I can type!

Wow! I think it has been much too long since I have set my fingers to typing! It is Thursday night. We are heading to Disney this Saturday! We are going with mom, dad and Aunt Jane. How fun! We haven't taken a trip for two years and we are all feeling a bit overdue! How precious it will be to see all the characters and Disney scenery through the kids eyes. Do you think God looks down on us like we look at our kids? I think of the pure bliss I feel as I watch my kids do something cute or make their own saying up...do you think He looks at us and that same feeling comes over Him? When we make a right decision or stand up for what we know is Truth...something to ponder.
We are taking a break this fall from sports. I have to say, if it wasn't for their benefit, I believe I would just keep them out! It has been much more relaxing to have some time at home without all the running around. The sad thing is that we only allow our kids to have one activity. I can't imagine keeping up with all the other parents around Collierville. Anyway, I have much to accomplish tomorrow, so off to bed I go!

Rough Day

As I sit here, I am listening to There is a Reason (Caedmon's Call). After a long day with the kids and it seeming as if everyone and everything is going against me, this song is such a precious reminder of my call as a mom. No other job I have ever had before I was a mom did I not have the option of quiting. I have had times that I totally want to throw the towel in. Today being such. Although when my oldest tells me he really needs a hug from mom and my little ones tell me "I wuv you, mommy", I can't help but want to sign up for another day. How precious are these times. How one day I will look back and miss these days. Now, isn't that a funny thought! When you think of Mount St. Helens in your laundry room, all of the toys you step on in the middle of the night, the constant mess (even when you just cleaned up), the dishes, the cooking, the taxi service you run and the many other things we do...yes, I tell you I will miss it terribly one day! What an awesome job we have! Five very precious souls have been given to me to teach. Some days I am flying in the clouds. Some days I feel like only my nose is above water, struggling to find a little air (Spiritual nourishment) to make it through the day. But, I tell you what, I would do it over and over again. I pour my heart and soul into these kids. I have done things for them that I would never do for another soul! Listen to Sacred by Caedmon's Call. My favorite line is also one of my prayers "teach me to run to You, I can feel the banks harden, Lord, make me like a stream to feed the garden". When days are like today, it seems like I get in the moment and forget to run into my Daddy's arms. It always comes later, but why doesn't it come as my first reaction? I pray that God will show me how to be deeper in my relationship with Him so that running to Him is my first reaction. I want to show that to my kids. I want to feed my garden, so that they can grow in what is the most important facet of our life--our precious relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Lord, make me Yours. Allow me to pour forth to these kids Your love. Let the fruit of the Spirit come out of me quicker than the flesh. Help me not to react in anger, but to correct in love. Watch my tongue and allow the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart to be acceptable to You, my precious Lord. Help me to run to You in the heat of the moment. Allow me to see what it is that You would do. Let me leave a legacy of a Christ-like mom. Help my children to see Your love flowing through me correcting them so that they can follow You throughout their lives. Mold their hearts, Lord. Shape them into what would make them usable by You. Work through me throughout their lives. Thank you Lord, for trusting me with this job. I pray that I will do it and do it well. I want to have the integrity Daniel had even when faced with a seemingly impossible situation. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Growth--Spiritual and Family

As I sit here tonight and think over what God has been doing in my life, I am overwhelmed. I feel like for years I have been stuck in this baby Christian mode, and finally with God's help, I am breaking free. There are so many things God is teaching me and in the process freeing me from the bondage of my flesh. Although I have so much further to go, I am constantly reminded of the awesome and mighty God who before I was even a figment of anyones imagination here on earth, He sent His precious Son to die for me! Not only that, He gives me hope, freedom and fills the emptiness that comes from being human. Thank you God for all that you have done, continue to do and will do for me throughout my life!
With that said, there has been alot going on in our lives this summer. My family has not been doing much, yet we are always busy. My list of "to dos" grows everyday, but I rarely get even close to the end of it. I stay tired. The funny thing is that I don't want to miss it. God has blessed me with some of the most precious little hearts and I couldn't love them any more. Seeing them in the process of being molded, although hard at times, brings me to my knees for guidance and support yet allows me some of the purest happiness. I know you relate.
Besides my summer with the family seeming crazy, my dad has been the main topic these days. He has been incapacitated for about six weeks with something that we are not sure of attacking his joints. Daddy is older, but seeing him go from being able to do most anything to crying and not being able to do simple tasks is hard to put into words. Add to that the diagnosis of prostate cancer and you will know that we have also been praying for him. (The good news is that it is contained and surgery is an option! Yeah!)
To have a happier note, my husband was watching Paula Dean the other day. She was making omelets and she put them in plastic ziploc baggies, added ingredients and put them in boiling water to cook. That sounded like a good idea, so we tried it with the kids. They were really good. To say they were my first beautiful omelet was an understatement! The kids loved them and Will came up to tell me that he loved his "goo". I suppose I don't make enough eggs seeing as he called them "goo". I suppose that was even funnier because he calls everything chicken. Ribs, roast beef, it doesn't matter, it is all chicken. So, you see why that struck me as funny. Emily enjoyed the omelets as well. She commented while smacking quite loud that they were great and why haven't I ever made these before?
Tyler is just growing up before my eyes. I am so proud of him, too. He is quite responsible and extremely smart. He is trying football at my recommendation this fall. Although he is not real happy about trying a sport he really doesn't know alot about, he seems to have a good attitude so far. Kaitlin has been taking a tennis camp this week and she has surprised me just how much she enjoys it. I think she may have found her niche. We are talking about putting her in to lessons this fall. Emily is just being Emily. She thinks she is going to become a professional singer one day--like Hannah Montana or one of those High School Musical stars. It seems that would be just up her alley. She told me today that she wanted to play drums or guitar. Only my Emily!
So that catches you up on everything in our house. Except I didn't mention that I have been doing one of the best Bible studies. It is by Denise Glenn. The name is Freedom for Mothers. I hope that everyone elses summer is going well.
Live with purpose. Pray like you never will again. Love and enjoy your family--you never know how long we have to spend with them and make a difference.

