{God-sized Dreams} Quiet

I need more quiet in my life. 

Yes, I have kids who like to talk. They tell stories to anyone who will listen. Earlier today I asked my 3-year-old boy what he said because I couldn't hear him over my hairdryer. "Nuffin. I's just talkin' to myself."

So there is that. But that's not the noise I want to shush.

I replay conversations over in my mind and then analyze them. Did she know what I meant? I hope she didn't think I was too harsh.

Scenarios build themselves in my head, when really they shouldn't be something I spent any energy thinking about.

Too often I fill silences with unnecessary words. Sometimes they are too harsh or too critical or too much. Other times I should speak up sooner but my desire to please people gets in the away. This juxtaposition of too much and not enough then creates conflict in my mind as I search for clarity and wisdom.

This week's God-sized dream challenge from Holley Gerth took awhile for me to put into words. What do you really want more of in your life? Will you dare to say it out loud? Hint: it probably means having less of something too {ex: more joy, less stress}. Write a post sharing the desire(s) of your heart.

I really want more quiet in my life. I want to hear every word of my kids' stories while being fully present. I want to silence the conversations and scenarios that run on a never-ending loop in my mind with confidence that comes only from seeking God. I want to love and serve with authenticity that quiets any distractions of what's next or who else in the room.

Truth is, I can have it. I can have it because the Lord my God is with me. And he is mighty to save. He'll save me from my wanting-to-do-it-all, people-pleasing ways that sometimes cloud my conversations because I'm too busy replaying conversations and wondering how a scenario will unfold.

He takes great delight in me. He delights in the me who sometimes has too much to say and the me who doesn't know what to say. And he'll quiet me. He'll quiet the over-analysis of words and moments. He'll quiet the critical words that need to never be spoken. He'll rejoice over me with singing. It's when I let God quiet me that he makes himself known. 
________
Tuesdays are God-sized Dream days around here and I'm linking this post along with many, many other dreamers on Holley Gerth's blog. You'll find encouragement, truth and community there. I also recommend Holley's "You're Made for a God-sized Dream." You can buy it from Amazon ($11.19) or DaySpring ($8.24 with code HOLLEY25 at checkout). 

I'm also linking up with the Soli Deo Gloria party for the first time. 

Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

R-A-C-E-R-S! Racers! Racers! Go Racers!

Around here, March means basketball. 

We spent Friday night and all day Saturday in Nashville, where our Racers were playing in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. We wore blue and gold all weekend, stayed in a new-favorite hotel, ate good food, visited with friends, ran into other friends, and enjoyed being together.

For you basketball fans, Murray State beat Eastern Kentucky on Friday night to advance, but then lost in a heart-breaking game to Belmont. Even so, I'm so glad we were able to watch these two games. After a season with some ups and downs coming on the heels of last season -- the best ever in MSU history -- these games made me proud to be a Racer.

Friday night the game didn't tip off until about 8:30 p.m. Y'all. My kids usually go to bed around 7 p.m. So the game didn't end until 10:30ish and then it was a little after 11 by the time we got into our hotel room. And, well, you know, it's exciting to stay in a hotel. So it took the kids some time to settle down in their pull-out-bed and it was around midnight before all was quiet from their portion of the room, which was actually their own room.

We managed to sleep in a little and then had a leisurely morning eating breakfast and hanging out at the hotel before we went to Opry Mills mall, where we had lunch at Rainforest Cafe with friends and shopped some. And then it was on to the championship game.

Most of the day was full of me being proud of how my kids behaved and reacted. I truly treasure the words from my non-momma friend who reminded me in an email exchange that making memories is an important part of parenthood. She's right. And, you know, I didn't take a ton of pictures like I tend to do, especially during a road trip. I was thankful for the time to be truly present with my family, laugh with my husband, and just enjoy each other.

Do like college basketball? Who will you root for in March?
________
Look back at our other trips to the OVC Tournament: 2012. 2011. 2010. 2009. 2008.

Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

Weekend Words

Neverlands and Promiselands :: Jennifer Dukes Lee is a new favorite storyteller of mine. I related to so much of she writes, especially this piece. I was never going to move back to Murray; I've been back here more than nine years. I was never going to work at the Ledger & Times and then I was never going to quit the job I never wanted. I've been a stay-at-home momma for 5 1/2 years. There was something about never sending my kids to private school. Yeah, well, clearly I need to stop saying "never." Good thing God works in spite of my "I will never ..." Right, Jennifer? "I still like to make plans, but I’ve learned to hold them a little more loosely, and then to take care with what comes next." 

"King & Queens" by Audio Adrenaline :: This is a song I've been loving lately. "Boys become kings, girls will be queens/Wrapped in Your majesty/When we love, when we love the least of these/Then they will be brave and free/Shout your name in victory/When we love when we love the least of these/When we love the least of these." You can listen below. You'll want to. 


