Satisfaction

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about a woman's sense of accomplishment; the feeling we get at the end of the day, when we look back and decide whether our day was a success, or a failure. Surely, you know what I mean...the moment you head for the shower after all the kids are in bed, and the quiet settles in, and you start to recount all the things you *didn't* get done, all the ways you were not-so-cheerful to your family, or maybe how your day at work was full of road blocks.  Or maybe it's just me...

I was thinking about all this as I prepared a little devotional for a sweet friend who was about to deliver baby #2. So, I dug through my old journals and found the year and months when my #2 was born, way back in 2006...And what did I find, but those same feelings--overwhelmed at life's responsibilities, the never ending checklist that never gets checked, and the burden of feeling like I had no prayer life, except for the quick meal time/bed time prayers I prayed with my children. I was dealing with those same feelings of not being able to see results of my day's work, and being discouraged (or just feeling stressed because I had a constipated baby!!!)



But what is God's perspective on these thoughts--what does God want me to do with these feelings? How does He want me to view my work, my personal sense of satisfaction?

Getting to the heart of this involves asking a first question, "Who's approval am I after?" My own? My husband's? My children's? The other woman who seems to have it all together?

2 Corinthians 5:9 says, 

"Therefore, we make it our aim...

to be well pleasing to Him."

  

I need to preach this to myself, and keep it in perspective, that my aim is to be pleasing to the Lord, not to man, or myself. It truly never satisfies if I'm trying to gain my own approval, or someone else's. Ultimately, I want my life to be pleasing to the Lord. It’s not about me, it’s about Him. So often I have to remember to turn my eyes off of myself and onto Jesus,  remembering that He is the God of my salvation, Christ’s righteousness covers me, and I am approved of by God because of the accomplished work of Christ on the cross, not my outward accomplishments.

Isn't that comforting? Yes, turn from your sins, the ones that plague you day in and day out, and work hard on them. Yes, do your earthly work, and seek to do it well. But ultimately, remember that if you have repented and turned to Him for salvation, then you are approved of because of Him, and Him only, not based on anything you have done or will do. It's all of Him, and none of me. 

Take this to heart momma, wife, single lady, at the beginning and end of everyday...

(and there's more, but I'll save it for another post...)

It's the Little Things

Landis likes to line things up...cars, neatly unfolded tissues, paper coffee cups, etc. And when I open the door and discover a little line of somethings, my heart usually skips a beat. It's just one of those priceless things about being a mom -- the little evidences of busy little people, all over the house. 

Sadly, sometimes I get gripey on the inside instead of delighted. You know, that feeling of "man, could this house get any messier, with all these things lying about!" 

But lately I'm grateful for these moments--

~the repeated hugs and kisses at night after I've already hugged and kissed my neck out...

~the "Mom, come watch me," every time some amazing gymnastics move is done on the mat in the front room (which by the way, might be the most awesome thing we own); 

~Landis pushing his little stool over to the counter to help me, and having to come up with any ol' job for him to do to satisfy his "helping" button...

~the delighted cheers every time the tall tower of wooden shape blocks falls to the floor (even though my eardrums almost rupture every time)

~not to sound cliche', but the pitter patter of bare feet is still so sweet

~the arms-around-the-neck squeeze hug when I pick up my sleepy-eyed boy

I'm daily reminded that these sweet moments won't last forever, and before you know it this house full of toys will be quiet and empty...so savoring all these things is really the only thing we can do, right?

More Thoughts on Parenting

God's Word is refreshing, enlightening, wholesome, encouraging, full of hope, life-giving, gentle (and harsh at the same time), convicting, and so much more. When I sit down to read the Word and my heart is set on learning something, God always teaches me. Sometimes it's sweet and perfect for a trial I'm going through; sometimes it's challenging but encouraging at the same time; sometimes it's eye-opening and convicting, probing change in my life; and sometimes it's pure joy and refreshment, like a cool glass of water on a sunny Texas day. So, it's beautiful with its variety and depth and breadth; and even more so for the way it leads us to Christ and to marvel at His beauty. And if God's Word is this way, how much more is God Himself this way?

