Krogering

I love going to the grocery store alone. I love walking every single aisle and not having six little hands grabbing at things we don't need.

Recently, I have started taking Brandon with me. Kroger has buggies/carts for kids and he loves helping me do my shopping. He loads his buggy up, gives the cashier our Kroger Plus card, and unloads his groceries onto the scanner belt thingy. He then pushes his buggy to the end of the counter so the bagger can load the bagged groceries back into his buggy and he then helps me load the car. It really is a lot of fun and he gets so excited!

Well, today was Carson's turn. He has never been on the Kroger adventure and tonight was his night.
Oh my word. He was so excited.

We had to hunt for a small buggy in the parking lot because there weren't any in the store. We found one and he squealed. Precious.

Normally when all three boys are with me, I am only shopping for a few things. So, every time he would put something in his buggy he would say, "Is that it?" I tried to explain that we had to fill mommy's buggy too but after the fourth time of, "Do we have to go now?" I decided to just answer with, "Not yet," =)

One thing I learned on this grocery trip...

OUR CHILDREN ARE SO DIFFERENT!!!!

Brandon is very meticulous when loading groceries.
Carson just throws them in.
Brandon wants only his stuff in his buggy (cereals, fruit, snacks, drinks, etc)
Carson wants everything in his.
Brandon doesn't want any help unloading his groceries at check out.
Carson was asking for me to help him.
Brandon likes to load his groceries into the car.
Carson asked if he could get in his seat and watch Tom and Jerry on the car DVD player.

It's so crazy how different they are!

I love going to the grocery store alone. But I love their excitement even more!
They are such good helpers and I so thankful for their sweet little hearts!


His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Football Fans

I normally work on Friday nights but I took off this past Friday so Nate and I could take the boys to the Nashville Christian playoff football game. Allie (babysitter, friend, Carson's girlfriend) is a cheerleader and I wanted to show support since we had only been able to go to one game all season.

Our boys love football. Period.

The boys could care less about watching the cheerleaders. They wanted to stand in the endzone and watch the game. One of the NCS players came and tried to give Brandon a high five and he was star struck! =)

Tonight...
Nate told me he needed to put gas in his car before morning so he left to do that. When he came home he had an official pee wee football from Dick's Sporting Goods. His car doesn't have gas in it but he had three excited little boys. Seriously. I have a husband and fourth boy! =)

Like I said, our boys love football...Daddy included.


His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Revelation

In September I started going to a Bible study on Wednesday mornings as a way to get to know ladies in the church. There are several options of women's Bible studies but I chose to be a part of the study on the book of Revelation. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect. Revelation is rarely read and taught from the pulpit so I was a little unsure how the teaching/discussion would be in a small group. I also had no idea that this study would convict, encourage, and challenge me the way it has.

First of all the teacher is amazing! She doesn't have a curriculum or anything. She teaches the Word. There is no need for supplemental material when the Word is able to speak for itself! It is obvious that she has done extensive studying to prepare and I am pretty sure she has lead the study several times. I am thankful for her passion for the Word and her willingness to lead us.

The past two weeks we have discussed the seven letters to the churches (Revelation 2-3). These are questions that came up in discussion and have stayed on my mind...
1. Have I forsaken my first love? Have we as a church forsaken our first love? (Rev. 2:4)
2. Does the world see Christ in the church? (Rev. 3:1-6)
3. Am I lukewarm? Are we as a church lukewarm? (Rev. 3:15-16)
4. Have we put Christ outside the church? (Rev. 3:20)

Such convicting truths...
Such challenging truths...

Jesus is alive and active!
Honestly, my days are so monotonous. I know things may seem crazy from an outsiders perspective but we have a routine that is pretty much the same every day. I don't mind the monotony. I am a creature of routine so I LOVE IT actually! =) The boys do well with routine so it works for us.

However, I can get stuck in the day in and day out. Stuck.

I have been challenged.



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Operation Christmas Child

Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ. http://www.samaritanspurse.org

 



Packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes with the boys has become a tradition. Explaining the purpose to a four and three year old brings up a lot of questions. We end up discussing...

• poverty/third world countries
• orphans
• our responsibility to help and give

I am thankful for this ministry as it is a tangible way to teach my boys about how we show Jesus' love by helping those in need.

 

We did boxes for boys that are ages 2-4 and we included photos and letters. 

