He Wipes Them Off

One of my favorite things about being a Mommy is cheek kisses. From the moment my son was born I couldn't keep from kissing those sweet little cheeks. I kissed all over that tiny face....

and he let me.

In two short years....things have changed. The other day, I picked my toddler up and kissed him on the face. And what did he do??? HE WIPED IT OFF. (gasp!) My kiss landed somewhere on the floor instead of resting sweetly on his cheek like it always has. I've been around children, and I know that wiping off kisses is a common practice among little people - but I didn't expect it to happen so soon.

I am his Mommy. I am the woman in his life and he WIPES OFF MY KISSES. I know. This is only the beginning. Pretty soon - in 12 or so years he might not even want me to hug him in public. (But I will anyway.)

And you know what else? He thinks it is hilarious. He cracks up every time he wipes off a kiss. I probably didn't help this matter any when I reacted like a drama queen the first time he did it.

Well I'm here to tell ya...I'm gonna keep kissing that cute little face, no matter how many times he wipes them off. He needs it.

And so do I.

Quotes That Speak To Me

I just wanted to share a few quotes with you - to brighten your day :)

Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic. - Rosalind Russell

You are God's created beauty and the focus of His affection and delight. - Janet Weaver Smith

Today a new sun rises for me; everything lives, everything is animated, everything seems to speak to me of my passion, everything invites me to cherish it. - Anne De Lenclos

Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night. - Caroline Schroeder

Humility is the natural posture of anyone who grasps the greatness of God.....

This final quote is from the introduction of a Beth Moore study I just started called Stepping Up - A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent. As I go and grow through this study - I'd like to take you along for the journey. Every week I will post some insights about what God is teaching me through this study. If you have done this study before - please - post your own ponderings about Stepping Up. I'm only in the first week and I LOVE it. Keep checkin' back, kids :)

I hope you are having a lovely week :) Be encouraged :)

Just Say No

Mama and I were out shopping the other day and I ran across a T-shirt that said, "Just Say No". It resonated with me and brought back sweet memories of elementary school. Our district had a campaign (and yours might have,too) whose logo was "Just Say No". We had a "Just Say No" parade and everything. It was all about saying no to drugs and such. Obviously, it made somewhat of an impact - I remember it after all these years.

I liked the t-shirt. It brought back good memories. And "Just Say No" is a good message, right? Just say no to drugs. Just say no to impurity. Just say no to peer pressure. Just say no to temptation. And so on. But as I considered buying this cute little tee - I started thinking about all the things we shouldn't "Just Say No" to....

Things like giving, sharing, loving, obeying, caring, and sharing. Things like praying, believing, trusting, reaching out, and taking action. All things that we should say yes to - all the time.

I know. It's just a simple t-shirt and I shouldn't make it all profound. But it really did make me stop and think. .

There are temptations that from the get-go should just get the old "Just Say No."

But there are plenty of life's tests, where we should "Just Say Yes."

Sit and think about each one for a moment with me.

(P.S. I couldn't "Just Say No" to the cute little top. It is now hanging in my closet.)

Blogger's Block

I've been in a literary lull.

How weird. I usually don't find myself at a loss for words - but here lately I haven't had anything fun or insightful to say. I don't like it. I truly enjoy discovering new truths in everyday occurances. And I enjoy sharing those discoveries with y'all, here on this blog. I just haven't had "it" lately. Know what I mean?

I'm not in a lull because life has been dull. That isn't it. Life has actually been full and eventful as of late. My mom is visiting from Texas. I got great news from some tests I just had done. I've been reading some wonderful books. I've been through some humbling experiences. I have spent some time with good friends. And so on. I've just been restless in the writing department. I want to write and share - I just can't spit it out the way I want to.

Maybe it is because I have been reading some really awesome blogs lately - and I feel a little inferior. Maybe it is because I've been a tad tired. Maybe my mind has just been preoccupied. Or perhaps - God is just wanting me to shut-up long enough for Him to teach me a thing or two from HIS written word - and the writings of others. Hmm. That might be it. Or maybe I'm just reading into too much. I'm known for doing that.

I dunno. Either way - I'm ready to be back in action. Do y'all know that song by Aaron Shust, "Give Me Words"?......

Give me words to speak
Don't let my spirit sleep
Cause I can't think of anything worth saying
Every night, every day I find that I have nothing I can say
So I stand here in silence awaiting your guidance
I'm wanting only Your voice to be heard
Let them be Your words

Yep. Aaron said it just right.

(Go here to read Aaron's "song journal" for these lyrics. Pretty interesting.)

I want to feel all wordy again.

Fill me with Faith

As I have mentioned before, I deal with doubt.

Faith, for me, is constantly something I have to find. It doesn't just come to me like it does for others. If I don't seek - I will not find. If I don't ask Him to give me understanding - I won't have it. If I don't stay in The Word - I'm clueless. If I don't pray - I'm anxious. If I don't have fellowship - I'm distant. If I don't seek out belief - I live in unbelief. And yet, I watch other Christians who seem to just have it. Their faith in an unseen God is just there. Sure they have questions and they wonder about this or that - but their underlying faith in our Creator is constant.

