Convicted

On the way home from our weekly lunch date with Dad today, I listened to a very convicting conversation on the radio. They were discussing the way we interact with one another as Chrsitians, and even as strangers. I tuned in when they were talking about how we live in a world full of distractions, and how our attention is almost always divided between the people we are actually speaking to, and what is going on at work, or Facebook, or the overwhelming need to check our phones. (Convicted!) He talked about how Jesus was always busy and being pulled in different directions, but always stopped to give his full attention to people. I sometimes forget how important this is! We have all had those awkward moments when we are trying to talk about something we feel is important, and the other person checks their phone, or tunes into something else rather than what you're saying. It feels so nice to be able to talk to someone and really feel like they're listening! They also talked about how we do this with complete strangers, whether it be customer service on the phone, or traffic, or the slow person at the grocery store. Don't they know we don't have time for that? We don't have time to drive 5 mph slower, we don't have time to smile and be patient as you scan 20 coupons that don't work, and we CERTAINLY don't have time to show kindness after we have been on hold for 20 minutes with 5 different recordings only to talk to a person with an accent we can't understand. They brought up Hebrews 10:34 and how these Christians joyfully accepted the plundering of their properties to help their brothers/sisters in prison. They said that the decision to be joyful doesn't take place only when your things are being plundered, it is an attitude that is cultivated in the Christian over time and endurance of much smaller plunderings, such as that extra 5 minutes you spent in traffic this morning. I know that God works all things for our good and His glory. I know that he is continuously sanctifying us. It just seems so easy to justify my impatience and lack of attentiveness because, of course, I'm a busy person! Sigh. I'm so selfish! I can so easily forget that my purpose in life is to live for the glory of God, and my bad attitude certainly doesn't glorify Him. Unfortunately, my family....you know, the ones I love so dearly, are usually on the receiving end of my impatience. I supposed it is time, again, to purge the unnecessary distractions from my life.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14

Dreams

Last night I had an awful dream. I dreamt that all of my babies died, right in front of me. I woke up and my heart literally hurt, I could barely catch my breath. I almost instantly thought of the sorrow God must have felt as His Son was upon the cross, absorbing the wrath of God for sin. I was reminded of what a great sacrifice it was, and how vile and horrible sin is. I'm thankful that in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, he has ransomed for Himself all who would repent and trust in His work on the cross. Thank you Father for this reminder, I need it often.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

VBS week....check!

We survived the week of VBS! This year I taught 1st and 2nd grade. It was a wonderful group of kids, and I really enjoyed it! We basically covered the birth, childhood, temptation, death and resurrection,  and ascension of Jesus over 5 days. It was very, very gospel saturated. My house suffered all week, so I was very ready to get up this morning and clean it. All I've got left is laundry now. Kaylee has been so sweet, and asking what she can do to help me. :)
Josiah started to stand by himself for a second or two this week, and started saying his version of Kaylee. I can't believe he is almost a year old!
Next week Brian is taking a few days off, so I'm REALLY excited to spend some time with him. :)

Ahhhh...sleep!!

I'm proud to announce that after nearly a year, Josiah is FINALLY sleeping through the night! At least this week he is. ;) It could be because of late night's due to vbs... but I'll take it! I think this week at vbs is also going to be helpful in the weaning process. He hasn't been nursing nearly as often this week. My little guy is growing up!! :)

Why do I need a title anyways?! ;)

Just wanted to jot a few things down.
Kaylee and Brian stayed at their Papa's house this Thursday night, and we picked them up Saturday. I was so lost without them! Even though they drive me crazy with fighting and bickering most days, the house was too quiet without them. *Edited to add a story. While at Papa and Grandma's house, the kids were offered a coke. We don't give them coke, everyone knows that. Kaylee said no, we aren't supposed to drink coke. Now, it wouldn't be the end of the world if they drank it, we just prefer they not. So her Grandma told her " You're at Grandma's house, it will be ok." My sweet little girl still refused, she knew she wasn't supposed to. I'm so very proud of her. She had the opportunity to do something against our wishes without our knowing, but chose not to. I'm thankful for the character she is developing. <br>
Brian took me on a date this weekend. We went to dinner and a movie. It was nice to spend time with him. I think it is so important for parents to get some time alone. Not just after the kids to go bed, but intentional time where you can enjoy each others company. I don't want to go through life raising kids, and wind up strangers when the kids leave home because we didn't take time to ourselves.
Josiah started saying "dada". FINALLY!! :) We have been working on that for months now! I can't believe the little guy is going to be a year old soon. I wanted to throw him a big party at the park, but waited too long and everything is booked. I'm not sure what to do now, but I'm thinking of just doing a small party at home, mainly with family.
VBS is this week, and I'm teaching 1st and 2nd grade. I'm NERVOUS. lol. I always get nervous.
I can never think of blog titles. Can you tell? ;)

And so it begins..

Yesterday I had to have a long talk with Kaylee about things that seem beyond her age. She was talking about crushes (even though she has no clue what that even means), I caught her playing "switch boyfriends" with her barbies, and once I walked in and caught her wearing a shirt as a really short dress. I think the last one bothered me the most. I asked her why she was doing that and she told me she wanted to be "girly". I asked what that meant, and she told me she wanted to be pretty. I asked her why she would think that makes her pretty and she told me because she sees women dress like that. It made me sad that at 6 she has already bought into the idea that beauty is merely external, and that less is more when it comes to clothing. I had a long talk with her about boys, dating and God's design in marriage, modesty and what God says true beauty is. I don't want her to follow after this world and it's ways. I don't want to overreact, but I also don't want her to continue on in thinking that her beauty depends on what she wears and how much she shows. Please pray for me, that I would be a good example to her, and that I can diligently teach her what scripture says beautiful is.

Change

Josiah has been changing so much lately!! He is learning new little things that excite me a little too much lol. Last week he started walking behind his walker, using a chair at church as a walker, clapping, saying "mmm" when he eats something good, throwing the basketball in the goal of his toy, and trying to copy the noise when Brian blows his nose. It's just an amazing experience to see them learning and discovering new things. Last week we had a playdate with some friends. There was a splashpad and 2 little pools. Jo loved the water! He was quite the handful that day, and required close attention, but he really had a fun time playing.