Potato Bowling Jan 29, 2015

January 29, 2015

Potato Bowling

On our weekly trip to the library we checked out a book called things to make out of cardboard.  Today Micah opened the book and found a Potato Bowling and Coin toss game. 

We searched the house for an old box, found an empty diaper box in the garage that would work perfect. So we cleaned out some trash, cut some holes in the box, selected three potatoes and “wa-la” we had a new game. 

This got me thinking.  The interesting thing about this game is the potatoes no matter how you roll them they aren’t perfectly round so you don’t get the same result and even at the last second they can change their course.  So it is with us.  We can follow our routine, do the right thing, but sometimes things just don’t work the way we were hoping or that they had worked in the past.  What do we do when things don’t go our way? Do we give up, call it quits, or keep trying?  Micah kept trying.  He ended up beating me 260-180!  I was trying too hard to find a technique or strategy that would work…there isn’t one.  Just kinda luck. 

I am so thankful that in life with God walking beside me that I can hold fast to Deut. 31:8  The Lord himself goes before you, he will never leave you, he will always be with you, do not fear, do not be afraid.  The Lord is my shepherd.  He will teach me the right way, he will protect me, and lead me.  I can strive all I want to on my own but my efforts will produce nothing.  Let me roll with Him.  Trusting Him.  That even if I don’t end up where I was planning to be or hoping too, that His plan is best.  His way is good.  And that He who began a good work will be faithful to complete it.

Faith

January 28, 2015

The Faith of the Centurion- Matthew 8:5-13

The Centurion knew Jesus could work a miracle simply by saying the words.  What words does Jesus offer me that if I truly believed them would change my life?

God is Love.  God created us so that we could enter into the love relationship that already existed within the trinity.  God wants to love us he wasn’t lonely when he created us. We are the object of His Love.  Love is a verb. God has already given all of his love when he sent Jesus.  I have to accept it receive it, believe it.

Come to me all who are weary I will give you rest.  If I really believe that God will give me rest, why do I not go to Him more often?  God you are my rest when I’m surviving on my own I’m not thriving, I may be striving but in the flesh I can only get tired and weary. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. 

I am a Child of the King.  How great is the love the father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God. John 3:1  I love my own children more than my self.  I desire to give them good things, provide for them, want to guide and direct them, want to be a safe place for them to succeed and fail.  My heavenly father loves me more than I could ever have felt loved by my earthly father (and whoa that’s A LOT, I sure was blessed with an awesome Earthly Father)  IF God is desiring to lavish his love on me how can I be afraid, how can I worry, I am safe in my fathers arms.

Thankyou Lord for this moment to reflect that YOU have so many words for me.  Words that can penetrate my heart and soul and forever change me.  Thankyou for the daily bread of your word, the Bible.  Continue to speak to me through scripture, my husband, my children, the world you created and others too.   I want to have the faith like the Centurion knowing that YOU have already DONE it all.  I just need to believe and trust that you are soverign, in control and able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I can ask or think.  Faith can move mountians.  The faith of a tiny mustard seed.  What areas of my life do I need more faith? 

God will take care of my children.  They too are HIS creation, he loves them.  I need to pray for them, God will meet with them, he will send his angels to watch over them to protect and guard them.  Gods perfect Love casts out all fear and will surround my children every moment of the day.  They are covered with the full armor of God and will be ready to give an answer.  They have been filled with the spirit and produce fruit that will last as they remain in the vine their branches will thrive, they will see the Glory of God revealed to them!

FIRE

January 27, 2015

Fire

Micah has been asking for weeks, maybe months now for us to build a fire.  I always have some excuse.  Its too hot out, its too cold, it just rained, we wont have time today…well today was the day to put the excuses behind us and go ahead and build a little campfire (plus I have been wanting to collect the sticks in the front yard)  We filled the wagon, had no marshmallows, no roasting stick the whole family wasn’t gathered around ready to sing campfire songs…just me, Micah and Ethan and some old sticks that had been lying in the front yard.  

Its been a while since I started a fire I began with some leaves and small sticks I remember that much from when my dad taught me.  Micah was quick to tell me that Papa is really good at starting fires really quick with only one match, meanwhile I’m clicking my lighter under the pile of dried leaves and small sticks dozens of times.  Eventually we get that one spark to light enough small timbers and leaves so that we can begin hearing the tiny leaves crack and burn.

My thoughts-

1.     I love doing ordinary things with my boys.  I love allowing them to be able to follow through on an idea and love to be there when we are boasting in the success of their idea working or grieving the let down of what actually happened.  How often my heavenly father would love for me to act on a thought that comes from him.  To offer help to the lady at the grocery store, to encourage the overwhelmed mom at basketball practice.  To let someone else on FB see my messy house, to share some extra chili with my neighbor, to write my grandmother a card.  Sometimes I do act and others I don’t.  My fire with Micah today encourages me to act and follow through so that I wont miss out on a memory, a smile, an opportunity for someone to feel successful or be encouraged when they feel like they may be failing. 

James 3:5  The tongue is a small part of the body but it makes great boast. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  God, What fire are you trying to start with my words or actions? 

2.     Fire comes and goes.  The fire this time was hard for me to start because it had been awhile.  If tomorrow I set to start the same fire, I would have results much quicker.  The more time you invest the easier and quicker it is to see results.  James 4:6 God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.  Even though I once felt more “on fire” with God.  His grace for me is enough, never ending, never running out, chasing me down, eager to set my heart ablaze again. 