So imagine all of the above, and think about what happens when your children speak to you, approach you, at any time of the day, for whatever reason, in any sort of attitude (fussy, sweet, argumentative, tearful, etc.). Imagine that they need you, or that they don't need you, or that they should need you, or that they don't want to need you. Imagine that they've really messed up somehow, and consequences will surely follow. How does your response compare to the way God responds to us?

I was struck by these thoughts recently when I realized that sometimes I make it much harder on my children than God does on me. I think about how I read Scripture and am convicted about a personal sin, and how comforting and encouraging God's Word is to me. He calls for repentance, yet gives me such hope in the process that I feel invigorated to make changes and turn from my sins (and this scenario has to happen again, and again, and again, and often for the very same sin!)

But could my children say the same thing about me? Do I give them hope in the process? Is dealing with sin and its consequences worse with me than it would be with God? Does my tone and attitude line up with how God's Word treats me?

Often I fall short. I want my children to find comfort and hope in the living God. I want them to know that He hates sin and demands repentance and change. But I want them to know that we should never be afraid when approaching God, because He is quick to forgive and give us the tools to change.

And I want them to feel the same way about me.

Thoughts on Parenting

Having children is a blessing. Children are a blessing. Children are delightful, and wonderful, and sweet and amazing little people, and I love them.

But can we be honest with each other and say that along with all this blessing and delight comes a sin nature? And I'm not just talking about our children's sin nature. I'm talking about mine! Having children has certainly opened my eyes to realize what sins in my life are way worse than I ever thought before. For example, before I had children, I never would have claimed to anyone that I had a short temper. Well, that's because no one ever tested me on it! Now, I'm tested on it pretty much every day, all day long! And let me just tell you, I have a short temper (but by the grace of God, I'm working on it!).

All this to say, when I am parenting, sometimes it's super easy for me to focus on all the weaknesses of my little ones--their bad habits and rude behavior, for example--when sometimes I just need to take a closer look at myself and my own sin, and work from there. I mean, wouldn't you agree that it's easier to point out other people's flaws than to really and truly look at your own? Well, it is for me.

So, this has been the challenge for me lately--having less of a critical eye on my children, and more of a critical eye on myself. Making sure that I'm honoring the Lord with my thoughts and reactions, and dealing with them when I'm not. When I find myself nitpicking my children, I find myself ignoring my own sins that need desperate help from the Lord. And then I'm just misusing the authority God has given me.

a poem

landis, you sing and dance
and lately, you wet your pants.
four weeks of skittle treats
and yet you hold your own
(or not)
your teacher says that when you're twenty
you'll be fine and potty plenty.
and so your undies to the shelf must go.
(for now)
i guess if it means you're still my baby, i'm happy.

The Mundane

I started off the day today early, with a little boy who thought it was time to wake up first at 4:30 am, and finally at 5:30 am. So I made the most of it and got into the Word. And now I'm chuckling over how the spiritual meets the mundane--how my heart and mind can be wrapped up in God's word, and in the next moment I'm knee deep in life. For me the mundane today is potty training. Yep, I'm attempting it. I have no idea how this will go, but as we speak Landis is wearing his cute Thomas the Train undies. And I have to keep insisting he call them "undies," since his sisters wear "panties" so that's what he keeps saying.

So in this earthly day, I leave you with a verse the girls and I have been discussing, and one I've been praying for Naomi, and for myself...

Psalm 119: 57, "You are my portion, O LORD."

from the trenches

My heart keeps wanting to write an encouraging post, something uplifting for you mommies, wives, and women out there living real life...but I keep getting stuck. That's so sad, right? I think I've been hit with a case of the "realities," and it's easy to get bogged down by it; you know, the self-pitying thoughts that can so easily rage through our souls as women...So here's coming to you from the trenches, loosely controlled thoughts that often times wander around the confines of my heart (not to worry, the encouragement will come at the end...)
~ my kids don't appreciate the way I love them
~ how come they always imitate my bad habits, and never my good ones?
~ why do cats have to poop too?
~ how many pairs of shoes does my husband own, anyway? and ties, seriously?
~ nothing I do matters, it all has to be done again tomorrow anyway
~ why won't God just answer my prayer right now and make the baby go back to sleep?
~ can't what I "want" ever match up with what I "need"?
~ why even bother being nice to the children, they only notice when I'm grumpy
~ no wonder so many women work outside the home, when they get home their house is in the same shape they left it...

come on, you know you've thought at least one of these thoughts before, keep it real...

