Si & Christmas Held Hostage

Theory: Si flies back home, we continue our advent calendar with tidings and comfort of joy. 

Reality: Hostages and ransom notes!

Have you noticed that Si hasn't come back from WV yet?! We didn't want to alarm anyone since Si has a habit of doing his own thing but...

As a Christian mom, the Christmas season has morphed into an "What Would Jesus Do?" boot camp. It sounds silly but any of us can get caught up in it. (Even during other holidays) We become anti-Santa, avoid talking about wish lists and instead we talk bearing gifts and traversing afar (these things aren't bad in themselves). We miss the point sometimes. We should be no more focused on Christ during Christmas than we are the rest of the year! Then we I do crazy things like hold Christmas hostage.

Christ should be everyday!  Every heart should prepare him room! 

I heard a joke about chreastions...Christians who show up on Easter and Christmas. But why? Why are these holidays so much more important than every other day? Why do we feel the need to chastise our children during these seasons so that we ensure they don't become commercialized? Aren't we teaching them to come and adore him every day?

The fact is, if we are living Gods word everyday, we won't have to worry about our kids buying into the commercialism. Santa will be a mere decoration, Santa won't have their hearts-Jesus will! They won't be asking what child is his?

After spending all night on an advent calendar, "knowing" that this was going to change little  hearts in my home...a ransom note showed up."If you don't share these bags with your brother..." Christmas is held hostage!

Two days later, on a not so silent night, two of my boys were wrestling over an ornament from the advent calendar, I started pulling the calendar down. Irrationality, frustration, lack of patience- my flesh had set in! 

Momma (dad), have you been there? 

The thing that was going to teach about the author of mercy, patience (long-suffering) and LOVE; I was tearing down because I had no patience, no mercy, no love.....ouch! Spirits were not being made bright!

Fortunately my boys had learned about Gods mercy and forgiveness and easily extended it to me!

I realized in that moment, that it was not these papers, it was not this season, it was not a specific activity that was going to teach my boys. It was the Holy Spirit and his working through me (and other people/things), that would make the difference. 

My boys won't know God because we amp up learning during Christmas, they won't learn to share by holding Christmas hostage, they will learn who God is everyday by my actions, words and watching the Holy Spirit at work.

I have to ask my boys for forgiveness a lot, and that teaches them about Christ. I am sooo thankful that even in my mistakes, God can use them to build his kingdom up...starting with my boys.

Have you been there?

Disclaimer: Advent calendars are wonderful, focusing on Christ and serving others during the Christmas season is great...the post was merely to point out that it shouldn't end there :)

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Si Heads to West Virginia Day 5 Cont.

Greenbrier West Heads to State Championship!

Si helps see them off!

So since becoming a big star, Uncle Si Elf was able to get Roaming Gnome, over at Travelocity to negotiate him a sweet deal for a red eye flight. He travels surprisingly light. His cup, a gallon of tea and his Bible. The TSA told him he either had to dump his tea out or drink it before he could head through security. Guess what he did?!

"Hey Jack, we can't waste perfectly good tea!"

 
My mom picked him up from the airport and brought him over to J & S, to see the Cavaliers off. Uncle Si got there a little early so he decided to read his Bible for a bit and pray for the team. And of course, Si being Si, he had to take an afternoon nap! He napped for so long, he almost missed seeing them off. 

Si on camera with Local 59!

Uncle Si is long past being camera shy, since the start of the show. Rainelle's local channel 59 had a reporter there. He tried to get an interview. "Boys, these are exciting times! Hey, go get that team, physically and metaphysically! I came here to drink ice tea, and watch ya'll kick butt! You know I like football jack!"

Greenbrier West Heads to State Championship
You can click here to view the boys leaving and see Si!

Uncle Si Gnome hanging out at J & S

Seeing the boys off! Uncle Si Gnome gets on the bus!

Si chatting with the ladies!

Surviving Toddlers & Si Day 5

Life in Theory:
Create wonderful Christmas memories, while keeping a "pretty" house full of Christmas decor!


