Called to be Uncommon: Life

Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts

From turmoil to thankfulness.

Forgive me for the silence. Not the best way to start off a new blog but I have let life get the best of me. We have battled numerous obstacles regarding one of my children recently in the medical arena and those of you with kids know how taxing that can be. My faith hung on by a thread and it was all I could do to get through the day. I'm so thankful for God's grace. I don't have to have it all together all the time or do things right all the time for Him to love me and bless me. Thankfully, the issues are not life threatening...just "joy-threatening" if I allow them to be. They are time consuming and a nuisance and have been so for 7 long months now. My focus has been here this past month, hoping to get a little headway. I've allowed it to consume me and steal my joy. And then today I read a blog post about a little girl given 3-6 weeks to live with an inoperable brain tumor. After a long fight with cancer, the celebration barely over from the declaration of cancer free and now again. My heart is broken and my world has been shaken back to reality. Me toiling over minor issues from which no child of mine will perish from is nothing compared to what so many other families are facing right now. My soul cannot comprehend the pain, fear and emotions that must come along with such news. Granted, I read my Bible and I know what God says. He IS Healer and He does STILL heal. All the time? I am no theologian. I'd like to say yes because He is loving and pure and perfect but yet it doesn't always look that, does it? I don't get it. There's too many questions. Not enough time to even try to figure out a sliver of His truth. And thank goodness it's not my job, or yours, to do. All we can do is continue to live and cherish every breath we have been given. The joy of the Lord is our strength. That is where the secret lies. Heart aches will happen in life, some unbearable and unthinkable, others mere pebbles in the face of the mountain others are facing. But regardless, my strength will come from Him. Today my prayers go out to those families in turmoil right now. Words can't express the depth of what is in my heart...but God knows what I want to say. May you feel peace in the midst of your circumstances today and stop and thank Him for your breath and those around you.

Summer is wearing me out already!

I can't believe it's mid June already...or can I? Somedays it feels like summer flying by and other days it's dragging. Today, it kicked my butt. I've been battling a stomach bug for a few days now and I can't figure out why life doesn't understand to just slow down!? The house is getting messier, the kids are getting bored, the cupboards are emptying - can't we just stop time for a few days so mommy can recover and catch up?

Life can get overwhelming sometimes. And yet, those are the very things that make life go round. The very things that so much depend on us. I suppose instead of worrying when things will get done I should be taking time to thank God that they need doing in the first place.

Afterall, a messy house means a place to live.

Empty cupboards means the family is eating.

Bored kids means they are healthy enough to want to do more.

Tonight I'm going to rest and count my blessings. Tomorrow, I will take a look around and instead of instantly stressing about how much I have to catch up on, I'll sigh and smile and thank God for all He has blessed me with. Well, at least that's the plan. :)

Good night!

50 Things To Do With Your Kids This Summer.

Summer always worries me a little bit. It means kids home all day, everyday. It might mean boredom, laziness, and more sibling quarrels. But it can also mean quality time, memories made and lots of laughter. Summer can either be a time of survival - or it can be a time to expand on the very foundation you dream of building in your kids. You can rack up ideas to send your children out of your home to "make things easier" or you can allow God to use the everyday moments to grow every family member and create magical moments together. As parents we all deserve, and NEED, our breaks, don't get me wrong, but this summer will you commit to using the time given you to grow together as a family? 50 ideas right here that are simple, easy and cost efficient. Feel free to add your own in the comments!

(PS I will be editing and adding links and pics as I dig them up but I thought I had better get this posted sooner rather than later! My kids' friends are wishing they lived with us to take part in our 50 things.)