 

 

They want to hand deliver the boxes to the children...I love their hearts!!
Then they asked if they could give boxes to Tyler and Caroline...their friends at the Y.
Moment over! =)



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

My Favorite Season

I love this time of year! I love the changing of the seasons, the cooler weather, football (even when my teams aren't doing so hot), the excitement of the holidays...MY MAMA'S HOME DECOR!! =) That was just for you, Mama! =)

One of our favorite things to do is play at the park...

We are in an apartment that has a patio off of the living room which is nice when they just want to be outside but let's be honest...I have three little boys. THEY LOVE TO BE OUTSIDE! So, on my off days I try to find some way for us to be at a park or somewhere that they can run and play.

This past weekend I surprised Brandon with tickets to his first Titans game. Thanks to a friend of mine I was able to get good tickets and a parking pass! It was super nice not to have to walk to the stadium with a four year old! (Thanks, Cheryl!)

We went to the early service at church that morning then took Carson and Dalton to Carolyn's (one of our babysitters). She took them to lunch and then back to our place for naps. She is so great with them and they LOVE her! I was afraid Carson would feel left out when I dropped him off but he was excited about riding in her car...and she got him a few new Power Rangers. SPOILED! =)

So, I took Brandon home to change clothes and I thought he might figure it out then...We both had Titans shirts on...but, no.
We headed to the stadium and as we got closer he noticed lots of cars with Titans flags...but he still had no idea.
We drove past people walking to the stadium and everyone had on Titans gear...still clueless.
We were right beside the stadium in the parking lot and he saw a huge Titans banner outside the stadium and thought it was really cool...
Then, we walked to our seats. When we came through the concourse and saw the field his jaw dropped and he looked at me and said, "We are at a Titans game." Jake Locker was on the field throwing a football and he was so excited and anxious to sit and watch him.

It was a TERRIBLE game as we lost to Jacksonville who hadn't won a game all season. It was a very frustrating game to watch but we had a great time! Yes, he asked a million questions but that was ok. The people in front of us were great sports. Thankfully we weren't surrounded by lots of cussing and alcohol!!

Nate works part time for a company that does security at events in Nashville. Bless his heart, he works all the Titans home games...sigh...

Brandon was exhausted when the game was over and was asleep shortly after we left the parking lot. I am so thankful for the time I got to spend one on one with him. It doesn't happen often enough.

His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Our Little Singer

Carson loves to sing!

Translation =)
One Thing Remains
Your love never fails it never gives up
It never runs out on me
On and on and on and on it goes
it overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I'll never ever have to be afraid
This one thing remains
Your love never fails it never gives up
It never runs out on me

Day After Day
Day after day my God is faithful
Trustworthy Savior
My hope is in the Lord

Love this boy!!!


His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Halloween

The Avengers!
Unless we go trick-or-treating with friends on Halloween night, we have already celebrated this year. The boys had so much fun dressing up as the Avengers for the Fall Fest at church. Dalton was Iron Man. Carson was Captain American. Brandon was the Incredible Hulk. They had so much fun dressing up and seeing all the others kids costumes.

We (meaning I) carved a pumpkin for the first time since having kiddos. Brandon and Carson were so excited about our little project until it came time to clean out the seeds and "goo." They didn't like that part...neither do I. So, Nate was in charge of cleaning out the pumpkin so we could put candles inside.

I love their excitement!


His,
Meg
Zeph: 3:17

Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28 is one of the verses I read and memorized as a young believer. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

• "And we know" - KNOW. Have I experienced the word of God in a way that leads me to say with confidence that I KNOW him and his ways?  There have been times in my life that I have felt his presence and known him as a comforter, healer, and restorer. I have also had times where I experience his withdrawal and discipline in my life.  I KNOW that God is God. I KNOW that his ways are higher than mine. Sometimes it's reminding my heart to KNOW these things.
• "That for those who love God" - I love God. I desire to know him more and there are many days that I wish I had hours and hours to sit with nothing but his Word and Pandora. =) Having three small children usually limits the hours and hours part of that but I do long for intimate moments that are most times brief but purposeful.
• "All things work together for good" - Ok this is the part of the verse that has been repeated over and over in my heart lately. This part of the verse doesn't say, "All GOOD things work together for good." I know this sounds so basic and spiritually elementary to lots of people but as many times as I have read and studied this verse it has become alive to me lately. Sometimes bad things can be the things that work together for good. Sometimes bad things can happen but even those bad things can be the very things God uses for good. Without going into too much detail, let me just say that the last few months have been dark and very lonely. I am still experiencing hard days BUT this verse has been so encouraging to me. Even the bad things that I have experienced lately are being used for his good. IT'S NOT ABOUT ME. His good, his glory, his name, his character, his FAITHFULNESS is what it's all about.

