Flipping the Script

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For the record, I posted a poll on my social media page, the other day, and asked what people would say, in first response, to the question - What Do You Do?  I got a varied span of responses, some were confused (reading too much into the question) and others surprised me, by their answers.  Here is the backstory...

**

It had been a beautiful night for sleeping; cooler than lately... and I had slept great!  Except, that...

I awoke this particular Monday morning filled with a restlessness and angst.  Weary of the feelings I've been having lately.  A sense of wanting to throw in the towel, yet hang on for dear life to things that remain a huge part of me and "my line".  And, that being... what it is that I do.

I love my husband, a lot, I'm so grateful to God for him in my life... but there is (and, has been for awhile) something missing.  I miss - us!  A bond; a connection, that has slipped off into la-la land.  So part of my wrestling is me thinking - "What is my part to play to finding that again?"  (Don't worry.  He and I have talked about this - so he knows I'm sharing this.) :) 

So, here I am.  Stretching and waking up.  I roll out of bed; sitting on the edge... I pick up a book** from out of my bedside table. (at the moment, not really sure I know why I pick this one up!)  I literally thumb through the pages - stopping at a chapter of which the title, that at first read (probably in my sleepiness), made absolutely no sense.  I paused long enough to reread and this time - it grabbed me!

I actually read through the chapter, now, and the aha light kept getting brighter.  This was it!!  This author was definitely on to something.

What I've never said... was a link to what and why I was feeling the way I was feeling about us - meaning my husband and I.

Basically, the gist of this chapter is what "woke me up".   When someone asks what it is that we do? How often do we automatically go to our job and our vocation to explain what we do followed by being a mom of three (as an example) and so on - as though that is our first and top priority - never mentioning our spouse?   The author suggests that - as he had learned from an older persons response to this question: "I sure do love my (spouse's name!)" - that our spouse needs to be part of our top three!  

I'm going to derail for a moment and say this.  I've been going through a lot of personal growth, with my home based business, lately and one thing I've learned is that the words we say to ourselves; in our subconscious; over our teams and our businesses, etc. matter.    So, this was making sense to me.  WHY do we not speak more about what we do - in a literal sense.  And - by giving my hubby his place as first in what I'm all about. then my family, my home and my business... 

Something like this.

Question: So, what do you do?  

Answer:  I get to love on and serve alongside my husband Scott....!! Together, we have three beautiful blessings... I'm a stay-at-home, new-to-homeschooling, mamma - who happens to also have a home based business on the side... etc.

Why do we save "us" as a leftover thought?  It's like we're married after the dishes are done and the house is settled.  It's like we're married after the yard is mowed and the toys get tinkered with and the honey-do list is tackled.  It's like we're married only after the bills are paid, the house work settled and the homework is checked?   The kids get all the immediate conversation and plans or schedule created around  and then we're "married"....with not much energy left over but a head sunk deep into the pillows and "lights are out"....

If I literally only flipped the script...?

I'm wondering if my heart would be more at peace about how I'm feeling, about us as a couple, overall?

So, back to this quick poll that I did on FB... like I mentioned, I was surprised by some of the answers. This is and was NO WAY a put down to anyone.  I simply wanted to see if anyone would include their spouse - as part of their immediate response.

 Heart-warming to read, there were one or two that mentioned their spouse in their top three.

**

My point being in ALL of this... marriages are on the brink today - for many, varying reasons.  Too many, of them.  Sadly, it is a slow fade and I don't want that to be part of my story.  I want to be aware.  Intentional.  I want US to be together - till death do us part.  And, while our days don't always go down perfectly - at the end of the day - we hold hands together (Praying, often falling asleep together, side-by-side!) that even though we may not always be in agreement on things... the one thing, that is true, is that we are together as "US". 

Thinking about each other first.  Professing our love for one another, to others, as something that we do, (a.k.a. Do What You Love!) - may be part of what it takes to flipping the script.  Amen?

(photo credit: Unsplash)

 Thank you for reading!!!  I appreciate it.

