Almost Mid-Week...Preparing for Take off!

         

                                                The five masked children! 

                                                          Teen group on the back church lawn 

Sunday...gone. Monday...disappeared. Tuesday...today! Whew! It’s been a whirlwind off activity the last few days. Sunday was our first back-with-kids Sunday school class. We did not have a whole lot of children, as five of them were ours, but the time together was special. We are studying about Jonah. I never realized until I was studying for the lesson that when Jonah decided to flee to Tarshish, he was going 2500 miles the WRONG way! He did not just not want to go to Nineveh -he really DID NOT want to go! Yet, God still used the disobedient prophet and showed him great mercy. That mercy is the same for you and me. I don’t know about you, but I am praying often and fervently for God to have mercy on our land! 

Sunday night we had teen group. It was a humid and sticky night, but we all had a great time running around playing ultimate frisbee, roasting hotdogs and s’mores over the fire, sharing prayer requests and listening to God’s Word. I’ve missed these teens, and we were happy to see some of them again on Sunday night. 

Monday brought about a day off for Roger, some much needed rain, and lots of activities to get ready for our trip to Wisconsin! Emma packed about everything in her dresser for the trip, and Travis brought along a practically empty suitcase so he can bring “stuff” home! We are flying with Southwest, and since two bags fly free, we might as well have extra space. I don’t know about you, but nothing ever packs the same when we are coming home! We are looking forward to spending a few days with my family in Wisconsin. It’s been almost a year since most of our kids have been out to Wisconsin, so I’m sure it will be a delightful time. It’ll also be a crazy fast ten days! 

Tuesday. Our flight doesn’t leave until around four, but Roger’s parents were making a delivery in Maine about one and one-half hours from our house. It was kinda on the way to the airport, so we met up with them for lunch and then headed to the airport. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to see Rogers parents so it was good to have a few minutes to visit. 

Roger dropped us off at the airport early, so that’s where we are now...at the airport. We made it through security, even with the masks on! This was Garett’s first time wearing a mask, as he has not gone anywhere where he’d need to wear one. Garett hasn’t even been to Walmart since February. He hates shopping, so he’s only gone with Roger, church, and swimming,,,that’s about it! They all have plenty of snacks and water, so I’m sure that they’ll be eating their way to Wisconsin! I forgot that I had pepper spray in my purse, but I remembered before we went through security. I hated to throw it away, but such is life. Travis told me that he was so relieved that the beeping thing didn’t go off in security. He says, “I don’t like that because I feel like something is wrong but I don’t know how to fix it.” Ha. I know the feeling! Airport security personnel are not known for their friendliness to start with, but I’m pretty sure that wearing a mask makes them grumpier! All in all, we made it through security without any major hiccups and we are now waiting for our plane to take off. 

I’m not sure how you’re feeling these days, but I often feel like I am experiencing deep sadness and even grief for our nation. These are unsettling times, so I’m thankful that I rest in a God Who is unchanging, ever merciful and loving. I rest in that! 

We sang this song again on Sunday, and I have come to treasure the truths in this song. 

Here

Tired but Happy!

Tired but happy boys! (Dirty too) 

             

                                 

       

                                                    

                  This is about the only picture I have from today...but the table looked nice. 😀😊

Today was the day of the baby shower that I hosted at our house. I was reminded of how much I enjoy opening our home, and also how much effort it is to get ready! The house looked pretty nice, but I did tell our children to stop touching stuff! I made some meatballs for the shower last night, but they never made it to the shower...we ended up eating them for supper! It was a new recipe, and they were delicious! 

This morning started off with doing work around the house, making food, and preparing for the shower. Garett and Chandler asked if I could bring them to their job around ten, so we aimed for that. We stopped at a yard sale on the way (all of our kids love heard sales-except Garett!). I had to pick up some balsamic vinegar to finish off a recipe, so it was kinda a blessing that I needed to bring the boys to work. Then we came home, and I finished up the rest of the food and finished cleaning. The boys and Emma were going to a friends house during the shower, so that was a fun for them and a blessing to me! I’m thankful that Annah was willing to have an additional three children at her house for the afternoon! Back home again to do the last minute things, and I actually got to sit down for a few minutes. 

