Get a CLUE

SWEET Katelyn is explaining to Jordan how to play Clue. Kate starts the game setting up the premise: "Someone has killed someone."
Jordan: "Here?"
Kate: "No, not here, these are just plastic characters."
...
Jordan: "It might be her, (looking over Mrs White) she has a pan in her hand."

Lunch with the Kids

Took the kids to Cracker Barrel on a Sunday. It was PACKED! However, I was sitting with 6 of my kids and knew it was going to be awesome. Within a couple of seconds each big kid had their head together with a little kid. They were playing games on the kids' menu, playing the wooden game on the table, and deciding what to order. It's a good thing I'm sure. My blueberry pancakes were awesome.

VBS week

VBS week means a million things to me. Historically it's my most favorite week of the year, but this year was a little different. For one, I wasn't working in any capacity in our VBS this week. Secondly, it was Jordan and Cameron's first time to ever go to VBS. Thirdly, I don't have the songs, stories or experiences I usually have running through my head.

For now, let's just say, I loved hearing the kids' stories about their week. Even though they were mostly excited about the snacks for the first 2 days, they did finally start singing songs (with motions) and were very anxious to attend the Family Night on Thursday.

More importantly, Jordan was interested on Thursday about beginning a relationship with Jesus. I volunteered to go during that time to be a prayer partner. It was a divine match as we got to visit, pray and also commit to pray for her as she continues to seek Him. My heart is full, no matter how different this last week was for me.

 

 

NOW.

Woke up this morning and read about those horrible Pharisees who followed all the rules but didn't offer grace to anyone. They filled the pews, primarily so others would see them, and wore things with the purpose of someone noticing. And then I was wondering which group of people I was in.

I do think I love on people, but RIGHT NOW, my mission field is here at home. I don't see many other adults, and I don't actively look for people outside my house to love on. I feel like I have my plate full, and yet, as much as the MISSION is right here in the living room, I DO NOT WANT TO BE A PHARISEE. I'm definitely guilty of judging others on the points I'm most convicted of. I'm guilty of going to church for years out of obligation and not devotion. Lord forgive me.

I'd like to be humble and loving to all. I'd like to be the person that Jesus would've wanted with Him. I want to use the gifts he has given me, because I know the TRUE JOY I get when He works through me while using them. I pray for that place, while waiting here at home. And yet, I KNOW He wants me to use those gifts HERE AT HOME.

THE MISSION is here, and so am I. God give me clarity. God give me strength. God give me contentment.

A Word from Camp

From Lauren's FB page today: "As of today, I have officially been in Oklahoma for a whole month. God is doing amazing things here, including 868 salvations. I pray this every week: Thank you, God, for you've done, what you're doing, and what you will do. Six more weeks. Bring it on."

I'm so thankful she and Erin got to see each other this week. I'm posting some of her pics from FB, because, well, that's where I get most of my news...

And while she's not at work...she's help lead worship at FBC Davis, and been on a few weekend excursions with her co-workers. I remember that...getting out of camp and getting dressed nice (not a tshirt and shorts), with our hair fixed (not in a ponytail) and going out like real people. I LOVED SUMMER CAMP, and I'm glad my girls do too!

 

 

Almost home

I can't wait to hug him and hear his stories. The pictures he has sent have been not at all what I would've pictured as a military deployment in Africa. He should be home next Friday. Not a moment too soon. And I have no idea how long he can stay!

 

 

Summer Craft Time

We brought out the paints again today and it was a good 3 hours worth of creativity and entertainment. (not all at one time, of course) Little birdhouses were $1.99 at Hobby Lobby and they might have been on sale when I picked them up. Clearly our influence toward the Hogs is going well. Good project. Dad is gone. Ryan is gone. Lauren is gone. Erin is gone.