BUSY!

Well, not sure if it's been busyness or computer avoidance; I think a little bit of both. Of course, this season is busy for all of us, so I take advantage of the down times, and sometimes create some. If there is something I've learned from being a mom is that I have to be just as intentional about putting down times in my schedule as anything else. And I've learned not to feel guilty about it. I pretty much can now tell when I've moved from being restful and recouping into laziness - very easy to do, especially when it comes to watching the brainless TV!

So, all that to say is that maybe I'll take some of my "down" time that I hope to have soon (hopefully next week when school is out) to catch up on all my blog postings. We've done so many fun things at Thanksgiving and since that I really would like to get up some pictures to share!

So stay tuned for "Down on the Farm," "Thanksgiving," "ICE!," "Holiday Memories," and who knows what I'm missing!

Looking forward to sharing.

As I was at lunch with my husband today, I became overwhelmed in thinking about and experiencing how God has blessed my family. Greg has 2 jobs -first blessing. I get to stay home full-time - next blessing. AND Greg is home during the day A LOT because of being able to work from home at his second job. Wow! Roof over our heads . . . that we love, cars that are paid off, money in our wallets, food in our pantry and fridge, clothes in our closets, family close by, church and friends. I am utterly humbled and know that we, I, do not deserve these things; none of them.

I have a friend who has struggled lately with not understanding why God blesses some and not others. Although it appears that way on the surface, I know that is not God's intention. His intention always is to draw us closer to Himself. I have to be ready to give up all of the above at the drop of a hat. God requires of His followers full surrender. If my house and everything in it burned down tonight, how would I handle it? Would my life seem to be at its end? Would I blame God? I must be ready to let it all go. But until then or unless that happens, I will praise Him and thank Him for the undeserved material blessings He's given me. I also will prepare myself by drawing closer to Him each day. And if it does happen, I pray that I will react in a way pleasing to Him.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

1 John 2:15-17

I love Photoshop!

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There is a small detail that is different. The second and last are the same picture minus 2 little exceptions! Hint: Look at the faces.

I DON'T THINK SO!

Read this article and tell me if this doesn't scare your socks off! Parents of kids in public school - WAKE UP! If you are not involved, know your child's teacher well, and don't know what's going on, here's your wake up call!

Greg and I have already decided that our children will be pulled out on the days that they discuss sex ed in class. We will be teaching them ourselves (as we see necessary and fitting - discussion about babies has already reared it's head and been discussed on their level!), and will prepare them for what they may hear at school, even from adults. This may seem radical to some, but unfortunately this is the world in which we live.

"We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield."

Psalm 33:20

Halloween

Just some pictures to share of our fun evening. Can you guess who I was?

And I must give kuddos to Daddy who would NOT let Wes out of the house without being an OFFICIAL firefighter, outfitted with the appropriate gear on his helmet. This required a run Lowe's, velcro, and the use of the table saw and sandpaper. I hope you can appreciate all the work that went into that helmet! And Daddy's "helmet" was a fun time too putting together!

I never realized that firemen put the flashlight on their helmets . . . or the "door wedges!"

Also, take note that Gracie was not "Super Girl" or "Super Woman" but was
"Wonder Woman" despite the large "S" on the front of her outfit! :-) Fun times!

Weary

I am finding it more difficult to post on my blog because I always stop myself from putting too much of myself out there. And I really don't want it to be a place where I vent or get too emotional.

However, I am dealing with something I know all people deal with, and that is weariness. Weariness can come from many different avenues. It could come from simply being up too late, having a full and eventful weekend, or taking care of a newborn or lots of children at once. But weariness can also come from a deeper place. A place of emotional instability in losing a loved one, changing or losing a job, or relationship uncertainty.

The weariness that I am feeling, as many Christians do, is a spiritual one. And right now I am trying to figure out how long it's going to last for me personally. And the battle is not just one particular thing; it's relational, it's transition, it's change, it's the tongue. Bottom line, it's simply making sure I am following the will of God in ALL that I say and do.