**The book: Sacred Marriage, by Gary Thomas  

It really IS a special time!!

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Talk about cultivating relationships - let's start with one way it gets played out at home.  So, this has been (obviously) going on for awhile, now, but... it makes we wonder what "people" think (neighbors, etc.) - and yet, quite frankly, I don't care.  We've been doing this sort of thing since each of our kiddo's first days of school. 

It came to mind the other morning while waiting for the Big Yellow 29 - and I'm out on the porch with my son.  He's twelve.  It was cold.  Like... r e a l l y COLD! outdoors - and I started to do what are something that resembled (ahem!) jumping jacks... just to try to keep warm. And.. this is what I hear.

"Mom! - YOU'RE EMBARRASSING ME!"

Really?!?!!  I laughed a little.  Thinking here he is - here we are.  From day one of school mornings waiting for the bus... either I'm here or it's my hubby.  Sometimes it is both of us.  Often, just one. Mostly, just me.

Here's the thing.  I'm pretty much 100% positive - while it may "LOOK LIKE" an overprotective parent hanging out - watching every little thing... that there are kids looking on from inside the bus - wishing it was their mamma who was the one who just took 5-7 minutes outdoors, with them.

It is really is a special time.

This is when - prayers get prayed.  Hugs are given.  A listening ear is offered. Maybe a verse or two from Scripture is shared.  A song.  A ditty...a laugh.  A simple conversation.  And... even a kiss on the forehead with that one last affirmation getting shared.   

Yes!! It really is a special time.  And... while that time may be fleeting.  I'm still going to be there - as long as I'm able.  I don't know that there are too many others who still choose or who are able to enjoy these types of moments with their growing kids.

I hope my kids will remember, these times.  I truly hope they choose to cherish these memories as much as I do and will.

** These verses from Ephesians 3:17-19, are my prayer - for my three beautiful blessings!

Drip. Drip. Drip...FULL and Overflowing!

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I have the wonderful privilege of reading to my growing kiddos each morning before school - and this particular morning's reading was all about kindnesses and I immediately thought of a book that they all three read and learned about in school - in their early years!!  And.. I remember doing a post on it - so HERE that one is.   You have to read it - in fact, I CANNOT wait to share this same post with my kids later this afternoon or evening. 

 We NEED the reminder.

WOW!

Okay.

So, this reading this morning from The Life of Samuel Johnson in The Book of Virtues (p. 329) ... is talking about kindnesses shown and keeping our friendships in constant repair.   Here is what else I read:

We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed.  As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there at last one which makes the heart run over.

~~

It's a thought that is very much on my heart and mind.  As our lives ebb and flow and changes come and go - that ultimately bring about a change in our relationships... it is a real challenge to maintain some of those friendships.   And.. yet.  We NEED to keep adding to our friendships or soon we'll have none.  Am I right?

I'm so grateful for the many lovely friends that fill my cup!!  Not to mention, my Lord and Savior. He is the source of it all.

And so... as I keep the constant repair happening... tending to the drip by drip of filling another's heart-vessel with kindnesses - then my saucer will be filled, as well, full and overflowing.

Because, paraphrasing from Luke 6:45, out the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.  

I may venture to say it is the only time I care to be known as a "constant drip"... if you know what I mean.   Think about it!   What an opportunity to be a slow and steady blessing, one drip at a time, in someone's life... that at some point... is when their heart is full and BOOM!!  that bucket is filled to the top and overflowing. 

Kindness really matters!

Oh my word.  I don't blame a single soul for falling off "my bandwagon" - here at Treasured Up and Pondered.  In fact, if you are reading this... I'm impressed.  Because, I've fallen off... as well.  Obviously.

So, for that... dear friend and reader...I say, if you're here and still "desiring to hear" anything from me - I say THANK YOU!   Yes, thank you for your kindness.... and your patience ... and your prayers.   Please feel my {hugs} and see my smiles...

Truth is.  Our plates are full.   I don't like to say we've been busy - because everyone is and can be "busy". Instead of busy I'll refer to it as - we've been "investing" ourselves into lots of different areas...

