about. You also like Toy Story toys and Thomas the Train toys. You like to dress up in your superhero costumes. Your cowboy boots are an essential part of your everyday wardrobe. You like to eat mac and cheese, pizza, chicken nuggets, and peanut butter and jelly, and all kinds of fruit...but not much else. You love bathtime but do NOT want water in your eyes and cry and call it "the big water" when that happens. You like to help me brush my hair and to wear Daddy's deodorant and cologne. You sometimes fight with your brothers but ask for them when they're not around. You are fearless, yet say that lots of things scare you. You challenge me, drive me wild, make me wonder if we're going to survive until you reach adulthood, and melt me heart with a look, an "I love you," or a kiss. You are all big boy, but you still like to snuggle in your Mama's lap. And that makes your Mama happy.
I don't know what the next year will hold, but I do know that I'm looking forward to how you'll grow and change. I love you so much, little man. Thank you for being you.
Love,
Mama
Today you are three years old!! My goodness! Where has the time gone? I can't believe you are already such a big boy! Today, for the first time, Daddy has to be gone on your birthday. But, Grammy gets to be here with us! We are going to go see Brave for your special day.
The last year has brought two big milestones for you...you are potty trained and you are a big brother. Mama was not looking forward to potty training because, well, both of your big brothers were really hard. And, when we first started, you were NOT excited. You would cry every time I put you on the potty. But after you figured out what you were supposed to do, it was a breeze. I think after about 2 weeks you stopped having accidents completely. Whew! Mama will be forever grateful to you for being so easy. :)
You also became a big brother just 5 weeks ago to little Laney Kate. You have handled it so well. You aren't too jealous of your little sister and you like to love on her with Ayden and Landon. You have this way of rubbing your cheek on her head and looking up at me with the sly little grin that you have...and its sweet and spicy all at the same time! None of you boys like it when she cries, and you'll say something like, "Whatsa matter, sweet girl?" or "Don't cry, baby, don't cry." You are going to be a great big brother!
You love Ayden and Landon, too. Some days you and Landon, especially, fight like cats and dogs, but you really are the best of friends and playmates. We are out of our school time routine now that its summer, but you two spent most mornings playing together while Ayden was at school. You are both very imaginative! You like to reenact movie scenes (go figure!). The most popular is from The Lion King. Landon will stand up on the back of the chair (which is actually against our rules...just sayin') and you will climb below and stretch out your arms. Then Landon will grab your arms with his hands and you'll look up and say, "Scar, brother, help me!" Landon will say, "Nevah!!!" and then throw your arms away from him, just like Scar did to Mufasa when he threw him over the cliff. Then, you'll switch and you will be Scar. It is so funny! But, you'll never do it when I want you to, so not too many people have seen you. You also repeat lines and phrases from other movies....all of you boys most definitely get that trait from your Daddy. He only has to watch a movie once before he's got down all the lines and quotes.
Speaking of Daddy, you are a Daddy's boy! Your favorite time of day is when Daddy gets home from work and gets down in the floor to wrestle with you boys. He just taught you how to do an arm bar...I don't even really know what that means, but Daddy is proud! ;) You like to sit on his lap with your "night-night" at night and snuggle with him. I always joke that you save your limited amount of sweetness each day for your Daddy! You'll be the most ornery little boy I've ever seen all day long, and the minute you see your Daddy you become ooey-gooey sweetness, looking up at him with adoring eyes and telling him you love him and giving him sweet kisses and hugs!
You also like to sing. Sometimes in a sweet voice and sometimes in one thats, well, scary. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Linda are your Sunday School teachers and they sing Jesus Loves Me and Jesus Loves the Little Children with you a lot...so you like those. You also learn songs from Ayden and Landon that they've learned in preschool choir. And, lately, all three of you boys have fallen in love with God's Not Dead by the Newsboys and you sing it nonstop. Grammy has the Newsboys cd, so since she's been here with us, you all three want to listen to it over and over and over every time we are in her van. And you all know the whole song...not to mention a few others that you've picked up from the same cd. It makes my heart happy to hear you sing about Jesus at such a young age.
