Learningandlivingbyfaith

It is so late. Miah took a lateish nap. I really thought she would stay down for the night! When will she ever sleep all night? *sigh*

Anyway I was browsing through blogs and stumbled on Rambling Roads. She is having a fantastic giveaway of some books. Check her out! I will be back to read more of her blog for sure.

I’m still learning how to do this blog thing. I’m not sure what I did wrong in the last post. Ah well, I played with it for awhile, but I gave up! I will try again.

I’m still learning about this mommy thing. The kids have a major case of “can’t hear a word mommy says”. I’m still working on it and I will not give up! They’ll hear me or spend some serious time becoming acquainted with their bedroom and no privileges.

I’m still learning about this Christian thing. I have a major case of the “sorry, God, I wasn’t listening.” I’m still working on it and I’m so glad God never gives up on me! He is so good and His Mercy and Grace are the only things that help me get through my days.

I’m still learning about this wife thing. We have a major case of “need to make time for each other and not just on date night.” We’re working on that. It’s amazing that after knowing each other for 17 years and being married for 10 years. There are still things we need to learn about ourselves and each other. That’s a good thing, a very good thing.

I’m still learning a lot of things. But I think that’s what makes life interesting. God gives us numerous opportunities to learn. It’s how we choose to look at those lessons that determines our outlook. I’m thankful for a God who loves me enough to teach me.

Ammie

Our town began a recycling program about 10 years ago. They distributed bright red or green plastic containers to place your recyclables in. The mailed a list of things that could be recycled and a way to sort these things. I thought it was a wonderful way to be responsible about the waste we contribute. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not pushing Al Gore’s philosophy here. But I think it’s an excellent example of good stewardship. God has given us this beautiful planet, I think we should be doing our best to take care of it.

So that brings me to a conversation I had with my brother last weekend. I was at my mom’s picking up the kids. They had spent the night for date night the previous evening. (My brother has been in some trouble. I love him, I know God loves him, I just keep waiting (and praying) for him to become an adult.) He has been doing community service to pay for some fines, at the Recycling center here in Batesville. He was describing the way it works when they bring in recyclables. They have a conveyor belt and they dump and sort through the recyclables brought in. He told me all of the things they recycle and the things they don’t. The bad thing? Most of the things that were on the list of recyclable items are things that they are throwing into the dump. Which means I have spent the last 10 years or so of my time sorting and recycling things that aren’t being recycled, if you follow me.

Now I’m curious about all kinds of things…Are they receiving grants for saying they are recycling things that they aren’t recycling? Are other people in our community aware of this? I’m wondering if a letter or phone call to the editor of our newspaper would do any good?

I promise a more positive post soon!

I am spending a lot of time playing around with my blog. Still figuring it out a little at a time. It seems like it should be so simple and yet… I think I would have more luck if I let the boys set it all up for me! So bear with me!

We had a wonderful time Halloween night. In spite of a short nap, Amiah was eager and very cooperative. Full of energy, she just couldn’t wait to get out there. Brason was almost as eager as she was. I think he was the first one dressed and ready to go. Ben and Brennen were much more subdued. I think this will be their last year, to trick or treat anyway. That’s okay. Brennen was so helpful with Amiah. He helped her get up to the doors and waited for her at each house. I love his sweet heart.

Amiah was so eager, at one of the first houses, she decided the lady wasn’t opening the door fast enough. I was so embarrassed. Amiah tried to help the lady get the door open. I’m glad the lady was sweet about it. We only did a few houses. That was more than enough. First we trick or treated downtown Main Street. Stacy works on Main Street, so it’s a good place for us to meet and start the evening. We left there and headed to McDonald’s to pick up some very healthy dinner. After we trick or treated a few houses, we went to our church. It was good to see everyone. They had a wonderful turn out! I hope some of the people who visited for the trunk or treat will return for services.

We also went to the churches of a few friends. After that we were done. We had to take Stacy back to get the car and then we headed home. Amiah tried to fall asleep, but Brennen kept her entertained long enough for us to get home. I knew if she fell asleep in the car for that short ride we would be up all night.

At home, they ate a few pieces of candy while we watched the Yankee’s game. There was no arguing about going to bed! Amiah fell asleep not long after we got home and slept all night. With the time change she slept 12 hours and Sunday she took a 3  hour nap. I guess all that running around took it out of her!

So that was our evening. Hope everyone else had a good weekend! I know we did!

Wednesdays are  busy days for us. We have school, lunch, a bit more school and then we are all off to town. Wednesdays are the days “B” has guitar practice. Because we are already in town, we make a library run, get allergy shots (also for “B”), and usually run by Wal-Mart or Kroger for a grocery run. “B’s” guitar practices are 30 minutes. It’s too long to hang out in the van and not long enough to do more than run a short errand or two.

Today we took that time and went to the park. My intention was to get some new pictures of the curtain climbers that I had with me. We ran into a friend of my dad’s who was there with her grandson. Her daughter also home schools. It was so nice to see and visit with her. I was shocked to find out that she lost her husband this summer. We do not get the newspaper and I hadn’t heard about his passing. I felt horrible. She didn’t have any of our phone numbers to get in touch with any us.

I am so glad we took that trip to the park today! It was good to watch the kids run and play! It’s so wet and muddy here! Our yard doesn’t look bad, but try to walk in it and it’s a giant mud pit! I caught the weather earlier and it’s supposed to rain again tomorrow and Friday! Yuckety yuck! We did enjoy the sunshine while we were out today though!