That isn't the case for this wanderer. I wrestle with it. And sometimes all that wrestling can make a woman weary. I was having one of those mornings earlier today. So I did what one of my favorite preachers says to do : Ask God to speak to you about it.

I asked and He answered.

I sat down and cozied up to Ephesians 3...........Verses 16-19 quieted this mornings queries:

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should. how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Just breath that in with me. Whether you are a person who has the gift of faith or like myself, you are a person who finds faith - Either way - We can't do it apart from Him. And ya know, it's pretty hard to do it apart from one another,as well. (Trust me, I've tried.) So let's encourage one another on in this race we are running. I consider it a privilege to run along side you.

May you be filled with a flourishing faith today :)

Beautiful Blog Bits

This whole blog thing is pretty fabulous, isn't it?

A few days ago, Lysa Terkeurst let us link our blogs up to one of her posts. Too sweet of her. Ever since, I have been reading dozens of amazing blogs by some pretty incredible women. Wow. These gals know how to put pen to paper - or fingertips to keyboard.

Their talents are terrific. As I read through their thoughts - I almost feel like I'm nestled into a corner table of a coffee house - drink in hand - listening to each lady share her heart. I have been encouraged, brought to tears, motivated, enlightened, comforted, loved-on, connected, and so inspired.

There are some lovely ladies out there in bloggy world and I feel blessed that I am getting to know them.

Thanks to all you blog babes - you move me :)

A Jolt from Jesus

Matthew 25 : 31-46 hit me hard.

As I read this passage recently I actually heard Jesus speaking verse 45:

"Kate, I tell you the truth, when you refuse to help the least of these, you are refusing to help me."

Whoa.

Did- Jesus- just- directly- and- audibly- reprimand- me? You bet He did and after I picked my jaw up off the floor - I hit the ground running.

See, I came across this passage of scripture during a time when my heart was reluctant to reach out. A few needs had come to my attention and I was just sitting idle. I was aware that I could indeed help fill these needs - but my sinful heart wasn't on board.

Probably because I tend to hoard. My time. My money. My things. It is selfish and it is wrong.

So what did Jesus do? He clearly told me that when I refuse to help those that need it - I am directly refusing to help Him. And kids, that is serious.

Matthew 25:31-46 lit a red-hot fire under my butt. I wonder what it will do for you.

Inspiration in My Inbox

Every morning when I check my emails - I always have a few devotionals waiting there for me from Crosswalk Ministries.

What a great way to jump start my day. And with a little 2 year old sweetly nipping at my heals all day long - I can always use an extra dose of spiritual goodness.

Today, I received a devotional by Max Lucado. It really struck a chord and I want to share a bit of it with you:

"As long as Jesus is one of many options, he is no option. As long as you can carry your burdens alone, you don't need a burden bearer. As long as your situation brings you no grief, you will receive no comfort. And as long as you can take him or leave him, you might as well leave him, because he won't be taken half-heartedly."

My goodness! Preach it, Max.

I have had a particularly half-hearted kind of week. That last sentence is powerful isn't it? Max is right. Jesus wants all of us - every single bit of our beings. He isn't interested in my divided loyalties. He isn't satisfied when I hold back. He isn't okay with me acting like a person who only works for him part-time. Nope. He wants us on hire 'round the clock.

I needed that devotional today like crazy. If you think you might want to benefit from the free email devotionals from Crosswalk, just go to http://www.crosswalk.com/newsletters/.

I have been blessed by them, and I pray you will be too.

Bob's is a Blessing

The last few days have been....interesting.

My 2 year old has been a bit testy, and in turn, his Mommy has been very test-ed. So what did I do when my husband got home from work today?

I bounced.

Yep. Instead of packing up a diaper bag, I stuffed my journal and books into my black tote, jumped in my tiny car from high school rather than our family car, and made a run for it.

I landed at Bob Evan's. (For all you southerners that I know and love...Bob Evan's is like an Owen's only a tad better or a Cracker Barrel without the fun country store.)

I walked up to the hostess and excitedly said "one please!!!". She seemed a bit weirded out by my enthusiasm, but I didn't let it damper my evening. I nestled into a small booth built for no more than two. Perfect. Just enough room for me and my Restorer. I ordered a hot chocolate with whipped cream (why not?), a big fine meal, and some biscuits. Because y'all know I like my biscuits.

As I started reading my library book by Francine Rivers, I sipped my hot chocolate and actually felt like a normal functioning adult. My meal came out real quick - but I gotta tell ya - I ate my Slow Cooked Turkey and Dressing Dinner....s-l-o-w-l-y. Why? Because I could. I was also able to let my hair down, instead of putting it in a pony. (My son usually likes to use my long hair as leverage to pull himself up over the booths to get a better view. And it hurts less if it's in a ponytail.) I was able to sit and eat with no interruptions. Goodness, I was just able to sit!

Oh, the joy!