"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." Ephesians 6:13

"Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. be angry, and yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity." Eph. 4:25-27

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." Eph. 4:29

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Eph. 4:32

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." Gal. 5:16

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Phil. 4:8

These verses that God commands of us are so difficult! And of course those are just the VERY tip of the iceberg! To those who think becoming a Christ follower makes life easier is naive! There are definitely times of peace and rest, but look at David, running from his enemies - his own son! And look at Elijah. God gave him rest, but only for a time; a few short days. When you are with God, asking Him to use you, it is never a dull moment.  But it is a battle NOT to become weary and NOT to became disillusioned and lost in the details of life on earth.  It makes me long for the day I can rest forever in glory with Jesus.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Gal. 6:9

And what I am finding is that the battle is harder when it is among the believers than when it is with unbelievers. You realize that you can give the excuse for non-believers that "they know not what they do" because they do not have the Lord's spirit within them to tell them otherwise. You can definitely deal with those whom you know just don't get it. But us within the church (and I mean that as a whole in the sight of the Lord), should know better and do better because we should, and I stress that word should, know what the Word of God says.

More often than not, in our culture anyway, I find that people reject the gospel because of the way they've been treated by Christians.  So sad.  "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35    

The battle is against the spiritual forces of evil.  I must not grow weary of doing good.  I must put on my armor of God EVERY day, every MORNING, because only God knows when that phone will ring, when that child will throw a tantrum, or that your nerves are just a little shorter today.  You must give Him a chance to prepare you for all the "flaming arrows of the evil one" that will be thrown your way.  

And sometimes, we just have to rest in Him and wait. 

 

"My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken." Psalm 62:5-6

State Fair!

We took the kids to the State Fair of Texas again this year. There was so much to see - and so much to eat! We had a great time, and most amazing was how unbelieveably well and cooperative the kids were! When we said we had to move on from a building or that we couldn't buy something or ride anything else, they took it in stride and moved forward. What a fabulous day that we all enjoyed!

Wes is dancing here - sorry it's sideways!

Happy Retirement Mom!

My dad, sister, and I threw Mom a retirement party during Hardin-Simmons Homecoming this past weekend. It originally was scheduled for this past May, Mother's Day weekend, but because of my grandmother's passing we chose to postpone it.

It turned out even better because of the extra time, and thankfully so! She deserved any extra special thing we could throw in there for all the dedicated, hard work she poured into her jobs at HSU.

I am so thankful to everyone who was able and took the time to come honor and celebrate all the achievements, through God's grace and will, of this extraordinary woman - my mom!

For ALL the pictures from the day, please visit this link:

Linda Carleton Retirement Party

Wow!

I can't believe it's Thursday again already! Although after the week I've had, that's what I should be thankful for today!!

Today I am thankful for God's faithfulness to me despite my cyclical devotion to Him. Yes, I'm always Christian. Yes, I do my best at following His Word (key words "do my best"). Yes, I am faithful to serve Him in church and in teaching my kids about Him.

But I am no where near as faithful to Him as He is to me. If I was, I'm pretty sure He would tire from waiting for me to get out of bed in the mornings to talk with Him before the kids wake up. I would imagine He would let me know how frustrating it is that I don't ask Him what He thinks about the family budget, my choices for "downtime," or what I plan on saying to discipline my 3 year old. I'm sure He would like me to tell the repairman, my neighbor, and my friend I've had for 5 years about Him if I could only get past what they would respond to me. But it's God's opinion who matters, and I am to be obedient and always faithful because of my love to Him for what He gave me through Christ Jesus.

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Psalm 18:2

LORD, You are my God;

I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name;

For You have worked wonders,

Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.

Is 25:1

School Picnic!

Friday night was the annual school picnic at Gracie's school - Dove. It was so much fun! It was at the park located next to the school and was so laid back with lots to do . . . hamburgers/hotdogs, dunking booth, music with d.j., glow sticks, sno cones, popcorn, playground, lots of area for football and tag!


We had a great time aside from losing Wes a couple of times! Thankfully, they block the whole area off with plastic fencing and since it's put on completely by the Dove's Dad Club (AMAZING group that I'm proud Greg has joined!!), they set security at all the openings with dads. The dads cook, dj, serve - everything! I feel so blessed to be a part!

Above, Gracie has joined just about all the kids there doing a dance to a song they learned in music class! It's sorta the new electric slide - I forgot the title, but the kids were so cute!

See below for a video!

A Day of Rest

Today I had few obligations. Both kids had school (for at least half the day!). Greg was home (part of the time). And I was able to work on that never-leaving, always-looming cloud of to-dos following me around day after day. I of course did not finish the list, but at least I was able to take care of things I usually don't get to do, or feel I don't have time to do.

