Unexected joy!

Recently I have had a couple days that things just didn't go the way I planned.

One day I took the kids to the spray park thinking it would be just the thing we needed to burn off some energy and enjoy the nice weather.

That didn't happen, it was a bit windy and the big boys did not want to go in the water. After awhile the kids managed to have their own kind of fun, once I ignored the complaining and started reading my book they began to play... this is what I saw...

Levi was the only one who would actually go in the water!

And then today... it was beautiful so while the boys napped, I took out our turtle pool, and proceeded to fill it. Even boiled water to add to it. Then I noticed a huge leak. Plan #1 failed. As a back-up plan I decided to take the boys on a bike ride. Well, my middle son wanted to ride on his bike on the gravel roads for the first time. This didn't take long to be very challenging since there is lots of loose gravel right now. And the mosquitos came out in full force. Plan #2 failed. When we got home I tried everything to get them to play something together, but they didn't want to do anything I suggested. Plan #3 failed. I went upstairs to clean the kitchen and get supper ready. After a few minutes I hear shouts... and

Of course, I come outside to find this on my deck.

Totally unscripted, unplanned, unexpected joy. Through the window I hear giggles and laughter. Brothers being silly and having fun together. There is NO water in the pool, just the tiny bit that did not leak out. They made the best of this situation and had a load of fun.

These are the moments that I am thankful that we had them so close together and that they are indeed eachothers best friends.

Sometimes things don't go as we plan them... but in the midst of those moments, keep your eyes open for

Unexpected joy.

Becoming a mom with a mission

I listened to a radio broadcast by Focus on the Family the other day that I really resonated with. It was refreshing and encouraging, very counter cultural- but I totally agree with what Helen Lee said. She was talking about how being a mom is so much more than we think... its about raising missionaries.




Motherhood is one of your callings in life- but it serves God's larger purpose for your in your life. Motherhood is one of the ways that you can live out God's calling to be His witness and disciple maker in the world. There is a larger purpose for what God has intended for you as a mom, and for your children. There is a higher purpose- raising and supporting these missionaries that you are raising.


 We are raising disciples and missionaries!! When I think of parenting from this perspective it both energizes and terrifies me. What an amazing responsibility God has given me to mold these children to be His servants. This perspective really makes my look at my day and say- "Did that really matter?" "What did I do to eternally impact my child?" "Did my kids see Him in me today?" "What am I doing to teach my kids about serving others?"


When I think about raising disciples and missionaries, I think about how I am showing the children the world around us. "Am I pointing out needs in our neighborhood?" "Am I raising them to know how powerful they are, even as children?" "Are we teaching them compassion for those in need?" "Are we teaching them the power of His Word?"

Today a team of KIDS, ages 8-12 leave from our church to go on a missions trip to serve another community for the next few days.  I will be praying for these kids as they are using their gifts and abilities to serve Him.

As I think about becoming a mom who is not just trying to get through the day,I will be praying about how I can be raising my kids to be disciples and missionaries.