Just Cute

We have had little friends showing up in the early morning hours this week.  By 8:00 I have had to have 5 little girls fed, dressed, teeth and hair brushed, school bags packed and all of us out the door.  On Tuesday morning, I had asked Zoie to run upstairs and get dressed.  About five minutes later, little 4 year old Hannah comes down.  I asked her if Zoie was on her way down and she stated that Zoie was getting dressed.  I told Hannah to run up stairs and tell Zoie to "pick up the pace".  Then quietly, to herself, I heard this question, "Paste? Paste?" As the realization of what I had said formed in her mind,  Hannah ran up the stairs and shouted, "Zoie, your mom wants you to pick up the toothpaste!" 

I love the mind of a child! 

Desire

I was saved at the age of 4.  I began reading through the Bible at the age of 12.  Every night before I went to sleep I would read a chapter.  Many times I remember hearing people talk about their burning desire to read the Word.  How the Spirit grabbed a hold of them and they couldn't put the Bible down.  I have to admit, I couldn't relate.  I read the Word because I knew it was good for me, because the Lord asked us to, and because my parents encouraged me to, but never out of a burning desire.  I sometimes wondered what was wrong with me.  Why didn't I have a burning desire within me?  Even into my twenties I couldn't comprehend what people were talking about because it was something that I had never experienced.  Yes, I loved the Lord.  Yes, I desired to do His will and obey His commands, and I wanted relationship with the Lord.  But where was my burning desire to read His Word?

At times I found I would read the Bible to check it off my to-do list.  Other times I would read, but have a hundred other things on my mind.  And reading at night, I found that I would be half asleep, rushing through my reading so I could finally lay my head down. 

Somewhere along the way (Praise the Lord!), things have begun to change.  I'm now reading my Bible in the morning.  I am getting up before my children and my husband, and having one-on-one time with the Lord.  This alone time has brought such a change.  I no longer read to check it off my list, but to hear what the Lord would want to speak to me that day.  I sit down anticipating that I will glean something new.  As I begin my day with the Lord, I am finding my desire for Him is growing, and I am wanting more and more of Him.

Do I look full of desire?  (Maybe just weirdness, but this is the best picture I could find. :)

I know I have a long way to go, but I feel I am starting to get a glimpse of the passion and desire that so many people have shared.  God is moving and speaking!  To Me!!  As I make it a point to begin my day with Him, my life is changing.  And Oh, what a beautiful thing that is!

Legacy

I want to leave a legacy.  I heard a sermon in which the pastor shared about his mother.  He remembered, as a young boy, waking up in the morning to his mother praying in the living room.  This was her ritual.  Every morning, she would pray with a blanket over her head (I'm assuming to prevent interruption).  What an amazing picture to stick with a young boy for life, his mother beginning her day with the Lord. 

I too want to pass down to my children my love for the Lord.  Now, I don't begin my day with a blanket over my head, but I hope my children have a similar picture of me when they are grown.  I hope they see my desire for the Lord.  I hope they see me growing every day to look more and more like Him.  And my greatest hope is that my devotion to the Lord will in turn stir their hearts to love Him in an even greater way. 

This mother left a legacy that produced in her son a heart to pastor.  I don't know what my legacy will be, but I do know that it must start with the Lord.  And hopefully, my life will touch three little girls who will grow up to become mighty women of God. 

Parenting

Back in November, our pastor took a survey on what parents believed were the five most important aspects of parenting.  I have been thinking about this for quite some time in an attempt to articulate what I believe those are.  After much thought I came to the conclusion that I can only think of three. :) 

All three center around one theme, "Time". 

1. Time with the Lord.

2. Time with my spouse.

3. Time with my children.  

I really believe that if we spend time with the Lord, making sure that He comes first in our lives, that we are hearing His voice and following His leading, then we will find that we will desire our husband more, enjoy being in his presence, and from that will flow the ability and energy to love and care for our children correctly. 

I am currently 32 years old.  In writing this I think it might be fun to look back when I am 52, with another 20 years of experience under my belt, and see if I still believe these to be true.  Will I look back and laugh out loud?  Will I have a few more points to add (like 4 &5)?  Whatever the case may be, I know for now it is good for me to articulate these. 

Sharing My Joy

 I just wanted to share a little of my joy.  These three pictures show our pantry, freezer and cleaning supplies.  Please take note, they are all full!!!!!  We have never gone hungry and the Lord has always provided for our needs.  This however, is the first time I have seen this much food in our house!  Thank you, Jesus, for your provision and blessing.  We are forever grateful!

P.S. Our deep freezer had been filled with milk jugs full of water, until this shopping trip as well.  Now it is filled with food! :) 

Hee, Hee, Hee, this makes me happy.

Zoie's Expressions

Around 9:00, after being in bed for an hour and a half, Zoie came downstairs stating that she was scared.  Daddy cuddled with her for a bit and then sent her back to bed.  As we headed to bed a while later, I went upstairs to check on the chicas.  There laid Zoie, with wide-awake eyes, and she declared, "Mama, this just isn't working!"   I guess I would have to agree with her.

God's Perfect Timing

When I began writing my blog I had a single purpose, to remember.  In 2011, I want to make sure my remembering includes the goodness of the Lord and how he is moving and working in our lives.  So, it is with excitement that I want to share about God's perfect timing!

Our first K.K. Live Show!

In December of last year, Seth began production of a talk show.  This was the second, in a series of shows he would be producing and it was a job that he said, "Was the best job he ever had."  This time around however, the show had a few more expenses and our budget was cut.  All of these expenses were coming out of our pay.  This was okay with us.  We knew God had plans and connections He was making.  It was still a privilege to be a part of the production.

On Monday the 3rd, we received the first half of the payment at 4:45 p.m.  We ran it to the bank and it was deposited before our mortgage came out later that day.  Perfect timing #1.

One of the 5 cameras used.

On Wedensday, we received a call that the show was canceled.  What?  We were shocked.  The income from this job was our provision for the month.  My husband however, remained hopeful that the Lord was up to something and on Thursday had a chance to speak with the publishing company employing us.  He asked if it would be possible for us to work off the sum of the check and to our delight and amazement they said yes!  Now instead of only getting a small portion of the check, we received the entire amount!  God provided in an even greater way than we could have imagined!

My husband, the producer

If the check would not have arrived on Monday, it would never have come at all.  Perfect timing #2.

We received a call from the author on Friday explaining her reasons for canceling the show, and her desire to continue working with Seth in the future.  Her call brought honor to my husband and dispelled any notions that he had performed poorly in his work.  This call came right before the weekend allowing Seth to fully enjoy the days ahead.  Perfect timing #3.

We serve an awesome God!  His timing is perfect.