We're wrapping up the school year, with the kiddos, in just a few more short weeks.   My husband has also recently finished up a 15-month stent on taking up some Theological studies... he graduates, here, in early June.  His desire in this course has been for himself to grow - as a husband, a father, a leader, a friend; a way to better connect all the dots.  I think he's really grateful and blessed to have gone through this course.  I'm glad he did it and stuck to it.

Our home-based business continues to keep us on our toes... with its highs and lows.  All is fine!!  We continue to learn; grow ourselves as better individuals and leaders...we still LOVE what we do and what it is all about and why.  It's been life-changing, for us!!
We're always willing to share with others - a better way!!  Health and happiness is everyone's hope!!!

Church life is full of changes and challenges.  There are lots of things to be a part of...and areas to serve and mature in.   We don't live super close to our church, anymore - so there is that distance factor that plays a part in how much we can logistically be involved.  We're so grateful to have a wonderful church family...who understands and still encourages us! 
Something to keep in mind.  It really does matter how much you offer in as to what you you'll receive out of church.  There is no perfect situation.... BUT GOD!!! 

One of our most recent endeavors has been the invite to join a family/friends, of ours, in Revolutionary War reenactments.   This is mostly on account of our 11 yr old son.  His passion is beautiful combo of history and music.  So his role, in this "new hobby of ours" is an acting hornist for this particular regime; while the rest of us consider ourselves as camp followers or sutlers.    Doing this as a family allows us all to be involved; all going the same direction - with activities and such.   So far it has been a process; keeping to authenticity is very vital.  I really appreciate learning and understanding all of this.  It really has been fascinating.    How do I mean?    I've been helping to do the sewing for a lot of our 18th century garb.  Any visible seam needs to be hand-sown.  But, not only that... the cloth needs to be 100% wool or linen or cotton.  Only certain colors are of the time period...
So, there are lots of things to learn and lots of events to participate in - and new and interesting people to get to know.   ** I realize, I really should do some posts, with photos, on these, in effort to better preserve our memories - that we've been making as a family.

What else?

Of course - we're gearing up for summer and all its activities. Hoping for a couple of trips... one business related the other a family vacation.
We're also honing in on a few lingering house projects.... such as settling our side flower bed, putting up a washline (I cannot believe I've gone this long with out one! - kinda driving me cray-cray!!) and hopefully getting an outbuilding shed type thingy.   I'm sure there is a longer list...

My hubby and I just celebrated our 14th Wedding Anniversary!!  Yay!!!   Looking forward to forever...

Our son - is getting soooooo tall.  AND, his voice is deepening every. single. day.   It's so crazy how fast they change.  Caught in that place of wanting to still play with matchbox cars and nerf guns while busting out of shoes and his clothes - like a young man, should!!
Oh - and our two girls (ages 10 and 7) both donated 12" of hair.  Their first time of EVER getting their hair cut... even trimmed.  So, of course, the gal probably took a total of 14", till it was all said and done....
I was proud of them.  Of course, this mama shed a tear ever so slightly.  I thought I'd tear up more.  I am sure it was because we talked about long and hard enough to finally just "do it".   Right?   They still have pretty long hair and could almost go for a "round-two" already... but, they don't want it any shorter, at this point. 

***
 Why all this ramble?   I have no idea -- other than, I just needed to get it all out there - as a way to play catch up. Get my fingers back to the keyboard.  I've really missed it.   This quiet, reflective space...   

I will say.  I was having a chat with my 10 year old, this morning.  She "unloaded" it all... the tears were flowing and I was holding her and listening.  The things she shared were real, and raw; things I could easily relate to - as I've been there myself, many times.     One of things I shared, with her,  in return, is that as you grow into a young woman - you will find that this may happen again - over and over and over again!   Relationships and friendships will come and go.  Being kind through them all speaks volumes.  But, yes!  There is what feels like a footprint left on your heart.  Sometimes it hurts.  Sometimes it really leaves an impression.  Sometimes that is all that it is... but sometimes... its meant to be blessing!!!

