Be anxious for nothing....

I realized that I haven't updated much on the house, but that doesn't mean that it's taken a back seat in our lives right now.  If anything, it has pushed and shoved it's way to being a major part of our everyday lives. 

So many people had told us that building was going to be a lot of work and a huge undertaking.  Although I listened to what they were saying, I dismissed it by thinking about how Andy and I have similar aesthetics and how we both love looking at houses and have dreamed for a long time about what we wanted.  In fact, we had been working on our house plan with our builder for about 2 years.

But, reality has hit us smack dab in the face.  There are SOOOOO many decisions.  You get to the point sometimes where you want to say, "we don't care."  But, we know that's not true.  We do care, and we will care.  So, I'm trying to realize which items need more attention, and which thing I do need to let go of a little. 

In the first few weeks of the start of our build, I would notice things that weren't done correctly, or at least had just been miscommunicated.  Really, most of the issues were very minor.  But, I would stress about it all weekend (when we usually got out to our property), and worry until Monday when I could clarify things with our builder.  Which always has gone incredibly well by the way.  Every time we have brought a concern or issue to our builder, he has listened and worked with us to figure out a solution that works for all of us.  We have been very pleased with that aspect.

But, in the mean time, decisions continue needing to be made.  It's not just about figuring out what light fixture you want to put over your dining room table (which believe me I agonized over), but it's about choosing a fixture that's in budget, and if you go over budget there, where do you need to cut?  AHHHH!!!!  It can definitely be overwhelming trying to keep everything straight. 

As with everything else, I knew I needed time in the Word, and this afternoon the Lord spoke to me through a very well known verse.  So, I copied it and put it around the house.  I put one copy by my kitchen sink because I'm there all of the time. 

 

I put one next to my bathroom mirror.

 

 

And I put part of it above my laptop, where I get inundated with house e-mails.

 

 

I have known this verse for many years, but I need to be reminded of it in moments when I need to cling to it's truth.

 

There are many more house decisions to come, and I know that we will have to make some compromises, but I pray that in the mean time I will keep my eyes upon the Lord.  I believe God uses all of our situations to teach us, to grow us, to minister to us, and to remind us that He is with us.

 

I don't want to live my life just "getting through" things.  I want to embrace the moment.

 

Andy and I snuck away for a last minute date this weekend, and as we sat on a swing enjoying our time I told Andy that days at home with the kids can be long and hard.  (That part was not news to him)  But, what I want to change is waking up each day and considering "I wonder what part of today is going to be really fun?"  As I'm typing this, I can see how that might sound sarcastic based on my previous sentence, but I'm serious!!!  I want to find fun in each day!  Even if it's as simple as sneaking chocolate chips with the kids when we shouldn't, or having a dance party before we start school, or laughing at Davis when he's making his silly faces.  There is fun to be had in each day.  Some times we just have to look for it.

 

Here's some of our recent fun!  Enjoy! : )

 

Visiting the house...

 

 

Finally getting my green tea crème brulee.  YUM!

I forgot to take a picture before inhaling most of it.  Don't worry, I finished it.  : )

 

Date night

 

Davis loves to bring his "teacher" an apple each week at CC.

 

A friend sent us home with cupcakes and Davis spread it all over his face, so little sister had to copy him.

Loving dressing up and doing school like this.

 

 

 Even girls can be super heroes.  Especially if you have big brothers who like to dress you up.  : )

 

May you find the "fun" in your day, and if you can't find it, make it happen!  : )

 

And remember...

What a week! :)

Andy was only in town for one night this week, but we had a lot of fun activities planned, so to be honest the week flew by.  (In a good way!)

Monday morning we were at CC, and Ellis is becoming such a big girl.  During opening ceremonies, she was playing with a baby.  I can't believe she's not a baby anymore!  Although, I'm pretty sure she'll always be my baby.  :)

 That night Drew had a football game.  It was a beautiful night, and I actually got to watch Drew play quite a bit.  Although apparently I wasn't thinking of taking pictures of the game.  But, I did take pictures of the littles playing on the nearby baseball field, which is why I got to watch so much.