Have you read anything good this week? Heard any good songs?
________
Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

{Five Minute Friday} Home

Katie & I saw each other for an hour in January. It wasn't enough. She's like home to me.

I'm participating in Five Minute Friday, a link-up writing prompt at Lisa-Jo Baker's blog. This week the prompt is "Home ..." 

Five minutes starts now. GO ...

She is like home to me. We haven't been neighbors since 1997, but we knew how many steps it was from her from door to mine for seven years we lived right next door to each other. We lived in the same town, a different town, for one summer and another year later.

I can sit in the home I've made with my husband and two kids and be homesick for her. I wouldn't trade where I am or who I'm with for anything. But I'd give almost anything to add her and her family of boys to my street.

We sit too close on the couch when we do finally get to see each other. We interrupt each other to finish one another's sentences. We fill in the detailed back story of the current news, but, really, we know the back story. We know what led us each to where we are, to these homes we have with people we adore. That's how 23 years of friendships is.

She taught me about God. She lived details of my childhood with me. We played flashlight tag, dreamed of being big and having driver's licenses instead of just bicycles. We drank Dr Pepper and ate Circus Peanuts.

And when we walk into each other's grown-up lives, it's like coming home.


STOP.

Want to join us? Here are Lisa-Jo's rules: 1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking. 2. Link back here and invite others to join in. 3. Please visit the person who linked up before you and encourage them in their comments. That is like the one rule we all really care about.

________
Read past Five Minute Friday Posts here. Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

{Out of the Blue} Thank You

I check on my kids every night before I go to bed. It's not out of worry, but rather I want to see the peace of them sleeping after our day together. Our days aren't perfect, but there is something about watching them sleep that makes me forget the hard moments.

I usually kiss them on their foreheads too and whisper "I love you." Sometimes the mumble back, but most of the time they just continue their sleepy breathing. Peace, I tell you. 

My boy Ben goes to preschool on Monday and Wednesday mornings. He takes his lunch with him, B-E-N scribbled on his cup and Rubbermaid container in permanent marker that isn't so permanent once it goes in the dishwasher.

Kristen at Chasing Blue Skies has a weekly link-up about surprises. This week's prompt is:

What unexpected, surprise appreciation did you receive from someone or extend to someone? How did God use their thank you to make a difference in your day, your year, your life? 


On Sunday night, when I kissed my sleeping son on his forehead, he opened his eyes and whispered, "Momma, you write my name on my cup for school?" Whispers from him usually only come when he's sleeping. He must have been dreaming about school.

"Yes, buddy. It's already on there."

Still in a sleepy state, he managed, "Thank you." His head turned back into his pillow and the deep, sleepy breaths continued. Peace, I tell you. With some gratitude tossed in.

We teach our kids to say "thank you" more as a reaction than an actual sentiment. As they grow up, the meaning comes with the words, hopefully. Each day I do all sorts of things for these two little ones who have rocked my world in ways I never imagined but don't want to change back. Honestly, they seem to mostly go unnoticed. If someone were to notice a task going undone, it would be my first-born, just-like-me girl.

So to hear "thank you" from my boy, the one who makes near-constant noise, and messes out of anything, friends wherever he goes is especially sweet. Sweet words this momma was glad to hear. Peace, I tell you.
________
I'm linking up today with "Out of the Blue" at Chasing Blue Skies. And I later linked up with MOB Society's "Let's Hear it for the Boys!" Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

{#TellHisStory} Fearfully, wonderfully made

By Jenn Hall King Photography

Cate's birth father is Iranian. We expected her to have olive-toned skin. But instead people debate whether she looks most like me or her dad. We both have blue eyes. She has gorgeous brown eyes that always soak up details. She has always had defined eyes. I think this must come from him.

She tans well and has always had dark hair. It's lightened up some, making it closer to her birth mom's hair color. When she was younger, the cleaner her hair was, the curlier it was. On a rainy day or when she sweated, the strands would become spirals.

For a momma who has always had straight hair that won't hold curl and doesn't seem to want to grow long, I especially loved my girl's wavy, long brown hair.

She's a kindergartner now. Her hair is straighter. And we've {mostly} grown out those bangs I cut to keep hair out of her eyes when she was a toddler.

She's learned that if she sleeps with her hair braided, it's curly {think 1985 crimp ...} the next morning. So I've helped her with that a couple times recently. She has opinions about whether her is down or up, in a pony tail or pulled back with a headband. She usually wants to wear it down and I insist on a small, side ponytail to keep those almost-grown bangs out of her eyes.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. {Psalm 139:13-16}

God knew. God knew when I cried out to him for a baby that my girl would have this story. God knew he was going to make us a family through adoption. God knew her brown eyes and wavy-turned-straight hair. God created this. He created us. He created her. He created every eye lash and every hair that can be braided. And they are indeed wonderful. 
________
I'm linking up with Jennifer Dukes Lee and other storytellers. #TellHisStory is a chance to tell a story that connects your story to God's story. You can read lots of past adoption posts here. Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

{God-sized Dreams} Get your toes wet

Madeira Beach, Florida in February 2013

Dear God-sized Dreamers,

See that big ocean out there? Yeah, it's all yours.