Thursdays have always been my big "day of rest" personally. At church, our Wednesday night activities are, . . . how shall I say . . . overwhelming, a bit chaotic, & full of kids running (literally) on sugar and bent-up steam. So Thursdays are my day of peace and recovery. And I thank the Lord that after my Wednesdays, He gives me restful Thursdays to recoup.

I pray my friends who head-up and join me in those activities also give in to their desire and need of rest on the following day. Sometimes, especially us moms, feel a bit guilty if we take the time to just sit and read or catch a TV show, or indulge a bit on our enjoyments that get pushed aside for all the demands on us. I will say this, though. There is no refreshing like the refreshment of time spent with the Savior. He is our Rock, our Redeemer, our Deliverer.

Nothing else can take its place, even though sometimes its nice to take a "brain-break." I am thankful for my ever-faithful Lord who knows just what I need, and when I need it.

"The Lord will give strength to His people;

The Lord will bless His People with peace."

Psalm 29:11

The Second Tooth!

We lost our second tooth this week! After trying to pull it before, a squeamish Greg tried again earlier this week and succeeded. Yes, I said Greg, the paramedic, was squeamish. He can handle seeing dead people on a weekly basis (you can only imagine when that includes motorcycles, guns, ropes, bridges, . . . sorry to be so gruesome!), but a loose tooth in the mouth of a 5 year old he can't hardly handle . . .

Anyway, it came out easily because no one around here had the guts to yank, and here she is! A whole new look with each pull!

The Glue

Well, I missed it, but I'm doing it anyway. This week I am thanking the Lord for my girlfriends. In considering who that entails, I feel very blessed. I had the priviledge of spending time with several of those sweet people this week. In a prayer to bless the food, one of those friends said,"Thank you for friends and being the glue that holds us together." She hit the nail on the head.

I am blessed to have two distinct sets of lifelong friends by my side. The first are the girlfriends I grew up with at First Baptist in Abilene. One of them I was in the preschool class together on up (and have the picture to prove it!). The rest came along in middle sschool. Who would have dreamed those nights in the cabin at camp when we were 16,17,18, talking about what our lives would be like in 20 years would continue on today; still keeping in touch into our thirties. I am so thankful to still have them in my life, no matter how many years and states separate us. (We are now spread between Texas, Colorado, and Washington!)

And the friends that I get to see at least weekly I have made at my "new" church (of 9 years!) in Southlake. They, too, I know are lifelong, and we have been through so much together - children's births, marriage ups and downs, losing loved ones, sickness, near-death experiences, children issues, infertility - the list goes on!

And now the Lord is opening up a whole new world for me as I meet new people at Gracie's and Wes' schools. Being in the "Mom's in Touch" at her school has allowed me to open up to a group of women I barely know, and being the Room Mom in Wes' class will offer opportunities for developing more relationships. But the "glue" is what binds us. The Lord God Almighty is the steering force behind why we give any of our relationships a second thought. It's nice to have people to do things with and talk about school and fashion and have someone to sit with you at Starbuck's. But true friendship is bound by the Father, grown in the Father, and lasts through the Father.

There are many others I am blessed to call friend not included in the groups above, like my sister, mom, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, my friends from college, from high school, from the fire department and others along the way. For ALL of them, I am thankful to my Lord for giving me what I don't deserve in all these precious people. They are "Jesus in skin!"

"This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:12-13

What We've Lost

Though this is somewhat long (10 minutes), it is well worth the watch as not only another remembrance of 9/11, but also to stir the emotions of patriotism and unity, which our country so desparately needs right now.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=5374765553e6113a4b9e

We had unity, and now have such division. May this remind us of why we are where we are.

Remembering 9-11

So here we are, 7 years later. I can still remember what I was doing the moment I found out. I was in the middle of a writing exercise with my 4th graders at the time when my assistant principal came to the door to deliver the news - to me only. We didn't want the kids to know without their parents since many of them had moms and dads as flight attendants and pilots at the school. I still am amazed how the day unfolded. I remember thinking for a moment that this was it; that it was the end of America as we knew it. That was true in a sense, because we've never fully recovered to what we were before.

So today I am thankful for being an American, for being blessed to live in this great nation, for having all the freedoms that I truly, truly take for granted each and every day. The other night as I was falling asleep, a strange thought came to mind. I was so thankful that I could fall asleep peacefully, with my kids across the house, knowing that there were not possibilities of bombs or raids or even men in the streets with guns. I could just fall asleep with no worries.