Be Still and Know, the LORD is on Your Side....

and then this song starts playing, and I'm soothed, comforted, relaxed. God is doing a work, indeed. He's been revealing Himself to me, and revealing my sin in my daily life, and in my attitudes and actions in my family life. But in the midst of the battle (and it is, isn't it?), God is on your side. If you are trusting in Him as your Saviour, He is on your side. What a comfort! We aren't battling God, we are battling our sin, and satan's desire to keep us from God. 

So take comfort, sweet ladies, rest in Him. Be steadfast in Him, firm in your faith. Believe He is doing His perfect will, and obey Him. 

just a little dress-up to brighten your day

Wisdom, in all it's ugliness...

No, of course wisdom, the wisdom from Above, is not ugly. In fact, it's quite lovely; it is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." (James 3:17) When was the last time you thought of wisdom like that?

The ugliness I'm referring to is all the drama I go through to get this lovely kind of wisdom. For me, at this very moment, my cup overfloweth...Let me explain. I can't seem to make a single decision right now without cringing and doubting and wavering. I have soooo many decisions to make, some of them big, and some of them small. Umm, hello, I'm a mom; so I'm sure maaaaany of you know can relate.

For example:
"Mommy what's for breakfast?" (uh, I don't know yet, oh know, it's starting!)
"What are we doing today, can we go swimming?"
"Are we having swim lessons this summer?"
"Are we staying at this gym or going to another one?"
"Can we please go play in the front?"
"Can I have some gum or candy?"
"May I play on the computer? or the phone? or watch a movie, or turn on a cd?"
"Can I play in the water area at the zoo?"
"Have you chosen the lights yet for the kitchen? or the knobs?"
"Do you want that shelf here or here? or not at all?"
"Did you chose a paint color?"
"Are we homeschooling next year?"

Okay, perhaps you get the idea. I can only handle so much! Just the other day at the pool, when the kids asked, "Can we get in now?" I furrowed my brow and said, "Ask your dad, I can't make another decision today!"

Maybe I should just say "yes" to everything my kids ask, or "no" for that matter, and simplify. Or maybe I should be better about scheduling our meals so they are predictable and all I have to do is look at the list (hey wait a minute, who am I kidding, our refrigerator is in the living room right now!) Or maybe I should not be so picky about the silly light fixtures!

Or maybe, just maybe, God has answers in His word to all, even all, of my tiniest worries. And that's why I'm thrilled to be studying James, hoping to learn wisdom in making even the littlest decision. I mean, why wouldn't I want to makes decisions that are "pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, 

who gives to all liberally and without reproach, 

and it will be given to him." James 1:5

Landis has decisions too..."hmmm, should I go
through this door, or not?"

Rebuttal

A few days after I posted the Get Real (part 2) post, I came home to a rebuttal. Literally. I was out at Bible study, and when I got home, the supposed-to-be-asleep children came running down to greet me, and to escort me through the freshly cleaned house.

~ the floor had been mopped

~ the playroom had been cleaned

~ the toddler bed was gone (i.e. put away in the attic)

and most importantly, this...

May I remind you that previously, the patio looked like this...

Apparently having your husband read your blog isn't a bad idea, although I promised him I really wasn't trying to make anyone feel guilty...it was just reality. Of course, he did it all in love and good spirit, and so did the children.  So this is my reality--a really awesome family.

A funny for you Monday...

So without fail, it seems like Mondays hit me in the face and before I know it, I haven't gotten around to meal planning yet.  Seriously, I'll go through the morning, and then the thought will hit me, "Oh yeah, I have to cook dinner. Great. What are we going to have tonight?"  And of course, we don't get home til 5:30 so it has to be something quick and easy, or already prepared.  Ugh, why don't I plan better?