You are a very smart little boy...sometimes a little too smart for your own good, because you get yourself into trouble. I often say that its a good thing you're so funny, because I'm not sure the two of us would survive one another otherwise. Although, you haven't quite figured out that you can't repeat everything that I say to you....like, its not okay for you to tell me not to sass you...or to point your finger at me. But, just when I think I'm absolutely at the end of my rope with you, you'll do something funny and distract me. Grammy watched all of you boys a couple of weeks ago so I could have a girls' night and you were really acting up. Finally, she told you that if you did ___ again, she was going to spank your bottom and send you to bed....and she meant it! Your response? "Oohh, that's not good." She said she totally cracked up and lost all control. But you are very smart!! You can count to 14, know lots of letters and are learning their sounds, you know your colors and most shapes, right and left, opposites, and you are a puzzle master. You don't particularly like to sit still and read, but every once in a while we get to enjoy a book together.
You L-O-V-E anything that has to do with superheroes...Spiderman, Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, Thor...and others that I don't even know about. You also like Toy Story toys and Thomas the Train toys. You like to dress up in your superhero costumes. Your cowboy boots are an essential part of your everyday wardrobe. You like to eat mac and cheese, pizza, chicken nuggets, and peanut butter and jelly, and all kinds of fruit...but not much else. You love bathtime but do NOT want water in your eyes and cry and call it "the big water" when that happens. You like to help me brush my hair and to wear Daddy's deodorant and cologne. You sometimes fight with your brothers but ask for them when they're not around. You are fearless, yet say that lots of things scare you. You challenge me, drive me wild, make me wonder if we're going to survive until you reach adulthood, and melt me heart with a look, an "I love you," or a kiss. You are all big boy, but you still like to snuggle in your Mama's lap. And that makes your Mama happy.
I don't know what the next year will hold, but I do know that I'm looking forward to how you'll grow and change. I love you so much, little man. Thank you for being you.
Love,
Mama
Thursday, April 26, 2012
When life stings
I have so many things to be thankful for. A wonderful, supportive, loving, kind, compassionate husband who daily reassures me of his love for me and our family and seeks to lead us as God leads him. Three amazing, ornery, smart, and sweet little boys who drive me crazy and challenge me often, but who I love and wouldn't change for the world. A new addition on the way...of the female gender, and who our family can't wait to meet, hold, cuddle, and love.
I have parents, siblings, in laws, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who love and support us and God's call on our family even from a distance. They encourage and pray for us, and we are so thankful. We have students that I think the world of. They rub my belly, stop by our house, and have grown deeper in their faith before our eyes. I have sweeter friendships than I have ever experienced in this life. Godly women who I can laugh and cry with, pray and study with, and enjoy doing life with.
I have a roof over my head, food to eat, money to pay our bills, a car to drive, and clothes to wear (although, admittedly, they are getting a little snug in the belly region...hmmm....wonder why that is?).
When I think about all the good gifts the Lord has given me, it's easy to love Him. To serve Him. To offer Him praise.
But, what about the times when life hurts?
My little sister is suffering with the sudden loss of her father-in-law. My sweet friend is walking through the illness of a grandparent and another of a spouse. I have a heaviness in my own spirit and some things that I am struggling with daily. What about then?
God is teaching me just how much He can teach me during the times when life stings. Its a choice I have...to wallow in self-pity, asking "Why? Why, me? Why now? Why this?" Or, to trust in Him and His plan and His sovereignty, even when I don't understand why.
When I was growing up, I remember hearing about God taking people to the woodshed. I've had a similar experience this week. I'm so thankful that God disciplines those He loves (Rev. 3:19). He revealed to me that I've had the wrong mindset about trials, temptations, and thorns. His Word tells me that if I want to follow Him, I must pick up my cross DAILY (Matt. 16:24). He also promises that His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). He tells me that He knows the plans He has for me (Jer. 29:11) and that He will work all things together for my good (Rom. 8:28). I could go on.
