Heart Reflections
Heart Reflections: Spending One-On-One With Each Kid
I cannot remember how old the girls were when we started with official Date Nights, but we always tried to make sure we had one-on-one time with each child even when they were little. That could mean taking one child to the grocery store while Daddy reads to the one at home. Now that the girls are older we give them several Date Night options that appeal to them.
We do a mix of “Home Date Nights” and “Out on the Town Date Nights” to help make it more cost effective for the family. Most months we swap, usually one of us goes out with one child and the other stays home (great chance to watch a movie or do puzzles, play a game or build a castle out of legos). The date nights with the kids give us time to have fun, make memories, and opens up a multitude of opportunities to have some heart to heart conversations with our kids.
Also, it is very important that your children see you and your spouse go on Date Nights and have fun together too. Usually when Jake and I go out the girls want to make sure that their “turn” is coming up soon! Thankful for time to spend with my family!
Heart Reflections: A Moment of Silence
Do we know what “silence” sounds like anymore? Having complete silence may drive some people crazy while others are begging for just few minutes every once in awhile. Life gets busy as a Mom, Wife, Business Owner, or whatever title you carry. Your husband needs you, the kids have homework, deadlines are approaching, papers are piling, the house needs clean, laundry done, and a stack of emails are waiting for your reply.
Occasionally we need to take a Moment of Silence to get away from the demands of life. We all need down time to re-group and refresh. I am thankful for a husband that recognizes that and encourages me to take time to myself or out with a group of girlfriends. He encourages me have some time to re-group, rest, focus, pray, and relax. I love my family much, but it is nice to have some time alone and with others.
Sometimes it is during those quiet times that I can focus on what God is trying to teach me. Usually there are items weighing on my heart and mind that I need to work through. There are many times when I am driving I will turn off the radio and focus on some time of quiet. Do you allow yourself some times of quiet? Do you need it? Go ahead turn off the radio, put down your phone, put away your computer, get alone for a few minutes, spend time focusing on the quiet, pray, and allow God to speak to you. Hope you get a “moment of silence” soon!
Heart Reflections: The Farmer’s Weather
I recently spent some time with my family out in Kansas. The weather out there is much different from what we see here in South Carolina. In the Midwest the past couple of years our family in Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado area have seen some pretty dry months and a variety of severe thunderstorms (including some hail). Not only does this affect the crops, the pastures get dry, and the ponds dry up.
Every time I spend time with our farming and ranching family members I am reminded about how much they have to trust God to provide for them. No matter what they do they cannot control or manipulate the weather. They have to trust that God will provide the moisture they need for the crops, pastures, and cattle. God can protect the crops, however, if a field gets hit with hail he is in control of that too.
While God does provide the much needed rain for the crops there are times when they experience droughts, tornadoes, hail, strong winds, and a variety of other things that can happen on any given day. Many times the hail can come and go in a matter of minutes, but the damage it does can be quite big for many farming families.
Thinking about all this reminds of how good God is all the time. It also reminds me of how little control I have over certain areas of my life. Even though we cannot control everything that happens in our lives like sickness, weather, and more. He can and he is ultimately in control. And that is good!
Heart Reflections: First Fruits
Our family has gone through a lot of hills and valleys over the past few years together. Jake and I started out our marriage in debt from school bills. It took the first few years of both of us working to pay off our school debts. After paying off our school loans we began saving to start our own business.
We started our own business and ran it for several years. As life would have it we started dipping into that savings we had set aside and before long we realized that we had to make a decision whether or not to stay in business for ourselves or not. We along with several friends and family fervently prayed for wisdom to make the right decision.
Would the business turn around in a year or should we seek employment elsewhere? After several months of praying and giving it over to God Jake was approached by a contact who wanted him to apply to a couple positions available in the area. We prayed about it and decided to see what would happen since obviously we hadn’t spoken to this person in years and this may be God saying “trust me”. Jake went in for 3 interviews that week by Monday the following week he had offers for all three positions. One of the offers was in Greenville and the other 2 were in nearby cities.
