Randomness

I thought I would hop on here for a few minutes just to say I did, I guess ;) I have had the mother of all headaches since Thursday night.  If you 'tweet' or 'Twitter' ?? then, ofcourse you've read my complaints about it.  Whew!  A doozy.

I'm fortunate to be able to go to bed early tonight, so that's what I'm going to do.  I had to cancel Bible Study tonight, which like to near killed me.  Okay, maybe it wasn't that bad, but I was SO looking forward to it, so I was pretty bummed.  I hate to miss.  The storms were just too bad in our area and I took it from all the phone calls I was getting I would probably be the only one there had we met.

We had a great trip this weekend with my in-laws.  It was so nice to get away for a few days.  I always wish it was longer.

On a lighter note, my brother John Patrick stayed at our house so he could keep Sadie.  Apparently, she was an 'angel' dog while we were away.  He even taught her some tricks.

Whatever.

They didn't bond completely, however because we couldn't convince him to take her home with him.  Sigh.

More tomorrow .... It's SSMT day!

Sunday Letters

Dear Emma,

Girl, you have had a HARD week.  Once again, you were put in a weird situation by someone at school.  We went through all the right steps to ignore/let it work itself out, but nothing worked.  Then, my Mama claws came out - in the name of Jesus, of course and I believe things will get better.  Whew.  Third grade is rough (in a ridiculous sort of way :) I still say you handle yourself with such grace.  I think I would love to be put in my place by you because I would feel encouraged and blessed at the same time.  haha I just love your spirit.

Okay, an update on no TV from your perspective.  The only time you have mentioned not being able to watch TV was Monday morning.  You were home from school all day and it just felt weird to you to not watch TV.  You actually cried a little and told me it was SO HARD! I told you your tears were a pretty big indication we are on the right track.  You were over it in 2 minutes and playing Americ*n Girls in your room.  We can do this.

Dear Olivia,

I have to record the funniest conversation I had with you this week.  You asked me to pray for Uncle John Patrick's boss.  When I asked you why, you said "Because he won't let JP play any rock music on his station".  Which makes perfect sense considering it's a COUNTRY station.  Uncle JP took you to work with him last Saturday and you were fascinated.  You've talked about it a lot.  I asked you if you wanted to be a DJ when you grow up.  You quickly said, "No Way! They have to work ONE HOUR A DAY!"  haha (I know JP appreciated that - it's tough working one hour a day :)

No TV from your perspective:  You haven't mentioned it one time, which is a shock to all of us because you were our TV junky.  If I ask you about it, you emphatically tell us you do NOT want to watch it.  I love how God is working that out because I thought we would have a problem.  You are working so hard each day coloring, crafting, playing with toys - it's GREAT.  I love you so much!

Dear Eric,

I do not have a good report about you and no TV.  You may have sulked a little on Wednesday about no F**d Network.  You finally stopped whining and went to sleep.  What started as your rules made you question your judgment a little.  You pushed through the temptation, though, and thankfully we stayed on track.  I guess you'll be getting lots of sleep from now on :)

Happy 40th Birthday AGAIN! You look better today than you did at 30.  I love you more than the day we met.  I am so blessed to be your wife.  I love you.

On the Go

We're out and about today taking in views like this .....

You know who could probably use prayer right about now? My brother, John Patrick who is house and DOG sitting. 

One of them will never be the same after this weekend.

Olivia In Charge

We had a good time celebrating Eric's birthday last night.  Emma said it best, though, when she said she wished his birthday was on a day that wasn't so busy.  Thursdays are for us.  But, we knew we were going out of town this weekend to celebrate his birthday and my mother in law's victory over breast cancer! (She's finished with treatments and feeling well - thanks for your prayers!)

