Monday Meanderings - Dec. 8

Bible Study... One study is on contentment. And the other study is on Philippians. 

Memory Verse...  Ephesians 4:29

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs."

Husband Encouragement...

♥ Just trying to keep the house tidy and need to get our bedroom dressers decluttered and dusted. 

♥ Cookies and coated pretzals. =)

Train Them Up...

* Continue being consistent with my nightly dinner helper routine. This is not only a good opportunity for quality 1x1 time with each child, but they are learning how to cook! AND learning to appreciate all the details involved in preparing a meal!

* Carter-- working on respecting sibling's space and things. 

* Eli--I've been having the kids do our Christmas reading and counting that as his required reading minutes so that he's not spending as much time with homework.  Also working on attitude issues--he's type A child who likes things to be a certain way, or to continue working on a project, or to constantly defend himself/point fingers. Working on obedience and grace-filled attitude with this. 

* Hannah--Started a back-n-forth journal with her since she LOVES writing so much, she's so sweet! Also working on not withholding good from someone (siblings!!) just to make them mad. I've been having her think about whether she wants to continue with gymnastics after Christmas. 

* Started something new, yet AGAIN, with Bible notes. Eli and Hannah both really like looking up verses and copying them down. Last week I made up a study for Eli to discover the features of his Bible (table of contents and the notes at the beginning of each book) but he had it almost all done before church even started! Need to adapt this a little for Hannah's level and her Bible, and then she can do one too. And I can also write up something new this week for Eli.
* Christmas activities--I always plan a variety of suuuuuper easy things that don't require prep or supplies. But even still, the kids have had some fussiness here and there and because of it, have had to miss one of their days. We'll see how this week goes. 

Personal Goals...

I'm "doing" the "1 mile a day from Thanksgiving to New Year's" challenge. >>This really hasn't been happening as consistently as I'd like but doing what I can. 

New Habit of the Month...  {december}

intentional time with the kids. use my time WISELY.

MUST Do... 

* Post office -- Mail a package!! and a surprise! and get stamps
* copy Christmas letters.
* finish music project. Can't get it formatted to print just right so I think I'm going to just manually cut, tape, and copy the pages that are being weird.
* Look into kids piano lessons.
* Take kids shopping for Christmas exchange.
* Bring home any musical items from the church.

Zone(s)... kitchen counters

Menu - 

M - enchilada bake

T -  breakfast for dinner -- pancakes

W - sandwiches

Th - angel hair pasta and shrimp

F - appetizer night--spinach artichoke cups, teriyaki meatballs

S - veggie soup

FUN THINGS!

* Bible study today!
* Music rehearsal tonight--Christmas music! Also having some new people practice with our team, so that's kinda fun!

* I have a service idea in mind for tomorrow, just need to find out if it's really doable! 

* Bible study Wednesday. =)
* Wednesday night is a women's ministry meeting.  We've been brewing up some big changes and I'm really excited to see where we're gonna go with it! 

* Volleyball Thursday--can't wait! now that we have new players, it's awesome!
* Lunch Thursday! (I may need to shower in town at the gym but oh well!)

* Saturday is a little Christmas party with our friends.

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. The kids' musical at church! Incredible message--Even though I've observed nearly every practice and heard the lines a lot of times, I was still almost in tears the whole time. The Gospel will do that to ya, I guess. 

2. Tradition. Memories are so sweet. Tradition helps bond families together. Just love it. 

3. Parents. They are so supportive and come to the kids' events. They spend many hours on the road, but do it without a thought. They were always like that for me growing up and during college. And now they are like that for the grandkids. We are blessed.

Monday Meanderings - Dec. 1

Bible Study... still  praying thru the Psalms with the A.C.T.S. format. Just starting a group study on contentment. And another group study on Colossians.

Memory Verse...  Ephesians 4:29

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs."

Husband Encouragement...

♥ Just trying to keep the house tidy and need to get our bedroom dressers decluttered and dusted. 