Life in Reality:

Making a pretend Si elf do things, post them, and have a daily advent calendar means sacrifices! Having a four year old, a two year old, and a newborn is a lot of work! I've read comments about how together I am for creating activities, printouts and a pretty paper advent calendar. But let's look behind hidden doors...

and let's be real... I stayed up until 3 o'clock in the morning and was exhausted for two days, doing that!

I'm learning that surviving toddler hood and babies is all about priorities! You should see what my office looks like. Because I spent an hour on the computer working on Si, my two boys discovered a box of things they've never seen before! I let them because they were occupied. I'm currently using some of the cards as a foot stool!

I chose the advent calendar as a priority instead of the dishes.

I chose to play around with Si and have the boys help me take pictures next to the fireplace, instead of  prepping lunch and getting ready to go. Therefore we split a 20pc nugget, wearing our jammies because it was time to go pick up the milk. Yes, I know that's not in our healthy eating diet but it's about priorities!!

Today the boys made snow angels, Si made one too!

Today they tried to make a snowman... a SnowSi will have to do!

Today we made memories and then I stuck Si on the dishes, and the laundry because I had other priorities!

 There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens:..... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them..... From Ecclesiastes 3

We are laughing, dancing and scattering the stones snow today? What's your family doing today?

Si says, "Go Cavaliers!"

Let's go Cavaliers! Let's Go! Sting like a butterfly, punch like a flea!

F-L-E-A!

Goooo Cavaliers!!!

Si has been scouring the internet, trying to find a great AirMail rate to see these guys off on Friday!

Si on the Shelf Day 4

Last night, Timmi and Daddy completed day 3 of the advent calendar that Si helped me hang. They created our very own fireplace. Here they are chompin' on some grilled cheese in front of it, while daddy read about Jesus' birth in Luke.

 This morning none of us could wait all day to do day 4, so we started early! When Si heard about the marshmallows and hot chocolate, he decided to join us! We all listened to the story about how the Angel Gabriel visited Mary.

Si on the Shelf Day 3

Si dropped by today for the 3rd day of Christmas! He heard I was late in getting our advent calendar up, so he lent me a hand. He also brought the boys a treat- isn't he sweet!

 Day #3 Zeke couldn't keep his eyes open until daddy got home! Stryder and daddy worked hard on the fireplace. Then had some grilled cheeses while reading some of Luke chapter 2.

Yolky Slip n' Slide

Growing in Theory:

Fix refrigerator door with duck tape.

Growing in Reality:

Our fridge was a hand me down to begin with and we were grateful for it. It gets just cold enough to keep the food from spoiling. Our raw milk we purchase has to go in a mini fridge in the garage, because our big fridge won't go below 39*.

Haha, as I typed this, I thought- frugal my hiney- I have an entire fridge hooked up for our milk...how is that saving money?! I'm seriously thinking of digging a hole in the back yard and going to see if that's cold enough :) I wonder if the old school way of doing it would be cheaper and just put an ice block in the fridge.....hmmm

Anyway, that's beside the point. The door slots that hold condiments plop all the condiments out as they wiggle out of place. Eventually despite many failed attempts they were beyond repair. Today as I stocked the fridge with groceries- I sigh as there just isn't enough room with all the condiments. I considered putting them in the garage...but realized I would only find them on the counter after each use- who am I kidding that my family will walk all the way to the garage to put it away? And then there is the problem of the child lock on the door.

So I'm going to settle this matter. I take everything out of the fridge- shove it to the dumpster and hop in the car to sears appliance. Just kidding.

I propped open the door and headed to the garage for some duck tape. No luck, so I head to the office. I found about a foot left of hot pink duck tape, string and packaging tape. We shall make do.

Back to the kitchen. Zeke is covered in raw eggs and is gleefully sliding across the floor on his new egg drop slip in slide. Timmi has scattered the groceries across the kitchen, putting things away in various cabinets, shelves and some in the freezer.

There is never a simple task in this home.  I sighed as I settled on using the string for repairs and winced as I opted to allow the chaos to continue so I could finish my task at hand. Motherhood indeed builds patience.

