I love my kids!

Stephen: How did I get a hole in my pants? I wasn't even chewing on them.

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Alex (to Emma): Where did you learn the word vinegar?

Emma: Jesus.

(Pause and confusion)

Emma: They didn't like Him.

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Stephen (while watching the Olympics): Why are those boys doing ballet on the ice?

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Stephen (to Emma): Did you poop your pants?

Emma (with much disgust and a wrinkled nose): No, I farted.
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Mom: Emma, look it's snowing.

Emma: Oh no! Not again!
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Perfection...

we expect it,

no-we demand it-of ourselves and others...

we are outraged when we/they don't achieve it.

Is it just me or is anyone else amazed by some of the news stories lately?

I find it amazing that people are shocked by Tiger and his indiscretions. I am in no way justifying his behaviors, but come on, did we really think he was perfect? I will admit that some of the stories surrounding him right now do shock me, but just because he was amazing on a golf course doesn't mean he wasn't a flawed person.

And then today, I saw an article about the men's silver medalist in ice skating. He and his publicists decided that his performance earned him a platinum medal, not a silver. Seriously!???? Have we come to expect perfection (from ourselves and others-like skating judges) to such an extent that we believe we are entitled to it and we no longer have to earn our successes? Or at the very least accept that flaws are a part of this world we live in?

I strive for perfection in areas of my life and unfortunately they are often times areas where my standard is based upon this world's view of perfection and not God's. For example, I often struggle with my looks. I know I am not ugly; but my body isn't toned enough, my skin isn't flawless, I don't like my hair, etc... The Truth is this: The King is enthralled with my beauty. (Psalm 45:11)

We live in a broken and fallen world. We are all sinners. The Truth is this: For God so loved the world (YOU) that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

What are you striving for? Is it the world's version of perfection or are you striving to be like Christ-which usually looks very different than the world?

In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. Christ himself was like God in everything. But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit. But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born as a man and became like a servant. And when he was living as a man, he humbled himself and was fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross. So God raised him to the highest place. God made his name greater than every other name so that every knee will bow to the name of Jesus— everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. And everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and bring glory to God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11)

Are you listening to the world as you strive for perfection and success or are you listening to the Truth?

Overwhelmed...it has been one of those weeks...long, exhausting, emotional, and draining.

As I have sought God this past week, I have kept coming back to this verse:

He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light. (Job 33:28)

In the past I have focused on the fact that He has indeed saved me and kept me from death (literally and figuratively). But then yesterday it was like a light bulb went off in my brain: I will live to enjoy the light.

I won't just live,

but I will live to enjoy.

And my joy will be found in The Light.

If my focus is not on The One True Light, my path will indeed look and feel dark. His Light is always there to offer illumination, even in the darkest of moments. It may be that false light has seeped in and made it more difficult to find the true source of Light, but He is always there.

Always!

And "I WILL live to enjoy the light",

how about you?!

How Ironic!

Aaron and I had a meeting with some teachers at the boy's school yesterday. The meeting was in regards to Stephen and beginning some speech therapy. (Yes, they are going to try and teach him to speak so that he no longer lisps-and yes, honestly, I am a bit saddened by this.)

While we were sitting and waiting for all of the members of the meeting to gather, we overheard the principal tell his secretary that 3-4 fourth grade boys would be coming in to see him. Yep, you guessed it, one of those boys was Alex. Oh boy, was he surprised to see his parents sitting in the waiting area of the office.

While in the meeting for Stephen, we had a chance to speak to the principal. He assured us that nothing earth shattering had happened. It was interesting to watch his reaction to finding out that we are the parents of one of the students he was disciplining. He found it very interesting and funny.

After our meeting, (Alex was already back in his class) we talked more with the principal. He shared with us what had happened and how he handled it. Like he said, nothing earth shattering. However, he did tell us that he had pulled Alex aside to ask if he knew who was in the office, to which Alex timidly responded "My parents." The principal hugged him and told him that everything was fine then sent him back to class. As he was telling us, you could definitely tell that the irony of the situation was apparent to him as well. He got a huge kick out of the situation. So did we. We laughed about it for quite a while last night, in fact, I'm still laughing today. Oh the irony...

Think about it...

It is the Spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.--Job 32:8

The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.--Job 33:4

Where is your next breath coming from?

Today I am Thankful for...

...a "normal" day. No school delays or early releases in sight. This means I can do my job without having to scramble to get kids picked up or be home early or deliver kids at weird times. I love the structure of a normal schedule.

...for snow days. I really do enjoy the moments that happen with my kids when the schedule is different. I got to cuddle and nap with Emma. I got to have real conversations with the boys about telling the truth. I love the sound of the kids playing together, before the grumpiness and tiredness of the day has set in.

...for love. This weekend is Valentine's Day. And while I really am not a huge fan of the holiday (for various reasons), I do like how it forces us to say "I love you" more. How it causes us to stop in the midst of our crazy lives and remember the warm fuzzies and butterflies. I know that for many people though, this is a very difficult holiday. So in spite of the commercialism, I will say thank you for Valentine's Day. For I am blessed to love and be loved.

Family Weekend

Water Fun!!! Big splashes!!!

(500 gallons of splash fun!)

Slippery step + excited boy=beat up chin

Just my size slide + little girl= big smiles.

Leaping lilypads + lazy rivers occupy boys time.

+ other slides and play areas not pictured due to parents having fun as well.

All of the above equals a great time together!!!

What are you thankful for?

Most Thursdays I post what I am thankful for in my life.

And while I could once again make a list of the blessings I have been given,

I am curious, what are you thankful for?

If you are struggling to think of anything,

what has been one of God's greatest blessings in your life?

In all reality, no matter what our current circumstances,

we have so much to be thankful for in our lives.

(Maybe the old beater that is still chugging along,

the house that despite all of the needed repairs still provides warmth,

or the spouse that is willing to work through the messy stuff of life-

even if they are on your last nerve.)

For me-I am thankful for all of you.

Whether I know you or not.

God has blessed me so much

and one of His blessings is to provide me with people who will listen to my ramblings.

A thought...or two

As I sit here staring at the candle that is burning on my desk, I wish it would suddenly speak. (Technically I wish God would speak through the flame, in essence my own burning bush.) But alas, no matter how long I stare the flame just flickers silently. I have been crying out to God for clarity on some issues and He is not answering within my time frame. We ask for God to answer and speak to us but all too often we fail to slow down long enough to listen.

God does speak. Rarely is it as audacious as Moses' experience with a burning bush, but He does speak. I find myself more and more listening for His voice. I find myself seeking His Word for His voice. I listen to hear His voice in the words spoken by the Godly people in my life. He does speak. I just need to be listening.

And so the flame I was hoping would speak is a simple reminder to listen. He is speaking, I just need to be tuned into His voice. Like Samuel, I need to say "Speak LORD for your servant is listening." And then I need to do just that, listen.