Food for Thought

Long story short:

Luke has refused to eat dinner the past THREE nights, and breakfast this morning.

It is NOT because he is "picky".

It is NOT because he is not hungry.

As soon as our time at the table begins, it is almost as if he longs to hear the words, "You may not have anything else other than what is on your plate, and if you are done, then you are done until the next meal." I can almost see it in his eyes : "Let the games begin!"

Firstly, his Daddy hates losing at any game. Secondly, I am Daddy's biggest fan :)

Tasha V. and Traci R. we have implemented your family friendly "food rule". IF YOU DON'T EAT IT NOW, THEN YOU CAN EAT IT FOR THE NEXT MEAL...

Luke is eating grits for dinner tonight :(

Luke Got a Job

Luke: Mama, I goin' to work...

Mama: OK son, be careful and I'll see you in a little bit.

Luke: I love you.

Mama: I love you, too.

Luke: I goin' to miss you.

Mama: I'm going to miss you, too!! :)

Luke: I need kiss.

Mama: "kiss"...be careful driving...and don't loose your briefcase!(tool box in hand)

Luke: MAMA, I NOT goin to DRIVE, I ridin my SCOODER (scooter) !!! :)

This brought the sweetest smile to my heart this morning. It also holds me accountable to continue to love my husband in front of my children. He sees me kiss Ross every morning, tell him I love him, and occasionally tell him that I will miss him :) He watches and absorbs everything we do here at home...I hope he will kiss his wife all the time and love her one day like his Daddy loves me ;)

Life Without a Computer

To my surprise, life continued for the 3 months we didn't have a computer. Moving into our new home, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, David growing and changing, Luke growing and changing, fun with family, back to Parkwood...and more. As I was thinking about adding pictures to our family blog, I thought about everything that really has gone on the past three months, in this brief time, how much changes and how much God does not change.

Before the sad loss of the computer, I was desperately struggling with the season of life I am in as a woman, a wife, and a mom. I did not enjoy my time at home, and ended most days in resentment and frustration. In Nehemiah 9, it says "But when they cried to You in the time of their distress, You heard from heaven, and ACCORDING TO YOUR GREAT COMPASSION....you answered them." God not only answers our prayers to Him, but he hears and responds with COMPASSION. Compassion? After my selfishness, after my resentment, after my anger, after my continual sin? Yes, gracious and compassionate He is to me. "But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; and you did not forsake them...in Your great compassion, did not forsake them..." Neh 9: 17 and 19.
I truly felt at a loss during this time. Making a schedule, trying to keep Luke entertained, being told everyone goes through this, etc...these were all great helps during this time, but they were not the solution. The solution was admitting my desperation for Christ and then going to him empty asking for change and help. I am convinced and convicted that not spending time in God's Word and prayer will leave life empty and disappointing. I do not want to waste my life being disappointed and empty. I want the Abundant life God has for me!!! It is mine, I must know Him to have it. There is nothing more appealing.

I am encouraged today at God's faithfulness and goodness to me...His compassionate goodness.