For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.Hebrews 10: 36

Diapers

Life in Theory: 

Save money by switching to cloth diapers. Since, the pregnancy is finally over- I will have the energy and emotional clarity to get things back to the new normal.

Life in Reality: 

There is only one situation in life where you literally ask God to send you into pain. That is when you are pregnant and are certain you cannot handle even one more moment with your sweet baby inside of you. I was at this point, a week before the due date and certain since my first two were early, he would be to.

This pregnancy was terrible, I was an emotional wreck (emotional roller coasters are typical for pregnancy and absolutely no fun and nothing to tease about). I however was dealing with depression before I became pregnant and the new hormones hijacked my system and amplified it to unbearable. The physical pain had increased with each pregnancy. Rather than the joy that comes with babies, came quilt from not being able to enjoy the new baby's growing and arrival. I only tell you this because so often on blogs, you read and see such wonderful lives and get the impression that everyone has it together but me. This is true of Christians too, which should be the opposite- we should be sharing in our struggles and encouraging each other, not just putting on our Sunday best.

PS Don't worry the post does not stay in doom and gloom- God works things out for the good of his people! 

But back to the diapers. This pregnancy left me on the couch feeding my boys crackers and cheese and popsicles for lunch, hoping there was something clean somewhere to wear. It was not uncommon to see mom in pajamas and the boys in underwear and diapers....diapers....keeping with status-quo my mind allowed me to focus on the negative and realize that I was not so lucky this time around. Stryder was potty trained at two (only wearing diapers at night). So when Zeke came along we still only needed to buy diapers for one kiddo. Zeke is not potty trained and in our sorry financial affairs we would be purchasing diapers for two.

Hmmm....how will I add that to our budget?

As the pregnancy progressed things got better, I was able to determine several great contributing factors to my depression and begun to work on those things. Of course the stress of things in our life and those roller coasters were still there. As I began to pray for pain to send Elisha into the world, I decided, hey the roller coasters will soon be over. Though slow, like any government run project, the bumpy road was finally beginning to be paved. I thought I can do it! I pictured the women with the bandana holding up her muscle and said, "I can be a cloth diaperer!"

I asked some friends who were avid and successful for some advice for the lazy washer and the how tos on purchasing economical but worthwhile diapers. I got out all of our old, "previous try" cloth diapers, purchased a couple of trial packs and was satisfied with my conclusion.

Finally on October 3rd, God answered my prayer for pain and I told God, "Never mind I'm ok without it." Thus changing my prayer for God to deliver me from the curse and get me out of this pain. On October 4th, God blessed us with Elisha. As I was explaining to Stryder why Elisha was naked and that we would put a diaper on him soon, I thought, "Maybe later, I'm not sure I'm really cut out for cloth diapering." Being the great big brother he is, Stryder left and came back in with one of Zeke's diapers.....my mind thought, "Could I? Maybe I...size 6 on a newborn could work with some tape..."

We were out of tape.

As I sit here a few days later typing this, I had a realization. Zeke is in diapers, Elisha is in diapers, and mommy is in diapers- so much for saving money on diapers ;)

God is still working on me but diapers are no longer such a doom and gloom subject, my bumpy road is still working itself out.

²¹ A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. ²² So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:21-22

I need chaos to calm me down.

Life In Theory:
Cover yourself in prayer, stay in God's word and don't let the world rub you the wrong way, let it roll of of you like the water on feathers of a chicken.

Picture from nypost.com

Life in Reality:

I sat at my desk tonight thinking about the fact that when I stand up my hips will be locked and I will be miserable for the rest of the night (due to pregnancy and back dilemmas), for the moment I decided it was worth it. I know later I will think- why do I keep doing this to myself.

Excited about my new creation for Children's Church, I shared it with my husband who was less than thrilled. I'm not sure if he was already in a bad mood or our conversation really rubbed him the wrong way...but it clearly rubbed my hormonal emotions the wrong way and rubbed the tears right out of me until I was sobbing uncontrollably.

