How is your view today??

Have you ever asked God to give you a vision for your child’s life? If not, you should give it a try. It will encourage your heart, and help you know how to pray for your little one. Instead of seeing them as a stubborn mule (which I am VERY familiar with) See them as fiercely independent thinkers, as someone who is not afraid to stand in truth while everyone else might run scared from it. Instead of saying, “Im tired of you not listening to me, you little brat!” Think (or say) “I am so happy God has given you such strong convictions, Now let’s work together to make sure you are standing up for what’s right, not just for what you want!” I am not trying to say our kids don’t need discipline or correction (that would be CRAZY talk), I’m just suggesting that we as parents adjust our vision to see what God sees in these little people… He has uniquely gifted them with strengths that we as parents can help to grow, for them to be more like Jesus! With that said… Train up your children in the way of the Lord.  Soldier on Moms and Dads… You are AWESOME!

Let me be honest...I don't get to have an hour long study in Gods word everyday. I know, GASP! ;) I am doing good to squeeze in a few quiet moment with Him and I ALONE... EVER! That's because during this season of life I can't even go potty without 17 different questions being asked or meal/snack requests being made. I used to beat myself up about it, but here is the thing... I have limited time, so I try to make it count. This morning by some crazy fluke I ended up having some time to myself.. So I ran down to my room and grabbed my bible (yes, I really ran) knowing that this moment could end at any second! I was so encouraged by what I found in Psalm that I had to share it with you...

 

"You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7

 

Isn't that AWESOME? The King of the Universe can be our hiding place, if we choose Him...and what could be better than being surrounded by His songs of deliverance...Doesn't that sound safe, warm and comfy?

 

So hang in there! If you are in a place where you do not have the time available to study extensively its ok...God will meet you right where you are at! Even if its just a minute, while you are locked in the bathroom with kids beating on the door...Meet with Him today!

~C

THIS is the day that the Lord has made

"This is the day that the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it." 

Psalm 118:24

     I've sung this verse hundreds of times in my life in that upbeat, happy, Sunday school song. I never thought much about it until I read it today. It struck me in a new way. Actually, it hit me like a ton of bricks. THIS is the day that the Lord has made. This day when life is good and I'm feeling the abundant blessings of God, yes, but also THIS day, when my children are at each others' throats, the laundry is piled to the ceiling, my nerves are frayed and I've just lost my temper for the sixteenth time. And THIS day, when we were told that my mother-in-law had Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer and 6-9 months to tie up a lifetime of hopes, dreams and relationships. THIS is the day that the Lord has made.

     The Lord, who loved me to the extent of sacrificing His precious, perfect Son to save my messed up, rebellious, sinful self. The Lord, who knows me inside and out and still never gives up on me. The Lord, who longs for my undivided love and devotion and is the only one who's truly worthy of it. The Lord, who sees the big picture - past, present and future and knows what I need long before I ever figure it out. The Lord, who asks me to trust Him even, no, especially when life gets hard and I don't understand. The Lord, who forgives me completely, over, and over, and over again. He doesn't make mistakes. Nothing slips past Him.

    Let us rejoice, not in a superficial, unauthentic way by pretending everything is great and hiding the dirty, ugly mess behind a pristine "church mask". That won't do. Rejoice. Raw emotion and all. Rejoice. Heart laid bare. He likes to keep it real. Rejoice. For the opportunity to grow closer to Him, more like Him, to be used by Him. Rejoice. Because He never said this life would be easy. On the contrary, He said “In this world you will have trouble." Wait. Here comes my favorite part. "But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Rejoice. Because I have the God of the universe on my side and NOTHING can separate me from Him (Romans 8:37-39).

     And be glad, to know that He is doing wonderful things in and through me this day. Be glad, that I'm not alone, He is right there walking through it with me, holding my hand (Isaiah 41:13). Be glad, that He's been there before, He knows the way.

     In It. I am to rejoice and be glad now. In. This. Day. Not looking forward. Not looking back. This day provides all the reason I need to rejoice and be glad.

     This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it because I have a Heavenly Father who cares about every detail of my life, "the very hairs of (my) head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:30). The good, the bad and the ugly. Every day is made by Him, and for Him, and that makes every day worthy of rejoicing and gladness.

~ Kari

    
   

Story of my life... HA!

 

Happy Friday friends!

 

 

Some days I just have to have it....

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Friday! ;)

-c

What would Diddy do??

Sitting here tonight thinking to myself…What would Diddy do?

Let me give you a little glimpse into my heart and mind…

My Grandma Dee has been the most influential person in my life. She has been my constant cheerleader, my wise counselor, my giggle buddy, the best cook ever, and my personal shopper (Seriously, how did she always know what bra and pantie size I was from across the state?? I couldn’t even do that and I was always shopping with me!) She always knew just what to say or do to brighten my day… She was my best friend!

Several weeks ago, after a simple medical procedure and surgery gone wrong, her precious life came to a very abrupt end. She went to heaven, to be with Jesus, and try as I might I just can’t believe she is gone. I keep expecting her to peek her head around the corner and say, “Heeeey, Candie Girl!” in that sweet Grandma Dee voice. But all my wishing doesn't make it so. I don’t get to hold her hand again, I don’t get to hear her voice…And I am mad...and sad…and thankful for all of the memories I made with her, all at the same time. I have thought a thousand times about what I would have done differently if I could, and I am grateful to the Lord that I have no regrets. I called her often and visited as much as I could, My kids all had the pleasure of knowing her, She gave all of them their first bath like she gave me mine, we shared lots of laughs and a pile of tears together over the years, she always made time for me, made me feel like I was the most important person in the world, she always fought for the underdog and she loved people so well…She has left a beautiful legacy… but the one thing I keep coming back to is ‘I wish I had just one more Hug and kiss, to feel her soft cheek against mine’… She was an angel among us and Heaven is WAY better with her there! I can’t wait to squeeze her tight when I go there someday.

So, as I move through my day and carry on, learning about this “new normal” life I must lead without her here… I think, “I hope I am just like her when I grow up!”

Let’s LOVE each other well friends…That’s what Diddy would do.

-C

My thought on gardening for the day

Today I am preparing for the two big boys joint Birthday party… I can’t believe my little’s are three and five already! As I was dusting and picking up in the kitchen and living room I decided we needed a pop of color, so I meandered down to the garden (with my 28 lb. one year old strapped to my back) to pick some flowers. I carefully selected each one. I wanted to make sure and have even amounts of all the different colors, because that’s how I roll. ;) I found some gorgeous zinnias in every shade of pink, fuchsia, and red…and then added a few giant marigold’s for good measure. I came up to the house with my freshly picked pile of sunshine and began to arrange them when a “wave” hit me…HARD. I miss my Grandma so much and she would be so proud of me for growing and displaying these flowers as I welcome friends and family into my home to celebrate two of my little men tomorrow. I have never enjoyed gardening before this year, but I can promise you this, I will never look at another flower and not think of the care and consideration that was invested in it… And I plan to have as big of a garden as I can maintain from now on… Just to honor my sweet Gram. She would be delighted to see me up to my elbows in the dirt! Cheers to my Gram for all she taught me…I am forever grateful!