Jesus Culture Consumed - Oh Lord You´re Beautiful

This is an oldie- but such a goodie.

I need to learn to respond to God instead of reacting to life.

It is Sunday morning, well actually Sunday afternoon. Another Sunday we did not make it to church. We are still trying to make it back onto East Coast time. I am now sitting here at our counter, listening to a podcast by Gini Smith, Judah Smith's mom. She is preaching out of Proverbs and Psalms... really good stuff.

One of her first points was on Learning by Listening. I love this. This is one thing I am trying to teach to my kids. I want them to listen to the advice of others and to stay away from bad choices because of listening to the wisdom of others.... instead of them just making all kinds of crazy stupid mistakes without seeking advice. I hope they cling to wisdom. I hope they hide the word in their hearts. That they know what it says and that they love what it says.

I have been back from Longview for two days now. I spent time with family, friends, and got to do a lot of fun things while home. I am so thankful for my family and for friends who love me. I am glad that seeing family does not stress me out and that it is a pleasant and positive thing. I know many families don't even like to be around each other. That is not the case for me. In fact, going home and being around family and friends challenges me to be a better person, to live better and to be a better wife and mom. Might sound strange but it is true. I always feel refreshed when I return.... (aside from the awful time difference). I also feel loved, usually get some great life advice and just appreciate things more. I am so blessed..... not deserving of anything but still am blessed beyond what I can even imagine. Thank you Jesus for life, love, family, guidance, real friendships and for having those in my life who I can seek advice from.... those you love me. Man, I am so thankful.

Here is a pic of my friend Katie and I after we finished our 5K! :) yay! that water tasted so good!

The things I love about coming home to Washington

* visiting the farm. My kids have a blast and it is always good conversation.
* Uncle Bob's lemon cookies. He makes me a batch every time I come!
* having a much needed break from my kids. I love them but breaks are good. My parents love to give me that much needed break.
* I love Longview's original restaurants.. such as: Pancake House, Taco Time, Nips, Cap'n Yoby's, Bruno's and Papa Pete's.... just to name a few.
*I love just hanging out with family. Seeing cousins and having my kids play with my cousins kids.
* I love taking them to my old elementary school to play on the playground. Many memories there.

I am finding that I love this state more than ever and I appreciate it more now than I ever have in the past. I love the mountains, the trees, the weather (for the most part). I love the memories.

Maybe it is because absence makes the heart grow fonder, but I am in awe today of my husband. I am certain we are the perfect team. I am thankful for his discernment and his perspective and also for his support.

I am so behind on posting! So first off, I DID IT! I ran a 5K. RAN! well, maybe more of a jog. but NO WALKING! yay. I can't believe that I did it! What a rush. What an experience and what a feeling! Total strangers cheering for me! I loved it and hope to keep running in races and keep pushing myself to run further!

I have been in Longview for over a week. It has been a blast. We have been busy! The boat, the beach, a baseball game (where Nevaeh got slammed in the head with a fly ball!) She was a brave little trooper and handled it well! It was scary!

I am looking forward to the rest of my time here. It is so nice to have my parents around to help with the girls. The girls love them and they are the best at giving me a break from mommy hood and at pouring into my kids' life! It is a win win thing for sure!

I am currently hanging out with my mom- listening to Driscoll. ;) yes, she is loving him too. :)

I will post more and add some pics towards the end of my trip here. I need to soak up every minute I am here.