3.     Old sticks are good for something.   Once providing shade in the summer these dead branches are now on the ground for me to trip over.  If you don’t prune your tree, the branches will fall and you may fall, or have to clean up when you weren’t planning to.  God will take what is old, worn out, used up, forgotten, useless and turn it into the fuel that is needed for a fire.  The wet  new wood smoked a lot, was harder to light on fire.  The old, dry dead wood was easier to burn more quickly and had less smoke but more heat.  Don’t think that God is finished using you or that what you’re good at is over.  God may just be starting and the fire he will burn with you is an all-consuming fire.  Not a little candle in a window but a fire that warms, envelops, grows, spreads, is very powerful. Hebrews 12: 29 For our God is a consuming fire-  When Moses went up the mountain the Israelites thought the Glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.  Gods glory is all consuming, How can I allow my heart to be more aware of His glory?  What can I do to enter into his Glory daily?  Pray, be thankful, be alert. 

God is with us in everyday moments.  He wants to speak, to come alive and to spark something new in each of us.   When I came in from the campfire, I changed my clothes because I smelled like smoke.  Oh Lord, please allow others to be aware of you when they are with me.  When I come away from time spent with you may others feel warm, may my aroma be a sweet smell, my words a sweet sound and may you continue to burn inside with passion, boldness as the Holy Spirit comes alive in me.

Acts 2:2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  They were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit Come

Only God can move mountains but prayer can move his heart

January 26, 2015

Continue praying, keeping alert and always thanking God. Colossians 4:2

Definitions of continue:  Ongoing, continuous, sustained, persistent, steady, relentless, rolling, uninterrupted, unceasing.  Recommence or resume after interruption

Definition of praying:  to make a request in a humble manner, to address God with adoration, confession, thanksgiving, talk to God.

Definition of always:  at all times; on all occasions.  As a last resort; failing all else.

Definition of thank- express gratitude, credit, bless, recognize.

Don’t stop praying.  If for some reason you’ve quit, don’t beat your self up over it simply resume praying.  Make your request, talk to God, confess to him, thank him, address him.  At all times, on all occasions- good, bad, in need, in plenty.  Always give thanks, gratitude, credit to God and recognize his work. 

God is faithful.  His word is powerful and true.  Nothing is impossible for Him.  Alone we can do nothing.  Only God can move mountains but prayer can move his heart.  Trust him and have a deep amazing uninterrupted faith that HE will Do above beyond all that we can think or ask. 

Pray. It works. Try it. Test it. Be committed to prayer.

When trouble comes your way. Seek Him

When Great things come your way. Praise Him

When you’re not sure of what to say or how to respond. Ask Him

When you desire something. Search for Him.

The Truth about Field Trip Fridays

January 23, 2015

Field Trip Friday

Field Trip Friday began when I had Mason home as a preschooler. I would take him somewhere; the library, Fire Station, a restaurant, a friends house, the zoo, a museum, a park…anywhere, and we would try to have someone join us.

Today Micah Ethan and I met up with Peyton, Cruz and Lara and carpooled to ride the train to Imaginon.  We’ve taken many “field trips” together over the years and Lara and I have been friends since before any of our pregnancies.  Being pregnant at the same time has allowed our kids to always have someone their own age to be friends with (dosent hurt that I like Lara too) Love how God cares enough for us to give us people in our lives who are experiencing the same stage of life so we can have encouragement or be an encouragement.  Sometimes we don’t even realize who those people may be until we stop and think…Lord, please help me to be aware of those in my life you want me to encourage. Likewise, please allow me to allow others to get close enough so that they can be an encouragement.   

Crazy to think of how much I would be missing if I didn’t have relationships.  We need people in our lives to point us to Christ, to give us an opportunity to pray, to forgive, to learn how to love and be loved.  People to laugh with, people to discover new things with and people to talk to when your life is mostly centered around little people, that’s the main reason moms plan playdates- so they have someone to talk to!

Sad to think that our kid playdates are on their last leg. Now we will more likely swap kids or meet up less often.  Again, something else that’s changing.  Lara and I have different emotions.  I am sad, left longing for these years with young children in the home to fill my days.  She, is excited, relieved. 

For me, being a “mommy”  of little kids is what I have always dreamed of and honestly, I really love being a mommy of young children.  I never really gave much thought to what it means to be a mother to older children.  Or even ever imagined my life as a mom to an older child.  I am comfortable with early elementary and preschoolers. I feel like I’m naturally good at make believe, silly songs, crafts and reading books out loud.  I really want to freeze this moment in life with our little young family, where a fun time by all consists of drawing the curtains, grabbing some flashlights and watching our shadows come alive.  This is fun for me, this is rewarding and a life that I love.  How can I keep this family tight? How can I stay in close relationship with my children? What if I’m no good at being a mom to older children.   I know fear is irrational and that God will give me wisdom but still it’s what goes on in my head.

I’m Not sure what my future holds but so glad and at peace to know who holds my future.  God has a plan for me.  God knows whats next.  While 3 years from now I may not have “field trip Friday” where I pack picnics, ride a train, meet daddy for lunch, talk with a friend…I know I can trust that God is going to fill up my time with His purpose for me.   I can trust that God will teach me how to be a mom to young boys and preteens.  And I am thankful that even if I don’t have an actual, physical playdate that I meet Lara at that I still plan to be in relationship with her and others like her that will encourage me and that I can encourage too.

Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 27:5-6 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.  Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!