I discovered a recipe that I had tagged and never made, so that was a fun part of my week! : )  I love egg salad and never make it anymore because of the mayonnaise, but this recipe is mayonnaise free!  Confession: I ate it 3 times this week!  I may take a break for a few days, but I loved it.  It's from one of my favorite "clean eating" web-sites Detoxinista.  Click here for the recipe Mayo-free egg salad

These are all of the ingredients you need, and it was a VERY filling salad.  The original recipe calls for it to be wrapped in lettuce leaves, which I may try next time.

Here's my girl helping in the kitchen, which she loves to do. :)

 On Wednesday, we were working on school when UPS made a delivery.  I saw some boxes, so I left them on the porch for awhile, thinking they were lights that we had ordered for the house.  I would have gone running if I realized what they were!

 

It took until picking up my 3rd box, and seeing how light they were for everything to sink in.  Ellis and I had a boot delivery!  (also, my boots were in a big brown box in case you wonder why I couldn't figure that out based on this picture)

 

I'm so excited to have my first pair of Wellies!  Now I'm debating on which size to keep.  The 6's are almost too tight, but the 7's seems pretty loose.  After all of the house decisions lately, I can hardly make any other decisions anymore.  :)  I'm waiting on Andy to get home so that he can help!

Unless any of you own a pair and want to offer me your opinion. :)

 

 

 

That night we headed back to the field for Knox's game.  He did awesome!  Played good on defense pulling some flags and even made a touchdown!

Again, we had another great night of playing in the dirt, and Gigi and Papa were able to come.  Within a few second Ellis was getting all of Gigi's jewelry.  : )

 Lately, the big boys have been sleeping with me when Andy's out of town, but they are so loud when they sleep, that I needed a good night and talked them into sleeping in their own beds.  I must admit, it was a little lonely when I went to sleep, but I did feel more rested the next morning.  :)

Thursday morning we had a field trip to the Governor's Mansion.  I left the littles at home with a sitter (with my friends little who are the same age), and the big boys and I headed off to enjoy the morning.  It was a lot of fun!

 

Our tour guide was great!  She did a good job of engaging the kids and keeping it an appropriate length for the ages that she was speaking with.

 

When we stepped into the dining room I immediately focused on this beautiful chandelier, because this past week I spent so much time choosing lighting for our house.  : ) 

 

It was interesting listening to her share about this silver punch bowl, but my favorite part was when she showed pictures of Governor Scott's 2 grandbabies sitting in it, and 1 grandson standing behind it.  :)

In the library she showed this picture, from a Florida book, of 2 brothers who came to visit the current governor at that time to tell them about a little idea they had for an amusement park.  Their last name?  Disney :)

 

Here's a guest room, where three former presidents have slept.

 

This sunroom was gorgeous, and I couldn't get a good picture to show how bright and light it was.  But, I did get a good picture of the pillows, which I loved the color of.  :)

 

The outdoor space was gorgeous!

 

Mrs. Scott came out and took a picture with our group and was very accommodating to answer many questions.  She was so wonderful with the kids.  My favorite question one little girl asked was "where did you get your necklace?" :)

I enjoyed getting this special time with the big boys!

 

And then last night I had a wonderful time with the ladies who attended bible study!

 

Although it was a great week we can't wait to see daddy when he gets home tonight!

Happy weekend!!!!!

I want more of you God

I heard this song on our Pandora the other day and all I remember is how it kept saying over and over again....."I want more of you God".  That is my prayer.  In that moment, I stopped what I was doing, went into my bedroom, lay prostrate before the Lord and began singing this song.  I truly desire to have more of Him in my life, in my heart, in my words, in my everything!

