"Sweet" life lessons from the game

This afternoon I took the time to play a 'quick' game of Candy Land with my littlest guy. We shared and ice cold Co-cola and a fun game. I decided to take notes from my from opponent's observations. Let's just say our perspectives are a little different, but there was much for me to be reminded of.

1. You must always face the direction you are headed.
T was most distressed if my little blue guy was facing the wrong way. He kept turning me around. Life is alot the same. We need to stay focused on the direction we are headed. So often we get sidetracked and don't pay attention...we miss so much. We must look ahead and face the future head on...aware!



2. It's ok if you have to back up. Each time I drew a card that landed me behind where I had been, he'd say, "It's ok, Mama! It's ok!" You know what? IT'S OK! Oftentimes we have to have a do-over. Starting over, backing up, no one likes these times, but they are part of life and if we accept them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks, how much better off we would be!













3. There's always hope. When I would get in front of him, he'd say "I can still catch you!!" He never gave up his hope of beating me :) There is always hope...when life seems so overwhelming, there's hope. Especially when we have Jesus Christ, there is ALWAYS hope...He is our hope... Hebrews 10:23 tells us "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." and Hebrews 6:19a says "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure...." Don't give up!








4. It could get messy before it's over. We had cards all over the place...but hey...we persevered. Life gets messy and sometimes, it stays that way for a while. My new favorite verse was recently referred to me by my kindred spirit cousin... Hebrews--again;)-- 5:8-9 "Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and once made perfect became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him...." There's lots to learn from our messes...most importantly, obedience! If it was through suffering that Jesus himself learned obedience, I think we should reconsider the whining that occurs during our own sufferings.

5. No matter the outcome...enjoy the journey!
We played...he won (with a little help) and then we shook hands on a fun game. Things won't always turn out like we hoped...sometimes they are better than we hoped, sometimes not so much. I know I needed to be reminded to just enjoy the journey (game). I remember hearing someone say..."The journey IS the reward." While I do look forward to my eternal reward...there's a purpose for this present journey and I want to enjoy this ride.

Lessons from the dirt and the HEAT

It's time to plant the pumpkins...or rather PAST time. In my hurry of life lately I have waited later than I would like to get my pumpkins in the ground. The pumpkin patch is my baby...not sure if it's because Tony lets it be mine or because he is GLAD he doesn't have it to do! Anyway I started out this morning hoeing and raking BY HAND to get it ready for the six little hands that will help me plant the seeds. NOW most of you who know me know that I don't care much to sweat. Today that care was cast aside, and sweat I did. Praise God for the sweet, gentle breeze He brought when I thought I was truly about to melt!

As I was cleaning out weeds, casting away rocks and building up rows the thought occurred to me...If Adam and Eve had not sinned, would we dig, plant and sweat for the fruits of our labor or would God just have them available for us? Part of the curse was that Adam would "toil...all the days of your life....Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you....By the sweat of your face you will eat bread, till you return to the ground...." (Gen 3:17-19). SO this hard work we do is part of the curse, YET there is blessing. Had we not had to till the ground and rid it of thorns and thistles to plant, would we ever know the smell of fresh dirt or the beauty of it's rich blackness? Would our muscles be strong from the back breaking work of 'working' the ground if we never worked it?

As always, there are consequences to sin in our lives...disobedience brings pain. However, there is a promise after the curse and upon our obedience..."And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to HIS purpose." Romans 8:28 So we have fruit that grows from the labor we put forth...good. Our muscles are stronger because they are used for work...good. We smell and enjoy the feel of fresh dirt and have a sense of accomplishment...good. God isn't all about the curse. While He demands justice; He is ultimately about our obedience and His love for us and our good. And even when we disobey...at our repentance He has promised to work it for our good. He is GOOD! Even in sweaty labor, there are clouds for shade and a breeze to cool...



...and the hope of fruit to come.

"for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13

Imperfection ---> connection

The year Chloe turned 2, my sweet daddy bought us a new kitchen table. Mama and Daddy had come to our house for Christmas and Chloe's birthday. The day before the party Daddy, Tony and I made a trip to the furniture store, chose the table --I chose it ;)--we loved and brought it home. As the days and years have passed my table is beginning to show signs of aging (aren't we all?!?) I was recently thinking over all that goes on around that table...WOW!! It should be showing it's age or wear. Meals, birthdays, schoolwork, playtime, chores, fellowship, baby showers, serious conversations...the list is endless.

King Cake Party

Owen's BirthdayBoston Tea Party
Laundry :)Playtime
Schoolwork
Celebration of New Life


I see the scratches on my table and after thinking this through, those scratches don't make me frown. I smile remembering all that has transpired at my table. What blessings in all those glorious messes. Danna Demetre says "We are seeking perfection and missing connection." I want connection!! If my table is scratched and imperfect, so be it!

In some recent study I began to be reminded of the common thread of breaking bread and connection of hearts. It was in breaking bread that disciples and followers SAW Jesus. (Luke 24:30-31, 35) I also saw where the early church broke bread together daily in each others' homes, and the Lord added to their number daily through salvation. (Acts 2:46)

Many have come and gone from my table...the one thing I hope most is that--scratches or not-- they (especially my family) SAW Jesus there.

Learning AS we go...

The whole process of homeschooling is becoming more and more a way of life that we love. "Unschooling" ourselves has been an interesting process to say the least. I have probably struggled most. This last week was one in which I will forever be grateful for the benefit of our homeschooling opportunity. Owen has been struggling through abdominal pains and issues that have yet to be determined definitively. Our last ten days have been filled with sleepless nights, ER visits, doctor's offices, X-rays, ultrasounds, lab work...and yet, there is schoolwork to be done. In following the example of my 'mentor' and angel of a cousin, Robyn, I decided to post some pictures of the week past to remind me that we did actually 'learn' this week...amidst the chaos of life. So much teaching and learning occurs when we least expect it...compassion to the hurting, cooperation when others you love are tired, trust (in Him) when you really don't know what to do, humility when you realize the grace extended to you and yours, dependence when we've done all we can do...learning to lean.