Take them to the local pool. Park districts, a friends house, the YMCA, local gym. Make it a weekly thing.
Sprinkler fun outside. Use your imagination and gather water balloons, water guns, spray bottles.
Family movie day. Don't forget the popcorn!
Head to the local museum.
Hit the zoo.
Choose a place to hike - a local national park or any trail will do.
Set up a tent - INDOORS! Complete with blanket forts, sleeping bags and let the kids "rough" it out of the heat of summer. They will love it!
Have a "snow ball fight". Don't throw away your used paper anymore. Save it and tear it up into differing sizes, crumple it up and have a paper snow ball fight! Couch cushions work great as forts.
Sidewalk chalk paint!
Set up an obstacle course outdoors. Use items you can find in your garage. Think balance beams, crawling over and under, stepping through and around. Once kids get the hang of it they'll start rearranging and making their own unique course (make sure the items are safe).
Learn a new language together. Write out simple object words on post it notes and label items in your house. As the kids start to learn, rearrange them and have them "fix" the mistakes. Watch how they start to work together as a team to figure it out.
Buy some seeds and grow some plants! Put the kids in charge of watering and checking in on their "babies". They'll learn basic gardening skills (you might too!) and enjoy seeing something grow from almost nothing.
Scavenger hunts are always fun. You don't have to make it complicated. Make out a few lists of some random items that can be found outdoors (different leaves, birds, sticks, rocks, bugs, flowers, etc) and head out into the neighborhood or a local park to check off the items.
Ice hockey on a hot day! Make up some extra ice cubes and create a couple of sticks and kids will have fun batting the "puck" back and forth on the driveway until it melts. Just pull out another cube and keep playing.
Ice sculptures/castles. Chunks of ice or small cubes can make great castles. Ice is easily held together with salt.
Budget a dollar amount and head to the Dollar Store. Have the kids gather supplies to come up with creating a gift for grandma or grandpa.
Make a game. Cardboard, markers and a plan. Let imagination go.
Buy each child a disposable camera and choose a theme - maybe it's letters of the alphabet, simple things in nature, shapes or animals.
Start a question jar. When your kids ask you a question of how something works or what something does that you aren't sure of, write it down and add it to the jar. When you're stuck in a "bored" day, pull one out and teach your kids about research and learn something new together.
Hit the library and join a summer reading program. Each child can read separately or you can choose a harder book to devour as a family.
Devotional time can be fine tuned during the summer. Grab a kid friendly devotional book, set a daily time and watch your kids' hunger for God grow.
Learn to play an instrument. Sign up for a class or simple figure it out at home. No perfection necessary. Experiment!
Speaking of experiment, science experiments are awesome. Lots of ideas on the internet depending on the age of your kid that are hands on and fun.
Crafts! Who doesn't love craft projects? Walmart has some great boxed projects to do together. No thinking required.
Art! What kid doesn't love painting and getting messy? Head to the butcher shop and ask for some paper. Give your kids a huge space to work on and see what they can create.
Make your own bubbles.
Got a video camera? Have your kids make their own TV show, commercials and all. You will all laugh watching it on the big screen later!
Sign the kids up for a sport through the park district. Stay there with them during classes. If everyone can't do the same class, yes it means lots of sitting for you and other little ones that can't yet participate but you know what? Your kid will remember you being there and will appreciate it more than you know (unless of course they are older and begging you to leave them on their own, then by all means, just use your judgement.)
Check into the local VBS programs at other churches you know and trust.
Bake together! There are many no bake recipes that don't require the use of a hot oven in the midst of summer (thank goodness for that). Settle on a few and spend half a day whipping some up.
Grab a map and mark off a 75 mile radius around where you live. See what falls into the circle and what new places you might be able to explore in a day. If your kids travel well, expand your distance!
Find a local lake or park with water and plan a picnic. Maybe while there you can learn to fish too?
Homemade play doh!
Tie dye shirts. It's messy but fun. My kids still wear the ones we made a few summers ago even though they are way too small on them.
Wash the car together! Bathing suits and hoses = fun!
Go ice skating. Not so cost efficient but it's something to save up for. It will be well worth it in the heat of summer.
Make and fly a kite.
Head out with a missionary mindset. See who you can bless. Load up the car with cold bottled water to hand out in the heat of summer. Candies for children. Notes and cards made by the kids to hand out. Watch people's surprised looks seeing your family bless them. If you can bless financially, do that too! Pay for someone's gas, groceries or coffee. What a great example for your kids to witness and definitely makes for great conversation later as you reminisce about the day.
Visit a local dog park. Many owners welcome someone else to throw the ball of slobber for their pooch. Just make sure you approach the OWNER first to ask if it's ok and avoid dogs with yellow ribbons on their leashes (this is a signal the dog needs more space or doesn't react well to other animals or children).
Learn to make soap!
Grocery shop. Yes, that's on my list. Give each child a mini list of things to find and a budget. Teach them to read labels and compare costs while choosing items on their list. A great way to practice math skills. Plan on your trip taking thrice the time it normally does!
Make mud pies! Oh come on, get out some pie tins and molds and let the kids have at that dirt in the backyard. They can hose themselves off when they are done.
Build something with your own two hands. It's easy to find some plywood, nails and a hammer. Be careful with the little hands and definitely requires adult supervision. From birdhouses to see saws - there are lots of things that can be done!
Volunteer at a nursing home. Many nursing homes welcome children and pets to visit the elderly. Call around if you think your children would enjoy the opportunity to love on grandmas and grandpas.
Mid-summer bash! Why not plan a party, just for fun? Call a few friends with children, put your money together to rent a bounce house, bring a few appetizers and bam, you got yourself a party!
Make a pinata. Learn paper machie. Learn how to SPELL paper machay. Fill it with whatever goodies you like. Use it for the party mentioned in #45 or whenever the mood strikes.
Write a story. Work together on pictures and a story. When complete, take it to Office Max where you can bind it up like an actual book. Trust me, the kids will think it's the coolest thing ever and want to do it everyday.
Visit local recycling center, many will give tours.
Make sock puppets and hold a puppet show. Use buttons, felt, hot glue and old socks.
Tour a firehouse and/or police station. If you have friends that work there, even better. :)