I specifically remember years ago, when I taught at a local Christian school, our headmaster was sharing something with us.  I don't remember all that he said, but I do remember him mentioning laying prostrate before the Lord that morning praying.  It struck me, that this man, who I admired and respected, would be open enough with all of us to share something so intimate about his time with the Lord. 

I just was listening to a sermon the other day and the pastor was mentioning prayer.  He said, "why do we think that we are always to bow our heads, fold our hands, and close our eyes in order to pray?"  I know one reason.  As a mom of 4 little ones it helps everyone stay on the task at hand.  :)  But, I love that he pointed this out to me.  So as I "lay" the other morning, I felt this overwhelming feeling of complete submission to my Father.  Honestly, at first it felt a little weird, but it quickly changed.  As I lay there praying "I want more of you God", I felt like I was giving Him everything I had. 

I thought this picture was sweet, showing a little boy imitating another laying prostrate.  (FYI: I wondered why, when I searched for pictures of laying prostrate I saw so many pictures of priests.  This is what I found out:  It symbolizes his unworthiness for the office to be assumed and his dependence upon God and the prayers of the entire Christian community to be successful in his new ministry.  I thought that was very interesting and important to share.)

 

This picture made me think about my mothering, which I do often. (understatement!) I constantly grade myself on the job I'm doing.  So often the grade I give myself is based on my kids behavior.  And so often I feel like I'm failing because inevitably one of the kids seems to be struggling in any given moment.  But, aren't we all sinners?  Who amongst us is perfect?  I know I'm not!  But, how often do I give grace? (to them or myself!)

 

I want my kids to grow up knowing their need for Jesus!  I don't want to try to make them into these perfect little humans who think they can do it on their own.  Yet, that's what I find myself trying to do.

 

As this boy is imitating this man, I find my kids imitating me.  Sometimes it's a blessing, but many times it points out my struggles and sins.

 

"Don't talk like that to your brother!"

But, I remember how I spoke to them.

 

"You need to have a happy heart."

But, I pass the mirror and notice my lack of smile.

 

*Here's a favorite

"Do everything without complaining or disputing." (Phil 2:14)

But, I remember complaining about how much I have to do this week.

 

The list could go on and on.  I always say that I used to think I was a pretty good Christian, but then I had children and more than ever God has helped to reveal my need for Him.

 

John 15:5 says, "I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

 

Nothing!  Oh, what a strong word.  But, how true it is.  The days I don't find time to spend with the Lord I feel like I have nothing to give.  I may start out the day okay, but by breakfast :) "I" am running out.  So "I" get to the end of myself, and need "HIM".

 

I really do want more of God, because I find such joy and peace and rest in Him.  The more I fill with Him, the more I want of Him.

 

Today, a dear friend took my 3 boys home with her for this afternoon so that I could do any last minute things I needed to get done in order to host a bible study at my house tonight.

 

I'm sure that there are areas that could be cleaner and places that could be more organized.  In fact, as I type that I am tempted to get up and begin on Ellis's kitchen which is right in my line of sight.  :)

 

But, all I wanted to do was get into the Word.  I opened up to one of my favorite books, Philippians, and began to read.  Just a side note here....I have had seasons where it felt like drudgery to open my Bible, and I really didn't crave it, but can I encourage you just to open it?  The desire will come as you see how ALIVE the Bible is.  It may have been written in the past, but it will speak to your current situation today.

 

So as I was reading Philippians, the urgency, stress, overwhelming feelings I've had began to leave and were replaced with words I can cling to.  I wrote some down, re-read some over and over, and praised God for a friend who gave me this unexpected time.

 

As I welcome ladies into my home tonight, I am excited that I had time to fill with Him.  Whether my house looks perfect, my soul has been restored.

 

"The Lord is my shepherd:

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul...."

Psalm 23:1-3a

May you consider praying in a different way.  Whether it's standing with your hands lifted high, kneeling beside your bed, or laying prostrate before Him....may you feel His presence and His never-ending love.

