reading aloud

Friday. Late morning. I'm studying our Sunday School lesson.  Evan asks me to read the story to him. So I open my bible and read the words. 

Gods words.

Our story is about Jesus' trial before he is crucified.  The story ends just before the crucifixion takes place. 

He asks me to keep reading. So I read aloud the words. 

This is fun. I love reading aloud these important, truthful words to my son. He is listening. He is soaking up what he hears and is paying attention.  

He asks me questions. 

I pause. He asks if there is more to the story. I say yes. 

He asks for a break. There are pieces of dried bread we put out on the deck rail to be broken for the birds. He wants to finish that job. 

So we break.  

The neighbor kids are out.  He watches them. I hear, "Evan is out. Evan is out." They tell him to ask if he can come play.  

He responds, "But my Mom is reading a story to me. 

I can't play right now."

My heart, it's skipped a beat and is leaping with joy. 

This is important. Right now, in this moment. This is what He needs. I need. To hear the words and story of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I want to remember this moment. Lord give us more of them.

Thank you Father above for my sweet crazy ambitious son!

Love, Faithfulness, Wisdom

It's amazing how submitting a small amount of my time can quiet my spirit. 

Midst all the busyness that surrounds; obeying God's command by sitting--with Him--does incredible things.  I mean, the Lord gives me my time. Every minute of the day He has granted me and provided me. He waits.  

Coffee...it's my thing. I never miss a coffee date. Yet I miss them most mornings with my God. I don't even have to leave my house and miss the meeting. I don't even have to scramble to clean for a visitor, because he's already in the house, seen the mess, and he waits--for me. He's sitting by my chair waiting. Will she come chat with me for a minute?And when I do sit, to chat with him, He is joyous EVERY time. There is such happiness that I am with Him. 

There is a calmness in the house before my kids wake.  How I love that stillness. 

But it is hard to get this body out of my comfortable bed. Out from under the covers to begin the day again.  I enjoy my sleeping. See my kids are active and they wear me out.  The house is always a mess and there is always a giant To-Do list.

But morning dawns, the light washes the darkness away. It is still. Crazy how well you listen when it is still. So I choose to read the words of God. To fill my heart, my head with good! When I choose this, I am joyful. I have hope. I have a steady hand. I have foundation. I have confidence. I feel a kick in my step and I want to dance. 

I want more of this.

Proverbs 3

3Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  4Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and Man.

5Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

7Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.  8This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

13Blessed in the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, 14for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.  15She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.  16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

17Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

21My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; 22they will be life for you, and ornament to grace your neck.

23Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; 24when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Kids say

While putting Nadia down for her nap I hear this conversation:

Neighbor kids run to screen door, "Hi Evan."

Evan, "Hi".

NK:  "Can you ask your Mom if you can come play?"

E:  "Well we are eating our lunch. But after I am done I will come outside."

NK:  "Oouh, where did you buy those tacos?"

E:  "We made them."

NK:  "Did you buy them at Taco Bells?"

E:  "No we made them here."

NK: "Why don't you ever go?"

E:  "What?"

NK:  "Why don't you ever go? You just stay. Does your Mom not even have a job?"

E:  Long pause, speaks hesitantly, "No."

E: "I have to eat my lunch."

NK: "Ok."

It's been playing over in my head all afternoon and evening.

GREEN SMOOTHIE GIRL powers up

After breaking through her day long and night fever. 

GREEN SMOOTHIE GIRL powers up with a special blend.

 (spinach, banana, strawberry, blueberry, kiwi, oj, water)

Praise the Lord for his healing hand may our day be germ free and full of fun.

Change is gonna come

Ever feel like there is another person inside you scratching to get out.  You know your 'inner voice'?  The voice that speaks your thoughts, desires, and dreams. 

That voice only you can hear?

Someday's I feel there is a whole different side of me that I want to become. I live her out in my day dreams, and my night dreams.  

But for some reason, she is not fully lived out of my head.  

Have you ever felt so strongly that ♫♪ CHANGE is gonna come ♫♪♫.

I am so blissed out at the thought of this!

I am desiring change, in so many ways! 

I am ready to embrace the funky-spirited gal who is scratching inside of me.  She wants to be known.  I am ready to be true to me. Be true to my family. Obey my heavenly Father who created my being and intricately put me together.

He knows me.

He knows where I am and how I act. He knows where I am going and who I am to become.  He is still growing me. Oh how cool that is!  He is still molding me and will never stop until he calls me home.

Fear takes hold.  Of course it does. With change is vulnerability. Where will I stand; with my feet in sand or on the rock?  

Will my change be accepted?  He answers. "If you are honoring me, why are you worried."    

Girlfriend. Get some confidence.  Rely on the Lord, it is He who will strengthen you.  It is He who gives joy.  He gives you your time. 

He will give you contentment if you are TRULY focused on him! 

So do it!

Rebecca:

Start fresh. Early in the morn. Rise with the birds. Honor with your dwelling. 

Give your time to your Family. Play hard. Seek knowledge. READ. Work the earth. 

Spin your bike. Dance in your hoop. 

Be present. Joy-filled. Laugh loud. Make new friends.

Lead by example. 

Give it to the Lord, He is waiting for you.

Pic of the day

comes from Evan's hands.

Frog line up!