We had about sixteen ladies come to the shower, so that was a good turnout. It was a fun time of fellowship, laughter, food and fun! It was a privilege to have the opportunity to bless this mama and her new baby, and I’m thankful for each one that was able to come and be a part of the event. I am also very tired, and I’m hoping for an early bedtime tonight! 

After the shower, I went to pick up Garett and Chandler from their job...and they were happy to report that they had finished the job. They’ve been busy at it and their goal was to finish before they left for Wisconsin! It’s such a blessing that they were able to work for a Christian man and a friend of ours, and it was a good experience for our boys. Wyatt is anxiously waiting for his turn to go to work, but we keep reminding him to enjoy where he is now. Eventually God will provide the opportunities for Wyatt also. 

We wrap up a full week with rejoicing and tired hearts. We look forward to going to Wisconsin next week, and spending time with family there. 

Days of WORK!

Travis announced to me yesterday that last week felt like a “lot of fun” and this week feels like a “lot of work”! Ha! I can see how he feels that way, as it’s just the way it’s been this week. Garett and Chandler have been faithfully working on a project for some friends of ours. They’ve been getting up early, working for a few hours, and then coming home. Yesterday they did some in the morning, and then some at night. They want to finish the project before leaving for Wisconsin, and Roger and I have been very pleased with their diligence. 

Yesterday, the kids and I, along with one of our Pastor’s sons, went to do some work for an older lady in our church. Actually, it wasn’t for her, but rather for a friend of hers that is also a veteran. I don’t think any of our children were overly thrilled with the thought of going to do several hours of yard work, but they did not voice their thoughts. It was a blessing to have Austin along, as sometimes having a friend along can make a job more pleasant. The kids and I spent several hours pulling weeds, moving brush, weed whacking, raking, oh, it was good hard work! Everyone was hot and tired after several hours, but they all stuck with it. I’m pretty sure Emma ate most of the snacks while her brothers were working! I rewarded the kids with some lunch from Burger King, and that all thought that was good pay! It was a good opportunity to show the love of Jesus through hard work, good attitudes, and a thankful heart for the veteran that had served our country. 

Garett and Chandler headed back over to their other “job” around six, and they worked for a few hours. Chandler ended up stepping on a nail that went right through his shoe. The boys have a phone, and they could’ve called me to tell me about the nail incident. Instead Chandler rinsed it out well with water, wrapped it up and kept working until the two hours was over and I picked them up. I’ll admit I was a little concerned about the nail, but the nail did not go in very deep. He’s done a good job of keeping it clean, and while it bothered him today, I think it’s mostly because he’s still using it. It’s not red, swollen or overly irritated. We will keep a close eye on it, but it’s just another day around here! 

We are having a baby shower at our house tomorrow, and I think that makes my children spend more time outside! I think they figure that if they’re outside, it’s less likely that mom will ask them to clean something! I’ve been busy with prepping food, planning a few things, cleaning and decorating. Travis did ask me why we were mopping the floors. “Everyone is going to get them all dirty again!” Sometimes, his thinking is quite humorous! 

It’s been a beautiful week here, but wow, we could really, really use some rain! We’ve been watering our plants and berry bushes every day, and the lakes and ponds are looking rather low. We are thankful for all the sunshine, but we will rejoice when the rain comes too. 

We are heading to Wisconsin on Tuesday. Roger is not coming with us as summer is a busy time of year for him. Our kids are very excited to see Nana and Papa and aunt Jen! I’m sure it will be a full and busy week and the ten days will fly by! 

I’ve removed the Facebook app off my phone this week. The negativity is getting to be over the top, and no one has nothing nice to say to anyone but especially if you don’t agree with them! Do I think it’s time to take a stand? Yes, I absolutely do. But wasting time arguing with people is not helping! Yes, I have opinions and deep, deep concerns, but I think my time can be better spent right now in much prayer and meditation on Gods Word. A friend sent me a message the other day reminding me of the song that “God sees the Storm from the Other Side”. I am so glad He does! He might not choose to spare our land or give us the mercy that I’ve been pleading for, but He does promise to go beside us. And who knows? Maybe God will chose to send a great and amazing revival through our land...that’s my prayer. 