The point is, who would each of us be without the trials, tribulations, and thorns that come into our lives? As a teenager, our family went through a pretty rocky time. Yet, so many times, I've heard my mom say that she is thankful, because it was during that time that Jesus became real to us. Its often at the point where we reach the end of ourselves and have no other option other than to trust in the Lord that He becomes real to us.
I am working my way through the "Brave" Bible study by Angela Thomas, and this week has been all about thorns in life. So, in closing, here are a few things that have really stuck out to me. "Do you need a fresh reminder of God's grace for your thorn? Sufficient means God is enough - not almost enough or barely enough but fully and completely enough. ...God wants us to see His power. He wants us to worship Him as master of every circumstance. He wants us to trust that His power is being perfected through us. ...God is all-powerful, and when He brings His power to your weakness, buckle up. You will see mountains move and hearts of stone made new."
Yes, Lord. Today I choose to walk in Your truth. Even though life stings sometimes.
I have parents, siblings, in laws, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who love and support us and God's call on our family even from a distance. They encourage and pray for us, and we are so thankful. We have students that I think the world of. They rub my belly, stop by our house, and have grown deeper in their faith before our eyes. I have sweeter friendships than I have ever experienced in this life. Godly women who I can laugh and cry with, pray and study with, and enjoy doing life with.
I have a roof over my head, food to eat, money to pay our bills, a car to drive, and clothes to wear (although, admittedly, they are getting a little snug in the belly region...hmmm....wonder why that is?).
When I think about all the good gifts the Lord has given me, it's easy to love Him. To serve Him. To offer Him praise.
But, what about the times when life hurts?
My little sister is suffering with the sudden loss of her father-in-law. My sweet friend is walking through the illness of a grandparent and another of a spouse. I have a heaviness in my own spirit and some things that I am struggling with daily. What about then?
God is teaching me just how much He can teach me during the times when life stings. Its a choice I have...to wallow in self-pity, asking "Why? Why, me? Why now? Why this?" Or, to trust in Him and His plan and His sovereignty, even when I don't understand why.
When I was growing up, I remember hearing about God taking people to the woodshed. I've had a similar experience this week. I'm so thankful that God disciplines those He loves (Rev. 3:19). He revealed to me that I've had the wrong mindset about trials, temptations, and thorns. His Word tells me that if I want to follow Him, I must pick up my cross DAILY (Matt. 16:24). He also promises that His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). He tells me that He knows the plans He has for me (Jer. 29:11) and that He will work all things together for my good (Rom. 8:28). I could go on.
The point is, who would each of us be without the trials, tribulations, and thorns that come into our lives? As a teenager, our family went through a pretty rocky time. Yet, so many times, I've heard my mom say that she is thankful, because it was during that time that Jesus became real to us. Its often at the point where we reach the end of ourselves and have no other option other than to trust in the Lord that He becomes real to us.
I am working my way through the "Brave" Bible study by Angela Thomas, and this week has been all about thorns in life. So, in closing, here are a few things that have really stuck out to me. "Do you need a fresh reminder of God's grace for your thorn? Sufficient means God is enough - not almost enough or barely enough but fully and completely enough. ...God wants us to see His power. He wants us to worship Him as master of every circumstance. He wants us to trust that His power is being perfected through us. ...God is all-powerful, and when He brings His power to your weakness, buckle up. You will see mountains move and hearts of stone made new."
Yes, Lord. Today I choose to walk in Your truth. Even though life stings sometimes.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Because I know you're dying to know...
Today I burned my pregnant belly on the stove as I tried to reach into the cabinet above it for an ingredient I needed for dinner. It really hurt.
Camden's new favorite thing to tell me is that he doesn't love me..."now cry." But, when I pour on the fake tears, he just smiles and laughs and says, "I still don't love you."
Camden does NOT play that game with his daddy, for whom he saves approximately 90% of his love, devotion, kisses, hugs, and sweetness.