Thoughts.

This week is a whirlwind of activities....last week of school. Parties, food, goodies, teacher gifts, half days, more parties. If you have kids, you probably know how this goes. The end of the year always causes a bit of sentiment and lurches me back to the reality that my kids are growing up. Some days I wish they already were. I find myself thinking, in the midst of their quarrels or needing me for every little thing, how nice it will be when they are mature enough to handle these things on their own. And then I am struck with the realization that they are not going to be little forever and those moments are to be cherished. All the little hands under the potty door. The "mommy! momma! MOM! mommy. mom." The messes all over the house, everywhere you look, the print of children. The bickering and "it's not fair"s. All of it, amidst the hugs and cuddles, the "i love you's", the fingerprint paintings on mother's day - it all sums up to the reality that is motherhood. This song says it so well for me. In fact it does it so well it just might need to playing on a daily basis this summer to help me keep my sanity and truly enjoy those everyday moments.

Let Them Be Little, Billy Dean

I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand
Felt so good in it, no bigger than a minute
How it amazes me, you're changing with every blink
Faster than a flower blooms they grow up all too soon.

So let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh just let them be little.

I've never felt so much in one little tender touch
I live for those kisses, prayers and your wishes
Now that you're teaching me things only a child can see
Every night while we're on our knees all I ask is please.

Let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh just let them be little.

So innocent, a precious soul, you turn around
It's time to let them go.

So let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh just let them be little.

Let them be little...

Songwriter(s): Richie Mcdonald
Copyright: Sony/Atv Tree Publishing
Official lyrics powered by

Lyrics from http://www.elyrics.net/read/l/lonestar-lyrics/let-them-be-little-lyrics.html

Living Like Crabgrass.

The past few mornings I've been working outside in the yard, weeding and "de-grassing" an area on the side of my house. It's a tough area to mow and we have left it unkempt for the past few years and it's finally time to do something about it. Today I was pulling up root systems from crabgrass that had taken over the area. I don't know if you have ever seen crabgrass before but they are some tough buggers! You can feel the thick root just under the dirt and one pull has you up on your feet tugging with all your might until you come out with a foot long root system! It's really quite amazing. And all this in an area that we ignore and rarely gets any water. As I continued to pull and tug at these guys I realized that the strongest and greenest grasses are the ones with the deepest roots. They must be going down in search of water and nutrients. The dead roots are all at the surface. That's when it hit me:

When we are going through the desert times in life...the times we feel most alone, most challenged, most depressed...are we reaching out for the Living Water or staying just on the surface?

