Summa Time

This summer is going by entirely too fast.  I just read Jen Hatmaker's post on surviving summer and I laughed until I cried.  As a working mom who enjoys summers at home with her kiddos, I long for the days of summer to drag on and on.  Call me crazy, but I kind of like sleeping until 10 am and doing whatever I please all day, err day.  But I digress.  Summer is whizzing by me at lightning speed and I hate it.  This month is filled with trips, conferences, VBS, dentist's appointments, check ups, you name it.  I had a big list of projects to complete this summer and I've got lots left to do.  I did complete this though....

Before

After

I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint on this desk.....I might write a blog about that later:-)



I have more projects to show, but I'll save those for another post.

Another change I made was my hair color. 

I went from this

To this

 
The auburn you see is close to my natural color.  She also put a darker shade to frame my face, which has kind of thrown me for a loop.  I can't quite get used to it.  I love the richness of the color, though and of course it looks smoking hot in these photos because my girl Britany had just worked her magic.  I assure you, it looks nowhere near this good in my everyday life....much to my dismay.  I have had people tell me I look older, which makes any girl's day so......the blonde may make a come back.  We'll see on August 1st.

I have lots more to write about.  We had a wonderful time at church camp this year and want to share some of what took place there.  However, it's 1:32 am so that will have to wait until next time.

A New Start

I saw this saying on a church sign yesterday:  "To have a new start, ask God for a new heart."  Truer words were never spoken. 

I've been busy the last few days taking down Christmas decorations, which inevitably leads to organizing and cleaning.  It's refreshing to create new spaces or looks in my home simply by moving things around or adding little accents here and there.  I think I have a tendency to do the same in my life.  Sometimes I feel like if I move this or that around or add something here, maybe a cute bracelet, then things will feel fresh and new.  And it works for a while.  But invariably, that "new" feeling fades and I'm back feeling like I'm stuck in the mud spinning my wheels furiously trying to move forward.  I'm tired of doing that.  I will be 35 in less than a week and I'm tired of false starts and putting bandaids on things.  I have a lot in my life I'd like to change.  I'd like to be a better cook, be better at creating an inviting space for my family to live in.  I'd like to work out more and lose all this weight I've put on.  I want to read my Bible more, be a better wife, be a better person in general.  I have read lots of blog posts over the last couple of days and many people are creating resolutions, but many are leaving resolution making behind and instead just seeking to serve God and become more Christlike leaving the results to Him.  I feel like Christ is leading many of us in this same direction.  I, too, feel led to simply seek Christ in 2013.  I don't want to create a long list of things I'd like to accomplish and ask Him to bless my efforts.  Instead, He has impressed upon my heart to simply seek Him.  Not all of the ways I want Him to change me or all of the things I'd like Him to give me the heart and perserverance to accomplish.  Jesus instructs us to seek first the Kingdom of God.  And God promises to add all "these things" to us in return.  These things should not be our focus, however.  Our focus and desire should be to know Christ more, live in the power of His resurrection, and live in the plan that He creates for our lives.  That, my friends, is no easy feat.  I know full well that I can only live that out by the power of the Holy Spirit.  That is my prayer and my aspiration for this year.  To seek the face of Christ.  I believe in His character and am assured that He will add whatever I need in return. 

Happy New Year!  I pray you are all blessed in the days to come.

Tracy

A Time of Thanksgiving

It's been a while since I've had time to blog.  Life is so busy right now with work, basketball games, and just life in general with three boys.  Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving and I loved scrolling through my Instagram feed seeing all the food and family gatherings.  Lots of pictures of big families getting together.  Growing up, it was just my mom, my dad, and me.  We moved away from family when I was just a year old.  We are eight hours away from everyone so we were never together at Thanksgiving.  In fact, the only time I was really around family was for a few days at Christmas and a few days each summer.  I looked at those Instagram images and for a moment I was just a little jealous.  I told my husband how awesome I thought it would be to have a huge family over each holiday and he told me someday I probably will.  I sure hope so:-) 

Now, on to my Thanksgiving list.  I have lots to be thankful for this year.  I have a great family, three healthy kids, and all the necessities that many in the world would consider luxuries.  I have a job at a time where many do not.  I have had opportunities in life that many are not afforded.  I grew up in a stable home with parents who parented.  If you had or have that, let me tell you....you are indeed truly blessed.  I have a wonderful church family who has loved me as one of their own since I was 6 years old.  I miss the ones who have gone.  They poured wisdom, concern, and love into my life.  They sowed seeds that were watered and are now beginning to grow.  I was blessed to know them and I'm grateful for the difference they made in me.