God knew what he was doing when he created this world. The way the waves crash against the sandy shore is so powerful yet peaceful. Only a God who is ever-present and all-knowing could know how to perfect that continuous motion that can soothe a soul so well that worries and fears disappear for a time.

Sometimes the first step in is cold. You may hesitate because you know you feel the same once you're in there. Maybe the salt water tempts you to stay on shore.

But inch in.

One step at a time.

It'll be worth it.

With these steps into the great, big ocean God laid before you, you'll find adventure and joy. Others will join you there. You'll all walk out talking about how you're glad you dipped in your toe, and then your waist, and then your soul. Grab the hand of a friend and help each other in.

And when you step back out, the sun will warm every piece of you. That's how God is with our lives. Immerse yourself in where he's leading you. He'll be with you on the journey in, the adventure there, and the steps back to shore.


He's here. And there. And everywhere in between.

It's not about how big this dream of yours is. It's about how you pursue God and what he's called you to do. He wants you to enjoy his creation and tell others about it. He wants you to take a risk so you can trust him more once you step in. He wants you to soak up the sun so you can give glory to him.

Go on, dreamers. You can do it. And you'll be refreshed when you do.
________

Tuesdays are God-sized Dream days around here and I'm linking this post along with many, many other dreamers on Holley Gerth's blog. You'll find encouragement, truth and community there. I also recommend Holley's "You're Made for a God-sized Dream," which officially released March 1. You can buy it from Amazon ($11.19) or DaySpring ($8.24 with code HOLLEY25 at checkout). 

Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

{God-sized Dreams} DaySpring Deals

I've mentioned loving "You're Made for a God-sized Dream" more than once around here. I've quoted it at least a couple times. {Review here. Stop delaying, start doing is a piece of the book's advice. Bringing Him glory is certainly the goal.}

But then I learned about these other amazing accessories that go along with Holley Gerth's newest sweet, encouraging words. I already feel like she's sitting at my table talking to me when I read her books, so bringing her words into my home with decor on the wall and cards ready to send friends is like inviting her back over for a chat. 

All of the items in this collection -- including the book -- are available at DaySpring for 25% off the already-marked-down prices this month. Just use the code HOLLEY25 at checkout. That makes the book about $8!

There are other great deals at DaySpring this month, including boxed cards, which are buy 2 get 1 free.

Happy shopping. Spring is coming!

________
Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

Bones & Booth

The following post is about the TV show "Bones." I've watched the first seven seasons and the first episode of season eight. OK, yes, we caved and paid $1.99 for the 40 minutes of television we had to see. That's what cliffhangers do. Don't read any farther if you don't want to know any of the plot from seasons one through seven. And, friends, really, don't tell me about the eighth season I haven't seen. 

Photo from www.wetpaint.com

Dear Bones and Booth,

My husband and I watched 142 episodes of you on Netflix. That's seven seasons. Sometimes two or three a night. Admittedly, I got a little bored with your show sometime in the fifth season. But that's normal for me. {Read more about my TV favorites and tendencies here.} It was the hope that you'd embrace your love for each other that kept me going, yet the lack of soap opera drama is one reason I liked the show from the beginning.

And then season six picked up. And seven season was possibly the best yet. That episode when Christine was born. Oh, goodness. See, I knew you all were meant to be together. I'm glad it's clear that having a baby isn't the only reason you're together. You really do love each other. We've seen it from the beginning. So has Sweets.

Your supporting cast of characters is strong. You'll are smart and loyal. And I don't know how the rotating cast of lab assistants works for you, but it actually works for me. Something about the regular irregularity works.

I remember watching "CSI," the original one and later the one in Miami, for years. I got tired of the cases because they started seeming the same. Somehow that hasn't been true with your work.

Earlier this week, we watched a case get personal and realized it wasn't going to get solved in the last nine minutes of the episode when we paused it. {I think I had to tell my husband something, prompting a pause.} It was after 10 p.m. and we were debating whether we'd watch the next episode, knowing we were hooked on watching you all figure out just how that computer genius killer who wears an ankle monitor was setting up you, Bones, to look like a murderer. Staying up that late to watch TV is a big deal around here.

Bones, you drove off, leaving Booth to make your world safe to come back to. He didn't want you to go, but he knew your dad knew how to advise you to be fugitive away from the system.

