Caterpillar Connections with God; Our Trust

PLANTING _ We planted a butterfly garden in April as a family, and as a “class” experiment. We were urged for a while to understand and see how God relates the complete transformation of a creature and how it is absolutely born again. The monarch specifically doesn’t actually cocoon but transforms by becoming liquid…. wait…. this is about my kids watching caterpillars. So, let me back up.

TRUSTING THE TIMING_ We did discuss this very goal of planting a small flowering garden and we did have a patch of dead grass to “cover up” so off we went. – Admittedly, I became a “Horticultural Specialist” in 2003…but that isn’t the same as becoming a “Master Gardener”. Trust me! However, I do know how to work the extensive pages of the UF/IFAS extension offices websites. I have always loved the flowering garden. So, sure – I know a few things, but monarchs are a different story and I had to go to school on what to plant, to be sure my kids wouldn’t be disappointed.  Never the less we were going to do our best to prepare our sand to become a host for some plants. We then began the several week process.

3 LESSONS_ We have a very small budget and had to start small. So, Lesson 1- was our first connection with trusting God:

Small Beginnings of our Butterfly Garden

Do not despise these small beginnings. (Zech 4:10) – The Lord can and does generate large miracles from what sometimes seem as small prayers. My three little children prayed over our garden, and we hoped that we could do our part to conserve the monarch population and benefit from a great summer-long home school session all from our back porch.  The Lord knows all the big picture stuff, and sometimes we just have to trust that even if we only feed the butterflies as they travel…we have been obedient to what we felt called.

I must tell you all that the first day we watched a Monarch Momma flutter around our yard, tasting the Confederate Jasmine, Salvia, the Passion Vine, the Milk Weed and the water from the bird bath we could barely contain our excitement. We may or may not have video footage to prove it all to Daddy who was out-of-town.  No one could prepare us for the second lesson.

Lesson 2 was a difficult step because 12 days go by as we check the garden three times a day without ever spotting a single caterpillar:  “Trust the Lord, and do good things. Live in the land, and practice being faithful.” (Psalm 37:3)  We had learned, the kids had done research and we knew it didn’t take 12 days for caterpillars to emerge and we also TRUSTED that the one lone monarch could not have been the only thing to come our way for a month.

…AND SO WE FAITHFULLY WAITED, WATERED, AND KEPT WATCH.

But day 12 was a JOYOUS day (the significance of 12 is important here because we also saw 12 caterpillars).

‘Downside Up’ monarch Instar stage 4, chewing his way to the sky, from the ground up.

Monarch caterpillar Instar stage 4 came out of hiding at dusk.

No one can explain the excitement in my children’s eyes. They watched these little “pests” gobble up loads of “weeds” at dusk.

That’s when we realized Lesson 3 was going to be harder than we thought: “For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) You see my friends, we could not find a single caterpillar by midday the next day. Rushed we called people who raised monarchs and all said the same thing, “They stay on the milkweed day and night.”  Although my 7-year-old cried, as we prayed we knew that the Lord would protect the caterpillars if it was His will.  I will say this story has a happy ending, but we just believe.

We do have new adventures to tell about so I must finish this section of our first 3 lessons, and leave you with this:  The Lord is always faithful to complete the work in us.  Even if those who helped raise us, feed us or even give us life itself are not around to witness the transformation; the Lord finishes the good work He began when we surrender.  So, until the next Caterpillar Chronicles … we simply surrender and keep watch.

Lunch time stories – 4 yr olds

After a heroic trip to the cell phone store my littlest told me I needed to “whisten close”. (Listen close)

So, I bent an ear across the table from a cheerful little boy who wanted to tell me about his recent Super hero adventures with his pals.  This started with the explanation that his stuffed Wall-e goes with him on adventures while he sleeps. (Dreams to those of you who’ve lost your childhood wonder.)

I learned that my son and his best friend Wall-e went to visit the Invisible Man. (We think this is the nickname he gives an invisible super hero toy.) Of course, Wall-e flew them out into space to visit the Invisible Man and his horse, who is also invisible. They set out on their journey because as he said, “We got invitations to go!”  ~ In typical childhood wonder the story continued for several minutes about space and castles that could disappear.  Ultimately, his pal Wall-e flew him home safely to have Chick-fil-a with me.

