Thankful Thursday ~ Trust

I have strayed away from posting this weekly. I am not sure why, and am sorry that I have. Reaffirming what I am thankful for lessens the grumps and keeps things in better perspective in my life. As things accelerate in our home with soccer and school heading into full swing, I thought it would be good to readjust my thinking.

Trust is a tough thing to place in anything or anyone. It really has to be earned to express it fully. Unfortunately, I don't always have that privilege. I am thankful that when things get tough or even just a little annoying to handle, I have a heavenly father in whom I can put my complete trust.

T – terrifying teaching time used in my life to make me grow

R – reassuring to know that I can fall on God anytime in any situation

U – until all else gives way, trust is not felt to its fullest

S – simple yet significant changes occur when I give up control

T – tempting to give up rather than give in

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

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How Much Love Can a Mom Have

My little one looked at me this morning and stated, "Mom, I know that you have lots of love. You just cut it into four parts. When the baby comes you will cut it into five parts." Sometimes it is so hard to practice that love that is shared with the whole family.

I am reminded of my heavenly father who exemplified a perfect love for his children. Not a love of favoritism or convenience. This love was sacrificial, constant, and not dependant on any love in return.

I have a hard time loving when the messes are out of control, when I have to repeat myself multiple times, and when I am so tired. Being a mom means loving. It is inherent in the job. Thank the Lord that he has given me an example to follow and a promise to help me and give me the strength to do what he has called me to do – mother 5 children.

My five-year-old has a picture of love shared in our family. I will add one more dimension to that image. My love somehow seems to grow as it divides. My children don't get a smaller piece of the pie of love just because there is another child to love. God miraculously gives me a greater portion of heart love to share. I don't understand it, but I will be forever grateful.

July Already

I can't believe how quickly the summer is going. I have never been a mom who looked forward to my kids going back to school in the days when they went to a traditional school. Having my kids home seems right. Summer is a concentrated time for us to hang out and have fun. Learning happens, just without the textbooks. Being pregnant has changed this summer a tad as morning (read all day and sometimes night) nausea has slowed me down. That should change soon, hopefully.

I was looking at my pictures and found some reminders of summer silliness. Seems like I haven't taken enough of the everyday stuff lately. The kids have enjoyed playing together. We haven't done anything worth a wow factor, but it has been a good summer none-the-less.

We still have VBS, soccer camp, play dates, baseball games, shore visits, girls' overnight camp, camping with grandpa without parents, and camping with parents and cousins two times. I guess that is a lot to fit in between now and Labor Day. The days will only go faster.

My baby belly is growing. My little one is that – little. Even at that, he/she showed his active personality in an early ultrasound the other day. Amazing! God is so awesome in His creation.

School will be upon us soon. I will be ordering books in the next week. One day this week will be spent solely on preparing a high school literature curriculum. (Wish me luck. I'll let you know how that goes.) I do look forward to teaching my kids in the fall, but the break has been good.

What are some of your most favorite summer memories? I would enjoy reading them.

Ordinary Mom Bible Study

I ventured into new territory at my church. In order to meet new friends, I became part of a mom's Bible study this summer. I find the book interesting so far and yet very different from what I am used to. Then again, different can be good, I guess. This week I was encouraged to read Psalm 139. I am always amazed at God's Word. No matter how many times I read a passage, the words can somehow jump off the page as if I have never read them before. For what it's worth, I wanted to share a few of those wow moments with you.

God knows when I sit (to catch my breath) and get up again (many times to deal with kids' problems). He knows my thoughts (both the good and the bad, even when I am tired and don't want to do anything). Even before the words reach my tongue, God knows what I am going to say (whether it is said for encouragement, discipline, anger, frustration, or love). God hems me in on all sides (even when the walls may seem to be closing in, or my desires are out of reach, He is not). I can't get away from God (even in the middle of the darkest night He is always there for me). God has made me in a wonderful way (even though the wrinkles and the baby bulge are more obvious). God knows every detail about me: about my body, about my life. Before any day begins, God has planned everything (despite my attempts at super-planning my family). God thinks about me! How precious is that! I can trust God to search my thoughts and know my heart. When there needs to be change, I can trust Him to lead me in the right way.

I encourage you to read this passage on your own. See what God will show you.

Visit to Amish Country

My mom and dad gifted us at Christmas to a night away in Lancaster, PA. We took advantage of it this past weekend. We packed up the kids, dropped them off at Nana's, and left for two days away in Amish country.

Visiting the country takes you into another culture – one that is slower and simpler. With the craziness of life, it is good to take a step back occasionally. While there, we took a two-hour bus tour through the winding country roads past many fields and farms. We stopped at two Amish farms that highlighted their crafts, foods, and exquisite quilts.

We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in Bird-in-Hand, PA and were greeted with friendliness, a beautiful room, and anticipation of a breakfast spread the next morning. This particular inn provided swimming privileges at a cooperating hotel. We took advantage of it for the afternoon and enjoyed just sitting and relaxing.

I am convinced that eating is a major part of the Amish culture. We joined in the culture. Need I say more?

We couldn't get out of Lancaster without doing some shopping at the outlets. We found a few deals, but didn't spend too much time in the stores. We aren't very good window shoppers.

Home again after a quick fast food dinner stop, we gathered the kids, gave hugs to my mom, and began the race again. One load of laundry is done (thanks to my Angel), 3 kids are in bed, and things are getting put away slowly. I love going away with my sweetie. The break recharges us as parents and reminds us that we are together for many good reasons. I am so thankful for my mom for making this available to us.

Latest News

Much has been going on lately. It is challenging to put it all in words. We are very excited to announce that there will be another little one to join our family in late February. That finally said, I can say that I am quite tired, a little nauseous, and a lot excited. My hubby and I were able to see our little one on the ultrasound today. The baby's heartbeat was strong and a welcome sight.

Our kids are excited and are really rooting for a boy. My son is not sure that he can handle four sisters. Either way, a fifth child will bring some logistic challenges, returning sleepless nights, and many more blessings.

God has chosen to bless us again with another child and we are extremely thankful. In some ways, February is a long way off. On the other hand, it will come more quickly than we think.

My prayer has been that through this pregnancy and in the gift of this child, the Lord would be honored and glorified. That is a scary prayer. God has chosen in the past to take three of my children home to be with Him before I had the chance to meet them. In my humanness, I don't want that to happen, but that is out of my control. God is sovereign and has a perfect plan for our family. We are excited for the opportunity to have another child in our home and pray that in His perfect will we will enjoy meeting this little blessing in February.