The Sun is Out

So spring has arrived. Every where I look, new life is popping up. Trees have unfurled new leaves, flowers have bloomed in the fields, birds are chirping and flitting about..eggs hidden in little nests yet to be seen.

In some areas, there has been snow still recently seen. Here we have had cool temperatures and winds that blast my tree's new leaves about. But, it is still spring!

I planted my first ever garden at the beginning of April and already we have begun to see green life shoot up. How exciting it has been for us. Watching creation is a beautiful reminder of God and His glory. I can't possibly look out on my yard or at the birds flying about and not understand that God has put all of this into motion. My skill as a gardener has nothing to do with it, the bird relies upon the instincts God has given him...and we see His glory!

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" ~Romans 1:20 (KJV)

So much new has happened in our lives since last summer and yet, life is much the same. The thing that changes is how I respond to it. There is more space and an opportunity to give more to our children now, but yet, I can still miss this if my attitude is the same as it was in our little apartment. I struggle with properly using the blessings God has given me. I know what needs changing, now it is time to do it.

Thank you to those that have prayed for my Mom. She is doing a bit better. She has gained back some of the weight she lost after her first chemo treatment and hopefully she will be able to start treatment again soon. I'm not sure whether that is the best thing, but they want to keep at it. So I will be praying that she will not respond so badly the next time. She is still struggling with some other issues but again, she is better. Please keep her in your prayers if you feel so led. She still needs them.

I have been spending one afternoon a week with her while my Dad goes and runs errands or just gets some time to himself. Some days, I'm not really in the mood to do this. It is the only full day my husband has off and I miss spending that time with him and the kids. Some times my attitude(usually kept inside) stinks. Sometimes I feel very selfish and cranky. But on reflection afterward, I am so thankful that I take this time for my parents. It has blessed me greatly to help. And so, each Wednesday afternoon I set my heart on the right things and try to be a servant to my parents. When I do this, I feel at peace and I am able to come home refreshed knowing I lifted a little of my parents' burden.

Life is full. God is Awesome.

Blessings to you all my friends!

Sommer

A New Year Begins

So it is January 1st 2011. 2010 seems to have sped by so quickly, I really can't believe it! When I was a child and in school, the year would move sluggishly along(summer vacation/Christmas was ever so far away!)...but as an adult, I find that the years move increasingly quicker and my children grow so fast. Some days, I wish time would slow down just a bit for me so that I can truly savor each day.

Each year brings its own joys, blessings, and difficulties. 2010 was really no different. We have had joyous birthday celebrations, my brother has been sober for more than 6 months and has called Christ his savior, and we've bought and moved into our very first house...swiftly becoming a home :-) There have been challenges too...in May my dear Rowan had to be taken to the emergency because she was choking and then had a procedure to remove the object(a blade of grass lodged in her larynx). Praise God for His mercy and protection of her. And always there are financial challenges that seem to dog us regularly.

Despite the challenges...2010 has been a most blessed year! I am thankful for a God that is sovereign and sitting on His throne. Life without Him would be bleak indeed.

No doubt 2011 will come with its own challenges...but mixed, thankfully, with its own blessings. This month already has its concerns placed before us. In about 2 weeks my Mom will be going in for surgery to remove a suspicious mass. We do not know yet whether it is cancer or not, but there is that possibility. My Mom and I have been "bossom friends" since I was but 8 and my heart aches as we wait.

But with that, I know there will be days full of joy and blessings. My husband and children provide me with that frequently :-)

We will continue to eek by and be thankful, joyful, and prayerful. I really don't like to make official resolutions or goals..though perhaps I should. I do have some personal(and this may also include my family) goals/desires that I've been thinking on though. I'd like to share them, so that perhaps I can look back to remind myself where my heart was on the first day of 2011:

My prayers for 2011

~That I will glorify God in all I do...at home and outside of the home.

~That I will be a more loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

~I would like to be more consistent and diligent in my time with the Lord and in prayer.