It had been a long day, it was a draining day on me before this conversation; the kiddos had cried more or maybe my mood was less tolerant of the crying...who knows. Maybe I was wallowing in my self-pity about not having a car and that some how made me desperately want to go somewhere. Maybe I was just tired. Maybe the stress of life was just heavy on my mind today- whatever it was I suddenly felt completely lost.

I closed the door, sobbed and cried out to God that I just wasn't capable. I was too weak. I couldn't be a good mom (after all I basically shoved cookies down my kids throat every time they cried today, just so I could move past that moment). Despite my trials at church I had my husband behind me and now it seemed after our conversation that I was alone in that. I was incapable of dealing with the stress of finance. I felt desperate, alone, weak, lost and without God. How long God? I can't endure this one...I can't fix it, so what are you going to do?

I took full blame, I just felt helpless to fix it.

 

SQUAWK!!!

Then suddenly Anne the chicken literally flew past my window, a blur of feathers though my tears. A tiny dog leaped in the air after it. Does it matter that the water is rolling off the feathers, if the feathers are being torn from your flesh?

What?! I flew out the room, out the front door and immediately my flood of emotion was gone and I was in, protect my poor chickens from these crazy dogs, mode. I yelled, shooed and snatched up one of the dogs as my husband came out to see what his crazy wife was doing.

My chickens are fine, the owners were super sorry (of course standing face to face with my husband will do that to most people :). And my eyes were dry. I needed that chaos to calm me down. Yes, I said I needed that chaos to calm me down. Suddenly I wasn't quite so incapable.After all I at least saved the chickens tonight.

I came back inside, figured I'd glance at facebook and go to bed. Here's the headline I saw...

“My kids don’t need a SuperMama. They need to see a Mama who needs a Super God.”

Thank God! I am no super mom, I am no super wife, I am no super Christian, I am no super accountant...
but I do have a super God!

I suppose even the fictional super man sometimes frowns and thinks- I'm not capable.

Then I laughed and thought, God will even use facebook to teach us! :)

“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

Pride

Life in Theory: Despite my reservations about these types of businesses, in order to support a friend, I'm going to throw a Party Lite Party that is relaxing and fun for all! I'm not sure if this makes me an enabler or a supportive friend.

Life in Reality: I thought that I was capable of rounding up enough people to at least help my friend pay for her kit to start the business. Two days away and I'm starting to realize I'm not so capable....

There are few people in this world capable of actually making money in these...and they are often annoying people. (Key word there-often, not always.)

The phone rings, since your husband has been nagging you about answering the phone when he calls.... you set your diaperless baby on the floor. Dart off down the hallway, tripping over toys and stubbing your toe. Rifling through your purse with no success, you dump it out on the table, and turn it over to see the caller id. Sigh...you realize its just them, and you quickly decide how you're going to word, "I'm too broke for this junk," in a polite way,while thinking- it's only $2 at the dollar store! Then they proceed to tell you that it's half off this month, and if you throw another party, it could be free.

I don't think my friend has this personality; if she does succeed, which I hope for her sake, she does, I don't think she'll be the pushy sales man type. Nonetheless, I picked the candle that promised I would throw a party for her. So much for risk taking ( More on that story another day)

The website says to get 10 people to attend, you need to invite 30. It suggest inviting your hair stylist, your manicurist, and your secretary. LOL My stylist is my husband ( he is free, not always what you're expecting but not too shabby), my manicurist is me, and if I had a secretary, they would be inviting themselves because it would be there job to plan the party :)

But in order to make my friend a couple bucks, I invited everybody I knew. Surely I can easily get ten to show. And that's where my pride got broken....I can't even get 5.

Have you ever seen Faith Like Potatoes? It's a little slow, but a fantastic movie. At one point the man is seeking to throw a revival in Afirica. As the doors are opening and not a single person is showing, he prays, "God please don't embarrass me!" He had made it clear to the town, he could do this, it would succeed. Well in the end God saw fit to bring people to the revival, the man was far from embarrassed. I'm not so sure, he views the party in the same manner :(

As much as I sometimes wish I was my sister or my gram, where people flock to them. That's not who God made me. I'm not a salesmen, the word no is a hard word for me, and my pride-well I'll just have to settle knowing that I'm not the most popular girl in school. But I can know that who I am in Christ, makes up for everything. I will never have the best parties, if we moved across country, my sister would probably be the only visitor. But my security in Christ is sealed without a doubt. He paid the ultimate price and I'm ok with that. Besides, I was seriously wondering how I was going to get my house presentable in time anyway!


