I am amazed at some of the things you can find at the Dollar Store. Of course, there are no guarantees that you will find the same things every time you shop there, but here's my
Top Ten List:
1) Pregnancy tests (atleast four of my children are living proof that the tests are accurate)
2) Gift Bags
3) Stationery (right now they have plain white ones with a single gold or silver initial on the front of the folded card-very classy)
4) Birthday Balloons (mylar, choose one already inflated, or customize)
5) Frozen Blueberries (not organic, but $1 for 10 ounces. Can I have the case?)
6) Kitchen Broom
7) Organic Raisins
8) Organic Spaghetti Sauce
9) Batteries
10) Coloring and sketching books (I'm very selective)
Tim Hawkins (our favorite comedien) sings a song about the dollar store to the John Denver tune, "Thank God I'm a Country Boy". I wanted to post it here but couldn't find it. If curious, you can google it, I'm sure. We think it's great!~
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
What I'm Reading-Our God is Not Silent
Our life has been so drastically shaped by the books we've read over the last twenty years. As I nursed the baby this morning, I mulled over the stack of books on my nightstand, and remembered the books we've been reading outloud, the ones that Bob has been reading alone and the one we've vowed to start together this week. We are very rich in knowledge. God has blessed us indeed. Since all of my favorite books have been recommended by friends, I've decided that it's worth my time to share mine on this blog in hopes of returning the favor!
Of course the top of the stack is my palm-sized Bible. Bob purchased this for me so that I could read as I nurse or in my bed. It is hard to juggle a baby and a large Bible. This one has worked for me. Thankfully I am able to read it nearly every day. I prefer to hide for an hour and dig really deeply into a certain book, but I don't always make time for that luxury, so one thoughtful chapter is the norm. I underline and make notes in this bible. I love it!
A book not in the photographed stack, but well read, is Nancy Campbell's 100 Days of Blessing, Vol 1. A sweet friend gave it to me for Christmas and I love it!!! Nancy Campbell of Above Rubies Ministry has been encouraging my soul as a mother for years! A portion of her email devotions have been published into this book and I am able to enjoy them much more in this format. On those days that I do not get a meaty course from my Bible, I have been reading one or more of Nancy's devotions. They are better that B vitamins for moms! She is such an encourager. The book is on sale through Above Rubies this month for ~$10. I highly recommend it if you need an easy daily reminder of the eternal significance of your role as a mother. By the way, my copy was in the kitchen when I photographed "my stack" since I have been reading some entries to our children at breakfast, and to myself one day after I barely survived breakfast. ; )
The same wonderful friend and her husband gave us Common Deceptions That Destroy Marriage Oneness by Mike and Connie Walsh this weekend. (I must thank this friend again. Look what an impact her friendship is having in my life) If I could recommend ONE book to every married couple, and especially newlywed Christians, it would be this one. Although Bob and I are going to read it together, I've already skimmed 90% of it. If only I could turn back time and have this book at the start of our marriage...We are going to be so blessed by reading this together! Mike and Connie have (atleast 10 children) and minister to couples within and without the Bill Gothard seminars. Many strongholds of the Devil will be torn down by the simple understanding of the Bible truths as presented in this book. Divorce rates will plummet as couples becomer wiser in the handling of their precious marriages after reading this.
Heaven is for Real is written by a pastor and the father of a four year old who experienced heaven. Todd Burpo has the wonderful experience of unwrapping the gift of a view of heaven that most all of us have yet to see. It is purely biblical and has been a joy to read together as a family. Someone shared during my husband's mens' group about this book and Bob bought it that same day and started reading aloud, just like our friend has been doing. We've already told him how much we love it. Thanks again for the idea, Steve!
I'm not reading Preparing to be a Help Meet by Debi Pearl really for me. However, it has taught me alot. Kendal, Kelsey and I have read it more than once each. Our family hosts a young ladies night once a month for older teen girls in our church family. We were inspired by the Pearls to provide a fun place for our young adults to fellowship. After a couple of months of warming up to one another I suggested that we study this book. If you aren't married yet, hope to ever get married or know an unmarried fourteen year old or older, I highly recommend this book! It is a must read for all of our daughters. Our group has been so blessed by reading and discussing this book together, moms and unmarried daughters. Debi Pearl has also written Created to be His Help Meet. It resides nearby in my nightstand drawer. It is for married women and the tone is much more serious and not always so friendly. She means business. I have learned so very much from Debi Pearl. If Created... scared you, try Preparing... first. They are both priceless in this age where Titus 2 "older women" are scarce.
8 Kingdoms by Michael Pearl has changed the way our family reads the Bible. Our understanding has increased immensely. We think every Christian should have to read this book, especially Bible teachers. Bob has been reading it aloud for a few weeks to us all. Kendal and I read it alone first and our raving tempted him to enjoy it too. It is primarily about the difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. I wish I'd read it much earlier in my walk. The passages that lead up to explaining the terms are especially interesting. Michael's biblically based explaination about creation, Satan, and the quest for kingdom dominance is captivating and indisputable.
Also by Michael Pearl is By Divine Design. This book was just part of a package deal. I wanted another copy of the 8 Kingdoms and ended up with three other books of Michael's because of the great sale. I definitly don't regret that decision. By Divine Design is an easy read for those who have random questions about suffering, God's providence and much more. I am amazed at Michael's ability to string all of the seemingly unrelated questions together in a manner that points unwaveringly to a Divine Designer. Here's my summary: The way things are, is the way they have to be, in order for God to be the God he claims to be in His Word! It's amazing! If you know a doubter, or just a young person who needs to be able to defend himself, I recommend this book. The ministry of Michael and Debi Pearl is called No Greater Joy. You will find child training, bible teaching, evangelism and many other tools. They have a free newsletter and a worldwide gospel ministry. They are the most influential couple in our family's life.
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers has been my favorite devotion for over a decade. My copy is well worn and loved. We gave a leather-bound version to our seventeen year old for her birthday because I think it is so impactful for a maturing Christian.
Elizabeth Elliot is also well-loved. The first couple of times I picked up Let Me Be a Woman I could not understand why it is a favorite. Later I grew to love it. This proves again that in the right season understanding will come. If it is not the right time, even great information can fall on deaf ears, or in this case, unseeing eyes. Ms. Elliot conveys basic truths about being a biblical woman in the format of letters to her grown daughter, who is engaged. Her insights into marriage and men were most memorable to me.