~I want to find ways to be a better steward of the money/tools God has provided us through my husband's work and other means.

~I would like to be more consistent and diligent in my homekeeping, so as to glorify God in what I do and to be a better example to my children.

~I plan for us to get into a better chore schedule.

~I want to snuggle and laugh more with my kids.

~I want to have more special time with my hubby..my best friend :-)

~I want to make more time for my hobbies(sewing, knitting and learning more).

Perhaps one will call this a list of resolutions...and maybe they really are. My main goal here is to remind myself of the important things and the things that I realize need changing. May the Lord bless me with the desire, diligence, and love that all this will require!

Happy New Year dear friends! May God bless you greatly in 2011!!!!

Happy Independence Day!

"Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and He will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave...There is no retreat but in submission and slavery!"

"...Gentlemen may cry, 'Peace!peace!' - but there is no peace...Is life so dear, and peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" ~Patrick Henry

I find myself reflecting on these words today. Not because I intend on taking up arms ;-) But because I think we all ought to remember the passion our Founding Fathers and those fighting for America's independence had. Do we have this kind of passion...for our freedoms, our inalienable rights...most importantly for Christ?

On this Independence day I think on my own passion..or lack there of some days. Would I be a Patrick Henry(albeit in a skirt ;-))? I hope so. Do I have this daily passion for my Lord? I know that I could have more. May we work on keeping our rights and freedoms(and not just sit by complaining but doing nothing), but let us also work to keep our passion for our Lord and Saviour!

Happy Independence Day my friends!!!!

Blessings,
Sommer

Reflections on Him

Today is Good Friday. I find myself reflecting on the amazing love Christ showed to me so very long ago and find it hard to imagine. I am such a great sinner...I am not deserving of His Grace...yet He has given it freely to me! Thank you Lord!

The beauty of Good Friday is that three days hence He rose again! And we have hope like none other because of Christ's great sacrifice. If Christ had not died upon the cross and then been raised up again...we would be with out hope and what a sad thing that would be.

May you remember what has been done for you. May you remember that He is already victorious and He is our King!

Many Blessings this Good Friday and Easter Sunday to my dear friends!

~Sommer

Welcoming the New Year...

"The new year on which we are about to enter is unopened, and we know not what shall befall us; but if we follow Christ we need have no fear. So let us leave the old year with gratitude to God for its mercies, with penitence for its failures and sins, and let us enter the new with earnest resolve in Christ's name to make it the best and most beautiful year we have ever lived."

~Pastor J.R. Miller

This quote really sums up how I feel about the last year and approaching the new year. I want to live like this this year..I want to live to glorify God in all that I do and make it the "best and most beautiful year". May He give me the strength and perseverance to live as unto Him. May I live in such a way that none will doubt the One I follow!

Happy New Year my dear friends!

Blessings,

Sommer

P.S. I hope to later this week(assuming my naughty computer cooperates) share some pics from our Christmas crafting and fun. See you soon!

"God often takes a course for accomplishing His purposes directly contrary to what our narrow views would prescribe. He brings a death upon our feelings, wishes, and prospects when He is about to give us the desire of our hearts. " ~John Newton

I read this quote above and it really speaks to how I'm feeling and what perhaps is being brought to me by the Lord right now.

Since the Fall, we've been waiting on a home and the eventual purchase of it and have found it to be so slow. I have struggled with feeling so anxious, frustrated and down. My desire is for us to move from this small, two-bedroom apartment into this home that we really like. I find it difficult to function with the lack of space and the clutter. I have become quite discouraged, even to the point that getting into the Christmas spirit was very challenging indeed.

And yet, the Lord has always provided for our needs. He knows what is best for us and though my desires are what they are, He will bring to pass what it is He desires for us! It is often slower than we wish and sometimes different than what we would plan for ourselves...but, it is none the less the best for us.