It's obvious that the further we reach the more nourished we will be and in the midst of our circumstances we will be continually filled with life. If we choose to just barely scrape the surface - perhaps merely reading a line or two of the Word if at all, attending church weekly out of duty and murmuring a few prayers under our breath at bedtime - our life will remain dry. If our needs are not being met, how can we grow?

Its the giver of life is the One that ultimately meets those needs.

I don't know about you, but this revelation spoke to me today. As annoying as it is to pull up all this crabgrass outside, I want to strive to be just like it. I want to reach deeper and establish my roots so strong so that nothing can move me while I continue to flourish and grow to bless the world around me.

I wonder if I should just keep the crabgrass around to serve as a reminder? Nah. That would just mess with my gardening plans. But I do hope to keep this close to my heart.

How have you been living? Are you digging deeper in your time with Him? Do you feel full of life? Or are you just scraping by on the surface?

Heartfelt Prayers to all in Moore, OK

I couldn't quite get my words together to express what I wanted to in response to this awful tragedy. I'm still not sure that I can. My home is far from Moore and I personally do not know anyone that lives there or were affected...and yet the emotions run deep. Lingering between "God how can you let this happen" to "Thank you Lord for who you have protected and spared" to "WHY?!?!?!" Here on Earth there will always be questions and at some point we have to be satisfied with the understanding that they will not be answered while we are here. If they were, our human minds could probably not grasp fully the true depth and meaning anyways. None the less, my heart is broken for those that live there. All those children. Can you imagine what went through their heads? The fear that enveloped them? It's almost too much for me to consider. And the parents. Wow. What a horrible horrible thing to endure. Yet again, a reminder of how precious life is. How special are those everyday moments we take for granted. The house we hate to clean. The kids that bicker and fight. The food we don't feel like cooking. It's all special, God given and ought to bring us to knees in gratitude.

A part of me wants to lay everything down and just GO. Head to Moore, right in the heart of all of this, and offer help. I probably couldn't do much more than lend a hand, offer some hugs and just be there but sometimes that's exactly what's needed. I felt the same with the 9/11 attack. My emotions ran so strong I nearly left my job to just GO. Do whatever needed doing. Something in me longed to do more and offer something to those hurting. But I didn't and I have regretted it since. I was single at the time, no ties to hold me back, it was my chance, I should have gone. Now, though my spirit cries out for those hurting I realize I am a rock to my children and am very needed here so this is where I will remain. But I will be on my knees in prayer. I will offer whatever I can from these four walls and pour out my heart to heaven on behalf of those in that town. Sometimes I don't even know what to pray or say but I have to trust that He knows my heart the best and hears.

As Moore picks up their lives again, may they find strength in God. May they find peace that surpasses all understanding through Christ. May they smile knowing their children are with Him, safe, fears wiped away, wrapped in His arms. And may those that don't have a relationship with Him realize the importance of doing so - life is fleeting - to secure their eternal home with Him before it's too late. I don't know the whys or understand a bit of how this all works but I do know that I trust Him because He tells me that I can. And I know that He loves us and with Him is where we belong. He doesn't promise to take away the storms but He does promise to never leave us. For now, that's going to have to be enough.

Are We Portraying JOY?

When I have the privilege to drive my kiddos to or from school I am always struck noticing the same mom each time. Sometimes she is hurriedly walking her kids to class and other times she is leisurely strolling to her car with kids in tow after school. No matter the time of day, there is always a constant. Her face is dressed with discontent. Every. Single. Time. The interactions with her children are peppered with angry scowls as if her life has been rudely interrupted. I don't know much about this family but I have spoken to her outside of school when her children are not present and she is a bit softer...but it is obvious there is no zest or love for life present. Perhaps life is hard. Maybe her children do rudely interrupt. She could be suffering depression. All I know, every time I see her, is that I DON'T WANT TO PORTRAY THAT IN MY OWN LIFE. She serves as a reminder to me to slow down, enjoy the small moments that are given me, count my blessings and walk in joy. I admit that I often take life seriously. Probably too seriously. I want things done right, on time and in order. But my aim is to do this lightheartedly and with grace. When my children look back on their childhood I hope that it's filled with smiles, warm memories, and laughter amidst the things I've taught them.

