Rooting for the Underdog

A sunny spring evening - perfect for a baseball game.

Watching some tough losses earlier in the season reminds that the team is still learning, growing. Coach Dad encourages fun, no matter the score, but when the 10-run-rule brings an early end to the first few games, fun becomes quite a challenge.

Tonight's game threatened a similar fate, beginning with various errors and numerous runners left stranded on base. Tough to stay positive and cheer in the midst of self-defeat.

However, shortstop Son and Coach Dad help make up the struggling team, so cheer we must. And tonight, a turnaround. Excitement and confidence builds as strikes are thrown, plays are made, runs are scored. Still not a win for the team, but a game ended on a positive note nonetheless!

Excited for my boys, one who is finally finding success in his first year of coaching, and another who got to cross home plate and pitch a shutout in the final inning!

346. Military men and women who continue to pave the way for our country's freedom and also support local communities like my hometown as they prepare for major flooding.

347. Grace.

348. Knowing that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him..." Romans 8:28

349. News of a friend who is coming home with her family after her husband's successful kidney transplant - Praise God!

350. Finding as much joy in celebrating small successes as in great victories, and believing that God does the same for us. :)

Deeper Joy

On yet another dreary day, keeping spirits high can be a challenge, especially while also knowing of the many desperate needs of others. Communities have been obliterated by tornadoes, families have lost loved ones, and even my hometown is bracing for tremendous flooding. Hard for the heart not to be heavy this week.

However, my children inspire as they disregard the gray skies and chilly breeze and instead spend nearly three hours letting imaginations run wild in the backyard. Ifthey can make the best of things and get lost in their joy, then Mom can take her cues and learn from them.

Today's morning devotion was certainly no mistake, and it reminds of a deeper joy in spite of our circumstances. Nehemiah 8:10 reads, "...the joy of the Lord is your strength." as the people receive encouragement from their leaders and go on to celebrate as they remember their freedom from captivity, "...and they were all filled with great joy!" (verse 17)

See, as the people were listening to the book of Moses being read (there were no Bibles then, no hard copies of scripture, so this was likely the first time they were hearing such things), they became overwhelmed by all of God's laws for His people. However, the wise leaders remind them not to let circumstances overwhelm, but instead to be overwhelmed with joy in remembered blessings and to find strength in their Creator.

As the devotion reads, "Supernatural joy...enables us to experience a deeper joy that is not so dependent on our circumstances. As we live by correct priorities, cultivating our relationship with Christ on a daily basis, we will begin to experience a quiet joy resulting from a sense of security that we belong to God, and He is indeed in control of our lives. When we focus on this security, we will be free to relax and trust Him in whatever situation we find ourselves. We will not always feel happy, but we will have a deeper sense of joy that we belong to Christ and that His plans for us are good."

How refreshing to know that we are not forever forced to ride the emotional roller coaster of our circumstances!

While the events of life may be painful and even heart-breaking, especially in the communities all around us, we can still find security when we focus on the One who made us and has our whole life in His hands. His plans may not be the same as ours, but His incredible love for us convinces that He wants nothing short of the best in the 'big picture' of our lives. This is the knowledge that brings 'quiet joy.'

Believing for quiet joy in this heart and in the hearts of those across the country.

336. Newfound energy in early hours.

337. Quiet car rides and extra time for prayer.

338. Afternoons spent at home.

339. Watching my boys play baseball, even when they lose.

340. Coach Dad and his calm spirit during tough games.

341. Awards for young 'Royal Rangers' and their accomplishments in learning scripture and other important life skills.

342. Amazing men who invest in young Rangers.

343. Celebrating with great friends as beautiful daughters are crowned for their hard work.

344. A heavy heart that reminds me to pray.

345. A blessed Krew that inspires me to make the most of every day, no matter the circumstance.

Sweet Relief

Feeling oh-so-thankful that Day 1 is done. Definitely not perfect, but blessed nonetheless.

Grateful.

Grateful for a daughter's growing maturity and desire to be involved and help out. Grateful for kids who understand and do their best when life doesn't always go their way. And MOST grateful for my own surprisingly upbeat attitude and the incredible blessing of a positive spirit during my time at home - definitely stirred to make the best of our time together and giving thanks for the growing peace within.

God is good - all the time.

