I really should be napping right now. I'm tired, Jackson's asleep, Anna Claire is in her room having quiet time. I read a devotion before my attempt to nap and when I laid my head down and closed my eyes, my mind was racing...so I thought I would blog while I'm feeling a little inspired.
Being homesick is no fun!! I'm homesick for Lexington, KY. If you asked me, and Kelly Ripa(she mentioned this on her show the other day), Lexington is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Yes, I've been to the ocean and I've been to the mtns. They are both breathtakingly beautiful...but not far behind on my list of beautiful places is Lexington. The rolling hills, the horse pastures everywhere you look, the outrageously expensive barns, the beautiful fences that outline the pastures, the rock walls built hundreds of years ago that still stand everywhere you turn. I tear up just thinking about "home." It isn't where I grew up, but I love that place and my friends that are there and long to be back. BUT!!!!!!!!!!!! I am reminded, "like it or not, that change is constant and it is a part of modern life. There are 3 things that don't change...1. God's love 2. Friendship with his Son 3. The power of the Holy Spirit. When you think you've had just about all the change you can handle reach out and take one step farther into God's wide open arms. Though his love, power and friendship never change, He made you and me with a big elastic spiritual cord that strectches with every tug and pull. He knows exactly how much give it's got. If He's calling you to stretch, He knows you have what it takes....so REACH!!!" Barbara Johnson
God knows a lot more than us...right? :) He knows what is best for us. He knows change can make our lives richer. We serve a God of change! Live for today, but be excited for the change that tomorrow might bring. God says, "I will never leave you, come to me and I will give you rest. In my presence is fullness of joy."
When I'm feeling sorry for myself, God gently reminds me how he has already blessed us here in Anderson. I do like it here, I have met some awsome people whom I LOVE to spend time with. Anna Claire has been blessed with a handful of friends. Craig loves his job. We have a nice house, and not to mention we are close to mtns and the beach. :) I have everything in the world to be thankful for!
Psalm 16;11 "you have made known to me the path of life; you will feel me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Laughter is the best medicine
It feels so good to laugh. Have you ever had, and I'm sure you have at some point, laughed so hard your belly hurt? Have you ever laughed so hard you cried? I have, many times, but before tonight, I can't remember the last time I did laugh like that and it felt good! I had just got the kids to bed and sat down on the couch...I was going to listen to an online sermon from our church, but instead got a skype video call from my brother, sister-in-law, and sweet nephew. Their computer has some special features on skype that ours doesn't have...anyhow, Nathan was making his face look all contorted, something like a mirror in a fun house would make you look. Oh my, I laughed so hard, he kept making all kinds of different faces, and those of you who know my brother know that he can make some hilarious faces! We probably talked for 15 minutes, well, not talked, laughed. It was so refreshing and just what I needed. I'll listen to the sermon another time. I know that God knows what I need more than I do. And He knew I needed to spend "time" with family and laugh! I truly believe laughter is the best medicine. I feel refreshed and full of joy. By the way, I have an awesome brother!!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Be YOU!
Hello friends! Lately I haven't been feeling very inspired to write in my blog. I'll sit down to write and nothing worth writing comes to me. So...I'm taking something again from someone else. She shared it on facebook.This came from a book called Your Best Life Now for Moms.
..."Dare to be happy w/ who you are right now. Many social, physical, and emotional problems stem from the fact that people don't like themselves. They are uncomfortable w/ how they look, how they talk, or how they act. They don't like their personality. They are always comparing themselves w/ other people, wishing they were something different.You were not created to mimic somebody else. You were created to be you. You can be happy with who God made you to be, and quit wishing you were something different. If God had wanted you to look like the perfect PTA mother, He would have made you look like her. If God had wanted you to have a different personality, He would have given you that personality. When you go around trying to be like somebody else, not only does it demean you, it steals your uniqueness.An important factor in seeing yourself God's way is to understand your intrinsic sense of value. Your sense of value cannot be based on your successes or failures, how your children treat you, or how popular you are. It is not something we earn; indeed, we cannot earn it. God built value into us when He created us. As His unique creation, you have something to offer your family and this world that nobody else has, that nobody else can be. Your sense of value should be based SOLELY on the fact that you are a child of the Most High God...God doesn't want a bunch of clones. He likes variety, and you should not let people pressure you or make you feel badly about yourself because you don't fit their image of who you should be. Be an original, not a copycat. Be secure in who God made you to be and then go out and be the best mom you can be. Even if everybody else rejects you, remember, God stands before you with His arms open wide. Learn to be happy with who God made you."
Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Love you all and miss you more than you'll ever know!
