Blessed By the Sirs at Bedtime

Sir MMH Hubby had a workout last night, so I flew solo during prayer time with the boys. The routine is: I open up prayer with thanks and praise for all the good in our day, especially the good things I noticed the young Sirs doing. We then go around our trio lifting up prayers for others, ourselves, and whatever else is placed on our hearts.  Last night it went something like this:

Me: “Lord I thank you for these boys and for blessing our day in every moment: playtime, school time, and even our meal was wonderful (meaning no complaints about food and the average in-seat time for the kiddos was more than 10 minutes). Thank you that Sir Wallace was so diligent in his work today, completing assignments and learning new things with a happy heart. Thank you for Sir Lionheart and how his heart is changing…he was so helpful today in many ways. Boys?”

Sir Lionheart: “God please help Grandpa Jim’s knee to feel better and he knows you did it.”

Sir Wallace: “Ummm…I’m thinking…”

Sir Lionheart: “Mama, maybe we can pray for the people who live by vampire bats that they won’t bite them and suck their blood.”

Me: “Sure thing buddy. God please keep the people safe who live by bats.”

Sir Wallace: “I don’t have anything.”

Sir Lionheart: “And maybe we can pray for monkeys not be eaten by giant snakes?”

Me: “You bet buddy.  God, please protect your creation.”

Sir Wallace: “Mama did you read the hippo book today? In case you didn’t, did you know that an angry hippo can run faster than a human if he’s angry at the human?”

Me: “Nope, sure didn’t. Thank you Lord for blessing me now.”

Followed by laughter and these other facts Sir Wallace picked up in a book at the library today: A hippo can snap an alligator in half with it’s jaws. It can also kill a lion with those jaws, and apparently panda bears can swim. I’m so out of my league teaching this boy at home! (Now if he wants to talk nursing theory, I may have a chance) Thank you God for a wonderful library and a seemingly endless supply of books.

AMEN.

Midnight Musing

“…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

1.  God’s word yields a harvest.

2.  God accomplishes what he desires…with or without us.

3.  Our purpose comes from God.

Just a few thoughts I am currently exploring as I dig in Isaiah.  I am so thankful to be a part of His harvest and for His word.  I pray that my heart continues to say, “Here am I.  Send me!” and that He continues to use me.  Finally…if it is not from God, I labor on that which does not satisfy. 

Technorati Tags: Morning Coffee,A Higher Calling

Happy Birthday Sir Wallace

Seven years, Sir W.  I can clearly remember that Saturday morning that you arrived with gusto and so fast that nobody believed you were really there!  That has not changed much…you are full of life and so eager to do anything and everything you can!

Over the past seven years, I have seen you grow from such a curious and talkative little boy into a well spoken and gifted big boy.  God has blessed you with a sensitive heart that truly soaks up and gives love so freely.  I am blessed every time I reach out and you still hold my hand.  Every hug and moment of snuggle time I cherish.  I know that these days are limited; you are growing up so quickly as God has planned. 

You are my oldest, and you broke the mold I am sure.  God knew what he was doing when he gave you to us.  You have challenged me to be a better Mama.  My mind and heart renew each day when I am with you.  I love watching you play basketball with your Dada, teaching you at home, and listening to all the thoughts your creative mind devises.  You show me true enthusiasm and zest for life, as well as how to think without so many boundaries.  Thank you.

Your sisters adore you.  You are such a great big brother to them.  They reach for you to carry them, to hug them.  They really enjoy playing with you; thank you for playing with them.  You truly have taken on the role of protector for those little girls.

Sir Lionheart, oh what to say?  You two battle so hard against each other, but you battle even harder for each other.  Thank you for being your brother’s best friend.  Some day that will be so precious to you both. 

From tricycle to training wheels to two wheels, the time just flies by.  Just the other day I am sure I dropped you off for your first day of preschool, and now you have moved on to first grade.  Soon enough I will watch you graduate and move on to the calling you receive.  Just know that we love you…and we pray to God that you continue to hold that precious gift of Jesus in your heart, that you seek Him, and that you love Him with all that you are.

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

Love,

Mama

Third Port: Finding Calm Seas

I promised myself I would not do it. I told everyone, "No. Not me. Won't happen." Yet, here I sit at my kitchen table listening to two little girls fight naptime and trying to slowly untangle the knots inside me. You see, the librarians at our local library tried to stir Sir MMH Hubby's pot a bit the other day by giving him the countdown until school starts. A countdown until his summer break is at an end and the madness begins... What they didn't know was that he sees the glass half full. "I still have nearly six weeks left! How great is that!" he replied. "Wow," I thought. "He really is enjoying this summer and not stressed out about the coming fall."

