Taking Joy

I was recently listening to an audio sermon series by Douglas Wilson, Loving Little Ones, which has been so wonderful and life giving to the task of raising kids. During one of his sermons he talks about taking great joy in your children and acknowledging that they are the cutest and sweetest little kids in your life. Often I find myself, as Christian parents, trying to 'control' our kids and have them on their best behavior 24/7. But I'm learning to take a step back and relish in the simple beauty and joy of the good gifts our Father has given us in our kids. In his series Wilson gives a great balance of structure, allowing kids to be kids, training up our children and understanding their position in the Lord, which is so stinkin' refreshing it's nuts!

So, in that spirit here are the cutest and biggest blessing in our lives doing their thing.

Digging in their little garden.

INTENSE guitar playing.

What's This Two Day Weekend Stuff?

As some of you know, my hubby recently resigned from his position at our church. After wrestling for several years with some doctrinal issues, he came under some convictions that forced him to part ways with our church several months ago. Through all of this Jared decided he was ready for a break from leading worship and has found a new job (praise and glory to God in this economy), and we actually go to church as a family now! It's crazy! For the first time in nearly nine years I now travel to church in a car with my husband and for the first time our kids get to worship on the Sabbath with their dad!

Another perk...we get a two day weekend! So, here are some pictures of our most recent THREE day weekend excursion into the beautiful South Cascades over Independence Day.

It's swimming lesson time

For the first time in my life I'm an official swim lesson mom, and I have to admit it's pretty fun! Both of our kids are in lessons and they are really enjoying them! By the end of last week I was kind of tired and I realized getting up and getting somewhere each morning kind of takes it out of you. But, I've caught my second wind and I'm excited for this new week and I know my kids are looking forward to it too! Here are a few pictures of our time at the pool with our friends.

Evie and Jacob sitting poolside eating snacks after their 'lesson'

Leyton...what a big boy!

Learning to jump in!

Evie...eating snacks...again.

Sowing and Reaping

We had our first official 'garden harvest' of the season this mornings during our time in the garden. We pulled a lot of radishes and turnip greens today which was fun. I need to figure out a good recipe for turnip greens, which I think you can treat like spinach but I need to do some recipe searching.

I must say, one of my favorite things about gardening and digging in God's earth is the way you see sowing and reaping in real, tangible ways. This is a principle I've been reminded of in the task of parenting lately. What the Lord (sometimes through us as parents) sows in the hearts of our children will be harvested later, whether it's a harvest we as parents will be honored by or not.

I enjoy the quick 'harvest' time as a parent, just like I enjoy the quick harvest of our early summer/spring veggies. I really love the times when I work with our kids on a certain issue and I see the results quickly...I'm not as motivated by the long haul issues, but I must press on and work toward the bigger goal in parenting our kids - children who live lives to glorify the Lord.

Being in God's creation is so good, because I think He has many lessons for us if we open our eyes to His world and take the time to enjoy His creation...even if it's just in a little backyard garden!