The Beach

We - and when I say we - I mean 2 of my sisters and numerous children - spent a much needed day at the beach.

When I say beach - don't imagine a glorious ocean. Because I unfortunately don't live by the ocean.

When I say beach - don't be too impressed.

The "beach" had plenty of sand and sun and water. It wasn't crowded and we had a ton of fun.

^ that's what you should be jealous about. ;)

The weather has been less then impressive.

Raining for 4 days and then sunny for 1.

So we took advantage of the sunny day and loaded up and went.

We do have fun. This family of mine.

And just think  - there were 3 boys who were in the water at the time this picture was taken.

Do you like Emma's Barbie lips? Her Daddy might have a tattoo to match. Because that's how he rolls.

And what's a day at the beach without a little Pampered Chef swag?

Maybe I will get a tattoo of The Pampered Chef hat on my arm! ;)

 

We left when the beach closed. We were exhausted. Some of us ok I was sunburned. Again. You would think I would have learned from a week ago at the pool.

 

I might have fallen asleep that night at 9PM. I haven't been to bed that early in forever. ( I know you really wanted to know what time I really went to bed. ) File that under #thingsyouneedtoknow

 

We are spending today getting ready for a baby shower for my SIL. They had their 1st baby a couple weeks ago. How fun to have a new little cousin. Emma for sure is in baby heaven and has RE-named all her babies Audrey. I'm sure you can imagine why.

 

 

Lessons

Yes, I am still alive.

No, I don't want to look back and realize how long it's been since I posted. I will get depressed.

There are various reasons why I haven't posted in so long.

It's not for lack of things to say.

It's not for lack of incentive.

I have been in a place.... not a physical place... but a.... a place, that took me so far out of my comfort zone. Out of my element. That I think it took me a while to feel..... "normal," more like myself again.

I did what I thought I was supposed to do. Followed a path that seemed so perfect on the outside.

And I think I really was supposed to do it.

Because it taught me so much about who I am and about what I want.... or don't want.... out of this life.

It taught me a lot about God.

About how He really is with us each and every day.

About how He does care about us.

About how He does lead us and protect us against those who really want to harm us.

It taught me that sometimes.... people really aren't nice. That sometimes.... people seem so innocent, yet are wolves.... desperately trying to harm us.

It taught me to be stronger.

To stand up for myself.

To know how I want to be treated,

About how I want to treat others.

It taught me about.... INTEGRITY.

And CHARACTER ~ about doing what is right... when no one is looking.

It taught me that it is ok to walk away. That sometimes that's the best thing you can do.

It taught me that God knows my heart, and cares about me.

That he loves me desperately.

That He....always leads.

It taught me to trust him and follow... even when it just. doesn't. make. sense.

I am eternally GrAtEfUl for these lessons.

I can't say that I would walk through it again.

But on this side, I can see the reasons for it so much clearer.

I don't know what you are facing today.

But know that God has a reason for it.

He will turn ashes into beauty.

He will take what seems to be falling apart and hopeless and make it into something that will glorify and honor him. And you will be amazed.

You will see the absolute.... goodness.... of God. Because that is what he is.

God is just so wonderfully good.

On Swearing

Yes, I am going there.

Swearing.

everyone has there own opinion of what a swear word is or isn't. that isn't really what I am talking about.

I'm not going to debate on whether you should or shouldn't say crap or fart or stupid. I could care less.

I do think that there is a difference between taking the Lord's name in vain and swearing. There is never a reason to take the Lord's name in vain. When I say swearing, I am talking about those "bad words." Cuss words. Those little 4 letter words. Not gonna list em either.

When I was younger, I used to swear all the time. I thought it made me look cool. Stupid huh.

But now.

I have matured a tiny bit. And I really want to put away that kind of talk. I am honestly trying to have wholesome language. Those who know me well know this.

I think wholesome language isn't just.... not swearing. But also not talking about inappropriate things at inappropriate times.

That one gets me.

For the sake of being honest, I struggle with crude talk. I used to think that talking dirty was funny.

But well... Then God....

And I don't mean "Then God" like He's all up there trying to take the fun out of things.

I mean it in the sense that when you ask him to make you more like him and to change you into a better person, don't be surprised when He shows you some things about yourself that need to be changed.

Ephesians 5:3&4 - But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

It has been a process, and I don't really know if I am winning the battle, but I am trying to put a bridle in my mouth when these jokes are the 1st thing that pops into my mind. I think sometimes I fail more then I win. Trust me.

A couple months ago I was having a conversation with my Mom, sisters and my nieces. We were talking about swearing. 1 of my nieces had posted a swear word on a social media site and I had commented to her about it. I told her why it wasn't appropriate and why we as Christians should abstain from swearing.