The Chronological Guide to the Bible by Thomas Nelson Publishing is a reference guide. When I decided to read through the OT last year I was determined to understand the history and timeline as I read along. I was off to a good start when Joshua was born. I'll have to pick it up again later. This book is a great help.
Praise Her In the Gates is another gem by Nancy Wilson. Her writing is clear and biblical. This book is on the subject of motherhood. For those who are new to the ideas of raising children for God, homeschooling, disciplining, valuing relationships and such, this book is a great basic guide. We used it last year in our women's monthly meetings after Sunday worship while the men studied their own "manual". It's probably time to make sure I read every chapter and retire it to the bookshelf.
Read, Obey and Succeed was written by a single Asian woman who is a pastor and an adoptted mother to a young, military mother at our church. The author was left at the marriage altar twice by men who said that God told them not to marry her so that she could continue to minister as a pastor to others. This tugs at my ol' Southern Baptist (legalistic) roots but the full story, as told by my friend, is supernatural and clearly of God. The fruit in the author's life is evident and I am blessed to have this complex work of hers to use as a my concordance. I'll also admit that this gift knit my heart to the giver. She was fairly new to our church. We were the first family to welcome them. But as she grew more comfortable I resisted reaching out to her. She has child-like faith and is more expressive than me in most everything. My own insecurities caused me to conveniently not invest in getting to know her, until she gave me the gift-the book. When I approached her after Christmas to thank her, I watched her eyes as she told me the story of the author. Then I asked more and more questions. As I listened intently, the Lord softened my heart towards her, His child. Indeed, as the Proverbs state, she had won me over with her gift, and I was blessed by getting to know her better. I may always keep this book on my nightstand, if only to keep myself humble and to remind me that I do not have the luxury of intentionally not loving anyone that God puts in my path!!! God disciplined me gently this time. I might not be so fortunate if there is another.
I wish I had a snapshot of the stacks of books that have lived on my bedside tables over the last twenty years. It has been different every year , always impactful and obviously from the Lord. He blesses us in many ways. Our God is not silent!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Happy New Year!
It happened again. Many weeks have passed. Many wonderful moments and thoughts have occurred. Again, I have no idea how to recall them. But I am determined to try. : )
I was glad to get our Christmas letter and family photo completed and at the post office on Christmas Eve day. Every year around Thanksgiving I think about our family letter and I threaten not to write one because it becomes all consuming and sometimes seems pointless. I put it off until the week of Christmas this year.
Deep down I really believe that writing a letter to tell the praises of the Lord from our family's view is priceless. On the other hand, I wonder how much impact such a letter can have on people who know us and who are mostly saved.
When I look back over the letters from the last eleven years I cannot keep myself from weeping tears of gratitude. And that is why I continue to write them. God has been faithful to our family. Day to day can seem long and unfruitful. But the overview from year to year is beautiful. God is weaving a lovely tapestry with our lives intertwined with the lives of others. That makes it worth writing about.
Instead of ordering photocards, I saved the money and made our own collage on Picasa and had it printed in multiples. We used the second collage below, but I really liked them both. Honestly, there were many drafts. After many remakes I narrowed it down to these two. The snow made a nice background for the individual photos. The girls put snow in their hair since it had just stopped when I came out with the camera and they liked the effect.
The message in the middle is: Rejoicing in Emmanuel, The Butler Family 2010
Unfortunately our holiday was full of family illness. Mild. Yet continuously recycling. We didn't have any plans to travel or really visit anyone, but it was a disappointment to be completely quarantined. "Why can't we have a normal Christmas?" was one child's question. I had to remind her that hanging out at home reading Christmas stories, eating, listening to music and opening gifts is normal. We've done many different things at Christmas, but generally we spend the Day together at home. The young adults in our home think that everything has to be shared with friends or extended family in order to be special. We are trying to instill gratitude for our everyday blessings.
Reading Jotham's Journey, Tabitha's Travels, or Bartholomew's Passage during the Advent season has become our one sustaining tradition. It continues to be exciting and meaningful. I highly recommend all three books. You can only read one at a time and even if you reread them, there are enough lessons for the listeners to last a lifetime.
We were thankful to find a nice tree on Black Friday to replace our last artificial tree. Bob was so very sweet and manly to buy it at O dark o'clock on a great sale! He's my hero. He took Kendal to work at 5:45 and made it to Garden Ridge by six and then to work.
I don't like artificial trees at all but it really is nice to get a tree out of the attic versus lugging it home in the rain every year. Saving the $40 is important too. Last year we didn't have a tree at all and the children really balked. I don't blame them. I was pregnant and just didn't really want to do all the work, nor spend the money. They claimed it didnt' feel like Christmas. (Much later in the year they said they didn't really like having gifts of mechanical pencils and underwear either and that generally it was not a good Christmas.) Rather than being offended or shocked, I tried to make improvements this year. A new 9 foot tree was a good start.
Bob and the children assembled the tree and decorated it themselves! I nursed Joshua. I took some pictures. I played the Christmas tunes. I am thankful that I no longer need to organize every branch and ornament.
This past Saturday Bob and the children put it all away while I nursed the baby! I love this even more! I came out from our room and the den was cleared of it all! I am letting go of many areas of control. Now I wonder where I found the energy to run everything in the past! It is so wonderful to eat a meal that I didn't cook. I love opening my drawers to find clean clothes that I didn't put away. Enjoy a room that I didn't clean.
I am still very busy!!! It's a different sort of busy though. I used to perform all the manual labor of raising a family and cleaning house (except for being the sole breadwinner, of course). I also used to be the only disciplinarian and cook. And so on...I am still nursing a baby six to eight times a day. Training a two year old to obey. Keeping a four year old busy and content. Teaching primary school grades. Organizing our menus. Washing/drying our clothes. Managing all the stuff. Teaching Morning bible study after breakfast. Music lessons. Art lessons. Sewing lessons. Knitting lessons. Computer lessons. Now I've added highschool courses. Career counseling. Premarital courses. Chauffeur. And so forth.
It's less physical and much more mental. I sit more yet I am more likely to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. I've concluded that youth has some benefits. Zeal and enthusiasm are two perfect examples. I had a seemingly endless supply while our first four or five children were coming along. Sadly with that zeal comes a desire to control everything and that equals doing practically everything. I've mellowed. I'm glad. I haven't lowered my standards, atleast not the important ones. Hopefully my family feels more grace and less tension. I am sure my extended family used to think I was really uptight and a perfectionist. If I was, I am not not anymore. And Christmas is nicer because of it. So are family relationships and family vacations. I'm going to try to find more areas to let go of this year.
