sweet kitchen memories

We did make a Valentine cookies this year.... thanks to my sweet baker. 

It was the day after Valentine's day, but the kids didn't mind! 

Ellie had made the sugar cookie dough the day before, and it was soooo good. 

She called all her siblings down to the kitchen, 

and had made a fabulous decorating station. 

Sweet, sweet times.

I haven't been journaling here a lot. 

I go in and out of stages where I feel I have the energy and time to write. 

It's good to though, and I know I will love looking back

on these posts one day, with a thankful heart. 

So what else have we been doing lately? 

Well let's see.
It seems these days we are doing school, school, and more school.....
along with trips to Irish dancing class for Abby,
every-other week piano lessons,
weekly Latin, Grammar, and Literature class,
the occasional play-date on the weekend,
American Idol on the week nights (a family favorite!),
grocery shopping.... again and again and again,
 hosting community group (which has gotten HUGE :),
cleaning and laundry.... again and again and again,
movie nights with the girls, golf dates for the boys (with the pastor!),
thrift stores..... whenever I can make it,
dishes.... again and again and again,
a family afternoon tea party, a trip to the Children's Museum,
and dinner dates with my man... every chance we can get.

That about sums up life at this stage!

I'm thankful for this season,

but it is hard. 

I keep thinking things will get easier,

but they don't. 

My sin just keeps pouring out, 

but God's grace keeps pouring in.

And I'm so thankful.....

because there is NOTHIN' easy about

sanctification.

And I'm learning the God uses EVERY stage in life

to sanctify me in new ways. 

(At this stage in our cookie makin',
I believe someone had cranked up Adele.
Can you tell?.....) 

I've been reading a devotional that a friend gave me by 

an author named Sarah Young.

It is called Jesus Calling.

Today's reading (February 27), as often happens, was just what I needed to hear. 

Here is what it said:

"Keep your eyes on Me! Waves of adversity are washing over you, and you feel tempted to give up. As your circumstances consume more and more of your attention, you are losing sight of Me. Yet I am with you always, holding you by your right hand. I am fully aware of your situation, and I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear.

Your gravest danger is worrying about tomorrow. If you try to carry tomorrow's burdens today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. You must discipline yourself to live within the boundaries of today. It is in the present moment that I walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens. Keep your focus on My Presence in the present." 

(The Scripture passages the author used were Psalm 73:23 & I Corinthians 10:13)

Dearest Father,
Forgive my unbelief. Forgive me for worrying about tomorrow. 
Forgive me for pre-suffering! How miserable I make myself. 


Thank you for your constant Presence. That you will not give me more than I can bear. 
Thank you for sanctifying me, though at times I hate it. 
For your constant grace, for your loving faithful hand, always upon me.
Thank you. 


Give me wisdom to mother these little ones. 
The burden is so heavy. How I need wisdom.
GIVE ME WISDOM!! 
Make our future clear as they grow. 
Show us how to disciple them, to shepherd their little hearts.
To prepare them to live in this world
as light in the darkness. 


I know this is what is MOST important,
not all the academics. 


Please, O please, make their hearts
soft and teachable.
Give them a yearning for your Word.
Convict them of their sin. 


Gird us up when the culture comes blazing in. 
Show us how to walk in it with our kids. 
What to protect them from, when to allow things. 
When to say no. 


They are yours. I know you love them more than 
I ever could. You give them each what they need. 
Thank you. 
Amen