The girls listened. But I don't know if it changed anything.  I was kinda staunch in my thoughts and feelings towards the girls, kind... but not really understanding. I wasn't in an environment where I had to listen to it day in and day out. My friends and family don't talk like that and so it isn't in my ear all the time.

Fast forward a couple months.

I was at a local high school with Maddie at some auditions for next year, and while she was doing what she was doing, I was listening and watching what was going on around me. ( I love to people watch. You learn so very much! ) And I was literally taken aback by all the vulgar and foul language going on around me. These kids were talking like sailors. It was such filth that it actually made me blush.

This isn't the 1st time that I have experienced such talk on school grounds. While at Nathan's soccer practice, I was surprised to hear the kids swearing ( the f bomb ) and the coaches not doing anything about it. And for people reading this, don't dare think that this is a Christian school / private school thing. It's not. It's just the kids at a Christian school don't do it around teachers.

Fast forward to now.

Now I have a new job. I work with a bunch of men. It's just me and the other secretary (who is a woman) and the language that is in my ear and in my head now is constant.

I have a whole new perspective on swearing.

Because I listen to it on such regular basis I have caught myself in just day to day conversation on the verge of saying words that I don't normally say.

I have a little bit more understanding for my kids. They are inundated with such filth, that they have to be taught to renew their mind daily in order to even have a fighting chance to stop it.

1 Peter 4:11a - If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.

Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Proverbs 21:23 - He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

Proversbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

There are so many more verses on what the Bible has to say about our speech.

I don't say all of this to condemn people who swear. Truly that is not why I wrote this. The words that come out of your mouth are between you and God.

I wrote this to say this... that I am grateful for the insight that I have now on this subject and how I can understand a little better the world that my children live in. Maybe instead of disciplining the kids for every infraction, we should have some in depth conversations about why we do or don't do things. That was the absolute hardest thing for me as a teenager. Being told not to do something made me want to go out and do it. ( I know.... I was rebellious ) but don't tell me not to do something and then not give me a reason why I couldn't do it. The because I said so didn't work so hot with me. Half the time I just thought the adult telling me that didn't really have a good reason. ( don't feel like I am doggin on my parents, bc I don't really feel like they did that. I am talking about adults in general.)

I went to a public school for most of my school years. It is a completely different place now for my kids then when I was in school. ( and please don't turn this into a homeschool/private school/public school debate. I believe that is a personal choice and we should each seek God's leading in where we send our kids. And I believe that God has my kids right where He wants them. I believe that Christians need to be in the school systems. )

Romans 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I don't know what the answer to this is. I really don't. I want them to know how to be in the world but not of it. I want them to spend some time in the word daily renewing their minds. And I want  to know and Love Jesus Christ.

And I know that I want my home to be a haven for my little family. That after a long day of all this ugly stuff being thrown at us that we can come HoMe and show each other some love and some GrAcE and some PeaCe. And that has never been so clear to me as now. That my home will be full of warmth and laughter and that that is what my kids will remember. I want it to be a place they want to come to instead of a place they want to leave.

Weeping may endure for a night.....

I was talking to my friend quite a while ago. We were sharing things about our lives as good friends often do. She said something that has never really left me.

We were talking about this verse....
Psalm 30:5b - weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

We were both kinda going through a season of weeping. Where everything looked like it was falling apart and we just didn't understand why.

I think I made the comment "but our joy is coming."

She said something like "is it? We aren't promised anything until we get to heaven."

I didn't know how to answer her.

Because I was wondering if she was kinda right.

God's word is so full of promises. Things we can cling to, but we may never see come to fruition in our life time.

My favorite stories in the bible is the stories of the Isrealites and how God brought them out of Egypt, how he brought them through 40 years of wandering in the desert bc of their sin and how he brought them into the promise land, about how God fought for them in the promise land. I love how God supplied their every need during the whole time. But yet they grumbled and complained and still turned from him. And how God would bring them back to him every time. Deuteronomy 30 is one of my favorite chapters and one that I try and apply my life to even still. You have a choice, to choose life or to choose death. The choice is yours.

Vs 19-20 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses, Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him, For the Lord is your life and he will give you many years in the land he swore he will give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Doesn't that give you chills??

I have come back to these verses many many times since I first read it.

How do I put into practice these things? How do I choose life?

Vs 16 - For I command your today to love the Lord your God to walk in obedience to him and to keep his commands decrees and laws then you will live and increase and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

These verses have been a balm to me. They truly have. There have been so many times when I have fretted over different things, about making a decision or what should I do or where should I go or whatever it may be.....

But I really don't have to fret over it.