A perfect weekend....and then a bump

This weekend was wonderful!  It was beautiful fall weather, we had a lot of family time, Andy and I had a date night, and I even got some fun time with a girlfriend. 

Friday night Andy and I headed out for a date.  We had the best time!  We had sushi, which I have never ordered.  I've only had a piece or two of Andy's here and there.  Now all I can think about is that spicy tuna roll and how delicious it was! 

 

The only downer of the night is that since I'm on my no sugar week, I couldn't have my favorite dessert at this restaurant, green tea crème brulee. :(

 

We looked at movies, but didn't see anything that was too appealing.  After driving around for a few minutes, we decided that it would be fun to grab some beverages and head out to our property to hang out and enjoy the beautiful weather.  We had the best time!  We set up our lawn chairs on the future screen porch.  Andy turned on his iTunes and we just enjoyed being together.  Sometimes we were talking and sharing and other times we were just sitting and enjoying the comfortable silence.

 

 

At one point we saw a car coming, and since I've been concerned that there might be headlights in our future bedroom windows we took off running to be able to see where the lights hit the house.  It was quite interesting, since it was so dark.  I fumbled to turn on my phone flashlight and ran as fast as I could in my wedges.  I made it safely, just in the nick of time to see that I had nothing to worry about with headlights in our windows. 

  

I just have to add that for whatever reason, I felt like we were dating again.  I think because sitting on our "not yet finished porch" we were dreaming about the future. We used to do that all of the time when we were dating.  I remember being giddy thinking about what married life would be like...decorating our house, being together (especially since we lived in separate cities until we were married), lazing around, cooking dinners, finding other young married couples to hang out with.  I'm not sure when things changed, but eventually some of the things I was so excited about became mundane and ordinary every day life.  There's something exciting to me about the future and the unknown.  I can't wait to see what life will really be like once we move into this house, but for right now I'm holding on to and enjoying the dreams of what's to come.

 

Saturday morning we were off and running to football.  Knox and Drew both had their first games and again it was perfect fall, football weather.

 

After football, we headed home to watch the Gators.  I half watched the game and half worked on lighting choices for the house.  : )   My favorite part of the game was sitting in my chair cuddling with the boys.  It was a perfect cuddling afternoon.

 

Saturday afternoon I got some fun time with a girlfriend.  We shopped, talked, and ate.  Pretty perfect.  : )

 

Sunday was filled with church, Target (just the girls), a visit to the house, and Sonny's.

 

Target was for a very important reason.  Someone in our house is doing really well with the potty, so we thought it was time to go get her some big girl underwear.  There were so many choices, but she finally narrowed it down. 

 

 

WINNER! 

 (only because they were out of Doc McStuffins)

 

After a weekend like this my spirit is happy.  As I woke this morning, I was ready for the day....ready for the week!  I needed this time of enjoying my family.

 

I've always felt like in the past when things get hard and I feel like I can't do one more day, minute, hour in my current state, God takes a moment to remind me of my many blessings and lightens the load through help, fun moments, or just a glimmer of hope.

 

This morning at our homeschool co-op I shared Matthew 6:11 for our opening.

 

"Give us this day, our daily bread."

 

I need to remember that He will give us what we need in each moment, in each day.  Ultimately, the Lord is our bread.  He is what I need.  And, I need Him every single day.  There is no loading up on prayer or the Bible to get me through the days, or weeks, or months ahead.  I need time with Him each and every day, and on the days I don't make time for Him I feel the difference.

 

Today something happened that dampened my spirits.  I can't believe that after this incredible weekend, I was brought back to earth.  But, I know that The Lord is there, and that I can talk to Him whether I'm praising Him for a great weekend, or talking to Him about a hurting heart.  He is there to listen, He is there to direct me, and He is there....for everything!

 

I don't want my joy to be based on circumstances, but rather on who He is and who I am as His daughter.  May the bumps in life not take away the joy He has given me. :)

Glass half full...

