Mr. Sun...

Today was GORGEOUS outside!
I decided me and the kids needed to get outside and into some fresh air. So instead of shoving them into the stroller and dealing with crankiness - we left it behind and embarked on the slowest walk ever. Sophie had to stop and touch everything and Connor wanted to splash in all the puddles. But it didn't matter. The sun shone down on me warming me from head to toe, and I thought "let's just enjoy this". So we did. Although it was warm, my kids were bundled up as they are still carrying a bad coughs and runny noses, but they didn't seem to notice.
It was fun...it's been awhile since we have had "fun" outside...thank the Lord for chinooks! :)

Be of good cheer!

"Let us not become weary in doing good,for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up!"
Galatians 6:9


Things are back in full swing in this small town. Holidays are over and my routine is back to normal. Isn't it wonderful to have groups that you are a part of? I'm so thankful for the mom's groups I attend/ed and for the women in each of them. Without knowing it, they have inspired and encouraged me in so many ways, I couldn't possibly capture them all in this post.
Lately, the posts/comments I have been reading from moms in my community, seem to be about feelings of inadequacy, boredom, loneliness and striving to be better. I SO get that. It hits all of us - at times more than just one or two days a week - but take heart dear sisters! This is part of it! My mom has told me of so many times when she felt she did "wrong by us" or perhaps wasn't as "fun" as she thought she had to be...but I don't remember that. Sure I can recall certain instances when I disobeyed or acted defiantly and was reprimanded; but I can see now why punishment was given. I can see now why she NEEDED her time alone, or time to clean, or time to rest. As a kid I didn't get it, but I do now and I love her for taking that time. She showed and modeled for me how vital it is for a mother to have needs of her own.

Don't give up! The days WILL be hard, the battles long and the insecurities on the rise, but please don't give up. Be encouraged in the Word, in relationships and in the Lord. He is our strength and the source of our power.
And by all means, continue to post about it. Your struggles can be comfort to those who are also having a bad day and strength to those who know they are not alone.
Today was a good day for me and so I mean to encourage any who might read this. Tomorrow may be rough, and I will need the encouragement from others - thats a great gift that we moms have to give. Our experience, our struggles, what works, what doesn't...you never know who might be reading...

I am resolved!

Do you know that old hymn?

"I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world's delight.
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.

I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.`

Great song so full of truth and old time wisdom. We sang it alot at the first college I went to. (the VERY conservative college)

But it strikes me now because I have finally decided on resolutions for this year. I like to make a New Years decision, but I don't treat it as seriously as some - although it is good to set goals for onself. So each year I come up with a physical and spiritual resolution...and this year I'm adding marital.

1. Physically: well here's where I get to share some news. We are expecting our 3rd child in July (YAY), so because this will be my last (planned) pregnancy, I want to enjoy being pregnant without all the stress about weight gain and complaining about comfort. I want to be healthy and fit, but I also want to enjoy eating chocolate and whatever else I want (within reason). :) And I`m very excited as well! :)
2. Spiritually: I`ve been challenged lately to work on my prayer life. I`d like to spend quality time in prayer each day for loved ones, missionaries and our future as a family. My whole life I`ve been prayed for diligently by grandparents, parents, church members and people that barely know me. I want to give back some of what has been so graciously bestowed on me.
3. Maritally: This year one of the areas I desperately want to challenge myself in is patience...and that starts with my husband. It seems I can hold it together through disobedience, tantrums, screaming and clutter, but I have no tolerance for him somedays. That needs to change, and I`m hoping that this year (along with many other qualities I could improve on) that I can show more patience for Dave.

I have alot more I could work on I know, but I am resolved in these 3 areas and I encourage you to hold me accountable. My goals for this year can be easily achieved and I pray that I can find the motivation each day to work on myself, my marriage and my time in prayer.

Not wrong - just different

He likes Colgate.
I like Crest.

He likes onions, mushrooms and spicy food.
I like grilled cheese.

He likes winter...actually LIKES it!
I do not.

He can be irritating and insensitive.
I combat this with nagging and arguments.

He can get away with wearing stripes.
Me? Not so much.

He's always ready with hugs.
I'm better with words.

He's handy and clever.
I'm a sarcastic disaster.

When times get tough, het gets quiet.
Meanwhile, I can't stop talking

But it works.
Him and me. We work.
Why? Because we CHOOSE to. Today I chose to love...I don't always feel like it, it doesn't always come easy, but it's my choice. From now until there is no now, I will love - overcoming our gender and personal differences...love will be our home!

...and then there was one...

My son is spending a couple nights away and I just have my Soph while he's gone. We are having so much fun just the two of us and I'm learning more about her one-on-one.
I forget how nice it was with one. Although when I only had one, it still seemed like a lot, but now it is a luxury. I'd like to make time with my kids "one-on-one" as they get older too. Even if it's only for an afternoon every few months, I think it helps to get to know them away from the busyness of family, friends and regular craziness.
So I'm enjoying time with my sweet little lamb, while also missing my boy, but it is a good healthy break and I am loving it! :)

Congratulations Dave!

Today he took his last exam and now he is DONE with school!
Thats right...I`m married to a journeyman. Of course it`s not official or anything yet, but it`s still just as true.
He did in 2 years what most do in 4, and though at times it was a struggle (financially, mentally,etc.) I couldn`t be more proud of him today!

Dave:
Thanks for staying focused.
Thanks for being studious.
Thanks for making us a priority amongst all the studying and projects.
Thanks for providing a better income for us and better job opportunities for you.
Thanks for still bringing me flowers when money was tight.
Thanks for the times when you came home early.
Thanks for being the love of my life and my best friend.
Thanks.

Church contentment...

In the small town where we live there are 9 churches. NINE. So naturally there is some subtle/sometimes not so subtle competition between them. When my husband and I decided to find a church we took our time and toured almost all the churches in the area. They all had good points, but we never felt at home until we went to Mt. Olive. Now we have friends at many other churches in town, and that (to some) would have been a good reason to go somewhere else, but we "fit" this church the best. The worship style, the preaching and the multitude of young families convinced us even further.
Of course like ANY church, there are pros and cons, church politics, and cliques of people that have been attending there forever...but we saw past that and chose to make it "our church".
Recently there has been conversations that have been rather derogatory towards my church and I hate that. Perhaps it comes from a background of being a pastors daughter that I feel this need to defend my church and pastor, but why is it that in a group of believers, we choose to "nit-pick" over place of worship, instead of just rejoice that friends are being fed by the Word??
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but please don't speak badly to me about the place where I go and meet with Jesus twice or three times a week! How mean spirited to assume that because things are done differently, they are done wrong or without spiritual merit. To conclude that this church is "not serious about Jesus" enough for you, perhaps just means you are looking more at the congregation lifestyle, than that of the message being given. Are we not all sinners making mistakes? Isn't church about being able to accept people as they are and show them how to walk with God?
When did it become about the type of music, or Mom's group or small groups or version of the Bible used? Why do we miss the fact that Jesus can work through any circumstance, building or denomination? He can speak to those who would LOVE to attend church, but have none - and yet we, with our abundance of places to worship, want to make it about us and our opinions.
Something has happened. Living in a primarily "Christian" community perhaps has made us unforgiving and narrow minded.
Our church is not perfect...nothing is, but for us, it is home.