Lemonade Stand

This summer our church is sending 2 teams to Cambodia.

As a family we have several friends going on these trips and have been blessed to support them both prayerfully and financially. However, both of our boys have had a very personal experience with supporting the second team. Several of the people on this team are close friends so we already felt a strong connection to the trip. However, this trip has gained a special place in the hearts of our boys.

We have been planning for our family vacation to Disney World for some time now. As we planned the boys wanted to run a lemonade stand to raise a little spending money for our trip. Around the same time I learned that our friends, who were going to Cambodia with team 2, were planning a yard sale to raise money for their trips. This offered a perfect opportunity for Noah and Michael to have their lemonade stand.

As we prepared our goodies for the sale we talked about why our friends were having the yard sale. We also talked about the reasons they were traveling to Cambodia, to share Jesus with those who do not know Him. With this new understanding of what the Cambodia trips where all about (they thought the team was just visiting Miss Jen our missionary) the boys had the thought to give some of their profits to the team. After some deliberating they decided that 50% of all their profits should go to Team 2 towards their trip. (This made my heart soar!)

Well, the boys spent 6 hours in the hot sun selling lemonade, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and bottled water. (of course all the supplies were donations, wink wink) They had a table all set up with a menu, cash register, and cooler full of drinks. They were so cute that several people stopped just to buy from their little stand, and then walked around the yard sale! Fun!

Their grand total in sales for the day was $40 (minus about $5 that was spent at the yard sale). So, as we were cleaning up to go home they proudly gave Miss Kim $20 and said, "This is for your trip!" How wonderful it was to see the excitement they had in supporting our friends and having a part in sharing Jesus with people on the other side of the world.

Both of the boys have felt a closer connection to this trip and while we were at Disney last week we took time to pray for our friends. Even though we have not been able to go on one of these trips (yet) we have been able to use these trips to teach our boys the importance of living and sharing Gods word. The photos and blogs our friends have been posting have made us all feel like we are right there with them.

I am so excited that our boys are beginning to understand the importance of sharing the news of Jesus with others.

Check out this blog:

Vista's Missionary

Set your mind on things above...

Recently I have been reading through several books regarding teaching our children compassion and helping them grow hearts to serve. One of these books is titled Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World. As I began reading this book I had the thought, simply from the title, that I could use this book to change the hearts of my often selfish children. I dove into the book and read the first few chapters without hesitation ready for insight on how I could create unselfish children.

I had been enjoying the insights from this book and was pondering them over doing a load of dishes. However, as I emptied the dishwasher, for the second time that day, I was thinking to myself "I really hate unloading the dishwasher" ..."I wish we had a better dishwasher, half of these dishes are not even clean"..."I really like the dishwasher my friend just got, you can't even hear it when it's running." Then these thoughts turned into a full fledged 'I want to keep up with the Jones-es pity party'! By the time I realized where my thoughts had gone I was feeling depressed and wanting to buy a new... well...everything! Wow, what a selfish and discontented attitude.

God has such a sense of humor, and I love that about Him! As happens so many times when God leads me to a book like this I was convicted after the first 2 chapters. In my quest to change the hearts of my children I realized that my heart needed some adjusting. I needed to step back and readjust where my eyes were focused.

Colossians 3:1-2
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated on the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

I began to realize the first step to helping my children be content and compassionate was to make sure my eyes were focused in the right place. Of course, setting my mind on things above is a daily struggle. I just need to keep my heart focused on Christ.

Lacking Compassion

There are times during this journey of parenthood that leave me looking back wishing I had said or done things differently. Of course, this is life, we learn from our mistakes, right?!

Recently, God has been working on an area of my heart that I am needing some adjustments in. (Working on my plank, Matthew 7:3-5) This area has to do with compassion.

I am a fairly compassionate person however, I seem to loose touch with this compassion when my husband or children are ill. I tend to be a 'suck it up' type gal, and when others are ill around me and whiny, (see there I go) I tend to think they should do the same, suck it up. Of course, I do care for my family when they are ill, I just get a bad attitude.

