Hearts that need mending

It amazes how my husband can say the simplest of things and it can be just what I need to hear.  How is it that a mere sentence, spoken with love can affect so much?  He calls me from time to time throughout my day.  He doesn't call every single time he is at work, but sometimes he does...he calls to see how I am doing.

It's a relief to me when he calls.  I'm not saying I always unload to him everything I am going through but I do  think it's important to keep him in the loop concerning how I am really doing as well as things that are happening with the kids.

Today his phone call came right in the middle of a motherhood moment with a child who finally caved in to the tears they were on the verge of throughout the morning.  Tears that, I confess, bothered me.  After listening to my child tell me all about it and hearing that these tears were all about something that they wanted but could not have...my heart sank.

There I was in my bedroom chair, mending holes with a thread and needle, and now I would try my best to mend my child's heart.  But really, without God and his Word, I would be lost.  Amazing that God can fix these problems we have.  That he can speak love, goodness, and faithfulness to us when we covet what others have.  That we can learn to be content with what he has given and to trust that he is still good.

My child lay there with tears streaming down.  I did not feel pity.  Nor did I wish that I could run out and buy them exactly what they wanted.  I knew that this was right where they needed to be.  Whatever happened in my child's heart I do not know.  All I know is that I pointed them to the goodness of God.  I prompted thanksgiving.  I walked through the process of redirecting thoughts and desires.  I attempted to realign and make straight all the crooked parts.  And this is a mother's work, is it not?

Back to my husband's phone call.  You know what he said?

"I'm so glad you're there."  

Wow.  It felt so good to hear him say that.  It made me feel like all of the time and energy I am investing in my family is worth it.  Oh, believe me, sometimes I want to get away.  I do not always feel like doing everything in my job description.  But I am still learning that the place I most often need to get away to is in prayer.  I have often felt like Susanna Wesley.  Have you ever heard about how she would throw her apron over her head and just pray right then and there?  That's me.  Although it's usually with a blanket.  The kids are usually very curious...

"Mommy, what are you doing?"

My thoughts?  The best thing I can do.

My words? "Praying honey.  Mommy's praying."

It's good for them to see that.  I need God just as much as they do.

just between us {a mother/daughter journal}

{just between us | Amazon.com}

When I saw this journal, I immediately thought of Joelle.  For one thing, she is beginning to appreciate writing and I want to encourage that.  Second, I am a firm believer in communicating well and often and this journal is a great way to spark that.  Third, it's just plain fun!

I'll tell you what I did.  I bought a pack of colorful pens to go along with this journal.  Then I was all set to present it to Joelle (in secret, away from all of her sibs).  I enthusiastically shared with her how it would work.  The whole time I was wondering what she would think of it.  Things can be hit or miss with Joelle.  She does not go for just about anything like some of my other children.  She was either going to love it or hate it.  I was hoping for the best.

A smile spread across her face as I told her about this special journal that would be "just between us".  I would write in it first, then place my ribbon bookmark in that place.  I would place the journal (and the pens) in a tote bag hanging in her closet and I would tell her "It's in the bag."  That's code for "You can read the journal now and please write back soon".  When she's finished writing back (on the opposite page that says "Daughter", she places it in my Bible bag and tells me the same thing.  

It has worked great so far.  I really like the illustrations and it's so colorful!  I enjoy the questions that prompt us to think and write about things that we might not have otherwise thought to talk about.  There are also many pages that are "Free Space" for just writing whatever you want and asking whatever you want.  I began with the latter.  I wrote her a little letter and asked her a few fun questions.  It was so neat to read her responses!  I smiled as I read what she wrote.  It really blessed me and I even learned new things about Joelle.

Obviously this journal is not meant to replace our face to face conversations.  But I see it as a fun way to enhance them and to discover even more about each other and all the thoughts that run through our minds.  Or at least those ones that we choose to share.  

Here are a few examples of what you will find: 

~Before I fall asleep, I think about...

~I often dream about...

~Have you ever let fear stop you from doing something you wanted to do?  Tell me about it.