326. Waking easily and enjoying quiet time in the morning hours.

327. Tired children who slept in and had to be woken up! A rare occasion in this family!

328. Sweet and unexpected encouragement from a dear friend.

329. A care-free afternoon to rest and relax.

330. Finding even the slightest relief from recurring back pain as a result of said relaxing afternoon.

331. A heart stirred with God-breathed affirmation.

332. The opportunity to encourage.

333. Excited discoveries of new life in backyard nests.

334. Dinnertime laughter.

335. Connecting with a teenager and encouraging an interest in baking while making homemade granola cereal together.

New Seasons of Life

Nervousness grows in me as tomorrow draws nearer.

A new day, a new start, to a new season in our family's life. A season where Mom must let go even more than ever before and truly trust God for my kids.

Certainly unsure about being ready for this step, but the time is here anyways.

Yet reminders of previous years began to grow...not being ready for my oldest to start kindergarten, then my second, and last year my third...not being ready for my husband to walk our oldest 'down the aisle' to be crowned for many years worth of achievements in Wednesday evening church classes...not being ready to drop my youngest off at daycare when life called me back into the work force after 12 blessed years of being a stay-at-home Mom...not being ready to send my oldest on the bus to another town to start junior high...not being ready to parent a teenager! And the list goes on and on...and every time, there have been tears. Ending one phase and beginning another.

Bittersweet.

There are SO many incredible and wonderful things about watching your kids grow, experiencing new discoveries with them, seeing who God is shaping them to become...this latest phase of life has been awesome for our family! Yet with every step closer to the children's independence comes a greater need for Mom and Dad to let go. That's the hard part.

Trusting your most prized possessions to anyone other than yourself, even to the One who gave them to you...it's just hard. And that's where this Momma is at tonight.

There will likely be tears again this time - hopefully just my own, and hopefully they can hold off until the kids are out of sight - but there will also be much more prayer. And that is always, always, always a good thing.

Hanging on to Paul's prayer for his followers in Romans 15:13

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

Lord, fill me completely with joy and peace as I continue to trust in You to care for my children. May I too overflow with confident hope by Your power at work in me. Amen.

311. One day with no plans, spent completely with my children.

312. Weather-delayed baseball games that allow for even more time with my precious children at the end of a very busy week.

313. A beautiful day to spend at the park.

314. Helping children hunt for frogs after a spring rain.

315. Swinging.

316. Fuzzy baby geese.

317. Friends who invite us to the park.

318. A friend's joy at her soldier husband's arrival home.

319. Unexpected surprises at church.

320. Hearing sweet children's voices rise louder than my own as we worship God together.

321. A husband who shares his heart with kids.

322. Reconnecting with close friends over lunch.

323. Reconnecting with long-time friends in the evening.

324. Picking up where we left off - and knowing we can do it again.

325. Answering machine messages of gratitude from amazing kindergarten teachers who appreciate a son's heart to bless her with roses.

The Distraction of Discontent

Deep thoughts are not many as this busiest-of-spring-weeks comes closer to an end, but there is a little something stirring in me that begs to be recorded tonight.

First, let me remind myself that this busy week has been good. Field trips shared, awards ceremonies to honor the accomplishments of 2 talented sons and 1 up-and-coming little lady, teaching and training others who desire to work with children in ministry, the first of many ball games, and treating our Krew to dinner on their last day of school - letting them choose anything they wanted from the menu and laughing together around the table without rushing to get to the next thing on the agenda.

Anyways, a thought that rattles around in this busy brain today has to do with contentment. Being content is an incredible challenge, a goal that is likely unable to be fully attained in this life, and yet one that would benefit each one of us to grow a little closer to every day.

There are so many temptations and distractions in this life - so many opportunities to be reminded of what we don't have. Yet in reality, if we were to stop long enough to take note of what we do have, we might be surprised at how long that list would be. Pleasantly surprised.

It's so easy to compare ourselves to others, first to enjoy peeking into their lives and liking what we see, then to start wanting what they have, and finally believing that life truly would be better if we did 'this' or had 'that'...

Would it? Would it really? Does anyone around us really live that 'perfect life'? Do they find true happiness in what they do or what they own or what they purchase? Do we? Or does every 'new thing' ultimately leave us longing for more? And does that discontentment end up distracting us from everything else that is good in our life?