I don’t know what the Coronavirus stats are in Maine today because I did not feel like checking! I already know that regardless of how few or how many cases that have been discovered that will be the headline and not the recoveries! I can read the news across our nation, and I gather that there are spikes in several states. If you’re already concerned that would probably be alarming, but the other side of the news is that the death count does not seem to be rising as quickly....less severe cases? 

We’ve been studying through Nehemiah as a church family, and I have been so blessed by that book of the Bible. Talk about a man faced with adversity! Yet, he prayed ...and he prepared! It was not just a call out to God for help and wisdom, but also a preparing of the people and setting a “guard”. That’s what my thoughts are on tonight. Praying, preparing and setting a “guard”. We serve the Almighty God, so let’s rejoice and act on that! 

Days of Summer

                                                                 Date Night! 

Today I struggle with finding the right words to even write...hmm...a right and a write?! My heart is just so very full as we look at events across our land. “America, the Beautiful” are you still? Just in the last week alone, rioters and acts of  violence have rampaged our country. Clearly, we’ve not taught history as mobs of angry people seek to destroy national monuments. I absolutely believe that we have made mistakes as a nation, but the solution is not to just destroy everything! Maybe the solution is to ACTUALLY Teach history?! It seems to me that a lot of the monuments being torn down actually have nothing to do with slavery or black lives but rather with anger, disrespectfulness and hatred. Did you know that if you don’t like or agree with a law, policy or monument there is a procedure process that you’re supposed to follow? News alert...if you don’t like something, you’re not supposed to be allowed to destroy it! 

For sure, the root of the problem is that we are all sinners. There is none righteous, and we are all gone astray (two different verses there). Because man is sinful, we need laws. When the laws fail to be upheld, chaos ensues! I don’t know about you, but that’s where I feel we are today-in chaos! I hold to the promise that God is not the author of confusion, and that He sees the bigger picture. He truly sees the storm from the other side. However, since I’m on the storm side at the moment, it’s my responsibility to cling to my Anchor (Jesus). I am also praying fervently and diligently that God will give grace to America, and that the “silent majority” (if there is one) will start standing and speaking louder! 

Well, you’re probably not reading this blog to get my take on our nation, so I’ll tell you about our family. Roger had the day off yesterday and we spent the day doing errands, working around the house, and I was able to go to T.J. Max and use my gift card from my birthday. I had such a good time wandering around the store, picking up 500 things, and setting them back down. I did find some really good deals, and even bought a few Christmas presents. Chandler and Garett are working on a job for a friend of ours this week. They are cleaning out an old barn. It’s dirty, hard work, and just the perfect kind of job for our kids. Life is not all roses and fun jobs, so it’s good to have jobs that aren’t as pleasant.Regardless of whether or not you like the job, it’s a reflection on your character to do the job and do it well. I’ve been impressed with the two boys. They asked me to take them early in the morning (around 6:00am.) and they work for a few hours. They seem to be doing a good job and actually working well together. They have a few more mornings of work before they’ll be done with the job. Their goal is to finish it before we leave for Wisconsin next week. 

Roger and I went on a date last night. It was our first date in over twelve weeks...we went to Home Depot! Restaurants haven’t been open around here, and it doesn’t seem like nearly as fun of a date to eat your food in the car! We left the kids at home and went to the hardware store to get a few things for a project Roger is working on. While it was not wildly exciting, it was nice to have some time to ourselves without “ears in the cornfield” as my dad would say. Growing up I could never understand why my parents would stay out in the car talking while we kids went in the house. Now I understand! Our children are naturally nosy, so between the five of them, we often feel like we have “ears in the cornfield”! 

Roger was working today, so I took Garett and Chandler to their job. I went to get a few things for a baby shower that I am hosting on Saturday, and then came home. It’s overcast and foggy today, so I’m feeling ready for a nap. But instead we did a few pages of school, mowed grass, worked on the laundry, folded clothes, and cleaned! 