I love that only moments before this, the same child was doing his best to knock over every item he could find on a shelf in a cell phone store!  He received time out in the same said store and offered a pushed by sincere apology to the clerk once the 4 minutes were over.  It’s lunch time meetings like this I love and hope to never forget.  That no matter what trouble they find themselves into, they still love me enough to enchant my world with their imaginations. 

What’s your favorite childhood story time? Is it when your kids, nephews or neices make something up or when you simply read the classics?   

Sister tribute – to a Mother’s Heart

My mom was a good mom and I have talked about her before. In all honesty, I’ve talked about my sister too but tonight I’m just giving you the top 10 of why my sister has a Mother’s heart. Let’s temper that with knowing I can also tell you a top 10 of why we didn’t get along all the time – but it’s mother’s day weekend so let’s look on the bright side! LOL

10. The real test of a mother’s heart is sacrifice: When your sister gives up part of her food (that’s her favorite) to keep you from crying.

9. She helped me stand my hair straight up with hair spray even if we were late to school. (it was the 80′s!)

8. She was always patient, even when I ate her favorite lipstick. (true story)

7. Even though I was her little sister she helped me learn to read, tie my shoes and braid hair. After all, it meant less for her to do each morning!

6. She does a great job of singing little kids to sleep — even is she doesn’t think she’s great at it.

5. NO one can out give her. Nope, not even you.

4. When there are chores to do – and you are falling behind, she just helps you to keep you out of trouble.

3. As an extra-ordinary sister, my sister also sheltered me from the worlds harsh cold truth and painful moments. She never wanted my heart to break.

2. Each holiday that called for candy – she offered my favorites to me without expecting anything in return. – Now that’s the generousity of a mother.

1. No matter how many nightmares caused me to wake up and panic – she never stopped holding my hand so I would go to sleep. (until we were older of course)

Thanks to one of my big sisters. You know who you are. <3

Mini-work-cation, why we need them!

My children are so wise to understand what our life looks like. To their credit, they may have a pretty smart mom… humble too! When we were chatting about how mommy and daddy loves to take them places I asked, “Do you understand why we sometimes go away for a few days without you?”

Here’s what I got:
“Uh, I would want to get away from [little brother] too!” (Laughter was had by all after that comment!)

“Sure, your kids are here all the time and it’s not like you have time to yourself.”

“Maybe you need to get away to remember your married.” (My personal favorite!)

Look – the reality is that even while “working” or on business spending time with your spouse is the most productive and well spent time for your “family” you could set aside.

We can’t build healthy kids who recognize healthy relationships if they never see how healthy relationships are maintained. We have to show them what love in action looks like. Even what healthy conversations look like within your home.

Trust me, we may all need a date night for dinner or a movie but that isn’t the same as a mini-cation or anniversary-moon.

We love taking a couple mini-trips a year where we can talk and dream and enjoy adult friends. Some people can only get one of these and it involves staying at home while the kids go to an Aunt’s or Grandma’s house. This may work for a short term, budget saving idea but the get-away will avoid the crazy buzz of things to do at your own home. So, remember that even if you agree to watch a friends home while they are on vacation you should try to get out of your comfort zones & favorite chairs to experience something fun, something new or something romantic together.

There are some great cheap moments I will write about my money savers soon. *Many years booking travel, and living on a tight budget can teach you a few things about mini-cations 4 cheap!

Witness this day; choose to enjoy what it holds.

I have not had a life of sweet sugar spoons coating every tragedy. I certainly didn’t learn from the people around me to generally enjoy life.  When generation upon generation walks about in a cloud of depression it’s easy to see life through those glasses. Until one day something really fantastic or really tragic happens to you somewhere deep down and you have to lift the veil. I choose to live it out loud – painful, joyful, and feel the smile completely and the salty tears whole heartedly. We don’t have to sugar coat it to witness it.

Today was as normal as any sick day in any house of sick daddy, sick sisters and sick brothers. Today – as my house at promptly 230 stopped quietly and sank into pillows to rest. The house was quiet and a gentle tear ran down my cheek. No, I was not in joy nor in pain but in the mere moment. The moment of knowing exactly what it’s like to live in this moment. I am better but still dealing with the over-tired body in recovery yet I am caring the weight of getting these people I love so deeply better! Some moments capture us, some moments like today could easily pass without any witness.  I witnessed their faces, the fevers, and the funny moments that happen when kids want to feel better.

