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

Company Girl Coffee - Taste and See

"Hey Mikey!  He likes it!"  Anyone else remember that commercial for LIFE cereal?  Some things just stick with you over the years.  The point of the commercial was that Mikey was a picky eater, but sure enough, he liked LIFE.

I have five kids.  Very few meals that I serve receive the stamp of approval from all five of them.  When one of my kids doesn't like what's put on the dinner table I simply say "Just taste it and see.  You might like it this time."  They all know that I am not a short order cook, and you get what you get.  I do my best to serve them healthy meals with a wide variety of foods while their little taste buds are still developing.  With children it is often necessary to offer a new food half a dozen times before they approve.

There is one thing though, that every single one of my kids are hungry for every day:

The Word of God. 

They ask for it frequently and I am more than happy to give it to them.  There's nothing I'd rather be doing with them more than reading and discussing the Bible.   I love that they are developing a taste for God's Word early in life, because there is nothing more satisfying.

 "Taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him!" -Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

Have a great weekend!

~Melissa

 

Our New Home

This morning as I sat on the porch swing of our new deck drinking my coffee I felt thankful.  Thankful for the rich blessings of God.  What started as questions and dreams, became a reality to us.  He has blessed us with a new business, a dwelling place closer to extended family, and a beautiful large sized home that we will grow into over the years.  The waiting was long and the path was not easy, but it was all worth it.   

The unpacking is coming along, and I am beginning to decorate the little nooks and crannies of the house.  With every day it feels more like our own little sanctuary.   In the middle of all my unpacking and getting settled, I came across the perfect verse in my Bible, that then became my memory verse for this half of the month. 

"Trust in the Lord and do good.  Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." -Psalm 37:3

That just about sums up my life right now.  Trust God, do good, and cultivate faithfulness.

Below are a few photos from the upstairs.  It also has a spacious downstairs where we have put an office, a guest bedroom, and RL now has her very own bedroom! :)  Plus there's a kitchen, another living room, and a space for the kids' computers/school work area.  As I said, plenty of room to grow! 

Have a blessed weekend all!

~Melissa

The Entry



Upstairs Living Room



My Kitchen!!

JS and BC's Room



LR and CD's Bedroom



Plans Delayed

I should be in my new house by now.  I understand that paperwork doesn't always go through when it's supposed to.  These things happen in Real Estate.  That much I know from when my husband was a Realtor.  Still, that drags our move out for another week, and here I sit with boxes and furniture piled up ready to be moved.  Though we were all disappointed, we weren't about to let this delay ruin our weekend.

Father's Day weekend was full of fun and laughter.  We didn't go anywhere, but just hung out at home, watched the Mariners, played some games, and ate Pizza on Saturday and BBQ on Sunday.  We had company over yesterday for the last time in this house.  They are such good friends and we will miss their family most of all when we move.  They are helping us move though, so they will also be our first company in our new house next weekend! :) 

This week I am planning easy meals and trying to keep life simple.  The older boys are each having over-nighters to say their last goodbyes to their closest friends.  I scheduled BC's annual check up on Wednesday so I can get it out of the way.  Other than that, I will tape up the last of the boxes and hang out with the kids until Saturday finally comes. 

Tomorrow we say goodbye to Spring and bring in Summer.  We're supposed to finally get some warmer weather, so there's lots of outdoor fun to be had!

Next time I post I will probably be in my new home!  Then, the fun of UN-packing begins! 

The Birthday Boy

Today is this guy's birthday...

He's very excited to be 8!  I took cupcakes and balloons to his class to celebrate and one by one his classmates all told me how much they like being his friend.  Some told me how much they are going to miss him when we move.  He's just a likable kind of guy.  That's my boy!

He's not having a birthday party this year because he wanted to wait and celebrate with his dad, after we move next weekend.  Isn't that sweet?  He offered to use some of his birthday money to treat the whole family to dinner...how generous!  (I didn't take him up on it, by the way.)  He often tells me what a great mom I am. Thanks, kiddo...I think you're great too!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BC! 

WE LOVE YOU!  

Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 11

"The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and faithful in all He does."  Psalm 145:17 (NIV)

It is hard to define in human terms just how faithful God is.  Some versions of this verse say "kind" in all He does.  The word "faithful" appears countless times in the Bible when describing the character of God.  Here are a few examples from the New Testament: 

• He is faithful to call us into fellowship with His Son. (1 Cor. 1:9)
• He is faithful to not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. (1 Cor. 10:13)
• He is faithful to sanctify us completely. (1 Thess. 5:24)
• He is faithful to strengthen and protect us. (2 Thess. 3:3)
• Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house. (Hebrews 3:6)
• He is faithful to His promises. (Hebrews 10:23)
• He is faithful when we suffer for doing His will. (1 Peter 4:19)
• He is faithful to forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9)

And let us not forget:

• He is faithful even if we are not, for  "if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for He cannot deny himself." (2 Timothy 2:12-13)

Oh yes, God is faithful.  And I, for one will declair with David in Psalm 36:5 "Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness, to the skies."