Devotion Entry (December 10th, 2008) ~

(I was unpacking and found one of my devotionals with this entry.  It was interesting to read what I was dealing with back then; not knowing I would be right where I am right now. The kids were 4 and 3 years old at the time.  I was hmmm...six years younger ha!)

'There is a lot on my mind today.  How am I suppose to get everything done?  Here are the things swimming in my head:
1) Recording just one song is taking me hours.  I really want to share more of my songs, but I don't have the time.  I am embarrassed that I only have three posted on WorshiptheRock.com.  Will people get bored listening to them? Are they good or great songs?  Will they get tired of listening to me if I don't post anymore songs for awhile?  Should I send them in to contests?  When will I be able to have guitar recorded on them?  Should I wait until Brian can play guitar or ask someone else to do it?  Where can I find good drum loops on my keyboard?  Should I take a break and focus on my family?

2) Preschool for Josh and Hannah at home.  They need to get out and explore.  They need to do learning things to keep their attention.  Hannah is playing pretend almost all day.  It is so hard for her to stop. It's hard for me to devert her attention to do something else.  Am I going to loose it and put them in preschool anyway?

3) The house.  The laundry is not done.  There are dishes needing to be washed in the sink and on the stove.  When will I get to mopping the kitchen and bathroom floors?  The master bedroom needs serious attention.  I need to dust all the cobwebs throughout the house.

4) The garage needs to be organized.  Where are all those cute pants I saved for Hannah?  Where are the overdue books from the library?

5) Pleasanton, CA.  Are we going?  Will we rent or buy a house?  Will they pay for preschool?  Will Brian be happy there?  Does God know what He's doing?  Of course He does.  Why do we have to go there?

6) Finding time to rewrite songs, study the bible.

7) Christmas gifts.  There are still people I need to buy for.  Why do we spend so much on Christmas?

After reading what I've written I realize I am stressed and worried about the future.  God, how do I give these heavy thoughts to you?  What will you do with them?  Will I fail if I don't get more of my songs out there?  God I give You my burdens.'

The Air Is Renewing ~

Today is a day to breathe.  Thank you Jesus!  Yes, I still had to lock myself in the study to breathe that renewing air; however with my husband's help I am enjoying every minute of my break!  I also have a front row seat to watch my children take their handful of doggy do do bags and pick up Molly's land mines in the backyard.  ha ha!!  I am SOOOO glad our children are old enough to be put to work.  I have been waiting YEARS for this day!! lol!  All of you young moms out there need to know there is hope.  

Yesterday morning I woke up and told God I was not ready for another day of homeschooling the kids.  I had lost my inspiration and drive.  I did manage to write up a schedule on the board the night before, but I still had to ask God for His help to get me through the day.  When I walked into the office, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  Both my kids were doing their school work.  Josh had already read from his book out-loud to Hannah, he was working on his handwriting, Hannah was reading her book, and she also did her handwriting.  While I was making breakfast, they did their piano practice.   Then as I was having my coffee, I gave them their spelling tests, math and english tests.  By 11:00am we were done with school!!  We all rejoiced!  What a gift that was from the Lord. 

We celebrated by going to the skate park for an hour.  The kids had the park to themselves and Josh taught Hannah a few tricks.  They wanted me to try the ramps that were easy for them to do.  I got on Hannah's skooter and almost crashed right on my rear end a few times.  I couldn't believe how hard those "easy" ramps were.  I think my failures inspired Hannah to step out and risk a little bit more since it wasn't her favorite sport to do. ; )

We then had a play day with some public school friends at the park.  It was great to see them again.  During that time I was on facebook and saw Natalie Grant was offering free tickets to her concert "Dare To Be" to the first 10 people who emailed her.  On a whim I emailed her and she actually put two aside for Hannah and I.  So, we had a spontaneous mother/daughter date in Sacramento last night!  It was wonderful!!  Unfortunately, Hannah got car sick and had an accident on the way home.  Poor thing. She felt horrible. I told her it wasn't her fault; we cleaned it up at a gas station on the side of the road.  I was so thankful that God was watching out for us.

Now I am catching up on Women's Ministry stuff and Music Ministry stuff. = )  Life really is about the journey and not so much about the destination.  Or, as I learned from Charlotte Gambill's message; it's how we handle the "middle" part of our lives that will make the biggest impact when we reach the end. 

Break Time ~

Here are some pictures from our Christmas/New Year break.  If you would like to watch my performances from "Light Your World," you can go to: http://www.westminster.org/media/  under Special Events December 2013