~A note to my past self

~How you and I are the same

~How we are different

~Things I admire about you

I think you get the idea.  Joelle has already told me that she really likes this idea!  Yay! 

Maybe you could try this with your daughter?  You could even start something with a regular journal or notebook.  Imagine the possibilities!

[Disclaimer: It's fairly minor and easy to gloss over, but if I could remove one thing from this book it would be the worldly mindset that comes across when it assumes that most teenage girls are going to date and/or be boy crazy.  That is true of the culture we live in but it not something that we are cultivating in the hearts and minds of our girls.  We have open dialogue about these relationships, but we certainly do not encourage them to put themselves into situations that they are not ready to handle maturely.  Did I explain that well enough? :)  This aspect of the book does present an opportunity for me to talk about the choices people make in our culture and contrast that with the wisdom God gives in his Word.]

Current crochet projects

[pacy clip | moss stitch]

Phew, busy day today.  There was much to accomplish and it felt overwhelming at times.  I haven't crocheted a single stitch today but I did manage to get some photographs of the projects I am currently working on.  

Like this pacy clip I made for Izzy.  I enjoy making these.  I love making things that are useful and this is definitely one of those things!   

[Isabel's favorite blanket (completed) | waffle stitch]

[a blanket for Brienne | seed stitch]

I decided that I wanted to branch out from making a small baby blanket and try making a bigger one.  Brienne and I went to Hobby Lobby together and she picked out these colors.  The yarn is "I love this cotton", the same yarn I used for Isabel's.  It's so soft!  

I have had this project going for some time now.  Although, I did decide to take a break from turquoise and enter the land of yellow for a while!

[ another variant of the moss stitch]

I also got the yarn for this one at Hobby Lobby.  It's called "I love this yarn".  You get more bang for your buck with this kind.  The cotton brand is more expensive.  And when I saw this wonderful color I knew it was meant to be.  Changing up the color a bit makes the project more interesting and exciting for me.  Once I complete the middle section in yellow, I'll add a big white stripe on the other end and finish off with a little yellow.  I love the way this one is coming out.  It's a very easy stitch.

[sedge stitch]

This is the newest addition to the bunch.  When I saw this "Caron, Simply Soft" yarn at Walmart I got all excited about these colors!  I hunted around online looking for a stitch to do it in and I found a video tutorial for the "sedge" stitch.  I am a little stunned at how fiery that orange looks in this photo.  It is a bright orange but I don't think this photo is doing it justice.  I plan to do just a few thin stripes in the orange.  The stripes will be different sizes.  I really do need to get a plan down on paper and figure out how thick and how thin I want each stripe to be.  I can only wing it for so long!

I like to keep each project in it's own tote bag.  That keeps things organized and also makes my projects easy to grab and work on or take out with me.  I found the one above at a thrift store recently and got it for a couple dollars.

The bulk of time that I spend on crocheting is usually on the ride to and from church on Sundays.  Church is about twenty minutes from our house so I am able to make some progress.  I will probably have all of these projects going for some time to come.  That's ok, I'm not really in a rush.  I'm just enjoying the journey.

Some ladies in our church will be getting together for a monthly crochet/knitting guild, starting this March.  I'm so excited about this!  The idea has been kicked around by some fellow crocheters for a while now and it is exciting to see those seeds come to fruition.  Amera and I are planning to be there.  It will be a mixed group of women.  From those who have plenty of experience to those who have none. It's exciting to anticipate fellowship with these ladies and sharing with each other the things that we have been blessed to learn.  

Sometimes love is hard to give

Years ago when I was a new mother, I remember watching another mom at church holding her baby.  She was so tender toward him, the open palm of her hand gently rubbing his back, comforting him.  I can't quite explain it, but seeing her tenderness and love for her child made an indelible imprint on my heart.  I remember thinking "I want to be more like that.  I wanted to be more tender, more affectionate, more loving toward my family.  She was such an example to me in that moment.

I have had to grow in this area.  It has taken some effort.  I have always thought I was a pretty affectionate person, until I met my husband who has always challenged me to give more of myself.  Sometimes I have felt like I have reached some sort of limit with how much hugging I can handle.  There is still a little residue of that in me.  