My focus for 2011 is to LOVE LIKE CHRIST! Of course it will take a lifetime to perfect but I'm going start now. More on other goals for 2011 next time...
I was glad to get our Christmas letter and family photo completed and at the post office on Christmas Eve day. Every year around Thanksgiving I think about our family letter and I threaten not to write one because it becomes all consuming and sometimes seems pointless. I put it off until the week of Christmas this year.
Deep down I really believe that writing a letter to tell the praises of the Lord from our family's view is priceless. On the other hand, I wonder how much impact such a letter can have on people who know us and who are mostly saved.
When I look back over the letters from the last eleven years I cannot keep myself from weeping tears of gratitude. And that is why I continue to write them. God has been faithful to our family. Day to day can seem long and unfruitful. But the overview from year to year is beautiful. God is weaving a lovely tapestry with our lives intertwined with the lives of others. That makes it worth writing about.
Instead of ordering photocards, I saved the money and made our own collage on Picasa and had it printed in multiples. We used the second collage below, but I really liked them both. Honestly, there were many drafts. After many remakes I narrowed it down to these two. The snow made a nice background for the individual photos. The girls put snow in their hair since it had just stopped when I came out with the camera and they liked the effect.
The message in the middle is: Rejoicing in Emmanuel, The Butler Family 2010
Unfortunately our holiday was full of family illness. Mild. Yet continuously recycling. We didn't have any plans to travel or really visit anyone, but it was a disappointment to be completely quarantined. "Why can't we have a normal Christmas?" was one child's question. I had to remind her that hanging out at home reading Christmas stories, eating, listening to music and opening gifts is normal. We've done many different things at Christmas, but generally we spend the Day together at home. The young adults in our home think that everything has to be shared with friends or extended family in order to be special. We are trying to instill gratitude for our everyday blessings.
Reading Jotham's Journey, Tabitha's Travels, or Bartholomew's Passage during the Advent season has become our one sustaining tradition. It continues to be exciting and meaningful. I highly recommend all three books. You can only read one at a time and even if you reread them, there are enough lessons for the listeners to last a lifetime.
We were thankful to find a nice tree on Black Friday to replace our last artificial tree. Bob was so very sweet and manly to buy it at O dark o'clock on a great sale! He's my hero. He took Kendal to work at 5:45 and made it to Garden Ridge by six and then to work.
I don't like artificial trees at all but it really is nice to get a tree out of the attic versus lugging it home in the rain every year. Saving the $40 is important too. Last year we didn't have a tree at all and the children really balked. I don't blame them. I was pregnant and just didn't really want to do all the work, nor spend the money. They claimed it didnt' feel like Christmas. (Much later in the year they said they didn't really like having gifts of mechanical pencils and underwear either and that generally it was not a good Christmas.) Rather than being offended or shocked, I tried to make improvements this year. A new 9 foot tree was a good start.
Bob and the children assembled the tree and decorated it themselves! I nursed Joshua. I took some pictures. I played the Christmas tunes. I am thankful that I no longer need to organize every branch and ornament.
This past Saturday Bob and the children put it all away while I nursed the baby! I love this even more! I came out from our room and the den was cleared of it all! I am letting go of many areas of control. Now I wonder where I found the energy to run everything in the past! It is so wonderful to eat a meal that I didn't cook. I love opening my drawers to find clean clothes that I didn't put away. Enjoy a room that I didn't clean.
I am still very busy!!! It's a different sort of busy though. I used to perform all the manual labor of raising a family and cleaning house (except for being the sole breadwinner, of course). I also used to be the only disciplinarian and cook. And so on...I am still nursing a baby six to eight times a day. Training a two year old to obey. Keeping a four year old busy and content. Teaching primary school grades. Organizing our menus. Washing/drying our clothes. Managing all the stuff. Teaching Morning bible study after breakfast. Music lessons. Art lessons. Sewing lessons. Knitting lessons. Computer lessons. Now I've added highschool courses. Career counseling. Premarital courses. Chauffeur. And so forth.
It's less physical and much more mental. I sit more yet I am more likely to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. I've concluded that youth has some benefits. Zeal and enthusiasm are two perfect examples. I had a seemingly endless supply while our first four or five children were coming along. Sadly with that zeal comes a desire to control everything and that equals doing practically everything. I've mellowed. I'm glad. I haven't lowered my standards, atleast not the important ones. Hopefully my family feels more grace and less tension. I am sure my extended family used to think I was really uptight and a perfectionist. If I was, I am not not anymore. And Christmas is nicer because of it. So are family relationships and family vacations. I'm going to try to find more areas to let go of this year.
My focus for 2011 is to LOVE LIKE CHRIST! Of course it will take a lifetime to perfect but I'm going start now. More on other goals for 2011 next time...
Sunday, November 7, 2010
As Time Goes By
It doesn't feel like 17 1/2 years have passed since we first learned that we would soon become parents. However, all the signs are here that we have aged quite a bit since the eighties and nineties...
The young man is the son of our favorite Sunday school teacher from years ago. Since our teens don't date, or flirt (I trust), this poor fellow is wasting his handsome smiles and akward gestures on my daughter. She happened to be a customer in a store where he works. It makes us all laugh to know who he is, and who his parents are, while he has no idea. His folks would probably tell him that he's barking up the wrong tree if they knew of his harmless behavior. We also remember that he was the kid in the Chick Fil A playplace about ten years ago who was behaving so rowdy that I foolishly voiced my opinion about it to a friend, who told his mother, and my gossiping nearly ruined our friendship. That was a lesson well-learned. These days, I bet my boys are equally loud in there. Thankfully we've embraced those parents of that "rowdy boy" many times over the last ten years. We do love them. I suppose if he grows up and starts thinking about marriage we would enjoy having those conversations with his folks.
I'm thankful that my daughter humbly shared the experience. I am not sure if she realized the young man was flirting until I asked her. She sweetly laughed and told me that she though he was. Anyways, we are definitely in a new season now! I hope they will always tell me everything. I enjoyed telling both of our teen girls that young men who haven't matured enough to be looking for a wife have no idea how to behave around a beautiful young lady. At times like these I enjoy being the older woman in these scenarios, especially since our daughters are entering this adult season in such purity and innocence.
There are those occasions on which I do not always enjoy being the older woman, for example, in the juniors' section of Dillard's. I was waiting while one of our girls tried on some clothes. She has never shopped there before. we shop at thrift stores usually. She decided to try to take a trendy, immodest style on the clearance racks and improve upon it. Since she was using her own debit card for this first-ever new clothing purchase, I supported her. Unfortunately I was left standing in front of the three full length mirrors and bright lights, looking at the reflection of a woman who looked very much like my own mother. She definitely did not look sixteen anymore. When I complained to my daughter about the aged appearance I was seeing, she tried to comfort me. The experience was funny. In my head I'm still a skinny teen girl too. I need to stay away from those department store mirrors. She came out in her trendy, junior-sized dress and looked lovely. I even insisted that she try some of the skinny jeans under the dress just to help me relive some of my teenage memories. Those "old" clothing styles just keep reappearing. I won't be wearing any skinny jeans. I don't think my girls will either. But shopping with them is fun.
I realize these next thoughts do not logically flow but more and more time keeps passing without me having the time to journal/blog. Life is so very busy and rich. God is faithful everyday here. I wish I could record the blessings, each and every one of them.
We've had an extremely dramatic turn of events with a family member, who does not live with us, this past week. God has used the most unfortunate of events and behaviors to draw others together. He is weaving broken and healthy lives together for His glory. Our family has become joined to another forever because an illegitimate child was born to a drug-addicted mother. We were even asking God if we were to become the baby's adopted family. He seems to have clearly answered to the contrary. In the meantime, He is bringing people together who otherwise would have no earthly reason to share their deepest priorities and concerns. The situation has been so tragic and confusing that I have literally prayed all week during each waking moment that His will would be done on earth as in heaven. I haven't known what was best, or what His will was. I couldn't fix the problems. I could only listen to those who had their hands in it, encourage them and pray for them. I was blessed immensely by my Lord who is always near when I rely on Him. I am thankful for deepened relationships and new friendships. May this baby become a mighty man of God with a strong identity in His Heavenly Father. Afterall, this is what really matters for us all.
The young man is the son of our favorite Sunday school teacher from years ago. Since our teens don't date, or flirt (I trust), this poor fellow is wasting his handsome smiles and akward gestures on my daughter. She happened to be a customer in a store where he works. It makes us all laugh to know who he is, and who his parents are, while he has no idea. His folks would probably tell him that he's barking up the wrong tree if they knew of his harmless behavior. We also remember that he was the kid in the Chick Fil A playplace about ten years ago who was behaving so rowdy that I foolishly voiced my opinion about it to a friend, who told his mother, and my gossiping nearly ruined our friendship. That was a lesson well-learned. These days, I bet my boys are equally loud in there. Thankfully we've embraced those parents of that "rowdy boy" many times over the last ten years. We do love them. I suppose if he grows up and starts thinking about marriage we would enjoy having those conversations with his folks.
I'm thankful that my daughter humbly shared the experience. I am not sure if she realized the young man was flirting until I asked her. She sweetly laughed and told me that she though he was. Anyways, we are definitely in a new season now! I hope they will always tell me everything. I enjoyed telling both of our teen girls that young men who haven't matured enough to be looking for a wife have no idea how to behave around a beautiful young lady. At times like these I enjoy being the older woman in these scenarios, especially since our daughters are entering this adult season in such purity and innocence.
There are those occasions on which I do not always enjoy being the older woman, for example, in the juniors' section of Dillard's. I was waiting while one of our girls tried on some clothes. She has never shopped there before. we shop at thrift stores usually. She decided to try to take a trendy, immodest style on the clearance racks and improve upon it. Since she was using her own debit card for this first-ever new clothing purchase, I supported her. Unfortunately I was left standing in front of the three full length mirrors and bright lights, looking at the reflection of a woman who looked very much like my own mother. She definitely did not look sixteen anymore. When I complained to my daughter about the aged appearance I was seeing, she tried to comfort me. The experience was funny. In my head I'm still a skinny teen girl too. I need to stay away from those department store mirrors. She came out in her trendy, junior-sized dress and looked lovely. I even insisted that she try some of the skinny jeans under the dress just to help me relive some of my teenage memories. Those "old" clothing styles just keep reappearing. I won't be wearing any skinny jeans. I don't think my girls will either. But shopping with them is fun.
I realize these next thoughts do not logically flow but more and more time keeps passing without me having the time to journal/blog. Life is so very busy and rich. God is faithful everyday here. I wish I could record the blessings, each and every one of them.
We've had an extremely dramatic turn of events with a family member, who does not live with us, this past week. God has used the most unfortunate of events and behaviors to draw others together. He is weaving broken and healthy lives together for His glory. Our family has become joined to another forever because an illegitimate child was born to a drug-addicted mother. We were even asking God if we were to become the baby's adopted family. He seems to have clearly answered to the contrary. In the meantime, He is bringing people together who otherwise would have no earthly reason to share their deepest priorities and concerns. The situation has been so tragic and confusing that I have literally prayed all week during each waking moment that His will would be done on earth as in heaven. I haven't known what was best, or what His will was. I couldn't fix the problems. I could only listen to those who had their hands in it, encourage them and pray for them. I was blessed immensely by my Lord who is always near when I rely on Him. I am thankful for deepened relationships and new friendships. May this baby become a mighty man of God with a strong identity in His Heavenly Father. Afterall, this is what really matters for us all.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
How Do You Do It?
When people learn that we have nine children they often ask that question, or they will say that I must be a saint, or have endless amounts of patience, or a very helpful husband or very well-behaved children. It's funny. No one suggests that it might just be hard work or a supernatural mystery.
I do my best to give God the glory on every occasion. Afterall, I know that I wouldn't even entertain the idea of having many children were it not for the inspiration of His Holy Spirit and the conviction by His Word. Likewise, there are those days that I am acutely aware that each breath is coming from Him, every smile toward a little one, and each kind word too. However, it is so difficult to encapsulate seventeen years of striving to be a godly parent in a one minute conversation with a stranger. I always pray that whatever words leave my mouth are from Him. And I have to remind myself to rest in the answers when the conversation is over. There's no replay nor do-over.
