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out of season.

Published by Aubrey

Once again I’ve been introduced to a new “friend” via twitter. We have a common interest in running among other things so we’ve been chatting back and forth a bit. I checked out her blog yesterday titled Fruit in Season. Although I’ve just tuned in to her blog I’m really enjoying it. She has a great series going on right now about friendship, you should check it out. Timely for me as I continue to navigate my way through new making new friends. BUT that is is not what I’m writing about. What caught my attention was the title of the blog…fruit in season. More than that is the verse that goes along with it.

She is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever she does prospers. Psalms 1:3

What I appreciate about this verse is the tree yields fruit in season. Trees do not produce fruit all year long, constantly, never stopping. They do it periodically, at a specific time of the year. There are times of year when the tree is dormant, recovering from producing a great harvest and preparing for the next. There are times when the tree needs pruning to produce a better harvest. I am learning about myself that as much as I would like to produce fruit all year long, never stop, just keep going, going, going. I can’t. It’s not possible. Now I’m not talking about spiritual fruit. We are always called to strive towards producing spiritual fruits through the power of the holy spirit. I’m talking about that feeling when you are “firing all cylinders”. Everything is just clicking, you know?

Well I feel like right now this not a season of fruit in my life. The tree is kind of dormant, maybe even a little pruning going on. I think a time of rest. Which is never fun in the process but always good and necessary in the end and crucial for the next season of fruit. I am learning to be okay with this. I am relishing in the truth that we all go through different seasons of life. Some are hard, some are good, some aren’t really either but just need to happen to get to the next. Whichever it is, He ordained it. His grace is upon me.

So I will wait. Learn. Listen.

And look forward to the next fruit in season.

Why I do it.

Published by Aubrey

photo credit:

Why do you run? I get asked quite often this question. I have lots of reasons why, which some have changed as life has changed…

It makes me a better wife and mother. It is time for me to clear my head. To be alone. To listen to Him and talk to Him and to listen some more. It is a de-stresser for me. A healthy escape if you will, sometimes even for just 30 min will do the trick! I run so I can eat whatever I want. I like to eat. I run because I really do enjoy it. I like the challenge. I like to push myself. I like to sweat and that feeling of being totally exhausted but so energized at the same time at the end of a run. I run because I love to hear my kids ask “How was your run mommy? How many miles did you run?” I run so they can see their mom at a race persevering and not giving up. I love it when they ask if I won the race. They are always so surprised and confused at the same time when I say no. Someday, someday…

These are all reasons I run. But this week I read a new favorite blog of mine (the entire blog is great! check it out!) and she shared a reason why she runs that I have never thought of before but would like to adopt as one of mine as well. Lara at To Overflowing said this about running.

Ultimately, I run for Him. I exercise for Him.

As much as depends upon me, I strengthen this

physical body of mine that He might use it for

as long as He wills. A living sacrifice.

Wow. Isn’t that good? An eternal perspective in running. Yes I want to run for all the perks it brings me but what a motivator to run for Him! So that I can run this crazy race of life with strength and endurance that will take me to the finish. To Him. As Lara mentions, God can use anyone, no matter your physical strength and endurance. He has no limits. But as for me I want to run at my best. And being a runner helps me not just physically but in all aspects of life.

So that is why I do it.

Fill us.

Published by Aubrey

We were created by God to be inhabited by His Spirit. We were not created to be empty. The vacuum in every human life does not yearn to be fixed. It yearns to be filled.

-Beth Moore

I pray, Lord, that you would grant us, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in our inner man, and that Christ would dwell in our hearts through faith. Being rooted and firmly established in love, may we be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of Your love-even though it surpasses knowledge-that we may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Ephesians. 3:16-19

have you ever…

Published by Aubrey

have you ever…

felt overwhelmed by life?

felt amazed how fast the weekends go and then it’s actually Monday again?

experienced how fast the weeks go, that you just aren’t quite ready for a new one start?

just wanted to forget the to do list, the cleaning list, the long list of emails and phone calls to reply to, thank you cards to write, piles of laundry to be done?

just wanted to press pause on life for just one day?

well I have.

and I did for today.

The kids and I went to 100 Acres in downtown Indy. It is a part of the IMA (Indiana Museum of Art). It is 100 acres of woodlands, water, meadows and some randomly placed art exhibits along the way. Basically, it is a really big part with some cool things to climb on. Perfect for us! We had a wonderful time. It was refreshing to break out of the normal routine and just what I needed. I am so thankful for this day I had with my kids. And the many smiles I captured!

every morning.

