There will not be any pictures in this post...sorry...I love the pics, too, but there is too much for me to record and none of the pictures I have would be appropriate. God is AWESOME!!! This is what I've been "shoutin' 'bout!" I mean CRAZY AWESOME! I mean RADICALLY AWESOME! I mean SOVEREIGNLY AWESOME! Can I get a shout out 'bout that?! YES, LORD, YES! You are Holy and Mighty and Righteous and Good and Gentle and Loving and Merciful and Tender and Powerful. POWERFUL!
This past summer was spent in a very foggy place. It wasn't the desert...it was a place I had not been in some time. Everything seemed cloudy. My thoughts askew. My words unfruitful. I knew in my spirit that God was still on the Throne and that His presence was all around me. My soul was scrambling to make sense of what I was experiencing - trying to understand - pursuing affirmation from those around me. CRAZINESS - plain and simple. The nail was hit so hard on the head for me this weekend at the Highlands Ladies Retreat (which was so life-giving and life-affirming).
I am going to attempt to put it into words so that I can soak in what God is pouring out on me. My prayers for God to overwhelm me are being answered in a profound way. Devestate me, God, with Your presence! Yes, Lord, have Your way. The dam burst this weekend and I am drenched in His presence. Consumed!
Most of Friday I prayed, "Lord, please give me a breakthrough. I know what is real spiritually, but I am needing to experience it on an emotional level - clear the fog - open my eyes again so that I can see and hear clearly."
God spoke to me so powerfully about seeking my identity in Him. Seeing myself as He sees me. I get it wrong; my friends get it wrong; the world certainly has it wrong...but, the King...He has is right. His thoughts towards me are beyond number! His affection for me beyond understanding! He takes the vineyard (Song of Solomon) (the place of my pain and shame and heart-ache and hurt; the place of deep wounded-ness) and purchases it for me and places it in my care. The vineyard is now mine. Healing has come; the vines have been pruned and well-tended. The vineyard, redeemed by My King, is now to be a place of fruitfulness and pleasure. Broken vessels. The Lord is speaking broken vessels to me.
Now is the time...time for what...time for judgment to come within the body of Christ. No condemnation - no pointing and wagging of fingers. Time for us - the Church - to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal that which we most fear...we have gotten it wrong...we are striving to live aright all the while the spirit man within us is being lulled to sleep - too comfortable - too complacent - too full of doctrine and theology - too focused on appearance.
It is time for brokenness...refining...cutting away of the worldiness that we have allowed to creep into our lives...deep searching and revelation by the Holy Spirit...time for the spirit of pride to go...time for the spirit of religion to go...time for the divisive jezebel spirit to be crushed...time for the spirit of division to be broken...time for the doubled-minded spirit to be put to death. These are not just things...they are spirits, entities that we, the church, have unknowingly allowed to come in and rob us of unity and humility and transparency and life. Oh God, have mercy on us! Pour out Your Refining Light. May the darkness may be exposed and expelled. Your kindness leads us to repentance. Kindness...Oh, do you see how the enemy has twisted and warped the call to repentance? The call to repent is compassionate and merciful and tender and kind. May the Holy Kindness of our Gentle Shepard fall on us! Jesus walk among us and make us to realize Your presence!
Broken vessels devestated by His holy presence - broken before Him. Like stained glass - He breaks the vessels and takes the pieces and carfully, masterfully places the pieces of brokeness back together and binds them with His Spirit and makes them into vessels of light and healing and hope and comfort and joy and peace and love and truth. Beautiful, broken vessels. Beautiful, broken vessels through which the Spirit of the Living God flows. Yes, Lord Jesus, yes and amen! His life and only His life flowing and pouring Himself through us, the Church, the broken vessel, out onto the world around us. It is time for the Church to judge ourselves - to return and rest in His finished work. Isaiah 30.
God is speaking to me - through the day - through the night - in the shower - during school - through Bible study - through circumstances - through friends. Overwhlemed by His Words. Earlier today I said, "Slow down, Lord. I've got to soak this in." "Speak it out," was His reply. Speak it out! So I am "shoutin' in the shoe" today!
The spirit of negativity was nailed to the cross - that ever-searching, never satisfied spirit was crushed. I have been defined by the Lord and I will be defined only by the Lord. Can I get a HARDY AMEN!!!!!!! Only You, Lord Jesus, give me my name. I am the Beloved of the Lord! :) And... no one can take my name away from me. The Lord has given you a new name, too. What is it? What is your name?! No one can take His name from you! No one! We are His Beloved! We ARE HIS BELOVED!!!!!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Sports and Other Stuff Pertaining to the Shoe
Fall...I love the slight changing of the seasons that we experience here in the South - cool breezes and crisp, clear days. I am hearing the roar of a crowd and the beats of the marching band at a Friday night football game in my mind - the aroma of corndogs and freshly popped popcorn meandoring through the bleachers. Ahhhh fall! Fall and spring are my favorite seasons of the year. They both bring change; necessary change...good change...Have you ever considered how mundane the experience of life would be without some sort of change? Something to ponder...
Several of my kids, like many of yours, are taking a bite out of sports this fall. Riley has been raring to play soccer since last fall. Might I say...HE LOVES IT!!!!!
El numero tres
Tryin' to get in on the action!
James loves football. Last year he really wanted to play, but I just wasn't quite ready for all that. This is the year...He's already talking NFL...
