Been doing a little crafting over here. All of these projects were found on pinterest. I made soap dispensers from mason jars, a clip board for myself and my own apothecary jar out of some random glass jars from Goodwill. It’s always a good thing to get the creative juices going! What have you been creating these days?
I was driving home from the airport. I was ready to exit the freeway and I saw her standing on the corner. She was young and pretty but had a look of defeat in eyes. Her sign said she was she had “lost everything, anything would help. Thank you and God bless”. But there were two other words that caught my eye and then I couldn’t look away.
Single mother.
Instantly, I felt connected to her in some small way. My heart broke for her. I don’t know how she got to this place in her life where she is standing on the street corner. Maybe it was bad choices, maybe it was just how life played out for her. But I didn’t really think about that. I imagined myself in her shoes, how humbling to be standing on a street corner asking others to provide for you and your family. I know as a mom you will do anything for your kids. I saw her doing that.
I didn’t have anything with me. No money. No food. I had to drive away with only giving her a smile. As I drove off, I looked in my rear view mirror and I saw her drop her head and her sign in defeat. And I knew I wanted to help. I came home and gathered some food, some other necessities and some kids books. I invited Mason to come along with me. We prayed for her the whole time as we traveled back. Thankfully she was still there when we returned. I smiled and asked her name. She told me Tisha and her son’s name is Jacob. She said he loves to read and will be so excited for the books. I told her I would be praying for her. The light turned green but I just wanted to keep talking. She walked away with a big smile on her face. There wasn’t a look of defeat anymore but a glimmer of hope. I smile and waved and we drove off. It was just a 60 second interaction but it gripped me. We prayed again for them, this time by name. With tears dripping down my face I thanked God for giving me the opportunity to share His love with Tisha and Jacob. And I thanked Him for helping me look beyond myself and my agenda to serve someone outside of my little world. Because many times I am so wrapped up in “me” I don’t see others as He does.
This is not to put a spotlight on myself but more of a reminder that we all can have things happen outside of our control and we end up in a hard place. At one time or another we may find ourselves in a situation where we need others to get to a better place. Maybe not standing on a street corner but help in another way. Maybe it’s our friends that need a meal, an errand ran, a ride somewhere or a break from their kids. Let’s keep our eyes open to who we can help. We aren’t called to do this life alone but we are called to live life together. Good or bad. Friend or stranger.
We are called to live His love out.
1. We have a weekend guest. She was a student at UCLA when we were doing ministry there. She is way more than a former student now. Robin is a wonderful friend that we have kept in contact with over the last 8 years. We are so excited to share life with her for the next couple days. We have plans to craft, run, cook, play and chit chat. Sounds perfect!
2. As I mentioned last week, Mase got baptized last Saturday. It was so awesome to hear his testimony video. My favorite quote of his:
“I want everyone to know that even though I am a little kid I can make a big decision like this.”
It was a proud moment for us as parents.
3. We have 10 days left of school and then summer starts! Woo hoo! I’m ready and excited. But also the thought of having all day long to fill with activities to keep little minds and bodies busy it a little overwhelming. I want a mix of structure and lazy summer days. So I’m trying to come up with a plan of things we can do. Hopefully we’ll find a balance that will keep the majority of us mostly happy most of the time. Not aiming for perfection here:)
4. So I booked a ticket to Kona, Hawaii for October. My brother qualified for the Kona Ironman. My parents are graciously flying me out to be there for the whole deal. This will be his third ironman but my first time seeing him compete in one. I’m really excited to be there for him. I’ve always enjoyed watching this Ironman on tv and now I get to see my brother do it! And, hello? I am going to Hawaii!
5. This little project has been on my list for awhile and Robin and I are making these this weekend. Can’t wait!
Source: whattopin.com via Rennaye on Pinterest
I often start my morning running in darkness. Only some street lamps and the moon shining. If I am lucky I can see the stars twinkling high above. I have come to really love this morning time. It’s quiet. Really the only quiet time of my whole day. I soak it in. I think, I plan, I dream, I talk to him and he listens. And I listen in the silence. It is more than a run in the darkness. It’s my time. Just a sliver of the day that it’s just me and him before the rest of my world awakes. Oh it’s so good.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of wintesses , let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so close, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews12:1-2
Yesterday I wasn’t feeling well, so I found a spot on the couch and hung out there for a bit. I was quite amazed impressed what happened when I sat on the sidelines for a bit. Within a couple of hours I could barely see the floor as most of the game closet had been emptied out, one tv show had easily run into two and three but no one was watching it. A box of Cheez-its was consumed straight out of the box and the crumbs on the floor were proof, along with plates filled with Ranch for dipping veggies in on the table. There was a jump rope hanging from the ceiling fan and another one wrapped around one of the kitchen table chairs. Not bad, huh?
Now none of this is bad in itself. I was thankful I was able to have a couple of hours to rest, in spite of what of the house looked like at the end. But what struck me was that being a mom is an active role. It’s not a game that you can sit back and watch from the sidelines. You gotta get in there and do it to make a difference. These little ones need our guidance, correction and direction. I’m talking more than just how to keep a semi-cleaned house, but through the ins and outs their everyday lives.
I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes it all gets a little too overwhelming and I zone out to all the chaos. I check my phone, flip open my computer, keep myself moving with unnecessary busyness because I don’t want to engage.