Sometimes I am so focused on all that I need to do, that I don't stop and hug, or make eye contact, or give my full attention...Sometimes my husband or one of my children will reach out their arms to me and want a hug and I confess, sometimes I feel a difficult shifting of gears and I really have to check my attitude.  "Slow down Marisha, the task is not more important than the people."

Am I alone here?  Or is this kind of love sometimes hard to give?  I can look back over the years and see that it really boils down to my need to be more selfless and give of myself.  Those two things are not always easy to do, especially when it inconveniences you.  But loving my family is important to me and in many ways this desire was cultivated in my heart by the example of other women whom I saw loving their children.

I have never forgotten that tender moment where the mother held her baby.  I was learning from her as I watched her delighting in her child.  Before that, I had seen my share of women who griped and complained about their children and I have also had my share of struggles with my own attitude.  

Thankfully, loving our families more is something that we can learn and improve upon every day.  Do you want to give more to your loved ones?  Pray and ask God to help you to develop a more affectionate heart toward them.  Pray for more of an awareness and understanding of their needs, even if their needs may be a little different from your own.  

"Older women...are to teach what is good, and so train the young 

women to love their husbands and children."    Titus 2:3-4

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

We had a fun time on our little outing to Chick-fil-A.  As usual, I had to take some pictures. :)

I won the first round of BINGO!  Yay!  Now we have to decide 

if we really want to put a Chick-fil-A cow topper on our van's antenna. ;)

Before I became a parent {writing prompt}

With the adorable voice of three year old, he blesses me.  Already, he knows the power of his words to make me smile and laugh from my heart.  

"Mom, you're the bestest mom and the bestest mom and the bestest mom ever!" 

He tries to get it all out as quick as he possibly can and with such happy intonation.  He smiles big after speaking such a full and meaningful sentence.  He wraps his little arms around whatever part of me he can reach and he squeezes tight.  The "bestest" three times over.  I wonder where he ever heard such an expression.  One day he just said it out of the blue and you have no idea how blessed I felt.

Yesterday, I sat holding him in my arms.  He curled up and nuzzled into me.  I probably kissed him a dozen times or more.  His little head, his hair so soft after a recent hair cut...irresistible!  His little hands and arms still so small and a little chubby...we played as I tickled him and he giggled and giggled.

It was blissful to me.  I didn't want to let him or that moment go.  This little boy is amazing.  His love is so sweet.  He often says the most adorable things and I sometimes wonder if I am going to melt right there on the spot.  

I never would have guessed that motherhood would have so much joy.  It's not all just tasks, trials, and tantrums.  It's wonderful to be a mother.  And to be loved by these amazing children.

Am I the bestest mom?  Probably not.  But I am the only mom he has.  And for that, I am so, so thankful. 

Linking up for the writing prompt here: http://www.ellenstumbo.com/before-i-became-a-mom/

If you like, you can also read another post I wrote on this topic: Persevering in motherhood

Little getaways

Moving Amera's piano lesson to Thursday mornings has turned out to be a huge blessing for me.  It's amazing how one little change can make all the difference.  

I grab my bag and head out the door anticipating some quiet time while I wait.  In my "Bible bag" I have my Bible, Bible study books, journals, pens and my little camera.  It's very convenient to have everything in one place and so easy to grab when it's time to go.  I am learning to take advantage of opportunities to be refreshed.  I realize that my situation may be a little unique.  While I do have little ones, I also have a teen who babysits.  My husband is home during the day and can take care of the kids while I take Amera to piano.  But it wasn't always that way.  I remember when I used to tote my crew around everywhere I went...rarely, if ever, taking much time for myself.  I think it's important though, and maybe if we think about it a little more we can all find ways to carve out a little time to be quiet and to be alone.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to plan a two hour getaway just for you?  Once a month?  Maybe someone can watch the kids?  Your husband?  A baby sitter?  I think that for most of us it is possible.  

In the grocery store where I shop there is this wonderful section of magazines.  I know that they are full of ideas and inspiration.  There are also comfy chairs.  I often pass by it as I am headed to the check out line and I imagine sitting there skimming through them.  Home ideas, family fun, crochet projects, recipes...all at my fingertips.  