For real...he's pretty good. Kicking is his thing. They don't kick in Little League, but he practices every day. He gets it in between the posts of the trampoline net from a good distance at a good height. Hey...this Mom says he's one awesome kicker!
Syndey is taking a tumble...power tumbling with Opelika Parks and Rec. She has the build and energy and determination of a gymnast. "Look Mama...look mama...watch me do a cartwheel...a handstand...was that good...when you were a little girl did you do cartwheels?"
She is into asking lots of questions about when I was a little girl. Just this morning - "Mama, when you were a little girl did you ever get cold in the morning a wear covers to the table?" "When you were a little girl did your Mama tell you stories?" "When you were a little girl did you like Hannah Montana?" "When you were a little girl did you like to wear make-up?"
Madelyn never asked those kinds of questions - so this is throwing me off a little bit. I chuckle inside at a lot of the questions she poses, but deep down I know she is searching to be identified with her Mama. When I ponder that I am terrified, awestruck, and humbled. Terrified of failing, awestruck at the power I hold in my hands, and humbled at her admiration of me and love for me. "Mama's, (I am speaking to all of us here - most of us already know this, but...) we, along with the Daddo's, hold the power in our "hands" to build up our children or unknowingly tear them down." Whoa...whoa...whoa. That's deep. That's awesome. That's one of the reasons why we need to know and rely on the love of Christ that dwells within us. Praise Him for He enables and equips us! Everyday - everyday, like you, I am reminded just how inadequate I am. Yet, my Faithful Friend is always here cheering me on..."I am all you need. Stick to me and I will show Myself adequate through you."
This little-bit is trying to sit up. She sticks it for about five seconds...then she takes a nose-dive, rolls over, and tries her hand at crawling. Yesterday, she rocked back and forth several times then actually took 2 "crawls." (What do you call that...in my mind I am saying steps...but I know that ain't rite...?) Anyhoo - ofcourse I didn't catch it on film. Carrie...you go girl! Before long she'll be giving Bo a run for his money.
Madelyn and a friend of hers are baby-sitting for us on Wednesday nights so we can go to a small group. The kids love it!...we love it!
Homeschooling...ahh...the joys of homeschooling! :)
This by far has been one of the most demanding, die-to-yourself, rewarding experiences I have encountered. Each morning the question is posed, "Are you going to have your way and hang on to what you want, or are you going to let Me have My way?"
Some days I hang on to what I want...nobody likes those days too much. ...Then some days I give it up and over...those days are fantastic - like a breath of fresh air.
Today has been one of those days; schedule straight out the window. James wanted to go with Dad to work today. The "teacher" in me said, "No way!" The Mom in me said, "By all means - take him and teach something good - we can "do" school tomorrow (Saturday)!" God said, "Let him go, I've got something different for you all today." Sydney was working on some of her "seat-work," and I was working on this post when the phone rings...on the other end was a friend. "God told me to come pray for you today. What is your schedule like?" (Isn't God neat?!He knows...He knows everything...He had already cleared my calendar for the morning...) (I am so glad He has (painfully and slowly)loosened my grip on my life - my schedule - my time - my agenda.) What's even better - she came to pray over something that I had spent yesterday afternoon crying out to Him about. AWESOME GOD!!! If we ask He will answer. If we seek He will show us. If we knock He will open the door. Man, that's powerful stuff! GOD, YOU ARE GREAT AND MIGHTY AND POWERFUL AND ABLE AND STRONG AND LOVING AND KIND AND GOOD AND ALL I NEED!
My time to blog ran out about 30 minutes ago...mild chaos is breaking out...Carrie is starting to cry...Sydney, Bo, and Sara Joy are scrambling around screaming, sqealing, and shrieking...aaahhhhhh the sounds of childhood play!!! So much more to share...not enough time. Catch you all later! Have an awesome weekend!
Several of my kids, like many of yours, are taking a bite out of sports this fall. Riley has been raring to play soccer since last fall. Might I say...HE LOVES IT!!!!!
El numero tres
Tryin' to get in on the action!
James loves football. Last year he really wanted to play, but I just wasn't quite ready for all that. This is the year...He's already talking NFL...
For real...he's pretty good. Kicking is his thing. They don't kick in Little League, but he practices every day. He gets it in between the posts of the trampoline net from a good distance at a good height. Hey...this Mom says he's one awesome kicker!
Syndey is taking a tumble...power tumbling with Opelika Parks and Rec. She has the build and energy and determination of a gymnast. "Look Mama...look mama...watch me do a cartwheel...a handstand...was that good...when you were a little girl did you do cartwheels?"
She is into asking lots of questions about when I was a little girl. Just this morning - "Mama, when you were a little girl did you ever get cold in the morning a wear covers to the table?" "When you were a little girl did your Mama tell you stories?" "When you were a little girl did you like Hannah Montana?" "When you were a little girl did you like to wear make-up?"
Madelyn never asked those kinds of questions - so this is throwing me off a little bit. I chuckle inside at a lot of the questions she poses, but deep down I know she is searching to be identified with her Mama. When I ponder that I am terrified, awestruck, and humbled. Terrified of failing, awestruck at the power I hold in my hands, and humbled at her admiration of me and love for me. "Mama's, (I am speaking to all of us here - most of us already know this, but...) we, along with the Daddo's, hold the power in our "hands" to build up our children or unknowingly tear them down." Whoa...whoa...whoa. That's deep. That's awesome. That's one of the reasons why we need to know and rely on the love of Christ that dwells within us. Praise Him for He enables and equips us! Everyday - everyday, like you, I am reminded just how inadequate I am. Yet, my Faithful Friend is always here cheering me on..."I am all you need. Stick to me and I will show Myself adequate through you."