Published by Aubrey

Each and every morning I sit down at my desk and look at my computer. Right beneath the screen are these words on a little card. I got this from a bible study I did a couple years ago. Each little gem represents one of the kids. I read these words every morning with hope (sometimes desperation) and thankfulness. I surely don’t have it all together when it comes to parenting my little tribe. Who better to ask for wisdom from than the One who knows me and them best? Each day this little card is an invitation from Him to help me in leading the kids throughout the day. I love that the verse says He will give generously, meaning there is no limit. And that He will not find fault in me asking. Sometimes I get a little apprehensive about asking others for parenting advice. I mean they are probably just as screwed up as I am right?! Not to say I don’t ask friends, because I do…plenty:) But I love that He won’t love me any less for messing up, asking for MORE wisdom, once again.

It’s just a good way to start my day.

And to come back to through out the day…again…again..again. C’mon we’ve all had those days. Right?

What keeps you going?

Happy Birthday Mason.

Published by Aubrey

Our 6 year old.

You are smart, sometimes beyond your 6 year old mind.

You are independent, passionate, strong willed, desire fairness in all things.

You are funny, have the best laugh, you light up a room, draw people in.

You are friendly and kind to others.

You are a leader, encourager and learner.

You want to know more, more, more about everything.

You want to be seen as older but still like cuddling up on Mommy’s lap every morning.

And this I absolutely love!

You love Kindergarten, riding your new bike, teaching your sisters new things, playing with your friends.

Above all you love being with your Daddy.

You are our special boy and we are so happy to celebrate you today!

Happy Birthday Mason!

no. is it really ok to say?

Published by Aubrey

Once again I’m trying to find balance and routine as life continues to move on and change. Our weeks look a little different now with Mason in school. And to be honest this little four legged friend, named Obie has caused a little shift in my schedule as well. How and where do I spend my time wisely? What’s best for me and our family? There are so many things I want to do but only so many things I have time and energy for. At least if I want to serve my family well and take care of myself. I’m learning I have limits. Yes, hard for me to acknowledge and admit but true. This is where my pride likes to show it’s ugly face. My days of saying yes to everything, and going 90 mph are coming to a close. No guarantees I won’t revert back in times of weakness (insert grace). I will always be a mover and shaker, multi-tasking and loving it but I am seeing there is wisdom in what I choose to do if I want to be in this game for the long haul.

So how does one do this? Well I am trying to figure that out but I think it has something to do with prayer, grace, and saying no. Praying about things before I saying yes. Praying for wisdom in how I spend my time each day, who I give my time to. Giving grace to myself when I mess up. Asking for God’s grace in this process. Saying no to people that I love or would really like to know. Saying no to people that I don’t want to let down or to people that I want to think well of me. It means saying no to things that I would love to do and be a part of but just can’t.

Ugh. It’s even hard to type. Have you guessed it? I’m a people pleaser. Sigh. It makes this whole thing that much harder.

But I know this is where I am at. What God is clearly showing me.

And it’s time to pull the trigger.

5 things i’m loving about my girls right now…

Published by Aubrey

With Mason being in school I have a lot of extra one on two time with the girls. Just in the two weeks of school being in we’ve already shared some really special times together. Here is what I am loving most about them right now.

Their amazing sense of fashion. Well, okay maybe it’s not what I would pick for them to wear. Actually most days I would never put these outfits together. But they are having fun, loving the independence and enjoying exploring their “fashion diva-ness”.
Their sweet, endearing little comments. They are sensitive little girls that share what’s on their hearts with me quiet often.
Their sense of imagination. Whether they are taking care of their many babies, going on summer vacation or talking to their friends on their phones they are busy little girls. With out Mason here they are loving being the ones “in charge” deciding together what game is being played.
They are silly little girls who love to laugh and dance and just have fun. I am having so much fun with them!
I love that they are enjoying their girl time and having mommy all to themselves but as much as they are enjoying it, they are also always eager for their big brother to come home. This makes me smile:)

in so many words…

Published by Aubrey

(my husband took this awesome photo on his sf trip this past weekend. sweet, huh? the boy has hidden talent everywhere. )

~~~~~~

I was challenged by these words today.

Can’t get them out of my head.

to be clear-headed

disciplined for prayer

keep my love for others at full strength

This is it.

In so many words this about covers it all.

Each and every day He exhorts me to these high callings.

Humbling how far I fall short of these at times.

What kind of wife, mom, friend, daughter, neighbor, sister

would I be if I actually lived these out consistently?

Would there be more patience and peace throughout my day?

Less anxiety and worry about the little things and more focus on the people in my life?

Would my eyes see beyond my own little world?

Maybe I would take God out of the box I so often put in Him.

I know He would blow me away with his grace and goodness if

I just took the first step in embracing these

exhortations as my own.

Yes, that is what I think would happen.

in so many words…

psalm 143

Published by Aubrey

I’ve been working on memorizing Psalm 143 with others at Do Not Depart. Oh what a challenge it is. But a good one! I’m a little behind but I’m pushing my way through and really enjoying it.

This verse gave me a breath of fresh air and encouragement to start my day on the right foot.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go

for to you I lift up my soul.

Psalm 143:8