♥ Need to catch up on housework today, and weekend things and Christmas things put away. 

Train Them Up...

* Continue being consistent with my nightly dinner helper routine. This is not only a good opportunity for quality 1x1 time with each child, but they are learning how to cook! AND learning to appreciate all the details involved in preparing a meal!

* Carter--he's our most strong-willed child and that's become very apparent and difficult lately. trying something new in handling these episodes (usually about once a week). >>WE HAD A GOOD WEEK LAST WEEK! No issues!

* Eli--trying to be a little more laid back and flexible with his homework these days. Really just want him to enjoy being home and getting to play as much as possible.

* Hannah--Been intentionally wearing the jewelry she's made for me, NOT just when she wants me to but just because sometimes too. Started a back-n-forth journal with her since she LOVES writing so much, she's so sweet!

* Need to get back to bedtime stories--not sure what happened to that!? Update: 2 chapters left in our chapter book we started in the fall! 

* Christmas traditions and activities start today! So excited and the kids are too!  =)  =)  

* Trying yet another thing with churchtime notes

Personal Goals...

>> I'm gonna be starting the "1 mile a day from Thanksgiving to New Year's" challenge. Feeling so flubby these days... Struggling to get through the busy Thanksgiving weekend but hoping to get on a groove this week. 

New Habit of the Month...  {december}

intentional time with the kids. use my time WISELY.

MUST Do... 

* Put Christmas bins away. 

* Put away any remaining fall decor.

* Put weekend bags away and wash laundry.

* Bake cookies for Christmas program dress rehearsal.

* Draw pattern for doll clothes.

* Prep for any of this week's Christmas activities. (thank goodness we just do super simple ones)

Zone(s)... living room.

Menu - 

M - crab stew

T -  chicken, roasted potatoes

W - sandwiches

Th - cream cheese chicken chili

F - cocktail sausages

S - french dip

FUN THINGS!

* The first week of Christmas season! love it so much! the decorations, traditions, quality time together, memory making, and the anticipation of the coming of our Savior and how exciting that was and is!

* Monday's Bible study was cancelled so I have a coffee date instead. Yippee.

* Bible study Wednesday. We finished our book but decided to continue meeting with our own informal read of Colossians. 

* Volleyball Thursday--can't wait! now that we have new players, it's awesome!

* The kids' Christmas musical at church this weekend. It's the first program our church has done since we've been here, and it's going to be great!

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. Our church family! I spent almost 10 straight hours at the church yesterday, with early morning music rehearsal, sunday school, church, christmas decorating, and then musical practice. but it didn't feel long at all because every part was great and surrounded by people I cherish!

2. Good friends. Love them.

3. Music. It lifts any moment. 

Monday Meanderings - Nov. 24

Bible Study... just finishing A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George this week, still  praying thru the Psalms with the A.C.T.S. format on my own mornings and still loving that. Also doing daily Thanksgiving verses. 

Memory Verse...  Ephesians 4:2

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Husband Encouragement...

♥ Just trying to keep the house tidy and need to get our bedroom dressers decluttered and dusted. 

♥ Will need to stock up some food in the house so he has things to eat while the kids and I are in Iowa this weekend.

Train Them Up...

* Continue being consistent with my nightly dinner helper routine. This is not only a good opportunity for quality 1x1 time with each child, but they are learning how to cook! AND learning to appreciate all the details involved in preparing a meal!

* Carter--he's our most strong-willed child and that's become very apparent and difficult lately. trying something new in handling these episodes (usually about once a week)

* Eli--trying to be a little more laid back and flexible with his homework these days. Really just want him to enjoy being home and getting to play as much as possible.

* Hannah--Been intentionally wearing the jewelry she's made for me, NOT just when she wants me to but just because sometimes too. Also thinking of starting a back-n-forth journal with her since she LOVES writing so much!

* Need to get back to bedtime stories--not sure what happened to that!?

Personal Goals...

>> I'm gonna be starting the "1 mile a day from Thanksgiving to New Year's" challenge. Feeling so flubby these days.

New Habit of the Month...  {november}

chore routine. use my time WISELY.

MUST Do... 

* Mail cards.

* Take clothes bins to basement now that I finally have the seasons swapped over.

Zone(s)... office.

Menu - 

M - turkey and rice soup (using up leftover turkey)

T - ham and cheese sliders (using up leftover rolls)

W - something

Th - THANKSGIVING

F - Iowa

S - something ;)

FUN THINGS!

* excited that we only have a few days of school this week and then we get to see Grandma and Grandpa this weekend!

* I get to hang out with a friend tomorrow, as I help take her around for errands. =)

* The Thanksgiving celebrations have been Re..aaa...lll.......y spread out this year and as much as I love Thanksgiving I'm just getting really excited for Christmas--I love the decorations and I love our family's nightly traditions and it's just such a lovely season full of memory-making.

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. Afternoon Chai latte. My usual beverage choice around 2pm cuz I get chilly and want a sit-break with something cozy and yummy.

2. Some down time with my hubs today. We had family here this past weekend and it was nice to have a quiet day instead of bustling around with chores. Thankful for this time together.

3. Volleyball. It's one of my FAVORITE parts of the week, especially now that we're finally finding enough players to make it really FUN!! Such great exercise too but mostly it's just a heck of a lot of fun!

Monday Meanderings - Sept. 22

Bible Study... A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George and Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst. Plus I've been praying thru the Psalms each morning with the A.C.T.S. format and it's so fulfilling.

Memory Verse...  Psalm 16:11

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me join in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Husband Encouragement...

♥ Make sure we're stocked with work foods he can take in

♥ Make him breakfast when he gets up. 

♥ Organize and tidy the house. 

Train Them Up...

* Homework routine--math and spelling each night, without interruption-ha!

* Evening reading time--loving what we're reading right now and the kids are really into it. (a biography about missionary Amy Carmichael) 

* Hannah--we're dealing with selfishness right now

* Eli--quality time and conversation with him. 

* Carter--obedience and respecting other people's space. also working on handwriting

* Schedules -- continually choosing what to be involved in and what to pass. We're trying something new with gymnastics this year... picked the same day as AWANA and gonna try out having multiple things in one night vs having things multiple nights every week. We like to be home and stay home once kids are out of school for the day. >>there's a new gymnastics time slot opening up and we COULD switch days but I'm actually liking having gymnastics and AWANA on the same night and being "forced" to have a picnic once a week--kinda cool cuz we love picnics and it turns out that 30 minutes is PLENTY of time to eat a sandwich dinner especially when the church is just 3 blocks away.

* Church time - I've been experimenting with different notes worksheets lately. (love these and seeing how well Eli especially fills these out and afterward going over questions they have). But Carter has been sitting in church with us the last few months and is a distraction and I'm working with them all about sitting quietly, still, and hands in their own space. Soo frustrating!!

Personal Goals...

* be careful of what and when I'm eating. =S

New Habit of the Month...  {september}

daytime routine and tackling household projects!

MUST Do... 

* return borrowed books

* sell DVDS

* take things to basement that I've sorted out

* make babysitter arrangements for in 1.5 weeks

Zone(s)... office and living room. Hannah's "creations" take over everywhere.

Menu - 

M - marinated chicken

T - spinach quiche, peaches

W - sandwiches 

Th - creamy pesto pasta with chicken

F - one-pot mac & cheese chili

S - appetizer night - Italian crescent ring

FUN THINGS!

* Bible study adventures this week

* driving a friend to an out-of-town appointment tomorrow

* gonna try to get kids in bed early tomorrow night so I can participate in the IF:Gathering online. I've never done this before but have always been intrigued!

* Volleyball Thursday morning--one of my favorite things ever!

