Update on the house stuff

Praise God I am seeing the light at the end of the long tunnel we've been down! The painter is coming tomorrow and the next day and he will be finished painting!!! Friday will be a break for Jonah, Noah and me...which means we can visit with Pappaw! Monday they're coming to tear up all the linoleum in the kitchen, to pull up the wood by the old, leaky back door we used to have, and to build up the floor they tore up last week. From what the man said, Tuesday they will lay down the new kitchen floor, Wednesday they will start in the living room, and from there finish the rest. Hopefully by Friday!!! I WILL BE SO GLAD TO HAVE MY HOUSE BACK IN ORDER!!!! Graham and Drew came home to a horrendous mess yesterday afternoon, and with eyes wide said they would be so glad to have a clean house again. I'd gone to the grocery store, and putting up the groceries consisted of putting the bags on the floor, with the stuff still in them, and putting the rest in our new pantry....which just so happens to be my kitchen table. I thought that was funny...it's even getting to them!

Oh, and once again, they made it home without being snatched. They said getting to school was hard, since it's mostly uphill, but coming back was a breeze and they were in my driveway at 4:06. They get out at 4:00, if that tells you the difference. I will be driving them tomorrow since they're predicting thunderstorms, but they'll be back to bike riders on Thursday. ;)

The Twins, The Mommy, And The Cop

Sounds like a comedy, doesn't it? It really wasn't, though. Yesterday was beautiful here, and it was already 65 degrees outside when I took the boys to school. Graham and Drew wanted to walk in. Let me explain for those who don't know what I mean. Graham and Drew live too close to school to be bus riders. I feel we live too far away to be bike readers or walkers by themselves. So what I do every afternoon is park on a road by the school, and let them be "walkers" out to my car. They like to be "walkers" in on pretty days, and yesterday was one of those days.

So I did my usual thing, and I sat in the car and watched them until they got to the school property. Well, the police officer STANDING RIGHT BEHIND ME did not like that idea. He told me that I was not allowed to do that because I was causing traffic problems. I informed him that since there was no sign saying not to, that I could do that if I so chose. He told me to use my common sense. I was mad, I admit. I feel like I always use my common sense, especially when it concerns my children. But then I told him (before he stopped being Mr. Nice Cop, and issued me a ticket for being belligerent) that I would abide by what he said and no longer do that. I did, however, still pick them up in that spot that afternoon. Hey, he didn't tell me not to.

Graham and Drew have been BEGGING me to let them ride their bikes to school. I noticed yesterday that there are about 10 kids in this neighborhood alone who ride the same path they would take. So I reluctantly agreed. They left me watching from the front porch at 8:30 this morning. I did really good (however I got NO SUPPORT WHATSOEVER FROM MY MOM IN LOVE!!!!!), and didn't begin to panic until 10 minutes after they'd left, thinking the worse. Right after the time Phyllis basically said, "You did NOT let them ride their bikes to school!" So I quickly threw on clothes, hopped in Todd's car and took off to the school. Much to the dismay of the infamous Ms. Gaines (the gym teacher who loves my kids), I rode by and noticed that, yes they did indeed make it to school without being kidnapped. Hey, you never know in today's world, right? I would have actually followed them, but they implored with me not to. So, as I drove by their bikes, Ms. Gaines had this huge smile on her face and was waving at me like, "Are you crazy, woman?!?!" Yes, in fact I am crazy. About my kids and their safety. And lots of other things, but that's not what I'm writing about.

So, will I let them do this tomorrow? Depends on the weather. I'm giving them room to grow...pray my mommy's heart will make it! :( Oh, and just teasing with ya, Phyllis. Thanks for putting up with my sarcasm and practical jokes...a.k.a. the plastic spider I threw on you and started screaming about. Remember that? I've never seen you move like that! Lots of love!

T-Ball practice

Jonah and Noah did great at t~ball practice! There is another Noah G on their team, and let me tell you, he is a handful. He doesn't listen very well, but his mom and dad corrected that by standing out there with him. The other kiddos did great!!! Their attention span SHOCKED me! Jonah and Noah were out there running bases like they'd been born to do that! They practiced batting, catching grounders (or whatever they're called when they roll on the field), and running bases. Like going to first base first and not third. They were precious! I wish I knew a team name to be able to tell you, but I don't. I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, Drew called Sunny's house to ask her could they please bring Holly. As if they would leave her home alone. But him and Graham actually ended up helping the coaches. I think they even worked with the kids some. My babies are all growing up! They practiced while Sunny and I babysat kids on the playground. The man with the key came out and said there had to be an adult out there. So we volunteered. And made fun of the other moms. I AM JUST JOKING! We did not do that, I promise. Well, good night all, more tomorrow while I smell paint fumes all day!

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You today with a heart full of joy and gladness. I thank You for Your all consuming, unconditional love for us. Even when we don't deserve Your mercy, You bestow it. I thank You for the family You have blessed us with, and not just the ones related by blood. For all the family I have related to me through Your blood.

