Two things are for sure...

First thing. The Lord directs us.Following in Faith, with expectation is so important. As a friend text me this morning, 

"Praying for you that the Lord will help you keep your thoughts captive." 
Oh, how she knows me. 

"Trust the Lord with all your heart,

    and do not rely on your own understanding.

6 

In all your ways acknowledge him,

    and he will make your paths smooth."

Proverbs 3:5-6

And second, Worry only chips away at our souls. Angst is the enemy.

 “So I tell you to stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothes?

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or gather the harvest into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?

 “Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying?

 “And why worry about clothes? Notice how the flowers grow in the field. They never work or spin yarn for clothes.  But I say that not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers.  That’s the way God clothes the grass in the field. Today it’s alive, and tomorrow it’s thrown into an incinerator. So how much more will he clothe you people who have so little faith?

 “Don’t ever worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them.  But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.

 “So don’t ever worry about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:25-34

I'm so thankful for these truths and I'm asking the Lord to sustain me with them on this day full of unknowns. 

On the ol' pile of books

Well, I'm doing it again. Reading multiple books at one time... well, scattered times. But honestly, I'm feeling a little scattered so it's great for me. Some fiction here, diet book when I'm feeling good, bible study in the mornings. It works.

Here's whats on my book pile:

UnShaken by Francine Rivers

"A beautiful retelling of the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz by award-winning author Francine Rivers. Readers will be encouraged by the truth that God will faithfully provide for His children even when all hope seems lost."

Glimpses of Grace by Gloria Furman

"Sometimes life feels a lot like a burden—day-in and day-out its the same chores and tasks, challenges and discouragements, anxieties and responsibilities. Dust bunnies show up on the stairwell, social commitments clutter the calendar, and our families demand daily attention and care. At times, just catching our breath seems like an impossible feat.

So where is God in all of this? Does he care about the way we unload the dishwasher or balance the budget? Do the little things like changing diapers or cooking meals make a difference? And how can we use our spheres of influence for God’s glory and our joy?

Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a working woman splitting time between the office and home, Gloria Furman—writer, pastor’s wife, cross-cultural worker, and mom—encourages us to see the reality of God’s grace in all of life, especially those areas that often appear to be boring and unimportant. Using personal examples and insightful stories, her richly theological reflections help us experience the gospel’s extraordinary power to transform our ordinary lives."

I used to be so organized by Glynnis Whitwer

"I Used to Be So Organized addresses the frustrations many women feel when they can't get a handle on their lives. They know, deep in their hearts, they should be able to manage things. After all, they used to be organized . . . ten or twenty years ago. But now, life seems to hand them one distraction and challenge after another, and ''helpful technology'' that just seem to add to the problem. Just when they think they have ''caught up,'' something else changes, and there s more to be done.

In this book, Glynnis Whitwer addresses the issue of organization based in this new reality of information overload, overwhelming choices, increased expectations and technology advances that won t slow down. This book contains twenty-three chapters, each short enough for a busy woman to read during a lunch break. Every aspect of life comes together in this one easy-to-read guide."

Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

"Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman's desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. The reality is we were made to crave. Craving isn't a bad thing. But we must realize God created us to crave more of him. Many of us have misplaced that craving by overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. If you are struggling with unhealthy eating habits, you can break the 'I'll start again Monday' cycle, and start feeling good about yourself today. Learn to stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale. Discover that your weight loss struggle isn't a curse but rather a blessing in the making, and replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory. You can reach your healthy weight goal -- and grow closer to God in the process. This is not a how-to book. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This book is the necessary companion for you to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan you choose. This is a book and Bible study to help you find the 'want to' in making healthy lifestyle choices."

So, yea... that's a few. Thanks to Amazon.com for the covers and descrips. I have a few other "fun" reads on my nook, but for the most part these get the most attention. I'm struggling through "I used to be so organized" - it's not my favorite. But it was FREE so I really want to finish it! 

And, lastly - I got this in the other day. Reading it as a potential youth bible study book. I dunno... Something makes me uncomfortable about the title, but at the same time I totally get it. God's word is never BLAH, nor is faith in God... but we get blah... treading new waters with this. 

What do you think?

What are you reading?

Goldfish bowl syndrome

Goldfish Bowl Syndrome.

I think it could be a real thing, though... I'm not finding anything online. 

We had our first house showing last night and I cannot even describe to you in intelligible sentences how much WORK I got done yesterday in preparation. Wow. I cleaned and scraped and painted and dusted, purged and packed, tossed and scrubbed the strangest items in our home. Just in hopes that if someone actually did look that closely... 

Today, the work load is light. Everything is so clean and organized, calm. The kids and I spent the morning at the library just so we could come home {again}to an amazingly clean home. :) I feel like we live in a goldfish bowl with the clear glass all around - so that others can look in and see if they like it. 

After lunch today I was reading a ballet book to my biggest girl while the 2 year old started a good ol' fashioned tantrum when she couldn't put on her own tutu. I know, it's dramatic at 2. So while I'm doing the voices for ballerina book and attempting to pull up a tutu on the squirming, tired child - I realize there is a lady standing in our yard. Yep, right outside the window that my child is screaming by. This gal had parked her car to face our home - right in the middle of the street and was unashamedly snapping shot after shot of the house. Weird angles, too. Like... our mailbox. Hey, I don't ask anymore. As she approached our realtors sign I stepped onto the porch to see if she needed anything - and maybe that's against the rules?! There is a fine line here for me. 