Leah
..."Dare to be happy w/ who you are right now. Many social, physical, and emotional problems stem from the fact that people don't like themselves. They are uncomfortable w/ how they look, how they talk, or how they act. They don't like their personality. They are always comparing themselves w/ other people, wishing they were something different.You were not created to mimic somebody else. You were created to be you. You can be happy with who God made you to be, and quit wishing you were something different. If God had wanted you to look like the perfect PTA mother, He would have made you look like her. If God had wanted you to have a different personality, He would have given you that personality. When you go around trying to be like somebody else, not only does it demean you, it steals your uniqueness.An important factor in seeing yourself God's way is to understand your intrinsic sense of value. Your sense of value cannot be based on your successes or failures, how your children treat you, or how popular you are. It is not something we earn; indeed, we cannot earn it. God built value into us when He created us. As His unique creation, you have something to offer your family and this world that nobody else has, that nobody else can be. Your sense of value should be based SOLELY on the fact that you are a child of the Most High God...God doesn't want a bunch of clones. He likes variety, and you should not let people pressure you or make you feel badly about yourself because you don't fit their image of who you should be. Be an original, not a copycat. Be secure in who God made you to be and then go out and be the best mom you can be. Even if everybody else rejects you, remember, God stands before you with His arms open wide. Learn to be happy with who God made you."
Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Love you all and miss you more than you'll ever know!
Leah
Monday, August 17, 2009
First day jitters
Hello friends! I have a book called First Day Jitters. It is all about this girl not wanting to start at a new school, she's nervous, she doesn't want to get out bed etc...at the end of the book you find out that girl was the teacher. That was me today. I did not want to go to a new school. I was nervous to meet my co-workers and the kids in my class. I tried not to show my uneasiness in front of my kids b/c I wanted them to be excited! Anyhow, it all turned out ok. The kids in my class are terrific and the teacher I work with is nice...very quiet, but nice. The picture on the left was taken before we left for school. Jackson has a new toothbrush and when I took it away he cried, so therefore he has it in the picture. :) They both had a good day, in fact, when I went to pick up Jackson, he was laying on the floor asleep!! I was shocked! It was nap time in his room (they sleep on mats in the floor). Never in my wildest dreams did I think he would go to sleep on the FLOOR! He did, I hated to wake him, but I had put in my 4 hours and was ready to go!
Today was a very busy day. It feels nice to sit down and and relax. The kids were in bed and asleep before 8! Now it's ME time! Craig is at practice, he won't be home until 10 or so.
This weekend I met the 6 girls whom I am mentoring, they live in one of the ministry houses on campus. They were all so sweet! I'm in the works of putting a little goody basket together for them. So far it has some cleaning products, bottles of water and some candy. I made cookies to put in but they FLOPPED! I was bummed!
Well, I need to get to some laundry. Have a great day!
"You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory!" Psalm 73:24
Today was a very busy day. It feels nice to sit down and and relax. The kids were in bed and asleep before 8! Now it's ME time! Craig is at practice, he won't be home until 10 or so.
This weekend I met the 6 girls whom I am mentoring, they live in one of the ministry houses on campus. They were all so sweet! I'm in the works of putting a little goody basket together for them. So far it has some cleaning products, bottles of water and some candy. I made cookies to put in but they FLOPPED! I was bummed!
Well, I need to get to some laundry. Have a great day!
"You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory!" Psalm 73:24
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Joy
It is a rainy day here in Anderson and might I add, it is beautiful! I haven't seen rain since we moved here a month ago...unlike you KY and Ohio folk who have seen plenty! I love to watch the rain...I also love to have an excuse to stay inside in my jammies all day! However, I did get out and go grocery shopping this morning and had a wonderful friend call as I was on my way to the store and ask if she could watch the kiddos for me so I could shop in peace. It was truly a blessing!
Yesterday was one of the longest days of my life. I haven't been sleeping well and I was tired and just felt like laying around all day. I had no motivation to do anything. My poor kids, I was a bad mom yesterday. I just left the t.v. on and let them veg in front of it. I don't like days like that...days that my kids and I are bored out of our minds. My good friend Kate's mom used to say, (Kate forgive me, I 'm sure this wasn't her exact words) that only boring people get bored. Yesterday I was a boring person! I like to be active, creative, and motivated to get things done! The day did end on a good note b/c it was girl's night out, but I don't want to have another day like that for a long time!
The following I'm stealing from my friend's facebook post today..."I sometimes forget that everyday is another opportunity to increase our joy in Jesus. For example, I can choose to ho-hum through the day, or I can dig into some of his Word and be encouraged and spurred on toward loving others more! How are you increasing your joy in Jesus today? Through creation? Through playing with your kiddos? Through taking a risk to love someone? Feel free to share!" Thanks Stef, I needed that!!
Yesterday was ho-hum to say the least...today I feel joy! I found joy and was encouraged by His word today. I was reminded to "cast all my anxiety on Him because He cares for me!" 1 Peter 5:7
I found joy in knowing that HE wants me to come to Him so HE can give me rest...and that HE is gentle and humble in heart! Matthew 11:28-30
I also played with Anna Claire today, and I usually do, but today I watched her close as we played. I stopped worrying about all that needed to be done around the house, it's not going anywhere, right? but she is...too fast! I focused on her. It is amazing how fast 4 years have went. She is so kind, loving, creative, and smart. I found joy in watching her play and I am blessed that God gave me such an amazing little girl. And my little Jackson is so sweet! He loves to give hugs and cuddle. When he wraps his little arms around me, I feel joy! One day all too soon, if God chooses to keep us here for that long, those little arms will be big strong arms hugging me. I want him to stay little forever!