The girls climbed in bed with me Thursday morning to wait on Eric to get dressed.  He found us all waiting with cards and a gift.  The best part was when I handed him his card and he seriously couldn't read it.  He was squinting and moving it FAR away to focus.  Cracked us both us.  How appropriate on the morning of your 40th birthday.  That took me back to a night at Target a few weeks ago when the 2 of us literally stopped to look at the bifocals/reading glasses.  We put on a few pair (of the lowest strength, by the way) and were a little giddy at how well we could see. 

Then the thought grossed me out and we walked away proud we didn't 'need' them.  I don't know, I'm thinking we may need to go back and get some for him :)

Changing subjects ....

When we got home yesterday, I had a monstrous headache.  Olivia ordered me to the sofa and told me she would take care of everything.  I listened as she rustled around in the kitchen.  In a 30 minute span of time, she did her 'homework' which was cutting out pieces of a dinosaur, coloring it and pasting it together.  It was perfect.  She also packed Emma's snack for today - complete with a hershey kiss and a note from her (just like I would do).  It was so, so sweet.

I heard her whisper to Eric and Emma, "Don't anybody bother Mommy cause she is the pet-baby right now.  I am in charge".  haha Then she proceeded to put away the towels in the my bathroom.

I was blown away.  And blessed.  She is something else.

I must go.  I have had an out-of-body experience and somehow agreed to work a few hours today at school.  And we're leaving for a trip around lunchtime.  And I haven't packed a thing.

Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday .....

........ to the sweetest, cutest, smartest, funniest, godliest, most considerate man I know!

Happy 40th Birthday, Eric!!

We love you SOOOO much!

Emma's card to you .....

I pray 'forty' doesn't make you cranky :) haha.

Loving Each Other - Watching Our Words

I did something I never do last night.  I went to bed at 8:20!

While cooking dinner, a wave of exhaustion hit me and I never recovered until this morning.  I slept TEN hours and am not one bit guilty.  Eric was kind enough to pick up the slack.  Olivia was already in bed when I went, but Emma was still in the shower.  I just had to.  And I'm glad I did.

I woke up this morning and made a new loaf of cinnamon bread and a pasta salad.  The pasta salad was for me because I've been craving it, but the cinnamon bread was for my whiny family.  They are addicted/spoiled.  Seriously, I have to bake a fresh loaf every other day because they eat it that fast.

It makes the house smell great :)

We are on the home stretch with our 'love month'.  I haven't posted specifics in a few days because mainly we're not doing anything extraordinary - just trying to live it the way God commands us to do.  I think Eric would agree with me and say we've seen great changes in all of us.  What started out as "let's see how we can love someone today" has turned into more subtle, simple gestures that are becoming 'second nature' to my girls and us.

Paper, pencils and crayons are always accessible to my girls.

What I have noticed is both of them are making cards and writing letters almost daily to someone.  Emma made an apology card to a classmate last night because she 'thinks' she may have hurt her feelings.

One thing we talked about at the beginning of the month was our words and how we use them.  I have to be honest and tell you I am the world's worse.  I am a very sarcastic person (you're shocked, right?) and I know my words can hurt. 

Proverbs 18:21 says "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit". When we come to the knowledge that our words can breathe life into someone or bring hurt and death ... well, that's sobering. 

I've always asked my girls if the words they were saying tasted like honey or like vinegar, but driving home 'life or death' seemed to wake us all up.  Plus, isn't it much more effective if Mom is following the same standard?

It's hard! I remember one night Eric saying to me, "You are especially quiet tonight".  ha! I wanted to say, "If you only knew what I was thinking, I would rip you to shreds!!!"  haha.  Just being honest.  It's a choice.

Watching what we say and how we say it hard stuff (at least for me).  But, I have witnessed the effects of choosing our words carefully.  No, we're not perfect and certainly slip up A LOT, but we're making a conscious effort to do a better job encouraging each other.

Also, I have found I become more irritable when things aren't going my way.  This is usually when my words turn sour and hurtful.  I'm working on giving my expectations to the Lord and letting Him work out the details with my family.  Which is also a lesson in giving up control and ... well ... that's another long post for another day.

