What a great time we had!
We went to Washington DC (in the general area there) for just about two weeks.
Great time to relax and enjoy some family time. We are so thankful for our church family letting us get away!
My blog is also getting ready to have some updates done to it! I met a wonderful person through a book launch team, and she's been putting in some hard work for me.
Speaking of book launches, I'm currently enrolled in two, and I'm thoroughly enjoying them. There's very little to do on our part, other than what you would do every day on social media. Such a great time to meet so many wonderful ladies!
My heart and my mind have been so full of things I wanted to write. I will update the blog soon with tons of pictures. It will be photo overload. Fair warning.
I'm sitting here in the car, waiting on Cade to finish up with his piano lessons. Libby is sitting in the back watching a movie. I cannot help but be amazed at the little ways God blesses, protects, and just is plain GOOD to us
I cannot be the only one feeling the same way. Life is so precious, so dear, and always changing. It amazes me that He has such patience with us. He goes over and above. Always.
Bless you, dear reader as I know my posts have ebbed and flowed. Life has been wonderful – crazy. School starts in a couple weeks. Whether you find yourself getting your Littles ready for school, or just ready for your next season in life, know that you're loved and cherished today. Stay in the present, that's where he's waiting.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Saturday, June 20, 2015
The sun is bright and shining. And so are the foreheads that live in this house. The heat index is 106 today. Hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk or a lizard on a Quonset hut.
My inner-redneck is showing. I guess that's what happens when the heat gets to me! =)
Today finds the kids napping, Aaron sermon prepping and I'm here with my feet propped up, and an iced cold La Croix in hand. Lime...my favorite.
My mind is trying to apply myself to studying about the armor of God, which I'm supposed to be teaching on tomorrow, but my heart is heavy for the church itself. How very appropriate to be learning more about the armor as the day approaches.
Our country is getting ready to celebrate a birthday. A day where we celebrate our independence. Our freedom from tyranny.
Finding freedom in today's world is much like it has always been for mankind. Someone will win, and others will lose. Winning begins with these three steps:
1) Knowing your opponent.
2) Preparing your armor.
3) And Readying yourself for a tough fight.
You cannot decide to fight well or to polish up your armor when the enemy is at your door. Things that take work are difficult because it calls us to daily drill in circumstances that aren't "Right Now." Or immediate. Instant satisfaction won't work with a battle. At least in most cases, battles are hard fought. Sacrifices made. Duty and discipline. A loyalty of heart, and a unity of spirit. Characteristics of a warrior begin in the heart and are played out in his/her life as the battle rages. Time and effort have been poured into the heart and trained in the mind. Over and over, and over and over. Until fluidity, accuracy, and dependability are obtained. The finished product is what is necessary to accept and hold onto the prize.
As Jesus followers, the same is true for us. Maybe even more so.
If it is true freedom that we are after, then we have to repeat those same three steps...and hold close to what it is that we are fighting for. It was for freedom that Christ set us free. (Galations 5:10). The end of that verse urges us to "Stand firm" and not let ourselves be yoked to slavery again.
The process repeats itself. Again and again.
Perhaps as we approach this birthday, may we think past the fireworks and the "winning," and look towards the horizon as we stand firm. In our freedom. At least for today.
My inner-redneck is showing. I guess that's what happens when the heat gets to me! =)
Today finds the kids napping, Aaron sermon prepping and I'm here with my feet propped up, and an iced cold La Croix in hand. Lime...my favorite.
My mind is trying to apply myself to studying about the armor of God, which I'm supposed to be teaching on tomorrow, but my heart is heavy for the church itself. How very appropriate to be learning more about the armor as the day approaches.
Our country is getting ready to celebrate a birthday. A day where we celebrate our independence. Our freedom from tyranny.
Finding freedom in today's world is much like it has always been for mankind. Someone will win, and others will lose. Winning begins with these three steps:
1) Knowing your opponent.
2) Preparing your armor.
3) And Readying yourself for a tough fight.
You cannot decide to fight well or to polish up your armor when the enemy is at your door. Things that take work are difficult because it calls us to daily drill in circumstances that aren't "Right Now." Or immediate. Instant satisfaction won't work with a battle. At least in most cases, battles are hard fought. Sacrifices made. Duty and discipline. A loyalty of heart, and a unity of spirit. Characteristics of a warrior begin in the heart and are played out in his/her life as the battle rages. Time and effort have been poured into the heart and trained in the mind. Over and over, and over and over. Until fluidity, accuracy, and dependability are obtained. The finished product is what is necessary to accept and hold onto the prize.