I'm not kidding.
But, it makes it extra sweet when I get a little lovin' and I know that little stinker loves his Mama.
Landon, Ayden, and I are going to see Disney on Ice later this week, but at first, Ayden wasn't sure he wanted to attend, because he "rather thought it might have too much drama." His own words, folks.
Landon very proudly sang, "Zaccheus was a wee little man..." to all passerby in Target today. Complete with hand motions. Very endearing, if you ask me.
I had the rudest cashier at Wal-Mart today that I believe I have ever encountered. Ugly words and retorts were bubbling up, but I did not give in. Thanks, Lord.
Landon is now enrolled in preschool. *Sigh* My second baby leaving me for school. *Tear* I am not ready for him to go...but he was ready to stay today!
All three of the boys refused to even taste their dinner tonight. I know, I know....shocker! If it wasn't for those darn "begetables" I insist on putting in everything.
Camden has started answering questions I (or others) ask him, with "Uhh, I guess." Maybe its just me, but its so funny coming from his little 2 year old self...and such a perfect picture of his independent and stubborn personality. He also frequently growls at people....he ranges from being a dinosaur to a monster to a lion and, occasionally something really sweet that would never growl at people in real life.
Ayden's favorite book to read at night is his Bible. Love this! Tonight we read about when God sent fire from heaven to consume Elijah's sacrifice.
Did I mention I burned my belly? That means its too big!!
When Landon gets really mad at one of his brothers, he calls them a baby. Fightin' words, for sure. I think he might have called Camden a baby about 68 times today.
Landon and Camden have become puzzle masters. They play with their puzzles almost as much as they do with their toys during the day.
I am so thankful to be able to spend the days at home with these crazy, wonderful kiddos. I'm glad I'm not missing all these silly and serious and frustrating and overwhelming and sweet and tender moments.
Camden's new favorite thing to tell me is that he doesn't love me..."now cry." But, when I pour on the fake tears, he just smiles and laughs and says, "I still don't love you."
Camden does NOT play that game with his daddy, for whom he saves approximately 90% of his love, devotion, kisses, hugs, and sweetness.
I'm not kidding.
But, it makes it extra sweet when I get a little lovin' and I know that little stinker loves his Mama.
Landon, Ayden, and I are going to see Disney on Ice later this week, but at first, Ayden wasn't sure he wanted to attend, because he "rather thought it might have too much drama." His own words, folks.
Landon very proudly sang, "Zaccheus was a wee little man..." to all passerby in Target today. Complete with hand motions. Very endearing, if you ask me.
I had the rudest cashier at Wal-Mart today that I believe I have ever encountered. Ugly words and retorts were bubbling up, but I did not give in. Thanks, Lord.
Landon is now enrolled in preschool. *Sigh* My second baby leaving me for school. *Tear* I am not ready for him to go...but he was ready to stay today!
All three of the boys refused to even taste their dinner tonight. I know, I know....shocker! If it wasn't for those darn "begetables" I insist on putting in everything.
Camden has started answering questions I (or others) ask him, with "Uhh, I guess." Maybe its just me, but its so funny coming from his little 2 year old self...and such a perfect picture of his independent and stubborn personality. He also frequently growls at people....he ranges from being a dinosaur to a monster to a lion and, occasionally something really sweet that would never growl at people in real life.
Ayden's favorite book to read at night is his Bible. Love this! Tonight we read about when God sent fire from heaven to consume Elijah's sacrifice.
Did I mention I burned my belly? That means its too big!!
When Landon gets really mad at one of his brothers, he calls them a baby. Fightin' words, for sure. I think he might have called Camden a baby about 68 times today.
Landon and Camden have become puzzle masters. They play with their puzzles almost as much as they do with their toys during the day.
I am so thankful to be able to spend the days at home with these crazy, wonderful kiddos. I'm glad I'm not missing all these silly and serious and frustrating and overwhelming and sweet and tender moments.
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