I feel like many times I tend to focus on the negatives.  I get so caught up in what's not going well, that I miss the blessings that are present in each day.

Going in to this week, I knew I wanted to embrace it fully!  Andy only had 1 day of travel scheduled and compared to his recent schedule, that was something to celebrate!  Monday night when he got home he shared that his Tuesday travel had just been cancelled.  It wasn't good on his work end since he had things to accomplish, so I tried not to jump up and down and shout hooray! (too loudly) :)

Since he was home, and we heard a bad sound from our car on the way home from Disney, we figured we should go ahead and take it in Tuesday morning and get it taken care of.  We never thought it would take most of the week and that Andy wouldn't be picking it up until late Thursday night.  Just an FYI...it was ready by closing, but Andy had a work event to attend first.  :) 

Soooo.....when they called Tuesday to let us know what the issues were and how much it would probably cost, I didn't even care!  That has hardly EVER been the case.  In fact, there have been times when I have asked Andy not to tell me what things cost because I can get stressed out!  But, this time when he told me, my immediate thought and response was, "thank goodness this happened on a week you are in town."  And the only week he is in town for several weeks to come.  Just look at our calendar...

 

All of those arrows represent Andy's travel, and you can barely see where this first week of October his travel was scratched through as it changed from 3 days of travel to 1 to none.  :)

 

The story doesn't end there.  On Wednesday, Andy called to let me know that the auto shop said one of our parts didn't come on the truck, so it would be a whole nother day.  Again, "Praise God, that it was a week Andy was in town."

 

Then when the auto place called at the end of the day yesterday and I realized I had to answer because Andy was at his event, I didn't stress out.  I just have to add here, that the person calling is the wife of our mechanic who we go to church with, and she sent me a text telling me that "my man was ready".  Within a few seconds I got another text saying "van".  By the time I talked with her she answered the phone laughing that she had "my man" ready.  :)  Anyway, she gave me the amount and it was even more than we thought because of some other issues.  I am telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth that I did not blink and eye and just gave my credit card and told her what a praise it was that Andy was in town this week so that our van could be fixed.

 

Once I started praising Him for this, my thoughts kept going.  "Thank you Lord that you kept us safe traveling this weekend with these car issues.  Thank you Lord that even in the midst of things on our calendar this week, we were able to work out rides to and from important events.  Thank you Lord that we could afford to fix our car.  Thank you Lord for giving me this perspective of thankfulness and not getting caught up in the negatives."

 

I found that it's so easy to start thanking Him when you start.  I hope to remember to live each day like this.  I know there will be days that bring me down, and circumstances that are difficult, but I find when I focus on the blessings my spirit is light and my joy is real.

 

I know I am always sharing songs, and I don't know if any of you listen to them, but I just connect so much through music.  Some people like styles of music, but I LOVE lyrics.  If I don't connect with the words I have a hard time connecting with a song.  This is a song I used to listen to in college called Praise the King.  When I found it last night and listened to it, it was like going back in time.  For those of you who listen, I hope you enjoy.  :)

 

 
Also, in our house this week, we praised God that this boy lost his first tooth.  He can finally eat again.  :)  He was very worried that food was going to make his loose tooth fall out, so he was being very cautious with what he ate.  I still don't quite understand all of the details, but apparently it fell out in the middle of the night, he found it, and put it in a container to show us in the morning.  What a boy.  :)

 

While I'm at it, another praise has been the house.  It's definitely been overwhelming with the many decisions and necessary communication with so many people, but lately we have had some wonderful meetings with our builder and supervisor and are thrilled with the progress made thus far.  Yesterday, we even got to sign our house!  We were signing off paint colors, but still, it made it feel even more like our future home with our names on it.  :)

 

 

I need to do an update on the house soon, but here's a picture of us driving up to it yesterday.  This is from the main entrance of our neighborhood.

 

 

One more praise.  See, I'm telling you, once you start, it's hard to stop!