Such an easy trap to fall into, especially in our society of commercials, billboards, magazines, shopping malls, and super centers. Constant reminders of things we wouldn't otherwise consider, but now can't stop thinking about. Reminders that leave us unsatisfied and available for various forms of slavery as we simply try to 'keep up'...debt that we cannot repay, harder work and longer hours to gain more of what we do not have, time and thoughts that separate from relationships we value...

This truth applies to so much more than just possessions - discontentment results in ongoing envy of status, appearance, career, lifestyle, etc, and it is a contagious disease that affects us all on some level.

And after all that rambling, the thought that continues to stick with me is this:

Wouldn't it be SO much more worthwhile to stop accumulating 'stuff' and to instead spend this life accumulating reasons for gratitude? Can we ever have too much of that? Isn't personal contentment a far greater goal than status, lifestyle, acceptance? Wouldn't we rather invest our time in gaining greater peace than in making more money? In furthering relationships instead of filling shelves and shopping bags?

Guilty as charged. Growing, but still guilty.

Lord, let us all choose to slow down, to defeat the battle of discontent with gratitude. To stop and say 'thank you' when we'd rather grumble and complain. To open our eyes and see that what You have already given us is SO much more than enough. When our minds are overwhelmed with thoughts of what we don't have, let us instead choose to

"capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ."

2 Corinthians 10:5

And as we grow, let us be an encouragement to others, a reminder to them of their many reasons for gratitude instead of what they are missing, a source of blessing and hope for what they can attain rather than what they cannot. Help me 'capture every thought' daily and find myself more grateful today than I was yesterday. Amen.

291. Catching a glimpse of hand 'puppets' in the rearview mirror as they 'sing along' to the CD - and laughing out loud while wishing it could be recorded!

292. Boys who are honored for their character.

293. Events that come together even when computers do not cooperate.

294. Wonderful people who make said events so successful!

295. Opportunities to encourage after difficult ball games.

296. An elementary school that values and rewards reading and sets new reading records every year.

297. Boys who wear gold and bronze reading medals with pride.

298. Friendly chats with parents and teachers.

299. Kids who know exactly what gifts to give their teachers at the end of the year...Kanton said, "I know what I'm going to give my teacher...roses." :)

300. Picking out flowers and candy for special people who invest in my children.

301. Watching a shy preschool princess sing and do actions on stage to a great old song we have been practicing together.

302. Extra hugs, kisses, and waves goodbye at daycare.

303. News that a soldier friend is on his way home.

304. Catching a bloody nose before it hits carpet and clothing.

305. True tears of heartfelt remorse from causing said bloody nose.

306. An abundance of clothing that always needs washing!

307. Time together to celebrate and reflect on another school year gone by.

308. Thunderstorms.

309. The sweet smell of rain.

310. Family devotions and time to pray for one another.

Strangely (and yet not-so-strangely) Calm

Funny how obedience actually does bring better things into our lives...

We expect our kids to do what they are told because we are the older, wiser ones, and we (should) know better than they do about most things. We expect them to trust us even in moments when they don't fully understand the reasons for what we are asking of them because we see a bigger picture and a way towards a good future for them.

Sound familiar? Ever thought about God that way?

He has so many great things in mind for us, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" Jeremiah 29:11

And just like parents with their children, He is wiser and knows better, He sees the bigger picture, and He truly hopes that we will put our trust in Him and obey what He asks so that life will be better for us.

Longing to remember this truth - hoping to log it away and be reminded of it whenever circumstances distract and sleep seems much more worthwhile.

Two days in a row of quiet prayer and preparation have definitely proven God's wisdom to be far greater than my own. Events have been far from perfect, and yet the inner calm is returning - even to the point of laughing with a friend about a miserable experience shortly after it's occurrence.

Yes, even when computer viruses threaten, when other computer programs lock up and lose saved information, when sons lie to your face multiple times...and EVEN when 2 bowls of uncooked oatmeal/water mixture simultaneously come crashing down out of the microwave, splattering in every direction and leaving a wake of sticky goo on the gas range, cupboards, floor, and myself because the metal tray picks the morning of the 5th grade field trip to come loose...even then, this planned-out, structured, doesn't-handle-unexpected-interruptions-in-my schedule-well Mother was surprisingly cool and calm.