Life really is such a gift. We only get one. So let's do it right, make it count. Let's live it up. Let's enjoy all it has to offer. Learn to laugh at our mistakes. Find the silly in our days. Dance in the rain. Have food fights. Be late every once in a while because we stopped to smell the roses or discover something new. Let's be spontaneous and a bit off key. When I interact with my children I want there to be a spark in my eyes, glimmers of love and affection and unending JOY. It's a challenge for me - to lighten up - but for the sake of the way I want my children to view this world, it's one I must conquer.

Today I will commit to SMILING MORE. How about you?

PS I am also committing to praying regularly for this woman...that she might rediscover the joy of life and the blessing found in her children.

When I Grow Up...

What child doesn't have dreams for when they "grow up"? The question is popular and expected and kids almost always have an answer. Ranging from the impossible "Superman" to the very likely "a mom and teacher", the responses vary but always have something in common - they are answered with a spark in the eye of the child. Growing up, we sometimes reach the very dreams we spoke of when we were young and other times we simply discover and sprout new ones. And then we stop. We get caught up in life. Hit the "survival mode" button of life and just try to make it through. We don't realize it but when we stop dreaming about the future, a small part of us dies and the spark is lost.

I realized this recently when my youngest randomly asked me, "Momma, when you grow up what do you want to be?" I was taken back a bit and unsure how to reply. "Well honey, momma's already grown up" However that was not an acceptable answer and was followed up with "No, I mean when you grow up a little bit more?" I had never thought of it that way. We are always growing up, reaching new heights, creating new dreams. Or are we? It's got me thinking. Why don't I have dreams to aspire to? Am I really living out the best of my days right now? Is there nothing left to strive for, fight for, DREAM ABOUT? I wish I could say with certainty that I have dreams and goals to work towards...but I don't. Mine stop with raising my kids, keeping my home and maybe running a bit faster.

So I'm on a mission of rediscovery thanks to the innocent question asking of my sweet child. Ironically, a good friend recently had a very similar thought about her own life and has been praying for God to revive her dreams. Little did I know, I had lost mine somewhere along the way, too.

What about you? Are you merely living day to day or striving for something bigger?

It's time to take back the art of dreaming!

Lord, I thank you for the ability to dream. I pray that you help to revive the dreams that are hidden and lying dormant in my heart. Help me to rediscover my passions and start truly living the life you have blessed me with. I trust you to guide me and lead me to fulfill the destiny you have for my life that is larger than I can imagine. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

All I Want for Mother's Day...

Is a house that stays clean and organized for more than a few hours....

Is an entire day of everyone getting along and loving on eachother....

Are meals, nutritious and ready, served and gobbled up without complaints....

Is quiet...

Is to be served...All. Day. Long...

Is for no one to get hurt, no cries to be heard, no voices raised...

Ah who am I kidding? A perfect day cannot exist amidst the confines of an imperfect life. Being a Type A kinda gal this used to bother me. I longed for the Hallmark type of Mother's Day. The kind you see on TV. And then I woke up. I am certainly not a perfect mother, who am I to expect a perfect day? Instead, I will wrap myself up in the reality that is my life and embrace the things that make life MINE.

I will be thankful for the messes that remind me of the family I have to love...

I will use the sibling arguments as lessons in patience, long suffering and love without boundaries...

I will thank God for the food in the fridge waiting for hands to prepare it and little mouths to eat it....

I will be lulled into the noise and loudness that makes my home alive...

I will choose to serve my family as if serving God Himself and be honored to do so...

I will tend to the boo-boos and be ready with hugs and kisses for the pains that life brings...

