In this world . . .

The Bible clearly tells us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have trouble. How do you deal with heartache? Nat King Cole would tell you to:

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Yep, that’s about the best the world has to offer. When life gets hard and sorrow comes your way, smile and hope for the best. Although I’ve taken this theory for a test drive, it always seems to come up short. God has shown me a better way and given me a new song to sing:

Cry when your heart is aching

Seek God especially when its breaking

When there are clouds in the sky, ask Him why

If you search God’s word through your fear and sorrow

Trust Him and I assure you tomorrow

You’ll see the Son come shining through for you

We live in a fallen world tainted by sin. This guarantees us some pain and sorrow along the way. God doesn't expect us to smile through our grief and sorrow. As a matter of fact, He counts our tears and weeps along with us. So where do we go from here? If we seek Him, we will find Him. Don't be afraid to bring your sorrows, your fears, and your questions to God. Wrestle through your heartaches with the One who can bring hope and healing. Allow the Bible to speak truth into your life. When your emotions are running wild, allow God's truth to penetrate your heart. He loves you, He cares for you, He will never leave you. God has a plan for our lives and nothing that happens has not first been sifted through His loving hands. So, the next time you are faced with heartache, turn off the radio and tune into the One who has overcome the world.

. . . in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:37

A Fond Farewell!

Today pretty much marked the end of summer vacation. We had a very full and very fun day!

Day Out with Thomas
This morning we got up bright and early and headed to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois. We arrived when the gates opened at 9am and headed straight for . . . the porta-potties of course! Owen was a little freaked out, but we survived. Once inside we found the main attraction himself . . . Thomas the Tank Engine. We took a few pictures then marched over to see Sir Topham Hatt. I thought Miles would be afraid of the very large-headed, puffy man, but he did just great! The boys rode on little push-poll wagons and jumped in a bouncy cage. Then it was time for our turn on the Thomas train! The boys loved waving at all the people. Owen sat mesmerized by the entire experience. After our 20 minute ride, we grabbed some lunch, checked out a few of the entertainment tents, let Owen pick out a toy with the money he had saved, and called it a day!

Neighborhood Circus
About a week ago, one of the neighbor girls invited us to a circus. A few of the neighborhood kids had gotten together and decided to entertain the whole block! They have been practicing for the past 2 weeks and tonight was the big show. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I loaded up the boys in the wagon and headed down the street. To my surprise, there was a big crowd! The kids did a great job with the circus. There was music, bike riding, pogo-sticking, bunnies, comedy, water dumping and treats at the end! The boys absolutely loved it! After the big event, all the neighbors stuck around and got to know one another. I met 2 moms with young kids and am hoping we can set up some playdates in the future. It was a lot of fun getting to know the neighbors and catching up with a a few I haven't seen in awhile. All this is thanks to a few little girls who wanted to put on a circus.

What a great end to our summer. Let Fall begin!

Owen's Joke

Owen: What does a skeleton drink from?

Me: A bone.

Owen: No . . . an M&M, ha ha ha ha ha!

Me: Why is that funny?

Owen: Because its a joke!

Summer Slowdown

I am enjoying a summer with not a lot to do! You would think that would mean more time for blogging, but it really means I don't have a lot to blog about! So, what am I accomplishing this summer?

BSB Study
-We are working our way through the Feast study. I hosted our last get together. We discussed Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks. I think most of us are really enjoying the study and getting some great things out of it. Personally, I am loving it and gaining a better "big picture" understanding of God's plan for man.

Mark of the Lion Series
-I just started the 2nd book in this amazing series by Francine Rivers. The fictional books are set in the Roman empire not long after Christ's death and resurrection. I don't think I have ever gotten through a book so quickly. I just can't put them down!

Book Editing
-I'm plugging away at Greg Speck's devotional for teens. I've gotten through the first few days and it is great! The study is on James and I am learning so much as I do some editing. This is something new to me, so I don't even know if I'm doing it right, but I really appreciate the opportunity to try!

How to Make a Decision

A fork in the road . . . sometimes exciting, sometimes terrifying. So, what do we do when faced with 2 very different choices? Freak out? A quick game of eenie, meenie, minie, moe? Remain frozen with indecision? I've tried all of these options and none have worked too well. Although I definitely do not have decision making down to a science, I have learned a lot about facing various crossroads in my life.

1. Know that God has a plan for my life . . .a plan to give me hope and a future!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

2. Trust God with all my heart, he will make my way straight.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

3. Don't be anxious! With prayers and petitions ask God for wisdom.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

4. Start walking down a path in the light of God's word.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

5. Allow God to direct my steps. He's the one with the plan remember!
A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way? Proverbs 20:24

6. Embrace his plans for my life.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,​a​ who​b​ have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Kentucky or Bust!

In less than 48 hours, I will be on a church van with a bunch of wild Jr Highers and having a blast I’m sure! After a 5 year hiatus, I am returning to Kentucky for the annual Jr High mission trip. This is a great trip. I love to work with our students and help them prepare. My favorite part is working with the students who volunteer to teach the main lesson each day. These students do a great job being creative and bringing passion to their lesson. During the trip, I am always amazed at how our students step up and become leaders. They love on the children who attend the VBS and do a great job sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theme this year is “John 3:16.” Each day focuses on part of this verse. We are going to have a lot of fun learning about a God who loves us and His son who sacrificed so much for us. If you think of it, say a little prayer for me. The hills and hollers don’t do much for my motion sickness and I will be missing my boys something fierce! More when I get back!

Feast

Just wanted to share about the new study my BSB (Bible Study Buddies) group is doing this summer . . .





Feast
This study is written by Kevin Leman and published by Lifeway. Feast is a 6 week study on several of the feasts mentioned in the Bible. There are 6 of us doing the study and we are each assigned a feast. On our week, we will be able to recreate certain elements of the feast. My feast is the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. I've studied ahead and here are a few of the things I have planned . . .

-I will ask each girl to either wear new clothes or wear a feshly laundered outfit to go along with the freshness associated with this feast.
-Each girl will be asked to select a Scripture verse or passage that has been meaningful in their life and share it with the group. It is believed that the 10 Commandments were also given to Moses during this time, so Scripture is studied all night long on Pentecost to remember the giving of the Law.
-The book of Ruth will also be incorporated into the feast. Ruth is associated with the Feast of Weeks because both take place during the wheat harvest.
-Decorations will include greenery and fresh cut flowers, candles and white table linens again reminding us of the harvest time.
-Fresh bread will be baked. The Jews were given specific instructions to offer two loaves of bread as a first-fruits offering to God.
-Dairy products such as cheesecake or cheese blintzes will be served to signify the spiritual milk of God's word and Israel's title of the land of milk and honey.

Our study begins this week with Passover. I bought some Jerusalem-baked matza bread for the big day. My friend Beth is hosting, but I was so excited to find the matza bread that I told her I would bring it for our meal. Shortly after I bought it, I sent her a text saying "Gatza the Matza!" My nerdiness shines again!