Recently, the idea came to me clear as day.  Why not plan to go there sometime (it's right across the street!) and just sit for an hour or more and be refreshed and inspired?  I can put the date on my calendar.  I can commit to it.  I'm pretty sure it would do wonders.

Another idea I had...my husband and I both love to read.  Sometimes carving out time for that can be a challenge, especially with no interruptions.  So, this past weekend I made a proposal.  

Wouldn't it be wonderful for us to take a book and just go read somewhere.  Consider it a little date?  Give me two hours of reading and I just might get through half of a book!  I'm having a hard time doing that lately. I totally had a hard time last night.  I could not get through a single paragraph and finally just went to bed.  But how wonderful would it be to set aside a couple hours, even just once a month, to get away and read?  We put so much on our calendars, why not this?  We could just drive somewhere and park.  We could go through the drive through, get some coffee and just park and pull out those books.  Does that sound as wonderful to you as it does to me? 

 ...I'm making plans...  ;)

Even after all the ups and downs, I love you still

Dear Javier, 

I just have to chuckle whenever I see this photo.  Sometime in the year 2000, wasn't it?  Probably taken by some automatic camera as soon as the ride began...

Look at me...ha!...looking terrified and probably thinking "I'm gonna die!"

Look at you...probably thinking "Yeah!  Bring it on!"  You always were ready for just about anything.  Me?  Not so much.  Still, in this roller coaster of life we have had so much we have had to learn, haven't we?

Me...always wanting to get things done NOW...overly concerned that time would run out and it wouldn't get done.

You...not in a rush, planning to do it later...calm and unhurried.

You...often reminding me that sometimes the work can wait.  Sometimes what I think is best, isn't.  And how often have you had to slow me down to just sit and talk and cuddle?  You have taught me how to put first things first.

I remember the frustration we felt...

Me...because I wanted that shelf put together TODAY.  

You...because I was asking you to do it without taking into account all of the other pressures you were facing.

Bit by bit we are learning to love each other more selflessly.  Isn't that what marriage is all about?

I've learned to communicate well with you.  To be clear about what I need...not to assume that you ought to know already.  We seem to have come to a point of being on the same team instead of working against each other.  When I need your help, I know that I can ask you when would be a good day to accomplish it.  I have learned to trust you more and to treat you that way.  I have also learned to be a little more flexible if the day we set aside rolls around and suddenly plans have to change.  

I grew to know you more--to know how you prefer to be approached.  It took many tries...and you have learned so much about me too...after many tries.  

I know I have had my share of complexities and you have probably wondered if you would ever understand me.

I think of all the silly things I have grown out of.  Remember early on in our marriage when I didn't want you to touch my face because I worried that it would cause me to break out (yes, I had a rough time with acne in my adolescence)?  Ok, confession--that was a little OCD.  It seems so silly to me now--but, like it or not, that was me.  You kept loving me anyway.  Thank you, honey.

And speaking of complexity and difficulty in being understood...some people like to put that label on women, but I have struggled at times too.  Both of us have spent years trying to understand the each other and all the while God has been reminding us that love does not give up.  Ever.

I loved you then, and I still do.  It may sound cliche to say that I love you even more than ever after all of these eighteen years.  But it's true, I do.  We've been through so much together.  It's been painful at times.  And I won't lie, there were times when I even thought to myself "I'm gonna die!"  We've certainly had our ups and downs.  But by God's grace we have learned to love each other more and more with each passing day.  I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you!

P.S. 

It means a lot that you try your best to get to things that I need you to help me with around the house.  I've noticed how you have been getting to things right away, especially in the past couple of years.  I know that you know how much it means to me.  God taught me to be patient and wait and love you.  At the same time, he was working in your heart to learn to love me in a very tangible way.  

I praise him for his redeeming grace!

With love, 

Marisha

[Sidenote: the other guy in that photo up there has always amused me.  He looks way too calm under the circumstances!  Also, I very much doubt that he walked off that ride with his sunglasses intact!]