So I will end with a tribute to why we have and will continue to have our freedom:

http://g.dwgsee.com/wake/index.htm

Take the time to watch.

Take the time to pray.

Take the time to remember.

Did you fly your flag today?

Wes' First Day

Well, here we are again with another "first" for the year. Wes had his first day of preschool today!





(The boys here are comparing underwear! ;) )



He was so excited and as we walked up he asked if he could go everyday! That makes my heart glad, and is such a flip reaction to Gracie's "I don't want to go to school!" every morning. (Still trying to figure where that is coming from since she has always loved school . . . I think it's her strong will not wanting to "do so much stuff.")

Wes' thoughts before school . . .


Just guess what was his favorite part . . .
(Those who know him best can easily guess!)



He has Gracie's former 3's teachers so I know he will LOVE it, plus he is so social! I must admit, though, that it was hard leaving him; I cried all the way home. Was it because I am still grieving Gracie's move to "real" school and the fact that the shelter Wes was going to be receiving was no longer with her? Was it knowing that I had an empty house to go back to? (Although how many times have I wished just for that very thing?!)



I know in my heart both will have good years and learn a lot. Both have great teachers who are loving and sensitive, although both in their own way. Both are more than ready to continue in their independence toward adulthood with a life built on the faith and trust in Jesus, which is the basic description of my and Greg's job as parents. But is still stinks. The cliche is true when we say they take a little piece of our heart with them everytime they go without us.



It also made me realize that truly, we will not take ANYthing to heaven and in the end, our faith in the Lord is all we have. If our life is built solely around our children, then we will become lost when they leave home (As they should if they marry! "For this reason a man shall leave his mother and father, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." Gen. 2:24) . If our life is built around our husband or wife, if something were to happen to them, then we will be lost. If we lose a job we love, a house and possessions to a fire, investments to a crash, it is all for not!

"But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."

Jude 1:20-21

The ONLY thing that will always be with us in every circumstance is Jesus and our faith in Him and our assurance of our place with Him in heaven when we leave this earth.

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."

1 John 2:15-17

So my job is clear now as stated in Deut. 6:6-7 :

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

I am to train up my children "in the way they should go" and pray that as the Bible promises "they will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). I'm still trying to figure that one out since I know people & friends who seemingly have departed from what their parent's taught them about the Lord. But God is faithful, so I too must be faithful, teach my children about Him, model as best I can how Jesus modeled, and pray, pray, pray!!

And learn to let go, no matter how my heart hurts.

SEPTEMBER OF THE 5TH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOP!
"September of the 5th" is how Polly's parents would describe her upcoming birthday day, so we all continue in that tradition to this day.

Happy Birthday to Greg's mom, my mother-in-law, and the kids' Mop!

Thankful Thursdays

OK, it's technically not Thursday, but let's just pretend this week and then I'll get it right next week . . .

So, I had a wonderful incident happen to me today that I wanted to share. It has spurred me in deciding to do a spin-off of my brother-in-law's "My Friday" blog. I have decided to start "Thankful Thursdays." Here's my first. Time will only tell if this will last . . .

Today I was doing my usual errand runs with Wes who was patiently sitting in the back seat, excited to have his turn in Gracie's seat while she was away at school. As I was pulling into my bank's ATM, a friend called to tell me all about her meeting on IVF,which she and her husband will be journeying into in a couple of weeks. This has been a long road for them and being one who had also dealt with infertility I always try to give my undivided attention (of course while depositing a check, driving, and tuning the radio at my 3 year-old's demands).

We continued our conversation, I asking questions and very excited about the possiblilty of seeing twins in 9 months ;), as I pulled out and drove down the access road. As I approached the light, I heard a honking to my left, of course still on the phone. As I look over to see why someone could possibly be honking while coming to a stop, I see a young African-American man in an old beat-up car waving my debit card and receipt at me in his hands!

Oh my gosh! How totally stupid and embarrassed I felt. But how totally grateful I was and in awe of this "random act of kindness" by this total stranger at the same time! We turned the corner, pulled over, and as he handed me the card and paper he said with a slight accent, "I know what a pain in the --- this can be," with a big smile on his face. I thanked him over and over again, and felt I should do more although I knew he didn't expect nor want anything else. He was dressed professionally and it was the end of the lunch hour, so he probably was hurried to get back to work.