Before even accepting the position my husband came to me. We had been praying for wisdom for so long and when God handpicked a position for him when we were not expecting it he felt like we should give the “first fruits” of this job to God. He gave us this position and we want to honor Him for all he has done for us. God had answered our prayers and we wanted to give back to him.
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. – Proverbs 3:9-10
Even when the budget was really tight especially during this time we always had enough to cover expenses. After praying about it we decided that the first month’s pay check would be given to God. From that time on any increases or bonuses Jake received from his work we have donated the first portion to God. After receiving a bonus or increase we would set aside the money and pray about where God would want us to give the money. After about a month we would talk again discuss what and who God laid on our hearts. It is amazing to see how much clear God makes that decision. Once the decision is made we give the money to the organization or people God had laid on our hearts as a check, cash, or if it is an organization where we can give it online we do it that way.
I am thankful for my husband who seeks God’s wisdom, is thoughtful, and giving to others. There are times when we could really use that extra money from a bonus or increase to pay for items our family needs (pay a medical bill, debt, or for something we need, etc…), however, we always make it a point to give the first fruits to others first. Ultimately, it is God who gives us the money it is an honor to share what we have with others.
A “Dove” For My Love!
I am blessed with an amazing husband! When he has to travel I miss him greatly! I am very grateful for the him and everything he does for our family. When he travels I try to get him something special for when he comes home. The surprise could be a treat something sweet or salty or practical or fun gift. I usually add some cheesy note or saying, but that’s not what it’s really about, it is about making my man feel important when he comes home.
Most of the time I leave his welcome home surprise in a place where I know he will find not long after being home (his desk, near the shelf where he puts his wallet, in the front of the fridge, etc…). He’s seems to really appreciate the surprise gifts and gestures. I am always thrilled have him back home and to do something special for him. Lately, he has been traveling more for work so I have had to get creative and keep an eye out for new and different items to make or get for him.There are so many reasons why I love him….let me share a few:
- He loves me despite my faults.
- He takes care of me even during the rough times of sickness or injury.
- He works hard to provide for our family.
- He is a godly man.
- He knows how to make me laugh.
- He plays a key role in so many of my favorite memories.
- He is an amazing Dad to our kids.
- He takes time to listen to me even on busy days or when he is away.
- He encourages me to always do my best.
- He helps me even when I get myself “in a pickle” which happens more than I care to admit (ahem…).
- He is thoughtful and often knows exactly what I need, sometimes even before I do.
- He knows how to make me smile.
- He spontaneously surprises me with the most thoughtful and perfect practical gifts.
- He is my best friend.
- He cooks the most delicious food for our family.
- He will help clean, even if it isn’t always his favorite chore around the house.
- He knows how to bring out the best in me.
- He is my Handsome Man.
- He pitches in when he sees I need the extra help with the kids homework, finishing a meal, and more.
- He is very creative.
- He allows me to speak freely and values my opinion, even if we don’t always agree on everything.
- He looks for opportunities to teach his family new things (both the kids and myself included).
- He puts up with my craziness, he deserves an award for this one.
- He is willing to play board games with his family.
- He is my biggest cheerleader and believes I can do anything I want to do.
- He has an amazing amount of patience with me and the kids.
- He knows I have a black thumb with house plants and still loves me.
- He supports my endeavors and at times my random crazy ideas.
- He comes up and will implement ways to make my life easier.
- He has so many talents and is an amazing person.
- He knows how to calm me down when I get myself worked up.
- He allows me to be myself around him.
- He tells me I am “beautiful” even though I usually see all the areas I need to improve.
- He can create the most awesome creations out of wood – bookshelves, desks, and so much more.
- He is always learning.
- He spoils me…..too much at times.
- He is generous.
- He is giving of his time and energy.