This little-bit is trying to sit up. She sticks it for about five seconds...then she takes a nose-dive, rolls over, and tries her hand at crawling. Yesterday, she rocked back and forth several times then actually took 2 "crawls." (What do you call that...in my mind I am saying steps...but I know that ain't rite...?) Anyhoo - ofcourse I didn't catch it on film. Carrie...you go girl! Before long she'll be giving Bo a run for his money.
Madelyn and a friend of hers are baby-sitting for us on Wednesday nights so we can go to a small group. The kids love it!...we love it!
Homeschooling...ahh...the joys of homeschooling! :)
This by far has been one of the most demanding, die-to-yourself, rewarding experiences I have encountered. Each morning the question is posed, "Are you going to have your way and hang on to what you want, or are you going to let Me have My way?"
Some days I hang on to what I want...nobody likes those days too much. ...Then some days I give it up and over...those days are fantastic - like a breath of fresh air.
Today has been one of those days; schedule straight out the window. James wanted to go with Dad to work today. The "teacher" in me said, "No way!" The Mom in me said, "By all means - take him and teach something good - we can "do" school tomorrow (Saturday)!" God said, "Let him go, I've got something different for you all today." Sydney was working on some of her "seat-work," and I was working on this post when the phone rings...on the other end was a friend. "God told me to come pray for you today. What is your schedule like?" (Isn't God neat?!He knows...He knows everything...He had already cleared my calendar for the morning...) (I am so glad He has (painfully and slowly)loosened my grip on my life - my schedule - my time - my agenda.) What's even better - she came to pray over something that I had spent yesterday afternoon crying out to Him about. AWESOME GOD!!! If we ask He will answer. If we seek He will show us. If we knock He will open the door. Man, that's powerful stuff! GOD, YOU ARE GREAT AND MIGHTY AND POWERFUL AND ABLE AND STRONG AND LOVING AND KIND AND GOOD AND ALL I NEED!
My time to blog ran out about 30 minutes ago...mild chaos is breaking out...Carrie is starting to cry...Sydney, Bo, and Sara Joy are scrambling around screaming, sqealing, and shrieking...aaahhhhhh the sounds of childhood play!!! So much more to share...not enough time. Catch you all later! Have an awesome weekend!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
School in and out of the Shoe
Okay...Can anyone give me an accurate and complete definition of overwhelmed? No...you can't. (Chuckle, chuckle, smile.) No description, no matter how thorough, can aptly define being overwhelmed. You know why - I just had this light-bulb moment as I was typing the previous sentence - because different things - circumstances and situations - affect different people in different ways. Did that make any sense? (My brow is furrowed as I read back over that explanation.) More simply stated - What makes me feel overwhelmed may not make you feel overwhelmed and vice-versa.
PICTURES ARE COMING (they're at the bottom)...give me a break...I have a lot to share this post...(smile)...so if you must...scroll on down and check the pics...then slowly make your way back up and read...read, I say...this is good stuff. (I think I may still be hopped up on the coffee I drank this morning.) (big smile and a couple of laughs)
Let me tell you why I am overwhelmed...(Can you feel my pain already? Smile. Are you hearing me already? Ahh - yes, any mother, any mother, no matter how many children - especially those moms who homeschool - can already sense my overwhelmedness.) (I think I just made up a new word.) (with a little snicker and chuckle) (l-o-v-e the parentheses...you'll see them a lot in this post)
Overwhlemedness reason number one: The summer was hairy - too much to do and only 24 hours in each day to do whatever it was that we did. The kids had a break from school, but I was overloaded. Now - let me just say this. One can still have a great time and enjoy life while still feeling overwhelmed. (smile)
Reason number two: school started back. Okay, Okay, okay. I know you are thinking to yourself, "What's wrong with this girl - she's overwhelmed out of school; she's overwhelmed in school. What's wrong with her?" Well...Aren't you sometimes? School means schedules and routines. And...those schedules and routines have to be planned out. And...someone has to plan them. And...that someone would be - ME! It is the planning out of things which creates a mental fog (aka overwhelmedness). Information overload with 7 kids to schedule and plan for.
Reason number three: I am homeschooling two of my kids - second and fourth grades. Nuff - sed! Don't you love the phonics...Way to go mom...I mean Mrs. Sims. (Smile...slight chuckle!)
Reasons number four - one hundred : I have seven kids three of whom are three and under. I don't think we need any more explanation. Unless, you want to include meal planning, house cleaning, clothes washing, orthodontic appointments, pediatric appointments (shots for Carrie), taxi-ing to and from school and extra-curricular activities (soccer, football, gymnastics) along with reasons 2 and 3. That doesn't even include quality time - meaningful interaction with my kids or husband...And...(whew, I am out of breath)these are just the events that I know are going to occur any given week.
Last week I was crying out (last week was a hard week), "Lord, I really can't do this - I can't. His reply...This is why I love Jesus so much..."I know you can't - BUT I CAN." He kept telling me all last week, "It's worth it; what you are doing is so worth it. With the right attitude in your heart, all your efforts are going towards the building up of my kingdom."