"Wow," I thought. "What a complete blessing. God really took care of me just now." And from hearing the only words he spoke to me, I knew he may have not been a Christian. Interesting that God can use even those who don't realize it, or even have a relationship with Him, to do His kingdom work. Not sure that's theologically or Biblically correct, but it's the first time the thought came to mind, at least in a way that made a point.

Since then after thinking about all the details of it, I have realized that man had to of deserted his reasons for being at the bank, and then rushed to watch and track me down. I'm sure he also was taken off course of his planned route back to wherever he was headed. So what caused him to do it? What causes those without faith (again, just an assumption, but still true of some we know of as fact) to do the things Jesus taught out of pure unselfishness, generosity, and kindness; things many Christians themselves have difficulty with day to day?

Whatever the reasons, I am thankful. To him - thank you for putting my needs above your own. Thank you for thinking of another and realizing the "pain in the ---" (his words remember!) it would have been if I hadn't received it back. And it definitely would have been! Thank you for taking time out of your hurried day to make someone else's life easier. Thank you for being a model for all people, everywhere, Christian or not, of what it actually looks like to be Christian.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

1 John 3:18

Pops

Today I'm remembering my grandfather, Charles S. Carleton, Jr., whom my sister and I called "Pops" on the day of his birthday.

He lived a long, full life until the age of 94. I have a special connection with him because we shared the gift of art, he being an architect all of his professional life. And then in his last several years (starting in his 90s!!) he went to class and learned watercolor, painting several landscape scenes, but most thankfully a few of his great-grandchildren. One of Gracie hangs in her bathroom.

I also will remember his love for and being a teacher of God's Word in his church. And after he retired from teaching, I thought it was wonderful that he decided to go to a class of mixed ages, many younger, instead of where it would be comfortable with his own. He never gave in to the idea that age stopped growth and learning. I still fondly remember seeing him dance, in his wheelchair, to tunes from the piano at his retirement home the last year of his life.

And then there were the many wonderful and then difficult years with Reece, "Mimi" as we called her, his wife of 61 years, whom he lovingly and patiently gave constant care to starting in 1989 until she passed in 1999. Their's was a love commitment unmatched before and still yet to see. It still inspires me to this day.

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."

Psalm 1:1-2

The First Day

"The days are long, but the years are short."

Saw this quote in a magazine once and thought it captured the exact feeling of what I experience as a mother. This was especially true today as Gracie headed off to her first day of kindergarten.


Awh, man, was is hard to leave her in that room! Not because she was crying (as you can see!) or because I was worried about her in any way, but because my mothering nature to protect and nurture pushed its way through to the top like a seed poking its way out of soil.


Here was the prayer I wrote and prayed to our ever-faithful Lord this morning before I woke her for the day to come:


"I pray for a hedge of protection around her, Lord. I pray that what we have trained her in so far will sprout forth and that she will not depart from it. I pray that she is kind and compassionate to others, forgiving just as God in Christ forgave us. I pray she will be bold in her faith and with grace share the hope we have in Jesus.

I pray that "Your light (in her) would shine before men in such a way that they may see Your good works, and glorify (her) Father who is in heaven."

I realize this seems like a lot for a little kindergartener, but the goal and emotion in all this season of letting go has to do with a new phase in her life; not just kindergarten, but a season of schooling with things to face and overcome that she has not yet had to do up until now (or me!). From here until graduation. It is our job as her parents entrusted by the Lord to continue in her training at home continually so that she will know how to respond to life's ups and downs as Jesus would.

The events and thoughts of the day itself:

What a blessing. The Lord really prepared all of us and gave us a marvelous day. Greg was able to get off from work - praise the Lord! For me personally, that was my biggest secret prayer. I wanted him to experience this day with Gracie and with me. She was somewhat unmoved emotionally all morning - until she walked into her classroom. Then she literally came to life! She was so excited that she could hardly stand it! I think she was glad we were there to share it with her, but at the same time, she was ready for us to leave so she could move on with her day!

The rest I will share in pictures:


Her favorite chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast . . . then on our way to school!


Into the classroom we go . . . Mrs. Spath, her teacher . . . her class!


Greg, Wes and I stopped by the "Boo-Hoo" breakfast. Then on to Starbucks for a little recoup and talk time. Wes waiting for his Sissy!


And they're done! The ever-popular chocolate chip cookie after-school snack!

Here's her post-school interview: