Too Busy?

Busy.  I hate that word.  Seems like everyone is busy these days. 

bus·y  

/ˈbizē/

Adjective:

Having a great deal to do.

We are very busy.  One of my daily goals is to cut out things that aren't important so I can have margin in my day to do more things I LOVE to do.  More time crafting, more time playing or reading with my kids, more time taking photos.  Most importantly, I want to spend more time Encouraging others, more time writing, and more time in God's word.

I have always been one who has used devotional books, or study guides when reading the Bible.  Lately, I have enjoyed just picking up the bible and reading.  I love really focusing on the words and the structure of the sentences.  Have you ever been able to read a verse 3 times and get something else out of it each time?  I have, and I love it!  It's so amazing to me, that when I truly focus on what I'm reading and meditate on it, it gets applied to my day in such deeper way.  So many mommy friends of mine ask me all the time, "When do you have time to read your bible? I don't even have time to wash my hair, I don't have time to read my bible!"

That's okay.  Here is something that I have learned in the last 6 years of my life. Being a mom, pastors wife, homemaker, business woman, crafter, etc. isn't easy on it's own, and adding in structured time for reading isn't easy either.  The times I can put my focus on HIM throughout my day, things are so much easier.  That may not mean I have an hour to read my bible each morning before my kids wake up (most days I don't).  It may mean that I play youversion on the iPod speakers, or from my computer. Did you know there is a feature on youversion that has someone read it to you? That's right, you can be doing the dishes or folding laundry while listening to the Bible at the same time! It may mean that I can't read my bible at all , but I can put on worship music.

One of the things we do in our house every day, no matter what we may be doing, is play worship music.  It may be while I'm sweeping the floor and doing household chores or making lunch or while I'm catching up on email.  Whatever I may be doing, the Lord's presence is there and I feel it.  For all you busy mommies out there, play your favorite worship music in your home.  It usually soothes a fussy baby, or toddler, too!  And don't be so darn hard on yourselves! 

Busy- we all are.  Make time for what is important to you.  Make time for things that matter.  Turn off Gossip Girl, get off Facebook, and open your Bible (or hit play on your youversion app).  You'll be glad you did!  You may even be surprised at how much more  time you end up having in your day!  It's one of God's little miracles.

Student of the Month!

 Today Tobin was chosen as the Bluejay Student of the Month.  We are so proud of him!

When school started this year, we had several days of getting on Red at school.  What is Red?  Well, every day the kids start on Green at school.  Green = good Blue = great Yellow = Excellent.  Red = note home to parents.  You get the picture?  I thought you would.

After the "red" days, I had several conversations with Mrs. Abbott (his amazing teacher) about his behavior.  I told her that even thought his home burned down (1 week prior to school starting) that I didn't want bad behavior from him to be justified.  We have really worked on getting into a routine, planting roots at home, and encouraging, and praising him for good behavior at school.   If he got on Red, we just didn't talk much about it.  We didn't want the attention given to the bad choices/behavior.

One of the great things that makes Tobin different than most kids is he is very selfless and compassionate, most days.  He is very sensitive to other kids around him and makes sure everyone else is okay.  When he earns prizes or candy, he always half's it, or gives it to his sister instead of him keeping it for himself.  He has such a sweet heart.  Once he got over the scared, insecure, and sad stage of grieving after the fire, he really focused on doing good at school. The highlight of my day every day is picking him up from school. I love seeing his sweet face when he comes out in the hallway to greet me.  His highlight of the day is telling me what color he got on each day!  Today we celebrated his achievement by bringing and eating lunch with him at school and going to recess with him and his friends. 

Tony is "Mr. Popular" on the playground!  He goes every Friday to eat lunch with Tobin.  All of his friends LOVE Mr. Tony! 

He received a certificate, and on the back was written:

"Tobin has shown compassion towards his classmates and is a very loving friend.  Tobin loves to be my special helper and I know I can always trust him to do the right thing! Way to go Tobin!!!"


We are so proud of our sweet boy!

Happy NEW Year

Yes!  A NEW Year! We are so happy around here to have a New year.  Now we can officially say, "last year our house burned down" instead of associating it with days ago, months ago, etc.  Whew!  Now that that's off my chest let's talk about a new year.  WOW! Isn't it amazing how one day can be so different because it's a new year?  I mean, we basically get a do-over every 365 days!  Somebody was thinkin' about this!  I always love to toast a glass of Sparkling grape juice and give "cheers" to a new year.  It's tradition. It's hope.  It's just plain fun!

This year, we won't be changing much around here.  We don't really have any resolutions. Why?  because our lives were changed a LOT 5 months ago.   We kinda really like the new perspective we have.  We like love the new sense of gratitude we have, as well.  So we will keep things pretty much the same around here.  We have a new urgency for sharing Christ with others, and will focus more on that this year.  Today I was putting up the Christmas Decorations and when I was putting up the nativity scene that my Dad sent us, Caroline was noticeably upset.   She kept asking me the "Why" questions.  "Why do we have to put up baby Jesus' tantinity, Mom?"... "Why?"  She kept asking her "why's" then finally told me, "But mom, we talk about Jesus and pray to Jesus all the time, why do we have to put him in a box?"  Well, that's a great question.  It got me thinking about a few things.  How about you?

One thing I do want to intentionally work on with the kids each week is Scripture memorization.  I work with Tobin on his verse for ToonTown every week but, (I hate to admit) I sometimes wait until Friday or Saturday to start cramming it into his little brain.  I know, it's awful.  However, he does have a great memory and even though he remembers most of the verses he has learned, I would love to start incorporating them into our daily life.  I would like for Caroline to learn them every week too.  Okay, you caught me... I really need to memorize it myself.  Is there a better way?  So I guess I do have a resolution this year, if that counts.

I started a new YouVersion bible reading plan today.  I've done really well at finishing my bible plans on my iphone/ipad and love that there are so many to choose from!  I never get bored reading my bible!  If you would like to start reading your bible more but don't know where to start, I highly recommend Youversion.com. 

We don't know what may come this year, but we do know (after the crazy year we just had) that in all things, he knows what's best for us.  He has control, he has our back, and in all things we will show gratitude to him. 

Psalms 107:8-9

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love

and his wonderful deeds for men, 

for he satisfies the thirsty

and fills the hungry with good things. 

 Psalms 90:17 
 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us

This year, may you truly seek God stronger and deeper than ever.
Farewell 2012!  Happy New Year!