Journaling

Hey bloggy friends,
I'm having one of those days. You know the kind... take two steps forward and then retreat as fast as you can because every little thing that can get dumped on you will... make that IS! All at once.

When I woke up the sun was shining through the window like it usually does. I said my good morning to God. The coffee poured forth -- really, my one big vice. I ate yogurt. I did a load of laundry. And then...

BOOM!!!

With no warning, and seemingly without reason, one kid's whining and pouting. Another is glaring at me as if I am the cause of all things evil -- especially schoolwork. Everyone's grumpy. I'm quick to jump on the bandwagon. Ohhh...

We've had these days. They rarely turn out well.

Then I got an email reminder from a friend. She threw my own words back at me. If you want to throw them at me, too, they're here. She's right, of course! I read back over that post -- and a whole bunch of posts from the month of March. Then, I dug out my journal (you think I'm wide open on my blog? You should get a glimpse of what I throw at God every day!!! Or, maybe you shouldn't...).

Yep, right there. The whole month. I struggled with peace in every circumstance. Contentment. Patience. It's the same struggle I'm having today.

Here's where the journaling changes things, though. I can read through the month of March and see where I went. I can see how God led me through the battles in my heart and in my mind. I can remember how God held me up when I wanted to cave in. I can see that it all turned out okay...

And then I know.

This day will turn out okay, too. This day will teach us all something. More on patience, peace and contentment. Or at the very least, a little more on forgiveness.

Even in my dark moments (please, God, don't let them be hours), there's something to learn. In that, I find joy -- the joy of Romans 15:13.

Memorial Box Monday: Teamwork

I'm not sure how to start this post... I'm simply thankful.

God allows me to serve on the next generation ministry team at our church. My given titles are director of Surge 56 ministry and coordinator for all next generation orientation. Those are just titles, though. Really, we work together to minister to kids each weekend.

I am thankful that God designed us to be in relationship with one another.
I am thankful that the people I serve with have a kingdom perspective not a selfish one.
I am thankful that we can serve where we're called by God to be.
I am simply thankful.

Yesterday, Surge (our newly launched fifth and sixth grade ministry) was running full-speed ahead at the same time we had orientation. Orientation "set records" so to speak -- 40 people were there to check out our ministry opportunities. A record crowd. The team ran out of applications, student booklets and chairs. It could have been a disaster, but...

Surge volunteers ran chairs over to Orientation. Surge team leaders knew their roles so I could leave and assist at Orientation. One of our Surge leaders willingly took her organizational talents to assist with orientation paperwork. No hesitation. No questions. She just did what she could to help wherever she was most needed.

The titles don't matter. Not mine. Not anyone else's. They're simply short-cuts to defining a role. The hearts matter. This weekend, I was blessed out of my socks watching it all unfold. Christians serving together to make it happen. With love. Humility. Honor.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as though serving the Lord..." Col. 3:23. Simply nothing better! I'm putting the list of volunteers from yesterday's orientation into my memorial box. Each of these precious people can join our team because we have that heart. I don't ever want to take that for granted.

If you don't know what Memorial Box Monday is, it all started at Linny's blog: "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7). 

FIT Fridays: Under Construction

Hey FB friends and family!

I apologize for the FIT Fridays posting delay... Rob's helping me with some information but he's had a crazy week.

It's a little funny actually. If we make healthy life choices, we put him out of business.

Hmmm.... maybe I should recommend large quantities of chips, ice cream and chocolate instead.

JUST KIDDING!

Posting tomorrow, probably.

Happy, healthy living!
God bless,
Karen

I asked God for more time...

He gave me focus!

Proverbs 16:9 says, "In his heart a man (or woman) plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." The verse is true for the big picture, our calling in life... or in a particular season of life. Right now, I'm a part-time homeschooling mama with two in public school and one at home. God allows me to direct a great ministry for tweens at our church. That's the big picture.

We can apply the verse every day, too. Every hour if we're desperate! I knew when I went to bed last night that I had a long to do list today. This morning, I did ask God to multiply my time. I'm not sure that He will slow the clock or stop the earth from spinning just till we catch up, but I think He does honor the prayer!