As I write this, I realize that I need to fully surrender all aspects of my life, desires to Him, the One that brings all things to pass. I must surrender this apartment, the home we desire, our finances, the clutter and disorganization, and the raising up of our children all to Him. I need to open up to His work and His will for my life...even if it means letting go of what I think is best. I pray that my feelings, wishes and prospects will fall away and be replaced with the Lord's Will and desire for my life.

Blessings,

Sommer

Finding Joy in the Chaos

I really needed to read this today! I've struggled to find joy in my days a lot this year. I pray that I will find the joy in the midst of difficulty and chaos each day.

Blessings,

Sommer

Sweet Devotion

Thoughts from Liam:

"I want to go to God's house. And I will be a good boy for Him"

"I will run for Jesus."

"Is God's house brown?"

I love this boy! His sweet thoughts are just so wonderful. I pray that he will be an amazing man for God!

Blessings,

Sommer

**Just a side note: I updated my Poetry Corner with a lovely Christmas hymn...It Came upon the Midnight Clear.

Happy Thanksgiving!

As tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I wanted to post some things that I am thankful for. There are many things, but a few are most important to me.

~I am thankful for my Lord and Savior who died for me. It is because of Him that I have any hope and that I have joy everlasting. Praise God!

~I am thankful for my children...Fiona, Brenna, Liam and our newest little one, Rowan. They are truly a treasure and a gift from God.

~My dearest husband, Dan...he is so very patient with me and so very loving and good to me. I am so thankful that the Lord brought him into my life and that we have many more years to spend together.

~I am thankful for our home, small though it may be.

~I am thankful for the prospect of a new home...this is something we never thought could possibly happen(and no, there is no new news yet).

~I am thankful too, to live in a country that still allows the freedom to worship my Lord. I have no fear and will gladly proclaim the Gospel!

~I am thankful for all my friends both here and in person. Each one of you has been a blessing in some way to me. Thanks ever so much for your friendships.

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people." ~1 Chronicles 16:8

"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." ~Psalm 106:1

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." ~1 Thessalonians 5:18

I pray that each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! May it be full of blessings and joy and may you each find many things to be thankful for.

Blessings,

Sommer

Sunday Rest

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

~Psalm 27:14

I find that it is a difficult thing to wait on the Lord. My patience is lacking and my desire for things to move along is strong. Yet, the Lord desires me to wait on Him. And so this verse is especially good as a reminder to wait and that the Lord will strengthen me as I do.

This waiting right now is on a home for our family. It has been challenging to find ones we can afford and that someone has not already swooped in and out bid us or that our loan approval is taking a while..ugh! And yet...the Lord knows His plans for us and so...I wait!

We will be heading out tomorrow to house hunt again in a location we weren't considering before. Perhaps this is where the Lord wants us. I shall wait on Him and see where He leads!

Remember, when things are hard and not moving swiftly to us, to wait on the Lord...it is surely moving at HIS pace and that is the RIGHT pace :-)

Have a blessed Lord's Day my friends!

Sommer

Baby Smiles and Momma Trials

Today started out with my first real smiles from little Rowan. What a blessing to receive this morning :-) She is five weeks now and more alert and looking around at her surroundings. I just love watching her.

Above is a picture of my hubby, Dan, and Rowan. I have a picture of him with each of our children in this general pose and I just love it :-) We didn't get it right away but I am so thankful I did with Rowan as well. There is just something special about him gazing down at his newest blessing.

Although my day began sweetly, I soon found myself sinning horribly with my attitude. Everything was getting to me. School started late, Liam was interrupting a lot during our reading time for Bible and History, the girls were bickering and Rowan was crying. It would be an understatement to say I was frustrated.

I lost my cool and not only in the morning, but in the afternoon as well! Sigh....I had to apologize twice to my children for my sinful response. When I raise my voice or respond sharply...I feel so bad. It is no wonder my children respond so :-( It is so hard to be Christlike each day...and yet I know I must try to show the example for my littles.