We had one sick little girl yesterday.

She hadn't eaten barely anything, threw up, had a fever, and laid around.

 

When she woke up today she seemed completely fine!  We prayed for her yesterday, and when I was changing her diaper, I told her how happy I was that Jesus healed her.  I turned around and saw Davis standing there and he told me how happy he was that Jesus healed Ellie.  What a good reminder to me that little ears are always listening.  It not only helps me want to guard my mouth more, but to speak His praises OUT LOUD!

 

May you find many things to praise the Lord for today!

I am not ashamed...am I?

Monday night at our apologetics class our teacher mentioned that we should really read Romans.  Then he mentioned a few other books, and then he laughed and said...well, of course you should just read the entire bible.  : ) 

So yesterday I opened to Romans and began to read, and when I got to verse 16 of chapter 1, I stopped because it really struck me.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,

for the Jew first and also for the Greek."

 

It really made me pause.  I am not ashamed!  Yet, I find myself in situations where I hold back.  For example, this weekend at Disney we were paired with another family.  While I was sitting out a big kid ride with Davis, I had an opportunity to hang out with the Grandma in this family who was sitting out with their little girl.  Now, the weather this past weekend was very iffy, and recently one of my boys has developed a huge fear of storms.  So he kept checking the sky, saying he wanted to go inside, and crying off and on.  I kept telling him over and over again "Fear is not of the Lord".  So as I'm visiting with this Grandma and talking about it, I almost shared that, but then I held back.  I don't know exactly why, but I do know that the thought crossed my mind that I didn't want to be the cause of awkward silence if she didn't know how to respond.  Then later in our conversation she mentioned God being good, and it's like the floodgates opened and I started sharing unabashedly with her about different things.

 

I've always known I struggle with being a people pleaser.  I don't like it when I think others are upset with me, or even that others don't like me.  But, in life there are going to be situations where that may take place. 

 

Recently, I'm really focusing on trying to please God and not others.  I don't like rejection!  But, I'm realizing that if I share Jesus with someone, they may not accept Him, and if they reject me in the process, it's not personal.  Rejection can come in many forms.  It's not necessarily someone screaming in your face to get away from them, it can be as simple as feeling like others may be avoiding you, or not choosing you to talk with or hang out with.  No matter the form, rejection doesn't feel great, but I am trying to remember that we are talking about someone's eternity! 

 

When I was little I was a great evangelist. :) I remember gathering up the neighborhood dogs and telling them Bible stories.  : )  I also remember being burdened for a family member and drawing a picture and sending a letter with it to them telling them about Heaven.  As a child I wasn't afraid of what others thought.  I just wanted to make sure that those I cared about would be in Heaven with me. 

 

So no, I am not ashamed of Christ and what He has done for me, but why do I still hold back?  Fear.  I need to remember what I am always telling my son with the storms....Fear is not of the Lord.  So, I am praying for boldness.  Boldness to share with those around me.  Boldness to speak up when it's uncomfortable.  Boldness to say the name of Jesus anytime, anywhere.  Boldness to lead someone to Christ.  As I just typed that my soul leapt with joy at the very thought of it!

 

As I was thinking about this topic, I thought about the Auca Indian Missionaries who gave their lives for the Gospel.  Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian were young men when they went to minister to this tribe.  Jim Elliot wrote one of my favorite sayings of all time...

 

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose."

 

These men gave their lives.  What am I willing to give?

 

If you have never watched their story, I hope you will take a few minutes to watch the video clip below to witness this amazing testimony of so many God followers.

 

(FYI...It does not show any gruesome pictures, but it does show some clips of discovering the men after they were killed.)

 

 

I read somewhere that God could have brought salvation another way.  He could have allowed angles to tell us about Him, yet we get the honor of telling others about His great love, and we get to experience the joy and celebration that follows as we witness others coming to know Him.

 

May your eyes be opened to see those around you hungry for His love.  And may we all be bold enough to share. :)