I'm pretty organized. (My friends think I'm way more organized than I am... any doubts, come look at my office! No one is allowed in -- at least not without signing a risk release waiver!) Today has run far more smoothly than most. Not once have I stopped to think, "What should I do next?" Every step is so clear.


It's not quite noon and already I have:

• made muffins (from scratch)
• made cheesy biscuits (not quite from scratch)
• put the chili in the crockpot 
• cleaned the kitchen
• written some curriculum for church
• helped my son with spelling, math, science and language arts
• talked ministry and God and faith with a good friend
• checked facebook
• met with the appraiser 
• mailed the broken phone back to AT&T.

Trust me, folks, this is not an ordinary day! This is a God-honors-prayer kind of day. 

Why don't I ask this every day? Seriously! If I could accomplish this much in one morning, just imagine what I could do if I prayed like this every day! 

You too! Let's ask God to order our steps and see what happens. The day's not quite half over. There's still time to ask His help today! Let me know how it goes! :)

And one more item done, still before noon (though just under the wire):

• blog post written and posted!

Yes, it's a God-ordained day indeed!

Stand in the Gap.

Nathan headed off to the bus at 6:35 this morning. Hard to believe he's a junior. His first day of kindergarten still shines vivid in my memory. He loved school when he was little and wanted summer to hurry up and get done so he could get back to school.

He has learned to appreciate the joys of summer over the past eleven years, but he still loves going to school. He woke up at 5:00 this morning, raring to go. (We always worry he'll sleep through the alarm. He never does.) He doesn't need us to walk him to the bus stop anymore. My baby boy is growing up. Does he still appreciate our prayers with him each morning?

My little one heads of to kindergarten in just a couple weeks -- I love our system's staggered entry program for the little ones, but she would like to go NOW! We visited her school last week and peeked into her classroom. I thought she'd be thrilled at the kitchen area, dress up clothes and books. She saw something else that has her so excited she can hardly stand it. I'd tell you what it is, but she swore me to secrecy. ;-)

Ben loves school this year too. He started first -- my young home schooler wants desperately to go to public high school next year. He's willing to work hard to overcome the hurdles he's always faced. No complaining so far this year... well, a little bit on Monday, but not much.

My kids love learning. And school.

But not everyone does. Lots of kids go to school without lunch. They go without any support from their parents. Often, it's simply because the parents don't know how to help. They're overwhelmed by trying to survive day to day. Teachers care for these kids the best they can, but unsupportive home situations are hard to overcome.

Let's pray for the kids who don't have prayer today. For kids going to school hungry. Or tired. Or hurting. Let's pray for teachers to be able to touch these little hearts supernaturally. While we're at it, let's ask God to show us how we can help. We can fill schools with supplies for kids who have nothing. We can volunteer in the schools -- standing in the gap to love them the way Jesus would. We can make a difference. It's not the teachers' job to do it alone. It takes a community to raise a generation!

What will you do?

Go and make disciples

"Go and make disciples of all..." Matt. 28:19

I've known this verse a long time, but I only began to grasp its real application recently. I'm a little ashamed to make that admission, especially since I've been in ministry leadership for years.

"Go and make disciples." Jesus couldn't have been more plain. Go - get out there. Make disciples - lead people into relationship with me. Perhaps the problem is we over-spiritualize that last part.

I don't think I've always understood what Jesus meant. It's not about going into remote jungles along the Amazon or sweating it out in the deserts of Africa. It's not about being a religious expert who can spout a Bible verse to fit every situation. It's not about moral superiority - I can help you because I've already overcome that. I really made the verse much harder than it is!

Jesus simply wants us to live in such a way that others will know Him. We don't have to say a word... in fact, our quiet love might say more than words could. 

Imagine the frazzled mom in the grocery store. She screams at her kids while she pulls at her hair in frustration. Most people offer shocked stares and scurry to a different aisle. Why not be Jesus for her? Identify with her where she is. Let her know you've experienced similar moments. Then offer your help -- even if it means setting your own shopping aside for a while so you can entertain the kids and let her think.

No remote jungle. Just a mom in the grocery store, needing support and encouragement. Live differently!