God has been bringing this to my attention recently with the struggles we have been having with my son Noah. We are at point with is ADD issues that we need to adjust some things. (Growth spurts throw everything off) However, I have not been very compassionate regarding his struggle. My attitude has not been filled with grace, mercy, or compassion. Instead, I have been impatient, angry, and even hurtful with my words at times. As I talked with a friend yesterday about Noah's struggle I realized just how little compassion I had been showing him. Ouch! I thought to myself "How can a mother be so awful to her son!" Thankfully, God is showing me this so, I can correct it. I found this verse today and it seemed to fit where my mind was on this heart issue...

Isaiah 49:15
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!

This is how I felt thinking about my attitude. How could I forget to be compassionate to my son?! I am beginning to realize that I have a selfish attitude. The problem is not so much that I forget to be compassionate, but that I am selfish. Taking care of others, especially my children, takes a lot of time, effort, and often every ounce of me. When I am completely tapped out (like with the recent ADD issues) if I am not leaning on God for strength, my ugliness and bad attitude start creeping out.

Parenting is hard work, and it is work that never, never, never, (did I say never) stops. I can only be the parent my children need if I am leaning on God for guidance, wisdom, and even my sanity! So, for now I am working on this 'plank' and have apologized to my son for my bad attitude.

I want to have the same compassion for others that God has for me. Thankfully, I can know that even when I am a less than perfect parent He will not forget me or my children.

Yep, working on my plank!

Can you hear Him?

As a wife, mom, student, classroom mom, PTA member, and all the other various hats I wear I often have to take time out to hear God speaking. However, getting in that daily time can sometimes seem difficult and even impossible. Even when I do get in a daily devotional I find myself rushing through it, and checking my watch as I try to cram it into my schedule. I do not think that these quick glances at a few bible verses really defines 'listening' to God.

Over the summer we were having some family difficulties. Because of these difficulties I decided to pull back from the various things that I was volunteering for as well as areas I was serving in within our church. Little did I know, God was trying to get my attention. As I spent the summer not serving in any area, except with my family, I began to hear God clearer. I began to take more time reading my bible, praying, and listening. I realized that all to often I am doing, and doing, and doing when God wants me to simply stop and listen.

He provides!!

Well, we are going on the fourth week that my husband has been without a job. So, this is a little update on how we are believing BIG for God to provide not only a job, but also for our needs in the meantime!

We are the type of family that for the most part lives paycheck to paycheck! (Shocking, I know! ) Although, we do have a little savings it is just that, little. However, during this needy time we are in God has provided and will continue to provide beyond all we could ask or imagine... (Eph 3:20)

The Provisions
First, a week before we learned my husband would not have a job I received a check from my student loans. Now, normally all of the loan money goes directly to the school. However, since I am finishing up my AA degree this week (WHOO HOO!) there was a surplus of money from this quarter, and they sent me a check for that amount. (Of course, thinking life was good our first thought was...Let's go to Disney World!) Being the responsible adults we are (lol) we decided to save it and think about the best way to use this unexpected surplus! The next week we got the news and realized we needed this money to get us through until a new job was found. He provided before we new we would need it!

Second, as health insurance stuff can sometimes be bumpy when switching jobs I decided to get my son's ADD meds refilled. Stocking up so we would not run out. However, I realized we needed to make an appointment for a new prescription, we were on the last refill. This would work except the only appointment available was a couple weeks out. I then realized we didn't have enough meds to last that long. I prayed that God would work it out somehow. The next day I got a phone call from the pharmacy telling me my prescription for my son was in. I hung up the phone confused. I didn't call it in, and the nurse told me she could not call it in until he had seen the doctor. So, we headed to the pharmacy and sure enough, there was a prescription for my son's ADD meds. I looked at my husband and said..."Now that, is JESUS!!!"

During this time I was starting to doubt that God was even thinking about my needs, my kids needs, my husbands needs. However, as we picked up the mysteriously ordered prescriptions I realized that He did see our needs, my son's needs. More than that, He was all over it! He had it under control! He provided! Why did I even doubt for a second?!

I am continuing to believe BIG and in those doubting moments I am praying "Help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:23-25)

Thank you Lord for providing even when I doubt!