Needless to say...I don't feel near as overwhelmed as I did last week. He's got my back...and my mind...and my heart. He's got me covered. I - cannot - neither can you...but He can and He will if we will just let Him. I am so thankful that my life is not easy. If it were I may deceive myself into thinking I don't really need Him. Oh, I may pledge affection for Him - praise Him - but it's my inability which causes me to fall on my face in utter desperation for Him. These past few weeks my prayers have been really, really simple. Over and over I breath out these words...I need You, I need You, I need You. I love You, I love You, I love You.
On the way to church this morning God spoke profoundly to me about my overwhelmedness...I realized that every time God doesn't step in to rescue me on my terms I wag an accussing finger in His Face. I would say, "Lord, this really stinks - if this is how it's going to be - I don't think I can trust You anymore." God have mercy. And He does. His kindness leads me to repentance. The Lord Jesus Christ suffered more injustice than I could ever imagine while He lived in this world - and never complained - never turned away - only trusted. How dare I, how dare I accuse Him of failing me. "Lord God, forgive me for accusing You and not trusting in Your plans and purposes for my life."
Dissappointment seperates; that was one of the points in service this morning. Conviction grabbed my hand and said - "Let's deal with this and be done with this - God does not dissappoint - He pours Himself out." I think a reading of Job may bring my self-righteous self back to reality. (Smile) How thankful I am for a kind and merciful Savior.
Overwhelmedness (smile) takes a back seat to the wisdom and providence of God. These are His plans for this life and this family. My God is bigger than how I feel and the things I experience here and now. I place my trust in HIM!!! YES!!! Can I get an AMEN!!!! Say it sisters. (Smile)
Now that I have preached to myself - let me share some pictures...and some more thoughts.
First day of 10th grade. I cannot believe that Madelyn is already a sophmore! Okay...she can stay in 10th grade forever. She can stay at Trinity forever. My heart already feels the wrenching of my first chick-a-dee readying herself to leave the nest.
James and Sydney their first day of 2nd and 4th grades at Sims' Academy. Love it! They are good students - mostly. (Smile Grin) I really am so proud that God is doing this through us. It is only by and through Him that we are able to do this thing that He has called us to this year. (Notice I typed...this year.)
Riley - first grade - didn't want to get a picture for the first day of school. He marches to a different beat. I am learning - so is Brad - how to discpline/train him while still allowing him to keep his own little march. (It's HARD and we fall short in so many ways.) Can you read his award in the picture? This mother's heart swelled with pride as I drove around the corner in the car-pool line and saw my sweet little drummer standing in the first-grade pick-up line bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with a big, bright, student award dangling from his neck. I started crying. I'm not ashamed. I cried...like he had just won gold for team USA in the Olympics. His award states that he was a "good friend" to his classmates. You have to understand that this little whipper-snapper has lots o' trouble keeping his hands to himself and his mouth closed. He's like a little whirlwind - but that day he was a gentle breeze in Mrs. Ledbetter's first-grade class at Trinity Christian School. AWESOME!!!
"Would you like me to stick a marker up your nose, too? I am really getting good at it - and so proud." Bo doesn't really understand that he is only 19 months old. As far as he is concerned he's 3. He loves to scribble...on himself...on the walls...on books...on the floor...on the couch. Most days, Praise the Lord, he naps for a long portion of the morning so we are able to "do" school. On other days - like this one - he and Sara Joy create all sorts of mischief (and fun)!
All I can say when I see pictures of Carrie is, "Smiling sweetness!" She is all smiles and a mommy and daddy lover. If we are in close proximity she wants us to hold her. If Brad is holding her and I walk by she smiles really big as if to say..."See me - ahh yeah - I got it made - this is the life." Then just a I pass by she cries...as if to say..."Hey - where are you going - wait - I may miss something by staying in here; take me with you." She is a little smile for all of us.
Sara Joy blooms were ever she is planted. Don't you love the garden hat? (I will have, h-a-v-e, to take some time this year to make school fun with crafts and activities.) Right now, as I type, Sara Joy is asleep on the kitchen floor underneath the table. The picture below is of the same scene several weeks ago. She will fall asleep anywhere if she is still long enough. She, too, has napped several times these past few weeks of homeschool - such a blessing! 
We thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness to provide all we need for the task at hand.
"God bless you and keep you - make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you - lift up His countenance upon you and give you (and we say this part really loud in our family) PEACE!" ~Numbers 6:24-26
PICTURES ARE COMING (they're at the bottom)...give me a break...I have a lot to share this post...(smile)...so if you must...scroll on down and check the pics...then slowly make your way back up and read...read, I say...this is good stuff. (I think I may still be hopped up on the coffee I drank this morning.) (big smile and a couple of laughs)
Let me tell you why I am overwhelmed...(Can you feel my pain already? Smile. Are you hearing me already? Ahh - yes, any mother, any mother, no matter how many children - especially those moms who homeschool - can already sense my overwhelmedness.) (I think I just made up a new word.) (with a little snicker and chuckle) (l-o-v-e the parentheses...you'll see them a lot in this post)
Overwhlemedness reason number one: The summer was hairy - too much to do and only 24 hours in each day to do whatever it was that we did. The kids had a break from school, but I was overloaded. Now - let me just say this. One can still have a great time and enjoy life while still feeling overwhelmed. (smile)
Reason number two: school started back. Okay, Okay, okay. I know you are thinking to yourself, "What's wrong with this girl - she's overwhelmed out of school; she's overwhelmed in school. What's wrong with her?" Well...Aren't you sometimes? School means schedules and routines. And...those schedules and routines have to be planned out. And...someone has to plan them. And...that someone would be - ME! It is the planning out of things which creates a mental fog (aka overwhelmedness). Information overload with 7 kids to schedule and plan for.