I'm so very thankful for a Savior who's mercies are new EVERY morning.  Every. Single. Morning.  Thank you Jesus!  If anyone needs new grace and mercy everyday, it's this girl.  God is far too patient with me.  I fail Him time and again.  But He never gives up on me.  He never stops loving me.  He never stops believing in me.  He never stops working on me.  Philippians 1:6 gives me great hope.  God will complete the work He began in me one late night in September 1987.  I am thankful for this above all else. 

Stress & Philippians 4:13

This may be the last post I'll have time to write for some time.  School is back in full swing and football season is  underway.  With a pee wee football player and a 7th grade player (who is also in band), we are super busy with practices and games.  It seems that Brantley will be extra busy this year.  Not only will he play football, but he will be playing drums at all the Jr. High home games.  He is really growing up on me.  I am seeing a glimpse of what high school is going to be like and it makes me a little sad.  He is becoming more and more independent and is extremely embarassed by his really cool parents;-)  What is happening??

I am taking my first class for my Master's degree. I am pursuing a degree in Health Sciences and this particular course is focusing on health education, different philosophies involved in that, and the application of those philosophies.  It is actually interesting and relevant to what I do, but I am a bit rusty in APA format (actually, don't know that I've ever used it).  I have my first assignment almost completey done and it's not due until September 10th hso I'm feeling ok.

I volunteered to lead my ladies Bible study this Thursday.  I'm not sure if I had a momentary lapse in my sanity or what, but I opened my big mouth and offered to do it.  I haven't had the time I would have liked to prepare, but it pays to be a preacher's daughter in times like these!  I have some commentaries and some advice from him and I think I will get through it.  I made an outline last night of the points I want to cover so I've made progress, right?

At the beginning of last week, I felt completely overwhelmed.  I went from summer vacation with zero responsibilities to full time work, after school activities, and online class work.  Just a bit of a shock to my system.  I have been praying and asking God to give me grace to get through and as always, He has.  I can only take one moment at a time.  I have found that when I look at everything I have to accomplish, it scares me.  It's too much.  I can never get it done.  But, if I take one thing at a time, calm down, and focus, things become more manageable and I find my days more productive.  I was watching Joyce Meyer yesterday and she used a paraphrase of Philippians 4:13 that I love:  I have everything in me that I need to do whatever it is that Christ wants me to do.  That really put things into perspective for me.

I did have something exciting happen to me this week.  I entered the Project Hope Raffle a couple of weeks ago.  I left my comment, but the procrastinator that I am....paid my fee at the last minute.  Probably a couple of hours before the raffle was closed.  I was at the dentist's office for a braces consultation for my 10 year old (can you say more stress!!!) and thought I'd check to see who the winner was.  I COULD NOT believe it when I saw my name.  I'm sure the people in the waiting room thought I was nuts, but I was super excited.  I won some great prizes and I was glad to be part of a great ministry.  Check it out at www.bitsofsplendor.com

I hope everyone has a great Labor Day.  I'm trying to enjoy the last holiday I'll have for a while.  I'm linking up with Laura @ www.bitsofsplendor.com
Be sure to check out her blog.  Lots of exciting things happening there!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Baby!