In closing, yes there are days when I am weary and my soul feels weighted down. However, I can also rest in knowing that God wants me to bring my burdens to Him. He cares about the feathers on a sparrow, so we can rest in knowing that He truly cares for us. 

                             Doing summer work is not their favorite, but we are working through it! 

Day #Play dates, Bad Attitudes and Poor Parenting...just keeping it real!

                                                 Pancakes for supper! 

                                                             Working on a class! 

                                                  Thankful for this dear friend

“When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast.” Here

If you’ve never heard this song, I highly recommend it. One thing that gives me great comfort these days is music. I often play it on my phone at home or take a minute to play a song through on the piano. I am thankful for friends to pray with, music to speak to me, the Holy Spirit to convict, and His Word to read and ponder. 

This morning I had plans to just putter around the house (yeah, right...who does that?!) I am hosting a baby shower at the end of the week, so I’m on a bit of a mission to clean up, throw out, and prepare for that. I am very much looking forward to hosting the shower, as I don’t think we’ve done that at our house here in Maine yet. However, Travis told me it was a bit early in the week to be cleaning for the baby shower. “Mom, we’re kinda messy, so it’ll probably get dirty before the shower.” Well then my son, you need to keep it cleaner! 

Anyways, as I was out for my walk this morning, I got a text from my friend, Ashley. She had a few things that she wanted to give to our kids (food!), so I asked if she was busy this morning. I invited her over for lunch and a visit. Our kids were happy to see her children, and they all spent the morning running in and out, laughing and playing. Ashley and I enjoyed the morning visiting together. It was a special morning to be able to talk through some of the recent events in our state and in our nation. We didn’t solve any of the problems, but it was such a blessing to have someone to share those concerns, and it was encouraging to talk to another mom of boys and know that we are both wanting the same thing- to raise up a generation that will be strong in the Lord, passionate about Jesus, and love Him fervently. I don’t know that the future holds. Looking at the recent events in our history is cause for great concern, but I do know that we need to the next right things for today. Love and serve Jesus. 

I took the children with me over to the school this afternoon, as we needed to move some stuff around in the preschool room. Since half the room is carpet and the other half is tile, it means that first we have to move all the stuff off the carpet to the tile. Then a man in our church graciously shampooed and cleaned the carpet for us. Today we needed to move all the stuff off the tile floor and to the carpet side. Once the tile floor has been cleaned and buffed, we can put everything back to prepare for the fall. (We are still waiting for directions from the state as to what the recommendations are for schools in the fall.) Please keep praying! Again, we rest in knowing that God is in control. 

Wyatt made supper tonight. He made pancakes, and he had fruit and yogurt to go with the pancakes. He did a good job with the supper, and there was nothing left. I mean nothing! Over thirty pancakes, three pounds of berries, and a large family size container of yogurt...and this is why we don’t eat leftovers. There is nothing left for leftovers even when we try to make a lot! These boys are growing! 

One of our children is really struggling with a bad attitude issue. Bad attitudes are a result of a heart condition so that is concerning to us as parents. Sometimes it’s hard to have the right response as a parent because I just want my child to “fix their problem” and “straighten up their attitude”. But I’m looking for more than an outward response, I want them to recognize that their bad attitude is something much deeper than the actions that come from that. Often it seems like parenting is getting harder and not easier! When they were all so little the consequence came quickly after the action (lying, disobedience, etc.) but now I’m finding that I want to discover why the response is happening. Why were they motivated to disobey, be unkind, disrespectful, etc.? I want to point them to Jesus, but often my flesh wants to respond in a way that does not help the situation. “be ye angry and sin not.” “A soft answer turneth away wrath” “let your speech be with grace”. Oh, yes, I still have plenty to learn in my own life! And so often the actions that I see in my children are the exact same things that I also struggle with in my life. Plenty to work on around here! 