Reason number three: I am homeschooling two of my kids - second and fourth grades. Nuff - sed! Don't you love the phonics...Way to go mom...I mean Mrs. Sims. (Smile...slight chuckle!)
Reasons number four - one hundred : I have seven kids three of whom are three and under. I don't think we need any more explanation. Unless, you want to include meal planning, house cleaning, clothes washing, orthodontic appointments, pediatric appointments (shots for Carrie), taxi-ing to and from school and extra-curricular activities (soccer, football, gymnastics) along with reasons 2 and 3. That doesn't even include quality time - meaningful interaction with my kids or husband...And...(whew, I am out of breath)these are just the events that I know are going to occur any given week.
Last week I was crying out (last week was a hard week), "Lord, I really can't do this - I can't. His reply...This is why I love Jesus so much..."I know you can't - BUT I CAN." He kept telling me all last week, "It's worth it; what you are doing is so worth it. With the right attitude in your heart, all your efforts are going towards the building up of my kingdom."
Needless to say...I don't feel near as overwhelmed as I did last week. He's got my back...and my mind...and my heart. He's got me covered. I - cannot - neither can you...but He can and He will if we will just let Him. I am so thankful that my life is not easy. If it were I may deceive myself into thinking I don't really need Him. Oh, I may pledge affection for Him - praise Him - but it's my inability which causes me to fall on my face in utter desperation for Him. These past few weeks my prayers have been really, really simple. Over and over I breath out these words...I need You, I need You, I need You. I love You, I love You, I love You.
On the way to church this morning God spoke profoundly to me about my overwhelmedness...I realized that every time God doesn't step in to rescue me on my terms I wag an accussing finger in His Face. I would say, "Lord, this really stinks - if this is how it's going to be - I don't think I can trust You anymore." God have mercy. And He does. His kindness leads me to repentance. The Lord Jesus Christ suffered more injustice than I could ever imagine while He lived in this world - and never complained - never turned away - only trusted. How dare I, how dare I accuse Him of failing me. "Lord God, forgive me for accusing You and not trusting in Your plans and purposes for my life."
Dissappointment seperates; that was one of the points in service this morning. Conviction grabbed my hand and said - "Let's deal with this and be done with this - God does not dissappoint - He pours Himself out." I think a reading of Job may bring my self-righteous self back to reality. (Smile) How thankful I am for a kind and merciful Savior.
Overwhelmedness (smile) takes a back seat to the wisdom and providence of God. These are His plans for this life and this family. My God is bigger than how I feel and the things I experience here and now. I place my trust in HIM!!! YES!!! Can I get an AMEN!!!! Say it sisters. (Smile)
Now that I have preached to myself - let me share some pictures...and some more thoughts.
First day of 10th grade. I cannot believe that Madelyn is already a sophmore! Okay...she can stay in 10th grade forever. She can stay at Trinity forever. My heart already feels the wrenching of my first chick-a-dee readying herself to leave the nest.
James and Sydney their first day of 2nd and 4th grades at Sims' Academy. Love it! They are good students - mostly. (Smile Grin) I really am so proud that God is doing this through us. It is only by and through Him that we are able to do this thing that He has called us to this year. (Notice I typed...this year.)
Riley - first grade - didn't want to get a picture for the first day of school. He marches to a different beat. I am learning - so is Brad - how to discpline/train him while still allowing him to keep his own little march. (It's HARD and we fall short in so many ways.) Can you read his award in the picture? This mother's heart swelled with pride as I drove around the corner in the car-pool line and saw my sweet little drummer standing in the first-grade pick-up line bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with a big, bright, student award dangling from his neck. I started crying. I'm not ashamed. I cried...like he had just won gold for team USA in the Olympics. His award states that he was a "good friend" to his classmates. You have to understand that this little whipper-snapper has lots o' trouble keeping his hands to himself and his mouth closed. He's like a little whirlwind - but that day he was a gentle breeze in Mrs. Ledbetter's first-grade class at Trinity Christian School. AWESOME!!!
"Would you like me to stick a marker up your nose, too? I am really getting good at it - and so proud." Bo doesn't really understand that he is only 19 months old. As far as he is concerned he's 3. He loves to scribble...on himself...on the walls...on books...on the floor...on the couch. Most days, Praise the Lord, he naps for a long portion of the morning so we are able to "do" school. On other days - like this one - he and Sara Joy create all sorts of mischief (and fun)!
All I can say when I see pictures of Carrie is, "Smiling sweetness!" She is all smiles and a mommy and daddy lover. If we are in close proximity she wants us to hold her. If Brad is holding her and I walk by she smiles really big as if to say..."See me - ahh yeah - I got it made - this is the life." Then just a I pass by she cries...as if to say..."Hey - where are you going - wait - I may miss something by staying in here; take me with you." She is a little smile for all of us.
Sara Joy blooms were ever she is planted. Don't you love the garden hat? (I will have, h-a-v-e, to take some time this year to make school fun with crafts and activities.) Right now, as I type, Sara Joy is asleep on the kitchen floor underneath the table. The picture below is of the same scene several weeks ago. She will fall asleep anywhere if she is still long enough. She, too, has napped several times these past few weeks of homeschool - such a blessing! 
We thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness to provide all we need for the task at hand.
"God bless you and keep you - make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you - lift up His countenance upon you and give you (and we say this part really loud in our family) PEACE!" ~Numbers 6:24-26
Friday, August 8, 2008
Summer in the Shoe
This blog entry is not going to be the typical witty entry - my brain is fried and my body is tired... I have many more pictures than normal - hope you enjoy.
Can you tell that this crew is full of life...mischief...sweetness...energy!!!! Summer always holds lots of surprises. None of our summers have ever been dull. Like your family we have days fully planned out and days that just seem to happen. More often than not our days just happened this summer. Structure is something I thrive on...we started off so well...
Regular kickball matches...
Intense family fun...
So exciting...joking aside, the kids loved it!
We also read and talked about the first 6 chapters of John using Kay Arthur's Bible Studies for Kids. I cannot think of a more important thing than pouring into the lives of my children - yet so often I fail miserably. We started so strong then other commitments or outings or events came along and before you know it Bible study took a back seat to life.
Finding the balance - isn't that a joke - is challenging. How do I feed my children God's word without forcing it on them. Trusting that God is loving my children unto Himself gives me great peace and causes me relax. All that to say - the formal Bible Study lasted about 2 weeks maybe 3.
Sara Joy hamming it up in the baby pool. I have had this pool since Madelyn was a toddler. Matter of fact, this picture reminds me so much of her. Love it! We had a little bit of water fun this summer. Just a little bit...
Bo getting himself a mouthful of refreshment.
James...slippin' and a slidin'
My kids are pitifully drawn to water - any way they can take it. Growing up, I loved water - 2 inches or 12 feet deep - sparkling blue or swampy green -it didn't matter. My kids are the same.
These pictures were taken at West Point State Park. The kids went for a few days, and we had James' and Riley's birthday party there.
Right now, as I type, 4 of my kids are with Granny and Paw-Paw camping at Chewacla State Park. We were just commenting yesterday that it is great that they ALL love to camp.
Down at G & P's the kids like to ride in the paddle boat around the little pond with an island in the middle of it. It's a cool little thing for the kids.
The girls. They are all growing so fast.
I could not believe that I actually got this picture. We are missing Madelyn...we have missed her a lot this summer. It makes me realize that she is growing up and will soon be gone. I cherish these last few years before she moves out to embark upon a life of her own.
James and Syndey
Bo got a little "buckle" fracture a few weeks ago climbing up the ladder on the boys bunkbeds. He fell and landed just the right way. His little splint was so cute. Snoopy. It's off now and he seems just fine.
The second set of The Three Amigos
Madelyn at Camp Marannook.
She was a "Kitchie." All the high-schoolers serve as support staff - maintenance or kitchen help. They prepared and served lots and lots o kids.
Riley so proud of his webkinz. Do your kids live for webkinz. Mine do. I cannot believe that they love them the way they do. I have some grown friends who are just as crazy about them, too. CRAAAA----ZYYYYY! FUN!
School starts next week. I am both glad and sad. Routine and schedules return - freedom and lazy days - out the window. I ended my last blog with a word about trust. I will end this one the same. It seems each summer I have an opportunity through some sort of adversity to experience God in a new way. This summer is no exception. TRUST. At the beginning of this year, I blogged about this word (This is the Year...). God is calling us to TRUST Him like we never have before. I must say it is exciting! A little scary anytime you willfully place your life completley in the hands of another! But, what capable and mighty Hands they are!
"But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God,' My times are in Your hand..." Psalm 31:14-15a
Can you tell that this crew is full of life...mischief...sweetness...energy!!!! Summer always holds lots of surprises. None of our summers have ever been dull. Like your family we have days fully planned out and days that just seem to happen. More often than not our days just happened this summer. Structure is something I thrive on...we started off so well...
Regular kickball matches...
Intense family fun...
So exciting...joking aside, the kids loved it!
We also read and talked about the first 6 chapters of John using Kay Arthur's Bible Studies for Kids. I cannot think of a more important thing than pouring into the lives of my children - yet so often I fail miserably. We started so strong then other commitments or outings or events came along and before you know it Bible study took a back seat to life.
Finding the balance - isn't that a joke - is challenging. How do I feed my children God's word without forcing it on them. Trusting that God is loving my children unto Himself gives me great peace and causes me relax. All that to say - the formal Bible Study lasted about 2 weeks maybe 3.
Sara Joy hamming it up in the baby pool. I have had this pool since Madelyn was a toddler. Matter of fact, this picture reminds me so much of her. Love it! We had a little bit of water fun this summer. Just a little bit...
Bo getting himself a mouthful of refreshment.
James...slippin' and a slidin'
My kids are pitifully drawn to water - any way they can take it. Growing up, I loved water - 2 inches or 12 feet deep - sparkling blue or swampy green -it didn't matter. My kids are the same.
These pictures were taken at West Point State Park. The kids went for a few days, and we had James' and Riley's birthday party there.
Right now, as I type, 4 of my kids are with Granny and Paw-Paw camping at Chewacla State Park. We were just commenting yesterday that it is great that they ALL love to camp.
Down at G & P's the kids like to ride in the paddle boat around the little pond with an island in the middle of it. It's a cool little thing for the kids.