And at the end of the day I will look back and realize that it's exactly all the imperfections of my life that make it all worthwhile. A smile will emerge as I ponder how God has chosen ME to mother these children and though some days are exasperating the journey is exhilarating and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The Cost of Disobedience

Sometimes it's hard to hear God's voice. We second guess it, ignore it, shove it aside to the point we question whether we ever heard it at all. Unfortunately, the consequences cannot be displaced quite as easily. Not too long ago we paid a visit to the local ER due to a situation that arose with one of my children. Once things stabilized a bit my "gut" was telling me that all was well and we could return home. Ah, but the doctors wanted to run tests and do more things. I remember so clearly feeling it was all unnecessary. I had peace in my heart that nothing would come of it and yet, instead of speaking up I allowed them to do as they willed. Now, nearly 9 months later we are paying heavily on medical bills from all these "extra" tests and measures and will continue to do so for many many more months to come. Had I obeyed that still small voice, we would have come home. The tests showed nothing. All was well, just as I had felt in my heart that it was. But instead of trusting Him I chose to trust the doctors.

When we choose to place our trust anywhere but in God who guides us and leads us, we are walking in disobedience!

Ouch, what an expensive lesson to learn. And yet in this case, my family is lucky. It's only money. Some lessons come at the cost of relationships or jobs or health. I'd rather pay the money and hold onto what's important. Thank you God for your mercy as you teach me!

And if you're stuck living out painful consequences from YOUR act of disobedience, what do you do? You do what you need to do. Live in gratitude for what you do have, rather than focus on what you don't. Tune into His grace -He gives you a sunrise every morning and as many chances as you need to learn His ways. Ask Him for wisdom in mending what can be mended and the ability to let go of what must be let go.

Life can be hard. But a life separated from God is harder. Even in the dark days, He promises to never leave us nor forsake us and that is what we must hold onto.

His love covers a multitude of sins and has the ability to help us start fresh!

Everyday...sometimes multiple times a day I'm in need of a fresh start. How about you? Learning to hear His voice amidst life can be hard...but not impossible. There are many practical ways we can do this and learn to tune in...but I'll save that for another post, another time. In the meantime, got any tips to share? :)

Conquering The Dreams

As I get this blog rolling I'm not really sure what to expect. Just like starting anything new in life I guess. Every dream starts as an idea, a mere seed that will require nurturing and tending to sprout. How many dreams never reach fruition because of our undiscipline, fear or unwillingness to go above and beyond? As a Christian I believe that every dream in my heart has been given by Him and it's up to me what I will do with it. The power is in my hand to let it slip away or work hard and press forward to see where it might take me. It's scary sometimes, stepping out into the unknown. If we aren't careful our minds can become easily bogged down by the "what ifs" and stunt our progress.

When we are focused more on the worries, it reveals the

level of our faith.

You see, when faith is strong there is no room for fear, worries, self doubt or even guilt. Nothing like a little revelation, huh? It reminds me of a horse with blinders. The ability to cut out distraction leads to focus on what lies ahead and nothing more. One step at a time, conquering the obstacles as they come. That's what I want to do with my life. Just focus on Him and wear the spiritual blinders so I'm not tempted to look over there where self doubt lies or over there where worry resides.

Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:27

So am I saying it's "evil" to turn right or left? Not if you are CALLED to turn in that direction. But if you are called to go straight and you turn, then it's sin...which is evil! Ouch. So does merely "looking" to the left or the right insinuate the way we will go? Not necessary but it's a seed planted, just like the dream idea I mentioned earlier. Your actions will eventually follow where you spend your time looking.

I hope to recommit daily to everything that God has laid on my heart from who He has called me to be to what He has called me to do. If you haven't committed to a dream He has planted in your heart, what are you waiting for? There's no time like the present to get moving and take steps to fulfill what's waiting for you. Get thee some blinders!

Would you share a dream you are moving towards or ready to commit to? What's been the most challenging part of sticking with it or getting it started?

Raising Children...or Producing Mini-Me's?

As a mother, raising my children is one of the top priorities in my life. I believe that motherhood is more than just "taking care of the kids". It is a calling. And any calling that God places on an individual He also anoints to complete the task. Isn't that great news?

You are not just surviving through your days with your children, you are walking in an ANOINTING!