May someone's kindness towards you - leave an impression - today!!   How about you - for someone else...okay?  It really matters.  I pray my daughter shines like the sun, today!!!

fmf | search

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Someone near and dear to me (and, I won't mention names) is on a quest...to actually hear GOD's voice.  They're discouraged and sad that it so far isn't or hasn't been an audible voice for them.  Whenever, we get to connect about it - we try to encourage but with futile words, because even ours won't readily be heard.  We say - "Sometimes, you have to be still (quiet!) and then you will know - God." (Psalm 46:10)

We remind.  "Look at answers, to prayers, you do have - though they've come circumstantially... - they're still answers."

Apparently, that isn't an audible voice; its not enough!

God's voice isn't always clear, is it?  We have his WORD, right, and, we need to pray and ask to have the eyes of our heart, opened, to see clearly.  I talk with my kiddo's quite often (in fact, AGAIN just this morning!) - about the fact that they need to look at me when I am talking to them.  That they will be able to hear me better when they keep their eyes fixed on my face.   Surprise!!!!!

Imagine - the connection that would happen!!!

Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all of your heart. 

***

Joining with the Five Minute Friday Community today - today's word prompt is: search

Beware of your Influence

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This apple looks pretty impressive, doesn't it? Granted... the photo of this (currently) nice looking apple is apple number two... and thankfully it WAS okay on the inside.   Imagine my surprise when cutting open, my original apple, one morning, while preparing my kiddo's school lunches.  It was rotten!!  Rotten to the core. 

I was so glad I grabbed a photo...of it, just for this topic today.

 Beware of your influence!! 

An interesting title I'm sure... and one that can be taken both ways.  Who are we influenced by and who are we influencing?  Its tempting to look good on the outside and perhaps it can be done for awhile... but, we all know what is on the inside is what eventually comes out.   It wasn't going to take long for this said "good" apple to present its true ugliness of heart.  I honestly thought it was going to be an AMAZING, crunchy, good and sweet treat for my kiddos.  Again, I'm glad the second one was!!  I will also admit here...I wasn't so trusting of the second apple.  I was "SURE" that it, too, would show up to be a bad apple... isn't that what happens?  It only takes one to ruin the whole basket?     I don't know about you... but this gave me pause.

How am I as a Woman of Influence?

(that is a big deal!)

And, WHO are my Influencers?     
(which is an even greater BIG deal!!)

There are so many analogies and things that could be read between the lines in this post, today, but I'll leave that up to you.  I only trust I am making you think.  Be aware...
Influence is a real thing.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  ~ Matthew 5:16, ESV

****
Joining up with Five Minute Friday - writing community (from last Friday!) - when the prompt word was: influence.

a Winter poem - by my ten year old...

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:: Winter White ::

Gently falling 

Winter White -

all are dancing 

in the night.

Waking up to

piles high, 

the snow has drifted 

to the sky .

From the window 

I did say, "Oh, the 

snow -- stay home,and play."

Rolling, Tumbling 

Winter White 

snowmen family 

in our sight.

Gently whisper 

"nighty- night"

Dreams of snowflakes

through the night.

~ Aubrey S. (10 yrs)

**

I'm proud of my little one.  She was home "sick" the first day back to school in the new year and we got talking about things she is looking forward to in the upcoming school days.  She mentioned that she will be venturing into poetry.  So we sat down and started writing.  I helped to tweak or challenged her to use a "deeper word" here and there... but this is HERS!!!  I love poetry.  Always have...

 The snowflake mug mats were a gift from a dear friend... whom, I don't want to forget.  Ever!!

fmf | with

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Emmanuel - God with us!

I may have shared this thought here before but it bears repeating... 

"When you're not with someone - you're at them."