I love him and I KNOW that he will use ALL THINGS for his purposes and his glory. It's all a matter of perspective.

• "For those who are called according to his purpose" -

The confidence that a sovereign God governs for your good all the pain and all the pleasure that you will ever experience is an absolutely incomparable refuge and security and hope and power in your life. - John Piper

 

 

I am a child of God who delights in the blessings of my heavenly Father. Sometimes those blessings are gifts beautifully wrapped. Sometimes they are packages that I would rather not open. God's purpose in all things is to draw me closer to him and bring glory to himself. I have been dealt an ugly package but it has drawn me closer to him and for that I am forever thankful.

 

 

Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you." Everlasting love. Faithfulness. I am thankful.

 

 

 

His,

Meg

Zeph. 3:17

 



Oh be careful little mouth what you say...

Don't you love it when you think about something and you want to say it but you can't put it into words??
I am so thankful for Alison and her friendship. She and I have had numerous conversations about this topic and I am so glad she wrote this today...it speaks my heart too!! Thank you, Alison! You are a blessing for SO many reasons and your ability to write like this is one of the reasons I love you! =)

Oh be careful little mouth what you say…

by Alison Whitely

A few weeks ago I went to a worship gathering and they were singing all sorts of new music. I admit, I get into ruts just like anyone else, and sometimes it is fun and exciting to hear the new song that God has put into people’s hearts.

Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth.

Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.

Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.

For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens.

Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.

Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; Bring an offering and come into His courts.

Worship the LORD in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth.

Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.”

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and all it contains;

Let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy

Before the LORD, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.

- Psalm 96


I love the commendation to sing new songs. But I think sometimes we do not think well about that which we are singing. For instance, we were led to sing a song that the chorus said “I want to be broken” and analogized the desired heart to the aftermath of a hurricane. Yes, I have experienced the deepest communion with God in the darkest hours of my life, but I certainly do not long for those trials. And I am afraid it is a bit masochistic and not biblically founded for anyone to truly mean that. God promises peace, rest and joy and the one who is seeking God is seeking glory, honor, immortality and eternal life (Rom 2.7).

Contemporary musicians are not guilty alone on this front. I grew up singing a song about which I never truly thought until a few years ago:

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
I can feel His mighty power and His grace.
I can hear the brush of angels wings.
I see glory on each face.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

Really? I can feel his power? I can hear angels flying around? God’s shekinah glory is evident on everyone’s face?

Doubtful.

Actually, I have never seen someone physically radiate God’s glory. So why would I sing that?

There is a temptation to over-spiritualize and over-state things in music. We do it about love, we do it about everything. But we need to guard our mouths and hearts when we approach the throne of God.

“Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words. When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.”

- Ecc 5.1-7

Do we really “surrender all” to Jesus? Will we really go where He goes and stay where he stays? Is he truly “the air I breathe”? Is one day in His courts better than thousands elsewhere? Could we really sing of His love forever?

I like to imagine that I am speaking/singing directly face to face with God to evaluate my heart and the words coming out of my mouth. Would you say over and over to your significant other “I love you”, without giving a reason? Or does the outpouring of your affection lead you to express all of the reasons you feel that way? When you are talking to your mate or a friend, do you say their name at the beginning of every sentence?

I mean seriously.

If I were dating someone and he said my name every few sentences while he was talking to me, it would weird me out. ”Hey Alison, how are you? Have you had a good day Alison? I was running errands and I was thinking about you Alison, and Alison, I just wanted to call and say hi and see how your day is going, Alison, and tell you that I care about you, Alison.”

Um, yeah.

And when you seek to tell someone how much they mean to you, do you say, “I love you. I just really love you. You are amazing, and I love you.” Or do you reflect on his character, “I love your heart, I can see your humility in the way you handled that situation…I respect the way that you honored so-and-so by serving him…You made me feel cared for when you did [this]…”

So why would we sing to God, He who deserves our fullest affection, “I love you” (over and over again) without explaining our reasons?

