CHIP OFF THE OL' BLOCK

For Mother's Day we did a little shopping at the Antique Faire. I realize that I've probably missed the window of opportunity to talk about Mother's Day, so I'll tell you up front, this isn't about that. While we were shopping I noticed something really sweet. I have raised quite the antique shopper. I didn't purposely do it, but as I walked around from booth to booth, I noticed my son was holding his own with the antiques...

With his little watch and his little wallet, like he belonged there. He knew what to touch and what not to. I saw him using my technique of taking a moment to soak everything in before getting closer. He knew that sometimes you had to dig a little to find what you were looking for, it was really fun to observe him. He was even able to get the price lowered on some things, just by looking at the vendors (now that's a master negotiator!) My point is I didn't teach him any of these things, I just brought him around. I've said it before, but I'm constantly seeing the significance of the following scripture:

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

- Proverbs 22:6

I've looked up a couple of the different translations for this scripture, and did not find that any started "Tell your child..." I never sat Henry down and said "Look son, these are the strategies for Antique shopping, Step 1...." He watched me. I am left seeing the power of my actions and behavior in the eyes of my children. Not only what I do, but where I take him, what I show him...It's all part of his "training"

Ultimately I'm left reevaluating what it is I'm showing him. I have to step back and take an assessment of myself. What if he saw me loving fiercely, ("A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." - John 13:34) or speaking only positive about others ("Therefore encourage one another and build each other up," - 1 Thessalonians 5:11). What if he saw me run to help the hungry, the homeless, the hurting and treat them with love ( "For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me....‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’" - Matthew 25: 35-40).

 

Imagine the man I could be raising, one who is not only savvy to the antique world, but who loves fiercely, who is encouraging, who pours love on those who need it. Not because I had him memorize bible scripture, but because we lived it, we carried it out, we showed him the way.

THE MEMORY OF MUSIC IN THE AIR

Can I tell you something? I love a concert in the park. I am swooned by hanging out on the grass. I love little bare feet and itchy skin from prickly grass and little hands finding something to do while the grown ups keep busy...

I am quite fond of messy kids and sticky ice cream fingers.

And I'm serious, quite serious actuallly. I love the memories made outside sitting in the park, while music fills the air. It reminds me of when I was littlle, it takes me back to a time when I sat on sweet soft grass, sharing a blanket with my sister, lost in our own little world, while the music filled the air.

I think one of the fun parts about being a mother, is getting to watch their memories be made. Knowing, hoping that one day, they'll remember all of this. Sometimes, the times are rough, but even in that, how often do we say "Someday, we'll laugh about this."

 

As we enter Mother's Day weekend, I am very humbled and honored to enter the ranks of so many other Mothers. I am blessed my the memories already locked away from the last few years being a mother, and I am exited for the many more yet to be made!

 

It's early, but Happy Mother's Day, to the rest of my Tribe! To the woman who have memories of their own! To the woman who hang in there during the rough times and late nights and tears and triumph to make another beautiful memory!

 

As I continue this calling to be a mother, as I try to do my best and teach them love and guide them into the wonderful being God created them to be, I am blessed by this scripture:

 

"Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" - Matthew 28:20

 

He is with me in every memory, in every moment. He is comforting me and holding me up in the moments that are tough, and he is with me in the beautiful ones, the ones that fill the air and my heart. He is with me always, I am never alone in this task.

 

BURIED TALENTS

I thought I'd share a little glimpse of what I've been up to during some of my "free" time...you know, late at night, in my pajamas and while the kids are sleeping or preoccupied with morning cartoons. I've opened up a little "shop" of my own, it's called 'Little Revelations', and if you've been following me on instagram or facebook, you've probably caught wind! Being a mom, I just figured I'd make things I already make for my kids or would want for my kids. I am not always brave when it comes to trying something new, I get extremely nervous putting myself and my talents out there...anyone else with me? I decided, I'd take a leap, try not to worry too much and see what happens. Here are some glimpses of GOOD:street food + design market, that I got to participate in...

I won't lie, I was nervous the whole time! We didn't do too bad though, and most of all, I had my love by my side  the whole time and some really sweet feedback. It's such a great event in itself, so it was fun to be on the vendor side this time.

 

I'm continuing to try to remind myself not to overthink the road I am on, to continue to let God have control. To take leaps of faith big and small, and learn from every experience.

 

If you want to take a look at some of my goods, you can! I have an online store here and you can also find me on facebook here.

 

Today's Reflection:

Sometimes Steve and I can sink into the 'conservative' life. It's a bit of a smoother road if you don't always go down an unknown path. He has been bringing to my attention the parable of talents, Matthew 25:14-30.

 

If you're not familiar with it, I'll paraphrase. A Master goes out of town and gives 3 of his servants money to invest for him. When he returns he finds that two of the three, did just as he asked, they invested the money and it multiplied. The Master was quite pleased. The third however had the following to say:

 

“The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’" -Matthews 25:24-25

 

The master was pretty upset when he heard this and had some 'choice' words for him (I'll let you read it yourself). The point was he did not invest what his Master had given him. He did nothin with it, "buried" it!

 

I don't want to bury what my Master gives me. I want to try and do something with it, remembering, that my master does allow for error, he gives grace instead of punishment for those seeking him. I will try to multiply the investment he's made in me.

 

CRAFT NIGHT

Let's just pretend I haven't had such a long absence from here. Let's just act as old friends do and pick up where we left off!

 

I think I've mentioned my mom's group...MOPS, here before...right? It is my Mom club, my Homies with kids, my gal pals with diaper changing skills. It's been such a fun group to be a part of. One of the things I love most is just the talent and love that comes from these women. I see that they are much more than just a group of 'moms' they have such beautiful gifts, but hanging with them helps me to realize that I too have much more inside on top of the mom skills! So recently we decided to put together a 'Craft Night', threw it out into the world, prayed for the best and here is how it went...

We had a good turnout, met some new friends and had such a fun time.

There were 4 crafts we taught, Floral Crowns, DIY Wrapping Paper, Banners and Party blowers...

So now with the first Craft Night under our belt who's ready for the next one?

 

I realize that doing something new, starting something you may think you have no business doing can be scary. But when you take that first step, when you let all the fears go and open yourself up and trust the talents and skills God gave you, you can succeed. I need to remember that. Take confidence in the person God has created you to be.

 

Well, with that...I'll see you all later!