Radically Blessed » life

Summer at the Ranch

Tricia — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:38:30 +0000

Howdy out there! How are ya’ll?? Things here in Ky have been so humid and hot. We have some good days in the mid 80’s and we go to the pool. Than in the blink of an eye we are in the mid 90’s and it is way to hot to go outside. It is that humidity that takes your breath away when you walk out. So we are finding things to do that are indoors. We have been to the library several times, the mall, and one day we ventured out to Jungle Jim’s. If you haven’t been to Jungle Jim’s, you have to check them out. It is an extremely large international market. Tons of strange and interesting food. It was very educational to say the least. Totally fun, take a look at the pics.

animated critters

Firetruck above their large hot sauce selection

As you can see, it’s a jungle at Jungle Jim’s. I would recommend going if you can, we had fun and will go back (we have been before). They have things there that I had never heard of or cooked before, plus it takes up the whole day going through that store, GIGANTIC!

Phoebe attended VBS and had so much fun. The theme is Saddle Ridge Ranch. The theme bible verse was:

James 1:5

Now if any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing and it will be given to him.

Union Baptist did a great job of making the kids feel like they were really on a ranch. The music was a blast and the snacks were fun. The bible verses were amazing and just seeing those kids fall in love with Jesus is enough to send any mama leaping and dancing! They learned who they are in Christ, if God really cares about them, what God’s plan is for them, how they can be like Jesus and what do they do when VBS is over. I just love VBS. I wish I could send my kids to one a month. It seems that all our local churches decided to do theirs in June. Here are some pics:

The last day UBC had a cookout for the families and had a petting zoo come. Total fun! It was really hot but the kids loved seeing all the animals. It sealed the week!

I am getting ready to start a new bible study called “Becoming a Women of Simplicity” by Cynthia Heald. I have found that I need to be in a bible study especially during the summer for the accountability. This one looks good. I am a type A, multitasking, overachiever who needs some simplicity in my life. This fall will be a new season for me. Both my girls are in school all day. I have had so many people ask me “so what are you going to do”? Like I do nothing all day now.. So it got me thinking, no actually panicking. I am not one to sit still. I am a doer and need to have a list if you will. I have always had a full plate, always. I started praying asking God what he wanted me to do. I really thought I was to pick up hours working for Weight Watchers, nope. I thought of starting another blog that deals with fitness and nutrition, nope. I even tossed around becoming a weight loss coach, nope! Okay, so what am I to do with 8 hours a day? I really truly feel God is telling me to sit. Be still. Allow HIM to fill my days if need be. Sure I will keep my home, doing all the things that goes with that, grocery, menu preps, laundry, cleaning etc. and I will continue to work out taking care of myself, but the only commitment I have is bible study which I will NOT give up. I am really looking forward to it. Nervous, absolutely! This is new to me. But, I am excited to see how Jesus will fill my days. I want to be obedient to what I feel he is speaking to my heart so when I saw this study I knew HE placed it before me to prepare me. WOW, isn’t Christ a blast! I can’t wait to start it tomorrow and I will keep you posted on it. Are you in a study this summer, either alone or with a group? What do you feel God is doing in your life right now at this moment? What is he teaching you?

Have a blessed week!

oh, summertime….

Tricia — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:14:02 +0000

Hey out there, long time no blogging! Things here have been utterly crazy! We had end of school activities and than summer is upon us.

track and field day

Phoebe was the first base gal..

My dad was in town for a visit and it poured rain on Saturday so we had Mario Kart Wii battles. It was hysterical watching my dad trying to get the hang of the control.

He finally figured it out and the battle was on! They had a blast and it was a good way to spend a rainy day. The visit was terrific…great food, great conversation and the girls getting to spend time with Papaw W. and Gramma W. They headed out on Sunday to go back to Georgia and we headed to Louisville. My mother in law turned “65″ this weekend and she had a birthday party. We had beautiful weather and tons of food. What’s a party with no food?? We had BBQ, buffalo chicken dip, salad, deviled eggs, potato salad, fruit, slaw and to finish it off…CAKE. Now this was not just a cake, it was carrot cake and I mean it was good! Rich, creamy, and the edges were dredged in toasted almonds. Check it out..