I'm Her Favorite

We had a wonderful Monday off from school.  We didn't do anything exciting, but just enjoyed the weather.  I'll post some pictures later.

Yesterday, we went to lunch at Chick-fil-A .... along with everyone else in our town :) Then, we got a to-go order and took it to my Mom at work.  She works at a local hospital here, so she met us out front to get it.  When we pulled up, I said "Mom, hold up your Chick-fil-A so I can prove we showed love to you today!" haha

I am her favorite daughter.

I will not reveal how many daughters she has.  That may make the other ones jealous ;)

Our Journey With No TV

There's really no better way to top off a good, long weekend than ANOTHER day off! That's what we have today.  We would have had tomorrow off as well, but we're making it up because of snow.  We have thoroughly enjoyed our weekend.

Thursday night, we had warmer weather, so we broke out Emma's telescope and looked at the stars.  Olivia rode her bike and declared it the best day of her life!

Warmer weather after a looooong cold spell brings out the 'happy' in all of us, doesn't it?

Friday, Eric took the day off to be with us.  The girls had 2 requests ... to go to the library and the park.  We did both.

We spent hours at the park and enjoyed some beautiful weather with temps in the 70s.  So fun!

From there, we went to the library and loaded up on books.  Emma has already read 3 of hers! - mainly because she wants to replinish her money (remember we pay her 2 cents a page to read).  She loves to read and doesn't necessarily need to be paid any longer, but it's really the only way she gets an allowance, so I guess we'll stick with it :)

I can only attribute our extra 'reading time' to one thing.  After months (okay, maybe years) of discussing it, debating it, talking ourselves out of it and finally yielding to the Holy Spirit's leading, we have cut out TV in our home.

I will confidently say that is a HUGE way Eric and I are loving our family.

To explain our decision, I would have to take you back to a time even pre-children when Eric and I would discuss how TV was a useless distraction.  We often felt like it robbed us of our time together.  After having Emma, we grew more and more concerned with it being a more stumblingblock than a distraction.

I could tell you of many times over the past 9 years when I felt the Holy Spirit leading me in this direction, but I would shrug it off, thinking I couldn't do such a radical thing.  Here's the weird part, I don't even watch that much television.  Eric and I record Surviv*r when it's on and watch it when the kids are in bed.  I used to watch HGTV, but now don't seem to do that either.  Eric watches cooking shows and sports.  The majority of the time it was on, it was turned to the Di$ney Channel or a local kids station.  We also watched Extreme H*me Makeover together.  I can't tell you the last time I've watched the news (possibly when I was trying to learn what the forecasted weather was?) Also, I have always known I use television as a babysitter of sorts.  When I want a few minutes to myself, I encourage my kids to watch a program or two.  Hard to admit, but true.

A few things have happened over the last few weeks - nothing major, just conversations between my girls and myself that left me feeling like something wasn't quite right.  Words said or thoughts voiced that made me think 'where did that come from?' The more I talked about it with Eric, the more we seemed to be on the same page. 

Here's the thing, to make a decision like this, Eric and I had to be united (and equally convicted) or we knew it would never work.  Over the years, when I would be convicted about it, he would resist.  When he would nudge us in that direction, I would talk him out of it.  We could just never get on the same page. 

But, God is persistent.  When His Spirit convicts us of something, He won't let up until we're obedient.

And, that's where we found ourselves last week.

I began to ask God for confirmation in His Word and/or through His people (sermons, etc.) That's what we got.  I have to tell you, once we prayed and made a decision together, I was so relieved to finally be stepping in the direction towards obedience to God.

Now, we had to tell the girls.

Here's what we came up with ....

** No TV, period, on weekdays.
** The girls will be able to record a program (that we approve) to watch on the weekends.
** Even on weekends, they can only watch 1 hour of television.
** Whatever we ask of the girls, we are committed to do ourselves - so same rules apply.
** Movies are different.  The girls can watch a movie, but still that's only on weekends and preferably, we watch as a family.