Jesus alludes to this in Scripture... (I'll have to go look it up again) but, how true!  Right?  Christmas is here -- and while a wonderful time of year, it also can be quite stressful.  I know, our home - has felt that. Let me be a bit vulnerable here and share... the stress of schedules, studying for tests, work related issues, meal prep and all the other household things that need tending to can really play a toll.  One of our biggest stressers gets revealed when early mornings come and we're getting the kids up and at em - for school.  There are distractions by books and papers, toys and even each other.  If we get up "too late"... then that puts on the crunch for everything.  And, you've got one - who doesn't know what to wear, the other who is "so cozy"...and, "can't get up!!"...  "can't find my shoes"... and because of feeling the pressure... the clock ticking FAST... panic sets in.   And, Mamma... well, Mamma's voice isn't so quiet anymore.

Right??  All the things.   

So, recently... I was thinking about this.  Why do we have this kind of tipping-point stress in our lives? I do believe it comes down to the whole thing of not being WITH people (our hearts are not united) and so we're AT each other.  When and where we're at each other "throats"... loud.  Hurtful.  Always "picking a fight", trying to better ourselves - one-upping another instead of building each other up...

This is why Jesus came.  To unite our hearts.  To beat as one.  TO CONNECT.  Built together to keep each other strong.   These fence posts do no good all piled up on one another.  But... unless they're positioned in, with and for each other... does it make an impact.

We've been working on.  Whispers.  Warm hugs.  Well-wishes.  Being amazed... and encouraging each other instead of critiquing, complaining and conjuring up "trouble".

I have to tell you.  This morning!  I was joking with my kiddos... that it MUST be that Christmas is coming, or something!!!!   I mean, it felt like such a gift.   EVERYONE... was up... on their own.  Got dressed...on their own. Hair done and combed...on their own.  EARLY - before time.  ALL was quiet and calm - working together - as if they were excited about their half-day, last day before Christmas vacation begins.

Jesus was WITH us!  

He still is, and always will be!!

**
Joining with Five Minute Friday... a community of writers, taking a word prompt and sharing their thoughts.  Today's prompt was: With

fmf | Ocean

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You might simply flip when you read this next line, but It's true.

Our kids have never walked the shores of the ocean.  

They've never seen its massiveness nor smelt its salty smells.  They have seen plenty of shells and have heard many a story, but to experience the hot sand between their toes and to hear the constant lapping of waves....?  Well, they haven't.  Not yet... anyway.  That actually may change later this summer... as we, Lord Willing, head to NC and VA for a week of much anticipated vacation.

***

Our kiddos have been enjoying a week of Vacation Bible School at their Grandma Rhoda's church.  Last evening, we had some time to kill.  Mind you, we live 40-45 minutes away from her church - but due to another time commitment we were actually early (for a change!)... and we needed something to do.  Honestly, someone needed to use "the facilities"- QUICK!! ... and this is what immediately came to mind.

It was an easy choice.  The Fishing Pier of Lake Nockamixon.

Now... we've been here before, but its been awhile.  There definitely was a fresh draw and an intense awe.  If you know what I mean?  You would have thought we had found a "treasure chest"...everywhere we looked.  From skipping stones, to finding "seaweed", shells, spotting a heron, and fish bone/skeleton ... oh, and the fistful of flowers... are always a treasure in and of themselves.

Enjoy the photos of our brief visit to the lake/"ocean".  I wish I had gotten a few more photos with the kids in the frame...but, we'll take what we got!

The moments sped by and we needed to head off to VBS.   Where we continued to learn more about God's Creation.   Oh, the depths of his love....

PS:  Do you know how many times I heard the begging to go back to the water, again...today?!??

***

Joining up with Five Minute Friday - on the prompt word : Ocean.  

Thank you for reading my thoughts here, today!!

First Day ~ Back to School!

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Here they are!!  Our First Day - Back to School! - photos, as promised.

Caleb, 5th grade - Aubrey, 3rd grade and Jayne - 1st grade!!!

Prayer of Blessing!

Boarding a packed Big Yellow - 29!

You only get to do that "first day" one time... so, I suppose by hanging onto these photos for a day, or so, and sharing them later - spreads out the moments, right??  For our family, our First Day - is extra special in that we have entered the doors of a BRAND NEW, to us, SCHOOL!!