Do you see where Phoebe is sitting..yep that’s my girl. She doesn’t miss a thing. Nana cut her that huge yellow balloon for her piece!

The kids played in the sprinkler and we sat under the shade tree.

Natalie enjoyed being outside. The warm weather is so good for her. I just wish we could get rid of these dang ear infections. It seems like we get rid of one and within weeks she gets another. UGH!

So we are in the midst of summer. I love it. No schedules, relaxing, eating dinner late, sitting outside, visiting with family and friends, summer fare food, flip flops, pools, sunscreen, tank tops, fresh fruit…the list goes on and on. What have you been up to or what do you have planned? Do you have any goals that you are working on this summer or do things get placed on the back burner for these 3 months?

Have a blessed week!

Random Ramblings…

Tricia — Sat, 22 May 2010 22:57:04 +0000

Hi friends,

It has been a while since my last post. Things here have been so busy. School is winding down for the year and we are gearing up for summer! There are tons of end of school activities. Plans to be made for summer.

What summer plans do you have? We haven’t planned an official vacation but we are looking at some places. Where are you going this summer? Natalie will be attending a summer day camp twice a week and Phoebe is going to VBS and church camp! She is really excited about church camp. It is only one night (for kindergarten and first graders) but the cool thing is, it is the camp I went to when I was a kid. I have heard it has changed and been updated. When I went we slept in modified barns, having to drape a sheet over the rafters to keep the bugs out. We did have running water for showers and toilets but we saw spiders the size of kittens…of course I haven’t told Phoebe about any of this or she would totally back out. Not a bug liking girl.

I really just want to relax this summer. I don’t want to have my days so planned out that there is no wiggle room. I want to be able to sleep in, rest, spend time with family and friends, enjoy our evenings grilling and just relax. Is that even possible? How do you plan on relaxing this summer?

I love to read. There is a group of gals that’s reading Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson. It is really good and Susie has such a passion for Christ. We are reading 2 chapters a week and hopefully going to be able to meet throughout the summer to chat about what we are reading and learning. I have 6 more books in line to read (not all this summer) but I just placed a book on hold at our local library and can’t wait to get it this upcoming week. It is by the season 5 winner of The Biggest Loser, Ali Vincent. She wrote, Believe it, Be it. I enjoy Biggest Loser and have watched it since season 3. I will let you know how the book is and be sure to watch the season finale of Biggest Loser Tuesday at 8pm.

Have a great weekend, throw out some tips on having a relaxing, fun summer! What do you do to make summer memorable?

I met a loser!

Tricia — Sun, 09 May 2010 21:38:45 +0000

I had such a great Mother’s day weekend. It started with getting to meet a loser. Yep, I got to meet a contestant from the hit TV show The Biggest Loser. Abby Rike was a contestant on season 8, when she started Biggest Loser she weighed in at 247 pounds. She was voted off on week 7 (I think) and went home to loose a total of 100 pounds. She has lost more since and is happy and healthy. My home church invited her to share her amazing story. Abby is funny, sweet and inspirational. She talked about her journey and how God has paved the way for her to be who she is called to be, because she is obedient. Through her tragedy arose victory! I took away some key statements, 1. Don’t be defined by the scale…let the number be your starting point on your journey to health, it’s all about being healthy not the numbers. 2. Choice embowers you to be what you want to be if you choose to choose wisely. 3. Are you existing or living and if you are just existing what changes do you need to make so you are living? She was a delight to meet!