The only thing that would have made it better is if my favorite Bob Evan's buddy, Amee, could have been there with me. We started meeting at Bob Evan's during our college years. We would laugh and share and pray and vent over omelets and pancakes. We would mostly talk about our husbands and Jesus. I always left those little dates feeling refreshed and recharged. Amee actually just had her first baby a couple of weeks ago, so I'm guessing she could use a Bob's break herself here soon. (What do you say, Amee? Let's make it a date, sister!)

Anyway, while I love my little man and his Daddy more than words can say - sometimes us Mommy's just need to get away. God always accompanies me on my solo outings and He always makes me sane again. Every time He brings me back to my handsome boys in a much better condition than when I left them. And that makes everyone happy!

So as I came through the door tonight after my little excursion, I heard a little 2 year old voice saying, "MAMAAAA!!!!" And unlike a few hours before then.....

It was music to my ears :)

Lord, thank you for making me a Mommy. What a gift. And thank you for my understanding husband. Another gift. Neither of which I deserve. Thank you for being so close and so real to me tonight as I had some time away. Help me to always remember that no one and no thing can fill me up like You can. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Thankfulness

Sometimes we just need to stop and be thankful.

Marybeth Whalen encouraged all of us who follow her blog to ponder some things we are thankful for today. Yes mam!

- I'm thankful for my husband. He is the most patient, forgiving, and handsome (if I do say so myself!) man I have ever met.
- I'm thankful for my two year old who is currently walking around our house with stickers plastered all over his belly.
- I'm thankful that I not only have a roof over my head - but I have food in the pantry, clothes in our closets, and a computer to blog on.
- I'm thankful for scripture like Philippians 4:6-7.
- I'm thankful for petty things like my old ripped blue jeans, and my hot pink nail polish.
- I'm thankful for my freedom and for those that defend it.
- I'm thankful for my family and friends all over the country.
- I'm thankful that I get to stay at home with my son.
- I'm thankful for our health and safety.
- I'm thankful I got to move around a lot as a kid.
- I'm thankful for Jesus, The Bible, and a God who still speaks.
- And among lots of others things and people.....I'm thankful for YOU :)

What are you grateful for today?

Back to Boldness

Somewhere in that topsy tervy period b/w girl and woman - I had a certain kind of boldness that I have since lost.

As I think about how I used to speak my mind in college classes and debate issues that I felt strongly about, I wonder:

"Who is that girl/woman and how can I get her back?"

It seems as if age and life have withered away at my edge and fearlessness in certain situations. I used to speak passionately, yet gently (often times without any backup) about the cry of unborn life, marriage, the government, spirituality, poverty, faith, education, the Bible, and womanhood. What is interesting is that I not only didn't mind standing up for what I believed in - I actually sought it out. I thrived in those moments. I relied on God to give me the right words in those moments, and I was being used for good in those moments. I even attempted (not always succeeding) to be kind and gracious and patient in those intense moments. And all the while - I should have been stronger and I should have been doing more. I think that was always my intention - that as I grew in knowledge and age I would become more bold and more qualified to speak out. But this is what really happened:

More often than not - I find myself avoiding certain hot topics so that I don't get in an argument with people. I hesitate to use words like Jesus and Bible as to not offend anyone. I find myself keeping my mouth shut even when I feel prompted to say something. And instead of seeking out opportunities to stand up - I not only run, I sprint away from them.

And yes, while I realize that keeping your mouth shut in certain situations is a positive - in many ways it just shows how much of a coward I have become. And yes, while it can be good to escape certain situations - sometimes we are called to get in the heat of the battle.

But these days,when I see a spark - instead of flaming it - I flee.
And instead of speaking out with wreck less abandon - I recklessly abandon the whole thing.

I want that gentle boldness back. I want that quiet braison-ness to be a part of who I am once again. But I want to be better at it this time. I want my age, experiences, and lessons learned to team up with that fearless compassion I once had. And unlike then - I want it to be a part of who I am all the time.

Lord, thank you. Thank you for releasing me from some not-so-good things in my past. I'm thankful to be changed. But oh God - let me once again have the tenacity and the strength and the boldness that I so desperately need to lead others to You. You are so good to consistently take ungodly attitudes out of my character, and you are so faithful to replace them with the positive traits I have lost. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Library Leaf

My handsome little buddy and I went to the local library this morning for story time.

I enjoyed it just as much as he did.

We sat on the floor with our legs crossed, Indian style. Our very librarian-like story teller taught us about fall, leaves, and the changing of seasons. Such fun.

After story time, the kids got to make leaves of their own. (I wanted to make one sooo bad - but I restrained myself.) We sat down at a little table to get crafty. I gave my son a pair of kid scissors and all of the materials he needed to make a leaf. I sat back and watched him go. I fought back the urge to dive in and help him cut, glue, and past - so that the creation was totally his. Sure, I had to guide him a bit - he is only 2 - but he got to be the artist.

What did we end up with?

A brownish orange, somewhat off center, kind of messy, sticky, and lopsided leaf...... Just the way we like'em!

Mr.Leaf is now a part of our family - hanging proudly on the frig :)

And ya know - Mr. Leaf is not the only one in this household who can be somewhat off center, kinda messy, sticky, and lopsided. This Mama can be too :)