Unexpected Blessings & Father's Day

Praise the Lord-it’s Sunday! Sunday has a whole new meaning for us now that we are going back to meeting in the church building. We will start back with children’s Sunday school next week, but to be totally honest, I have enjoyed the long morning before heading to church. It’s allowed for a run every Sunday, time in the Word, and breakfast all before the church service. (I can understand why church habits are so important!) The other side is that I think Sunday school is a special time to really dig into God’s Word, and it’s important for our children also. We will be gearing up for a special summer Sunday school series as we’ve missed out on Vacation Bible School. So, I know that once we reestablish the habits, it will be easier. I had the opportunity to sing along with some of the music at church today, and that was a special blessing. I’m also learning a lot. 1) I much prefer to have music to look at than slides to sing to! 2) Even if I know the songs, I do much better if I can sing through them ahead of time. 3) Music speaks to the soul (already knew that but today was a good reminder of that.) I was again blessed today through the music and the preaching of Gods Word. Our pastor is preaching on Nehemiah, and I’ve enjoyed the sermons in on Nehemiah. Talk about a man that faced opposition, fear and nay-sayers...yet he pressed on for the Glory of God! Don’t quit Christians! 

Yesterday was warm, no actually, it was hot! It felt like we were suddenly dumped into summer and the heat and humidity were both high! We did not go to the beach or the lake, as we had things that we needed to work on around home. Garett and I did trash, the boys created some pools in the back yard using tarps, and they spent time going in and out of the house. Travis realized that he had had a little too much sunshine as he has a bad sunburn on his shoulders. Roger came home from work exhausted from the heat, but yet he still went to pick up a bed that we had been given as well as a freezer (but not from the same people!). I had mentioned to my friend, Hannah, earlier this week that I was having such a hard time finding a freezer, but yet I would enjoy having one so that I could stock up on a few things -stock up- not HOARD! She stared at me for a second and then said, “oh, We have one you can have.” What?! I hadn’t even spent a whole lot of time even praying for a freezer as both Sams Club and Lowe’s said that they’ve been back ordered on freezers for at least fourteen weeks! It was an amazing answer to prayer, and one that I am very, very excited about! Then later this week when we were at Allison’s lake, Annah mentioned that they had been given a very nice king size bed, but they didn’t think that they wanted it. Annah asked if we would want it, and I’m happy to report that I said I’d ask Roger first!  So, Roger brought home the king size bed, frame, box spring, mattress pad and sheets on his way home from work. He and the boys unloaded that and then Roger and I went to pick up the freezer. It was a very, very late night, but both items were unexpected blessings! 

Roger was working today, so we did not stay after church for the picnic lunch this week. Instead we went to the airport to have lunch with Roger (and to pick up Travis). It’s not ideal-Roger working on Sundays, but we both know that this is just for a season. Since Roger spent the early part of the week with his brother, Nate, he worked the last half of the week. However, next Sunday we will all be planning on attending church together! (And then the next Sunday, I’ll be gone with the kids!) It was an interesting Father’s Day since Roger was working, but the kids all made him cards this afternoon. The boys also helped me take down the bed that was in our room, set up the king size bed and move the other bed all the way down to the basement. Now we have a nice guest room in the basement all ready for guests. Who’s coming?! 

Travis’s skin is blistered, and he was not able to go to church this morning as wearing a shirt was very difficult! Since Roger had to work today (Sunday) I dropped Travis off at the airport. He managed to put on a shirt when we came to the airport for lunch and for a picture, but he’s pretty much been shirtless all day. I feel really badly that he’s been so miserable, but we both learned a lesson to apply more sunscreen. I would probably do well to also invest in a water swim shirt for him. Chandler very rarely very gets a sunburn, and I don’t usually either. I did get a little red on Friday, but nothing that was too bothersome. I guess we all learned a lesson about easing into summer! (But summer here in Maine will probably disappear next week!) 

I’m thankful for Roger’s quiet leadership, hard working ethics, character traits of honesty and integrity and how he is trying to instill those in our boys. We fail....often miserably...at being parents, but Gods mercies are new every morning. We are thankful for children that forgive easily, enjoy life, and are a blessing to us. We are so blessed. Happy Father’s Day! 

More Sunshine and Questions...but no Answers

A tired little girl! 