We told the girls over dinner one night.  Surprisingly, Olivia was the one that said, "I'm fine with it.  Satan gets in my head through the TV".  Ha! This made us laugh, and like I say, shocked me. She watches the most :) Emma's reaction was more dramatic.  She cried, but mainly because she didn't understand at first we were letting her record a show to watch on weekends.  She was completely satisfied with an hour.

Results so far ...

** Friday night, we were all in different corners reading.  The sight of it made me happy.
** No one has asked to turn the TV on once (not even this weekend!).
** Friday morning, Eric and I found the girls at the kitchen table coloring.  When I asked if they missed the TV, they both said, "No!". 
** I felt a little weird last night.  We have a Sunday night tradition.  We usually come home from church and watch Extreme H*me Makeover together.  Eric started to turn on the TV and caught himself.  We all had to think twice about it, actually.  That felt a little weird.  But, we didn't cave, thank goodness.

I'm praying we can stick with it.  It really feels/seems like we're on the right track with what God would have for our family.  Like anything, it will require prayer and obedience to do something 'abnormal' or so extreme.  Only God can equip us to stick it out ...

Sunday Letters

Dear Emma,

Praise the Lord, you had a good night at dance Tuesday night.  You have handled yourself so beautifully over a tough situation with other girls in that class and God is honoring your actions.  I pray you continue to rely on Him to make you stronger and more bold as you discern how to handle difficult people.  Goodness knows you will have to do that much more in your life.  You are learning a tough lesson, but I am proud of you!

Dear Olivia,

You have had the sweetest heart all week.  You asked some pretty deep questions about the Lord on Tuesday.  You are so happy about 2 of your friends that were recently saved and baptized.  You told me they were going to heaven with their families and then you started to cry.  I was so moved and talked to you for a long while about making a decision to ask Jesus into your heart.  You told me you weren't ready.  I have absolutely no idea what is going through that mind of yours, but I know God is working.  Your Daddy and I are praying for discernment in this area.  Most importantly, we're asking God to save you NOW.  I just can't wait to see what He will do.  I love you.

To both of my girls,

Through different circumstances this week, God has impressed me to pray specifically for you and your decisions.  I had to take a second and thank Him for his direction and attention to your lives.  He is sovereign.  I asked something of Him I never have before .... for both of you to not only devote your lives completely to Him, but for you to change the world.  Let it be so, Lord!

Dear Eric,

Okay, in all seriousness .... this is the last few days of your thirties!!! I'm so thrilled you are catching up with me.  It stinks to be the only one in the '40 club' - haha.  I love you!

Also, you took back over the finances this week and I am absolutely thrilled! I have been asking you to do this for sometime.  You actually learned how much our power bill is and the information has empowered you - haha.  Love, love it. I have absolutely no problem handing it over, and as I've told you many times this week, I feel like I can breathe :) Weird, huh? Thank you for how you lead our family.  We are better because of you!

Don't Worry, We're Back Together

Today is sure to be FUN and PEACEFUL and RELAXING!

The girls are out of school and Eric has taken the day off.  The weather is promising 70 degree temps and lots of sunshine (give the Lord some praise!!).  We are heading to the library (girls' choice) and then to the park for a picnic. 

This morning, I love my family ... but, it was touch and go last night :) - ha! I had a very busy and tiring day yesterday.  After a looooong day at school and Emma's piano/violin lesson, we finally made it home around 4:30.  I pulled into the driveway and told the girls I thought I would sit on the sofa a minute and take a break before dinner.

Then, I opened the garage door.

Sadie (our puppy who stays in a crate during the day) ran out to greet me.  What? Huh? How is it she is loose in the garage? Wait.  She's been loose in the garage all day? 