"Wait. Did she say SIX weeks?"

And the rocket plummeted into my stomach. ACK! Six weeks and I am somehow going to pull together homeschool for four kids, including Miss Bug and Miss Bear who have most decidedly entered the loving two's. AM I INSANE??? Breathe. Breathe. And breathe again.

First reminder: We prayed about this. We prayed A LOT about this. God is in this. Rather, this is His. He can do all that He says He can do. AND I can do all that He says I can do through Christ who gives me strength.

Second reminder: DO NOT EXPECT A PERFECT YEAR. I don't...or at least I tell myself I don't. However, I have this picture or script in my head of how I would like it to be. It is not perfect, but it's a pretty big picture...and I'm working with a very small budget and first time cast. I should probably scale it back a bit.

Third reminder: My twin tots will only be twin tots for so long. Our first year of homeschooling will mirror the rest of our chaotic lives, but it will get better as routines are refined and children get older.

Fourth reminder: My family is worth it. No matter what is in store for me, my family is worth it.

Ahhh...feeling a bit better now. I am headed to my notebook to figure out what I feel is essential, and what is something that may not be possible this year. (Bye bye pocket calendar. We will get to you someday. This year we will be using my handy dandy calendar and some posterboard.) I have had many times of thanks over these past few weeks which I will share later...I just thought others may like to know that they are not alone in feeling uncertain, uneasy, or completely loco as the school year quickly approaches. *smile*

The Path Unseen

It is often said that the path of those seeking to follow God's will is narrow while the path outside of it is wide. It is great mental reminder that it is not easy to do what is right. Today in our Bible study, we discussed how in our world, especially in our country (where people lament the state of our economy yet most still have enough food to feed their families), it can be hard to even find the narrow path. With so much out there speaking corruption and self-serving behaviors, that which is not right seems to blur into the acceptable. So, what do we do? More specifically, what will I do?

Pray. I will pray often and deliberately that the Lord will guide me with His spirit. I want to know and remember every morning that I wake, that I have a choice. God's Word is clear. No one should be able to tell me differently, or worse, question whether God really means what he says. He does.

Seek. I will continue to seek Him. I will read His Word and listen for His voice. I will seek with a purpose, to find Him. He is my reward, and that is my completion.

Do. I will do what I am called to do. I agree that I cannot think my God wants anyone to perish, so to whom does He call me? Where is He asking me to be his feet and further His kingdom? In His plan and for His glory, all things are possible.

This is not how I thought this post would go, but I am thankful for the words to share. If He desires, I will sit down with the post I initially had and see how it goes next time.

Abba Father, Happy Fathers' Day

A day late, but fully meant nonetheless. I wish a Happy Fathers' Day to the men of our world and thank them for standing tall in their role as dads, especially my husband. Parenthood can seem so insignificant to so many these days, and it is very tragic when fatherhood is no longer a privilege and honor. So, for those men who cherish the name Father, Dada, Daddy or Dad, thank you!

Personally, my dad was only a small part of my life growing up and due to some unfortunate misunderstanding (to which I am still not privy), he has been absent for the past two years. I know that in many ways he did what he could when he could, and I love him. Still there was a hole never filled in this little girl as she grew up. I was and am exceedingly blessed by a mom who did everything she could to raise me, teach me, and love me more than words can ever express. For her, I am so thankful. (I love you Mom!)

It is a slow process, but I am beginning to understand that more than any earthly father, I need to know and allow myself to be loved by my heavenly Father. He is a father that knew me before I was me. He loves me more than any human ever can, and He teaches me as He draws me closer to Him. In Him alone will I find my value, and in Him alone will I ever be complete. Today, as I wish others a happy day, I would be quite remiss if I failed to acknowledge Him. So, my God, Abba, my Father, thank you.

"And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" Galations 4:6

Feeling His Abundance

I have to say how blessed I feel today. I have been encouraged, lifted up, and showered in prayer. The word that comes to mind is, "abundant," so with that word I went seeking in my bible. Here is what I found, "But You [are] God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them." Neh 9:17. (NKJV)

Abundant in kindness is our God. Not only in the times when we are seeking Him and relying on Him, but He is abundant in kindness even when we grow impatient and worship other gods. We build up our "golden calves," and turn to them for help or rescue. I think of how often I turn myself into that idol, struggling and insisting I can do it on my own. I think of how often I turn to people or situations for answers or provision when it is all in His hands. That is not continually believing God. In those moments I sell Him short of who He really is. He is the Creator of all things, and He knows all things. Why then, do I continue to look elsewhere? It is my prayer that I seek Him first and acknowledge Him without definition or limitation. And I will thank Him for not abandoning me in the wilderness and for continuing to go before me every step of the way.