The Dirt Diet

I was working in our yard the other day and Dawson reminded me that I hadn't yet tried the "Dirt Diet." Of course, he had and didn't seem to mind that it was all over his face. For some reason, it just didn't seem very appetizing to me. Hmmm...I wonder if you could pair it and do the "dirt and chocolate diet". Dirt might not be so bad if you had unending mounds of chocolate along with it.

P.S. Since weighing in this morning, I do need to start the dirt diet. I have consistently gained the past few weeks since I haven't been very good about weighing in. Better get back on track especially since we are headed Florida in a few short weeks.

Growing Pains

Caiden wakes up during the night every so often complaining about pain in his legs. His Grammie, my mom, always says that they are just growing pains that are making him restless.

I have definately been experiencing some of my own growing pains lately but not the physical, painful kind, like Caiden's. I'm talking about the spiritual, cut-to-the heart, God speaking to me, take-my-breath-away and make me speechless moments. The pains of going through a situation and laying awake at night thinking about solutions, what you could say or should have said, or trying to find a way out.

If you haven't gathered, God's been working on me lately in more ways than one. He's been stretching me a lot in my ministry work. It hasn't been easy but I know He promises that He's not done with me and I'm grateful that He still loves me and cares enough about me to see me grow. In other words, I'm go glad He hasn't given up on me.

We often go through seasons where life is just hard. It seems like that has been the case for me lately. God also promises that perseverence will bring fruit in one's life too. I'm looking forward to the sweet taste of the fruit He's been trying to get me to produce. Even if it only happens on the side of eternity!

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

That's My Boy!

Caiden started Start Smart T-ball recently and he's doing great. Of course, its not the major leagues but I'm not going to be the one to tell him that. He's excited to play and learn. The joy of youth - wanting to know all you can about anything.

This is also his first "team" experience so we'll see how it goes. The team is made up of 4-year olds so it is pretty funny to watch. Many times, the kids have no idea what is going on or what they should be doing. I commend the coaches for the time they put in to this and the patience they exhibit on the field. It also helps that this league is not at all competitive. What a great way to learn! That also means no pressure so these lil' guys can be innocent for a little while longer.

What kind of shoe are you? Huh?

My friend Carrie over at Three Girl Circus is always finding these interesting online quizzes to take. So, I decided this time I'd give it a try. Evidently, people can be classified by shoes. I wouldn't have ever guessed but apparently I'm a CLOG. By reading the description, most of my family and friends would probably agree with it, other than the part about living in Europe. I think we're going to keep our southern roots - they're just really starting to grow!

You Are Clogs

You are a solid and down to earth person. You seek – and almost always achieve – a really sound balance in your life. You are stylish yet comfortable. Mellow but driven. Excited yet calm. You are the perfect mesh of contradictions. No matter what happens, you have the ability to stay well grounded in your life. People know that they can truly depend on you. You should live: In Europe You should work: At a company dedicated to helping the world

What Kind of Shoe Are You?

Convenient Ministry

I got the idea for this blog after having lunch with a dear friend yesterday. After our chat, I realized how true ministry just isn't convenient sometimes AND that it really shouldn't be. My friend longs to be a missionary in the Middle East (i.e., Iraq, Iran, etc.). To me, that seems like a very inconvienent ministry and I'd love to persuade her to stay stateside, meet someone special, have a family and serve the local church. But to her, ministering in that part of the world is what she is being prepped for and what God is calling her to do. WOW! She is truly letting God use her even if it is inconvenient to her or her family.

After all, Jesus' ministry wasn't convenient either. He had to constantly teach and correct his 12 best friends. He had to travel all over the countryside (by foot most of the time). He often woke up early and ministered at all times of the day and night. And, he was called by God to sacrificially die at a young age so that each of us could be saved and live for an eternity.

You know, the most exciting rush I ever get is doing ministry that is entirely inconvienent to me. Meaning that I have to change my personal plans and motives in order to do something for someone else. Our plans can change and we can change our lives to do ministry. How often do you do that? Is your ministry convenient or do you go out of your way for others? Am I willing to pray for God to make things inconvenient for me to do ministry? Do you want to pray that with me? Anyone?