It's a Golden Life

I have been getting side tracked easier lately. Maybe it's keeping track of three kids, or being a wife, or keeping up with the house, or the daycare, or family, or ministry? Maybe I am dreaming of warmer weather? Probably a combination of all those things. I do know that I have felt God convicting me to read more of the Word and meditate on what he is saying through it.  In journey group--which was over 3 years ago! Wow!--I learned a method to study scripture, and it was helpful in retaining what I was reading. (The star method) I feel like I fell off the wagon for a while and just went wayward, without a method to guide me. While that can be good to learn new scripture, I do better with a guide. Using a method really helps me to dive deep into the scriptures at hand. 

Mornings around here are...interesting (usually). It's unusual to have a slow morning, where everything runs smoothly, everyone is in a good morning mood, and people are at school and work on time. We used to do a few things differently that made the madness manageable. I feel like we better get this to an oiled, running machine before we have 3 kids in school (or maybe 4 when Izzy comes home). To make mornings easier, we do a few things-and it begins with the night before. -Do reading and homework the night before. We have tried to do this in the morning, but boy-it doesn't work out! They are tired and do not want to focus. I don't have the time to sit down and go through each word and sentence. It's 100% better for our sanity if we do all homework before dinner!  -Pack lunches-make sure they are in the fridge and ready to go!  -Lay out breakfast. Set the cereal or oatmeal and fruit they are going to eat, on the counter. Bowls and spoons ready to go.  -Lay out clothes ...

I am so grateful there are individuals blessed with the ability to capture a family's presence in a photograph. We had the gift of a family portrait session for Christmas and were able to schedule the shoot a couple weekends ago. Thankfully, it was an out of the norm, 60 degree day in Arkansas. While windy, it was great weather for being outside.  This is our family at 29, 28, 7, 5, & 3. Just trying our best to love Jesus and love each other well.  Love Pax with the stick! 10 years of our souls mingling and I love this man more with every day.  Such beautiful eyes Our sassy, sweet diva. What a sensitive, handsome boy.  My boys! My little girl.  He just gets her. I think he had a lot of practice with me.  One of my favorites! 

At this point in my life-I am realizing I will never have it all figured out. Throughout my days, I have plenty of time to think (although my thinking may sometimes be over powered by a certain crying toddler or his demands). As I peel Doc McStuffins stickers off the tile floor, vacuum dry oatmeal that was spilled in the couch, and wash the sheets that were strewn down the hallway instead of put into the dirty laundry. As I pick up that kitchen towel that was knocked off the stove (for the 109th time today), clean a potty seat that was used, or load up the dishwasher (again), or reheat my precious coffee for the 3rd time of the day-I do not take this time I have at home in vain. I realize in just a couple short years my toddler will be 5. He will be in school all day like his brother and sister. I won't have the opportunities with him then like I do now. He is already on to the fact that school is pretty awesome. His new saying is, "When I'm 5, I get to go to school, right...

Kings Kaleidoscope – Seek Your Kingdom I’ve been anxious, I can’t sleep Worthless worries, burden me  I hunt the sun, chase the wind Till my tired spirit spins into the ground When I try to take control Fear and terror grip my soul I need joy, I need peace I need rest I need relief I look to you, and you teach me to Seek your kingdom Seek your righteousness See the ravens, they can’t farm They don’t have silos, trucks or barns But our God sees their needs And he loves them and he feeds them everyday See the lilies, how they grow They don’t work or buy their clothes But if God, by his grace, clothes the grass with great array Then how much more, is there in store, when I Seek your kingdom Seek your righteousness I will seek your kingdom Seek your righteousness When I’m worried about tomorrow, your will will guide me through All these things in my life won’t shake me, you’ll take me  home

We had the privilege of spending 2 1/2 days with the other members in our leadership team at the Metro this past weekend. It was so refreshing to focus on the vision of the church for 2015. Delicious meals were provided, any snack one could desire, and all the drinks you could ever need! We were able to sleep in, play games, and just enjoy each other's company. The rooms were so comfortable-just the entire place!  At one point, we opted the M&M game. It was great to get to know the pastors and their wives on a deeper level.  There was also a giant Jenga game that was really fun.  Overall, the weekend was fantastic. It was super relaxing. I am so thankful for the hard work that was put into making the retreat what it was. I can't wait to hang out like that again! 

For my Christmas/birthday present, Donovan surprised me with not only a prepaid appointment to get a tattoo, but a joint appointment.  I have been thinking and thinking about what tattoo I would get (***if I were to get one). A couple months ago, I finally decided! It was more daydreaming than actual planning. I hadn't planned to save up for it or to mark a date on the calendar, I just was sure of the permanent ink I wanted on my body.  Donovan went first. He didn't flinch with pain once! I wanted him to go first just so I could see what it was like. When we sat down and the tattoo artist was setting up, I already felt woozy because it smelled like a doctors's office. The sterilized smell of alcohol and cleansing soap is enough to lull me back into the operating room for c-sections. Luckily, I did not pass out! I kept it together! The tattoo artist and the other guy working were super nice and really funny. It's definitely a must to have good company while embarking on ...

Halynd talking to herself as she is going to bed tonight. I don't want to forget her funny, sweet conversations she has with herself while falling asleep. "I'm just reading a book about the Great God, it's good to read about God." "If Jesus had a house and land, why did his mom have to go and have him be borned in a barn?" "Why do you have 2 rings? Daddy didn't give you two rings, the man that married you gave you a ring and gave daddy a tattoo. All men's have tattoos. Papa doesn't, but all other men's do." "Momma, I love God so much. I can't wait until he comes down. When is he coming down?" "Dear God, thank you for making us. Thank you for making my mom and dad. Thank you for being borned on Christmas. I love you so much. Amen." "How do you say God in Spanish? Dios? I'm going to say that from now on. I love you Dios." "It smells like cannibals in here! I can't sleep when it smells...