If time stopped {writing prompt}

Any other moms out there make plans to do certain things as soon as the kids are all falling asleep in their beds?  That was me yesterday.  I had so many plans.  But it was only about five minutes after I sat down in the recliner to read that my eyelids felt like they weighed about ten pounds each.  I began a series of falling asleep reading a paragraph, and waking up to reread the same paragraph.  Have you ever tried in vain to keep your eyes open?  The desire was there but I just couldn't seem to do it.  

[ Joelle is reading this lately, I'm just a little jealous..;) ]

As sleepy as I was, I still felt a kind of sadness.  I miss the days when I would (could!) consume a book.  I miss getting beyond one paragraph.  Oh sure, sometimes in the middle of the day I will make an attempt to get a chapter in...and sometimes I am successful.  But then there are constant interruptions.  Children calling my name, children needing me, work that needs to be done...and it seems to call my name too...

I have so many things I want to do in the quiet hours of the night that it's often hard to decide which one!  I am enjoying the creative projects I am (slowly but surely) working on.  More on that later.  

But one thing that I really want to do more is read.  Not only because I enjoy it, but also because it helps on so many levels.  I want to grow in my understanding of so many things.  I want my mind to get more exercise!  I long to read those books that are collecting a little dust on our shelves.  Hopefully, in time, I will.

But for now, our own little story is being written.  And I don't want to miss a single line.

It's quite an adventure, let me tell you!

Linking up for the writing prompt here: http://www.ellenstumbo.com/if-time-stopped/

Persevering in motherhood

Becoming a parent can be a real eye opener.  We enter into this stage of life with so many aspirations of what we will be like as parents. 

Having observed many parenting strengths and weaknesses in others, we begin to tuck away all of the things that we will apply when it is our turn.  We have thought it all out, we have reasoned and deduced and resolved.  We have thought "Oh no, not my child!  My child will NOT act like that."  And later we may find ourselves shaking our heads in disbelief that our child would do such a thing.

Sometimes when we are living on the outside, looking in of an experience, we think we have it all figured out.  We think that we will know how to handle what another parent failed to handle well.  You know, I won't deny that it's good to have gained some wisdom about parenting and it is good to be as prepared as possible.  But there is one thing that I think many young couples are not prepared for.

Simply not knowing what to do.

Why is it that in parenting we seem to think that we should know it all and if we know it all everything will run smoothly?  Same with marriage.  People think that because they don't have problems A and B and since they have learned they should do C and D that everything will turn out fine.  We fail to realize that E, F and G are 

things that we don't necessarily have covered yet.  

But it's ok, don't give up.  We have a God who knows just what we should do.  He's seen this one before.  He's got this and you don't have to worry, just pray and seek his help and direction.

Sometimes the first child that God gives you is easy peasy.  This child is so compliant and even seems to delight in doing what you say.  It even seems they have almost effortlessly learned to say "please" and "thank you" and they respond so well when you say no.  Sweetness seems to come naturally to them.  It's not long before all of this ease with parenting causes you to wonder what all the fuss is about.  Yes, and sometimes we get proud.  We struggle to understand why our friend is struggling so much to discipline, to potty train (the method I tried worked so well for me!), to get her child to sit still, to just be consistent!  Why is it so hard for her when it didn't seem to take much effort for you?

Because children are different from one family to the next.  Even in the same family and household, children are different.  One may not respond in the same way another will.  I have seven children, and just when I think I have it all figured out--something new and difficult shows up.

Never, never never get proud and think that you have it all figured out.  You don't.  I don't.  And realizing that is actually a good thing because it motivates us to pray more and seek wisdom from God.  Are you praying about the challenges you are facing as a parent.  Think for a moment.  What are you struggling with on a daily basis.  Pray and ask God to help you and show you what to do.  No issue is too small or insignificant.

I am amazed at how long I go just struggling with some issue, until finally I decide to bring it to God.  And then I wonder why on earth I waited so long.

You see, I have this wonderful, delightful three year old boy.  He is also complex, emotional and energetic and he has so much to learn and apply.  Every day I am teaching him to learn how to do ______, to be a "big boy" now, to have self-control...every.single.day I am teaching him.  And there are many repeats.  As I continue to expend the effort, I begin to feel like a hamster spinning on a wheel.  I feel like I'm not getting anywhere sometimes.  I wonder if I am getting through and if he is getting it at all.  Even though I have been through this stage five times before I am still afraid!  I am afraid that he will never get it.

I know I must take heart and keep trying and remember that my effort is not in vain.  Because when I started all this parenting stuff, I was far from skilled.  But by God's grace I have learned a thing or two.  And someway, somehow five children before this one actually graduated from this stage.  Wow, I have to remind myself. ;)

I'm turning to God.  I'm asking him to help me to teach this little guy to be a man.  I am asking the God who has the heart of the king in his hands (Prov. 21:1) to move the heart of my son.  I have even prayed that he would help my son to "get it".  That my training, my words, my guidance would penetrate.  Because sometimes it feels like it all just bounces off of a rock hard wall.

If you are a parent, will you persevere with me?  Whether you have only begun or have been at it a good long while.  Keep it up.  You serve Christ with every nose wiped, every mess you clean on your hands and knees and every word you speak to teach your little ones how to live well.  You serve Christ.  And it is not in vain.

Cinnamon chip scones

I love how simple this recipe is.  Many cinnamon scone recipes call for heavy cream or buttermilk and those are things that I don't usually have on hand.  I wanted something as basic as possible.  So here it is!  

I happen to love scones just about any way I can get them.  Another great thing about this recipe is that my kids love them too.  They disappear pretty quickly in this house! :)  ENJOY!

cinnamon chip scones

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup all purpose flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. salt 

1/2 cup stick butter

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup-1 cup cinnamon chips (1 cup is about half a bag)

Putting it all together...

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients...the flour, the baking powder, the salt and the sugar.

Cut the butter into little cubes and add them to the dry mixture.  Mush the butter into the flour mixture with your fingers until it is incorporated and a coarse meal is formed.

Add the milk and the cinnamon chips and stir until a ball of dough forms.

On a floured surface, pat the dough into a disk, then cut into eight triangles like a pizza.  I like to get some flour on my hands and shape my scones so that the corners are more rounded.

Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Yum!

Mommies don't always wear make-up

This picture...it may be one of my favorites.  Mostly because of Clara's sweet smile but also because I am in it with her.  I was sitting in the recliner with her and looking through all of the photos I had taken of the kids outside.  I started to think of how sweet it was sitting there with her and about all of the many opportunities I miss to get photographs of me with my kids.

And so, in a daring no make-up wearing moment, I turned the camera on us.  You see, I had no problem taking a bunch of photos of my kids playing outside in the sunshine.  But pictures of me?  Well, I often have my objections for that.  

Usually it's because I have no make-up on and my hair up in a ponytail...ahem...let's just say not exactly motivation for capturing the moment.  But that is the reality.  When my kids see me putting on make-up they start asking me where I'm planning on going. Because when I am at home and I am not going anywhere and no one is coming over...well...I am pretty much no frills.

This moment captured here is precious to me.  This is me, being mom.  This is one moment of thousands that haven't been recorded on...er...SD cards (yes I almost said film).   And honestly I keep telling myself how much more I need to take more photos of me with my children...just set up a tripod or ask someone else in the family to snap away.  I think that sometimes taking photos just feels like too much of an ordeal that I don't want to experience.  But I'm starting to be inspired to make the effort.  Here is a great photo checklist that is giving me ideas: 50 photos to take with your kids | via Simple as that.

So many pictures to take, so little time. Right? ;)

Before I go, here are a few of those pictures I mentioned of the kids out in the sunshine...

Maybe next time I'll get some with Brienne and I together.  I'll probably pick a day when I'm wearing make-up though! ;)

Being real {writing prompt}

I love how comfortable I am with my family.  We do life together.  We are not afraid to let loose and be goofballs now and then.  With family, you don't have to worry too much about making impressions.