Yes, sometimes that anointing gets drowned out easily in the bickering, spills, and boo-boo fixing but deep down,we must acknowledge that it's there and so much bigger than ourselves. Ultimately, I want my children to grow up in the Lord with hearts to serve Him and the world around them. I pray they will see needs and find creative ways to meet them. I hope that compassion will flow from them along with all the fruits of the spirit and that they will live their lives committed to a higher calling. But sometimes I forget this. Too often I focus on the "be nice to your sister" "don't do that" and "pick that up" and fail to use the small life lessons handed to me to teach far bigger principles. There are days I yell in frustration, lack joy, and become distracted by things that aren't really a priority at all. Some days all I want to do is countdown until bedtime and be done. But thank God for His grace to start anew when I realize I am off track! Though daily I will continue to strive to have my actions meet where my heart is, one lesson has been ingraining itself deeply in my being recently:

If you want your children to grow into a certain somebody -

you must first BE that certain somebody.

How can I expect my children to walk in love when I yell at them? How can I hope they learn compassion towards others when I am too busy in my own life to reach out to someone that needs my help? How can I strive to teach them patience when I am anything but? It's a known fact that children copy what they see. It's important to ask forgiveness when we are in the wrong but we must constantly strive to be the people we visualize our children to one day become.

Raising children is less about rule following than it is about example setting and relationship building.

And that is where I plan to start - each day and each moment. Focused on my calling as a mother and on placing my heart in the hands of my Father so that He will mold me and make me into the person He wants me to be. Everyday I see my children learning and taking steps closer to the destinies they have in their life and I choose to focus on that rather than the small battles that we all face as humans.

How about you? How can we better walk out our

callings as parents?

What's The Point?

In a discussion with a friend recently some deep thoughts about life were shared with the main topic reverting back multiple times to the question: "What's the point?" I don't know about you but for me it seems life is so full of ups and downs and it can be hard to maintain focus 100% of the time. So often during the down times I ask myself the same question as I haphazardly survive through my days hoping that soon I'll wake up refreshed and with a new lease on life. It doesn't seem to happen like that though. Retracing my steps back to a place of deep rooted joy and subtle inner peace only happens when I am willing to put in the work - for me that means putting God back in first place in my life, surrounding myself with people that will encourage me and spur me on in my spiritual walk and filling my mind with scriptures and promises throughout the day. It's a pretty fool proof recipe if you ask me.

Not too long ago I identified myself as suffering from minor depression. We had gone through a lot as a family over the past year and it seemed that life just wasn't giving us any breaks. As much as I'd like to say I kept a smile on my face and hope in my heart constantly through it all, I am just as human as the next and I slowly but surely slipped down into a puddle of pity and sadness. Without hardly realizing it I was looking through wordly lenses that magnified my problems and minimized Christ in my life. His power faded as I allowed my negative thinking to consume me until I finally realized what was happening. I had been down this road before and was surprised to find myself back for a visit. Worn down and exhausted I was considering anti depressants when the light broke through.

During prayer one evening, laying in my bed literally just chatting with God as a friend, I felt Him convicting me in a gentle but profound way. Suddenly I found myself noticing how much He has slipped away from my daily life. Prayer was left to a few quick words here and there and replaced by facebook time and brainless TV. Reading the Bible was left to the wayside because I was too tired to understand what I was reading. Guilt gripped at me as the reality was exposed and I could feel Him leading me to repentance, which is exactly what I did. I needed forgiveness. And then I needed a plan. He reassured me that if I was open to medicines that I would take regularly then I must remember first that His Word is LIFE to my flesh. A recent article by Kenneth Hagin jarred my memory and I vowed to get back in the scriptures throughout the day. Three days into that committment and I could literally feel that dark cloud of depression lifting off of me. The question "What's the point?" was no longer stabbing my soul for the answer was right before me. It was Him. He is the point. Bringing Him glory and living for Him. All other things in this world will pass away. Experiences and even memories will fade. But His things will never. It's about developing my relationship with Him to the point that I am changed into His likeness. I am called to be uncommon. And everything I do...I want to do with His face before me because - That. Is. The. Point.