Funny moment of the day:  N (turning 4) hot with fever takes off all clothes but under-drawers, grabs his play tool goggles, his battery saw and a play screw driver. Why? To fix the sick people of course! (His explanation was adorable.) All he wanted from me, was to spray his tools with Lysol so they would be well and not get anybody sick.

Midnight 'night cap' of When Dog Was Little snuggled in my bedroom chair as he awaits sleep and mommy hopes it returns!

Today was not a day to stand out in my mind but I want to remember that I thanked the God of the heavens for today. I prayed today – maybe a little selfishly over my family – but as my sister’s childhood friend fights for life in a ICU – I also remembered to mark this moment as one worth remembering.  My little one who slept too long, has had too many hugs (impossible I know) has spent the day wanted to be near his big people. That – that is worth noting on a little Sunday when no one felt like joining the families on roller blades or bicycles outside.  We stayed inside but oh what great hugs we have!The love of God never changes, we can choose to enjoy knowing that He is not quiet and does not sleep.  God is a father who loves to hug! “The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart.  Day and night I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go” Psalm 16:7-8 The Message Bible

No, I won’t go back to life slipping away without any thought to how precious it is or how hard it is to stay alert when all you wish to do is nurse your own pain. I must, I choose, and I will enjoy being alive and in love today.   My friend, I hope you remember tomorrow and do everything in your power to feel it and let it go. We must LIVE – out loud like a great book read to a 4 yr old!

Sickly motivated: Being mom-minded and world changers

“Sickly Motivated” is probably the Yoda way to say what I am thinking. You see, I am motivated at the inner core of my being even while sick. (Thus sickly!) Well, it isn’t great grammar and certainly not proper but the phrase also applies to what I wanted to accomplish while very sick: NOT get a house fully surrender to the illness. Although I was motivated, I was not successful. Today as I barely began to feel better I was still nursing a pre-schooler, an early elementary age and a very sad looking husband.

Now, why? On a week when many look at women’s issues I was simply trying to bear my families burdens. As mom’s we should be motivated to change the world, but if we aren’t changing the lives of our families for better….we will do a terrible misjustice to the world.

We must be motivated to keep our own kids safe, our own kids from getting ill and also be mindfully looking at the larger picture. When I keep my very sad kids home, even though they would love to keep play dates (or school days); I am looking out for my children’s long term interests AND the community around us. I urge you to be that mom, be the person who stays motivated even if you can barely keep your head up. ALWAYS keep your heart motivated and your heart ready to motivate others! Keep the sick kids, the husband or even yourself home BECAUSE that keeps others from falling prey to the virus and BECAUSE you are a world changer.

World Changers pay attention. Mom’s pay attention.
Keep on being mom-minded (or dad-minded) no discrimination here because after all dad-minded people create family conscience citizens!

Dr Suess Read-a-thon week! My printable fav’s and tips.

Although I don’t always talk about homeschooling I do think it’s important that we all use free stuff when possible.  The reality is Dr Suess’ Birthday and National Read Across America week is THIS WEEK.  I love this week for pre-school kids and I especially love the Dr. Seuss books for beginners and struggling readers alike.

Quick note here – check your book, as there are more advanced Seuss books now and you don’t want to overwhelm your reader!

For early education pre-k to 1st grade this web-link is great: http://www.homeschoolshare.com/seuss.php With free printable & a short but easy lesson. If you are new at lessons, the descriptions may be too short but with a bit of thought you can turn them into great multi-step lessons for those 1st graders!

www.Suessdude.com Has a little more advanced free printable that can be made easier or harder based on your childs needs.  I do love to get my younger kids used to looking at sheets like this, giving me their answer and I write them in on the line. It doesn’t have a large variety now but this site is getting more popular so keep checking.

There is the official website http://www.seussville.com/Educators/educatorClassroomResources.php that does have some good resources but in all honesty I wasn’t that impressed with these lesson plans but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the National Read Across America activity book: http://www.seussville.com/activities/RAAEducKit_ActGuide_WEB.pdf

Save the trees!
If you are planning to go watch the new Lorax movie, then you will have fun with this printable that is encourages you to get your friends to plant trees. http://www.seussville.com/activities/LORAX_TreePlanting_1.pdf

My suggestion is a Terra Cota pot, let your little ones paint the pots with tempera paints. (My favorite is when you draw simple line around the middle of the bottom of the pot, paint the bottom red, the middle white and the ring around the top red….and you have a cat in the hat pot!)  Grab some seeds, don’t forget to pre-soak them in water for 24 hours (or as directed on package) to help them sprout faster and PLANT!