She told me she lived behind us, and in this area for her entire life. She was a single lady whose children had grown up and left home. She appreciated how we had taken care of the property and that her best friend was interested in this house. My house! I was kinda dumbfounded and a lil' awkward because I'm new to all of this - but, I offered her a flyer for info and she was happy to take it. {please keep in mind her car was now blocking traffic}Then continued to take a few more pics. :) 

I'm amazed the tantrum thrower was quiet and the impatient book reader was patient. All in that moment. 

Then, hubby sends a text to tell me the showing last night went well - people loved the house and are waiting to see if they can afford it. 

So I just smile. And again I remember to trust. 

We walk back into the goldfish bowl, tuck baby into bed, finish ballet book... 

And the bowl is tidy again. Ready for another day. 

"My" Soldiers.

Even if you don't have friends and family who serve our country in the military, this is still a special day for Americans. We MUST remember the sacrifice of so many and the dedication of thousands of men and women who have served, protected and laid it all on the line for our freedoms and comforts.

My grandfather, William Grice, Korean War

Today I'm thinking about "My" soldiers... and feeling extra thankful. I have so many cousins, family and friends who have served or who are currently serving.

My little brother, Joshua Grice, USAF

We are grateful!

It's official - that gene was not inherited.

We pulled into the parking lot of Hobby Lobby around 10:30 this morning. Found a front row spot. Smiled, parked, got out, walked in. The whole way over I had in mind all the things I wanted to try to spruce this place up a bit. Cute corner fillers, pretty framed things, crafty this and that. You know - all things Pinterest approved.  Honestly, since the for sale sign went in the front yard - the motivation has been lacking.
{tisk, tisk}
But, seeing how we are 3 weeks in and no offers... I figured I should get my act together and keep it beautiful for my fam. They are pretty worth it. :)

Two minutes into the store and I'm having heart palipitations in a bad way. As in, not excited, but feeling completely hopeless and about as un-crafty as they come. All my dreams and plans went right out the window as we passed the memorial day/July 4th aisle. {and, off record.. WHY on earth is the fall stuff out already?!}

All the things I thought would be so simple as I read them on the computer screen now seemed like preparing for a marathon, impossible for me.

We walked out with ONE single piece of patriotic scrap book paper and a bunch of greenery for my kitchen pitcher decoration. {flumpph} Man I felt like such a loser. It's totally confirmed that in fact I did NOT receive the creative gene, not even a drop. My brain shuts down upon entering those kinds of stores - like the smell of acrylic paints and silk plants flips a switch or something.

Well, at least I can wash the dishes and tidy this place up. That's as "cute" as it's getting today. Perhaps later I'll live vicariously through some of the pinners I've been following. Yea, that sounds pretty acurate.

Serving my family...with joy.

 

I needed the reminder this morning from the book of Philipians. Chapter 2 tells us-

" Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (vs 3-4)

Is it just me or are young children SUPER needy, SUPER urgent in all things, and SUPER selfish? By the end of some days I am one fried momma. My husband can attest to this! And while I don't have it all figured out {not even close...} I am learning that humility and selfLESSness on my end go a long way. I'm learning this after failing at it - time and again. 

My children like to drag out the bedtime routine. I'm sure we are not unique in this. But I will admit that it absolutely drives me crazy! I can have a great and victorious day of being patient and tender all day long...but when bed time comes, it's time. I can feel the cord on the dynamite burning down if things take too long. Relate? Bedtimes in the last month have been difficult and after the doors close there is usually crying and grumpiness from kiddos and mom and dad. It's not a fun time. I guess I always dreamed that bed times would be those magical connector times at the end of a fun day where I whisper sweet lullabies in my babies ears, and tuck them in as they doze off. My reality is an opinionated 4 year old who flips on a dime to full tantrum mode if every single thing isn't just exactly her way, a 2 year old who wants extra rocking chair and cuddle time accompanied by endless singing of "Jesus Loves me" and "Twinkle Twinkle" and a momma who just wants to throw herself on the couch and sleep. I'm tired! My patience runs dangerously thin at these moments. And while my husband is a great help - my girls just really, REALLY, prefer momma to do the majority of the rocking, singing, and kissing goodnight right now. I'm happy to do it... just, some days are harder then others. 

This week I have started praying with them before I say goodnight. We get our rocking and talking out of the way - and then we talk to God. I'm amazed at how it calms them, especially my testing 4 year old. They listen and I know the Lord hears. I've been praying for their salvation and obedience in all things. They hear me ask that. I'm exhausted, like I said, but it has been so worth it to serve them this way - in giving the last part of their day to the Lord, just as we start the first of it at breakfast in prayer. And oh the lessons momma learns when she is on her knees before the Lord praying over her babies.

The Lord brings joy. As I grow in this thing called motherhood I'm learning and understanding the value in serving with humility. I still blow it all the time - and God is good and gracious to me. I'm so thankful this morning for the reminder and command to serve and look for the interests in my family first. We can do this! Praise the Lord for his example and ruling in our lives.

The Storm

 

Needless to say, the weather has been crazy. With tornado activity covering a lot of the mid and southwest so many families have been affected or at the least scared. 

Self included. 

Our hearts are heavy for the loved ones left behind in Moore, OK. I have family in that state and I cannot imagine that pain. 

But even in the hard and painful moments - there is beauty. The Lord has a plan in even this. 

I took a few moments last night to catch some quick shots after the rain and "rotation" clouds went away. It was cold and creepy still. But so pretty. I could not believe the oranges and purples that I saw. The camera didn't even do it justice! Amazing.