I am struggling right now with much stress and exhaustion. We are dealing with disrespectful attitudes and disobedience from the elder set and my little man is struggling with night terrors. Unfortunately, all this is causing me to respond badly and I am praying for God's strength and help...I sooooo need it!

I must say though, that my children's laughter and smiles(like Liam above), kisses and hugs snap me back and also give me a good reason to keep pressing on and trying to become the woman/wife/mother God would have me be. That is the joy I need to remember when I am frustrated and overwhelmed.

I sit here now, writing this post, greatly desiring to be a good mother and having less of the irritable attitude I find myself struggling with. I look at the face of my newest little one(isn't she so very darling?) and feel a great weight and responsibility. I feel that I do not want to look back and only see sorrow or bitterness. I don't want my children to see that either. I want them to look back on their childhood and see more joy and affection, more love and gentleness.

Lord I pray that you fill me with a right heart! Give me gentleness and joy. Make me the mother you would have me be! I know that with you Lord, I can change...but I can not do it myself! Lift me up Lord and work in me!

Thank you for listening(if you got this far) to my crying out and if you feel led please pray for me.

Blessings,
Sommer

Calling of Mother

I read a lovely post today that really hit home for me right now. Kelly wrote something that reminds me I'm not alone and what my calling is. I hope you'll read it and be encouraged to embrace the calling God has given to you and to not despair.

In the glow of baby sweetness, life still is real. Amidst my haze of love filled feelings, recovery and adjustment, I can still hear the bickering of children, the sound of disrespect coming from a dear child and disobedience that seems to be more obvious right now. I have felt inadequate and we have had to admit to ourselves our inconsistencies have played a part in this present difficulty. But, in all that, God has a grand plan that I can not fully see. However, I know that I and my hubby have a duty to raise up our children to love and fear Him, and to hopefully be His Children!

This post reminds me of my high calling and that I must always call on God..because in my own strength I am powerless, but in Him, nothing is beyond His power!

I hope this encourages you as it did me :-)

Blessings,
Sommer

A Nestful...

Okay, I couldn't keep away long ;-) Right now, my little nest feels a touch empty. A dear friend of mine invited my girls to stay at her house yesterday(she has kids they play with) and they are still there! She'll be bringing them back tonight. It is rather quiet, even with a new baby and a little boy roaming about the house! There is no bickering only silly chatter with my son and snuggle time that I just can't pass up :-) I look forward to my girls coming home and I pray that we will be able to work on the bickering issue and cause more friendship than disagreements to be present here.

Anyhow, I thought I'd share some more pics of the kids marveling at their newest sibling. Above, the girls are enjoying watching Rowan as she sleeps in a little nest made by me. It keeps her close but allows me to do some other things near by. They were quite taken with it...and her...

But then, who wouldn't be when greeted by such sweet, sleepy smiles?! Isn't that precious! I could just gobble her up:-)

Brenna is very much loving her new sister. I think it is especially special to her that Rowan looks a lot like Brenna did when a baby. Fiona and Liam were my blondies, curled and big! Brenna was my dark,straight haired darling...slim and small, and Rowan looks a lot like she did. She will be a good big sister...I can tell already.

And finally, here is Liam holding Rowan's tiny hand. He didn't want to let go ;-) It was so sweet watching him hold her and today he was wanting to hold her hand again. He also kept wanting her to kiss him :-) Of course, I obliged by leaning her into his cheek and she'd give him a wet little peck(okay, she was rooting around...but I'm not telling him that!). He loved that:-)

My nest is full! My husband and I are so pleased to watch our family increase. Each time we've had a new child, I find myself contemplating what my priorities are and what areas I truly need to work in. I have much that needs to change and yet, I see that my children know I love them. I desire to make their childhood as happy and lovely as is possible without skipping the raising up for God, training them to love Him and desiring to be His. It is a huge responsibility we carry but I know the Lord will equip us with what we need and that ultimately He does the work...we are simply their caretakers and trainers! May the Lord give Dan and I wisdom as we take on this great task!