As the family grows and the days are harder I ask myself how I will "do it" today, this week or this year. I've even said that I cannot "do it" anymore. I've threatened to quit "doing it". At some point between baby 5 and baby 6 I realized that I couldn't keep doing many things. We changed from a busy, age-segregated church to a family friendly one. I ceased leading the homeschool group. Ladies' bible study ended. Home businesses fell to the wayside. The organic produce food co-op was cancelled. Perfectly clean carpet, floors, windows and bathrooms became a faint memory. I turned over nearly all of my household duties to various semi-capable, energetic children, and that meant letting go of my high standards that I had for myself.
Even after "quitting" many busy activities, I still found myself overwhelmed and feeling unable to "do it". I longed for the days when I felt as if it were all under control. I loved doing the yardwork, painting, building,...ultimately doing the wife and husband roles, except for earning the majority of the money. Outdoor jobs are much more rewarding than indoor jobs. Generally the results last longer outdoors. Laundry and dishes can be the most depressing duties since there is no end. A nicely manicured lawn can be enjoyed for atleast a week. And a clean coat of paint will be adored for years. No one hardly notices that all the clothing is reorganized, labeled, and boxed for another year in the attic or closet. It can be discouraging to be a mother.
I have a vague memory of realizing about five years ago that in the earliest years of parenting I had done a very good job and probably lived entirely on youthful zeal. I know the Lord was with me. But I didn't remember really depending on Him while my energy was high and I could still "do it" all. I concluded that it was a good thing to come to the end of myself since I knew that would be the start of truly resting in Him. I did commit to read my Bible every possible morning and then teach it to the children after breakfast. I had to remind myself that it would be okay if that was all I accomplished. With all the pressure to do more lifted off of me, those days tended to be our best ones.
Since our ninth baby has come I've experienced yet another version of "I can't do it" anymore. I suppose it could be a combination of my increasing age and need for more sleep. However I have noticed that my zeal needs recharging more often than ever before. Something about a good argument, or constantly having to defend one's lifestyle to fellow church-goers or family members keeps one passionate. I get along beautifully with my husband when we are fighting the "bad guys" together. When attacks come we dig into the Word, and we are strengthened. I think this is the key. We pray for peace and dread the criticism but the battles keep us lively and fresh. Now I will not be asking for attacks on our life. But I will try to remember to be the cheerleader in our home who reminds all the members of our calling. I've recently reminded them that I need their encouragment. We're working on a more formal version of our family vision. I am blessed by my husband's growing desire to lead his flock to the Lord. This is a sweet and crucial time in our family and I want to be "in the game" not whinning on the sidelines.
I have been reminded to pray for my friends who may be dealing with the same temptation to grow weary in well doing. This is good. We will support one another as the Body of Christ should.
We sang some older songs tonight during family worship. It was a sweet time. All the youngest children were seated on the floor in front of their father and me. We sang without any music. One song in particular struck my heart. The words are so foundational. I think I remember it from one of Micheal W. Smith's albums:
God you are my God and I will ever praise you.
I will seek you in the morning and I will learn to walk in your ways.
Step by step you'll lead me and I will follow you all of my days.
As their little voices sang "I will follow you all of my days" I realized that is our family vision! And that is how we will keep "doing it". We will seek Him in the morning and He will teach us how to walk in His ways. He will lead us step by step, as He always has. And as a result, we will follow Him all of our days! Halleluiah!
I do my best to give God the glory on every occasion. Afterall, I know that I wouldn't even entertain the idea of having many children were it not for the inspiration of His Holy Spirit and the conviction by His Word. Likewise, there are those days that I am acutely aware that each breath is coming from Him, every smile toward a little one, and each kind word too. However, it is so difficult to encapsulate seventeen years of striving to be a godly parent in a one minute conversation with a stranger. I always pray that whatever words leave my mouth are from Him. And I have to remind myself to rest in the answers when the conversation is over. There's no replay nor do-over.
As the family grows and the days are harder I ask myself how I will "do it" today, this week or this year. I've even said that I cannot "do it" anymore. I've threatened to quit "doing it". At some point between baby 5 and baby 6 I realized that I couldn't keep doing many things. We changed from a busy, age-segregated church to a family friendly one. I ceased leading the homeschool group. Ladies' bible study ended. Home businesses fell to the wayside. The organic produce food co-op was cancelled. Perfectly clean carpet, floors, windows and bathrooms became a faint memory. I turned over nearly all of my household duties to various semi-capable, energetic children, and that meant letting go of my high standards that I had for myself.
Even after "quitting" many busy activities, I still found myself overwhelmed and feeling unable to "do it". I longed for the days when I felt as if it were all under control. I loved doing the yardwork, painting, building,...ultimately doing the wife and husband roles, except for earning the majority of the money. Outdoor jobs are much more rewarding than indoor jobs. Generally the results last longer outdoors. Laundry and dishes can be the most depressing duties since there is no end. A nicely manicured lawn can be enjoyed for atleast a week. And a clean coat of paint will be adored for years. No one hardly notices that all the clothing is reorganized, labeled, and boxed for another year in the attic or closet. It can be discouraging to be a mother.
I have a vague memory of realizing about five years ago that in the earliest years of parenting I had done a very good job and probably lived entirely on youthful zeal. I know the Lord was with me. But I didn't remember really depending on Him while my energy was high and I could still "do it" all. I concluded that it was a good thing to come to the end of myself since I knew that would be the start of truly resting in Him. I did commit to read my Bible every possible morning and then teach it to the children after breakfast. I had to remind myself that it would be okay if that was all I accomplished. With all the pressure to do more lifted off of me, those days tended to be our best ones.
Since our ninth baby has come I've experienced yet another version of "I can't do it" anymore. I suppose it could be a combination of my increasing age and need for more sleep. However I have noticed that my zeal needs recharging more often than ever before. Something about a good argument, or constantly having to defend one's lifestyle to fellow church-goers or family members keeps one passionate. I get along beautifully with my husband when we are fighting the "bad guys" together. When attacks come we dig into the Word, and we are strengthened. I think this is the key. We pray for peace and dread the criticism but the battles keep us lively and fresh. Now I will not be asking for attacks on our life. But I will try to remember to be the cheerleader in our home who reminds all the members of our calling. I've recently reminded them that I need their encouragment. We're working on a more formal version of our family vision. I am blessed by my husband's growing desire to lead his flock to the Lord. This is a sweet and crucial time in our family and I want to be "in the game" not whinning on the sidelines.
I have been reminded to pray for my friends who may be dealing with the same temptation to grow weary in well doing. This is good. We will support one another as the Body of Christ should.