And we were left hanging. There wasn't another episode. #142 was it on Netflix. We didn't realize we'd caught up to the current season. We were going to sit there for another 40 minutes to see the rest of your story unfold. Now we'll have to wait a while longer because we can't keep paying $1.99 an episode.

Sincerely,
Fans who liked binge-watching you solve cases and fall in love
________
Anyone have anymore Netflix recommendations? I'd love to here what you're watching. This post contains affiliate links. Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

3.1 in the snow

In January, my competitive nature got the best of me. Greg said he was going to run a 5K, so I decided I would too. It should be noted here, I don't really like running. But since the beginning of the year, I've been running regularly. Our family's Saturday runs have been my favorite. I'd been running 2 miles pretty consistently for the past few weeks, but I hadn't gotten beyond that.

Well, you know, a 5K is 3.1 miles. 

Oh, and, hey, it was snowing and 31 degrees.

We're off. We're smiling because this is just the beginning. That's my friend Emily to my right. Y'all, I was so grateful for her. I was nervous about setting a pace. Greg said he'd run the first part with me, but then was going to go faster. He stayed with us for the first 3/4 mile or so. Emily ran a pace slightly faster than I had been running but was consistent, which kept me from jetting off too fast with the mob mentality of the real runners in front of me.

We did it! While going up a hill right before the last stretch to the finish line Emily reminded me the best part of running is finishing. She's so right. I don't love running, but there was such a satisfactory feeling of accomplishment to run that last stretch, finishing something I started that doesn't come easy for me.

I finished in 34:24.9. Greg had told his mom, who was sitting in the car with our kids while we ran, that he'd finish in about 30 minutes and I'd probably take about 40 minutes. I was so glad to beat his estimate. I'd running 2 miles in about 24 minutes, so I was thrilled to finish the way I did, especially because snow was coming down the entire race.

Such sweet faces were awaiting me at the finish line.

On a medical note, I usually take my insulin pump off just before I start running. But I took it off about 30 minutes before today, thinking I was running farther and my blood sugar was at a good level when I woke up this morning. {Exercise naturally lowers blood sugar levels.} After the race, my blood sugar was high and got even higher in the afternoon. Not sure what that's about.

Regardless, a couple people told me on Facebook that running is addictive. I'm not sure I'd go that far, at least not yet, but I am planning to run a second 5K in May. I'm assuming it won't be snowing then.

________
Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

Weekend Words

A Kind Wife :: "You see, I was so busy doing things for my husband, trying to be the perfect wife, that I was getting it all wrong. I was so tired and stressed that I was snappy, unkind, and impatient. And the only thing my dear husband wanted was a girlfriend! Am I saying that it’s wrong to do things for your husband or family? Of course not! But I am saying to think about keeping being kind as the TOP priority." I promptly emailed this to my husband so he can understand why I'm weary when he gets home from work. And then I prayed I'd continue to embrace imperfection and be nice to the people I love most.

Every Book Starts With A Sentence :: Thank you, Lysa. I read this at exactly the right time for my heart. I had writing ideas circulating in my head and this was just the encouraging nudge I needed. "It’s a process, this book writing thing. It’s hard and messy and crazy time-consuming. But what a wondrous thing to have words that live on beyond us. Sentences that linger and continue to inspire. Yes, please."

Less Yelling, More Praying: Bible Verses to Pray :: I read this one day and then didn't think much more about it. But then I was having a couple overwhelming mothering days this week and went searching for this again. This was the follow-up to Erin's initial post about a subject that I too am oh-so familiar. {I linked that earlier post in a "Weekend Words" a couple weeks ago.}
________
Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

{Five Minute Friday} Ordinary

Life in community, sharing food and stories around a table, is
ordinary for these boys. Yet it makes an extraordinary difference.

I'm participating in Five Minute Friday, a link-up writing prompt at Lisa-Jo Baker's blog. This week the prompt is "Ordinary ..." 

Five minutes starts now. GO ... 

When I was a kid and then even later when I worked in a newsroom, being a mom seemed ordinary. Ordinary days seemed filled with ordinary errands and ordinary conversations. There were ordinary rules and ordinary routines.

And then I held my baby in my arms.

Being a mom didn't seem so ordinary any more. I felt called and chosen to be the momma to my baby who also was chosen for our family by a God who orchestrates details while we cry out the desires of our hearts in words only He can truly understand.

I spent the first week as a mom in a hotel waiting for adoption paperwork to be cleared in Indiana and Kentucky and then the next five weeks at home with my baby. We lived ordinary days and then I went back to work.

I realized I liked this misperceived ordinary. Yes, it was ordinary and simple compared to asking questions, reporting on events, writing stories, laying out pages and doing it all over again for the next 24-hour news cycle in a small town. My ordinary changed when I quit my job.

Our family expanded. Our schedules changed. Our ordinary changes regularly. We meet friends for lunch and playdates at the park. I run errands and drive carpool in my mini van. My life wouldn't be the same if it weren't lived in community. God has shown me the extraordinary that comes from a job that may seem ordinary but challenges me and inspires me like none other I've listed on my resume.