*If you are going to actually plant a tree – find out if your community has any restrictions and plan! http://www.arborday.org/ Can help you find out more about trees (fully matured) and match the tree with the setting. You can even by a tree direct from this website!

So, back to Dr. Seuss. You can check out some local retailers, they always try to cash in on Seuss week and have special buys and great deals on books!  Remember, reading to your child is special and one day you may be lucky enough that your child will sit and read to you!

Don’t forget my favorite part of Dr. Seuss - IMAGINATION!!  Get out some googly eyes, play dough and create your own Seuss character with your kids.  If your kids are older, use polymer clay and they can keep it!

Where is your favorite place to get free printable online?  I’d love to know but regardless… enjoy your green eggs and ham this week!

Captured by servanthood? Choice or Command?

Captured, yes I said captured. Does that make you think negatively? Well, that’s why I used that word! Watched the “Memphis” musical again this weekend in the middle of the night at a hotel with three teenagers. They were very busy being teens and doing facials and what not. The movie, mixed with some circumstances and an overwhelming move of the Lord this weekend make up this blog. – Let’s hope it makes sense to you too!

Weekend Setting: I was ‘on duty’ as chaperone/parent/servant leader.

Reality: I was also ‘at work’ this weekend and serving the Body of Christ in the best possible setting!

Why the best possible setting? No, not a church building - but amidst prominate business leaders, church leaders and amazing adult leaders in a public forum worshipping the Lord together and setting aside a prayer room to pray over our community. I worked and saw what most consider ‘unlikely’ servanthood.  I served but was blessed to be in charge of many eager servants. These men and women of the Lord’s army came together with complete intentions to be back stage and meet needs of teens from this Metropolitan Area.  This isn’t about the vision of that but to ask is serving a choice? Did I choose to be there at all or was I really obligated to see through a vision I prayed for?

I keep learning more about the Lord with each passing day, and years. Thankfully, He never gives up on me and I am continually learning that I don’t have all the answers. Are we in fact captured by our convictions and should we be?

Being part of a prayer movement to see change in something, should inspire us to hope to see that come to pass, but should it compell you to always be involved then with that “movement” or ministry?

My thought is we need to ask oursleves the question, “WHY do I feel compelled to continue the commitment?”  If your answer is at its heart a selfish one, then maybe not, if the answer you come up with is rooted in guilt obviously God is not the compelling force. If you still feel convicted to finish the mission by God’s hands then you will have peace about staying and your life will continue to experience the blessings of following the Lord.

I may state here that I don’t again claim to be a theologian and seriously feel far from that!  I do believe anyone can hear from the Lord.  Although I don’t believe I have always heard from the Lord when what I thought I heard what the Lord was saying was a convenient truth that didn’t make it the Lord. So, I am speaking here from merely my experience with what I knew was missing and great advice or counsel from Godly men and women. ;) Rabbit trail – scene -

Galations 5 talks about freedom in the salvation message.  In this chapter, which I encourage you to read talks about almost everything you would ask of Christ about this subject.  A non-christian friend of mine many years ago had an interesting perspective, that from face value this chapter was “double sided” and frustrating, but when we love the lord and hear the Father’s heart we should be able to see it for what we need to hear a the time.  Gal 5 is very intense and so you should honestly take a slow, long bible study look at it. (My recommendation anyway.)

The Memphis musical questions some very interesting topics:  do you take up a cause when you are the front runner - but when there is no credit given, do you lay it down?  When you fight for what you know is right do you bypass what it may do to the people you love; is fighting the good fight without Christ a ‘good fight’ at all or just a fight?  I believe thse are self-evaluating questions that we often need to ask.  We sometimes need to ask those mentors closest to us what they think about our servanthood.  Memphis, for those unfamiliar is about racial relations, music and the birth of a fantastic freedom movement. It was clear that some people put the movement and cause above loving one another with compassionate wisdom.

Over a hundred students do "the electric slide" to help close out their time together with LeadTampaBay.com

The adults I worked shoulder to shoulder with this weekend,  didn’t expect to rise above the crowd.