Tricia with Abby Rike

This morning I was surprised with breakfast in bed! Yum, it was delicious and so very nice. We attended church and heard a great sermon on beauty. Gals, it is all about the beauty on the inside! The most beautiful thing to God is Jesus. God is more concerned about the condition of our heart, not what we are wearing or our hair style. We have let society dictate what is beautiful and majority of the time their beautiful is photoshopped and touched up! Let’s stand up and stand firm on God’s truth regarding beauty. We are gorgeous to Christ! He delights in us just as we are. Now, I do believe we should treat our bodies as the temple they are, taking care of them but let’s claim our beauty in Christ!

We came home from church and dug in the dirt planting flowers and plants. I think alot of families around here do this on Mother’s Day weekend. It is the official, it’s okay to plant flowers, the weather is good now in KY.

I pray that you have a wonderful mothers day! I pray that you claim your beauty in Christ and pass this truth onto the girls in your circle!

Here are my delights and my beauties! I love them with my entire being.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!! GOD BLESS

Babies are coming!

Tricia — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:17:54 +0000

Hi friends, isn’t God’s creation beautiful. This time of year amazes me. All the color and growth. I hope wherever you live you are enjoying spring.

Well, babies are coming to our home. It is so exciting! Oh, what to do to prepare. Cleaning and nesting. Anticipating the arrival. What will they look like, what will we name them? Will they be up all night or will they get on a good routine? Will one be a early riser, will one be the babbler, will one…oh, you probably are thinking I am having babies, oh no not me, this one is having the babies,

Mama bird

She built her nest outside our bonus room. It is so cool how it is a perfect circle. She must have worked so hard. We can pull the curtains back and be nose to beak with her. She usually flies away quickly but doesn’t go far, keeping an eye on her babies. Here are her babies first photo’s.

This was yesterday

This was today..four eggs!

Someone told us that she would lay four eggs and then she would tend to sit on them most of the time, not leaving the nest. Well, we now have four. So I guess we will see more of Mama. It will be fun seeing the little birds hatch and teaching the girls about God’s wonderful creation and the amazing miracles of birth! So now the big question is what to name them? I am sure we will come up with something fun!

We will keep you posted on the “hatching.” I just can’t wait to see them, no feathers and all. I have never seen baby birds. It’s kinda ironic…new home, new dreams, new birth happening literally right outside our window. I like to believe it is God smiling down on us, saying that things are joyful, things are delightful, things are fresh and we are going to have many new dreams and memories “birthed” out of our new home. Yep, that’s God!! He is a blast, I adore and praise HIM!!

Gratefullness

Tricia — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:00:10 +0000

Today I’d like to welcome author and speaker Susie Larson. Susie’s new book Growing Grateful Kids has just released and I’ve invited her to share a little bit about this great resource.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

My husband and I have been married 25 years and have three grown sons (all in their early twenties). Our oldest son Jake works on the business side of the Christian music industry. Our middle son Luke is married to his beautiful wife Kristen; he works full time at a bank and part time as a worship pastor. Our youngest son Jordan is studying to become a surgical nurse. My husband Kevin is a commercial construction manager by day and manages my ministry by night (and weekends). Bless his heart.  I am an author, speaker, and an on-call radio host for Christian talk radio. Together, Kevin and I serve as advocates for justice on behalf of modern day slaves and human trafficking victims.

Tell us about your new book, Growing Grateful Kids: Teaching Them to Appreciate an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Places.

Even when economic times are tight, our children enjoy an abundance of material possessions. Yet, amidst all this wealth, discontentment and competition seem to be on the rise. Instead of teaching children virtues such as gratefulness and patience, many parents are bending over backwards to get their children the latest and greatest item – or feeling guilty when they can’t. In spite of the currents of materialism and entitlement that flow so strong, it is possible to raise children who are simply grateful. Though teaching perspective and gratitude to our children is critical, it is not difficult.

Why did you want to write this book?

To be completely honest, I never wanted to write a book on parenting. I wanted to protect my kids’ privacy and give them time and space to become the men God wants them to be. But in the last few years, I have been especially burdened with the level of selfishness, entitlement and disrespect I see among children today. Furthermore, moms seem more stressed than ever. When I asked my sons their thoughts on writing this book, without pausing they all said, “Do it, mom; that book needs to be written!” I think I wrote a book that not only equips young moms to raise humble, grateful world-changers, but also one that nourishes the soul of the reader and encourages her personally.