As Jesus followers, the same is true for us. Maybe even more so.
If it is true freedom that we are after, then we have to repeat those same three steps...and hold close to what it is that we are fighting for. It was for freedom that Christ set us free. (Galations 5:10). The end of that verse urges us to "Stand firm" and not let ourselves be yoked to slavery again.
The process repeats itself. Again and again.
Perhaps as we approach this birthday, may we think past the fireworks and the "winning," and look towards the horizon as we stand firm. In our freedom. At least for today.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Summer...
Potty training is a spiritual gift, but it's not mine. Apparently.
Little Miss is trying her best to NOT go most days, but on others amazes me with her...what would you call it...skill? Or whatever.
It would be easy, they said. "Fun" was the word they used. Her cuteness calls for grace. And lots and lots of laughs.
(The cuteness...I can hardly handle!)
There are a couple of retreats that I'm beginning to prepare for. The Lord is really rocking our worlds when it comes right down to loving people and keeping the Gospel the "GOOD" news, not our opinions of it. The Lord is so good to us. For real.
I've started at least six posts, but none of them have been "worked" out just right. I'll share more of them soon. I'm learning so much I can hardly keep up these days. Yes, the potty training stuff has me befuzzled. I'm learning there too. Girls are NOT easier than boys. All lies. *smile
My plate has been so full, and I've been so full, that I decided to take almost all of April and part of May to unload. Remove. Take off all things "too much." These things, all these things, cause me "BIG FEELINGS." And then some. They are things that cause me instant stress as soon as I say "Yes." They cause great distress and allow me to watch the cycles of the moon at night. Night after night. When I should have said "No." Nada. No can do. Forget it.
My mercy gets me into trouble, but I'm coming backswinging singing.
This summer is going to be exciting. We've already had a tornado, flooded basement, broken toilet, melted siding, and a few knee scrapes along the way. Never a dull moment and I wouldn't trade it for anything! It has truly been so much fun. I'm terrible at pictures--big surprise. But i'm loving every minute!
It was great "chatting" with you.
Stay faithful friends.
-Erin
Little Miss is trying her best to NOT go most days, but on others amazes me with her...what would you call it...skill? Or whatever.
It would be easy, they said. "Fun" was the word they used. Her cuteness calls for grace. And lots and lots of laughs.
Mr. C is going places. He dreams big and loves loyal. I'm clearly his biggest fan! (His sister "crossed over" at his "Crossing Over" ceremony, behind the scenes; trying to play her part.) That was a special moment.
I've done a bit of traveling...making a mad dash to Michigan to see my BFF, who came (literally) back from the grave. Be still my heart. These moments cause you to pause and magnify the important things in life. Like life. Living. Her beautiful boy "Zeke" is living proof of joy. Hope. And the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
(The cuteness...I can hardly handle!)
There are a couple of retreats that I'm beginning to prepare for. The Lord is really rocking our worlds when it comes right down to loving people and keeping the Gospel the "GOOD" news, not our opinions of it. The Lord is so good to us. For real.
I've started at least six posts, but none of them have been "worked" out just right. I'll share more of them soon. I'm learning so much I can hardly keep up these days. Yes, the potty training stuff has me befuzzled. I'm learning there too. Girls are NOT easier than boys. All lies. *smile
My plate has been so full, and I've been so full, that I decided to take almost all of April and part of May to unload. Remove. Take off all things "too much." These things, all these things, cause me "BIG FEELINGS." And then some. They are things that cause me instant stress as soon as I say "Yes." They cause great distress and allow me to watch the cycles of the moon at night. Night after night. When I should have said "No." Nada. No can do. Forget it.
My mercy gets me into trouble, but I'm coming back
This summer is going to be exciting. We've already had a tornado, flooded basement, broken toilet, melted siding, and a few knee scrapes along the way. Never a dull moment and I wouldn't trade it for anything! It has truly been so much fun. I'm terrible at pictures--big surprise. But i'm loving every minute!
It was great "chatting" with you.
Stay faithful friends.
-Erin
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Don't Measure it...just Bloom
With water in hand, shaking from head to toe, I sat down exhausted to write.
I have just finished a drenching workout that required me testing my physical strength that isn't quite there yet. Thinking to myself, "I need to develop these muscles again, but how?" My upper body just isn't as strong as it once was, but I completed a one minute plank with mountain climbers to keep my mind distracted.