Like a few other adults & teens I have worked with for almost a decade now who do not do any of it for their glory.   They serve a Lord, and He prepares the way…not man. After all, if you are getting Glory….God is not!

Ministry in a coffee shop with GlenClark.net and the village!

Gal 5:16, 22-24 Message says this:

“My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. // …what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.”

Two main things I read here: when God is leading you and motivating your acts of service then you are unforced and able to “direct” energy wisely and when you belong to Christ you should be able to shed the ideology that works are required..the message says that those ‘necessities are killed off for good’.

To continue reading about making the choice of servanthood wisely read part 2  here.

Captured by servanthood? Choice or command? part 2

So, in Gal 5 (see part 1 for background and direction) we saw some pretty clear indicators of the fruit in our lives if we were in fact living a compassionate servanthood life tempered with wisdom we gain blessings.

Yet so many people say you must be like Christ in order to be holy didn’t Christ serve and give his very life? Well, the question I often ask is not should we serve somewhere but how much and in what. “What is God motivating you to do within His kingdom (uh, that’s in the world or “church”) to bring Him glory?”  When we receive salvation, we gave our lives to God to not make our lives about us but about Him.

I know I heard the Lord this weekend after I went to a corner to cry because I was terribly hurting at the prospect of saying, No. Some wouldn’t believe that about my personality.  I was clearly in an authoritative role overseeing volunteers and had needed to direct many people that day, however, I too was  falling into snares and pot holes in this journey of servanthood.

If “serving” is also your “job” then we have to be extra careful to constantly seek direction from the Lord. Laying aside personal feelings and focusing on what the Lord has for us.

A dear brother and elder in the Body of Christ was there for me and gave me great insight. God does not require works it’s true, and His love for me extends beyond mistakes and far beyond my sin but His love, if I believe anything at all, MUST be free.  It must be a love for Christ but ALSO the wisdom of the Lord given freely.  NO strings attached and no demands except to Love.

If serving is severing things in your life you know shouldn’t be severed but you feel you need to serve any way…. you may be captured by the wrong thing or wrong thinking.

Family moment in the park, to help refocus.

It’s not and can never be a commandment of do this or else….(fill in the blank).  Our number one commandment was simple and restated over and over:  LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  We can debate what love is, but the Bible spells that out for us as well in 1 Cor 13. Interesting how so many leaders maniuplate what it means to love God and it somehow involves their own vision - even more frightening is how few people offer Grace to believers who pour out of themselves in servanthood. We have to all be willing to let God’s love be FREE, to let serving be a choice between God and His people and to not cast opportunities to serve as mandates or else.

I have been in “church” walls since I was 8. (Before that time I knew about church but without consistency.) I watched every form of manipulation, guilt, contracts that people or God won’t ____ for you if you don’t _____ for the “church”.  Even as far as pastors not praying for sick people if the family didn’t tithe or volunteer.  Those things are lies from the very heart of a legalistic perspective.  I have heard almost all of the arguements: If you don’t do oversees missions you are missing the Lord./ If you don’t serve this age group or that special interest group you are not hearing from the Lord./ If you aren’t attending church at every time the door is open, choir practice, media run through, sound check, set up, tear down…or whatever, then you are less than. (This list could go on and on and on.)

Folks that may be convenient to say when people like me are recruiting volunteers, but it isn’t the heart of God.  Someone turning down a ministry opportunity or not being involved in “YOUR” movement doesn’t make them less in the eyes of the Lord. ~ HIS LOVE HAS TO BE FREE or we all believe a lie. I love working with certain ministry opportunities but when no one shows up to volunteer with me, I can’t take that personally.  That’s between them and the Lord.  (Although I have to be accountable with people so I do not become judgemental it’s an easy snare to fall into.)

Servanthood is a lifestyle but Christ didn’t wash everyone’s feet and He didn’t heal every sick person and it had nothing to do with not loving each of them.  Christ didn’t heal every sick person because he was obedient to his Father’s prompting.  Serving with compassion AND wisdom is joyful and fruitful. (see Gal 5) Using wisdom from the Lord has great accomplishments for the cause and the word above even declares we have affection for others, we’re excited about life and we are in peace.  We have to trust in God’s plan for ministry, for the people volunteering and for the people not serving but being ministered to. If you aren’t excited about serving Christ for others, and are not in peace (inner peace is not the same as a life of bliss, so I’m speaking here of inner peace) then you need to get with the Lord, and an elder (not with the same organization preferably asking us to volunteer).