As an enabler, supporter you can still support my friend's adventure and order through her website.
Sheys Candles

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 

Proverbs11:2

Splash

Life in Theory:

Spalsh! I am an education major, before that -a swim instructor....having smart kids who swim early will be no problem!

Life in Reality:

"Mom, look at me swim!" Stryder bellows, as he is belly down in the bath tub. Kicking is feet furiously, soaking the bathroom thoroughly.

Stryder thinks he can swim, Zeke wishes he could swim- both would sink like a rock tied to an anchor! 

Neither one of my boys can swim! They like water, splashing is a great joy, but I'm seriously considering swim lessons. I took great pride in my ability to help every child who has ever crossed my path to learn to swim. I have taught infants to adults; how is it possible that I cannot get my son to let go of my hand without screaming bloody murder?

I thought I would be the perfect mom, from all my nannying, babysitting, observational skills, and education, I thought I knew the solution to every parental problem- and to some degree I did. The problem is, it's like socialism, it looks great on paper.

In reality, you're exhausted, your kids keep eating your power snacks, drinking your water, and no matter how many studies and experts you consult, little Zeke just will not sleep more than 45 minutes. The car will break down when you desperately need groceries, and suddenly jello doesn't seem like such a bad choice for lunch anymore. And then you realize, why not have cake for breakfast- it's just as healthy as a donut!

I may think I have the perfect plan, but then God reveals that he guides my footsteps, and my children's swim strokes! He reveals daily that without him, I am truly nothing. But in him, I am righteous and my children will still turn out great, despite my many failed lessons. His purpose for my children is far greater than being an early swimmer!

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever   the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Psalm 33:1

Orderly

Life in theory:
Have a healthy, active pregnancy while maintaining an orderly life, and not giving up any of my  "priorities."

Life in reality:
I can hear you laughing, even before I finished typing that last sentence. But it seems like some women do just that. In reality, they probably either have A. Lots of help or B. aren't really doing as we'll as you think they are.

Let me just state that I am a very organized person at heart. In reality, you would never know it. I see it this way-There are two kinds of friends in life. There are those you don't open the door for and invite in, unless you just got done cleaning, and those who you sigh and think, " they already know the real me."

There are some people who can keep an organized and clean home, even with kids. Then there are those of us who when we get done cleaning, hope someone will just pop on by and see how great it looks before you kids wake up :)

We'll discuss the healthy, active part of the pregnancy another day....

But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 1 Corinthians 14:40

*note* this scripture is not talking about having a clean home- I just couldn't resist :)

The Blind Shall See

Life in Theory:
Stryder has a serious depth perception problem. The cups hit the floor instead of the table. Feet miss the step, and noses hit the chicken coop wires (see picture- the cage caught the outside and the inside of his nose- a bloody mess)! Well, the rest of the family has glasses, I guess Stryder needs them too!

Life in Reality:
We have an incredible eye doctor  ophthalmologist. He has been doing wonderfully with Zeke and apparently Timmi excelled with him. Let me explain.

Dr. S let us know that typically with 3 year olds, he cannot give a 100% accurate vision test. The problem with a 3 year old is that unless they participate and follow all the directions, he can't be certain about their diagnosis. He can give a close diagnosis but it's rare that he can be certain.

Here is Dr. S's diagnosis: You have a big problem on your hands, you have a boy. You have a bigger problem than that, he is a smart and curious boy. I can tell you with 100% certainty- it's not his eyes! His eyes are great, no problems! His mind is moving faster than his body and you are going to have a lot of accidents!