STOP.

Want to join us? Here are Lisa-Jo's rules: 1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking. 2. Link back here and invite others to join in. 3. Please visit the person who linked up before you and encourage them in their comments. That is like the one rule we all really care about.
________
Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

{God-sized Dreams} You were made for them!

I want to write a book. Maybe two.

I am managing an amazing lake house that's available for vacation rentals in addition our own two lake properties {Vacation, anyone?} and want to build a freelance promotions company doing this kind of thing and other publicity projects.

And, most importantly, I want to be a mom who serves my family, embraces imperfection and lives in the moment.

As I read "You're Made for a God-sized Dream" by my virtual friend Holley Gerth, it's as if she heard me list these dreams and cheered me on with God's word and anecdotes from her own life. But she didn't stop there.

Holley writes soft-spoken truth. "You're Made for a God-Sized Dream" officially releases today. Go buy it.

Her words encouraged faith, challenged me to take steps, cautioned me that others may not see my dreams like I do, helped me realize God has been preparing me for this, and reminded me that my actions toward dreams are really about serving the Giver of these dreams.

"You don't have to be ready. Conditions don't have to be perfect. Because it's not about you. It's about God fulfilling his purposes through you, and he has always been able to make that happen in spite of our humanity and the fallen world around us."

{Holley Gerth in 

"You're Made for a God-sized Dream"}

I really loved when Holley wrote about how God intended us to live in Eden and heaven. 

"While we don't get to live in those places right now, we still have the ability to capture a bit of both in our imaginations. Eden reminds us of who we're created to be and heaven reminds us of where we're called to go."

{Holley Gerth}

Like our lives, our dreams won't be perfect. But God has us here, where we are, for a perfect purpose. We won't love every minute that we're here, working and dreaming and serving and living. Moving forward and finishing what we've started won't be easy. We'll make mistakes and He'll change our plans. But God is with us. He's leading us to a new place and his glory is there, just around the corner or outside your window.
________
I received a free, advanced electronic version of "You're Made for a God-sized Dream" as part of Holley Gerth's Dream Team, but these opinions of the book are my own. I've mentioned the book at least a couple of times already {Stop Delaying, Start Doing. Bring Him Glory.} and I'm sure I will again. This post contains affiliate links. Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

{Out of the Blue} Truth throughout

My girl and a classmate on their school's "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"-themed Christmas float.

I'm the daughter of a retired public school principal and a retired public school teacher, both of whom continue to work with school districts in various ways. My grandma worked for a public school board of education. The two years I had my aunt for junior and senior high school English class, I didn't know how to address her. My print journalism bachelor's degree is from a public university. One of my newspaper jobs had me covering two K-12 school districts, a public university and a private college.

I'm a product of public education who understands Kentucky's strange education jargon. And, you know, I think I turned out fine. So, of course, I debated with my husband for years about a schooling decision for our family before we even had to make one.

I was determined to send my kids to public school. I justified with academic, social and spiritual reasons. But, really, I just wanted to do what was comfortable. This wasn't the first time I was convinced I was right without giving God a chance to speak to my heart.

Kristen at Chasing Blue Skies has a weekly link-up on surprises. This week's prompt is: 

What is an unexpected adventure the Lord dropped in your lap or asked you to take? 


God spoke to my heart during Cate's second year at a local Christian preschool, where they prayed before lunch, talked about people in the Bible, learned scripture verses, sang songs that spoke truth, celebrated Jesus' birth at Christmas, and talked about the resurrection at Easter.

I realized when I sent my girl to public kindergarten, that truth was going to get watered down. We live in a community with two high-performing public school districts. My girl was on the verge of reading, is as social as they come, and wanted to go to kindergarten. She was made for school and I had no doubt she'd do fine wherever she was.

But I didn't want her to do fine. I wanted her to thrive. I wanted her learning to be based on a foundation of what is eternally important.

So I started looking into a nearby, private school that uses a classical, Christian curriculum. I didn't really know much about it, and I'm certainly still learning, but the more I talked with the principal there, the more I realized she was verbalizing the philosophy I held in my heart but hadn't put into words yet. God is the creator of everything. He gives us our minds, our skills and our talents. He's the creator of this world. His truth is portrayed in art and music and literature. His story is told throughout history. All of this is the foundation of the math, reading, writing, geography, and science lessons. Truth is woven throughout. 

We registered Cate for kindergarten at New Covenant Christian Academy before her 4-year-old preschool year was finished. I haven't regretted our decision once. I shouldn't have argued with my husband all those years. I shouldn't have been so prideful in my decision without really even consulting God. Yes, I'm the daughter of public school employees here on this earth, but I've been adopted into God's family.