We sang some older songs tonight during family worship. It was a sweet time. All the youngest children were seated on the floor in front of their father and me. We sang without any music. One song in particular struck my heart. The words are so foundational. I think I remember it from one of Micheal W. Smith's albums:
God you are my God and I will ever praise you.
I will seek you in the morning and I will learn to walk in your ways.
Step by step you'll lead me and I will follow you all of my days.
As their little voices sang "I will follow you all of my days" I realized that is our family vision! And that is how we will keep "doing it". We will seek Him in the morning and He will teach us how to walk in His ways. He will lead us step by step, as He always has. And as a result, we will follow Him all of our days! Halleluiah!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Joshua is so sweet...
that if he wasn't a person I would eat him!!!
as spoken by his big brother, Isaac
Happy Fourth Month Birthday, Joshua!!!
Monday, October 11, 2010
October!
Time is flying by...it's has been a month since I've even thought of blogging. Looking back at that last entry reminds me of how important it is to keep blogging since my handwritten journal has taken a back seat. I love our family memories and really want to preserve them!
We have just returned from a week of family vacation in the mountains. It was our fifth trip to the cabin in the woods. Our gracious hosts, their daughter and family and my mother joined us at the cabin for a portion of the week. We enjoyed hikes, four-wheeling, boating and picking apples and grapes. The leaves were just beginning to change and the weather was very chilly. Thankfully, we left the rain at home.
We always try to take a family photo while in the mountains. This one was for fun with some of our guns (not loaded of course!). We usually shoot targets a couple of times while we are there. The trees behind us changed colors while we were staying on the property. It was stunning!
Before a hike up the mountain we stopped to get a shot of the older eight children. They were laughing and having so much fun. It made a sweet photo.
We have just returned from a week of family vacation in the mountains. It was our fifth trip to the cabin in the woods. Our gracious hosts, their daughter and family and my mother joined us at the cabin for a portion of the week. We enjoyed hikes, four-wheeling, boating and picking apples and grapes. The leaves were just beginning to change and the weather was very chilly. Thankfully, we left the rain at home.
We always try to take a family photo while in the mountains. This one was for fun with some of our guns (not loaded of course!). We usually shoot targets a couple of times while we are there. The trees behind us changed colors while we were staying on the property. It was stunning!
Before a hike up the mountain we stopped to get a shot of the older eight children. They were laughing and having so much fun. It made a sweet photo.
Tonight we made jam from the hard-to-get grapes. It was alot of work for those four pints of jam!!! The deer and other animals had already eaten the grapes near the ground. We had to climb and use long branches to knock ours down. That made it more fun!
We were thankful that Mom was able to be with us and especially to meet Baby Joshua. Unfortunately, my stepfather, Bill, was not feeling well enough to join us. He is still recovering from surgery related to colorectal cancer. Hopefully, Bill will regain his comfort and strength and we will be able to visit with him soon!
We also enjoyed a couple of visits with my father. He lives very near the cabin. It is nice to spend part of a day with him and be able to return to our "home base" at the cabin. We hope to see more of him this year too.
On the way home we stayed with my sister, Carrie, and Brian. It is always great to be with them. We look forward to seeing them for Thanksgiving at our house this year and again in December when we attend a wedding near Richmond.
Our baby will be four months tomorrow. He is so very precious. He has lost nearly every newborn hair and it has been replaced with fuzzy blonde hairs that currently stand straight up. He reminds us of a chick. Joshua's sleeping and eating patterns have normalized and we are somewhat settled into a routine. This is nice since I'm needing more sleep these days than when I first became a mother.
A wise friend of mine discovered, and shared with me, that she needed to keep her toddler with her during the school day. I have reaffirmed that discovery with Noah. I kept assigning him to different siblings and he was becoming more and more loud and discontent each day. Recently, I've started to keep him "at my feet" during the earliest hours of homeschool each day. He minds well and is starting to enjoy the time. He really needed some boundaries and his siblings and playpen were not the right solutions. Hopefully, I can train him to be more content while playing out of my sight too.
It is worth noting that while we were on vacation Noah proved that he is POTTY TRAINED!!! Bob was very faithful to keep up with Noah's trips to the bathroom and therefore, he did not have any accidents! This has been a long time coming and we are going to make the brave transition to cotton pants very soon.
We were glad to return to church this past Sunday. Some of us had missed three weeks! That felt like forever. I have enjoyed getting to know a few of the ladies in our congregation much better over the last couple of months. I've even had a couple of "mommy dates" at the smoothie shop. Friends make life much richer! It is a blessing to have many Christian friends who are transparent, humble and willing to share how they "do" life. The advice and sharing that happens between friends often serves as a lifeline from the Lord. He is so faithful to speak through others to me. I also appreciate my husband's encouragement to make the effort to get out sometimes just to visit with another mom.
I really cherish the nighttime and early morning feedings with Joshua. They are precious moments of nursing, snuggling and praying. My mind is so clear with the house quiet. During the day I can forget to pray for those I love, but in the dark, my heart is flooded with prayers. It is truly precious time. And I'm counting on Christ to answer my prayers for my loved ones.
Life can feel crazy, but ours truly is good! And God is always good!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The Ups and Downs of Homeschooling
The first week of school with NINE children was...busy! Well, that should not have come as a surprise. I nursed the baby, tried to contain the two year old, tutored the challenged thirteen year old, and corrected the fourth graders' work AT THE SAME TIME! It was a little nutty at times. When things became very out of control I called a team meeting, explained the dilemma and gave orders or took suggestions about how we were going to handle the current crisis. That seemed to be a better solution than giving into my flesh and yelling. : ) At times there were tears, thankfully they weren't mine. And no one's feelings were hurt, they just didn't understand how to write huge numbers in expanded form or identify the simple subject or simple predicate in sentences. I'm fairly certain they understand now. It took a couple of days of tutoring. I reminded them how fortunate they are to be homeschooled so that they won't go through the rest of the school year not understanding those foundational concepts. It's so easy to get lost in a large classroom. Who wants to admit they don't understand something in front of all their friends? Or even siblings? I'm grateful that we are all here together. But I'll have to remind myself of that many times in the week ahead.
