So This Happened Today...

I was standing outside the classroom door, waiting for my reading class to come in.

A fourth grade student walks by on the way to her reading class and we have this brief, but meaningful conversation.

Student:  What did you do to your hair?

Me: Um, I don't know, something different I guess?

Student: Oh....well, it looked pretty yesterday!  

Yesterday.  As in not today.

If I had any question at all about how my hair looked, I realized it was pretty much answered right then and there at 8:02 am.

Also pretty sure that early morning text requesting me to sub didn't leave me quite enough time to beautify.

So, yeah!

How was your hair today?!  Or yesterday, if that helps?!

:)

Harvest Happenings And Proverbs 27-30

Well, October flew out as quickly as it flew in.  We spent the last week enjoying Trunk or Treat fun, harvest style activities and spirit week at school, and celebrating Trevor's birthday.  It was a whirlwind of festivities!  These are busy years, but we are making so many wonderful family memories!

God gives us some of the most stunning sunsets in the autumn and winter months!

I bought the board game Battleship for Trevor for his birthday - it has been a huge hit!!

I am now 22 weeks pregnant and cannot believe how fast this pregnancy is flying by. We found out we are having a baby GIRL and let me tell you, she is very strong and active!  She is constantly kicking and elbowing me, and flipping around inside of me. Life is just amazing!  I spend a lot of time in prayer for this little girl.  We love her already.

I finished my Proverbs study, and it was such a great journey!  We have also been studying Proverbs in our SS class at church, and it has made for some great discussions.  I just love how practical Proverbs is for daily living!  It addresses finances, friendships, marriage, character, godly living ~ there is a little of everything and I can only imagine how much wisdom we could gain from reading it over and over again throughout our lifetimes.

Here are a few highlights from chapters 27-30...it is always so hard to choose.

Proverbs 27:1 "Don't brag about tomorrow, since you don't know what the day will bring."

*We are not guaranteed tomorrow, which should influence us in so many ways.  We never know what a day could hold.  I want to live each day for Jesus and trusting in Jesus.

Proverbs 27:4 "Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous."

*Wow, have I witnessed the destructive force of jealousy in recent years.  It's easy to give into the temptation to be jealous but it is not worth the misery, destruction, and broken relationships it causes.  No wonder God cautions us against it so often.

Proverbs 27:9 "The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense." 

*A true friend will try to point you to God and the ways of God.  Godly counsel from a friend is truly sweet.

Proverbs 27:15 "A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day."

*Yeah.  So this verse actually made the message at church on Sunday morning.  None of us want to be as annoying as a constant drip!  Something to think about!

Proverbs 28:2 "Where there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.  But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability."

*I'll be honest, this verse concerns me with many of our current leaders and the moral state of our country.  We really need to be in prayer for our leaders that they would seek God and His wisdom.  Our morality as a nation matters.

Proverbs 28:6 "Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich."

*Choose integrity over money every time.

Proverbs 28:14 "Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble."

*We should take sin very seriously.  Avoiding sin and doing things God's way makes life so much better!  Choosing sin and doing things our way can complicate our lives with many unnecessary problems.

Proverbs 28:22 "Greedy people try to get rich quick but don't realize they're heading for poverty."

*Over and over I have seen people fall into "get rich quick" schemes.  God's Word warns us to tread carefully...it may not be what it seems.

Proverbs 29:5 "To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet."

*It is all too easy to flatter.  It can seem so much easier to tell a friend what they want to hear rather than the truth from God's perspective.  But when we do that, we set a trap for them.  There may be times a friend gets angry when you don't flatter or validate, but we should always choose truth in love over empty flattery that could send them down a wrong path.

Proverbs 29:17 "Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad."

*I've said before that intentional, consistent, loving discipline can be exhausting and a huge challenge...but everything I read about discipline in God's Word reminds me that it is so worth it in the long run!!  It is for the benefit of everyone in the family!

Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God proves true.  He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection."

*God's Word is truth!!  Trust Him, obey Him, let Him be your shield!!

And Just Like That, You Are Seven

Well, I did it.

I blinked.

They said not to.  But I did and sure enough, just like that, you are seven.

You were my autumn baby, born on a cold October morning in Maryland where the leaves outside our hospital window were brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. You were so sweet, handsome and boyish even as a newborn. You changed my life. You have been such a joy!

You are changing before my eyes ~ your once squishy face thinning out, your legs getting longer and knees knobbier.  But you are still so sweet, so handsome, such a boy.

We have enjoyed celebrating you this week!  Even as I sit and type this there are orange and blue streamers hung around the house, leftover birthday cake sits in the kitchen, and you are on the floor admiring new presents and toys.

And as I look at you, my brand new seven year old, I just wanted to tell you a few things.

First is that I love you.  I love you so much more than is possible to put into words. I love you so much it hurts at times.  You are a part of me.  You are one of God's absolute greatest gifts to me. You are His, and sometimes I stand in awe that He is willing to share you with me.  I love you for who you are, I love who you are becoming, and I love being your mom. Even on hard days and when I don't do a good job, there is no greater gift or privilege than being your mom.  I want you to know that.

Second is that I like you.  I like how you are an amazing reader and devour biographies and chapter books.  I like your joyful sense of humor and adorable way of putting things.  I like your infectious laugh and hilarious dance moves and endless curiosity.  I like that you are respectful and kind to others. I like that you can build complicated Legos all by yourself and that you memorize your Bible verse for Sunday School every week and that you want to spell all the words correctly on your schoolwork even though you don't have to.  You are a great kid.

Third is that I know you.  I know how faithfully you pray for the people you know are sick or hurting.  I know your deep compassion for others.  I know how you are part entertainer, part shy guy.  I know how you run into my arms when you see me at school.  I know that you sometimes kiss me on my nose and that you love anything chocolate and that you fall asleep to music and sometimes need one more hug or kiss before drifting off to sleep.  I know you get excited about the little things and absolutely love holidays ~ those are things we share.

Fourth is that I pray for you.  Every day.  All throughout the day.  For your safety and protection.  For your health.  That you will make good choices.  That you will be respectful.  For your spiritual growth.  That you will love Jesus with all your heart and serve Him all the days of your life.  That you will grow to be a mighty man of God. That God will provide you with a virtuous woman for a wife one day.  That God will give me wisdom as I mother you.  I have prayed for you since the moment I knew about you, and will always, always pray for you.  

Last is that I am here for you.  Always.  We are in this thing together.  We have both made mistakes, and will both make more mistakes.  But we are learning together.  And we are held by the Creator of the universe.  He holds us, Trevor!  And I believe He will hold our family together as we daily surrender our lives to Him.  I believe His Word, I trust in His promises.  That makes me excited for what is to come, for what He is going to do in your life!  His hand is on you, that much I know.  And I can't wait to see what He does in and through you.  

Happy 7th Birthday, Trev!  You are such a little light.  I thank God every day for you.

Glimpses From Birthday Celebrations And The Proverbs Journey

Wow, October is flying right by!  This month is always incredibly full for us ~ amidst lots of work and activities and responsibilities are several family birthdays.  We have already celebrated my mom (with a fun surprise party for her 60th) and Jimmy (with a date day for the two of us and date night with friends)... next up is Trevor!

I have been enjoying continuing on in my Proverbs study, and hope you have too!  I am always struck by so many verses in each chapter.  I have gotten behind on updating, but here are some of the Proverbs that have stood out to me lately...

Proverbs 17

Proverbs 17:9 "Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."

Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength."

Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18:7 "The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips."

Proverbs 18:10 "The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe."

Proverbs 18:15 "Intelligent people are always ready to learn.  Their ears are open for knowledge."

Proverbs 19

Proverbs 19:2 "Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes."

Proverbs 19:18 "Discipline your children while there is hope.  Otherwise you will ruin their lives."

Proverbs 19:23 "Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm."

Proverbs 20

Proverbs 20:1 "Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls.  Those led astray by drink cannot be wise."

Proverbs 20:7 "The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them."

Proverbs 20:11 "Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right."

Proverbs 20:23 "The Lord detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales."

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21:2 "People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines the heart."

Proverbs 21:9 "It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home."

Proverbs 21:23 "Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble."

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22:6 "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it."

Proverbs 22:15 "A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away."

Proverbs 23

Proverbs 23:17-18 "Don't envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed."

Proverbs 24

Proverbs 24:5 "The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger."

Proverbs 24:17-18 "Don't rejoice when your enemies fall; don't be happy when they stumble.  For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn His anger away from them."

Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25:17 "Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket."

Proverbs 25:28 "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls."

Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26:17 "Interfering in someone else's argument is as foolish as yanking a dog's ears."

Proverbs 26:20 "Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops."

Proverbs 26:22 "Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one's heart."

Only a few more days left in this wonderful month!  

Hope you will join me in reading the last chapters on this journey!

Autumn Celebration!

This morning for breakfast I had a pumpkin bagel topped with pumpkin spice cream cheese, along with a steaming mug of pumpkin spice chai tea flavored with pumpkin spice creamer.  All to the scent of an autumn candle.

It was bliss.

My husband asked me how on earth I was not on pumpkin overload.

I do not know of what he speaks.

I've told you before, my love for autumn runs deep!

And I happen to have a few friends who share my obsession appreciation for this blissful season and all things pumpkin.

So last Friday evening, I invited those pumpkin lovers over for a cozy night in celebrating all things autumn!  It was a joy to have these sweet, fun women around my table, celebrating the season we love!

I asked everyone to bring a favorite fall dish to share.  I made my favorite pumpkin chocolate chip muffins (a recipe I have literally been making since high school), sweet and savory meatballs, and a steaming pot of hot apple cider.  With what everyone brought we also had yummy soup, several delicious dips, pumpkin pudding and pumpkin cobbler!  

When I couldn't find mulling spices for the cider, I improvised and it turned out so well that I wanted to share it with you!  I used a quart of sweet cider, about 2/3 of a large can of pineapple juice, 4 cinnamon sticks, 8 whole cloves, some ground cinnamon, and 4 packs of this Alpine Spiced Apple Cider mix - boiled everything together, then let it simmer in the crockpot all day. Needless to say the house smelled amazing ~ if you are ever in a pinch and can't find mulling spices, try this!

After we ate and visited, we did some fall crafting!

These straw wreaths are under $4.00 at hobby Lobby, and the ribbon and picks were 50% off  ~ a very economical project!

Even Madi made a little craft!

My sweet friend Jennifer brought me this adorable candle as a hostess gift and it smells sooo good!  Madi had two of her little friends over for the evening, and she got a hostess gift as well - an adorable Halloween bow!  So thoughtful!

We had so much fun we want to do it again at Christmastime! What a treat to celebrate the seasons with friends who enjoy them with you!

Proverbs 14-16

I was home for a bit yesterday morning, which was nice.  I was actually waiting on an internet service person to come.  The waiting allowed me to stop and rest in my chair for a bit.  Beside me was a glowing candle given to me by a friend.  In the room behind me, the washer churned. Outside my window were overcast skies, all the more reason to stop and sit awhile as I waited for the towels to be ready to put in the dryer and the repairman to come to my door.

I ended up getting called to sub the second half of the day, and dashed off to Aldi before I headed to school.  But during that brief but wonderful quiet time I drank a cup of chai and read my Proverb for the day.  This morning I am home again and that same candle burns.

 Here are some of the Proverbs that stood out to me the past few days....

~

Proverbs 14:1 "A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands."

~ This first verse really caught me as I read it.  The Bible has a lot to say about women and the home.  Oh, how I want to be a home builder! God, please help us in this!

Proverbs 14:2 "Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him."

Proverbs 14:7 "Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge on their lips."

~ We need to be especially careful whom we seek advice from.  We really need to be sure that we are seeking godly counsel, not just validation of our own desires or opinions, when dealing with the issues of life.

Proverbs 14:9 "Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation."

Proverbs 14:12 "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death."

~ Be careful which path you take.  Be wise as you discern the difference between what seems right, and what is right.

Proverbs 14:16 "The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence."

Proverbs 14:26 "Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children."

~ Our decisions affect generations.  I desire to make wise decisions that will pass down blessings, not harm, to our children and the generations to come.

~

Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."

~ Good to remember next time we are provoked.

Proverbs 15:3 "The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good."

~ Both convicting and comforting.

Proverbs 15:7 "The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give."

Proverbs 15:9 "The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness."

Proverbs 15:16 "Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil."

~ How many of those in our culture who have the most treasure are consumed with turmoil?  It's a sad reality - but fear of the Lord brings joy, even without great earthly treasure!  He is our treasure!

~

Proverbs 16:2 "People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives."

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 16:9 "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."

~ God will have His way in us.  It's not wrong to plan, but we need have an open heart for what He wants to do in and through us.  Sometimes His plans surprise us - but they don't surprise Him!

Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."

Proverbs 16:20 "Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful."

~ Once again, here is a source for JOY - trusting in God and listening to His instruction!

Proverbs 16:24 "Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

Proverbs 16:28 "A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends."

~ Such practical truth.  Be careful not to be excited by strife and drama.  Be careful of relationships that center around gossip.

Got called in again, so with that I'm off to school!

Thank you for joining me on this journey!  

Proverbs 10-13

I hope you all have had a good weekend!  Ours was full of family, friends, worship, and teaching.  We were in Proverbs several times at church today - amazing how often this book is popping up!

If you have been reading on this journey, you have noticed that this portion of Proverbs is written in couplets, short sayings that drive home practical wisdom for daily living in every stage of life.  Though it is hard to choose, here are some that have stood out to me the past few days...

Proverbs 10:9 "People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall."

Proverbs 10:16 "The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin."

Proverbs 10:17 "People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray."

~ Goes back to that teachable spirit we talked about the other day!

Proverbs 10:19 "Too much talk leads to sin.  Be sensible and keep your mouth shut."

~ Wow. There is a time for silence, for sure!

~

Proverbs 11:13 "A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence."

Proverbs 11:18 "Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last."

Proverbs 11:20 "The Lord detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity."

Proverbs 11:22 "A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout."

~ Ladies, let's do better than this!!

~

Proverbs 12:1 "To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction."

Proverbs 12:3 "Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots."

~ This was our theme verse for camp this summer that we memorized with our students!

Proverbs 12:15 "Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others."

Proverbs 12:16 "A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted."

~ Great advice to recall the next time we have insults hurled at us.

Proverbs 12:25 "Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up."

~

Proverbs 13:3 "Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything."

Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth from get-rich schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time."

Proverbs 13:20 "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble."

~ Young or old, it matters whom we hang out with.

Proverbs 13:24 "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.  Those who love their children care enough to discipline them."

I love my children.  Which is why, as hard as it is sometimes, I need to be intentional about discipline and correction.  When I have to discipline my children, I often tell them that if I didn't care about them I would let them do whatever they wanted and suffer the consequences.  I wouldn't take the time or effort to teach them right from wrong.  I explain to them that it is because I love them so much that I want to teach them what is right and wrong from God's Word, and correct them when they are wrong so they will learn and hopefully not have to suffer certain consequences down the road.

Discipline can be so draining on us parents, but don't give up!!  In love not anger, with clear boundaries and consequences, be willing to correct your children - remember, you are ultimately showing them that you love them and want the absolute best for them!