My best friends here homeschool or send their kids to public school, but God has reaffirmed more than once we made the right decision for us. I wasn't sure what my public education family would think, but they seem to trust Cate is in good hands to learn.

I volunteer there each Friday morning. I've been on a couple field trips and help by taking pictures to submit to the local newspaper. I've become friends with the principal, who is such an encourager. And more recently I was asked to be on the school board.

I assumed Ben would go two more years to the preschool we've loved and then on to kindergarten at New Covenant. But, yet again, God has prompted me to change my mind. He's registered for preschool next year at his sister's school.

This isn't the first time God's led me somewhere I never expected to be. I'm sure it won't be the last. But, you know, He knows what He's doing. And my family is better off because I'm not really in charge anyway.
________
I'm linking up today as part of the "Out of the Blue" series at Chasing Blue Skies. Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

{#TellHisStory} Bring Him Glory

She's comfortable enough here that she tapped on the door and then just walked in. I said hi from the kitchen and my kids literally jumped on her and her boyfriend. She's my kids' babysitter and their friend. They were excited Amber and Sean were coming over tonight but Mom and Dad were staying home too. We were all going to eat dinner together.

Last summer Amber asked me if she and Sean could meet with us regularly and just talk. For college students, they were being wise as they pursued their relationship with each other. Greg and I have an imperfect story we wouldn't change. We like where we are, even though most parts of our life are nothing like I planned. We started dating in college, like Amber and Sean. We were involved in the same campus ministry. We studied different things than they are. And I never ever had or will ever have a pet snake like she has.

We're glad they're in our lives. Yes, reminiscing with them makes us feel old sometimes, but we like opening our life to them. Our kids adore them. And there are only a couple of people who get my boy as well as Amber does.

Yesterday had been a full day. I had extra kids most of the day. I made extra food for my friend who is temporarily working a full-time job and prepared dinner for us to share with Amber and Sean. I had some writing inspiration I needed to go with while kids napped. Yes, I had three kids {two of whom aren't even mine} napping for about two hours. Ben seemed to have a harder-than-usual time listening and obeying. I took my 3-year-old boy and our 2-year-old friend to the grocery store, storytime, to pick up our 4-year-old friend, and then to Taco John's, where we met my friend and her two boys.

It wasn't a bad day. In fact, most of it was smooth and good. But it caught up with me in the 4 o'clock hour yesterday afternoon when I was making dinner, taking my boy to the potty in hopes he will soon decide diapers really are for babies, texting with a friend I hadn't heard from in way too long, and answering questions and listening to stories about my kindergartner's day.

Individually, these things aren't a big deal. But, yesterday, together, they had me overstimulated and on edge.

So when Amber walked in my kitchen and asked "How's your day been?" all that I could come up with is "tiring." As I was saying it, I realized my response made me sound ungrateful for these little people who fill my house and the opportunities to spend time with and help my friends. I knew as I was classifying my day  as tiring, there are people who work harder and longer than I do every day of their lives without the conveniences I have.

I wanted my husband to come home. And when he did a few minutes later, I felt like I would crumble out of relief of no longer being the only one in charge. He tried to help. I got snippy and demanding. We all sat down at the table and I still wanted to cry. I felt every whine, request, and disobedience from the whole day catching up with me.

Frustrations filled my heart. And I then I realized I whined and requested and disobeyed God as many times as these kids did.

My perspective improved over dinner. I think just sitting and having other adults around helped. Amber helped me clean up the table. We played with the kids for awhile. Then the little ones went to bed, our guests left, I washed some dishes and packed the kids' lunches for today, and then I sat down. And ate two Reese's eggs.

My husband and I got into bed early. We both were worn down from different kinds of busy days. I closed out a full day with words by Holley Gerth that were good for my soul.

"Oh, no, friends. God has more for you -- so much more than you can even imagine. You are made in his image, and the more you display all that he has placed in you, the more you bring him glory. And when we bring him glory, we feel joy, freedom, and purpose. Life becomes a gift rather than a chore."

{From "You're Made for a God-sized Dream"}

Amen, friend. 

Yes, my day was tiring. I felt weary. But that's not all. My day and life aren't limited to that because I have a purpose in these days of balancing mothering with serving. Amber wanted to be mentored, and yesterday evening was as real as it gets. It wasn't perfect, but it's part of the process God is using to draw my family to him and show us and others the glory that outshines every other imperfect human emotion and response that we use to define our days. 

________
I'm linking up with Jennifer Dukes Lee and other storytellers. #TellHisStory is a chance to tell a story that connects your story to God's story. I also linked up with other mommas at Kayse Pratt's blog. Holley Gerth's "You're Made for a God-sized Dream" officially releases later this week, but you can buy it now. This post contains affiliate links. Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

Winner, winner, winner!

And the winners are ...