I have a couple of students who aren't used to being challenged therefore when it happens, they cry. I know they will grow out of it since others have before them so I don't worry. It's easy to cheer them up and encourage them, thankfully. One day around lunchtime I was checking the stacks of completed work at the kitchen table. Anna approached me and asked some questions, I answered, then she glanced over at a discouraged brother who was sitting nearby and back at me and said, "What's wrong with him?" I laughed so hard. I suppose it was her matter of fact tone, the brother's very sad face, and the length of time she'd been standing by him before she asked. I'm in tears just remembering it now because it was so funny to me. Those are great moments. Laughter makes everything better. Even the previously crying child cheered up. : )
Noah, the two year old, is really putting on the pressure. He refuses to stay in his pen 90%of the time that we try it. The other 10% he sits like an angel playing contentedly. Unfortunately when he is out he puts things in the toilet, eats soap, climbs on the table and licks salt shakers, gets into the refrigerator, steals treats from my nightstand, and writes on the carpet, himself, his new cowboy hat and every book in his path with a black permanent marker!!! And so on...I wish I could remember more of the funny (not so funny at the time) episodes. We decided that we might employ the new trampoline which has a net and zipper closure as his new playpen on occasion. The children have already zipped him up inside of it while they ride bikes around the yard. I might use it a little during school...now who will go out there with him? Hmmm. I'll have to appoint shifts...I'll be working on that. I must use all my resources wisely.
On the most stressful days I found that an afternoon swim was the perfect relaxant for my muscles and brain. I might have to put that into our schedule too.
I must admit that one day during my morning time with the LORD I did ask Him if he would come back before school started. Doug Wilson wrote three homeschooling comic books and one comic was about exactly that scene. Mother was on her knees by the bed praying, "LORD, you said you were coming back soon. So could you come before school this morning." ha ha ha! That was me too. One day it will happen. Oh happy day!!!
I have a couple of students who aren't used to being challenged therefore when it happens, they cry. I know they will grow out of it since others have before them so I don't worry. It's easy to cheer them up and encourage them, thankfully. One day around lunchtime I was checking the stacks of completed work at the kitchen table. Anna approached me and asked some questions, I answered, then she glanced over at a discouraged brother who was sitting nearby and back at me and said, "What's wrong with him?" I laughed so hard. I suppose it was her matter of fact tone, the brother's very sad face, and the length of time she'd been standing by him before she asked. I'm in tears just remembering it now because it was so funny to me. Those are great moments. Laughter makes everything better. Even the previously crying child cheered up. : )
Noah, the two year old, is really putting on the pressure. He refuses to stay in his pen 90%of the time that we try it. The other 10% he sits like an angel playing contentedly. Unfortunately when he is out he puts things in the toilet, eats soap, climbs on the table and licks salt shakers, gets into the refrigerator, steals treats from my nightstand, and writes on the carpet, himself, his new cowboy hat and every book in his path with a black permanent marker!!! And so on...I wish I could remember more of the funny (not so funny at the time) episodes. We decided that we might employ the new trampoline which has a net and zipper closure as his new playpen on occasion. The children have already zipped him up inside of it while they ride bikes around the yard. I might use it a little during school...now who will go out there with him? Hmmm. I'll have to appoint shifts...I'll be working on that. I must use all my resources wisely.
On the most stressful days I found that an afternoon swim was the perfect relaxant for my muscles and brain. I might have to put that into our schedule too.
I must admit that one day during my morning time with the LORD I did ask Him if he would come back before school started. Doug Wilson wrote three homeschooling comic books and one comic was about exactly that scene. Mother was on her knees by the bed praying, "LORD, you said you were coming back soon. So could you come before school this morning." ha ha ha! That was me too. One day it will happen. Oh happy day!!!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
New School Year
I'm not certain why I am up when everyone else is in bed, except that I have missed having time to read and write about life lately. It is therapeutic. I am regretting that I haven't recorded all the neat things that are happening this summer. I've just skimmed through the last few months of blogging and as usual I had forgotten some great things that God has been doing in our life and how much He encouraged me along the way!
I want to be certain not to ever lose hope. I was reminded on Sunday that "hope deferred makes the heart sick". That's the last thing I need- more heart sickness. So I am making a point to not get to that yucky place of feeling hopeless. It's always temporary but to be expected with so much responsibility and my own high expectations of myself!
Lately I have been appreciating the detailed differences in my children's personalities. God has given each of them gifts that are theirs alone and quite naturally. I am also trying to not be frustrated with the ones who are not naturally gifted in areas that help the family most. To be clear, some are great problem solvers, while others are voluntarily entertaining to little ones, and others enjoy running errands and so forth. Apprecitating them all, all the time challenges me greatly. Since I'm the mom, I feel compelled to train them all to be very thoughtful and therefore service oriented towards others. Sadly, this selflessness comes more easily to some than others. I was not a selfless teen. But I was different from my own teens in good ways and bad. It is the kindness of God that draws us to repentance and the mercy He has extended to me that I am to show to others. So I am trying to be wise and patient as I counsel and live with my maturing children. For the first time in my parenting I am unsure of how much to require of them. I make many "wise suggestions" but at what point should I command them if they are making poor choices. Since they are maturing at nine different levels, while my husband and I are maturing at different paces too, it's tough! Grace is the requirement. We are going to learn how to get along and be fruitful! I just hope it is very soon! We've been focusing on the blessings several evenings a week as a family. This is a great addition to all the correcting we're doing. I hope it helps to tie heart strings among us all.
Yes, the school year is starting. The new books are on the shelf. This year I have SEVEN students!!! They range from kindergarten to highschool senior! Wow! Just managing all of our books without buying more shelves is very difficult. Three of my students will be needing a lot more help than I have been giving in recent years. That scares me, since I have an infant to nurse and a TWO year old boy! So we are working our way gradually into the new materials, especially with my most challenged thirteen year old who is in second grade. He always thrives under patient daily instruction. I have to be sure to give him that!
In some areas I'd like to improve over last year and in others I'll just have to find more efficient ways to accomplish the tasks. Record keeping is very challenging. We are under the religious exemption law, but we have an agreement with HSLDA that we will keep a record of our activities that is reproducible. I cannot seem to get all those assignments for every subject and every child written in that record book! I've resorted to asking the children to date every page in their workbooks and trying to catch up at various points during the year. At the same time, my older ones keep asking why I have those record books with each page they've worked documented for every school day. I do not know! I gave the IOWA test to the top four students and that should serve as some evidence for their progress. Does that mean I can throw away the workbooks and just write in the record book that they completed the books they started??? I hope so.