I've felt the "nudge" of the holy spirit telling me to pay for another person's groceries. I admit I haven't always obeyed that nudge. How many times did God open the door for me to start a conversation about Him and I ignored it? The lost opportunity plays in my head:

Me - to the store clerk, "I'll pay for theirs, too."

Astounded shopper, "You don't have to do that."

We go back and forth until finally they ask, "Why?"

My simple reply, "Because Jesus loves you."

No dry desert of sand, but I'm sure I missed opportunities to minister to dry deserts of the heart.

Christians, do the people you encounter know you are different? Does your life reflect the love of Jesus in all you say and do? Or do you, like me, over-complicate it?

Let's make the choice to live the verse simply, every single day. Let's revolutionize the world, one kind act of love at a time. 

God bless!

Memorial Box Monday: Making sense of the journey

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your path.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trusting God. Following Him. It can lead to places you never would conceive on your own. A couple years ago He asked me to move to children's ministry -- something I never would have considered. Yet I knew it was right. So I went. That led to a variety of roles throughout the next generation ministry at our church.

Our older boys are in youth group. I hung out at church on Sunday nights during youth services and finally stepped in to serve. I think I chose it for me as much as for the kids. I have been blessed to get to know a lot of awesome teens! They are fun, energetic, moody, silly, sweet, and sometimes devilish! I adore these kids and pray for a lot more than my own three now. Our home is often filled with noisy teens flopped on the couch, munching on whatever they can find in the pantry.

God also gave me the incredible opportunity to tutor fifth and sixth grade home-schooled boys. Most of the other moms thought I was either crazy or incredibly special. I'm neither. It's just what God wanted me to do, so He equipped me to do it. Working with those boys was one of the most fun things I've ever done. One foot in childhood and one in adulthood. Trying so hard to figure out how to move ahead. Hilarious!

I had to step away from that role, though, which I did (I no longer had a child in the program). I didn't want to and would have loved if the rules could have been bent so I could stay. I really didn't want to leave these guys!

So -- if I haven't bored you tears with my little trip down memory lane -- last week, I reflected on this journey and realized that even though I had no idea where it was leading, God had a plan for me. I'm now blessed to serve on a new ministry at our church, just for fifth and sixth graders! The team is filled largely with enthusiastic high schoolers who serve in every capacity on the team. These are the same high schoolers God allowed me to open my home to and pray with these past two years. They have become strong Christian leaders and are pouring into the future.

My tutoring experience helped me really understand this age group. I didn't know when I was first tutoring how to relate to a group of rowdy, awkward tweens. Now, though, as we develop curriculum and plan services, I understand who it's for. God has allowed me to discover what they like and how they think. I'm able to make decisions quickly because of what I've been through.

I never set out in life to lead a fifth and sixth grade ministry. I never would have considered myself called to it... Yet, I know I am. I know God orchestrated my steps through years of service to prepare me for now. Trusting Him, I've taken a path I never would have chosen. I would have it no other way!

I took a photo of the kids yesterday at our launch service that I'll put in my Memorial Box. May their joy and love for God continue to grow. I pray they'll understand that God has a plan for them too!

If you don't know what Memorial Box Monday is, it all started at Linny's blog: "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7). Please pray for Linny. She's facing a huge health battle. Head-on she fights, knowing HER GOD is big enough to see her family through. Thanks!

FIT Fridays: Check-point

Hello my FIT Friday friends,

We've been at this for more than two months already. Yep! We started on Friday, June 4th. Have you made any changes in your life? Did you start strong and taper off? I hope you started strong and are still going strong!

As you regular readers know, I hit a few snags this summer. The heat! Wow, that's tough. My broken toes certainly challenged my fitness program. As I look back to week one, I have grown spiritually -- and shrunk a bit physically. How about you?

Our week one challenge was fairly straight-forward. (If you want to read the full post, go to "Introducing FIT Fridays.") I challenged you to:

• eat what you normally do -- only before you sit down to eat it, measure out how much you're really eating. Honestly! You can't know where to begin until you know where you are. I think you'll surprise yourself. 

Do you practice portion control now?
Did you step it up after week one to limit your calorie intake?
Have you started substituting healthy snacks for junk food? Or eliminated soda and sweet tea?
Your physical health won't change if your habits don't. So be honest. Where are you? What's the next step?