But when I do that I realize I’m missing out. I miss out on their silly games, their crazy questions and seeing what next thing their imagination will come up with. I miss out hearing from their hearts, what they are feeling and thinking. I may miss out on an opportunity to speak truth and love into their lives. I don’t want to miss out. I don’t want to be on sidelines, but engaged in this crazy game of life with them.
Now I know we all need a break. It’s ok to give ourselves “time outs” throughout the day Escape away to your closet or bathroom to collect your thoughts, scream a silent scream or soak in a bit of silence. Maybe for you it’s setting aside a time each day that is yours. I attempt (all 3 are early risers here) to start my day before my kids to get some “me” time in. It’s hard but it helps and is so worth it. My days are better when I start my day alone with Him in a quiet house. I am able to stick through the day longer, fully engaged when I am filled up first. I have mentioned it many time before but I have joined the Hello Mornings Challenge to help keep me accountable to starting my day right. I have recently been asked to be a part of the Hello Mornings team! I am so excited to join this amazing team because Hello Mornings has really changed my life. Registration for the summer session has just opened. I highly encourage you to check it out!
Our little ones are looking to us. Oh Lord, help us to be there for them, fully engaged. Let us not take a backseat role or stand on the sidelines. Let’s get in the game.
This weekend I attended an in(RL) meet up organized through (in)courage.
And. It. Was. Awesome.
I’ve “met” a lot of people online via my blog, twitter, facebook and instagram. I know there are skeptics out there and truth be told I used to be one of those but I have made friends through social media. Real, true friends. Some of them have become really good friends who I share daily life with. They pray for me, encourage me and laugh with me through the daily happenings of being a mom. I got to meet some of those friends in real life on Saturday. It was so fun to see their faces and hear their voices for the first time but already kind of know them! Strange and fun all at the same time. There were 10 of us “mom bloggers” gathered together to meet, share our stories, encourage one another and learn from one another. I loved it. I could have sat there all day and just talked and listened. I was so energized by our meeting. I loved being with like minded people, sharing our passions and inspirations and dreaming together.
I am thankful for this opportunity to make new friends and excited to see what will come next!
1. 
Please excuse the low quality of this picture but I had to capture what the girls have been into lately. Doing hair. They will do anyones hair that will let them, including Brian and Mason. Most of the time their customers are their babies. I have caught them more than one time with scissors. Little stinkers. This day I was their willing participant. They combed and sprayed, used their straightener and blow dryer and low and behold I ended up with 50+ barrettes in my hair. They were so proud. So if you are looking for new hair dressers these cuties are paid in gum.
2. I wiped down my kitchen and dining room floors today. Like, really cleaned them good along with kitchen cabinets. I tell you this because sadly enough this rarely happens. I figure the dirt is the same color as the wood floors so you really can’t see how disgusting they are. But it just got to a point where it needed to be done. The kids were outside playing so the window was open, I had to take my chance. Now, I sit and admire the clean floors and the fresh smell of Murphy’s Oil Soap….and I wait for the first spill to happen. For when you clean your floors it is a guarantee that there will be a major spill of something sticky. Probably another reason why I don’t clean the floors often.
3. Last Sunday I brought the kids into “big church” for the worship part. We attend a bigger church so worship each week is like a mini concert. I love it. So did the kids. We sat in the balcony so they could get the whole view. It was awesome to watch the kids faces and worship with them by my side. It was a perfect way to start my week.
4. Update on my training: I ran 16 miles last weekend and felt great. I’m really pleased with how my training is going. June 17 is quickly approaching but I’m confident I will be ready when the time comes! I am so excited to run the streets of my hometown. So any of you local Canton people if you want to be a part of the marathon experience and see me running along way check out the route online at canton marathon.
5. The highlight of our weekend will be tomorrow night. Mason is getting baptized! I am so proud of him for coming to the decision on his own. Last week they videoed part of his testimony, which I haven’t see. I am looking forward to seeing and hearing his little heart. He gets it, he really does. And I’m still amazed how God is working in and through him at such a young age. So cool.
happy weekend!
Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week at Mason’s school. Two weeks later is the last week of school so I’ve been gathering some ideas to celebrate Mason’s teacher. She is a winner and was a perfect teacher for Mason’s first year at school.
Here are some things I’ve found…
Source: littlepumpkingrace.blogspot.com via Aubrey on Pinterest
Source: skiptomylou.org via Aubrey on Pinterest
Source: oursevendwarfs.com via Stacey on Pinterest
Source: impressyourkids.org via Melody on Pinterest
The job description of a parent is tiring, nerve wracking and a crazy maker at times. But when done intentionally, with hope, purpose and with direction from the One who gave these little ones to us it makes sense. Wow, there is no better job. There will come a time when you will quickly forget the tiredness, the mind boggling situations you found yourself in and the crazy kinda fades away. It is the hardest and most satisfying job all wrapped up in one. Go after it. They are waiting for you.
Have you ever had that feeling when you feel like something new is about to happen in your life? You aren’t sure what. You can’t quite put your finger on it but you can sense there is a change in the future. It’s a good feeling. It’s an exciting feeling that gives you butterflies in your stomach. But still it leaves you guessing….what is this?
I’m hesitant to say it but I have that feeling. Just this sense that God has something new in store for me. I don’t want this means but I’m ready. A little nervous but I’m ready to put my heart out there. With open hands I look to the One who already knows. To the One who will take me there, who will show me and guide with every step. He knows my heart, my passion. He knows me.
So we’ll see. But I’m ready.
What are you passionate about? Are you waiting to see how God will use it? Are you ready?