I ask that anyone that has discouragement in their hearts will be lightened as a result of this prayer. I ask that You come against any other fears, insecurities, or depression that there may be in my family. I pray that You will bring peace to those who need it, and comfort to those who need it. I pray Your blessings upon everyone that I know and love right now, in Your holy Name.

I thank You for the husband You have blessed me with. I thank You for Your obvious work in his life, and the man of God he's become. I pray that You will surround him at all times with Your love, and Your presence. I pray that You will guide him in every decision he has to make, about work and his future. Give him comfort over all that he does regarding our family, and help him to be all that You have planned for him to be. Give him wisdom as he fathers our children, as he trains these boys up in Your ways.

I thank You for my boys, Lord. What a blessing You have entrusted me with! I pray that I will not only be the wife to Todd that would please You, but the mother that You want me to be, as well. I pray that I will discipline these boys in a way that will please You, and in a way that is loving and gentle. I pray for each of them, and their future spouses, that these girls are raised in a Christ~centered home. I pray that these girls will know and experience Your love on a daily basis, and that they will grow up fearing You.

I thank You for my parents, all three sets of them, and the siblings you have blessed Todd and me with. I pray that You will protect their families, and their loved ones, and that You will keep them in Your loving arms. I pray that You will show them the plans You have for them, and help them to be patient as they await Your timing. You know all situations, Lord, and I am asking You to intervene in whatever they may be facing. I thank You for all the time and love our parents invest into our kids' lives. I pray that You will use them as loving examples of what Your love should look like...let Your Holy Spirit fill them and surround them at all times.

I love You, Lord, and I thank You that I have the freedom of praying to You, and being able to speak Your Name. I thank You for the privilege I have of being able to attend and be a part of a church like mine. For the family of believers that have become so dear to my heart. I thank You for the leadership of that church, and I pray that You will guide them in any decision making they have...especially in finding a pastor for our children's department. We know that You have another "Tim and Jenny" out there, that You want to come and lead our kids. I pray for the youth of our church, that they will be God fearing kids, focused only on serving You, not on what style of clothes everyone wears. I pray for the parents involved in youth, that they will allow You to work through them, and to be examples of You, and Your non~judgmental ways.

I love You, and I thank You, Father. Thank You for the many times You have carried me when I couldn't walk on my own. Thank You for keeping me in Your arms, at all times. Give me more faith in You and in Your provision over us. I pray that Your word will remain in my heart and that I will forever remain close to You, just like Your word promises. I love You, and I bless Your holy Name. Amen.

What we've been up to

Well, all the weekend practices got rained out. Well, as Jonah pointed out, it wasn't actually raining outside. But the grass was swampy, so that justified it. We'll begin tomorrow night. Friday night found us with the same friends as usual, but this time it was hosted by the Riley's, much to the kids' excitement. I have a sweet picture of Graham holding baby Annabelle. She would not go to sleep...until Graham got her. Then she went right to sleep. Precious little thing. This time we played Kelly's version of dominoes. I have never played dominoes. I'm not much of a game kind of gal, but they're molding me into one. It was really fun, though, even though Todd said regular dominoes is better.

Saturday found us outside just about all day. Drew and his friend, Collin (who'd spent the night) rode their bikes to Collin's house and ended up staying there till almost 8:00 that night. Jonah and Noah rode bikes all day. And I sat. And watched. I was very lazy. I really wanted to be doing something to my house, but since it's torn up, what's the point? Todd and Graham went downtown with the men's group from church and fed the homeless. Graham made some new friends. They were playing basketball at a park, and Graham went over and played with them. They were giving him pointers on what to do. When that was over, he went over and played with some other kids on the playground. He really enjoyed it and is looking forward to doing it the next time. I'd actually like for all of us to go the next time. I love the thought of the boys being exposed to that, and realizing how blessed we are.

Saturday night we stayed home and watched the basketball games. Tonight we went to our neighbor's church and watched our neighbor, Travis perform. What we went to is called Kidz Central, and it's just music, skits, and a Bible lesson for kids of all ages. They all loved it, and I'm sure we'll go back the next time. This is something Central does once a month, and each month they have a different virtue. Tonight's was joy...even when things don't go our way. I wish our church did stuff like that...the kids crave it, and I feel for them!

We came home and ate dinner, then went back outside (I feel like I live out there!). We played a sophisticated version of catch...it's a ball with batteries and hand bands. The ball reads the bands and tells you where to throw it next. It's really fun...it was a present Jonah and Noah got, even though they don't catch that well. Then Todd, the boys and Kari from next door played hide and seek. I was base. That was scary, I admit, seeing my husband running full throttle towards me trying to "touch base" before Kari caught him.

We had an awesome weekend, and I hope you all did too. Oh, and Big Daddy, I'm glad you're feeling better. Are we on for dinner next Saturday night?!?! You've got some grandkids that are really wanting a ride on the tractor...if it's "awake" that is. Love to all!