• ask yourself if what you're doing is helping you improve your life. Just think about it. Again, you can't change until you know where you are.

Have you gotten off the couch to "move it?" 

Did you change some habits to add exercise to your day? 

Do you park further from the office to add some steps to your routine? Do you take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever you can?

Without exercise, the weight doesn't come off very easily. More importantly, without exercise, we aren't using our bodies the way God intended. Those muscles were meant to move and work! Exercise is really the best energy booster we've got. Assess the changes you've made and step it up. Be honest! 

• Read these passages and pray. Ask God to show you the plans he has for your life. Ask him for strength to make wise decisions. Ask him to help you in the battle against food. Proverbs 4:6-7, Psalm 107:43, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 14:1, and Jeremiah 29:11.

This is the heart of it all. When you know -- with all your heart -- that you are precious to God, loved dearly, you will want to live the best life you can for him.

So, have you opened your heart to Him?

Have you dealt with the "junk" -- those hurts from your past, the lies you believe about yourself, the low self-esteem? 

Or, is it still there nagging at you and literally weighing you down?

Dear friends, with a pure heart filled with love from God, your life is so different. Look inside. Let go of the hurts once and for all. Choose now to relaunch your efforts if you slipped away. Going strong? Then step it up! Reach for those goals and live the life God has for you! Let us know what you've learned so far on this journey. Let's praise God for the great things He has already done!

Dear God,

As always, I am awed by your love. Thank you for my life, my family, and my dreams! On my own, I wouldn't have the life I do. You continue to amaze me with your creative plan for me. Give me strength, Lord, to give every moment of my day to You. I give you my thoughts -- don't let me talk myself down anymore. I give you my choices -- what I eat, what I do, and how I parent. Everything, God, is yours. Forgive me for the many mistakes I make and help me move ahead of them. I love you, Lord. Let my life reflect your love to those around me.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen

My BFF

Twenty years ago today, I married my best friend. We're still best friends today, for which I am quite thankful.

There have been some tough times. He stood by my side through three separate battles with depression. Through twenty weeks of bedrest. Through all the years Ellie and Ben were in therapy and things were so tough for me. Never judging. Never quitting. Simply loving.

I stood by his side as he hurt for his father who battled cancer. I still remember how my heart ached for him when telling him his dad passed away. I wouldn't have wanted him to have to hear it from anyone else though. When his job situation changed in Ohio, I was there. The same thing when it got hard at his last job. His hurt is my hurt.

Of course, our life is filled with amazing memories too. We have three incredible children. We traveled to many wonderful places. We built our home. We serve together at church, reaching out to the next generation.

Two big kids riding Buzz Lightyear :)

This past weekend we snuck away to Disney World, just the two of us. No kids. People wished us happy anniversary. They'd ask how long we've been married. No one believed us when we said twenty years.

They asked our secret. That saddens me. I wish everyone would simply choose to love. But maybe that's the secret. Marriage isn't always easy. Love isn't pixie dust and magic wands. Love is choosing to honor the commitment we made on our wedding day. In sickness and health, in good times and bad.

Thank you, Rob, for standing by me even in the tough times.
I love you more than I ever thought I could. I always will.
Forever and ever.

A Modern Family

On vacation -- without phones.

I had a weird night tonight... I know it's the first sign of things to come. The little younger kids (neither of them thinks they're little... and one is correct about that) are with Grandma visiting the cousins. The older kid has band practice at church. My sweet husband is stuck at an evening meeting with colleagues (nice people, but he sees them all day... prefers home and the family in the evenings). A friend and I went out to dinner to celebrate another friend's birthday.

See the milestone? YEP! Our whole family has scattered in every different direction. Without. My. Help.

Some day, sooner rather than later, my kids will have lives of their own. They'll have their own address. Shop for their own groceries. Go to work. Wash their clothes. All without me.

But not yet.

While I was out tonight, my son got home from rehearsal. (I always call it band practice and he always corrects me.) My car was parked in the driveway.

RING. My son's "piano riff" ringtone interrupts my evening.

"Mom? Where are you?" he sounds puzzled.

"I'm in the car with Vickie."

"Oh." Very quiet. "I saw your car when I came home and I couldn't find you anywhere in the house."