My kids did plenty of that too. Distracting. At times my frustration level with them caused me to break a sweat worse than the workout. Biting my tongue to avoid expanding my kids' vocabulary on words that are not pure. I sang a song. A praise song. For the love...I hate times of testing. Or tests. Or things that leave me feeling like I've somehow missed it. Or wanting. It's amazing what can happen when we lay down the tape of comparison and draw on the immeasurable goodness of Jesus.
So many times I've faced that question, "I need to...but how?" Filling in the blank with measurable things that often leave me frustrated. Doing other things to keep my mind distracted. But the result? is often the opposite of Joy. Discouraged. Regretting what I have. Looking over at greener pastures.
I was recently selected to be a part of a book launch team for author Jen Hatmaker's new book, "For the Love..." I've spoken those words thousands of times and was elated to find a sister who shared the "love" and soul-deep honesty that we long for. Her book comes out in August of this year, and her message is SO VERY timely. You're gonna love it...and no, I'm not paid to say that. Promise. They resound with what I am learning right now in the season I'm in with Littles.
Today as I was working out, I heard these words through the instructor: "Don't measure it...just be thankful for it."
Freedom. Palpable freedom.
"Don't measure it..." Sounds similar to some other simple, yet power-filled words from Scripture..."My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9. Praise You, Lord, that You are not a God who measures, but You are One who is sufficient in every circumstance! Enough. Filling the glass to just the right level.
I'm choosing thankfulness. And Joy. And Yoga Pants. Definitely Yoga Pants. Maybe some coffee too.
If you needed these words today, here's a hug from me. I'll be your biggest cheerleader, but look to Him for your strength. He will not fail you. He is enough for You. Me. And you and me again, each and every time we need Him.
As spring is coming on full force, my Tulips are doing their 'thang breaking ground. The other flowers are doing theirs. Be like the flowers, sweet friend. Don't measure or compare fellow sojourner...just bloom right where YOU are planted. And wear your yoga pants. You have permission. (*Just make sure to cover your hinderlands. That's a must...for all of us.)
I have just finished a drenching workout that required me testing my physical strength that isn't quite there yet. Thinking to myself, "I need to develop these muscles again, but how?" My upper body just isn't as strong as it once was, but I completed a one minute plank with mountain climbers to keep my mind distracted.
My kids did plenty of that too. Distracting. At times my frustration level with them caused me to break a sweat worse than the workout. Biting my tongue to avoid expanding my kids' vocabulary on words that are not pure. I sang a song. A praise song. For the love...I hate times of testing. Or tests. Or things that leave me feeling like I've somehow missed it. Or wanting. It's amazing what can happen when we lay down the tape of comparison and draw on the immeasurable goodness of Jesus.
So many times I've faced that question, "I need to...but how?" Filling in the blank with measurable things that often leave me frustrated. Doing other things to keep my mind distracted. But the result? is often the opposite of Joy. Discouraged. Regretting what I have. Looking over at greener pastures.
I was recently selected to be a part of a book launch team for author Jen Hatmaker's new book, "For the Love..." I've spoken those words thousands of times and was elated to find a sister who shared the "love" and soul-deep honesty that we long for. Her book comes out in August of this year, and her message is SO VERY timely. You're gonna love it...and no, I'm not paid to say that. Promise. They resound with what I am learning right now in the season I'm in with Littles.
Today as I was working out, I heard these words through the instructor: "Don't measure it...just be thankful for it."
Freedom. Palpable freedom.
"Don't measure it..." Sounds similar to some other simple, yet power-filled words from Scripture..."My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9. Praise You, Lord, that You are not a God who measures, but You are One who is sufficient in every circumstance! Enough. Filling the glass to just the right level.
I'm choosing thankfulness. And Joy. And Yoga Pants. Definitely Yoga Pants. Maybe some coffee too.
If you needed these words today, here's a hug from me. I'll be your biggest cheerleader, but look to Him for your strength. He will not fail you. He is enough for You. Me. And you and me again, each and every time we need Him.
As spring is coming on full force, my Tulips are doing their 'thang breaking ground. The other flowers are doing theirs. Be like the flowers, sweet friend. Don't measure or compare fellow sojourner...just bloom right where YOU are planted. And wear your yoga pants. You have permission. (*Just make sure to cover your hinderlands. That's a must...for all of us.)
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
The Barn-yard is busy...
Every where I looked today, there was life. It was as if Spring had finally rolled itself out of bed, sat up and gave a good stretch. I loved it.