A side note:
My husband has had several phone calls this week and things are looking promising. Continued prayers for God's direction to be clear would be wonderful! He will provide!!!

Back on track

I have been working on getting back on track in many areas of my life recently. First is making healthy choices, and using this blog to track those choices. (Weight Loss Wednesdays) Second is getting back into the daily cleaning routine that keeps my house in order. Third is taking the time to read my bible and pray daily.

However, as I have been getting back on track I have been wondering..."How did I get so off track in the first place?"

I have slowly started to get the answer to this question as I have been making changes to get back on track.

Each time I make a choice to keep going with the routines that I have in place, I set myself up to stay on track. However, on those "I don't feel like it" days this choice becomes harder.

So, the answer to how I got off track is choices! Yep, choices! In an early post I wrote about the choices I am making in regard to getting healthy. However, I have realized that each choice I make in any area in my life sets me up for success or failure with making the next choice. (I know I have been posting a lot about choices lately, but that is what is swirling in my head right now!)

On an "I don't feel like it day" if I make the choice to stay in my PJ's until noon (and this has happened on occasion) I know I will feel tired and not be very productive. However, if I make the choice to get up, shower, and get ready for the day I know I will feel better and be ready for action! This simple choice of getting ready for the day will set me up for making other choices throughout the day. Then at the end of the day I will look back and think, "Wow, I accomplished a lot today!" instead of "Wow, I didn't get anything done today!"

So, whether I am on track for meeting my goals or wondering where I went off course I know I can start making better choices to change my direction.

I am beginning to see how this works with getting healthy, keeping my house clean, and even my relationship with God. I am realizing that if any area in my life needs adjusted all it takes is making a different choice, a better choice, a choice that will lead me in the direction I want to be going. Then when I reach my goal and look back I will see how far I have come because of every single one of those choices.

Finals

Well, I am in the home stretch. At least for now...

I have taken it upon myself to pursue my degree in psychology. Yep, I'm gettin' smart! This week I have finals however, it is the last of the finals for my AA degree. So, kinda a big mile stone for me. I am excited to have come this far, and have been reflecting on why I started the journey in the first place.

My inspiration for starting the pursuit of my degree is my son Noah. We have been on an incredible journey because of some chemical imbalances that he suffers from. Our journey to find a diagnosis for him has been one full of trials, challenges, learning, and yes, some triumphs.

We have been seeking help from a psychologist/psychiatrist team since Noah was 3. Yep, 3! However, I am the type of person that likes to do my own research. Therefore, I have read just about everything I could get my hands on. So, when we went for his appointments I had plenty of questions and suggestions for the doctors. Noah is now at a place where he is able to be a kid and not worry as much about his challenges. Although, they still pop up we know how to handle them or at least have some good skills in place.

So, this led to some opportunities to speak at a few parenting and woman's groups regarding our journey with Noah. These opportunities fed into the passion I have for encouraging women and young mothers. Therefore, God was brewing and even stronger passion in me for encouraging other women with these speaking opportunities. (I love how God works our circumstances and passions into His plan for us.) I know that God has bigger plans and more opportunities for me to share and encourage other women. However, for now He has me working on gaining more knowledge!

Which brings me to the journey I am currently on. I had never gone to college before and was very nervous. However, as I look back at the last 18 months I chuckle at that thought. This week is the last week for my AA degree. Woohoo! (I am so proud of me!)

I will have a 2 week break and then begin working on my BS in psychology! (But lets just focus on the 2 week break!) Yay, ME!!

I believe

One of my favorite Christmas movies is 'Miracle on 34th Street' the old version. At the end of the movie the little girl is so disappointed that Santa didn't get her what she wanted that she is convinced he doesn't exists. However, her mother tries to convince her otherwise. As they drive home she is sitting in the car repeating..."I believe, I believe, it's stupid but I believe." All the while feeling depressed and let down.

There are so many times within my Christian walk that I can relate to this little girl. This is exactly how I have been feeling the last couple of days. I know that God's timing is not restricted to my ideas of what His timing should be. I also know that God has His best in mind for me. I also know that He loves me. However, I still fall short on faith and find myself muttering, "God I want to believe, I believe, help me believe!"