Laughing, I replied, "That's cuz I'm not there."

Vickie and I laughed. He would probably call me from the bonus room if he needed me.

You know... that's comforting. When he moves out, does his own shopping, has a job, and washes his own clothes, he'll only ever be a phone call away. Connected. The modern family.

FIT Fridays: Joy and Peace

Hello my FIT Friday friends and guests!

One of my all-time favorite verses is Romans 15:13 (It's at the top of the blog). "May the God of hope fill you..." See that? It's not your job to fill you up. It's God's job. "With joy and peace..."  God doesn't just want to fill you up. He wants to fill you with JOY and PEACE.

Imagine that. Your life filled with God's joy and peace. Ohhhh.

Each time I write this post, I pray that God will use me to help you see His love for you. I pray that for me too! I've learned that when I spend time with God I discover more of His love for me... and the more I understand about His love (and I have so much more to learn), the greater my joy and peace.

As joy and peace grow, I make better choices. I eat healthier. I watch less TV. I play with the kids more. I clean house without grumbling (well... with less grumbling).

This week, spend time in God's word. Ask Him to reveal more of His love to you. Share that love with others in the way you live. Rejoice in the way it changes you -- from the inside out!

Keep making healthy choices -- grab some carrots or an apple when you "need" to munch. Skip the chips! Don't forget to move it! Dance with your kids. Swim laps at the pool -- or at least grab the side and kick! Kick! Kick! Park at the far end of the lot.

Consider why you're doing it. Are you improving your life for you? Or are you living for God?

Dear God,
Your love never ends. Every time I learn more, I realize how little I really know. Fill me with a passion to live in your love, the love that leads to joy and peace. When the world overwhelms me, forgive me for stumbling. Forgive me for turning to food for comfort instead of you. Forgive me when I curl up in a ball instead of choosing to really live. Give me strength for today. Let my life be a testimony of your love, joy and peace! 
In Your Son's name I pray,
Amen

FIFTY

Hey bloggy friends,

I just took a peek at my blog -- you know the boring stats and such -- and I have 49 "followers." I really prefer "Bloggy Friends!" It never ceases to amaze me that people would want to read what I write, but thanks!

I pray that each post I write encourages you. I pray you'll be challenged to stretch and grow -- ever closer to God. I hope you sometimes find a laugh in my silly observations.

I really like round numbers, though. Symmetry. All things neat and tidy :)

I'm wondering... would you help me out? If you're not already one of my bloggy friends, would you sign up to follow me? If you are, would you ask a friend to follow? I'd love to see the number 50... It's so much prettier than 49! ;-)

Thanks a bunch!
Love,
Karen

The Silly Bands Principle

Our daughter is a silly bands freak. So are most of her friends. I never expected they'd lead to such a huge life lesson... one she won't really understand for years.

She was wearing her favorite "tie dye" silly bands while playing with friends. One of them, just a couple years older and more worldly wise, happens to like tie dye silly bands as much as she does. This friend offered her a trade, one duck for her two tie dyes. Two for one is a great shoe sale. It's not a great silly bands trade.

We asked Ellie why she gave him her tie dyes. She explained that this friend told her the trade would make them happy.

Our son chimed in, explaining that the big kids often trick the littler kids to make two-for-one trades. Needless to say, I wasn't thrilled. Of course, this isn't about silly bands.  I don't want my daughter manipulated. My mind filled with thoughts of teen drinking, drugs, and sex. "If you do this, you'll make me so happy." What a horrid phrase.

Back to the silly bands... We tried to explain that when something doesn't seem fair, it's probably not. We provided concrete examples using chocolate and cookies, giving her brother a lot and giving her just a small portion. She understood that. We told her it's not her job to make other people happy. They must choose happiness for themselves. (Don't worry, I know she didn't understand that.)

My husband's eyes and mine met. He smiled. "You're going to blog this aren't you?"

I nodded, "It's the silly bands principle."

"Something to learn before you hit 40!" he replied.

I've spent much of my life trying to please others, desperate for approval. I'd bend over backwards, stress over minute details, overachieve, whatever it took. I'd earn praise now and then and grab onto it tight. Then it was gone. My mind was never at peace. When I expected praise and it didn't come, I'd worry about what I'd done wrong. My family suffered because of my approval addiction.