No other reason for this phenomenon than the fact that God is faithful to keep His promises, and that when we seek Him first, He truly does give us all we need for each day. A fact that creates endless opportunities for gratitude...

276. A husband who closes the bedroom door and hangs out with the kids to allow yesterday's hope for morning quiet time to become a reality.

277. Finding a quick solution to the sudden challenge with our personal computer.

278. Days when time seems to pass much more slowly than usual.

279. Peaceful, TV-free afternoons at home.

280. Fully-staffed childcare.

281. Coming home to a vacuumed house and dinner on the table!

282. Weather changes that cause days to end even better than they began.

283. Keeping my cool when both me and the kitchen are covered in sticky oatmeal just 40 minutes before my boys need to leave for school.

284. Help in cleaning up said oatmeal.

285. Encouraging and prayer-answering phone conversations - both during long car rides.

286. Fun times shared with my oldest son and 2 of his wonderfully cooperative classmates at the zoo.

287. Numerous questions from my preschooler and the opportunity to answer them!

288. Telling my son that there was no anger in me about his poor choices, and truly meaning it.

289. Success in my first 'double-down' - two meals made for dinner instead of one - and now having chicken in the fridge for tomorrow night!

290. Amazingly moist and tender pork chops hot off the grill on a perfect Spring evening.

Hard Lessons

Exhaustion has been the name of the game these past couple of weeks - too many out-of-the-ordinary, once-a-year, end-of-a-season activities, and there is still one more week left to survive. Survive? Is that really the word just added to this post? Previous posts have mentioned the desire to live fully, to thrive, to make the most of every moment. Yet now there is simply hope to survive, to make it through this time of overwhelming obligation.

Please don't misunderstand - there is joy in taking part in the ceremonies, concerts, performances, and programs that come in this season of Spring - there is excitement and pride in celebration of achievements and accomplishments, in the display of talent and knowledge.

There is also exhaustion in the fullness of the calendar. There is a subtle cringe in the viewing of the schedule, with multiple commitments scrawled on almost every date this month. Everything in me screams for something better - a way to turn the busyness into blessedness, yet there is failure every day.

It is the failure that is most exhausting.

By the end of the week, thoughts return to quiet stillness - when? When is the last time these fingers flipped pages to find strength, when these hands and feet were still, when this mind slowed long enough to allow the soul to be refilled, refreshed?

Reaching for the book on my table, I read, "If Satan can keep my eyes from the Word, my eyesight is too poor to read light - to fill with light."

The words follow His words, "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!" Matthew 6:22-23

"It's just that the eyes are bad - my perspective."

Hard lessons to learn. Necessary lessons. The wondering about missing the blessings is a reflection of my perspective, and my eyesight has been poor these past couple of weeks - a fact that becomes more and more obvious as each day in this home becomes less and less encouraging. A preventable problem, one that can easily be remedied by my choosing.

"Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." Matthew 6:32-33

A long-time favorite promise...He WILL give me what I need WHEN I choose daily to live for Him. The choice is mine.

266. Preschoolers who beg for (and sing along with) Toby Mac - "Shake it, don't break it, took your Momma 9 months to make it!"

267. A night of blessed and encouraging conversation.

268. Safety during unsettling bathroom breaks at unknown gas stations.

269. Early morning text messages that always bring smiles.

270. Special events that honor and recognize the beauty and blessings in every MOPS Mom.

271. Chinese food...mmm...

272. Weather-delayed ball games that make room for fun family outings.

273. 30% off at Kohl's (+ Kohl's cash to boot!)

274. Extra sleep for weary parents.

275. Excitement in plans and preparations for the first annual family vacation.

Tired

Too tired to think and count tonight, but I just wanted to say that I am extremely thankful for an understanding hubby and for prayer time that was shared as we both desire to see this busy season of life be a blessing for our family.

Thank you, Lord, for our wonderful children - please don't ever let the numerous activities of our family allow anger and frustration to be acceptable in our home. Help us find ways to have fun in the busyness, treasure every moment with our kids, and model for them that love and respect will always outweigh anything else in life. Amen.

Blessings in the Busyness

The busyness has begun, and while it's tough to be insightful when life feels crazy, gratitude is the goal. Continuing the search for blessings in the midst of numerous end-of-the-school-year and beginning-of-summer activities.