Let’s go deep. Let’s get real. Let’s guard our words and not speak flippantly. But let’s fall crazy in love with God and express well our feelings and our reasons for such feelings. Let us sing unto the Lord a new song (or old song) of depth, passion and conviction!




His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Grandparents Weekend

We went to Jackson this past weekend so we could spend time with grandparents...the boys great grandparents.

On Friday night, we celebrated Graciee's 9th birthday (August 18th) and Daddy Bill's 88th birthday (August 14th). We had a yummy bbq dinner and, of course, cake and ice cream.

On Saturday morning we drove to Brighton to see Mama Sae and Paw Paw (my dad's parents). I hadn't seen them in a couple years so it was nice to hug their necks and catch up. The boys played outside the whole time we were there. It was sunny the majority of the time but there was a little rain shower. You think that stopped them? Of course not. =)

We drove back to Jackson late that afternoon...just in time for a dinner and baths. We packed up the car and headed back to Nashville. It was a quick visit but so worth it. I am glad we were able to set aside a weekend for our grandparents. Such a sweet time!

We love you, Mimi and Daddy Bill!!
We love you, Mama Sae and Paw Paw!!!



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Restless

I decided to lay down when the boys took a nap this afternoon. I just needed a few minutes of rest. Well, don't you just LOVE when the Lord decides you need something more??

I decided to get up and do my Bible study that I usually save for after the boys have gone to bed. My time involves reading and writing while listening to worship music. The station I have set on my phone plays songs randomly and I never know what's coming on next.

I am so thankful the Lord led me up from the comfy chair and into His presence. This song came on while I was finishing up my reading for the day...and as I heard Dalton stirring upstairs =)



This song has been a huge part of my life.
As I listened to the words as I have hundreds of times before I realized that it has more meaning now than it ever has before.
I opened up my journal and jotted down the words and more thoughts as I listened to it a few times more.

Thank you, Lord, for causing the restlessness...



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Pre-K

Over the summer I interviewed with a couple preschools with the hopes that Brandon could go with me and start Pre-K. Ideally I would take the younger two with me and they would get the social interaction and routine as well. The interviews went well but financially it wouldn't have been a wise decision. It would have taken most of my paycheck for the boys to be able to go. So, I decided I would stay at the YMCA and homeschool Pre-K.

We started school yesterday and Brandon loved it!! I have curriculum for 3 & 4 year olds so Carson has the option to participate but he just turned three so he might be too young. He took part in the Bible story and prayer then he was off to play. =)

Genesis 1-2 was our Bible story for the morning. We talked about God as Creator. They did an activity sheet that illustrated the passage then we prayed. I explained how we pray for other people and we talked about things we can pray for when praying for others. This was interesting!! Brandon was super confused...he knows that we pray only TO God and he didn't understand how to pray FOR someone else. When I asked who he wanted to pray FOR he would say, "But we only pray TO God." So precious. So, we prayed TO God and we thanked him FOR our friends and family. I will add intercession as we go! =)

I gave Brandon a sheet and wanted to see how well he could follow verbal directions with colors/paints. He had the sheet in front of him and I asked him to color certain things a certain color. He did great!! He definitely knows his colors and he tried VERY hard to stay in the lines getting frustrated if he "messed up." I don't know where he gets the OCD tendencies! =) By the time he was done we had a rocket in the night sky...

I had conversation cards for a creative thinking activity. I put some conversation cards in a bag and we would pick one and discuss it. For example one said, "Tell me about a friend that you have and what you like to do with that friend." Of course he talked about his friend, Tyler, from the Y. My favorite was, "Tell me about a food that you dislike." His response, "Broccoli, pasta, tacos..." He listed quite a few things without a breath in between. "Tell me about a food that you like." I wasn't shocked to hear, "Cereal and apples with peanut butter."

We ended our time with an alphabet activity. Of course, we started with the letter A. He can recognize all of the upper case letters but he has a hard time with lower case. So, we are doing both. He likes to sound out words and figure out what they start with so it won't be long before we are learning his first sight words.

He is so eager to learn!! I am looking forward to teaching him and watching him learn new things.

I am thankful that I get to stay home with our boys!!! Even when I work they go with me...and I don't have to pay!! =)

So blessed.




His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Three boys + No Naps = ....

Yesterday was a fun-packed day for me and the boys.