In the book of Mark chapter 9 there is a story of a father who comes to Jesus asking "if" Jesus could heal his son. In verse 23 Jesus says to him..."Everything is possible to him who believes." The father then says in verse 24..."I do believe; Help me overcome my unbelief!" That has been my very pray these last few weeks. "God help me overcome my unbelief!" So often I loose hope, give up trusting, and fall short on faith.

However, today God has been reminding me of His love for me. Reminding me the He has my best in mind, that I can trust Him, and that even the little faith that I have on days like today is enough. It has been as though He has been whispering sweet little love notes to me all day.

I thought I would share some of the verses He has been reminding me of today!

Romans 8:28 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Phil. 1:6 (NIV)
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Eph. 2:10 (NIV)
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Phil. 4:12-13 (NIV)
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Dear Lord,
Help me overcome my unbelief! Help me to be content to wait for the provisions You have set out for me! Thank you for loving me even when my faith wavers! Thank you for reminding me today of the love you have for me!

I can do this!

Have you ever started something with all the best intentions of finishing and fall short of the finish line? I know that I have many times. I recently was reminded of this verse in Hebrews...

Heb. 12:11
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

This verse seemed to strike a cord and I realized that I need to work on being disciplined. I recently started this blog and have had the intention of writing here everyday. Well, if you take a look at my posts you will see that I have not been diligent in this.

Another area, and stand back for this one, is my diet. I have struggled with my weight most of my life, and within the past year I have lost 50 lb. (Yay, me!) However, I have let go of my discipline in this area and have gained a little back.

While I am airing my dirty laundry here...well, yep, that's another one. I have not been very disciplined with the house work. (Pretty bad when no one has clean undies! YIKES!)

I could go on and on with areas in my life that I am lacking discipline or have left a project undone. However, what this verse made me realize is that discipline is making a choice. Making a choice to finish what I start and follow through even when the task is tough, even when I don't feel like it, and even when the task seems impossible. (That laundry mountain just keeps getting bigger!)

So, I am planning on starting with this blog. I am going to blog each day even if it is just a few words. I may even come up with some witty daily titles like...

Weight Loss Wednesdays! Yep, not only will I be working on my blog but I will be working on my discipline with my weight loss. My Wednesday posts may contain a healthy recipe, a triumph (or struggle) in my journey, or even an exercise tip.

As for the laundry...well, I will make the trek to the top of Mt. Laundry and although I may never reach the top (That's what happens when you have boys who play sports!) I will have the comfort in knowing my family has clean undies! ;)

So, is there some area that you may be lacking in discipline? Let's pray for each other that we will seek out discipline and reap the "harvest of righteousness and peace" as the verse says!

Yesterday...

Yesterday my husband learned that he will no longer be employed in 2 weeks. This was some what expected however, still a shock to say the least. We were having a lunch date, a much needed date, and he got an email with the news. So, we prayed and we continued with our date trying not to let the news ruin our time together. When we got home he began his job searching right away.

Over the years we have made a financial sacrifice so that I can stay home with our kids. However, this is one of those moments when I start to wonder if that was the right choice. I was trying to be optimistic and trust that God had it all under control. However, I must admit that I wanted to start blaming Him for causing our distress. Then a verse popped into my head:

James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

This verse however, did not help my attitude. How was I suppose to be joyful when my husband was losing his job?! So, I didn't dwell on the verse and started thinking about where I could get a job. My plan was under way! However, as the day went on I was still feeling overcome with worry and fear.

After dinner I received a verse from a dear friend. The verse was actually her status update on her Facebook wall. The verse was:

Isaiah 46: 3-4
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Wow, this verse just hit me upside the head. I could hear God reminding me of all the trials He has already brought me through. How could I forget all that He has done for me already and not trust that He will do the same again. Oh, my faith is so small.

I spent some time in prayer and this morning I can say that I have a peace and calm that is not my own. I am now finding joy in the anticipation of what and how God is going to provide for us in this difficult situation. Sure, the worry and doubt will creep in from time to time, but I know who will sustain me, who will rescue me, who can do more than I can ask or imagine. (Eph 3:20)

So, I am waiting to see what His plan holds for us.