7 Quick Takes Friday - because its easy and I should blog!

1 - I'm a little frustrated about the mission trip. Fundraising is hard. I didn't realize how difficult it would be, how time consuming, how... involved. I also wasn't expecting such a negative reaction from some people, not about fundraising, but just about us going on a mission trip. We thought this out, we prayed, and when people question that it is frustrating, especially when they bring the kids into it. I guess I was expecting more excitement and happiness over this, I mean we are going out to serve God and the church! That IS exciting! Right? I know God is working, I just don't always know in what way. So I'm working hard to hand over this stress to Him, and just get my own issues out of the way.

2 - Will is a super picky eater. Like, REALLY. This kid will starve himself for days if there is no food he wants, and then binge eat when we finally have something he thinks isn't "disgusting". I mean, that can't be totally healthy right? And um, part of this trip to Mexico is going to be all about being thankful for what we have, not complaining, and accepting what God provides us with. I can see 4 year old picky pants having huge problems with that. I think its good we notice this now, because we can start to work on this heart issue now, before the trip, to prepare for it. I also think that us being in Mexico over Thanksgiving is a bit of a sign in and of itself. I truly can't think of a better, more meaningful way to spend this Thanksgiving, than in another country, living more simply, serving others, and recognizing how much we truly have to be thankful for.

3 - On a non mission trip related note, I'm having skirt/pants issues. Its something I have to pray about in regards to modesty and what God is calling me to do. I go back and forth on this issue so much, and I have had periods of time where I have only worn skirts for a time, and I'm just not sure where I stand with it and where God is leading me at this point. It's a very fine line, for me and where my tendency to sin seems to lie, in vanity and not being loving in my responsibility to respect myself and the body of Christ, but also vanity and pride in a different way of seeing myself as "better" or more "religious" because I am wearing skirts. So, lots of prayer happening in that regard.

4 - We've all had a bit of a cold around here, so we have been taking things easy this week. Its nice to be kind of lazy and lounge about as we rest up and get better, but its also kinda awful because I feel really unproductive and kinda gross. As much as I dislike getting up super early in the morning and sticking to a schedule, it really does work for our family, and it really does make me feel better and do a much better job at staying rooted in prayer and living out my vocation in a Christ honoring way. Crud. Well I guess that just answered the debate going on in my head if I really needed to get up at 5 A.M. on Monday or not. That would be a yes. Coffee anyone?

5 - We are trying to be better about what we eat, and how we treat our bodies. After all, it is the temple of God, the Holy Spirit resides in our hearts, and I think its important to treat ourselves in that way, and for me to teach the kids that. This ties in with modesty that I have especially been working with Abby on as she gets older, but now I realize that its so much more than just that. Modesty is about how we love others, how we love ourselves, and even more importantly, how we love and honor God. We also honor God by showing our bodies the reverence and respect that we should by taking good care of ourselves. This is such an important thing that we have neglected in some ways, and we need to refocus on that.

6 - Joy! Its my word this year. Its a long process. I'm working on it. This song helps me on a lot of days, and during the bad moments of some days my mind and heart linger on the first verse.

"This day God gives me strength of high heaven,

sun and moon shining, flame in my hearth,

Flashing of lightning, wind in its swiftness,

deeps of the ocean, firmness of Earth."

Wow. So we may be a one car family, so my kids might not be in dance or 10 sports or dressed in the most fashionable and pricey clothes. But God is so taking care of us each and every day, and each and every day we are blessed with some amazing and beautiful gifts all around us. So in those bad moments, I feel the wind brush my cheek, and its a whisper from God. I plant my feet firmly on the ground and feel the awe of creation and the connection I have to the beauty God created, and to all the people who have come before me. I see the sun, moon, and stars, and I realize it is all so much bigger than me and this moment, that it is eternal and always. I think of the sea and the majesty that is there, how deep and vast it is, much like the love of God for us. I see lightning flashing as clouds gather and even though it can be scary, it is powerful and beautiful, and I tremble in hope at the beauty that comes through after a storm. I see the gifts I have of food on the table, clothes on our backs, the love from each other, the flame in my hearth I suppose, and I feel God's presense in my home, in this little space, such a great amazing awesomeness here with me in these little details comforting and loving me. And I know its ok. And I feel joy. It is there.

7 - That was deep. So this won't be. I really would like a brownie. Delicioso!