- I love him more and more every day!
While neither of us happen to be perfect (far from it actually), however, we are perfect for each other. Unfortunately, we don’t always agree, but we work together through those tough moments. We’ve had our ups and we’ve had our downs. Thankfully, we have grown closer together and learned to love each other even more through the years.
Life’s Little Hiccups: An Apology Letter
An apology letter written by Karlie and Brina
The other day Jake went into the garage and noticed one of his boards had a letter written on it from the girls. They also included a diagram and frowny face. Next to the letter was a broken board. The letter said:
Daddy I am very sorry we broke your board. We were trying to carry two water buckets.
Love Karlie and Brina
The girls were bringing water to the goats. Instead of carrying one bucket at a time they decided to use one of Jake’s “boards” to carry two buckets together and save time. They were thinking creatively, however, the board they chose was not strong enough to hold two full water buckets so it broke. They tried to fix the board by taping it together, but with no luck. After some discussion they decided to write a letter admitting their mistake and apologize to their Dad for breaking his board.
The board they broke. They tried taping it together with painters tape!
The good, bad, and ugly:
Bad – they used a board without permission in the first place
Ugly – something was broken in the process
Good – they admitted their mistake and apologized for it
Even though they did something wrong I was happy to see they confessed to their mistake. Although, we teach the girls right and wrong you never know what they will do. Thankful for those moments when they admit when they are wrong and apologize. It makes a parents heart happy to know the kids are trying. What they did wasn’t horrible and they were trying to find a more efficient way to take care of their animals, but they still needed to let us know about it.
Thankful for Family & Friends
Beautiful flowers from my brothers family!
A big thank you my sister-in-law Becky and my brother Lee for the beautiful flowers, dinner, and stopping by to see me this week! Their thoughtfulness brightened my day! It was great getting a chance to catch up, get a little fresh air, and see my sweet nephews play for a few minutes. Thankful for my family and friends!
It’s been a wild month, who knew how much a herniated disc in the neck clamping down on the nerves could cause so much pain in multiple areas of my body!? I am thankful for the doctors who figured out what was wrong, what was causing the shooting pains down my neck, back, left arm, and numbness in my left fingers this past month. I am not a big fan of doctors or hospitals, but praying that the epidural steroid shot in my neck earlier this week will fix it so I can get back to life as normal. I had the fun side effect of nausea, dizziness, and vomiting with the shot as well so that has been a challenge this week. The ceiling fans spinning, people walking by, reading, and even the TV would make me sick. A box of no-salt saltines, tums, a little bit of rice, and a couple of other bland foods have gotten me through the last few days. The good news is food is starting to smell good again and the room isn’t spinning anymore so hopefully that it is good sign.
I want to thank my family and friends who have been going through this journey and praying with me. Your notes, texts, emails, messages, and calls have been huge encouragement during this time. I am truly grateful for my amazing husband, Jake, who insisted that we continue going to the doctor until they were able to figure out the cause of the pain and who has pitched in helping me, driving me to the hospital/doctor appointments, helping around the house, cooking, cleaning, running errands, grocery shopping, taking care of the kids, balancing a very busy work schedule, and so much more. He has been such a blessing and encouragement during this time. I love him so much! The girls have been a big help around the house, pitching in when needed, giving me hugs, making their own school lunches, and taking good care of me too. I am a blessed!
Although, it has been a little extra crazy this past month it has made me slow down and reflect on my own heart and life. God is good all the time. We may never know why exactly we have to go through times of pain, but He ultimately is in control and can use it for His good. The medicines have helped some with the pain, but they have also made me a lot more tired and foggy feeling. Daily activities and multi-tasking have been more frustrating and helping the kids with homework has been very stressful while taking the meds. The kids especially have noticed a few things I missed or have not done correctly during this past month. I know that it has taken a toll on them too. Praying that the treatment I am doing now works so I can get back to taking care of myself and my family again.