I finally got it... around the time I hit 40.

I don't want that for my daughter. I want her to know the truth. Joy comes from God, not from man. Proverbs 10:28 says, "The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish." Our hope, which comes from Christ, is our source of joy. When we expect praise from others, relying on that to fill us, we will be disappointed every time.

So here it is... "The Silly Bands Principle." My precious daughter, you can't buy friendship. You can't earn praise. You are a daughter of the king of kings, who loves you more than anything. Your joy, sweet girl, comes from God alone. Follow him. Never man.

Consider it pure joy!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

Sometimes I cruise through life, everything clicking along just as it should. Ministry flows smoothly -- great communication, team filled with passion, impact huge! The kids get along -- playing together, supporting one another in word and action. The house is clean. (Ha! Never.)

Without warning everything explodes into a million little pieces. I speak, intending my words to say one thing, but no one hears it that way. Suddenly I'm in conflict with a friend -- or my husband -- and I have no idea how I got here. I misread an email and get hurt. The kids decide they really don't like each other after all, and suddenly I'm in raging maniac referee mode, completely ineffective to nurture them in God's love and grace.

Can you relate? One day, life is great. The next day, you're hanging on by a thread, wondering if you'll survive.

I often remind myself to "consider it pure joy whenever I face a trial of any kind." You know, grit your teeth, girl. Get through this. It's a trial. God's gonna pull you through... My broken toe, for instance, is a trial I'm not really enjoying. It's been three weeks since I broke it and it still hurts immensely. It snapped completely in two, so I know it will take a long time to heal... but I'm not all that good at waiting. I'm frustrated that I can't exercise like I had been. What joy is there in this, I wonder. The verse just doesn't seem to "work" -- I'm still angry, frustrated, hurt.

The comfort doesn't come from the command, though. The comfort comes in the verse that follows: testing leads to perseverence and perseverence leads to spiritual maturity. Ooooooh, now that's something I long for. Spiritual maturity. I know I have a long way to go, but I look forward to the day when miscommunication doesn't make me feel insecure or afraid. I will recognize that miscommunication is simply that. Nothing more. How incredible it would WILL be when my kids' arguments don't suck me in, but instead, God uses my response to lead them closer to spiritual maturity.

Of course, I'll never arrive. I'm human. But I look forward to the day anyway...

Dear God,
I'm amazed that every single trial I face, you already know. You know my heart breaks sometimes. You are there to see me through -- each and every time. Thank you for writing it all down in the Bible so I can find the answers. Thank you for listening to my prayers and guiding me through each situation I face. Forgive me when I forget that you have the answer, instead wallowing in my hurts. Lead me. Guide me. Grow me. Help me attain spiritual maturity - whatever it takes.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen

Memorial Box Monday: Getting ready!

Hey my bloggy friends,
It's time for Memorial Box Monday... the day I give God the glory for his care and love! When I started Memorial Box Monday posts, I had no idea how much they would minister -- not just to my friends but to me! It's true! We need to remember God's miracles. They fill us with strength, courage and hope when new battles arise.

Today I'm sharing a miracle in the making! I've home-schooled my kids for the past nine years. Nathan, our oldest, was home from third grade through eighth grade. Now he's a junior in high school getting ready for college. Ben, our 13 year old, has never set foot in a traditional classroom -- home-schooled his whole life! So far, at least.

Ellie, our adorable, inquisitive, spunky six year old, starts kindergarten this year. We're not home-schooling her. It wasn't an easy decision. We wondered if she'd get "less" (of us) by attending public school? The doubts have nagged at me. We sought Godly counsel from home schooling friends and from friends in the public school arena, including teachers. We prayed over our decision. After all, we want the very best for our daughter, whatever that might be.

We are confident that public school is the right decision for Ellie, at least in this season of life. She will love being with kids her own age. She'll enjoy story time, art, music, and centers too. She'll love a predictable schedule! I try, but there's no way I can be that structured! She's wired for the school environment! Besides, we're seriously lacking in six year old playmates in our family. She's the little girl in a swarm of adults.

But God knows me!

He knows I doubt myself. He knows I second guess my decisions. He knows I worry -- AND want the best for my kids. After all, I'm a mommy!

