Intentional Days

This past week was Cailin's "tech week" for Willy Wonka, which means she had rehearsals every night from 4-9, as they worked out the lighting, sound, costumes etc... for last weeks opening weekend. She performed 4 shows, which consumed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for both her and I, as I worked backstage on my parent committe of "props". I love it, she loves it, but my house is ready to walk away in disgust if I don't tackle the dust bunnies.



This week has been all about Cassidy's Thanksgiving Day Feast Thirsday, as I am a room mom and have the task of making sure there is enough food, and that it is all peanut free for a little guy who has severe allergies. Lots of phone calls. Lots. And lots of empty words wasted on the gossip that attached itself to those conversations.



We also had the blessing of preparing Samaritan's Purse shoeboxes to go overseas, due today for Chapel, which meant a shopping trip out in the cold last night. This is truly one of my favorite traditions with the girls, and I am so thankful their school participates, so they can share in the joy of giving to others who have so little. However, I would enjoy it more if I planned our time better and I didn't wind up wandering the aisles of Target at 8:30 the night before we needed to bring our gifts to school. Oh well, nothing a diet coke on the way can't cure. What is bedtime during the holidays anyway, right?



All this to say, the busiest time of the year has arrived with a vengeance, and I am feeling it in the chaos of our home. As I talk with other mommies, I hear the same story over and over, we are all so busy. While some of it is temporary and expected (the play), other aspects (obsessing about decorations for the party) are not important in the grand scheme of things, and actually serve as a distraction from the very things we are celebrating.



I don't like the badge of honor that our generation equates to being so busy, and pray that as these days may be full, they are not just filled with empty busy-ness, but with intention and joy.



Lord, please help me to do those things You call me to, and not be afraid to say "no" to those things which fill my time, but not my heart.

The Faithful One

Well, we survived the election and all the excitement that followed this past week. It will be interesting to see what the next four years hold... my girls will become teenagers, I will turn the big 4-0, Rusty and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.

Through it all, I know God will hold us all in the palm of His hand, and it will be good. My hope is not in our president, and so I am able to look forward with confidence. Not in the new administration, but in the King of Kings.

As I raced through WalMart this weekend, a Christmas card caught my eye. I bought the box on the spot, if not to send for Christmas greetings, then as a reminder to myself:

Jesus

The Faithful One

The confidence we have

the trust we hold

the hope we carry

rest in His faithfulness.

Every promise He has made

He purposes to fulfill.

He has the authority to

accomplish all He has spoken.

His power is limitless...

His character changeless...

His love endless!

May your heart be filled with the confidence that He is on His throne, now and always. Regardless of who sits in the White House.

God Bless America

Voting always makes me emotional. I have taken the girls with me each time we have an election, and as I explain the process to them, the blessing of having this opportunity never fails to move me to tearing up. They just expect it now, and don't even notice.

The first time we voted together, 8 years ago, we were big fans of the Veggie Tale Queen Esther movie, so I correlated the presidency to being king. Well, 4 years later, they were older and somewhat wiser, as they used the terms king and president interchangeably. OK, clearly I had some explaining to do, but they now have a pretty firm grasp of living in a democracy versus a monarchy.

This year I told the girls I might vote while they were at school, to avoid the predicted long lines, but they would have none of that. They insisted I wait so they could accompany me. I'm so thrilled that at 9 and 11, they already grasp the privilege it is to have a say in who is elected to run our government.

We have had some interesting discussions about the presidential candidates, and they both seem to comprehend things that many America seems oblivious to. They see things very simply... is what the person says in line with God's Word, or not? If not, they aren't the right person to lead the greatest countryin the free world.

Oh that America would see things through the eyes of a child. A child whose eyes are fixed on God, not their bank account or personal desires.

God bless America. We will need His blessing more than ever if we elect a president who is not a friend of Israel.

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

November 3, 2008

For today

Outside my window...Cool temperatures, drizzly rain, and the most vivid yellow leaves. What a gorgeous fall day to be inside by the warm fire.

I am thinking... of the assorted appointments I need to schedule for the puppy and my girls, of my to do list for the day which keeps growing, and of the pictures which need developing from Cassidy's party on Saturday.

From the learning room... I am working on becoming a better wife, friend, and mommy.

I am thankful for... so much! My heart is overflowing with gratitude this morning, as I sit in my comfortable and warm house, enjoying the fire, while it is chilly and rainy outside. The time this morning in wonderful study of God's Word, and the scriptures he led me to- pure blessing! The gift of my job, and the blessing of working from home. My precious family, and the joy of being a part of it. Rusty finding the hamsters this morning before the girls awakened and realized they were loose. Rusty finding the hamsters before I awakened and realized the were loose!

From the kitchen... turkey tetrazzini, homemade beef and veggie soup, grilled salmon, spaghetti, and Bunco on Friday (which means Daddy cooks for himself and the girls).

I am wearing...khaki shorts, white V-neck tee and warm socks.

I am reading...Cottage Living and Home Companion. The Christmas issues came this week and I am poring over every detail:-)

I am hoping... John McCain is elected.

I am hearing...Christmas music, and Cailin chatting with Sadie about appropriate puppy behavior.

Around the house...I'm planning our holiday schedule, gift lists, budget, and family portrait appointment. Still working on posting the girl's outgrown outfits on Craig's List. Menu planning and goal setting for our family. Planning classroom activities for Cassidy's 4th grade class as a room mom. Enjoying this wonderful season.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Help at the girl scout peanut booth sale...Our weekly typicals: Oasix (Cailin's youth group), gymnastics, and riding... play rehearsal... Friday no school... cheer leading clinic for Cassidy...bunco...VOTING.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

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