I just have to obey today what God is telling me to do. I just have to seek him today. To love him today. And tomorrow will work out.

So what does this all have to do with joy comes in the morning??

It has been a while since I have had that conversation with my friend.

Our little family has been through it. Our "season of weeping" while hard, and seemingly unending at times....

I have seen JoY.

Amazing joy.

I have seen God do some incredible things in our life. Things that only God himself could do. He has stilled the raging waters. He has turned the desert into a lush pastures.

I LoVe Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.

I think the key to it all is finding the joy in the weeping.

Because it's there.

I promise.

Look for it today.

I know at times it hard to see any good come from your situation.

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

But good will come. One day you will see it.

In those dark days, when you think you can barely hold your head above the water think of these verses:

Deuteronomy 31:8 - The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you, Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.

Isaiah 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

You will go through hard times in your life. Seasons of weeping, sometimes seemingly unending seasons.

They will not overwhelm you, you will not be burned, it will not consume you.

One of the hardest things you will ever have to do, but is one of the best things you can do is this:

1 Thes 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

In everything. give thanks.

When one of your best friends dies of cancer.

Give thanks.

Because she is now with her heavenly father. Pain free.

When your husband loses his job. again.

Give thanks.

Because God has something different in store.

When you can't pay that bill.

Give thanks.

Because God promises that he will meet your every need.

And he will.

Even  when you don't see how.

joy will come.

and give thanks when it does.

So while God's word is full of promises that I am never see in my life, I do know that when he says that life can be found in choosing His way, I'm going to believe it.

From the last couple weeks....

Guess who has a new bed? Doesn't she look thrilled? Bed time has now turned into play time. I miss her crib. Very very much. She went from sleeping 12 hours a night to now sleeping maybe 8.

We went to the apple orchard a while back. We needed some cider and donuts. We ran into some dear friends and stood and talked a while. It was fun catching up.

We had a small group function a couple weeks ago. These 2 are pretty cool. When I 1st started going to bible study at our church almost 3 years ago. Jen was my table leader. She made me feel welcome and loved. We had have some pretty good discussions. I love knowing I can talk to her.  She's open and honest and ready to pray with you and for you.

Emma wanted to dress herself.

I let her.

We went to walmart.

We fit in.

Pick your battles.

These kids. Are loud. And kinda stinky. They are constantly running from 1 house to the other, tracking in mud and dirt and always eating food and drinking soda. But I am glad Nathan has his friends. They are good kids.

This girl found my high heals.  So did Nathan, but I'm not allowed to post that picture. He wonders how women can walk in them. ;)

My titles for this blog should be:

It's like there was a wedding or something...

OR

I'm only a month late.

You can choose which one. Lol

I love wedding's. So very much. They are just so happy. And they bring people together. Friends and family who you haven't seen in so very long.

Janelle's wedding could not have been more beautiful.

I don't have a camera. So my phone pictures will have to do.

Emma couldn't wait to see Janelle in her dress. She wanted Janelle to twirl.

 

Something borrowed...

 

There is something I love about this picture.

Janelle has become so very dear to me in these last couple of years.

It has been pretty cool to see how God brought her and Andy together.

(man we look alike)

Here's the 3 stooges....

And no Maddie and Elisa did not plan to wear the same outfit!

I might have cried when she walked down the aisle. Andy might have also.

They held hands the whole ceremony.

Andy was sick. He came down with a terrible cold. You could tell he didn't feel well.

The kiss......

But 1st..... let me take a selfie....

I am so glad my brother and Melanie got to come to the wedding. It was wonderful seeing them.

My siblings......

I love this picture. I know it's terrible quality, but I just love it so.

And this picture....

Isn't it great!! 

This girl....

I spared you the picture of his tongue down my throat. Your welcome. I mean, not that we would ever take a picture like that. 16 years. I still love him, and he still kinda loves me.

No one expected this to happen......

Meet Emma's friend.... Elizabeth.

These 2 could get into a lot of trouble together.

So could these 2....

What a JoY

It's not often, that I get to be the one to show up at some one's door and bless them with something. I have often wondered why that is.. am I not looking to help people? Are my eyes not open with compassion on other's? For I know that there are people all around me that need help. All. The. Time. Sometimes I just think..... there isn't much I can do.

But I love the times when I CAN do something. When my eyes are opened to see others. I pray that I become more like this.

And I was able to today.

I won't go into the details, for it isn't my story to tell.

But I was able to see how God has blessed me with some new kitchen tools and I was in turn able to bless someone else.

It was so. much. FuN.

I took great joy in it.

To see a need and know you can meet it.

Keep your eyes open friends to how you can be of use, because you are useful.