Cathy Baker wins a copy of "No More Perfect Moms" by Jill Savage. Courtney French wins Holley Gerth's "You're Made for a God-sized Dream." LeeAnn Willett is getting "Holey, Wholly, Holy" by Kris Camealy.

Congratulations, friends! And thanks to everyone who participated in this giveaway. 
________
This post contains affiliate links. Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

{God-sized Dreams} Inspiration

The God-sized dream assignment this week: Find a God-sized dream story that inspires you and share it with us. 

As soon as I read that prompt, I thought of my friend Holly, who was in Kenya pursuing stories as I sat at my kitchen table last week. This telling of stories is something she's been doing, but her dream was sending her to new places to tell stories that haven't been told.

Holly inspires me with her passion. She works hard in whatever she's doing and dived right into figuring out how to establish a nonprofit. She doesn't have all the details figured out, but she trusts the One who does. It's exciting to watch her put her beliefs into actions.

I introduced you to VoiceBox Media at the beginning of this year and now Holly is back to tell you a little about what she learned during her first trip with the nonprofit news organization she created. She went to gather stories about Kenyan Kids Foundation and came home with those ... and more.
_______

Holley taught one of the Kenyan boys how to use her camera. 

"Everything happens for a reason" is one of my life mottos, and nowhere in my life is it more true than when I started living this dream of mine, VoiceBox Media. Rewind about 12 years and I was in Romania for two weeks having my life rearranged and my paradigms shifted. Fast forward to present day, and here I am living that shifted paradigm -- a journalist reporting on international humanitarian issues and for my own organization. A friend recently told me: "You've found your dream job. You created it." And she's right.

I spent six days last week in Kenya, 3 1/2 in the bush, reporting on the work of the Kenyan Kids Foundation. If I didn't already believe that "everything happens for a reason," my trip would have proved it to me. Two examples are the connections I made in airplanes and airports.

On my flight from Amsterdam to Ethiopia, a gentleman was sitting in my seat, mistaking my row and seat number for his. I said I would sit in what was his assigned seat, the one in front of him. Because of this, I sat next to Annemieke from Holland, who works with a nonprofit that sponsors sports camps for disabled children in South Africa and Ethiopia. She's very intrigued by VoiceBox and there's the possibility of a story there.

On my return flight from Amsterdam to the states, the plane suffered mechanical failures and the flight was cancelled. It was the last flight out that night, so the airline rebooked us for the next morning. When I was standing in the security line the next morning, the man behind me noticed my Kenyan airports sticker on my carry-on bag. He struck up a conversation with me and next thing you know, he's way excited about VoiceBox and wants to meet when we're both settled back in our Texas homes.

Both are encounters that should not have happened, but did.

Another example is while I was reporting in Kenya, I thought that my story needed to be flushed out with interviews with a teacher and a school headmaster. About 15 minutes later, a teacher and a school headmaster were in my car driving us to a student in a remote village. While the team talked to the student, guess who I interviewed for my story.

There's power in being vulnerable enough to put your dream on the line, and to believe (as another friend aptly reminds me) that God is into the details. Plane seats and mechanical failures become instruments to create a chance encounter, and the unspoken desire of this journalist was met in the African landscape.

This is the year to put your dream into motion.
________
You can follow VoiceBox Media on Twitter and Facebook. Tuesdays are God-sized Dream days around here and I'm linking this post along with many, many other dreamers on Holley Gerth's blog. You'll find encouragement, truth and community there. 

Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

{Florida in February} Busch Gardens

I like amusement parks and zoos. I liked them when I was a kid. I liked them before I have kids. So I certainly like them now that I'm a momma. Busch Gardens is like an amusement park with a zoo, so, obviously, it's my kind of place. Oh, and, hey, it's in Florida.

Did I mention I loved going to Florida in February? Well, yes, I'm going to be one of those old people who spends a month {perhaps two ...} down there. I hesitate to call my future self a snowbird because, well, I live in a state that doesn't get much snow.

Busch Gardens quickly made our agenda when we decided to spend an extended weekend in Florida, where my cousin was married in a lovely beach wedding earlier this month. The amusement park was the second item of business for my kids who were geared up to see Winter.

My complaints about Busch Gardens are limited to the price of admission and the shortened winter hours. Otherwise, I loved this place. I rode a wooden roller coaster with my husband, mom and brother. And, you know, it didn't leave us feeling the effects of a jerky ride. It was a good way to start the day.

See that ship that's nearly upside down? My 9-year-old niece and 5-year-old daughter got on that with me. I was so proud of them! My niece tried to tell me she didn't liked it after the thrill sunk in and we were back on ground, but she smiled the whole time we were on it. Cate is tall for a 5 year old, but she was just at the 42-inch height requirement so her feet didn't quite touch the ground. Perhaps that added to the upside-down thrill ... and scare.