That's what happens when you move to a new location.  Our kiddos seemed quite nervous about it. Trying to imagine life at a "new" school.  Missing their old friends and well-known faces... 

 But... as the summer wore on and we ventured out to different community events (ie; VBS and Kids Kamp, etc.)... they were then able to interact with other kids and well, guess what??   They now have "new" friends at school, and some, even in the same classrooms!  Kids they met out and about over the summer!!   I knew it.  I tried to tell them. :)  This is, though, one of those things they have had to discover, on their own, and excitedly share with you - once they get home!!

I tell you what!!   As a mom, its a blessing to get back into some semblance of a routine. Because, as you can imagine our summer was just a tad bit "different"... then normal.  Oh sure, there are still bumps in the road, to be hurdled.   We had quite a few, just this morning... but, we chalked it up to "we're still working out what this new routine is going to look like".  We're used to being out the door by 8AM... here it's more like 8:15.   So, we have time...a few minutes, at least... to create some healthier habits.

We always have a time of family devotions in the evening before bedtime... but, it is my goal and prayer to add in even some MORE of God's Word... to our normalcy. 

Sitting to the breakfast table is part of that and a good place to start.  Hopefully, we have everyone's attention, right??

So, yesterday... beings it was the 28th of August, I pulled out two verses from Proverbs 28 to share with the kiddos.

I'd like to share them with you, too.. because of what keeps being mentioned ever since.   I love it!

Proverbs 28: 19-20

He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies 

will have his fill of poverty.

A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager

 to get rich will go unpunished.

 You might be wondering how, in the world, do these verses fit in with a first day of school scenario??  Well, after some dialog, here is my son's deduction from these verses...

C: I get it.  So, working my land is like me doing my school work.

M:  right!!

C :  If I get distracted and don't pay attention I will become "poor".

M: right!

C: So, if I don't do my job (like, school, for me, right now, is like Dad going to work!) then I won't get paid.  Because, my pay is my education... ??

M: (proud moment) YES!!!!!

***
Let's just hope and pray this "new attitude and new thought" sticks
- all year long!!!!

My Place :: home!

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“It's sad if people think that's (homemaking) a dull existence, [but] you can't just buy an apartment and furnish it and walk away. It's the flowers you choose, the music you play, the smile you have waiting. I want it to be gay and cheerful, a haven in this troubled world. I don't want my husband and children to come home and find a rattled woman. Our era is already rattled enough, isn't it?  ― Audrey Hepburn

***

Thinking about my place in the home!!!  There is this... 

It's this chair that's become my space and place!!  A quiet evening, an early morning... while on the phone, talking to a friend or checking messages.  Sipping on a cup of coffee or a pink drink... sharing a moment with one of my kiddos or hubby... just talking!

This is a place to say "I'm at home".

And, then.  There is the rest of the place that is mine!!

The rest of the home!!  And, what an opportunity - to resemble Jesus in this Place!! 

~ 

Switching gears, here, for a moment.  Bear with me!

 Oh, the tears began to fall this morning.

Another place... I want to talk about is here... Treasured Up and Pondered.

Through a small series of events - an old blogging friend and I recently reconnected.

As I logged in to view her blog and "catch back up" on and in her online space...

the tears just filled my eyes.

When you have soul sisters... who without even really "saying" anything - simply minister to you!!

You know?   And, then through that, following along... I stumbled across an old Part 1 and Part 2 (two different posts, of my own) that I had truly, truly forgotten about.  Stories that I personally had shared, with my kids, a couple of years ago, from my childhood-past, that tied into the present of today - and were life-lessons that I had totally and completely forgotten about.

 I NEEDED TO READ THEM AGAIN!!!!

God knew this...

People!

This is why I love being a stay-at-home-mom!!

Having a Place!!

Having a heart and home for serving others.

For listening.

For helping.

For being available.

Is it always easy?  No.  And, I have my moments where I want to get off the train.