8"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are you ways My ways," declares the Lord. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9







6"These words which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7'You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. " Deuteronomy 6:6-7

We'll Cross That Bridge...

This past Sunday was the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet (themed from Indiana Jones!!) for Pack 664 of Muenster. An event planned for February that was rescheduled due to our ice/snow barrage. These boys (and parents) have waited a very long time for this day...the bridging over of our Webelo II Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts! What a journey we've had. Our den (Den 3) was blessed to have the BEST EVER den parents! Stick and Angelika went above and beyond in every way imaginable. Our mere words of thanks will never truly convey the feeling of love in hearts for how they loved, taught and nurtured our boys! I am so proud of this den of scouts. They have shown great integrity and compassion from Wolf Cubs to this moment. The den has remained strong over the last 4 years, and our boys have bonded well.

The ceremony for our boys to receive the Arrow of Light was done so beautifully. Each of the boys were so stoic, yet so excited that they had received their award for their hard work! It was serious business to them--and us ;). This is the only award that carries over from Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts. They were each presented with an authentic arrow made with real arrowheads, sinew, feathers etc...WAY COOL!

The banquet, which we've attended at other levels of our scouting, can run long. I remember as a parent of a Wolf Cub thinking it was WAY too long. Somehow, though, when it's YOUR baby crossing that bridge it doesn't seem nearly so long. I actually can't believe it's time for our turn...At the end of the banquet we parents each walked along side our scouts as they crossed the bridge symbolizing their entrance into Boy Scouts. Precious moment for this proud mama ;*)

Scouting has been such a blessing to our family thus far...the values and morals we encounter in scouting reinforce what we teach at home. Raising a child to think of others first, know what he believes and stand strong in that belief is a job we cannot take lightly. I am so proud of my boy as he is growing into a young man who exemplifies just these traits. The traits of Scouts, but more so the traits of a follower of Christ. Learning from our children is humbling, yet awe inspiring. We are blessed....

"Let no man look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe." 1 Timothy 4:12

Poised for Humility

How on earth did I get the privilege to parent this angelic being? This past weekend was the spring dance recital for Premier Dance Studio. What a fun time. I never took dance when I was growing up...not sure why, just didn't. I don't even feel like I missed out. Watching my daughter dance has become one of my favorite humbling, melting moments. WHY would God chose me to birth and raise this precious, beautiful one? Her grace on stage astounds me. She has poise beyond her years when she slips on those ballet shoes. Will she be a professional ballerina?...not highly likely, but I don't think I'd be anymore proud if she were on stage in New York or here in Texas. She makes my heart melt. And the crazy thing is, it's not even something she's wildly passionate about. She likes it, but would take a break...if I'd let her. I'm not for forcing children to participate in activities so that parents can live vicariously through them, however sometimes we can see what they cannot through their innocent eyes of youth. Will she be taking a ballet break?........not yet my dear, not yet. I think there's more in store for her than she realizes. I don't want to shortcut what might be a gift. While I received NO gift of dance, maybe she got my share.... "They should praise Him with dancing. They should sing praises to Him with tambourines and harps." Psalm 149:3.
Dance away, my daughter, dance away!

Laissez les bons temps rouler! !

In keeping with the name of my blog, I'm sharing about some 'roots' today. Next Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, but today was full of Mardi Gras at my house. Last year my dear friend, Chanda and I had both been craving a good king cake. Not being able to find one around these here parts, we decided to make our own. Let me say..It was unbelievably good, especially for our first time to make one. Quoting Dizzy Dean, "It ain't braggin' if you can do it." Well we did it alright! So good in fact, we did it again this year--times 4!! Four king cakes were magically created here today and 1 was completely consumed!!!

I found this card in a king cake I bought years ago. So for those of you unfamiliar with the delicacy, here's some background."The King Cake is believed to have originated in France around the 12th century. These early Europeans celebrated the coming of the three wise men bearing gifts twelve days after Christmas calling it the feast of Epiphany, Twelfth Night, or King's Day.
The main part of the celebration was the baking of a King Cake to honor the three Kings. The cakes were made circular to portray the cirucular route used by the Kings to get to the Christ Child and confuse King Herod, who was trying to follow the wise men so he could kill the Christ Child. In these early King Cakes, a bean, a pea or a coin was hidden inside the cake. The person who got the hidden piece was declared King for the day or was said to have good luck in the coming year.
In Louisiana, Twelfth Night also signifies the beginning of the carnival season, which ends on Mardi Gras Day. The beans, peas, and coins have been replace by a small plastic baby to symbolize the Christ Child. The person who gets the baby is expected to carry on the carnival festivities by hosting the next King Cake Party."

So today at our Second Annual King Cake party, we had gumbo, sweet tea and king cake...perfect combo for this Southern girl and her Texas friend who has lived around the Southeast almost as long as she lived in this great state. While you can find good food lots of places, Southern cuisine, in my opinion, cannot be matched. It's pure comfort for the soul! When it is matched with good company it's almost more than you can stand!!

While I'm not promoting the indulgences of typical Mardi Gras, I do love the food and fun festivities and want this tradition of baking and fellowshipping with good friends to be an integral part of my children's heritage...to take root in their lives. Blessing others and being blessed by them while having them in your home and kitchen is a Southern tradition I am thankful found it's place and took root in my life. It feeds my soul to love and serve those God brings into my life whether it involves the most extravagantly festive meal or the most basic ham sandwich. Giving of our time and ourselves are roots that give us wings.