Karlie told me a couple days ago “I am tired of you being broken Mom!” Me too kiddo!
Free Audio Book: “The Attributes Of God V1: A Journey Into The Father’s Heart” by A. W. Tozer
For the month of November Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book. This month the audio book is The Attributes of God V1: A Journey Into The Father’s Heart by A. W. Tozer and narrated by Michael Kramer.
In this first volume on the nature and attributes of God, Tozer defines God’s infinitude, immensity, goodness, justice, mercy, grace, omnipresence, immanence, holiness, and perfection. This classic is sure to deepen your understanding and comprehension of God. (information from Christian Audio)
If you have been wanting to a book to listen to throughout the day or while driving this is a great opportunity to get a book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in November. Make sure to submit your order by November 30, 2014 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
It was a crazy week. I spent some time in Kansas with my family helping Fall Harvest last week, however, I continued to have difficulties and pain with my back, neck, arm, and numbness in my hand so I came back home earlier than expected. Jake picked me up from the airport and took me directly to the doctor. After a couple more doctors visits they “think” it is a bulging, dislocated, or chipped disc in my neck along with strained/pulled muscles in my shoulder, and a pinched nerve. They are hoping I will feel better with the current treatment soon otherwise the next step is a MRI and possible surgery.
While away I did learn a lot. My time in the Midwest made me appreciate my parents and many of my extended family members who are in the farming industry even more for all the hard work they do on the farm. During Fall Harvest the days are long, very busy, and a lot of activities are going on simultaneously (harvest, drilling, hauling, prepping fields and meals, and so much more). It takes a lot of coordination, communication, and skill to keep everything and everybody moving forward smoothly. Plus, you have the weather that effects your days and activities too.
I am thankful that I was able to pitch in a small way and learn a few new things as well. I did manage to drive the tractor and grain cart a little bit and the track tractor for a few hours which is something I have never done before. Thankfully, I managed to make some progress forward and didn’t break anything (when operating such big equipment like the tractors, trucks, combines, vehicles, and equipment during harvest it is one of my fears that I will break something which could be costly in time and finances). I was super excited about helping my family with Fall Harvest, my biggest disappointment was that I had to come home early due to my health. For some reason God wants me home during this time, but I continue to pray for safety for all my family members still working the long hours out in the fields, prepping meals, and traveling to deliver the crops during this very busy time. I love my family dearly and truly wanted to be a blessing to them during this time.
Praying that I heal quickly because after over two weeks of sleeping restlessly in a recliner, being in pain, and having the side effects from the medicines I am ready to be myself again (I think my family would really like that too). With all that being said I have made adjustments with my schedule and hope to still accomplish many of my goals this week, but I want to be realistic as well with everything that is going on right now.
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Mail at least one note to Jake and the girls – I took cards and stamps, but with the busy days, pain, and coming home early it didn’t get done
Speak to my husband and kids at least once a daySend at least one Text, Picture, Instant Message, or Email a day to let them know I am thinking about them– my phone was not cooperating in KS, but I managed to IM at least once or twice a dayHave Hangout chat with the entire family at least once this week– I did do one short video hangout chat with Jake and the girls one eveningPrepare for Upcoming Fall Events & TripsSpend time with extended family– worked with them and went to the Country Harvest Pumpkin Patch with my parents, brother, and nephews on Sunday near Hastings, Nebraska
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – didn’t do so well keeping up with my water (one day I left my water in the pickup while I was in the tractor for several hours)
Continue my YouVersion plan(s)– I was ahead with my plan before heading to KS so I remained caught up- Exercise at least 5 times this week – ummmmm….no this one didn’t get done, I was moving around, but really only out of necessity not for exercise because moving was at times pretty painful
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
Keep up with my laundryUpdate Evernote with any home / yard / pets activities for Jake and the girls
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention – there were some activities I let slide this past week, hoping to get caught back up soon
- Work completed for clients – still have a couple items that need my attention