Bathroom break...

How I love writing, yet there is not enough time in ones day to do everything! I just had to stop in quickly for a funny story. I four of the five kids to Kroger the other day. Thinking we would just run in for what I call a quickie, I got the twins in a cart and pulled the girls away from their games they were playing to run in. We hadn't even made it to the front door when my youngest little girl decided she could not hold it, she had to go to the bathroom right that minute. So, I told her to run in and we would be there at the entrance of the bathroom waiting on her when she finished. While the twins and Katie and I were waiting, I noticed a black and white photo of one of the first Kroger stores in the area. It had been blown up and I was reading about it when I decided to engage my older daughter in a "look see" of this photo. I asked her if she noticed the picture and she said, "Yes mom, it says it is one of the first Kroger stores in the area." I said, "Doesn't it look like a really old photo?" KK got a really contemplative look on her face and then quite seriously announced, "Mom, that was back before the world had color!" I thought I may have to run in to the bathroom I was laughing so hard at her comment. I guess I never thought to mention to my sweet little girl that they just did not have color in photos back then! Thought you might enjoy a funny for the day!
I will try to write more later! God bless you.

Potty Training Woes...

Have you ever tried to potty train twins? I have to admit that training one is quite possibly one of my least favorite parenting duties. Yet, now I see two little boys who are way too big for their diapers. So, this week has been a challenge. I really can't complain though. Ben is doing great. He even put himself on the potty when he needed to poo poo. Can I tell you just how proud of him I have been? He must know that mommy hates this duty! Well, on the other hand, we have Will. Will really thought potty training was great for about a half of a day. Now, I am waiting for that sweet little smiling face to come tell me where he hid to poo poo or pee pee. I finally broke down and put them both in pull ups tonight as night time is becoming difficult for my washing machine. Okay. If I am really honest, it is difficult on me (not really the washing machine) having to pull beds apart everyday! I think God made little toddlers so cute so we could put up with all of the things you go through with them! Have I mentioned the temper tantrums before...yes, I am sure it has been mentioned! Besides potty training, I was busy this week with a dinner theatre we had at our church. I went beyond my comfort zone and had a part in a play! I am pretty sure I can relate this to the first time I went out to witness with my church. I prayed alot and got real nervous! Luckily, no one booted me off stage though! After this crazy week, I am ready for summer break! I bet everyone feels that way. Just to have some free time to spend with the kids without so much other "stuff" that seems to get in the way with life. Seems like this has been the week for prayer requests to be put on my platter, so I will share:
An old classmate from high school, Benji, is struggling with his life in a desperate need for a liver transplant...
My grandmother has lost her very special friend who died on Saturday. She really adored Jim and they did everything together. I just want to pray that this does not really get her down. She is 91 years old herself! (By the way, he was a strong Christian--so at least we know he is loving that new spiritual body right about now!)
A friend from my MOMS group has been dianosed with breast cancer. Her name is Angi.
I suppose that is all for now, yet these three people are heavy on my heart. I pray that everyone reading this is well and hope you are having a blessed week.

Funny little lesson...

