I am the resurrection and the life. ~ John 11:25

HAPPY EASTER!

A Mother's Hands Are Always Full

As a mother of five, the chaos and busyness of life can be overwhelming. I seek sources most every day of wisdom to help me push through, and remind myself that this season will move so quickly and I must enjoy all that comes with it. I found this newly published work ~ Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full : Gospel Meditations for Busy Moms by Gloria Furman. Recommended!

This little book is a wonderful resource for mothers looking for a spiritual uplift. It is a Gospel-filled, encouraging read from a mom who is very real and honest. Gloria Furman reminds us that we always need God's grace, no matter what's going on in our lives or what stage of mothering we're in. She uses scripture to point our eyes back on Christ and the wonders He has for those of us called to be mothers.

I think this would be an excellent choice for small group study. The chapters are short enough to get through quickly, but full of the Word and truth. There is also a free study guide to download at crossway.org/treasuring.

1. Metal hangers from the dry cleaner

2. Sweaters with too many fuzz balls or snags

3. Shoes that hurt your feet

4. Clothes with stains

5. Plastic stadium cups

6. Dishes you never use

7. Cookbooks you never use

8. Difficult, time-consuming, or expensive recipes

9. Dried-up cans of paint

10. Broken electronics

11. Florist's vases that you don't use

12. Paperback books you'll never reread

13. Greeting cards with no sentimental value

14. Expired coupons

15. Manuals for items you don't own anymore

Spring Break Randoms

Winter is almost behind us! The children are on spring break and have been busy staying over with friends. This was supposed to be a catch-up week for me but hasn't felt like that yet. Still having baseball and soccer practices and dropping off/picking up of kids. A few fun pics recently:

Play do fun:

And the mess:

Girl "shaving" with daddy

Photo-A-Day: January 2014

Thanks to Raising Mighty Arrows for sharing this list of ideas to capture photos I never would have!

1: New - coffee maker

2: Goal - scrapbooking

3: Orange- box from James Avery

4: Smile - from my buddy

5: Fresh- flowers from our anniversary

6: Soft - new scarf

7: Water - new shower head for girls

8: Three Things - my helps for mental organization (reading journal, to-do notebook, personal journal)

9: Lunch - DrH surprised me with sushi

10: Memory - our wedding day

11: Where You Sleep - sad isn't it? New bedroom comes with the new house!

12: Sour - kids gummies

13: Looking Up - baby love

15: What I'm Reading - unbalanced here

16: Shoes - girls dance

17: Yellow - true yellow 

18: Cold - winter weather

19: Bag - little man's

21: Pattern - organizing bins

22: Animal - Sebastian (aka Midnight Special)

24: In My Hand - all day

25: What I'm Doing - everyday

26: Round - this thing goes from one room to the next..grrr

27: Sweet - shame

28: Shadow - space heater!

29: Clean - DrH's scrubs

30: Vintage - great aunt's wedding rings

31: Transportation - never thought I would WANT one!

Here Comes Another One

Wow, didn't do so great on my 2013 resolutions that I had planned. It's crazy, and sad, how time gets away from us. I so want to feel more productive this year and not have regrets of wasting the time that is given to me. Three words came to mind when thinking of what I want this next year to be like: purposeful, patient, and present. There are many things I would like to implement or accomplish (from last year!) ~ PURPOSEFUL. I need to learn how to be more patient with others, mostly my family ~ PATIENT. Doing these two things will help me feel more present in my life and enjoy what I have right now ~ PRESENT. I am grateful for what has been given to me and look forward to what is in store this coming year! Happy New Year!

Psalm 118:24 ~ This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

December so far....

Cool guy dental check-up

Last nice fall-like day

Tree aglow

Working men warming by the fire

Gingerbread Party with co-op

Shooting at Bass Pro

Crying baby Santa visit

Santa got up out of his chair and brought the girls (13 & 10) in for this pic. They were so embarrassed. It was great!

First winter snow/ice (18*)

Lights at Rhema