Our Children are a heritage,
A blessing from the Lord;
They bring a richness to our lives--
In each, a treasure stored. Fasick
Time spent with your children is time wisely invested!!
Love you all! I hope you are finding joy today!
Yesterday was one of the longest days of my life. I haven't been sleeping well and I was tired and just felt like laying around all day. I had no motivation to do anything. My poor kids, I was a bad mom yesterday. I just left the t.v. on and let them veg in front of it. I don't like days like that...days that my kids and I are bored out of our minds. My good friend Kate's mom used to say, (Kate forgive me, I 'm sure this wasn't her exact words) that only boring people get bored. Yesterday I was a boring person! I like to be active, creative, and motivated to get things done! The day did end on a good note b/c it was girl's night out, but I don't want to have another day like that for a long time!
The following I'm stealing from my friend's facebook post today..."I sometimes forget that everyday is another opportunity to increase our joy in Jesus. For example, I can choose to ho-hum through the day, or I can dig into some of his Word and be encouraged and spurred on toward loving others more! How are you increasing your joy in Jesus today? Through creation? Through playing with your kiddos? Through taking a risk to love someone? Feel free to share!" Thanks Stef, I needed that!!
Yesterday was ho-hum to say the least...today I feel joy! I found joy and was encouraged by His word today. I was reminded to "cast all my anxiety on Him because He cares for me!" 1 Peter 5:7
I found joy in knowing that HE wants me to come to Him so HE can give me rest...and that HE is gentle and humble in heart! Matthew 11:28-30
I also played with Anna Claire today, and I usually do, but today I watched her close as we played. I stopped worrying about all that needed to be done around the house, it's not going anywhere, right? but she is...too fast! I focused on her. It is amazing how fast 4 years have went. She is so kind, loving, creative, and smart. I found joy in watching her play and I am blessed that God gave me such an amazing little girl. And my little Jackson is so sweet! He loves to give hugs and cuddle. When he wraps his little arms around me, I feel joy! One day all too soon, if God chooses to keep us here for that long, those little arms will be big strong arms hugging me. I want him to stay little forever!
Our Children are a heritage,
A blessing from the Lord;
They bring a richness to our lives--
In each, a treasure stored. Fasick
Time spent with your children is time wisely invested!!
Love you all! I hope you are finding joy today!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Home sweet home
We are finally in our new house. We're all beginning to feel settled. There are still boxes here and there and things to be done, but we are home and that is all that matters. It was so nice to see our furniture and sleep in our bed. It was a blessing seeing the kids eyes light up when they saw toys that they had forgotten they even had. We had Christmas in August all over again. I wanted to post some pics of our house and I will soon, but it still isn't quite there yet. :) Over the past week, we haven't had internet or cable, that is why I haven't posted a blog lately. It was kind of nice though to not have the distraction of the television or the temptation to check facebook and email. Instead, I worked my tooshy off all day long putting stuff where it belongs. The kids have been great at entertaining themselves and each other while I do what needs to be done. Craig has kept busy too, when he gets home in the evening. I always have a to do list for him and he is very good at checking it off.
The house is so peaceful right now...Jackson is sleeping and Anna Claire is with Craig. They ran to the college to make sure all the v-ball players are getting moved in okay. Ahhh, tis the season for volleyball...:( I'd be lying if I said I was happy about that. As you coaches wives out there can relate, it is a lonely time, but also a time to be supportive of your husband and his passion. We won't see a lot of Craig over the next couple of months, so I'm hoping my positive attitude towards this move continues. Last year as I was voicing my concerns about v-ball season to my friend Jen, she brought up a good point. She said, instead of dreading the season why not take this oppurtunity to serve your husband and his team. She ask me what are some things I could do to serve them b/c when you give to others it brings joy. Have you ever noticed that? The more you give the better you feel? So, instead of having a pity party I'm going to try to have more of a positive attitude about this volleyball season. So if any of you out there have any creative, inexpensive ideas on what I could do for the girls on his team please let me know!
Okay, off to take my Sunday afternoon siesta! Love you all!
Leah
The house is so peaceful right now...Jackson is sleeping and Anna Claire is with Craig. They ran to the college to make sure all the v-ball players are getting moved in okay. Ahhh, tis the season for volleyball...:( I'd be lying if I said I was happy about that. As you coaches wives out there can relate, it is a lonely time, but also a time to be supportive of your husband and his passion. We won't see a lot of Craig over the next couple of months, so I'm hoping my positive attitude towards this move continues. Last year as I was voicing my concerns about v-ball season to my friend Jen, she brought up a good point. She said, instead of dreading the season why not take this oppurtunity to serve your husband and his team. She ask me what are some things I could do to serve them b/c when you give to others it brings joy. Have you ever noticed that? The more you give the better you feel? So, instead of having a pity party I'm going to try to have more of a positive attitude about this volleyball season. So if any of you out there have any creative, inexpensive ideas on what I could do for the girls on his team please let me know!
Okay, off to take my Sunday afternoon siesta! Love you all!
Leah
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