There’s a reason spring cleaning is called SPRING cleaning. These things are put off until the sun comes out and the light exposes all the ick. Then you HAVE to deal with it. Nothing feels better than a job well done. None of these tasks are monumental. None of them take a crazy amount of energy or time to fix or clean, yet they wait for that time of the year to roll around. It feels so good to have a clean orderly home, and it’s not much work. Time for me to be done with procrastinating and spend an extra couple minutes daily! I like a good clean house.

My question is…why does it seem to be that God calls people to ministries so far away from our “homeland”? Recently, our home-church earnestly searched long and hard to fill a position. It was almost filled by someone on the other side of the continent and finally filled by someone who had to move his family from the southeast corner of the country. We have seen missionaries young and old leave to go all sorts of places.  Now we’re watching our friends  head far off as well.

I am not opposed to this. On the contrary, I am excited, but fascinated as to the purpose…why? Is this just the normal way of God (Matt. 28:19)? Could it just be that He requires an injection of fresh perspective to bodies of believers and thus requires someone from a different region/background? Could it be a test of that person and the new community they are thrust into–trust, obedience, dependence? Is it an overall effort to sanctify?

…pondering.

I did, however, have some changes recently. I finally end up joining a gym because it was so terribly cold outside and running became less invigorating and more like a slow death. :0) Thus, I joined a gym at the worst time of the year to join. January has been BUSY. Classes are packed. So, I grab an empty elliptical or treadmill and act like I like it.  :) Running indoors is not as entertaining and now I have to worry about overheating instead. OH, and of course after I joined, El Nino came along and the weather is suddenly beautiful here! Sheesh. Anyway, the weights were enticing me, so I made a plan and went back to doing a circuit again. It’s been years and it’s wonderful. WONDERFUL.

On a college break right now. One step at a time. Will go PT as God allows, but it looks as though the wisdom is to be gained as a mother and wife first. I can see these skills becoming most beneficial, indeed crucial to my long term goals–not that motherhood is a means to an end, but now I know that life has a certain syntax that must be followed.

Still considering homeschooling. I am dying to start, but again, one step at a time. Fall is looking perfect to begin and the house , the kids, and most importantly I, am almost ready for it.

We solidified our decision on fostering and decided we have to do it. We have the space, the means, and the loving family. We have a God who commands our love and equips us with it as well. I have zero ability to resist Him in the area of children and my husband is a driving force as well in the matter. That usually means the decision is a good one. It’s a wonderful thing. We are  probably 1/3 of the way through the licensing process. It’s not as intimidating as it’s been portrayed to be. Classes are informative.  Paperwork is simple. God has provided the items necessary to provide care for a small child through some amazing people, and He’s working on the fine details for us. I trust Him. I’ll keep posting on the progress.

Oh, and our 3rd child started taking art lessons today from a very talented teacher and I was so proud to see how much he enjoyed his lesson!

Life is good and this is all I’ve got!

I got to sleep in a bit today. As I stumbled into my kitchen with the sun blaring through my back window, and children at my feet, I noticed a few blackened bananas in my peripheral. A fantastic idea. Banana bread. Nothing else going on, so I put my hands to work. As the warmth of the bread waifed through the air and my conscious was aroused via stiff Holiday blend, I was reminded of the food, the cleaning, and tomorrow’s guests. Cookies, I thought, more spritz! Oh, and I have to make candy for presents. We have a TIGHT budget this year.

As the day wore on I distracted the children with various cleaning duties, play-doh, reading time, etc. They are really very helpful kids! Well, ok they are, BUT sometimes they require a few extra nudges in the right direction. Child #2 washed all the windows and mirrors, and then took a bucket of soapy water outside to wash the dog-door. EXTRA POINTS. Child #1 helped with laundry AMAZING. Child #3 and #4 raced in circles around the kitchen w/ the pups occasionally stopping to pick up a minor mess. Cutie pies.

Lessons for today: Children love home. Children love cookies. Children do NOT love that mommy tried 1/2 pack of taco seasoning on tonight’s chicken. What? I thought it would go great with spanish rice?! *Sigh*

Christmas Eve Eve was great. Can’t wait for tomorrow. I can do all things through Christ.

With or without these things–this is all I’ve got: Christ.

I am learning where my identity lies.