We started the morning at the Y (of course). I have been taking Zumba from the same instructor for almost three years. She taught her last class yesterday so I made it a point to be there to support her. We had a brunch afterwards which was a lot of fun.

After Zumba we went home for to me to shower so we could drive to Smyrna. Melissa is a friend of mine from college and she and her family live in Murfreesboro so we met at a park in Smyrna so the boys could play. Her little boy, Jack, is almost four so he and Brandon and Carson played really well together.

They had so much fun that I had to strip them down for the ride home. They had played in the dirt. It started raining shortly before we left which caused their dirty clothes to become muddy clothes. Boys. Boys. Boys. They had so much fun!

We got home around 4:00 yesterday afternoon which means no one took naps. No, they didn't sleep in the car. Not even Dalton. I put them in the bath as soon as we got home then I declared it "chill out time" until Nate got home from work.

Three boys + no naps = EXHAUSTION

(Brandon was on the couch when I took this picture)

I am so thankful that I have a job where the boys can go with me and I am able to stay home a couple days a week so we can have days like this!! I love them...even on their crazy, sleepy, dirty days! =)



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

God is God

I am learning.

God is God regardless of my circumstances.
God is God regardless of how I feel.
God is God when things seem way out of control.
God is God when things are going just the way I think they should.
God is God.

I have never been one to feel like I have everything under control. Sometimes I feel like things are going along smoothly and then sometimes (most times) I feel I am barely keeping my head above water.  And I think that's ok.

In order for God to be God in our lives we must recognize, acknowledge, and relinquish control...of everything. Even those things that feel most comfortable/routine/monotonous must be surrendered.

Since Nate graduated from seminary in 2009 we have prayed for God to lead us where He will be most glorified. I have always felt like that's a very bold prayer because sometimes He is most glorified in places where we don't feel like He is glorified at all...it may even feel like He isn't even present. We continue to pray that He be glorified as we seek His direction for our family and full time ministry.

The past few weeks have been encouraging as we have heard of future ministry opportunities. We are playing the waiting game at this point but at least we have heard from somebody. Since 2009 we have just heard a lot of, "...not enough experience...", "...thanks for sending your resume but...". It's good to hear that his resume is being kept and considered and his lack of pastoral experience isn't being used against him.

All that to say...God is God.
He is God even as we are here in Nashville going through the motions of our days. I am a full time mommy/wife and work part time at the Y.  Nate works a full time Monday through Friday job and is starting a part time job next week. Things feel crazy but I trust in the One who can calm the seas of my heart and life.
He is God as we wait. There is a reason and a purpose. Patience is very hard for me but I am learning to put it to practice. I am learning...that doesn't mean I do it well! =)
He is God of my life. Regardless of where we serve, may He be glorified. Not us. Him.



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Carson is three...almost

Carson's birthday is Monday. I can't believe he is almost three years old.

He thinks he turned three today because it was an all-about-Carson day to celebrate his sweet little life. When Brandon turned three we had a party at Red Caboose park and it was a laid back little get-together with his friends and ours. Since Brandon didn't have a big throw down party for his third I thought it was only fair that I did the same thing with Carson. Since Brandon had a huge fourth birthday party this past June, I was real tempted to give Carson the same. I had to control myself! =)

So, we started the day at Red Caboose park. We let some of his friends know that we would be there around 9:00am before it got too hot. It was perfect. I didn't think cake and ice cream would be appropriate for 9:00 in the morning so I made birthday muffins. I had candles in them and that's all he cared about!! =)

 

 

He opened a few presents and then played for a couple hours.

We left the park and took the party to the pool.

Carson loves swimming. He went non-stop at the park and carried that same activity level to the pool. I knew he would be exhausted and at some point give in for a nap...

AND HE DID.

I let him sleep for a little while but when he woke up I let him know that we had more to do!

We went to Wal-Mart to pick up his NEW BIKE!  His Nanny (my Mama) ordered him a bike and had it sent to our Wal-Mart. He has been asking for a bike since Brandon got one so he was super excited when he saw the Wal-Mart employee wheeling it to us. And I was super duper excited when I saw it was already put together!!! =)

(Pictures coming soon of the bike...taking the boys to the park tomorrow)

When we got home from Wal-Mart it was clean up time and bath time. After baths I told them they could paint and color with new art stuff that we got Carson for his birthday.

Happy (almost) birthday, Carson!! We love you!!!

Tomorrow...church, lunch, NAPS, play time at the park on his new bike, and cake and ice cream!