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Outstanding Debt (microwave and refrigerator) – working on it
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Pick another book to read to the kids (Jake is currently reading Last of the Mohicans to them)
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Prepare for Upcoming Fall Events & Trips
- Spend time Monday – Friday helping the kids with Homework
- Attend After School Activities
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Ride Bikes with the kids
- Go for a Walk with the Kids
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Attend School Board Meeting
- Start Organizing the Kids Scrapbook Items
- Plan Family Halloween Dinner & Celebration
- Orthodontic Appointment for Kids
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Exercise at least 5 times this week
- Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Do at least one “Make 1 & Freeze 1” Meal Prep (make a main dish to eat that day and one to freeze for later)
- Clean out & Organize Refrigerator & Freezer
- Clean House (Focus – Basement Floors)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Storage Room)
- Put Spring/Summer Clothes in the Attic
- Yard Cleanup (Focus – Pool taken down and put away)
- Pet Care (Focus – Refill Goat Food Bin & Make Homemade Treats with the kids for Skipper)
- Make 1 – Freeze 1 Meal Prep (make a main dish to eat and one to freeze for later)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Prep for our Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child boxes
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car
- Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, and other debt)
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Make an extra payment on Outstanding Debt
- Earn some Creative Cash
- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results.
Can I Take Those Words Back?
A kid activity that teaches about how our words impact others.
We have been working through two devotional books with the girls lately. One of them goes through the Bible in a year and the other one is more of an hands on activity with a lesson called Object Talks for Any Day by Verna L. Kokmeyer. The kids like both of them, however, we only do the Object Talks devotional on days when we have a little more time because they require preparation, an activity, lesson, and conversation about the lesson taught.
This particular lesson was about our words and watching what we say to others. This was a great lesson for the beginning of the school year as well as a great reminder for all of us (both kids and parents) that our words have an impact on those around us.
Objects: A plate and tube of toothpaste.
Applicable Bible Verse: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14 (ESV)
Activity:
- Ask for a volunteer.
- Have the volunteer squeeze all the toothpaste out of the tube onto the plate.
- Ask for another volunteer.
- Have them try and put all the toothpaste from the plate back into the toothpaste tube.
Lesson to Talk About: Like the toothpaste our words can come out pretty quickly and easily, however, once our words are out we cannot take them back. We have all said something to someone and instantly or later realized it probably wasn’t the best thing to say. Our words can have a powerful impact on those around us. They can make people laugh, cry, hurt others feelings, and much more. Plus when we speak poorly to or about others it makes us look bad as well. It is important that we allow our thoughts and words to be good, encouraging, wholesome, and kind to those we encounter. What we fill our hearts and minds with will often come out our mouth and reveal what we are truly thinking. Much like the impossible task of getting toothpaste back into the tube we cannot take back the words we say to others. The toothpaste in this example was contained to the plate, however, our words can make a big mess and cause hurt to others for a very long time.
We all could spend a little more time focusing our hearts, minds, and thoughts on good things. Life is short and we want to spend our time being an encouragement and blessing to those around us. May we seek God’s wisdom regarding our thoughts and our speech.
We used a sample of Tom’s of Maine toothpaste I received in the mail for this activity. A sample size is big enough to get the point across!
Brina squeezing out all the toothpaste onto the plate! Like the toothpaste, it’s amazing how quickly our words can come out of our mouths.
The toothpaste is out!
Karlie attempting the impossible task of putting all the toothpaste back into the tube! Once our words our spoken we cannot take them back.
She tried a lot of different ways to get the toothpaste back into the tube – fingers, toothpaste cap, toothpick, and more yet it was a messy and impossible to get it all of the toothpaste back into the tube. The girls like these type of devotional lessons because they are interactive, have a creative and visual way to teach the lesson, and they tend to be more memorable for them. All of us could probably use a reminder regarding our words and the impact they have on others.