Homeschooling materials can be found in unlikely places. I read an article in Reader's Digest this week that could possibly replace nearly a year of grammar. (although I'm still teaching English to all the children) It is about very common vocabulary and grammar errors. I'm going to ask my highschoolers to read the article and I might cut it out and try to save it somewhere important. Honestly, that means I'll come across it when I'm not looking for it and never be able to find it when I need it...oh well.
I haven't read a Reader's Digest since I left home. I couldn't resist this "humor"issue in the grocery check out. The children read every page of every magazine that comes into our house. Therefore, we are very selective! I read the Digest while nursing or burping Joshua. Then Kelsey read it while holding or rocking him. Yesterday Kendal was holding Joshua on the couch and he was fussing a little. I told her that he was cranky because she was reading that Reader's Digest that he'd already read twice before with me and Kelsey. : )
Well that was only one of the sweet, funny things that happened lately. It's too bad that I've forgotten most of the precious things the children have said that I really wanted to write down...I hope someone in heaven is responsible for keeping such a record for forgetful moms like me. I'd like to go back and read them all one day in eternity.
I want to be certain not to ever lose hope. I was reminded on Sunday that "hope deferred makes the heart sick". That's the last thing I need- more heart sickness. So I am making a point to not get to that yucky place of feeling hopeless. It's always temporary but to be expected with so much responsibility and my own high expectations of myself!
Lately I have been appreciating the detailed differences in my children's personalities. God has given each of them gifts that are theirs alone and quite naturally. I am also trying to not be frustrated with the ones who are not naturally gifted in areas that help the family most. To be clear, some are great problem solvers, while others are voluntarily entertaining to little ones, and others enjoy running errands and so forth. Apprecitating them all, all the time challenges me greatly. Since I'm the mom, I feel compelled to train them all to be very thoughtful and therefore service oriented towards others. Sadly, this selflessness comes more easily to some than others. I was not a selfless teen. But I was different from my own teens in good ways and bad. It is the kindness of God that draws us to repentance and the mercy He has extended to me that I am to show to others. So I am trying to be wise and patient as I counsel and live with my maturing children. For the first time in my parenting I am unsure of how much to require of them. I make many "wise suggestions" but at what point should I command them if they are making poor choices. Since they are maturing at nine different levels, while my husband and I are maturing at different paces too, it's tough! Grace is the requirement. We are going to learn how to get along and be fruitful! I just hope it is very soon! We've been focusing on the blessings several evenings a week as a family. This is a great addition to all the correcting we're doing. I hope it helps to tie heart strings among us all.
Yes, the school year is starting. The new books are on the shelf. This year I have SEVEN students!!! They range from kindergarten to highschool senior! Wow! Just managing all of our books without buying more shelves is very difficult. Three of my students will be needing a lot more help than I have been giving in recent years. That scares me, since I have an infant to nurse and a TWO year old boy! So we are working our way gradually into the new materials, especially with my most challenged thirteen year old who is in second grade. He always thrives under patient daily instruction. I have to be sure to give him that!
In some areas I'd like to improve over last year and in others I'll just have to find more efficient ways to accomplish the tasks. Record keeping is very challenging. We are under the religious exemption law, but we have an agreement with HSLDA that we will keep a record of our activities that is reproducible. I cannot seem to get all those assignments for every subject and every child written in that record book! I've resorted to asking the children to date every page in their workbooks and trying to catch up at various points during the year. At the same time, my older ones keep asking why I have those record books with each page they've worked documented for every school day. I do not know! I gave the IOWA test to the top four students and that should serve as some evidence for their progress. Does that mean I can throw away the workbooks and just write in the record book that they completed the books they started??? I hope so.
Homeschooling materials can be found in unlikely places. I read an article in Reader's Digest this week that could possibly replace nearly a year of grammar. (although I'm still teaching English to all the children) It is about very common vocabulary and grammar errors. I'm going to ask my highschoolers to read the article and I might cut it out and try to save it somewhere important. Honestly, that means I'll come across it when I'm not looking for it and never be able to find it when I need it...oh well.
I haven't read a Reader's Digest since I left home. I couldn't resist this "humor"issue in the grocery check out. The children read every page of every magazine that comes into our house. Therefore, we are very selective! I read the Digest while nursing or burping Joshua. Then Kelsey read it while holding or rocking him. Yesterday Kendal was holding Joshua on the couch and he was fussing a little. I told her that he was cranky because she was reading that Reader's Digest that he'd already read twice before with me and Kelsey. : )
Well that was only one of the sweet, funny things that happened lately. It's too bad that I've forgotten most of the precious things the children have said that I really wanted to write down...I hope someone in heaven is responsible for keeping such a record for forgetful moms like me. I'd like to go back and read them all one day in eternity.
Our God is so Good!
Sometimes Christians say to one another: "God is good all the time." and reply, "All the time, God is good."
I've been pondering God's goodness lately.
As I am reading through the Psalms in my quiet time I am noticing how often the author comments on God's goodness. This morning I read:
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11
"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." Psalm 86:4-6
"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" Psalm 107:14-16
That sentence is repeated three times in Psalm 107!
We have been singing a song at church called, "You are Good". The words are simple and biblically sound. I love Kari Jobe's version on YouTube. She is the worship leader at Gateway in Dallas. Clearly they have an upbeat, modern, and young worship style. That venue is not necessarily our family's preference for Sunday morning, however, this song really touches my heart. She sings it like no one else I've heard. (By the way, she has written and sung many other worshipful songs) Currently, our whole family is singing this one day and night! (Last month "Revelation Song" was our favorite)
Our God is so good and we know He loves to hear us sing about it! I've posted the YouTube video below. I hope it works! Be blessed!
I've been pondering God's goodness lately.
As I am reading through the Psalms in my quiet time I am noticing how often the author comments on God's goodness. This morning I read:
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11
"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." Psalm 86:4-6
"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" Psalm 107:14-16
That sentence is repeated three times in Psalm 107!
We have been singing a song at church called, "You are Good". The words are simple and biblically sound. I love Kari Jobe's version on YouTube. She is the worship leader at Gateway in Dallas. Clearly they have an upbeat, modern, and young worship style. That venue is not necessarily our family's preference for Sunday morning, however, this song really touches my heart. She sings it like no one else I've heard. (By the way, she has written and sung many other worshipful songs) Currently, our whole family is singing this one day and night! (Last month "Revelation Song" was our favorite)
Our God is so good and we know He loves to hear us sing about it! I've posted the YouTube video below. I hope it works! Be blessed!
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