Reading together 

 

Soaking up Vitamin D these days is especially important as is getting daily exercise and spending time in God’s Word. It is incredibly easy to get discouraged through the events happening around us, peoples responses’ to those events, and the turmoil and chaos that are threatening to forever change America and our future. I am deeply concerned for my children. I worry about the state of our nation for the past thirteen weeks, and how we tried to protect them. Sometimes my mind wanders dangerously and I can be swept under by waves of fear...wondering....will America ever return to some semblance of “normal”? Will our children know America as a free nation and a democracy or will they only remember it faintly and indistinctly? Will Christian Americans commit to raising up a generation of children that will stand for right and the principles of God’s Word? Will God spare our nation from the evilness, wickedness and destruction that are looming over us? Oh, I have many, many questions! But, I have to focus on my responsibilities for today. Those responsibilities include:  focusing on God and His Word, pointing our children to Jesus, standing firm in truth, protecting history and teaching it to my children, and praying, praying, praying! Oh, we serve an Almighty God!

We soaked up another day of sunshine here in Maine today! We spent the morning at the beach, and the afternoon at the lake! I’m pretty sure that our kids have each lost a few pounds this week from days in the sun, hours of activity, and energy expended! (I haven’t lost any weight! Ugh!) I wasn’t planning on going to the lake this afternoon, but the boys have a few new fishing items that they’ve been anxious to try out. And I’m happy to go to the lake to visit with my friend, Allison and today my friend, Annah, also. 

My favorite time to go to the beach is in the morning, and then leave around lunch time. This week we’ve been among the first five cars in the parking lot at the beach, but by the time we leave the parking lot is crowded! This morning we met our friend, Bethany, and her children at the beach. Bethany has four children, and three of them are boys. The ocean is absolutely frigid, but yet all the kids went in the ocean...brrrr! I stuck in a toe, and then I decided that I was not hot enough to get in that water! However, it was a fun morning for all of us. I enjoyed visiting with Bethany, and while we didn’t solve the worlds problems, we sure treasured our time together. Garett told me that this was the first year that he ever remembers going to the same beach three times in one week! True that! But when the sun is shining and the opportunity presents itself, we will go! 

Roger was able to spend some time with his brother, Nate, earlier this week. While we certainly missed him at home, it did provide the unusual opportunities to spend extra time at the beach and lake. Roger and Nate had a great time in northern Maine, fishing, hiking, boating, and staying in a very rustic Cabin. Our boys are looking forward to their turn to go with Roger on that type of excursion...and Emma and I will be happy for them to enjoy that. I don’t mind the rustic cabin, or the outhouse or no electricity (we’ve lived in a home like that before and have some great memories) but I also think this is the type of experience that the boys would probably enjoy more if mom did not come. And that’s okay! Our boys need to have adventures and experiences with just their Dad. 

I went to Wal-mart yesterday, and there was not even a line! Sometime in the last few days, our governor said that now Wal-mart can have 250 people in it at one time. Since we live in a rural area, that means no lines at Wal-mart! For the first time in over three months, it was fun to go to Walmart. Chandler, Wyatt and Emma wanted to come with me, so I let them come along. Our kids really haven’t been in any stores since early March, so they were thrilled to go check out the clearance aisle in Walmart. And while I’m happy that there are not any lines to get in Walmart, now the question must be asked...why Walmart and not the churches? If people can be allowed in Walmart based on square footage of the store, why doesn’t that same principle apply for churches? Why only groups of fifty or fewer no matter what the square footage of the building? And why are masks still mandated in a state that has only 488 active cases of Coronavirus? And since the CDC and WHO have contradicted themselves multiple times on the effectiveness of masks, why make them mandated? I totally get if you want to wear a mask...no problem...wear it!  But to make that a requirement of people, in the summer, in a county that has only two active cases, why? At what point in time do the American people get to decided for themselves what is safe? Yes, let’s protect the vulnerable by all means! I have many older friends that are very, very dear to me, so I want to protect them, but I also have to wonder at what point in time do we start to consider the lives, businesses, and livelihoods that have also been forever impacted by coronavirus also? No, I don’t have all the answers...but I sure have plenty of questions! 

In closing, I know that I serve a God WHO sees it all! I serve a God that delights in His children. I serve a God who cares for me, and for you. We will trust Him.