Blessings,
Sommer

Sunday Rest

"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!"

~Psalm 95:6

" Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!"

~Psalm 96:9

As a mother I have found it difficult at times to concentrate properly on why we are at church or on what the words of the hymns are saying or even, what the pastor is preaching on that day! I suppose, I can say that I have the excuse of a toddler that we are trying to train up to sit with us during worship, but to be honest, even once I've perhaps gotten him settled in the pew or in the nursery(depending on the day) sometimes I find my mind wanders on to some stress or worry.

Yes, having small children in church can be a distraction for the young parents, but I believe that I should be making a much greater effort to listen, worship and soak up what God has for me this day and for my family. What example am I showing to my children if I too can not even remember the key points of the sermon?

As the two Psalms above remind us...the Lord is our Maker! We should worship, bow down and tremble before Him! We should not forget so easily His holiness!

This morning I hope to take these words into my heart and remember them as I worship my Maker! Wont you?


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And just before I close this morning, I wanted to say thank you to all of you that left me comments on my last post. What wonderful friends I have here and such encouragement you all gave me. Thank you for reminding me what a gift I have growing inside of me and to slow down and to not fret so:-) Thank you for your love, friendship and prayers!

Blessings,
Sommer

Happy Valentine's Day!

It is Valentine's Day and I am loving my little family:-) We aren't doing a whole lot for it, but what we are doing is enjoyable for us.

I left out stickers and Kisses for the kids and a card and chocolates for my hubby. I made pancakes and we enjoyed a leisurely morning. My hubby came home from a night of work bearing a single, beautiful red rose and lovely, sweet words for me...sweet!

This afternoon we will be taking the kids over to FreshChoice(a lovely all-you-can eat spot). They are rather excited as we don't often get to go out to dinner. We will be using some very lovely gift cards we received for Christmas;-)

And finally, tonight, Dan and I will enjoy a quiet evening of dinner and dessert together before he must head off to work again. I look forward to enjoying a raspberry creme brulee with him. Yum!

All of this is simple and lovely...just how I like it:-)

***

One thing that I think gets rather blurred during Valentine's Day(and perhaps throughout life) is what "love" really is. Most of us at one time or another think the little butterflies we feel the first time around is a sign of love or that all the fancy pretty things we give or say is love. It is a feeling to a lot of people. But if we head to scripture, we find that God says it is an action! It is something we "do".

" Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. "

1 Cor. 13:4-7

It is sometimes hard to remember to show love..to "do" love. We find ourselves snappy and selfish, impatient and irritable. Sometimes we'd rather it be our way or no way. But that isn't really showing love to those around us. I am often very bad about showing love(esp. through patience or not being irritable)...It is something I desperately need to work on.

So today, as you celebrate with your loved ones, remember to "show" them love, to do for them what you might rather not. And not only today, but everyday of the year. It will go a lot further than chocolates or roses:-)


"with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, "

Eph 4:2

" However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. "

Eph 5:33

Something to Ponder...

As I was reading some of my favorite blogs, I came across this very good post. I must admit that not all of these do I do on a daily basis. And often I am aware I should. Some of it is a lack of self discipline in these areas and some of it is that I just haven't thought on it.

***

I hope you read this post and many others at Rebecca's blog(she really has a lot of great thoughts to share). Let me know what you think:-)

***

Blessings, Sommer

***


P.S. Pictures of finished burp cloths to come soon!

Giving Thanks

I just wanted to pop in this morning and wish all my dear friends and readers a very Happy Thanksgiving! May each of you have a very blessed day, full of joy and blessings!

We actually will not be leaving for anything until this evening. Dinner will be at Dan's grandfather's home and I haven't been asked to bring anything...so it will be rather laid back today. I still may do a practice run of the item I plan on making for gifts this year(a yummy treat!), but otherwise I will just enjoy the day:-)

I have so much to be thankful for. I wanted to list just a few of them...