Morning Devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries

In light of all that has happened in my house this week, I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful that God has protected us all from major illness. There is no reason, other than Him, why we weren't really sick. I am also thankful that my very watchful husband found the problem. It's good to know that he watches out for us and our home. This was the devotion I woke up to this morning, and I wanted to share it. This is an attitude we should all have. I know that I can definitely say that if this was the worst thing that happened to us this week, then it still a pretty good week.

Still a Pretty Good Day

Lysa TerKeurst

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Devotion:

A couple of weeks ago, my daughter Ashley had a gymnastics meet that didn’t go so well. She fell on almost every event. She scored well below her expectations and I thought there would be lots of tears at the awards ceremony. But, much to my surprise, she bounced up to me and exclaimed, “Mom, did you see I landed my vault on my feet. That’s a good thing about today.”

She then flitted off with her teammates to get ice cream. One of the other moms grabbed my arm and complimented Ashley’s good attitude. Though I did feel sad for Ashley - after all she had worked so hard to prepare for this meet, my heart still swelled with joy. That compliment meant more than seeing my daughter with a neck full of gold medals. Do I want Ashley to win? Yes, of course. But seeing a good attitude displayed in the face of adversity - well that’s simply priceless.

Ashley’s outlook challenged me. How many times do I have something bad happen in my day and it just seems to turn my whole attitude south? Instead of just resigning myself to being emotional or sensitive, I’ve decided to see this as a call to action. I’ve started making the choice to say a simple statement that often diverts a bad attitude. And the statement is this, “If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, it’s still a pretty good day.”

Boy does this statement put things into perspective. I guess it’s an everyday way to do a little heart check up. The Bible tells us that we should intentionally make our minds think of things that are good, true, excellent, and praiseworthy. The more I think about things like these, the more my perspective seems to stay in check. In Colossians 3:15 we are instructed to, “Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts… and be thankful.” Verse 16 goes on to say that we should also, “Let the word of God dwell in us richly…” Finally, verse 17 says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”

Letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and letting the word of God dwell in us richly doesn’t just happen naturally. We have to intentionally make those choices. And we have to challenge ourselves to deal with the bad while focusing on all the good that is there as well.

So, what aggravation or disappointment are you facing today? If that’s the worst thing that happens - I bet you could say it’s still a pretty good day too.

Dear Lord, help me to put daily aggravations into proper perspective. Give me the wisdom to choose to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart. And give me a hunger to get into Your word and let Your word get into me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

P31 Woman magazine

Do You Know Him?

Application Steps:

Click over to Lysa’s Blog to post a comment about how you will choose to see the good rather than focus on the bad in your day today. Each time something aggravates you, make the choice to say, “If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, it’s still a pretty good day.”

Reflections:

Are there some areas that are consistently tripping up your attitude? Find some verses that you can memorize to help redirect your outlook when negativity starts to creep into your heart. Intentionally recall things you are thankful for and focus on praising God for those circumstances.

Power Verses:

Philippians 4: 4-5, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all…” (NIV)

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV)

Colossians 3: 15-17, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (NIV)

I AM FREEZING!

We have 2 fans and a humidifier going downstairs, and it's making it so cold down here!!! I am having a complete day of laziness, and am using Todd's laptop while sitting in the recliner. I figure I deserve a day of putting my feet up after yesterday. Maybe not, but it sure does feel good!!

I think the floor and wall may be dry enough for the work to start tomorrow. I just got a phone call from the contractor, explaining what all was about to take place. He told me that it will be a HUGE mess, but in 2 weeks, all will be complete. Fun, fun, fun! Not really, but we'll manage.

We're going to get out in a little bit, so Jonah and Noah can go see Andy. They were so good yesterday, in the midst of all that was going on, so I promised them they could see Andy today. And I could use some girlfriend time. Complete with coffee. It's raining here today, so between the rain and the fans, it will warm me up.

Jonah and Noah just ran up and asked me if they could have a brownie, but they don't know where they are, since our pantry is messed up!! I did manage to get most of the food back in there (I'm less one huge shelf), but I had to explain exactly where they are. They ran in there to get one, and stopped short when they saw the mess. They just about crashed into each other! They quickly turned around and went into the kitchen through the other way. They will not walk on the floor that's been pulled up. I think Todd told them not to, but they won't even do it when they have shoes on. Too funny.

I'm going to end with verses from Proverbs 27...

Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. 3 Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both. 4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? 5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. 7 He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. 8 Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home. 9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel. 10 Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you-better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. 11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt. 12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. 13 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman. 14 If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will taken as a curse. 15 A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day; 16 restraining her is like restraining the wind of grasping oil with the hand. 17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

That's one of my favorite passages...especially verse 17. Let us all sharpen whoever we come in contact with today, may it be a sister, a friend, or a co~worker. Love to all!