Then, I see it.  The mess.  Skates, rain boots, pictures, trash ... all were her chew toys all day long.  I call Eric and tell him.  He laughs.  He laughs!? Because that's what Eric does.

But, that irritates me even more.  (This is a good time to tell you Eric is the one that left her out - it seems like information you should know).  I got back in the van, backed out of the driveway and broke up with Eric on my way out of the neighborhood.

I did not feel love at that moment. :)

It's all funny now, but at the time it wasn't.  Last night, the weather was so nice, we played outside looking through Emma's telescope at the beautiful moon. That's when we found the picture Sadie chewed up.  It was a picture of Eric and his girlfriend from college.  That cracked me up and softened my heart (a little) towards Sadie. 

Then, I got back together with Eric.

If the puppy doesn't tear us apart, nothing will :)

****************************************************
We've been loving others this week by focusing on our words.  I'll talk more about that next week, but it's been a great lesson for all of us.  Also, we've spent time writing cards to those who God has placed on our hearts (Emma, in particular, loves to do this!).

Who Is Like You Lord?

Who among the gods is like you, LORD?

Who is like you, majestic in holiness,

awesome in glory, working wonders?

Exodus 15:11

There is no one holy like the LORD;

there is no one besides you;

there is no Rock like our God.

1 Samuel 2:2

For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD?

who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints,

and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee?

or to thy faithfulness round about thee?

Psalm 89:6-8

Who is like the LORD our God,

the One who sits enthroned on high

Psalm 113:5

Moses replied, “It will be as you say, so that you may know

there is no one like the LORD our God.

Exodus 8:10

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,

you who have done great things.

Who, O God, is like you?

Psalm 71:19

No one is like you, O LORD;

you are great, and your name is mighty in power.

Jeremiah 10:6

"There is no one like you, O LORD,

and there is no God but you,

as we have heard with our own ears.

1 Chronicles 17:20

"O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth,

you who keep your covenant of love with your servants

who continue wholeheartedly in your way"

2 Chronicles 6:14

When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing:

then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Psalm 126:1-3

When the Lord does great things in our lives or when we know without a doubt He is working, we all have different responses.  Sometimes we laugh (Eric), sometimes we cry (usually me), sometimes we skip and jump (Emma), sometimes we stand in amazement trying to figure it all out (Olivia) or sometimes we praise Him and thank Him and wait on Him to do it again!

Either way, there's no one like Him! He sustains, He protects, He provides, He lifts us up, He makes us more than conquerors, He sings over us, He fights for us, He weeps with us, He loves us, He comforts, He watches over us while we sleep, He shelters us, He rejoices with us, He guides us, He loves us enough to discipline us, He restores, He heals, He leads, He convicts.

There's no one like Him.

My Kids Have No Problem Showing Love

I seriously think Mondays and Tuesdays may do me in.  Whew! I haven't had one free second to post.  Right now, Olivia is snuggled up beside me and I'm blogging.  That alone is something I don't like to do (I usually wait until they are in bed), but I think we're both okay with it ;) 

Emma is still at dance and will be for the next hour.  I'm holding my breath until I pick her up.  She's been having such a tough time at dance with one girl in particular.  Kids are so cruel and parents .... well, I'm finding out more and more that parents don't instill simple manners in their kids.  All year, we've talked with Emma about how to stand up for herself. 

And she's doing it.  A lot better than I would, actually.  Mainly because when Emma stands up for herself, she does so with grace and forgiveness.  Me, not so much.  This Mom is getting a little tired of it. 

When we pulled into the studio this afternoon, we prayed about it ... both asking God to guard Emma's heart.  Then, Emma prayed the sweetest prayer ... asking God to please help her to love those that persecute her.  I don't know ... I just believe God is going to give her a really good night. 

So, my kids show love even when I don't.

Olivia doesn't take dance for as long as Emma does.  She and I get to leave for awhile before going back to get Emma.  While walking to the car tonight, she was talking about a girl in her class and yelled "Mom! Casey loves God! I don't know about the other 7 people, though.  I need more time to ask them."