* possibly attend a varsity volleyball game at the school--we've never done this and Eli's been asking

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. Our school. They really emphasize reading, healthy habits, good character, and parent involvement. Each year they're always re-evaluating and making changes, always toward the better! 

2. Feels like everything's been falling into place this year--new opportunities to utilize my schooltime hours yet still have an unhurried schedule.

3. Accountability and conversations with friends as we go thru Bible study together. Thankful to have those special people in my life that I can be real with and share my questions.

Praying through Psalms

I used to spend most of my time reading the New Testament because it's so easily applicable. I practically have all of Romans thru 1 John underlined because so many of those verses speak to me in their various ways. They are excellent reminders, powerful encouragements, direct guidance and truths, and easy to find when I need to recall them. But the fact was that I would read these verses with the attitude of "needing to get better at ______" (patience, gentleness, forgiveness, godliness, etc). And I spent little time PRAYING, that was always my weakness. And I was failing, frustratingly so, at the more patience thing, and everything else.

So in reality, I was spending all this Bible time with myself, and not directly with God Himself.

I think His Word is amazing, all the answers are right there. The values and what godliness looks like, what Christ looks like, the stories of how God works and who He IS, and how we can show all this to our neighbors. It's all amazing.

But as of late, I've been spending time specifically in Psalms. Actually praying. And primarily meditating on GOD'S character, not my character. And ya know what I'm finding?  The more I look at God and who HE IS and His goodness and faithfulness and love and redemption, the easier it is (for me anyway) to have a full heart. Simply put, the more I fill myself with HIM, the more I can display His fruits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) All the very things I was trying to "get better at". I always knew that these are the fruits of the Spirit and not of me, but I guess I never really realized that I wasn't actually spending time with HIM.  I wasn't praying or looking to God, I was only reflecting on what God WANTS. And failing because I was, without realizing it, depending upon myself and my own attitudes. I'm still not perfect, I still flip out, but overall I finally feel like I'm getting a grip. But mostly I'm finally feeling like I'm getting to know God and growing to be more like Him. After all, isn't that our continual life journey?

So. All that said, I thought I would explain a little bit what I mean each week when I say in "Monday Meanderings" that I'm praying through the Psalms following the A.C.T.S format.  So here it is:
The A.C.T.S. format is praying Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests), and in that order. It takes a chunk of time, and several pages in my journal, to do this thoroughly but it is sooo fulfilling and an amazing start to my day.  Like I said before, I've never been good at prayer. So for me, it's helpful to pray the scriptures, to find verses that apply to each element. I used to hop all over the Psalms finding a scripture for each part, but now I'm trying to move through the Psalms in order each day and find appropriate scriptures all from the same chapter or neighboring chapters, and then moving on the next day to the next couple chapters in Psalms. So here's an example from yesterday:

ADORATION -- Psalm 138:6-8
"Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever--do not abandon the work of your hands."
>>Truths from this passage:
* Though the Lord is on high, He looks on me.
* God will preserve my life in troubles.
* God has a purpose for me and will fulfill it.
* God loves me. Forever.

CONFESSION -- Psalm 139:23-24
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
>>You know my heart and my intentions. Forgive me for my sin. Search me and mold me in the areas that need work. Call attention to my sin and weaknesses. And make me more like You every day.

THANKSGIVING -- Psalm 139:14
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
(and then I write a thankful list for the day) * uplifting Bible verses * opportunities to set an example in the hard parts of life * opportunities to still grow and be challenged * walking days with friends * rain * yummy farm eggs * eternal healing for a friend's dad * being a SAHM and not living a hurried, stressful life * Eli's interest in Boxcar books * not having a leaky dishwasher in awhile . . . 

SUPPLICATION -- Psalm 138:3
"When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted."
(and then I write down various prayer requests-- specifics requests and general according to category)
* church...
* marriage...
* kids (sometimes whole pages of general requests and sometimes individually per child)
* pregnant friends...
* struggling friends...
* myself...