We are obsessed with the World Series and all things Yankees! Don’t throw peanuts at me! The boys love the Yankees! I’m not sure why. We aren’t from the North! We don’t have any ties to family who live in New York. When Ben first showed an interest in baseball we encouraged him. We read books about the history of baseball, he read books about the history and he latched onto greats like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Lou Gherig. So who am I to cause a divided house? LOL I will admit to cheering for the Red Sox on occasion, just to tease him. And really we like the Sox. But we’ve been told you can’t love the Yankee’s and like the Sox. It is what it is. We love a good ball game! And we are in for several over the next couple of weeks! So I’m off to watch the game with the boys! Go Yankees! I still think Phillies pitcher Brad Lidge is a cutie!

It’s the question that parents have a love/hate  relationship with. I know I certainly do. I love to see the kids seeking the answer to questions. That desire to obtain knowledge about what interests them most. I’m not so happy when they are questioning the rules. Our oldest loves to ask questions. This is the child who used to carry around encyclopedia’s to read, for fun. He has in insatiable thirst for knowledge. He can read for hours about almost anything. He is our “B”. (How he got that nickname is a post for another day) He does drive me a little crazy with what I don’t he does know.

“B” loves to ask me questions…for instance “Mom, does the trapdoor spider really use a trapdoor to catch it’s prey?”  I don’t know the answer to that question and I have to admit I don’t know. If I try to fake it, that’s the time he really does know the answer and I’m caught. So I’ve learned with him it’s best to just say. “B” I don’t know why. And if he knows he tells me, and I say “Well if you already knew, why did you ask me?” And if he doesn’t then we try to find the answer.

Miah is almost 4 and at the prime of the “Why” stage. Why are we going there? Why do we have to wear shoes? Why do I need to be quiet? Why isn’t it time? Why do ladybugs have spots? Why can’t I sleep in the boys room? Some days I ask her “Miah…Why do you need to know why?” Of course I’m met with that mymomisanut look.

Recently I had to answer their “Why?” question with an I don’t know. A little girl they had been praying for, for a very long time, got very sick and died. It happened so very quickly. They didn’t know this little girl personally, but a friend had asked me to pray and so I shared that prayer request with my prayer warriors. (And they really are. They don’t forget to pray for someone when asked. Sometimes they pray for that person long after the prayer has been answered. It encourages me.) I know the “adult” answers for this question. I know that God is so good, I know that He has a plan, I know that there is a time, I know, I know, I know. But it doesn’t stop the aching “why” in their hearts. So I just remind them of all that they know to be true. God loves them and He cares for them. He has a reason for all things, a wisdom in all things that sometimes we can’t see or understand. It doesn’t change who He is.

As a mom, I ache for this little girl’s mom. This was not her first loss. And I can not imagine how she must feel. So, now our prayer is for her heart. For all the “why’s” she won’t hear.

Philippians 2:14-15 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

When I pray, often I will ask God, “Just give me some red flags, a brick wall, or neon flashing sign. Any or all of the above would be a great help!” And then when He does, I look behind me or all around me for the person whom those “signs” are for. Only to realize, Yes, He is talking to me! Well, duh! (Don’t tell my children I said that.) And then there are days when He sends all these things and I didn’t even ask Him. (Personally I think God has a terrific sense of humor.) I read the first verse in a devotion this morning (my brick wall).  When I went to look it up the second verse spoke to me, too (neon lights, anyone?). All of this after a post from a friend about service. (the initial flashing red light.)

My attitude, my heart, my soul has not been in a good place lately. I have been short with my husband and children, certainly not serving them without “murmurings and disputings”. My heart has certainly not been blameless or harmless as I go about my day frustrated with the smallest of things. And my light has not been shining as it should. I’m disappointed in myself. I know better and I let myself get distracted with the day to day routine. I’m so busy accomplishing what is on my list, I get carried away and forget to serve. Serve God, serve my family, serve my friends. It happens so slowly. Depending on the situation, I had an excuse. I blamed not serving on everything.

I feel the need to clarify. My first area of service for God is my family. That is my first mission field. All other things come second. I’m not talking about being so busy outside of my family that I don’t have time to serve. I simply wasn’t serving anyone but myself. And if I had to do something for someone else, there was plenty of murmuring. Maybe under my breath or just in my heart, but the Lord heard it. My family knew it by my attitude. Even my children recognized it. As a result, they didn’t want to do what was required or what was asked of them, either. Whining and complaining ensued. Fusses and fighting because we didn’t have servants hearts and our attitudes just plain stunk.

The repercussions of this are long lasting, such is the nature of sin. Unfortunately my attitude isn’t the only one who needs adjusting, now. When one of us stop serving or has a sour attitude, we are all affected. It’s a domino effect. And not a fun one.

It seems everyone wants me at the same time, that’s overwhelming sometimes. But no excuse. Never enough time in the day to take care of house and home, plus do the things I want to do. What about the things I have planned, Lord? I was going to clean out the boys room today and catch up on the laundry. Those are murmurings and disputings. If I’m honest with you and myself, I have to acknowledge that most days I accomplish what I truly want. The things that really need to be done are taken care of. There are the days of sick kids or days we are just really busy. But generally if I’m not getting things done, it’s because I’m not doing.

So we begin again. Serving, showing tenderness of heart for each other, purposefully. Without complaining. Daughters and sons of God trying to live in a way so that God can shine through us. Even at home. Especially at home.

At least I think it is. I’m trying to learn the in’s and out’s because I really would love to have a blog. I love reading the blog’s of people I know and of those I don’t. I have lots of ideas that I want to write about, but when I sit down to the keyboard, I go blank. I guess all those times I’m laying in bed and thinking, I would love to blog about that…I should get up and write it down. My biggest problem is my need for it to be just so. Perfectionism is a nasty thing. It isn’t perfect so I just won’t post it, say it or do it. But I’ve decided I’m going to try to let it go. That should be real easy. Not.