If you were a fly on our wall...we would swat you!...no seriously...if you were a fly on our wall you would see me attempting either a Scottish, British, or Irish accent (maybe a combination of all three) and failing miserably--to which Amera says "Umm, mom?" with an amused smirk on her face.  Of course, she does the same thing from time to time.  She's much better at it than I am though. ;)

Looking over the past week or so, I can think of a few occasions where we got together and had some good laughs.  I'm not sure I could describe it to you but it's usually something that either I or the children say that prompts my husband to find some humor in it and then when he teases us we erupt in laughter.  I probably couldn't explain exactly what it is but it's one of those things where you just have to be there.

Although, I could tell you about a time recently when we were riding home from church in our van.  I was excited about an idea I had for creating something, so I was telling Amera (sitting behind me) as well as my husband (who was driving) all about it.

Here's the thing.  When I get very excited about something I tend to get very expressive with my hands.  On this particular occasion, both Amera and my husband found it to be quite amusing that I was using my hands so much.  We laughed hysterically as my husband teased me by making exaggerated hand motions and then when I resumed describing my idea and I was still using my hands the laughter continued as he reached over with one arm and held my hands down.  More laughs as he suggested that I attempt to continue...without the help of my hands.  Not even kidding you, in that moment I could not get the words out!

I love times like this.  Just being a family and laughing with each other.

You might not see all the humor in what I'm sharing here and it wouldn't be easy for me to describe all of the things that we have a good crack up over.  Probably because there are just some things that are only funny if you're here...and part of this family.

I love this freedom we have with each other to just be ourselves.  It's like no other place in the world.  This is as real as it gets.

Linking up for the writing prompt here: http://www.ellenstumbo.com/being-real/

It's hard for us but God is able

Is anything too hard for God?

Sometimes we can be quick to respond with our words but our thoughts are different.  We think of all the ways in which we have struggled in life and ways that we still do and we know how hard it has been for us.  We know all too well the trials, the difficult decisions, the "needs" that over time begin to reveal themselves as wants and the problems that we don't always know the solutions for.  Are these too hard for God?

I've begun to go through the Bible with my children.  We're starting in Genesis and going along with the pictures and Bible stories that are in our Seek and Find Bible.  As a busy mom, it is helpful for me to have that format already prepared for me.  I show them the picture, read the account and then ask them the three questions at the end.  It works very well for us and I find that I am blessed and encouraged in the process.

As I taught them about Creation, I couldn't help but be in awe of God.  It should never cease to amaze us that he spoke this world into existence by the word of his power.  Men and women have created some pretty amazing things but never just by speaking the word.  Our God is not limited in his power!

For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.  He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.  He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses.

Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!  For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.  Psalm 33:4-9

And I asked my children a question that I am almost certain we could all say yes to:

Have you ever thought that something is just too hard for God?  

I might not say it out loud but I admit, I have thought this.  I have thought that situations are just too difficult.  I have come to my own conclusions.  If I couldn't see a way, there must not be a way.  But no, God can make a way.  That is the response of faith.


Jesus looked at them and said, "With man it is impossible, but not with God.  For all things are possible with God."  Mark 10:27

So what about when he doesn't seem to make a way for us?  If he is able to do all things and still our trials and difficulties remain, what then?

Could it be that with loving and all-wise intentions he means it for our good and for his glory?

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.  Psalm 33:18-19

Can we see every difficulty like that?  Can we look back and see how our trials have brought us closer to him and helped us learn to depend on his grace?  Can we see how we have grown in our faith and learned to value eternal things more?  At least that would be the desired outcome of our trials.

Whatever obstacles we face God IS ABLE.  He has power to give and power to withhold.  But those who know him understand that he is GOOD.  He is LOVE.  He knows best.

His children should look to him in trust and with confidence.  Not only in his ability to sustain but also to do "above and beyond what we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20).

Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.  For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.  Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.  Psalm 33:20-22

Remember, our God who spoke this universe into being is not limited in what he is able to do in our lives and in the lives of others.  Pray and seek his face.  Come boldly before his throne of grace.  Trust him whether he says yes, no or wait.  He loves you and desires to do good to his people.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?...

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.    Romans 8:31-32, 38-39