Today, I went to the freezer thinking, "I'll pull out some meat and go from there."

But then I found a large freezer bag full of something.  Hmm, this looks like it could be a meal. We'll try this.

I put it in the sink to thaw, and seriously, still had no idea what it was (although I was thinking perhaps it was roast and potatoes and carrots).

Then Luke came home for lunch.  "What's that?" he said.

I chuckled, "Umm, not really sure.  But it's for dinner."

He laughed too, "Oh, freezer surprise!"

*Since then, after pushing my finger around on it, I noticed some beans.  Oh yeah, carnitas and pintos.  We'll have tacos!
**moral of the story: label your freezer bags

Get Real, Part 2

So yesterday, I ranted and raved about women, me included, attempting to challenge us to be more real with each other and to stop putting on airs.  Now that you're feeling guilty about this, lighten up and look at my house this week.  You'll feel much better, believe me.  

yes, there's a griddle, a book of wallpaper samples,
and a roll of paper on the ironing board.  usually there's
a cat there and I have to dust off all his hair before I iron.

the shoe basket on many occasion is filled up to
the top of the table, seriously. it is an actual chore:
empty shoe basket. obviously not this week.

so my washer started spilling forth water yesterday,
 all over the laundry room floor.  nice.

the playroom. yes, there's a jogging stroller in there.
no, i don't jog. no pretentions there. 

yes, there's a bed in there. what, you don't have a bed in your playroom?
so we're behind on putting things in our attic, what's it to ya...

there's always something on the stairs to take up. i'm the one that started that
bad habit--not taking things up right away, but letting them stack up
and taking them all at once. now all my kids do it. time saver, right?

the garage. enough said.
wait, not enough said--yes, there's old tomato plants from the fall hanging from
the ceiling; someone told me to do that to help them ripen.  they've been ripening
there for five months. tomato salad anyone?

the backyard. so before you go getting all dreamy about my lovely gardening
posts, take a good look at what i walk out to. the wood used to be in a neat stack,
but i have kids. who can resist a good stack of wood? the grill never gets covered.
the cover lays nicely in a pile next to it. and yes that's a random chair. not even mine.
used to be on the street for trash until my sister in law rescued it from the
neighbor's yard. and it has a mate. lovely. i knew it'd be stuck in my backyard for
a long time. knew it.

yes, that's a stroller i haven't put back together again, after
it got sprayed by a stray cat, and we had to wash it.
 now it's full of golf balls.
thanks to my father in law, sister in law, and my children.  long story.

Alright, so do you need more? I can post more, really. But maybe you get the idea.

Now go and be real. Seriously.

okay, one more picture for those of you who were craving more...

yes, my babies are messy too. no, i haven't trained him to eat neatly with
a spoon. yes, he throws food, bowls, cups, and utensils.
we're working on it, okay?

Get Real, Part 1

Recently, a dear friend posted a blog about her real life...no pretentiousness or keeping up with Better Homes and Gardens homes; just photos and descriptions of a normal day.  And I loved it, and was challenged to do the same thing here on my blog.  I've realized in recent months that sometimes as women, wives, and mommies what we're not good at is being real with each other.

It seems like we like to pretend that our home life is pretty perfect...that our houses always look like the way it did when you came for dinner last week, or that our children always pick up their toys, no problemo.  We want those on the outside to think we have it all together, even though we don't and we know it.  

Sometimes we even go so far as making new mommies feel like they're doing something wrong because they can't figure out how to shower, dress, clean their house, grind their own wheat, put food on the table, or go to church for that matter, by the time their newborn is 2 weeks old.  And what's the point?  To make ourselves seem to look better (even though it's a deception). We like to appear like Super Mom (who ever came up with that term I'll never know).

And to get more nit-picky about this issue, when was the last time you shared some real struggles you have as a mom or wife with a friend?  Not gripy, complainy issues, but real issues. Issues of normal life that perhaps make you vulnerable, not so Martha Stewart-ish after all.  Have you told a new mom lately about how messy your house was when you had your first baby?  Hmmm..

Well, these are just some thoughts to get you chewing on, and tomorrow I'll post the pictures.  Pictures baring it all, so to speak...