Our firstborn was selected to participate in the ECNC Honor Band, so she spent the entire day today at another school learning new music with band members from 5 or 6 different school districts. We have so many reasons to be proud!

However, at the same time, there are still fresh recollections of first days of school and memories of summertime fun - how is it possible that another year is already ending?

The only remaining performance for the band this year is graduation on Saturday...the mind jumps ahead in realization that only 5 years remain until our sweet blessings begin to make their own way in this world. If there is anything to be thankful for today and every day, may it be every precious minute with our most valuable treasures. Time is ticking away far too fast...

266. Breaking the capris out of their hiding place!

267. Bright mornings that help awaken the mind when the hours of sleep seem far too few.

268. Fixed and focused attention during time at work.

269. Tough challenges that bring about greater understanding and growth in relationships.

270. Sweet siblings who share with each other - yes, even their precious Easter candy!

271. Finally moving winter clothes to the back of our closets!

272. A forgiving child when Mom misreads the start time of important events and gets wrong directions from Google maps, too.

273. Wrapping up the first year of junior high with great excitement and remembering the details with delight.

274. Relief that said first year was far less traumatic than Mom's junior high experience!

275. Anticipation of a Tuesday morning without early band or choir practice. :)

Thankful

Much to be thankful for after a refreshing visit with out-of-state grandparents...

241. Weekends away with our children.

242. Amazing Saturday weather - absolute perfection!

243. Playing Rummikub on the porch.

244. Stories of family heritage.

245. Peaceful children who play wonderfully together.

246. Selecting flowers for my grandmother's garden.

247. Patient hands-on gardening lessons.

248. Sun-kissed skin after outdoor planting.

249. A preschooler's delight in introducing earthworm friends to her big brother.

250. Goosebumps from patriotic songs played in honor of my grandfather's service in World War II.

251. Grandparents' pride in their great-grandchildren.

252. A father playing football with his children in the sunshine (and daughters who aren't afraid to join in!).

253. Obvious joy from elderly neighbors as they watch children at play.

254. Shared treasures.

255. Proud reminders of a maturing young lady.

256. Being remembered by those who knew me long ago.

257. Close-knit communities.

258. Daddies who demonstrate proper cannonballs and model belly-flops during family swim time.

259. Boys who imitate their Daddies. :)

260. Walks (and drives) down memory lane.

261. Surprise wishes of 'Happy Mother's Day' from sweet friends.

262. Long hugs of love and appreciation.

263. Fields of giant windmills...aka. 'pinwheels'...and squeals of delight.

264. A big brother's insight, "Do you know how big you were when you were first inside Mommy's tummy? (Insert numerous guesses from little sister) No, you were only this big and then you grew and you grew until you got too big for Mommy's tummy and popped out!"

265. "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy."

Field Trip Fulfillment

My heart is full today.

Never before has this Mom spent an entire day with JUST ONE child when they were in kindergarten - with the unique way that our family unfolded, the opportunity just never became available during that age and stage of life for any of our children.

When our oldest was in kindergarten, we had a second who was 3 years old, and another one on the way. When our second-born was in kindergarten, the oldest was in 2nd grade, and the third-born was 1 year old. Living life in a constant state of adjustment and transition as new little blessings are being added to the family can be a very hectic time!

Anyways, since our school system doesn't allow younger siblings to tag along for special events, the possibility of a stay-at-home Mom finding all-day childcare for multiple young children just didn't seem feasible, so a kindergarten field trip is something we have yet to share...until now!

Spending a full day with a large group of energetic kindergarteners may not be appealing to most, and there was a bit of uncertainty in my own mind as well. However, this proved to be a wonderful experience in witnessing the joy of discovery and the excitement of learning that is still so pure and passionate at this young age. Sweet little hands clung to my own for reassurance, and eyes often met amidst the busyness, demonstrating a heart-melting pride at Mom's presence. What a privilege to be a part of this blessed stage of life that has been rushed through and skipped over in previous years because...well, because life just happens that way sometimes.

227. Second (and third and fourth...) chances.

228. Little hands offered to mine, no matter who's watching.

229. An outstanding teacher who continually creates an atmosphere of calm while demonstrating joy in learning and teaching respect for others.

230. Driving downtown with the car windows open on a gorgeous spring day.

231. Chatting in the park with sweet kindergarten Moms and anticipating greater relationships throughout the years to come.

