Brain-Dead Summer? Not Here!

Remember my post a few weeks back about purposeful living? Well, I am determined to carry that forth into the summer months. In an effort to make sure that my children do not loose their eye sight glued to the PS3 or become vegetables flipping through approved movies and tv shows, I have devised an evil plan - all for their benefit, of course! This is a list that I typed up about five years ago and used successfully for several years. The last two summers were already consumed with massive vacations and other activities that a list wasn't needed. However, I have decided that an update is needed this year(except for my 17 year old - that might be overkill!) so that video games do not take control of the household.

If you decide to do the same, be creative with your list and ask the Lord to open your eyes to things that you wouldn't normally think about. This is especially good for younger children who still need direction and organization to their summer days. I believe you will find that it will bring peace and structure (yes, you can use those two words together in the same sentence!) to your lazy days while still allowing your kids to get in as many smiles as possible! My goal is always to diffuse the words, "I'm BORED!" Since I have never agreed with being the kids entertainment director, a list such as this puts the responsibility back on them to remind them of all the activities available. Posted on the refrigerator allows listless hands to quickly change directions!

Now that my children are older and past playing with pipe cleaners, here are some of the things that will/have appeared on our list: Swimming (as always!), making jewelry,drawing, putting together a bird house, babysitting, making something from Legos for a contest,participating in the Junior Farmers Market, bike/scooter riding, painting curb house numbers to make money,fishing, camping, going to the lake, learning to bake with momma,and plenty of park outings!As you can tell by the pictures, we have already accomplished quite a bit for only three weeks of summer behind us!

My challenge to you...without being a slave to the list, allow your children to expand their horizons and develop/increase their creative side. Above all - be carefree and flexible. Life is too short to have too many rules!

Flowers - God's Gift to Us!

FLOWERS - I just love them! Actually, I never used to...too much work...too much money and just no desire to maintain them. But things have changed around here and in my heart. Now I just can't buy enough! I have spent the last few years buying distressed perennial flowers and have immensely enjoyed watching them grow back year after year.My cute little flower bed frogs...the gorgeous lilies that came back in triplet this year...three extra perennials planted this year...can't wait to see how they will look like next yearJust love my Mother's Day teapot on the porch!And of course, who can pass up good 'ole fashion petunias!

Though it's not huge or magazine quality by any means, I have found peace and fulfillment each morning as I sit on the porch and watch the butterflies enjoy each flower they approach. The morning is so still and untouched as the sun rises and the dew evaporates...hearing from the Lord is so much easier while basking in His beauty. I'm so thankful that He is a colorful and creative God!

Semi Healthy Apple Cookie Cobbler

Okay - so it's not the healthiest apple cobbler, but it is so, so good! I haven't made this recipe in years (for obvious reasons), but since it popped out at me as I was flipping through my recipe binder, I knew it was time to revisit sugar land!

It originally called for 1 cup of brown sugar, but I changed it to 3/4 cup of honey (hence the term "semi-healthy!") Other than the top of being laden with processed cookie dough infiltrated with every chemical, sweetener and preservative known to man, it's very healthy!

6 cups apples - peeled, cored and sliced
3/4 cup of honey
2 T flour
1 t cinnamon (I use 2-3)
1/2 t allspice
2 T lemon juice
1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
2 T sugar
1 t cinnamon

Peel, core and slice apples. Add honey, flour, cinnamon, allspice and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples well and let set about 10 minutes. Spoon into a deep dish or 9 x 13 pan. Spoon cookie dough by scant teaspoons evenly over apples. Combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over cookie dough. Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes.
Of course, we just HAD to top it off with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream so we could send ourselves into a sugar coma quicker than expected!

Whew...now we're set for our sugar quota for the month!

Happy eating!

Yes - I am ALIVE!!

I know, I know...where in the world have I been??? I've had many people ask me this the last month, so I wanted to reassure you all that I have not passed on!

So, to answer your questions...just too many things to mention! Swimming, dance camp, swimming, summer to-do lists, vacation to San Antonio, swimming...get the point?

However, the biggest reason for my lack of presence is because of the pruning process that the Lord has been doing in me. I'm so thankful that He cares so much about me to recognize when I need to change although the gruesome pain that comes with letting Him take control is so hard to bear at times.

Do you ever feel this way?

Sometimes it's just so discouraging to see all my mistakes and sinful ways. Each time I loose my patience with my children, when I don't show the proper respect and love to my husband, or when hurtful words come flying uncontrollably out of my mouth...

Then I can't hold back the tears. I don't want to live with regret, so the apologies start flowing and I regain my composure and try again the next day to be more like Jesus. I know I've grown in the Lord and in character. You wouldn't believe how I was 15 years ago!! Yet, there's always something to work on. As it should be, I suppose.

I have much to blog about in the next few weeks since I can't wait to share with you what the Lord has shown me and where He has taken me. As for right now...I'm just really tired. Full of peace and blessed, but exhausted.

A friend of mine bought me a wonderful devotion for my birthday called Jesus Calling. Each day it speaks straight into my heart. The author wrote it in first person as though the Lord were talking directly to you. I'll end by sharing an excerpt:

"Remember that you live in a fallen world: an abnormal world tainted by sin. Much frustration and failure result from your seeking perfection in this life. There is nothing perfect in this world except Me. That is why closeness to Me satisfies deep yearnings and fills you with Joy...Make Me the deepest desire of your heart. Let Me fulfill your yearning for perfection."

Yes, Lord...I will try yet once again...thank you, Father, for Your Mercy.