Cade is wrapping up his fourth grade year. He has done a remarkable job with new concepts and meeting new friends this year. We have watched him grow and move independently, which is a new season for us.
Libbi is two now. We are knee deep in potty training... forgive the faint scent of urine wafting through my house. No, the Scentsy wax hasn't turned. She is using new words and her latest and greatest is..."ummm.....NO." It came as a huge surprise to us as well. =)
Aaron is doing great. He had another mole removed two weeks ago and it was benign. I know I left a cliff hanger for some readers, but Aaron was given the ok to proceed without further surgeries or treatments. All margins came back clear for his initial Melanoma and this one was negative. We are thankful. So.VERY.Thankful.
I'm not ignoring you, I promise. I had planned to catch up over Christmas and then there was New Years. Ha! I was actually notified by Google that for some reason, I had been locked out of my account. Go figure. I had to google my way out of it (pun intended)-literally to get things back on track. Apparently things are back and running and at this point as long as it IS running--I'm not complaining.
The retreats? AMAZING!!! Those who follow me on Facebook saw the fun pictures and beautiful ladies that bless my heart.
This girl needs to hit the hay. I'm realizing that I had so much more energy when we potty trained Cade (8 years ago). I'm also in the process of writing again, this time a 6 week bible study through Habakkuk for my church. We are starting in April. Prayers are much appreciated!
Earlier today as my two friends and I were walking, this huge flock of Canadian Geese flew overhead. I love to hear the "honk, honk" as they soar. It reminds me of the strength that comes and is renewed when we wait on the Lord. I wasn't sure what sort of life lesson could come from the goose that pooped on my friend, but we kept going.
Grace and peace.
Erin
Cade is wrapping up his fourth grade year. He has done a remarkable job with new concepts and meeting new friends this year. We have watched him grow and move independently, which is a new season for us.
Libbi is two now. We are knee deep in potty training... forgive the faint scent of urine wafting through my house. No, the Scentsy wax hasn't turned. She is using new words and her latest and greatest is..."ummm.....NO." It came as a huge surprise to us as well. =)
Aaron is doing great. He had another mole removed two weeks ago and it was benign. I know I left a cliff hanger for some readers, but Aaron was given the ok to proceed without further surgeries or treatments. All margins came back clear for his initial Melanoma and this one was negative. We are thankful. So.VERY.Thankful.
I'm not ignoring you, I promise. I had planned to catch up over Christmas and then there was New Years. Ha! I was actually notified by Google that for some reason, I had been locked out of my account. Go figure. I had to google my way out of it (pun intended)-literally to get things back on track. Apparently things are back and running and at this point as long as it IS running--I'm not complaining.
The retreats? AMAZING!!! Those who follow me on Facebook saw the fun pictures and beautiful ladies that bless my heart.
This girl needs to hit the hay. I'm realizing that I had so much more energy when we potty trained Cade (8 years ago). I'm also in the process of writing again, this time a 6 week bible study through Habakkuk for my church. We are starting in April. Prayers are much appreciated!
Earlier today as my two friends and I were walking, this huge flock of Canadian Geese flew overhead. I love to hear the "honk, honk" as they soar. It reminds me of the strength that comes and is renewed when we wait on the Lord. I wasn't sure what sort of life lesson could come from the goose that pooped on my friend, but we kept going.
Grace and peace.
Erin
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Aaron...
Tonight I am finally getting a chance to sit down. It's been one of those days. One of those weeks, really.
Cade is gearing up for his first Piano recital. The same day as the recital, is our second anniversary celebration at the church.
Libbi is doing well. We put potty training on "hold" for right now. She just wasn't ready to take quite the leap her little brother was at her age. I'm good with that!
The two retreats are coming up fast. I've been squeezing in any writing/studying time I get during the early morning hours, and the late evening. That being said, I'll keep this short. =)
Fall is here, and with it much cooler weather! Yeah!!!
And speaking of cool...Check out the Kansas City Royals!!! Going to the World Series after a LONG, LONG, time. Good for them! They deserve it! A team with all heart, scratching out every play, sacrificing whatever it takes for a win.
I would like to ask you, faithful readers, for prayer. Aaron goes in tomorrow to see his Oncologist. Yeah, you read that correctly. He has Melanoma. They don't know stages, or if its metastasized yet. Tests will be forthcoming. They are hopeful, based on the first biopsy that it is early and "surface." They have to do a full body scan, as they don't know if this is the primary or not.