232. Sharing lunch in the sunshine.

233. Witnessing a son's offer of help to a friend.

234. Skipping around the parking lot!

235. Joyous news of a long-awaited kidney transplant for a sweet friend's husband.

236. Sharing in another dear friend's ongoing opportunities to tell her story and impact her world in the midst of incredible challenges.

237. The DARE program - still alive and well in our school system.

238. Little ones who fall heavy asleep in my arms after long days of play.

239. Discovering leftover cake balls in my refrigerator after the kids go to bed. :)

240. A national day of prayer.

True Love

Not many words to say today...meditating instead on the extreme gentleness of true love...

The previous post spoke of a message that has often been communicated to me in a variety of ways. A gift of sorts, simply waiting to be received.

Today, a realization that true love is not forceful - it does not demand that things be done a certain way, does not push it's own agenda, does not shove anything in another's face.

True love offers - extends - and hopes to be received.

When we show genuine love to another, we do not force our thoughts, ideas, and opinions on them. We share what we know, and we hope to be of help. We give what we have that we might bless and encourage.

God is no different - His Word says we were created in His image.

He loves, He is love, and in His perfection, He offers us the best. His Word spells out what He knows, explains what He has, and invites us to receive. He does not demand that we believe, follow, love. He never forces His way, just gently suggests because He knows what we need.

The stubbornness in me does not deserve such gentle reminders - more like a slap in the face after years of doing things my way. Yet it is my choice.

Believe that I know best and continue to struggle, or recognize my own needs and choose to daily accept a loving offer of help?

I always have a choice because true love waits to be received.

216. Being surprised (again!) by a clean car after it has been repaired.

217. Seeing doors begin to open after others have closed.

218. A daughter's anticipation of tomorrow's play-date.

219. Another daughter's recognition for educational and musical achievements.

220. A Mother's pride at her children's God-given abilities.

221. Excitement about being driven home from school instead of riding the bus - not yet embarrassed to be seen with Mom!

222. Perseverance in homework challenges.

223. Kindergarten tball practice that brings back memories of another talented son who was once so young and small.

224. Eating cold sandwiches in the car for dinner and hearing no complaints.

225. Wind that brings close the scent of new tree blossoms from far away.

226. A magnificently breathtaking sunset.

Perfect Timing

A wonderful devotion could not have been more perfectly timed. This morning, a familiar passage from Isaiah was shared,

"He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; He offers strength to the weak...those who wait on the Lord will find new strength."

Isaiah 40:29, 31

This passage came along with the gentle reminder that we are not defined by our work, that God does not determine our value by what (or how much) we do. God clearly values relationships - so much so that He gave His own Son, sacrificed His life, in order for us to have relationship with Him.

Being busy builds walls. There are important things to do in life, yes, but the atmosphere that is created in constant busyness is not one that is welcoming to relationship, no matter how much we care about others. Instead, the silent message is sent that there is no time for connection, that work is more valuable. Imperfect human effort can never be enough in light of a perfect and holy God, yet we often believe otherwise.

"I want you to be merciful; I don't want your sacrifices. I want you to know God; that's more important than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6

All He wants is our heart.

From a heart surrendered comes great love for God and others, and yes, hands to serve, to do the work, as well.

It is all too easy to get it backwards, to love God but then get sucked into the busyness of life, of service, of ministry, and end up squeezing Him and others out of the picture.

He longs for us to 'wait on' Him so that He can give 'new strength' - He desires that we 'come' to Him so that He can give 'rest.' This is what relationships do! Spending time, free and enjoyable time, with those we love brings strength and rest, it revives us. Those connections are frequent cravings of mine because of the refreshing they provide.

God continues to gently remind that He longs for the same - for quiet time of connection with Him so that He can pour out even greater blessing and preparation for our purposes.

This message is one that is continually heard by these ears, by this heart, and yet pushed away just as often. Thoughts are forever backwards, being convinced that there just isn't time to 'wait on the Lord' right now, that rest is found in the comfort of my bed instead of the truth of His Word. While there is great love for the Truth, there is not always obedience.

My greatest struggle confessed.

Longing to let go, to truly experience what God says He has for me.

His peace has been experienced beyond all understanding, His unspeakable joy sensed deep within. Now desiring this rest, this renewal. Yearning to find it here in my own home, to stop believing that it can only be found in a place of retreat. Make my home a retreat, Lord. Help me walk away from distraction, from busyness, and find You there - here.