Those who are with young...

For all those mommies out there who might be...
~ nursing your family back to health after a week of sickness 
~struggling with exhaustion
~at the brink of losing all your patience, or worse yet, losing your temper 
~tripping over mounds of laundry 
~tired of serving and eating bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and potatoes
~missing out on quiet moments with the Lord

Isaiah 40:11,

"He will feed His flock like a shepherd; 

He will gather the lambs with His arm, 

and carry them in His bosom, and 

gently lead those who are with young."

I'm sure you guessed that this was me last week, and when I did capture one quiet moment to open up the Word, seriously this is what the Lord showed me.  And yes, while I'm not necessarily an advocate of this method of reading Scripture, I literally opened the Bible to this page and here it was.  And I was comforted.  And that is all I needed for that very moment.  

Julia's sick mat

Shoes without straps

My baby girl turned 5 last week. Five years is a big milestone, at least for this little Jewel of ours.  For weeks she's been telling us exactly what she wants for her birthday, "Shoes without straps!!!"  For her, this ushers in a whole new "grown up" world; a world in which she's traipsing along behind a big sister, who gets all of these things first, you know.

So, I've been under some pressure to find the perfect shoes.  I mean, when my little dreamer has her heart set on "shoes without straps," what if I chose the wrong ones?  But she assured me, it didn't matter what color, as long as they "didn't have straps."  Okay then.  Oh, and she also reminded me to "check the Gap at the mall and the Gap at the Quarry."  (yeh, this girl gets around.)

I bought two pairs just in case (which was a feat in itself, since it's suuuuper hard to find strapless shoes size 11), and sure enough, one of them must be returned.  But the new ones are already scuffed...off with the old, on with the new.

the silver shoes literally have holes in the front...

When I think of my little Julia, and the delights her little personality brings to this family, I think of warmth, comfort, things that stay the same.  She wears her favorite shoes until they have holes in them; she wears her favorite shirts until they are past donating; and she still loves to snuggle and read her favorite books.  She's getting older, but her little world still revolves around make believe and dress-up, cooking with play-dough and watching Dora.  She's still a little girl, and I'm going to enjoy every bit of this 5th year--it flies by so fast and before you know it she won't be pretending anymore.

She's growing out of her favorite old shoes, but making memories in new ones.  I think there's going to be a big box in the attic labeled "Julia" for all the things I just can't let go of...and I'm sure some day as I sift through it, the memories of these dreamy little days will flood my heart.

I love my jolly Julia.

Choices We Make

Last week at my ladies Bible study group, I asked for prayer that I would be more faithful in choosing to have one on one time with my children. And since then, I have found that idea to be more and more on my mind (could it be that someone out there is praying for me?).  I've been pondering how to do this and when, especially in light of the fact that I savor moments of quiet and rest, where my children are playing happily (sometimes) in their room and I am sipping coffee, blogging (smile).

Yesterday, after a morning with the church, I was ready for an afternoon of rest.  The weather was springy and breezy, we had the windows open, and it just seemed perfect for a nap.  But then I was faced with a choice...

"Mommy, can I have some time with you this afternoon during rest time.  I really have to finish this project and I need your help. It must be done soon, because Julia's birthday is on Thursday."

Deep breath...Of course, yes.  Let's do it.  So, Amaleah brought her sewing basket and materials down to my bedroom, we pulled out the baskets of trim, and we began to work, first sprawled out on my comfy bed, but then transferring to the sewing machine.  And it was sweet--oh so sweet.  And so restful!  Seriously, I felt restful through the whole thing, and I wasn't anxious to be done and get out of there.



And along with the project, our hearts were bonded in a new way.  My little daughter is growing up, and some of our conversation was just that, grown up.  And I am thankful I had been preparing my heart and my mind for it, because sometimes you just can't plan for these times, they just happen.

And when our project was finished, we reluctantly went on our way to the next thing, having had such a nice time with each other.

What do you do...

...when your darling little baby boy gets into the cactus plant...