My 5 year old.  Witnessing.

I love my kids. 

I know you must get tired of me posting that, but I will probably never stop :)

Switching gears ....

Today's the 15th, so it's time to sign in to the Scripture Memory Team at LPM.  I've chosen a verse I have posted on my bathroom mirror, but have never committed to memory.

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning;

for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way

wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Psalm 143:8

Mornings, when I'm feeling defeated or just need encouragement, I tell the Lord I'm going to need to know/feel his love towards me that day.  I think He understands and knows I'm needy like that :) This verse confirms that as well as remind me when I put my trust in Him, He will direct my paths and show me which way to take. 

Okay, I must go.  I have to pick up my sweet girl and hear about her night.  I'm praying it's good news :)

Valentine's Day

I walked by this wall in my kitchen today and it made me so happy.

I bought the girls new aprons for Valentine's Day.  Actually, Emma has never had one.  She flipped out over hers, which is the floral one on the end.

She couldn't wait to use it, so she made us all breakfast Sunday morning (yummy waffles, ofcourse :)  We are definitely getting our carb-fix around here. (Yes, Eric has an apron, too.  Truth be told, he's the real chef around here :)

I was so excited about wearing my new necklace Emma bought me to church yesterday.  She spent all of her tooth fairy money to buy it for me.  Her compassion and generosity is alarming at times - where in the world does she get that from?

I am SO in love with my girls!

I had a few other Valentine treats for them (books).  I got Emma the children's version of Jesus Calling. 

She LOVES it and said she can't wait to read it every morning before her feet touch the floor.  We also got her a pocket dictionary.  Sometimes when she's reading, she comes to a word she doesn't know.  She has always wanted a dictionary to carry with her.

I got Olivia a silly knock-knock joke book called Olive You as well as Alice the Fairy!

I love reading Alice the Fairy to my preschool class.  I have wanted to buy it for Olivia for a long time because Alice reminds me of her :) She looooooooves this book!!

My gift from Eric was him spending the afternoon cleaning my van.  That was a huge labor of love since it needed cleaning so badly!  I feel like we live out of our van some days, so I really appreciated that.

Have a Happy, Happy Valentine's Day!!

Sunday Letters

Dear Emma,

If you do not stop losing teeth, you are seriously going to need baby food :) You have lost THREE teeth in the last 2 weeks and all are on your left side.  What used to be a dramatic event with wailing and screaming has now turned into "Mom, here's another tooth".  You just pull your own now with no fanfare.

Your Daddy and I went out to dinner last night for Valentine's Day while you went to dinner with your grandparents.  When we got home, you were jumping up and down with excitement.  You had bought me ANOTHER gift.  I seriously don't know what I'm going to do with you.  These are EXPENSIVE gifts.

I love my beautiful necklace and I can't wait to wear it to church today.  You are so sweet! I love you.

Dear Olivia,

You have slept all night for the past 3 nights!! Hooray! You were so proud of yourself Friday morning when you woke up.  Bless your heart.  I have been grumbling and complaining about not getting any sleep and you finally told me last week I was hurting your feelings saying that because you couldn't help it :(  I felt terrible.  Now we are thinking it's allergies ?? Who knows.  I pray you continue to get some rest.

Yesterday, your Daddy and I were having a (serious) conversation in the living room.  We were getting a little frustrated with a situation and complaining.  You quietly slipped in the room, turned on the Wii and started playing Just Dance Kids in between us. You were shaking those hips! :) We stopped to watch you and then burst out laughing.  And THAT pretty much sums up our life with you.  You bring life to the party and FUN in the midst of the mundane.  You keep us from taking ourselves too seriously. 

I found you outside Friday dressed in your school uniform and MY rain boots.  ??? Sometimes, I just don't know about you.  But, you looked so precious, I had to take a picture.