...the festivities continue! =)



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

The Longest Day...But So Thankful

Brandon was so excited when I told him I had signed him up for a Young Explorers camp at the Y last week. I was excited that he was able to go and put some of his independence to practice (I don't know where he gets that from).

The camp was Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30-3:30. Ok. If you have young children then you know that naptime falls into that time frame. Fortunately, Allie (friend and babysitter) was willing to go to the Y and pick him and up and bring him back home so I wouldn't have to wake the others boys up from naps to go get him. Well...Friday she was on a mission trip and wasn't able to go get him. Excuses, excuses. Ha. Just kidding.

So, Friday was VERY interesting.  I had to work from 9:00-12:30 then I took Brandon to camp and Carson, Dalton, and I headed out...for three hours. My goal was to run a few errands and get some things done while keeping them awake so everyone could nap after we picked up Brandon and went home.

First stop. Lifeway. I needed a book. Dalton was asleep in the car before we even left the Y parking lot. Great.
Second stop. Home to get Carson some dry shoes because he had gotten his tennis shoes wet at the Y earlier in the day.
Third stop. McDonalds. Milkshakes.
Fourth stop. The park.

Asking them to play at the park when they hadn't had naps wasn't the best idea ever but they hung in there.

By the time we got home everyone was exhausted. Everyone.

I laid the boys down for naps and sat.

I had to be back at work at 6:00 that evening so it was imperative that I rest. I did for about 45 minutes. Needless to say I crashed after work.

It was a long day but I am so glad I got to spend quality time with the two little men.

I am a blessed Mama to have such sweet babies. I don't want to take that for granted. So, as long as the day seemed it was super sweet to spend with them.



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Visitors

A couple weeks ago some friends of ours from Louisville came and stayed the weekend with us. It was a very sweet time and I was sad to see them leave that Sunday afternoon...

BUT...this week we had another visitor!! Our friends, Hannah and Jason, went to church with us in Louisville. Hannah and their little girl, Emory Grace, were in Nashville visiting family and made it a point to come see us!!! We spent Thursday morning by the pool and were able to catch up and let our kids meet! =)

I am so thankful for these sweet friendships!!! So blessed.



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

David and Goliath...take 1...and 2

Nate is great about telling Brandon and Carson a bedtime Bible story and putting them to bed every night.  They go through phases with their favorite story. The past week or so they have loved hearing and telling the story of David and Goliath...they love to act it out too! =)

Never a dull moment...and I love it! =)



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Four Year Old Theology

Lately Brandon has been asking lots of questions...

"Where does God live?"
"How old is God?"
"Does Jesus live with God?"
"When can I see Jesus?"

We answer the questions with an honest answer which usually leads to more questions. He and Carson both love to hear Bible stories and learn about the God of the Bible. Brandon is just at an age of NEEDING to know answers!! =)

Yesterday (Sunday) morning I was getting a bath ready for the boys before church. Brandon was the first one in there and as he gets in the bathtub he starts looking around. He looks at the ceiling, the walls, the floor, all around. Then he asks, "Mommy, can God see me through these walls?" I answered, "Of course. He can see you all the time no matter where you are." He scanned the ceiling and walls again...then started dancing! Naked. I laughed.

I thought about it throughout the morning and told Nate about it on the way home from church. The more I thought about it the more I realized I don't think about how present God is in my life. He is with me all the time. He can see me through the walls...the walls of the building I am in and the walls of my heart.

He is here.
He will never leave me or forsake me.

I love talking to Brandon about spiritual things. The faith of a child is the greatest teacher.



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Legacy

This past weekend one of my favorite seminary professors passed away. (Read article below)

http://news.sbts.edu/2013/07/13/william-r-cutrer-seminary-professor-dies-suddenly-from-heart-related-issues/

As a student in the counseling department at Southern Seminary I had Dr. Cutrer for a few classes. I was amazed by his knowledge and passion. As a marriage therapist, OBGYN, minister, and professor he was able to minister to people on so many levels.