The girls. They are all growing so fast.
I could not believe that I actually got this picture. We are missing Madelyn...we have missed her a lot this summer. It makes me realize that she is growing up and will soon be gone. I cherish these last few years before she moves out to embark upon a life of her own.
James and Syndey
Bo got a little "buckle" fracture a few weeks ago climbing up the ladder on the boys bunkbeds. He fell and landed just the right way. His little splint was so cute. Snoopy. It's off now and he seems just fine.
The second set of The Three Amigos
Madelyn at Camp Marannook.
She was a "Kitchie." All the high-schoolers serve as support staff - maintenance or kitchen help. They prepared and served lots and lots o kids.
Riley so proud of his webkinz. Do your kids live for webkinz. Mine do. I cannot believe that they love them the way they do. I have some grown friends who are just as crazy about them, too. CRAAAA----ZYYYYY! FUN!
School starts next week. I am both glad and sad. Routine and schedules return - freedom and lazy days - out the window. I ended my last blog with a word about trust. I will end this one the same. It seems each summer I have an opportunity through some sort of adversity to experience God in a new way. This summer is no exception. TRUST. At the beginning of this year, I blogged about this word (This is the Year...). God is calling us to TRUST Him like we never have before. I must say it is exciting! A little scary anytime you willfully place your life completley in the hands of another! But, what capable and mighty Hands they are!
"But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God,' My times are in Your hand..." Psalm 31:14-15a
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Out of the Shoe
Schools Out for the Summer - Alice Cooper - don't know what year, but I bet you are humming the song if you know it...ha!
Summer - time to kick back and relax and enjoy life - no hurrying or rushing around to get the kids off to school or picked up from school - no extracurricular activities to attend - no real set agenda - except...visits to "Granny's." Growing up me and Neal and Jenny spent lots and lots of time with Mom and Pop in Dothan and at "the farm." ((We had lots of great times with Granny and Granddaddy (coke in baby bottles and melted cheese), too, but every summer my mind goes back to M&P and the farm.)) Wow - those are some of the best memories I have. Even now as I type, I am remembering "exploring" along the creek bed wading through its several-inch-high stream and stacking rock after rock - one on top of another, to the side of another, in front of the other - to dam it up so we could have a little swimming hole. Inside each one of us, like all kids, resided a longing to discover and exlpore and imagine a fantastical world and somehow, someway make that world come alive. I am there now - hearing the giggles and squeals - seeing the toothy grins - smelling the fresh crisp river water - feeling the damp southern heat smack dab in the middle of the summer. I'm gonna go see if I can rustle up a picture.
Summer - time to kick back and relax and enjoy life - no hurrying or rushing around to get the kids off to school or picked up from school - no extracurricular activities to attend - no real set agenda - except...visits to "Granny's." Growing up me and Neal and Jenny spent lots and lots of time with Mom and Pop in Dothan and at "the farm." ((We had lots of great times with Granny and Granddaddy (coke in baby bottles and melted cheese), too, but every summer my mind goes back to M&P and the farm.)) Wow - those are some of the best memories I have. Even now as I type, I am remembering "exploring" along the creek bed wading through its several-inch-high stream and stacking rock after rock - one on top of another, to the side of another, in front of the other - to dam it up so we could have a little swimming hole. Inside each one of us, like all kids, resided a longing to discover and exlpore and imagine a fantastical world and somehow, someway make that world come alive. I am there now - hearing the giggles and squeals - seeing the toothy grins - smelling the fresh crisp river water - feeling the damp southern heat smack dab in the middle of the summer. I'm gonna go see if I can rustle up a picture.
That brings me back to the here and now. My kids have what me and my brother and sister have with Brad's Mom and Dad. So...the "Granny" visits are in full swing.
Sara Joy and Bo were the first two to go. Loaded down with these backpacks they were all smiles. Bo couldn't even stand up! They had a blast!
AND...while they were gone we had a painting day. The Shoe got a mini face-lift. My camera was out and ready. I had every intention to take pictures of all of us working like mad, but...I forgot. The day was whinding down and I remembered too late...oh well. I had wanted to take pictures to testify to the graciousness and kindness of our friends. For about 10 hours that Saturday we were loved on and encouraged by God through these friends - CCIA - Christian Community in Action. God is so good. A friend of mine said after I had recounted the day to her, "It was as if God were giving you hugs all day long." YEP! And it is so good to be hugged! :)
Sydney and Riley took turns next. Paw-paw built the kids a mega play set in their backyard in Bay Minette so they were really looking forward to playing on it. And they have a little paddle boat for a small pond they dug out in their field that held water when it rained. And of course, they get seemingly unlimited trips to the Dollar General and Dollar Tree. What kid wouldn't think this is a little slice of heaven? We went down over the Memorial Day holiday to pick up everyone and leave James. Whew - it was nice to have a change of scenary. We have not been out of town (aside from my Granny's funeral) in a really long time. James decided he didn't want to stay by himself he wanted one of his brothers or sisters to stay and play, too. He and Sydney stayed a week. James is such a great kid!
Madelyn has been "getting in her beach time" (those were her words to me when she called to see if she could stay longer) down at her Gramma's in Destin - lucky dog! I think she's a little home-sick. She'll be home tonight then leaves again in the a.m. for Seattle. One of her aunts lives there and gave her a round-trip ticket for her b'day and Christmas.