I love you.

Dear Eric,

It was nice to go out to dinner last night and have uninterrupted conversation.  After all these years, you are still my favorite person to go out with.  When Emma and I were talking yesterday afternoon, I said, "Hey, I have a date tonight! I get to go out with your cute Daddy!"  Ofcourse she said, "Ewww.  That is so gross!"  haha  Glad we can still gross out our kids :)  I love you. 

Love As A Verb - Being An Example

Standing in the kitchen, I was preparing dinner and listening to life going on around me.  Emma doing homework.  Olivia sitting in her make-shift office reading.

(A space behind a living room chair that she 'hides' in.  Here you find a lot of her keepsakes.  It's her 'special place').

I put on quiet praise music just like I do most every night to ward off what I call the 'witching hour'.  The time before dinner can be chaotic.  My girls want my full attention at a time of day when I'm starting to feel worn out, not really wanting to give it to them. 

It's a critical time, usually spent trying to will myself to cook dinner.  I love to bake, but cooking dinner just isn't my favorite thing to do.  But, I do it.

On this particular night, we had someone joining us for dinner.  Actually, she was spending the night.  A family member I've been fortunate enough to spend some extra time with lately.  I've been taking her home from school and from the very first day, I asked God to help me with my attitude.  My prayer was (is) that I would never see it as a burden, but as an opportunity to connect with her. 

I think she is beautiful.  And, I'm positive she has no idea she is.  (Father, please help me to encourage her and help her to see how WORTHY she is.)  An 11th grader finding her place, who is proving to me she has a deep desire to please God.  He is doing a huge work in her heart and I'm fortunate enough to get to witness it.

And I notice Emma watching her.

She watches her do her homework.  She listens to her talk.  She studies her every move. 

I ask Emma a question without turning to look at her.  I hear her answer me, but it doesn't sound like Emma, even though it is.  She answers me with a voice and words that mimic our guest.  I turn to look at her and know she's trying to be just like the person sitting at the table with her.

My, how impressionable my children are ... and quickly influenced.

The next morning, Emma comes down for breakfast dressed in a uniform that matches our friend .... complete with a long, beaded necklace almost identical to the one our junior is wearing. 

I'm careful to explain to Emma she can't wear that in 3rd grade, but maybe we could pick out something together that's a little more understated.

"Ok, Mom.  I just thought I could since the high schoolers can".

So, I'm reminded once more how important it is for my children to be surrounded by people that follow Christ.  Will they always? No! If I believe that, I'm not living in reality, but my prayer is for them to be so rooted and grounded in God's Word that they'll recognize an imposter when they see one.  At this stage, we can keep the 'imposters' out, only inviting safe people in.  But, we won't always be able to.

Right now, it's all innocent.  A necklace.  A different speech.

But, they are taking notes.

Every relationship matters.

".... be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity,

in spirit, in faith, in purity."  1 Timothy 4:12

The Little Things - Day 10

My girls have handed out almost all of the cookies.  What a fun way to encourage someone.  I believe we got the bigger blessing, by far.  I was stopped in the hallway at school today by someone Emma gave a cookie to.  Through tears, this person told me how much it all meant to her.  We just never know what someone is going through, do we? Encouragement goes a long way and I, for one, need to spend more time doing that.  It sure beats focusing on myself.  Yuck!

Plus, it was neat to watch Emma hand them out.  I saw her a few times today skipping to someone's office to sneak a cookie on their desk.  Precious.

We were on a 2 hour delay this morning because of snow.  We didn't get much - just enough to delay school.  I am reminded again of how happy I would be if my life was full of 2 hour delays. 

I am just better at 10:00.

Anyway, the morning gave Emma the opportunity to cook breakfast herself.  In fact, she made it for all of us (waffles) and even packed Olivia lunch.  I wasn't expecting the lunch, so that was huge blessing.

"I just wanted to bless you, Mom".

You did, Emma.  You are so thoughtful!

Who Has Poured Jesus Into Your Life?

Who is like you, Lord?

This will have nothing to do with the rest of my post, but I just have to get it out.  I've asked myself (and maybe shouted it a few times) the above question since Monday.  I was so full of the Lord when the week started because He has started confirming some things in my heart, while tearing down some senseless things I've been believing.  Monday afternoon I received 2 phone calls and an email testifying to 3 different miraculous things the Lord has done in the lives of my friends.

I hung up the phone after the last call and shouted, "Who is like you Lord? You have done great and miraculous things! You are so smart!" (Psalm 71:19 - okay, I added the 'smart' part, but is He not??)

While driving to school Tuesday morning, I was sharing something really cool with my girls that God had done the night before (yes, I will share it with you later - I know, I hate when people do that) when we reached the top of a hill in our town and saw the sun coming up.  It was a beautiful display with a bright orange sun reflected on the clouds against a brilliant blue sky! I shouted, "Who is like you Lord? The heavens declare your glory!" (Psalm 89)

Emma got so tickled and yelled, "I have seen your power and your glory in the sanctuary and my lips shall praise thee!!" (Psalm 63)

Olivia simply said, "God. You. Are. Good."

Amen!

You know what I'm reminded of this week? We are going through some very tough things.  This isn't a fun season for us to be in and there have been days I wondered if I would make it.  But, Jesus is the difference.  He sustains us and redeems all things.  AND, when I focus on other people and take the attention off my selfish self, I am open to see how wonderful He is.

So ...... to my Love As A Verb post.

I can't pinpoint the day, but I will say months and months ago, God began putting a thought in my heart about the people that are encouraging my children.  The people that are living out their faith in Christ in front of my girls confirming to them He is worth walking with.

I haven't been able to escape the thought.  While some parents tend to feel threatened by another person influencing his/her child (possibly rooted in jealousy), my prayer has always been that God would surround my girls with people that love Him.  I'm not always going to be the one they run to, so I'm praying God will raise up some powerful mentors who will willingly pour Jesus into their lives.

When we started talking about how to serve others this month, that was one of my first thoughts - to bless those people that have poured Jesus into my babies.

I already had a couple of people in mind, but once we sat down with Emma and Olivia to see who they came up with, we were surprised by their answers.  What that has taught me is, to a child, the outlook is different.  Where I would choose the obvious - teachers, etc. - Emma carefully considers those people that encourage her when others turn away.  Listening to her name people has been astounding.  And taught me once again that people are always watching and notice your life. 

When our list totaled just under 40 people, I got a little nervous about what we would do.  I mean, could I really bake 40 loaves of cinnamon bread? ha!

I was relieved to find a girl in our town that runs a bakery out of her home.  She made me 4 dozen of the most beautiful cookies ....

Eric and I have typed up cards to each person the girls have listed, and Emma and Olivia have either signed their names or written a note to each one.

One cookie goes with each card.  We're distributing them this week.

A cookie certainly isn't enough, but God will ultimately reward those who have shown Jesus to an unsuspecting child.

I have no idea how it will be received, and the truth is, it doesn't matter.  This has been a great discussion in our home and I have thanked God for each and every person that shows Christ to my child.  I believe God will do great things with my children if they choose to follow His path for their lives.  Eric and I can't be the only ones influencing them.  They'll no doubt look for wisdom from others.  I'm praying they seek those that have that extra something special - Jesus.

Here's a funny story ... Olivia was more than willing to participate when we first started talking about this.  BUT, when she saw the cookies (she has a serious sweet tooth), she didn't want to give them to anybody! She said she couldn't think of a single person that had shown her Jesus - haha.  Thankfully, after she filled her tummy with cookies from home, she's back to wanting to bless others with these.  Her sweetest answer has been to make sure Emma gets one because that is who tells her the most about Jesus.  That melts this Mom's heart. ;)