Should you(we) be serving?  We should find joy, peace, and fulfillment when we are obedient to where & how God prompts and yes, I believe that does involve serving GOD and how He draws you to minister with your time, talents and money. Honestly, I think there is a time for maturity when Titus tells us not everyone should be considered for leadership roles.

There is also a time when we all need some ’40 days’ in the wilderness to stop the cycle of people needing us and focusing on the Lord alone. Jesus did just that, he prepared for time with people by spending time with the Father.  Some people are let’s face it just trying to force themselves to serve in some capacity that isn’t what God is guiding them in.  That’s a potential for devistating results for them and the service ”opportunity”. *People in my experience that are serving in the wrong roles create turmoil and strife eventually for either themselves or the ministry.

But you want to serve and don’t know where the Lord is leading?  First, I wish someone would have told me when I was in my early teens that there were other choices!  Honestly, you need to try a few things, ask someone who feeds the homeless to train you and let you try out different volunteer roles! There are thousands of roles within thousands of great organizations that need volunteers.  I love most when I hear Christians volunteering in moral roles in the mainstream, because that is showing the Love of Jesus to people who don’t see him every week. Any volunteer role God is moving you in is what will bless your life the most. Please check out ministries that you trust in your area but don’t limit yourself!

This week ‘I was reminded that I don’t always set great boundaries, after many nights without sleep because the work needed to get finished.  I had the desire and the ambition to do something with excellence but that can’t be without boundaries.  We must be wise in our time (don’t follow my example on this) and I am llways learning.  Rest is different than being a slacker…. rest heals. Rest soothes. Rest refreshes. It makes us excited about the next serving opportunity!  We all sometimes need to remind ourselves to not grow weary in doing good deeds.

If there isn’t time for you to breathe (or take out the garbage, or have clean clothes) because you volunteer in so many places that you may even neglect your family responsibilites …. um, remember that your spouse, and your kids and sometimes our extended families need to also see Christ-like behavior of servanthood.  Christ served the multitudes but always made time for those closest to him, I believe he never wanted there to be a question of his love for them as well as show them how to have healthy boundaries.

“Memphis” and God’s heart.  God is no respector of persons.  He loves us each with reckless abandon and overwhelming grace.  I was blessed to be reminded of the musical this weekend as I often see the very real division that can happen. We can’t fix everything and sometimes we must focus on the small picture in order to make the greatest impact and sometimes we have to focus on the big picture which draws away our time and we need to balance. *Obviously the musical is not a Christian theme, and is missing God’s Love for ALL people.

A quick pic during a weekend of serving with our kids, ministering Love and fellowship to warn down ministers of the gospel.

If God loved me in the depths of my darkness – regardless if I would ever become a martyr overseas, if I never served His body ….then I too must love regardless of what acts of service I see in others.  Just as I serve, I must serve with compassion and wisdom not forsaking God’s counsel or my family.  If we believe that Grace, Love, and Mercy are free, and If we believe that the Lord gave the most important command to love – then we must evaluate our motivation and our service according to and within HIS Love for us, not the approval of man.  Do you think that sharing the love of Jesus is XYZ?  Does that picture have to be the same for every single person?  I say we each have a unique calling of how we can volunteer, in what ways do you think you volunteer out of obligation?

Being “still” while I work my tail off!

Not Blogging a lot the last couple – ok – several weeks.  Learning to work diligently and be “still” while God works and moves on my heart.

It isn’t always easy – so – watch out because I will be doing and saying some great stuff soon, actually probably by Sunday!  So technically you are not waiting all that long!

Meanwhile, you can know these fun facts from my kids:

“Females and males share a name, well, girls are pretty males with better skin on.” ~ 6 year old.

“Super heroes are regular people too! Well, [they are] super and hav”e cartoons and movies but someone is watching a movie about me.”  ~ 3 yr old genius

“Dinosaurs are great but not without skin on.” ~ 10 yr old mastermind

“Dolls are not real Mommy so they don’t care if you step on them.” ~ 6 yr old after being asked to pick up her dolls of the floor.

So, my dear friends – I will be back with fun photos and some amazing moments again come Sunday! ~ Until then, know that Resting In Him doesn’t always mean sitting “still” and not doing any thing, but it does mean I have PEACE about what I can’t see, and what I can. 

SHALOM