She'll be home for a couple of weeks in June and early July then she leaves again to work at Camp Marannook. What an awesome experience for her to have. Camp Marannook is reknown (did I spell that right?!?!) for its focus on spiritual impact. Not only do these kids have a blast at summer camp, but they are discipled and encouraged. www.marannook.org
Okay...don't look at the date on this pic. I know it's from last year, but I needed to find one of us that showed his "goofy" side. Brad Sims is the peanut butter on my graham cracker. One of these days I'm gonna do a whole post just on "the old man" of our shoe. You'll be blessed by reading it when I do. I not only love him, but am in love with him. Thinking about him now brings a smile to my face and a little flutter to my heart! (Can anyone say, "Corny!") He was made for me and I am beginning to believe that I was made for him. Like peas and carrots. (Can you hear Forrest Gump?)
Isn't she just the cutest little thing? She (Carrie) brightens my day with her sweet smile. Good as gold. A mother's love never runs dry I don't guess, because my heart still feels so full I am almost certain it will burst. What if it did burst? I am seeing little splashs of rainbow colored goop all over the walls. (Okay that was a little weird?!) But really think about it - I don't mean literally, but figuratively - what if your heart burst open - what would come out? That's something to ponder - hmm - sigh - I am pondering...yep, I think it would be rainbow colored goop. Cool!
Summer is in full swing at our house so just my being able to sit down and gather my thoughts and have time to blog is a gift of grace. God makes me smile! :) He really does care about every single detail of our lives - and not only does He care - He is interested as well. Now that is something to really ponder!
Some really neat things are on the horizon for the Sims' family. No details will be released at this time, but it's exciting because it's a God-thing; a God-sized thing. He is speaking and we are hearing and actually following. Pray for us as the Lord puts us on your heart. His plan is perfect and timing impeccable!
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
Psalm 20:7
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Life in the Shoe
Believe it or not this is the first photo of our whole gang since Carrie was born. It is so hard to find a time when we are all home together! This picture was taken after a long day of fun and fellowship at the home of our friends. What a great day we had! We need more times like that. Not just our family, but all of us - relaxing and enjoying life together. It's hard though...we all have our own lives - and we are all busy. Sunday was a reminder to me that no matter how hectic life gets "in the shoe," we can and must make time to spend time - quality time - with friends.
Our lives are so enriched when we can sit back and marvel at all the "life" God has given us. I love this picture. Two little peas in a pod. It's funny but all my kids no matter who they are are like peas in a pod when they are playing. In the mornings while the other kids are at school these two are fast friends - laughind and playing and really having a great time together. Sara Joy gets to be the "big" sister. And Bo is her "widdle" bruddur. I was praising her and him for being good brother's and sister's the other day. This is what I heard a few moments later - Sara Joy: "I such a gooowood bid bruddur." She cracks me up! Bo is a bigger copy-catter than she ever thought of being. The other night he and Sara Joy and Riley were running from the dresser to the end of the bed in my room - counting - "1-2-3-go!" Bo crouched down, "Uh(1)-uh(2)-fee(3)-uh(go)!" And off he ran into the end of the bed.
Carrie is such a blessing to our family. Once again the Lord has given me a reminder of His love for me in her. He also reminds me to slow down and enjoy these little ones at my feet. I emailed my sister today telling her sometimes I feel like I am on a sinking ship, but when I look around at the sweet faces that surround me I can see the Lord smiling on me. Carrie Faith. Her name is a reminder to sing joyfully and expectantly about the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord.
These two little yahoo's are both "middle" children. They L-O-V-E to have their picture taken. Everything about them screams, "Hey, look at me...see me...laugh at me...clap for me...notice me...I am so cute and funny and great." Just a minute ago as I was typing the text for the first picture Riley was standing at the pantry getting some raisins practicing a song for his K5 graduation...'He's still working on me...He's still working on me." Tear whelled up in my eyes. I love him! Sydney, too! So full of life.
James got braces earlier this year. He loves them! :) This year I got yearbooks for him and Madelyn. It was so funny to read some of the things in his book. Several of the older girls commented on how they really liked James hair. He has the longer bangs that he whips over to the side and he REFUSES to let me cut them. I gave him a trim around the edges, but I was not going anywhere near the front. Funny! James is a great kid! He loves to play ball. He and Brad and the other kids (and Dads) were playing ball most of the afternoon this past Sunday at our friend's house. FUN!!!
Madelyn (on the right with the shorts) was in her first ever school play a couple of weekends ago. It was really, really good! We were all impressed. She loves drama. I think she will end up majoring in performing arts - if not she will be a writer. This sweet child has turned a corner. Back in the fall she began going to another church while staying at her Dad's. After a few weeks I started noticing a difference - a big difference. Well a few weeks later she told me she wanted to get baptized again. We talked about it - she shared her heart..."When I got baptized I was little and didn't really understand...but now I know - it's like I really have a relationship with Jesus - and I just want to tell everyone." YES! She has been such a breath of fresh air to me. It is invigorating to be around people who are full of life. It's freeing! She definately grounded and growing. It blesses me when I walk in her room and see the verses she has written on her mirror and posted on her wall. She is not only hearing the Word, but seeking to apply it! Another - YES! She just got braces the other day - she was nervous about how they would make her look, but I think they look really cute! She is such a beautiful girl!
Life in the Shoe is definately full - fast and furious - but as one of my friends always says, "It's all good!"
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