* missionary friends...

So there ya have it. My prayer routine I've been trying out. Now, studying the Bible doesn't stop there. I've been moved in many ways lately and actually want to start dissecting the Gospels. But the Psalms are a great place to meet and spend time with God Himself.

"Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul."
Psalm 86:4

Monday Meanderings - Sept 8

A day late!! But still here! =)

Bible Study... just starting A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George and Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst. Plus I've been praying thru the Psalms each morning with the A.C.T.S. format and it's so fulfilling.

Memory Verse...  Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Husband Encouragement...

♥ It's a busy work week so be a helper and let him relax when home

♥ Organize and tidy the house. 

Train Them Up...

* Homework routine--math and spelling each night, without interruption-ha!

* Evening reading time--loving what we're reading right now and the kids are really into it. (a biography about missionary Amy Carmichael) 

* Hannah--we're dealing with selfishness right now

* Eli--quality time and conversation with him. 

* Carter--obedience and respecting other people's space

* Schedules -- continually choosing what to be involved in and what to pass. We're trying something new with gymnastics this year... picked the same day as AWANA and gonna try out having multiple things in one night vs having things multiple nights every week. We like to be home and stay home once kids are out of school for the day. 

Personal Goals...

* start a new book  =)

New Habit of the Month...  {september}

daytime routine and tackling household projects!

MUST Do... 

* possibly another tire repair

* purchase Bible study book

Zone(s)... playroom and living room

Menu - lots of new recipes this week!

M - chicken broccoli quinoa bake

T - meatless spinach lasagna (trying to incorporate at least 1 meatless meal each week)

W - sandwiches 

Th - one-skillet beans and rice

F - homecoming grillout

S - appetizer night - pimento dip, chicken fingers

FUN THINGS!

* Bible study x2 this week!

* Helping at Eli's classroom Thursday afternoon -- his teacher was so EXCITED when I offered this

* Gymnastics starts on Wednesday

* Dinner with friends Wednesday night 

* Homecoming on Friday! Which means the ONE football game we attend for the year. (hehe) And other fun activities

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. The calm after a storm. Figuratively speaking.

2. Relaxed days. Even with the kids gone at school, there is still much to get done during the day, and I'm so thankful that I can do this unhurried and stress-free.

3. Walking partners. I walk with friends a couple mornings a week, and it's multipurposeful and enjoyable. =)

Monday Meanderings - Sept 1

Bible Study... just finished Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker (another life changer, sheesh!), The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace

Memory Verse...  1 Corinthians 13:4-8

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 

Husband Encouragement...

♥ Provide lunch stuff for this week's work schedule

♥ Organize and tidy the house. 

Train Them Up...

* Homework routine--math and spelling each night, without interruption-ha!

* Evening reading time--loving what we're reading right now and the kids are really into it. (a biography about missionary Amy Carmichael) 

* Hannah--we're dealing with brattyness right now (basically ungrateful fits because something isn't good enough.)

* Eli--quality time and conversation with him. 

* Carter--obedience and respecting other people's space, being nice to E & H's babydolls--for some reason he likes to pound them and it doesn't seem right. 

Personal Goals...

* starting workout routine! 

* schedule times to help in the kids' classrooms at school

New Habit of the Month...  {september}

chore routine and tackling household projects!

MUST Do... 

* clean out the fridge --excessive condiments are taking over!!

* take delivery to Project Response

Zone(s)... laundry

Menu - TBD

FUN THINGS!

* day off from school today. and a sick kids means I'm staying home from music tonight too. the restful day has been appreciated

* nothing going on this week! 

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. An excellent weekend visiting family/cousins! Relaxing, fun, and good conversation!

2. Last week was busy and nerve wracking planning and preparing for a church event. I'm thankful this week is much more relaxed!

3. God working in me. And good friends that understand and listen to my processing.