1) Kick yourself for not digging it up and tossing it the day before like you had intended, when he came dangerously close to getting into it the first time.
2) Attempt to pull out the thorns with tweezers...while distracting him with Hershey's kisses...

when that doesn't work...
3) Get packing tape (at husband's suggestion) and apply it to area, and rip off...

when that doesn't work...
4) Google it...
5) Strip baby naked, apply Elmer's glue all over hand...attempt to keep him still while it's drying...
when he won't stay still...
6) Give him chocolate...
when he spits it out...
7) Give him mint chocolate chip ice cream by the spoonful...

And voila!!! Happy baby....
8) Then, peel off dried Elmer's glue and release baby...
9) And go dig up evil cactus...

Chores in a Box

The notes I got when I came home last night,
after they cleaned the whole house!

This year, I pretty much just blasted past the new year's resolutions list.  Instead, I decided to focus on purposing to make my life and my attitude more pleasing to Christ, in everything. However, there are a few practical things I've been attempting to do differently this year, and in case anyone is interested in the least bit, I thought I'd share.

This last year I hired a house cleaner--we decided it would come out of our homeschooling budget. It was nice in that it freed me up mentally to focus on homeschooling. And while I liked having the entire house cleaned in one day, recently I made the decision to drop that and clean my own house (earth shattering!!!)  For one thing, we are about to start some major remodeling on our house, so saving up for that might be wise.  For another thing, I felt like my children need to be more involved in housekeeping and to stop asking when the "maid" was coming!!!

So, what have I been doing differently?
1) Living with a dirtier house
2) Assigning one chore per day, per child
3) Being soooo thankful when my amazing husband and children decide to clean the house while I'm out for a girls' night (seriously, this happened just last night, and it's not the first time!)

How does it work?
~I simply wrote out on index cards all the chores I could think of, separately, and put them in an order that made sense.  Now my children each pick one a day and sign their name on the back so the next time the other child will do that chore.  These box chores are in addition to the normal tasks they do daily, such as making the bed, clearing the table, emptying the dishwasher, or cleaning up toys.  The box chores include things like dusting, wiping cabinets, cleaning toilets, wiping baseboards, etc. I threw in some cards for me too, so that I have a chore to do each day as well.

What do my children think?
~They jump to it.  It's manageable.  One chore seems like nothing to them, but little do they know they are actually doing more than they've ever done before.

Do they get allowances?
~Yes, when we think about it.  They haven't gotten allowances in like 6 months though!

How's their attitude?
~Yesterday they decided to fight alot as they were doing their normal chore, so I made them chose an extra card.  Nice, now my house is dusted too.  :)

Anyway, my house is never "clean" all at the same time, but it's nice to know that something is clean every day.  And I think it keeps us productive and not lazy. I'm sure many of you are way more creative than I am, but I've tried chore charts and all that and I never can keep up with them.  Simple is better for me.

Challenges

Aunt Mercy was in town...thus, a fashion photo shoot.

They had a blast posing or "not posing" for Mercy

This morning, with my Bible, coffee, and favorite blanket in hand, I snuggled down in my usual 6 am spot.  These times with the Lord have been so refreshing; I look forward to them and treasure them dearly.  And as usual, it was good and rich.  I'm participating in a study of Job this year, and have definitely been challenged to look at my "suffering" through the eyes of Jesus; to be reminded of His suffering, and of his righteous response to it.  And it's been so valuable to study passages of Scripture that bring God's truth into perspective in regards to our trials.  

But I'm realizing that His challenge, nay "trial" for me right now is with one child in particular.  She has always been a challenge, in the midst of her darlingness.  But lately in particular it has been quite difficult.  Thus, once again, the morning had barely begun when I was facing a moment with her, and I sent her to wait in our designated discussion room.

First, I retreated to the bathroom for a brief moment of tears and crying out to God.   And He flashed before my eyes the very passages I had read this morning (from Mark 14:25-15:39),  about Jesus' sufferings and those that betrayed Him (like Peter), and how even though He loved them, they abandoned Him.  He reminded me that I am one of those people, and He still loves me and showers me with grace.  He encouraged me to be to my daughter what Christ is to me.