They got over it and rode a roller coaster with an upside-down loop. I think they were less scared because the upside-down-ness was much quicker than the ship that gradually goes higher as it goes back and forth and then pauses as you hang upside down.

My fearless boy was said he couldn't ride in the bumper cars {and others} and I felt sorry for him. So I bought him some cotton candy. Most of you know I'm not usually that easy. But, hey, I'd be sad if somebody told me I couldn't ride a ride. Of course, I didn't want in a bumper car and I was reminded why as I watched my 30-year-old brother aim directly for his wife and daughter dodging the strangers along the way.

Ben loved the rides he could ride, though. And, you know, I'm looking forward to the day when the four of us can spend the day riding roller coasters together. {Greg and I went to Six Flags for our sixth anniversary and were recently thinking about doing it again. Spending the day riding roller coasters is our type of fun!}

Even though her adventurous spirit is tamer than Ben's, she's still a fan of amusement parks. I preferred to capture her sweet smile and not the gems on the side of this carousel horse she wanted documented. Priorities, people.

Busch Gardens was a great place for us to spend one of our days in Florida in February. We'll have to go back again sometime. Of course, then the kids will be taller, more roller coasters will make the agenda and I'll be a little closer to becoming an official snowbird.
________
Read my other Florida in February posts: Dolphin Tale. The Beach. Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

{Cara Box} Beloved Friend

From fourth-grade and continuing for the next 13 years, one of my two best friends was a girl named Cara. It's been a decade since we've been close, and, you know, I miss her. We used to talk about what our lives would be like. We'd dream. And we'd make plans.

My life isn't much like I thought it would be, and it makes me sad she's not part of it. Every scenario I had for life included her. We have a mutual friend so I see the occasional Facebook picture or hear her name. I know tidbits, but those will never fill the gap.

In April 2010, not long after when my father-in-law passed away unexpectedly, I recognized her handwriting in my mailbox. She'd sent my husband and I a sweet sympathy card. She always was good to encouraging people with notes and I was thankful for the reminder of a friendship that will always be dear to me, even if it didn't continue like I had hoped.

When a dreamer friend posted about Cara Box, I was immediately intrigued both because of the name and the concept. Who doesn't want to make a new friend and get real mail? Exactly. And, hey, I learned "Cara" means "beloved friend." Quite appropriate.

So I signed up for the February exchange.

Kaitlyn has quite an efficient operation of matching people {this month by home state} and coordinating a theme, a timeline and rules for a gift box exchange. I sent Mandee a box, although I'm hoping she actually ends up with it. The postal tracking code says it's been delivered, but she doesn't actually have it ... yet. And Whitney sent me a box.

Along with Valentine's Day, this month's theme was about supplying items for a date. Whitney sells Pure Romance products. These are new to me, but that massager is amazing and Greg is looking forward to a question-and-answer game that aims to bring intimacy and conversation. I rarely {um, hardly ever ...} buy beauty products, so the nail polish, lip gloss and exfoliating scrub are nice treats for me.

From reading Mandee's blog, I learned she's a fellow Murray State alum and seems to have an entrepreneur spirit, so I sent her some encouragement with that in mind. While buying, packing and mailing Mandee's gift, I thought these new girls and my old friend who will always be close to my heart.
________
Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.

Weekend Words

The Hardest Part of Parenting is Me :: "I look deeper–past the dirty room and scattered laundry and I see it there; it wears a different face, but under the layers of order, I see my nasty desire for control. Because really? The battles aren’t about a clean room or tidy drawers, folded laundry or emptied trash. It’s about my unhealthy desire to be in control of things that don’t really matter because I’m not in control of things that really do." I like how Kristen Welch finds truth in the ordinary. She does the same thing in her devotion book for moms. So, yes, I recommend this blog post, but I also recommend "Don't Make Me Come Up There: Quiet Moments for Busy Moms."

How to Know You're Headed in the Right Directions :: "The truth is we don’t know. We don’t know whether we’re headed in the right direction or if this new idea will work — or totally flop. But not knowing was never a good enough reason to not act. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity for faith, to put yourself out there and grow." And when you finish reading that post, go click on the link to the excerpt of his book. I don't really even know what his next book project is, but I think I'll want to read it. Good stuff, Jeff Goins.

I Cried, Decided to Be a Better Mom, Then Yelled at My Kids :: Oh. My. I've so be there. Like more than once a day. "Life doesn’t become easier just because we realize how sacred it is, or how quickly it can be gone, or how we might not have our little one to hold tomorrow. Life moves forward, and our sin-disease moves right along with it. Sin doesn’t give us a break, or care about our little ones, or pause when we need to re-group." I'm looking forward to watch else Sarah Mae has to say.
________
Affiliate link used. Want more? Subscribe to get "Insights" in your inbox. Like 152 Insights on Facebook. Or follow me on Twitter.