 Here is a typical Stryder accident. We have a bench at our kitchen table, at the end of the bench is a chair which has been there for over a year.  I had to move the chair for something the other day and afterward Stryder was playing on the bench, walking back and forth and BAM, I hear him hit the floor. As I pick him up, I explain that he has to watch where his feet are going. About and hour later, Stryder is making "tea" at the table and CRASH, he hits the floor again. Stryder what happened? "I fell again mom!" Not even 20 minutes later KABOOM. As I walk in there, Stryder states, "Mom, maybe we should put the chair back."

Hmmmm....I don't know how to react. Am I proud-he aced a test that most kids hardly participate in at his age, or do I worry because he is smart and curious? As he gets out the doctor's chair, he tumbles to the floor...just kidding! But I half expected it to happen. I guess I'm going to have to memorize scripture from last week's post...I think it's pertinent to this post today-

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Bible Gateway

Spreading the News

Growing in Theory: 
We were only 5 weeks pregnant. It seemed a little too soon to start telling people the news of our 3rd child. It wasn't that we are secretive about these things, it's just that people treat you different and it makes for a looong pregnancy!

Growing in Reality: 
I had a OB appointment. I had it scheduled before I found out I was pregnant. Nonetheless, I kept the appointment. Of course, Stryder was with me (as was Zeke, but I don't worry about him repeating things because it sounds like, "arr, baba, goo dadada").

My doctor gave me an ultrasound during this appointment. We had already been talking to Stryder about how babies grow in mommy's tummy. He had seen pictures of how baby looks too. So, when he got to see our baby, he was very excited and immediately asked if he could have the pictures. This sweet doctor printed out extra pictures so that Stryder could have his own!

I explained to Stryder that these pictures are very special, so he should take very good care of them.

He decided that they belonged in his Bible, because his Bible was also very special and he has to take very good care of that too. Proud momma, smiling here :)

Wednesday night comes along and it's time for church. Some of the teen girls were responsible for watching the youngins' during a meeting. This included my Stryder, who had his Bible....

Do I really have to explain the rest of the story? Let me just say, it was a very short lived secret. Which also meant I had to hurry up and tell some "important" family/friends before they heard it through the grapevine!

Sigh....

Psalm 127:3-5 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.  Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.  How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.

Reality Jesus in a Car Seat

Life In Theory:
Read the account of Jesus on Christmas, have a meaningful conversation with Stryder about the birth of Christ.

Life In Reality:
Debate whether or not you allow your 3 year old to play with a glass nativity set- after all, we don't want to squelch his desire to learn about Christ. Discuss how Jesus didn't ride in the back seat of a car, that's why the manger set didn't come with a car seat!

I was excited to find Stryder rearranging the nativity scene. I jumped on the opportunity to explain how Jesus came as a baby. Only to be confused as to how to explain that Jesus is God, God is Jesus' father, and Joseph kind of was his dad too! My brother would laugh at me, and point out that's why we are so naive to believe this myth.

But I know the truth and honestly I was a little nervous that I would "mess" Stryder's faith up. But here's the reality-it didn't bother Stryder. It didn't confuse him and he was totally ok with my explanation. My worries were worthless, they didn't amount to anything and could have been a hindrance!

Now on to tackle Santa Claus!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Bible Gateway

Theory: Walking

Growing in Theory: 
Children typically begin walking between 9 and 12 months.

Growing in Reality: 
My first son was a genius, of course we thought he was-it was our first born. Aren't all firstborns geniuses?  We were thrilled, and so was mommy's back, that Stryder started walking around 8 months. 

He didn't follow theory.

Our second born was our curly headed, constipated, bundle of joy! 

Zeke didn't follow theory. He is 15 months and can barely stand with help!

I love reading blogs, I love planning, I love hoping I will get it together. I have schedules for everything, and ideas to solve all of my daily dilemmas.

Then there's reality. I haven't solved them all, we try really hard to follow a schedule- but somehow it doesn't always happen. The kids don't nap during their allotted hour, friends don't call during their scheduled phone time, and relatives don't make an appointment.

There is only one constant, one thing I can always count on, my Savior!

And Growing In Theory, God in Reality my blog is born!

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Bible Gateway