For some reason, which I may never fully understand, we got Ellie's kindergarten class assignment in June, just a couple weeks after school ended. Her teacher? She happens to be a member of our church AND she lives in our neighborhood! We know her. We know her heart and her passion for kids. We know she loves Jesus!!!

Ellie's kindergarten-bound buddies just found out their teachers these past couple weeks... at the end of summer. God knows that Ellie does better with time to adjust to new situations. He provided the teacher we prayed for, one Ellie could respond to quickly. How awesome that Ellie knows her teacher by sight and by name. She prays for Mrs. Owen by name -- and her classmates, too. She talks about what she will do "in Mrs. Owen's class." She's been given the incredible gift of time to adjust to a huge change -- at her own pace.

Only God, who knows the deepest places in my heart, could orchestrate such a gift. Ellie is going to public school this year. She is ready! I am not worried. She is ready!

I'll put Mrs. Owen's sweet letter in our Memorial Box to remember God's provision for Ellie. We are truly awed by all He has done for us.

f you don't know what Memorial Box Monday is, it all started at Linny's blog: "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7). Please pray for Linny. She's facing a huge health battle. Head-on she fights, knowing HER GOD is big enough to see her family through. Thanks!

FIT Fridays: Accountability

Hello FIT Fridays Friends,

One of the most vital aspects of healthy Christian living is accountability. We are personally accountable to God for the choices we make (Romans 14:12). We are also accountable to each other. First Corinthians 12 says that we are part of one body, the body of Christ, and we belong to one another. Through the relationships we build with FIT Fridays, we should encourage one another:

• sharing our successes to set an example by our testimony, 
• encouraging one another with recipes, strategies and even scripture that spurs us to live the life God designed,
• confronting one another in love when we fall to the temptation of gluttony. It's one thing to understand, but it doesn't mean we don't remind each other of what we know is true. 

Such accountability to each other helps us grow in spiritual maturity. Wow! Did you ever think about that? I tend to think of spiritual maturity as those "Biblical things:" scripture reading, prayer, or patience. I never really considered my health to be a reflection of maturity, but it is. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul wrote, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." Paul understood that God gave us these earthly bodies to live for him. Healthy living is a sign of spiritual maturity. 

Doesn't that make you want to:

Exercise -- indoors or early morning during this heatwave!

Eat healthy -- veggies are your friend! Cut calories if you still need to lose weight. If you've cut 25% already and have been there a while, then take off another 10%.

Spend time with God -- Read 1 Corinthians and ask God to show you what He wants you to learn.

Let's be accountable with each other. Share your testimony - glorify God with the victories He gives! Pray for one another. 

Dear God,

You are amazing! The more I learn about how you created me, the more in awe I am. We truly are fearfully and wonderfully made. Give me strength to live the way I should for you, taking care of my mind, heart and body so that I can run the race you planned for me. Be with each of us who read this prayer -- help us to be accountable to one another and spur each other on to live the life you want for us. Thank you for your love. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that guides us. 

I pray in your Son's precious name, Amen

If you're new to FIT Fridays, please read our week one challenge to learn all about it. We're glad you're here!

20/20 Vision

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Yesterday I made my annual trip to the eye doctor... and it finally happened. Ever so gently, the doctor informed me that now is the time for bifocals. Bifocals? But I am only 44 years old! I am not old. I am not old. I am not old.

Okay, temper tantrum done.

Later in the day, I read this verse. I wasn't looking for comfort as I age, but you know how God is. He always has something important to say. Right there in the middle of some "ministry work," God reminded me that my body is just a temporary home.

I can't stop aging any more than I can stop the world from spinning on its axis. And that's okay. God didn't design us to live forever. No matter what we try to stop the aging process, it's going to happen. We will "waste away."


(If I stop here, this would be the most depressing blog post ever!)


Here's the cool part -- from God! He renews our heart day by day. His life plan is for us to look at each new morning as a fresh start. He wants to fill us with hope, energy, and promise. Every single day is a new and precious gift.

So, bring on the bifocals. The depends (really -- I hope not!). Whatever. I don't live for this body. I live for the kingdom of God.


Each day -- brand new and fresh!