*I have an awesome Savior that died for me and by grace am I saved!

*I am married to a most wonderful man:-)

*I have three lovely children, all very special.

*I have been blessed with another sweet darling on the way!

*I have a roof over my head.

*I have food on the table.

And although there may be times I complain or my contentment lacks...I am still so much richer than I could ever imagine!

Have a wonderful day today and remember to give thanks to our Lord!

Blessings,
Sommer

The Pitter Pat of Little Feet

Light and faint, I feel you...just a glimmer of the little life within. I've waited for weeks to feel the little pit pat of tiny feet and hands with in. Now, glorious and glowing I feel you! Precious life within, blessed movement, gracious God...thank you Lord for the little blessing growing with in me.

Teaching Contentment

I think most of us struggle with being content...I know that I do. We see so much around us and wonder why it is we don't have that and by voicing these feelings aloud sometimes, we teach our children to be discontented with what they have or don't have as well.

I try to be content and show this to my children, but I'll be honest, I often fail. Recently though, I was visiting a very favorite blog, Leading Little Hearts Home, and Rebecca had two very awesome posts on "cultivating contentment". They were so good and so convicting that I just had to share them with you. I think you will be as blessed by these as I was. You can find Part 1 here and Part 2 here. Do enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts...I'd love to know if you have any ideas for "cultivating contentment" in your family(with or without children).

Blessings,

Sommer

Homeschool Days and Heart Issues

I’ve been so very busy lately! I’m not sure with what(LOL), because things are still cluttered and crazy at home…but it does feel as if all of my days are full. We are winding down our school year and should be officially finished next week:-) I could really use the break. The time it takes in the morning will be put to use in other ways…decluttering, household duties, and crafts and VBS in two weeks! We probably will continue with some light school..but nothing academic heavy. Perhaps a Home Economics course I have, continuing phonics for Miss Brenna and review of math facts for Miss Fiona, and working with manners and heart issues. We also need to update Fiona’s Zoology notebook. This was an awesome course, and we are doing the notebooking part now to review old lessons. Another year has gone by swiftly and has gone generally well. In a few weeks I will hopefully have my entire curriculum for next year and will plan out my tentative schedule for this coming school year. Miss Fiona will be going into 3rd grade and Miss Brenna will be officially a Kindergartener (if you go with traditional grades). I’m excited for the continuing of our little homeschool, but like I said, I am ready for a little break:-)

Life as a stay at home, homeschooling momma is a blessing and a pleasure, but it also has its difficult days. I’ve been having some of those lately. This is part of the reason I have not posted much lately. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed, low in spirit and I’ve been doing a lot of heart searching on my responses to stress and difficult issues with the kids. We’ve been dealing with many heart issues and it has tried me in ways that really have shown my own failings. One thing we deal with is tempers and attitudes with each other. Of course, as a momma, I tell my children not to yell at each other and to speak kindly. But I’ve found that I’ve been yelling more than I should and sometimes my responses are less than kind. How sad I feel about this and I have been asking God to help me in this area. It has been a huge struggle and one I know needs change. A group I’m on also spoke recently about “taming the tongue” and speaking with kindness. Talk about being convicted! So, the girls and I have been working together to change how we are together. I find that if I am consciously trying to speak and respond kindly (even in times of stress/discipline), I do better at it. So my desire is to not set this aside but strive to continue to think before I respond. It seems to be so far going well, but I know I have a long way to go before my habits have changed.

I’m afraid I’ve had no time to sew or knit…sigh…I have so much I want to do, but the time never seems to be there. We are selling my hubby’s car though and going to one car, so I hope that the enforced time at home will make it so naps can be more consistent (and not so late), and that I will have much more time for these things (after essentials are done) and that I can also take the time to teach my daughters more of these enjoyable skills.

Well, this is just a quick update on me:-) I do hope to be back to regular posting. Have a blessed day!

Blessings,
Sommer