206. Perfect timing.

207. A friend's trust.

208. Random, made-up songs sung softly in the backseat, unaware of Mom's listening ears.

209. Pursuit of relationship.

210. A husband's love for our home and family.

211. Leisurely walks with no schedule to keep.

212. Perfect evening light for picture-taking.

213. The sweet smell of lilac bushes in neighboring yards.

214. Children who beg for fresh fruit to snack on.

215. Time to sit and soak in the Truth.

Distracted

No more appropriate word to describe this day.

Distracted. Distracted by the lure of extra sleep, the myriad of new blemishes on my skin that continue to be noticed every time I visit a restroom or pass a mirror, the various ideas that roll around in my brain about ways to do things better. Distracted by my Mother's surgery, the overflowing hampers in the laundry room, the mound of unfinished business on my desk at work, the annoying noise that keeps getting louder every time the minivan is driven. Distracted by the overwhelming schedule of baseball practices and games, school concerts and awards ceremonies, field trips, and church events that is coming at me like a freight train barreling down the mountainside - there is no way to run fast enough to avoid it.

From the early morning until now, there has been very little ability in me to focus on any one thing for any length of time - a fact that leaves me quite frustrated.

Yet surprisingly, none of these distractions bring anger or strife - they just fill the mind full to capacity and leave little room for anything else. No extra space to be thankful, to take notice. No breathing room, no margin in which to realize God's handiwork, to recognize His blessings.

He whispers ever so softly..."Be still..."

A message spoken to this heart far too often for far too long. Be still.

Challenging truth for this multi-tasking, adding-more-to-the-calendar-every-day-as-my-children-grow, juggling-greater-responsibility-with-a-new-part-time-job-in-the-ministry, desiring-ongoing-connection-with-the-precious-people-in-my-life Mom.

The 'being still' is a facet of life that continues to escape me, especially at home and at work. In sweet moments of worship, in the 'getting away' for trips and conferences, those times seem so perfect for the quiet moments of reconnection, refocus, renewal.

Yet here, in the day-to-day, distraction kicks in before feet hit the floor. How can the heart give thanks when the mind is so busy?

Pressing on. And praying for strength to find the stillness before I am found by the busyness. There's always tomorrow.

201. Postage meter errors that allow greater preparation time for important events.

202. Not being alone in my distractedness today.

203. Beautiful blooms of white that envelop the entryway where I work - the hands that planted those gorgeous trees must have known how those blossoms would encourage all who pass below.

204. Remembering to order dinner to celebrate with a fantastic and amazing Children's Ministry Team.

205. A successful surgery to repair my Mother's bulging discs - please join me in praying for complete relief from pain and a speedy recovery.

May Day Simplicity

May Day is definitely a favorite in this house. Preparing fun gifts and goodies for friends and family, running to doors with sweet deliveries, giggling and squealing as we hurry away, hoping not to get 'caught'...everyone loves this day! It is even fun for the animal-loving teenager who finds joy in leaving doggie treats on doorsteps to go along with the candy.

Making fun memories together can be so simple, yet it often causes stress and strife in the effort of creating opportunities to do so - expectations and anticipations are high, results and realities are not.

Today was so relaxed, so enjoyable, so blessed. Praying for greater awareness of the God-given opportunities for memory-making. Hoping that eyes and ears will become more sensitive to events in the making and that my own mind becomes less particular about the details, less concerned with perfection. May that perfection instead be found in spontaneity, in creativity, in random and unexpected moments of joy.

^"13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him." Romans 15:13

Longing to trust Him for more of these blessed moments in everyday life.

191. Red roses...just because... :)

192. Reminders of the love and grace lavished on us by our Creator.

193. Finding May Day 'baskets' on the windshield of our car after church.

194. A silly Daddy who enjoys sneaking up on friends' houses as much as the kids do (cue theme song from 'Mission Impossible').

195. The sweet smell of new blossoms on budding trees.

196. Twirling with bubble wands to produce hundreds of tiny bubbles.

197. Making bows-and-arrows out of sticks and string.

198. A husband's 'rescue' from shocking snake discoveries - no matter how tiny they may be!

199. Visible progress made on long-overdue projects.

200. Swinging.