I also worked with Dr. Cutrer at Necole's Place/A Woman's Choice Resource Center. During seminary I volunteered as a counselor at AWC. I counseled abortion minded women which was very humbling. I later went on staff at Necole's Place where I served as their Program Director. Necole's Place is the next phase after AWC. Women that had been through counseling at AWC were sent to Necole's Place to get further counseling, acquire their GED, take cooking classes, learn computer skills, and be a part of Bible studies and therapy groups. I led some therapy groups and did one-on-one counseling. Dr. Cutrer was also on staff at Necole's Place and AWC. He served on the Board and was the on-site doctor/ultrasound tech. When I got pregnant with Brandon he was gracious enough to give us our first ultrasound. He was always willing to serve the women and staff and did a great job ministering to those he came in contact with.

I am confident that many many people are mourning the loss of such a great man! I am even more confident that Dr. Cutrer is in the presence of his Lord and hearing the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant."

As I think about his sweet wife and children I can't imagine what they are going through. When events like this happen I fear the day that something might happen to Nate or myself. I thought a lot about his over the weekend. I want to cherish the times I have my sweet family. Not because I fear death but because I know life goes by way too fast.

Hug your families tight tonight.



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

You Are My Sunshine

 

 

No words to describe how much I love this little boy!

He will be three in a couple weeks and I can't believe it.

Carson bug, you are precious and I am SO happy that I am your mommy!!!!

 

 

 

His,

Meg

Zeph. 3:17

Disappointments

I typically update our blog with exciting things happening in our little family. I enjoy posting pictures of birthday parties, zoo trips, visits to grandparents, etc., but there is more to life than weekend getaways and happy days with three little boys. There are also days of disappointment and lack of understanding.

I don't want to come across as "bah humbug" or "Debbie downer" so I have stayed away from such a topic. However, it's part of life. There are days of pure happiness and there are days where we question God's hand in our lives. I am in the latter.

He has GOT to hear me by now! Right?
I am sure he has had enough of my whining in prayer. Right?
There IS a purpose? Right?
He will never leave me nor forsake me? Right?

I know the answers to all these questions...in my head. I KNOW that He is sovereign, all-knowing, ever-present. I KNOW that He can count the hairs on my head and knows the number of my days. I also KNOW that He loves me with an unfathomable love and can and will do more than I could ever ask or imagine. I KNOW these things...in my head.

My heart has been deceived to think that God would choose to turn His ear from me. That He would place me in a valley and leave me there. My heart has been deceived.

So, what do I do? Do I lay in sackcloth and ashes and pout until I feel like God has revealed Himself enough that I snap out of the funk I am in? That sure does sound selfish don't you think?

It's a choice...
I will choose to fix my eyes on Him (Hebrews 12:2).
I will choose to be still  (Psalm 46:10).
I will choose to trust the One that can put a new song in my mouth/heart (Psalm 40:3).

When I do these things my heart will have no choice but to trust in His promises. Disappointments will come but I don't have to stay in the pit. He has promised His presence and that's enough. Again, He has promised His presence and that's enough!!

Honestly, it's been a rough two years for me. As I stated before, I don't want to come across as negative and whiney. It's just where I am. There has been disappointment after disappointment BUT
I have grown through them. God has taught me and even disciplined me. Has it been fun? NOT.AT.ALL!!! My emotional state is not at the top of His to-do list. He is more worried about me becoming more like his Son...growing me in Christlikeness.

He is teaching. I am learning.


His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Weekend in Alabama

Brandon and Carson were in Alabama the week of Dalton's surgery so that weekend Nate, Dalton, and I went down there to visit for the weekend and bring them home.

They had been part of VBS all week and we made it just in time for Family Night where we got to see all they had done that week.

Those VBS songs have great moves =)

 

Brandon was so excited that he got to hold the Christian flag

 

 

 

Carson "showing his Daddy" his VBS certificate

 

 

He loved VBS!

 

Saturday was Dalton's birthday!! I CAN'T BELIEVE HE IS ONE!!
Nate and the older boys went to motorcycle races with Papa (Nate's dad) while a few of us went shopping.
That evening we grilled out and celebrated Dalton's big day.
I made him a cake and he loved it!!! =)

Nathan preached Sunday morning...have I ever mentioned how I love to hear him preach?? I might be a little biased but he does a great job! I have said time and time again that he has a passion for the Word that is evident in his preaching/teaching. I am so thankful for his encouragement as my husband but also as a teacher of the Word.

We came back to Nashville late Sunday afternoon. It was a fun weekend and it was good seeing family from Florida that was in town for the weekend. This is my niece, Samantha...don't she and Carson favor??

We are blessed and thankful to have such a loving and supportive family!!!

His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17