At Summer's End

There's only a few short days left of Summer before my kids go back to school.  We've been busy registering, touring the school, and even meeting a teacher or two.  Not to mention buying new shoes, clothes, and school supplies.  With four kids in school, I'm very glad that we own a Dollar Plus Store! 

I know I've neglected my blog this Summer.  It's not for lack of having something to say.  And I sure haven't lost my passion for writing.  I've just been so busy adjusting to a new town, home, and job (I'm working for my in-laws an hour or so a day).  I keep thinking life will slow down when the kids start school but we'll see. 

Today I took the kids (minus our oldest who went to work with her dad) up the street to ride their bikes and scooters.  There's a housing complex that only got as far as laying down the roads and walking trails.  It's a great place for us all to get a little exercise.  I might even make it a daily mommy/CD thing when the rest of the kids start school. :)



My little pioneers at Pioneer Park!



It's been really fun to explore the parks here in our new town.  That's one thing I love about living here.  They take pride in all of their parks and keep them up really well.  The kids' favorite park so far is the "one with the birds."  They have a bird sanctuary at Pioneer Park with everything from Peacocks to every type of duck you can imagine! 

Well, I've got to go for now.  I've got some batch cooking (burritos) that I want to get done this afternoon.  I'm trying to get back on a regular schedule of menu planning after a long summer of pretty much winging it!

Have a great weekend all!

~Melissa

Words, Deeds, and Giving Thanks

Ever since I picked up a few hours at my in-laws ACE store, I've been thinking a lot about work.  Not just my job there, but the tasks that I do every day at home.  I have been asking myself if I am I putting forth my best efforts, as if working for the Lord, the way that Colossians 3:23 instructs.  Proverbs 31 uses words like "eager, vigorous, and profitable" when referring to the wife of noble character's work.  I wonder, could my work be described as such?

Just as I began to seriously question and criticize the quality of my work, I came across Colossians 3:17.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

A couple of things about this verse appeal to me.  One, it covers both words and deeds.  When I talk to my husband, my children, my co-workers, my boss, or whoever else I come in contact with, I should speak to them as if doing it in Jesus' name.  Whether I am reconciling the reports for a paycheck, or doing the laundry for my family, I should complete those tasks as if I am doing them Jesus' name.  Whatever I say or do, I must do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Two, it covers HOW I do these things.  "...giving thanks to God the Father through Him."  Did you catch that last part, "through Him?"   On my own, there is no way that I have the power or strength to give thanks for all the conversations I have or tasks that I complete.  I couldn't possibly be thankful for that tough reprimand I have to give my son, or the toilets that have to be cleaned, again.  BUT when I call on the strength of the Lord Jesus and give thanks through Him, all of a sudden the impossible becomes possible.

Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."  This includes giving thanks when I do not always feel like it.  For example, when I find myself grumbling about having to sweep and clean our hardwood floors, I stop and say a prayer of thanks for the beautiful, large home that the Lord has provided for our family of seven.  There are so many blessings in life to be thankful for, why dwell on the negative?

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great weekend!
~Melissa