(though, those are getting less and less) :)

But to be able to have this place for journaling, for me, is a salve for my soul. 

So many times... I have been able to sit and re-read something the Lord has laid on my heart - completely written in the past - that is so very vital for my present reality.

It's moments and times like these that un-rattle me!!!!

In other words.  I'm undone!!

***

 

- linking with fiveminutefriday.com .  Prompt word is: Place.

Of toy army men, pretzel nuggets, devotions and plastic containers. All part of an answer to prayer.

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 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  ~ Matthew 6:25-34

***

One afternoon, since our move, my son found yet another box to unpack. The box housed Lincoln Logs and about 30 or so little plastic army men.  We hadn't seen them in awhile... and well, he found it kinda fun to play with them again.  Completely understandable.

As he was cleaning up ... he declared he wished he had a plastic container to put them in.  Something like a peanut or cashew container.  Something clear, with a screw-top lid.  "Sorry, bud", I said. "I don't have anything like that right now... and I don't plan to go out shopping anytime soon.  I'm sorry, I don't know what to tell you."

The next morning.  I head downstairs, for the day, and there are on the counter sits a container!!  Just like the one my son asked for... except it housed peanut butter filled pretzel nuggets. Okay... this works, but WHAT?!?!

Not sure where it came from.  I asked my husband.  Of course...he knew!!!

Backing up a bit... 

You see, the night before, Scott (my husband) had been out helping my Brother-in-law, do some work around his place and getting home after we all were in bed and then out, the door the next morning for work..we had to catch up over the phone.  This is what I found out.  Because he (John) is a service tech for broken-down trucks, out and about... the story goes that if there is/was an accident or such... and a pallet gets broken... the merchandise gets dispersed and so that is how a WHOLE BOX of peanut butter filled pretzels wound up at our house (mind you, lots of containers!) because what is my brother-in-law going to do with but so many boxes... but share?

Yes!!  6 plastic containers. Not one!!  But, six!!

So - I thought about it and asked Caleb, once he came downstairs, if he had prayed about his need?

"No", was his response. "I wished for it, but I hadn't prayed about it."

We sat down to talk.

I assured him, it was okay... but to listen to me.  I reminded him of our devotional the other evening... when we read from The Jesus Storybook - the passage and story from Matthew 6... about God caring for the birds of the air, the flowers of the field.

And, how that sometimes and more than we realize - even if we don't ask... God still cares enough to meet our needs!!

"You may not have asked GOD for a container, but HE still heard your heart's cry... and through the circumstance of events he provided for you..."

It was really neat to see these words sink into his little heart and mind.  He really pondered this one for awhile...

 *** 

Truth is.  I needed the reminder, just as much.  I still get the chill-bumps; the smile on my face, the comfort in my heart... knowing we have a good, GOOD Father... who cares and meets our every single need... no matter what!!!

Building Home

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How are you building your home - today?

Proverbs 24:3-4

By wisdom a house is built ...

And by knowledge the rooms are filled

With all precious and pleasant riches.

I've been thinking of this.  Pondering.  

The implications of a life-giving home... are strong!

What does that look like and how?

What can I learn and what can I do better?

Can't wait to find out...

I've been gifted this book as part of a birthday gift and it's been a slow, but good read.

The Life-Giving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson

As well, the same old - same old.  LIFE continues to happen as it does.

The laundry still needs to fill the line...

Finding a little creative inspiration for my kitchen...

The business is growing by leaps and bounds (BTW: my husband and I are having a blast! - working this together...) and yet I still find time to sew, for HERE!

Having my kids home all day long with less camps, this year ... enjoying these slow summer days.

I'm grateful for each new day the Lord grants to me.  

How the opportunity to build my home on the rock of his salvation... 

is constant and imperative!!

***

Have a wonderful rest of the week!!

You know what?  I know my blogging has been some touch-and-go here, so thanks for stopping by to read - would you just say "hello" (here via comments) - I would love to hear from you...

How is your summer going so far?