So much that has happened and so little time to write! My life has been in a whirlwind lately. I am sorry that this is always the first thing that has to go, but I am sure that you understand! I have to share a story that goes along with one of my previous posts. I am sure you remember when I told you I really don't do well when Philip is out of town. Well, I have really been doing better. My daily time with God coupled with lots of prayer over this issue has really given me a new attitude on his trips. Guess what? God has a sense of humor. I have said that before concerning my twins, but I really felt it this week. As I mentioned before, I have really been doing much better with Philip being gone. He was gone two weeks in a row (home on the weekend) these past two weeks. I had almost made it to the end of the two weeks when this sense of humor became quite evident! I had decided to sit down and read my latest book from the library for a few minutes of quiet time. Those few minutes turned in to several hours of reading. About 11:40pm, I heard a sudden noise at my front door. I listened for only a few seconds as I determined someone was jiggling the lock of my door. I was officially freaked out at this time, so I grabbed the phone (to call 911, if needed) and ran to push against the door. By this time, I am really getting mad. Who breaks in to your front door with your front porch lights on? Everyone could see whoever it was... So, here I am perplexed and wondering who is on the other side of this door. The noise stops. Even though I am mad, I have a little fear mixed in. Should I look? I couldn't stand it. I wanted to see this not so intelligent criminal. I peeked. No One is there!!! I looked out both windows (on both sides of the door) three times. This is crazy. Would you like to know who was walking away the last time I looked. A POSSUM! That little possum hiney just waddled its way away from my door like nothing had happened. Thankfully that was over! I calmed down and went to bed about 45 minutes later. This was the night that we had some big storms. I would love to say that this story is over, but I unfortuately have more to report! At 3:25 am, I was woken up to my alarm (not activated, just beeps when we open the door). The front door was opened by the 60 mile an hour gusts of winds we were having with the thunderstorms. If that doesn't get your heart beating, I am not sure what will! I had the hardest time going back to sleep. A little after 4 in the morning, I finally dozed off. Can I just tell you I am confident God was reminding me that I must daily sacrifice any issue I need Him to be in control of. I had been trying to be diligent to put God in control of my life every morning. What I was realizing was that I can put Him in control in the morning, but all it took was a screaming 3 year old and I was resorting to being back in control. So, I suppose my point is that God was reminding me to put Him in control of mine and my children's safety when Philip is gone. What a funny way for God to teach me a lesson! I sure do like this one better than the ones that cause my heart pain!!! Take care...

Honeymoon ended...

I haven't written in forever!!!!! I was trying to think of a funny story to share. Seems like I would be flooded with them since I haven't written in so long. Ok. I have one. The twins seem to always be my big source of funny stories, so here it goes. Lately, the boys have been a little devilish. I know that you can hardly imagine that with the halos that glow over their heads, but I am here to tell you that they have sprouted horns again! My hubby and I have been talking about it and we decided to implement a saying our previous Sunday school teachers would use with their children. The saying is that they must obey the first time, everytime with a happy heart. I was amazed when we started using this saying. It seemed that the words held magic. For the first two days, everytime they had an attitude, were mad or just a little less than perfect, I would remind them gently that we should obey the first time, everytime and they would fill in with a happy heart. Then, they would obey!!! This was so great. I was beginning to think I should have implemented this a long time ago! Every time I would say it, they would immediately behave!!!!! Well, after two days, the honeymoon phase of this ended. To say I was disappointed was an understatement! So, on the third day, I was having a moment with the boys and again reminded them of our little saying except this time Will said in a very gruff voice and a very animated but mean expression, "I gots a bad happy heart!" I usually hold it together pretty well during discipline, but this time I couldn't help but laugh. Unfortunately, it did not help the situation at hand and we ended up with spankings, but it really was funny! I know that is not the best of stories, but I had to give you one on the spot and it was all I could come up with! With that in mind I have to say that this week God has done an amazing thing in my heart. I am a work in progress, but this week I have been learning how not to be in control. I have prayed that God would use me and not only that but that I would allow Him to use me in all the situations of my life. Sounds pretty easy in words, but it is quite difficult. I also added to my prayer that I want Him to remind me that when my children disobey that I would look at it with a different attitude. I had gotten in a rut of only thinking of how my kids were putting me out with discipline. Why can't I just have perfect children anyway? Just kidding! I have asked though that God would allow me to see discipline as an opportunity to mold their character. Just like He is the potter and we are the clay, I want to allow God to use me (vessell) to help to mold my children to have the characteristics that God so cherishes in us. He does work in us in many ways to mold us. Sometimes painful. Sometimes difficult. But in the end, we are striving to be more spiritually mature. Isn't that your goal, too? I tell you what girls. I am feeling the hand of Christ on my life and I couldn't feel more blessed. I could go on and on with what God is teaching me right now, but I tell you my synopsis. Pray to crave God. Discipline yourself to daily read your Bible. Submit yourself, your husband and your children to Him daily. What would you do if someone told you..."You have all of God you want." Stop and really say it over a few times and think about what I am saying. Do you really have all of God you want? Does it convict you? It did me and I am here to say those simple words have been my seed to change my life. Did I mention the peace that God gives when you allow Him control? Wow! I dare you to try it. You will not want to turn back to your old lifestyle.
Isaiah 64:8 "Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."
Ephesians 4:22 "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Jos. 1:8 "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
Psalms 51:10 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."