So I wiped my tears, and faced the challenge before me.  And as usual, I shared the Gospel with her, with variations from my reading today about Peter.  And though my words may not have been received with a humble heart, I know God was with me, strengthening me in my weakness, encouraging me to persevere.

Mercy took this one, and I adore it!

Your Yet Unborn Grandchildren

Someone asked my recently about a conference I went to a few years ago, and after telling her about it, I began to relive the passion I felt after being there, and as I pulled out my old notes, I got all excited again. So I thought I'd share some of the vision with you, for that's what it was all about!

Have you ever truly thought about why we teach our children to obey and love God? Of course it's because we love Him, and we desire our children's salvation. But before I went to the Children Desiring God conference in Minneapolis, I didn't necessarily think about the responsibilities we have for future generations, as set forth for us in the Bible. David and Sallie Michael, the authors of the amazing Sunday School curriculum Children Desiring God, began the conference with a seminar about Vision.

This vision is "to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples." It's about pursuing the joy of the next generation, which includes our own children, the children in our local church, the children of the universal church (all over the world), and the children of future generations, those yet unborn (that part in and of itself gives me chills!). It is a "radical and well articulated vision" that is called for, not just teaching our children to "know" about God, or facts from the Bible, but to "love" what is true, to love all those facts with a deep and resolute passion.

In regards to Sunday school, the Michaels shared their deep burden that many,

many churches are just providing "something" for the children, which usually amounts to babysitting while the parents are at church. But is that enough? No! This is the future generation we're talking about! This is crucial to spreading the passionate pursuit of our Almighty God; the challenge is to "aim children at something more than just 'something.' " (Psalm 127:4, "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.")

But this vision isn't just for Sunday school teachers right? They are merely helpers to family, and the main vision should start with us as mothers and fathers. Psalm 78:1-11 is an amazing passage which completely explains this vision.

Verses 4, 6-7 say, "We will not hide them (sayings of old) from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done...That the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born, that they may arise and declare them to their children, that they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments..."

We want them to delight in doing what is right, to set their hope in God (which is more than just knowing facts, right?), to obey because of that hope, to look at us and see us hoping and obeying, and to put their confidence in God, so that the future generations (Our grandchildren, and great grandchildren! Crazy, huh?) will worship Him.

So mommies, go out today and make His glory known, in your words, your life, your love, your obedience...remembering that it's for now, and later...for future generations!

My little arrows, and representatives of the universal church...

He Is There

Recently, my mom and I found ourselves out to lunch, just the two of us, with out kids! (thanks to an amazing husband who values his time with his children, and who also understands the sanity it brings me to have a break now and then!)

For as long as I can remember, my mom and I have made it a point to go out to lunch together; it's always been our bonding time..we can enjoy our favorite food together, and then dive into each other's lives with gusto! Admittedly, sometimes when I was younger I dreaded the deeper questions thinking, "what is she going to ask me this time?" But it was always good.

So at a favorite Mexican food place (it's always and only Mexican food), we chatted it up. With lots of topics covered, part of the conversation went somewhat like this...

me: "Landis is sleeping terribly at night. I think we're at the point to let him cry it out. We tried the other night, and it only made me mad at Luke. I don't know why, but when Landis is screaming in his bed, I get mad at Luke...."

mom: "May I offer a suggestion..."

me: "sure.." and so on...

more kid talk, Julia's funny, Amaleah's lovely, etc...

mom: "So, how are you?" (which means, "How is your walk with the Lord?")

me: "Well, I've had like 3 quiet times since Landis has been born. I've tried to keep my Bible open during nursings, but it just doesn't always work. I feel really distant from God. You know, it's like when you haven't talked to a friend in a long time, it takes a while to warm up again, and you just feel really distant."

mom: "But He is still there, Gab, you know that. He's not distant. He's there, believe the truth."

me: "I know...I know...thanks."

Something about that conversation has stayed with me...it was my mom's simple words that just encouraged me. She didn't call me out for not having a quiet time, she reminded me of the truth, and helped me to resist the temptation to start feeling like God wasn't there. And it worked. It brought me back to the truth. My mom is good at that, and I'm so thankful for that.