I hate cancer. Big or small. The waiting. The fear. The waiting. The constant interruptions. The waiting. But one thing I know...God is ALWAYS with us. Through it all. His presence is irreplaceable.
I'll keep in touch.
-Erin
Cade is gearing up for his first Piano recital. The same day as the recital, is our second anniversary celebration at the church.
Libbi is doing well. We put potty training on "hold" for right now. She just wasn't ready to take quite the leap her little brother was at her age. I'm good with that!
The two retreats are coming up fast. I've been squeezing in any writing/studying time I get during the early morning hours, and the late evening. That being said, I'll keep this short. =)
Fall is here, and with it much cooler weather! Yeah!!!
And speaking of cool...Check out the Kansas City Royals!!! Going to the World Series after a LONG, LONG, time. Good for them! They deserve it! A team with all heart, scratching out every play, sacrificing whatever it takes for a win.
I would like to ask you, faithful readers, for prayer. Aaron goes in tomorrow to see his Oncologist. Yeah, you read that correctly. He has Melanoma. They don't know stages, or if its metastasized yet. Tests will be forthcoming. They are hopeful, based on the first biopsy that it is early and "surface." They have to do a full body scan, as they don't know if this is the primary or not.
I hate cancer. Big or small. The waiting. The fear. The waiting. The constant interruptions. The waiting. But one thing I know...God is ALWAYS with us. Through it all. His presence is irreplaceable.
I'll keep in touch.
-Erin
Monday, September 15, 2014
Repurposing...
We keep rolling around here. Through busyness, colds, potty training, school, grades, all of it. And that's good. I like it that way. Knowing that we have a sort of "routine" is comforting. Just like my tattered quilt I use daily. It brings comfort. It's been spilled on, puked on (sorry), rolled up, rolled out, used as a tent, a fort and just a plain old snuggle blanket. Its blue and in its day--it was beautiful. It was once meant for a bed, but now is being repurposed for more personal use.
As I mentioned before, I am prepping for two retreats this fall. They are closing in on me, and I'm getting excited. Giddy. I LOVE this kind of thing. One of them is titled "Repurposed." I find myself smack dab in the middle of that word all the time. Searching for purpose and wondering if I'm living it. Who doesn't? Our "usefulness" changes. The varying seasons of our lives are always "changing."
Recently, I reconnected with a friend here in town. Her name is Connie. I'm not actually sure just how we met, but I'm assuming sometime 10 years ago when I transplanted to our little town. Her husband Dale has a salon, here in town, that I've been going to for some time now. Anywho...
Connie started a little side business that is growing. And growing. Ironically? It's called
"The MUSTARD Seed." Just like our faith. Just like the scripture teaches. Her amazingly fun job is taking "old" furniture and décor, and making it "new." I'm all about that kind of thing. It ads richness. Value. Character and class. Want to take a peak? Lets do....
As I mentioned before, I am prepping for two retreats this fall. They are closing in on me, and I'm getting excited. Giddy. I LOVE this kind of thing. One of them is titled "Repurposed." I find myself smack dab in the middle of that word all the time. Searching for purpose and wondering if I'm living it. Who doesn't? Our "usefulness" changes. The varying seasons of our lives are always "changing."
Recently, I reconnected with a friend here in town. Her name is Connie. I'm not actually sure just how we met, but I'm assuming sometime 10 years ago when I transplanted to our little town. Her husband Dale has a salon, here in town, that I've been going to for some time now. Anywho...
Connie started a little side business that is growing. And growing. Ironically? It's called
"The MUSTARD Seed." Just like our faith. Just like the scripture teaches. Her amazingly fun job is taking "old" furniture and décor, and making it "new." I'm all about that kind of thing. It ads richness. Value. Character and class. Want to take a peak? Lets do....
How darling is that? Plus...she's ramping up for the Holidays!
New stuff gets added daily. Locals: GO.CHECK.OUT.HER.STORE.
415 N. Pennsylvania
Her displays, centerpieces, frames, all of it are a PERFECT reminder of how dreams, with mustard seed-like faith can grow. The changes? For the good. Repurposing.
Sometimes it takes just the right person to see the good in something, and have just the right touch to bring it out. Or encourage a person to live it out.
Much like us. Our fragile hearts. Our souls. And every now and then, we get to see our faith grow. And when tended to, cared for, and repurposed, by The One who can call out the good in us--we get to see mountains move.
Thanks for chatting with me today.
-Erin
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