Gavin,

I can't believe it's been three years since you changed our world.  The past three years have been filled with fun, lots of adventures, and immeasurable joy.  We are so blessed to have you and can't even remember what life was like before you came.  Your boundless energy and contagious giggle fill our hearts with love.  I admittedly spoil you.  And I won't apologize for it.  You are my baby.  You always have to sleep with mama at night, along with your security blanket which you have named "B Bear."  I know that isn't popular, but I figure the day will come much too quickly when you will no longer want to sleep with me.  So I am going to enjoy these days now-having your warm little body snuggled up to me in bed.  Excuse me for a moment, while I make some "choc" (chocolate milk).  Ok, I'm back:-) 

You insist that you're still 2 and part of me would like that to be true.  I love the hugs and kisses you give me.  I love the way you call for me in the house when I leave your sight.  Sometimes I can barely take a shower or put on my make-up without your help.  But that's ok.  You love me and want to be everywhere I am.  One day that will all change.  So I want to enjoy these moments while you are still my sweet baby. 

You love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Caillou, and watching tractor videos on YouTube.  You can work the ipad like a pro:-)  You love to sing "He Ain't Never Done Me Nothing But Good" in the car and you think your brothers hung the moon.  You love to put on their shoes and clothes.  You really want to be so big, but when I ask you say you're still a baby.  And that makes my heart smile. 

Happy Birthday Gavin!  I love you more than words could ever say. 

Mama

August 23, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gavin's 1st Birthday

 

 

Gavin's 2nd Birthday

 

 

 

My 3-year-old baby

 

Farewell to Summer

I can hardly believe my first official summer break since college is over.  It was a glorious 13 weeks. I saw 3 a.m. much too often.  I slept in and stayed in my PJ's more times than I can count.  I reveled in the knowledge that I had nothing to do and nowhere to be most days.  I started the summer with a list of projects and finished a few.  Some are still on my list and that's ok.  I will get to them eventually.  I enjoyed every moment (almost) with my boys.  I created a monster.  I have an almost 3-year-old who has become a major momma's boy.  And I must admit, I love that. 

This week is serving as a "prep" week if you will.  I've been to school working on my office and I have meetings tomorrow morning.  I felt a huge weight come over me tonight as I sat and came to the realization that all my luxurious free time is now a thing of the past.  Beginning Monday, it's back to reality.  School, homework, football practice, football games, crazy busy weekends when I try to pack a week's worth of house work in.  On top of all of this, I'm starting my Masters.  Yep, I'm just a little stressed thinking about it all.  I stood in my kitchen tonight and just felt completely overwhelmed.  I asked God to give me peace and He has.  I can only take each day as it comes, each moment as I enter it. 

I'm hoping to develop more routine in my house this fall.  My alarm is set for 5 am.  I'm determined to get that morning run and Bible study in.  I'm also determined to lead my boys in a Bible study/devotion each evening.  I admit, I'm probably the world's worst when it comes to consistency.  I know God is a God of order and I'm relying on Him to make these changes stick. 

So, I bid you farewell summer.  It won't be long and we'll see each other again.  Until them, I'll enjoy the crisp fall air.  I'll cheer my 7th grade Redskin and my 5th grade Colt on to victory.  I'll snuggle with my little man when it gets cold and sit with him in front of the fire.  We'll watch Christmas movies over and over and enjoy our days in the snow.  We'll celebrate birthdays.  We'll tackle Algebra and Pre-AP English (Lawd, help me!).  We'll play some basketball.  Maybe some baseball.  And before you know it summertime.....we'll be together again.   

A Vision Too Small

I was driving home tonight from our ladies' bible study at church and listened to a sermon in which the preacher was talking about the decay of our nation and its effects on the family.  Something he said in the midst of his sermon reached out and shook me.  He spoke about praying for his children.  And their children.  And their children.  And their children.  He spoke about our vision for our kids, for our families.  About how sometimes they just aren't big enough.  Many of us simply want our children to stay away from drugs, make good grades, go to college, become successful, etc.  My goodness, how we limit God!  How I limit God.   What if we prayed for our children to make a mighty difference in this country, this world even, for God?  What if we prayed this way for our families?  Paul tells us in the book of Ephesians that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can even ask or think.  Amazing.  I can't even fathom what God can do in my life and in my family if I don't place limits on Him.  I am praying specifically for a need in my family right now and God revealed to me tonight that His plan far exceeds mine.  I want to be faithful to pray.  I want to be faithful to believe that God can do marvelous things in the lives of my children.  I want to be faithful in believing that God can do phenomenal things in my marriage and in the life of my husband.  I don't want to put limits on a limitless God!