Throughout the book you remind the reader that we cannot impart what we do not possess. Can you explain?

If we never deal with our own fears, insecurities, and hang ups, but we try to teach our children to believe in their divine value, over time, our words will not ring true to them. First God wants to do His work in us before He does it through us. They say that lessons are more often caught than taught. If we parent from a place of conviction and real freedom, our children will be affected by what we teach them.

One of your chapters is titled, “Take Time to Play.” How does taking time to play teach our kids to be grateful?

To me, taking time to play says a lot about the level of faith we possess.

If our children hear us confess that we love and serve a BIG God and yet they see us striving and straining through life, they will come to believe that more is on our shoulders than on God’s. If we can trust God enough to step away from our busy-important lives, to make a fort in the basement, or play a game with our children – even in the most desperate of economic situations – we will give our children a sense of much needed security and that all is well in their world.

What do you want readers to take away from this book?

To answer this question (I hope you don’t mind), I would like to share an endorsement from one of my sample readers. She expressed my deepest desire for my reader:

“Growing Grateful Kids is such a great source of conviction, encouragement, and inspiration to spur me on to finishing this parenting race well and not sputter out along the way. This book compels me to submit my own character to the refining of the Holy Spirit that I may be equipped to impart those lessons onto my children. Thank you, Susie, for taking the time, for submitting in obedience, and writing this down for a generation in desperate need of this kind of parenting book!” –Gail Miller

This is a Hearts at Home book. What is Hearts at Home?

Hearts at Home is an organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home encourages moms through annual conferences, our extensive website (www.hearts-at-home.org), a free bi-weekly electronic newsletter, a radio program, and an entire line of books designed to meet the needs of moms all over the world!

Any closing thoughts?

I am very excited about the message in this book. It is my prayer that every one who reads it will be nourished, encouraged, and equipped to parent from a place of fullness, conviction, and confidence. Raising grateful, confident kids will be one of the most heroic, important things you do in your lifetime. God’s blessings to you!

Thank you Susie. Your passion is contagious. I can’t wait to get this book!

A party, fish and studing truth..

Tricia — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:46:05 +0000

Natalie had such a great 10th birthday. There was a snow day on her birthday but my terrific friend called and said she was bringing her kids over to celebrate the joyous occasion having a “spa” day with Natalie. They had so much fun. Natalie got her nails painted, and her hair fixed. The crew sang Happy Birthday and ate some cookies. It was such a sweet and thoughtful way to celebrate her day. Great friends!! Over the weekend we had family over to celebrate. We served pizza, salad and cupcakes! Just love cupcakes. Here are some photo’s.

Birthday Girl

Natalie and her friend Samantha

delicious cupcakes..yummy!!

Over the past week I had some really interesting conversations with Phoebe about the bible. They have been such a blessing! I love to see God’s word residing in her heart. Truly a treasure moment as a mom. I wanted to share with you one of Phoebe’s favorite music groups.

This group is fun and very entertaining!! Here is the link to their website.

Jump over to Lysa Terkeurst’s blog, she is chatting about Studying the Bible and Loving it, how to go about it and some tips and tools. I know that my day’s can get ahead of me and before I know it it is dinner time, bath time, bed time and I collapse onto the couch. I need to make sure I am aware of how I spend my time. I NEED to be in God’s word daily. This is such a pull at your heart strings topic, especially for moms. Our days are full and life is busy, but girls it is so important that we drench our days with God. That is what she is going over for the next few days so I wanted to copy cat her. ( I think that is legal in bloggy world??) So how do you drench yourself with God’s truth? When is your daily quiet time? Do you blast Christian music, we do. Do you hang post it notes with scriptures all over your house, I have a friend who does, what a great idea. Please do share, let’s support and encourage one another.

Have a wonderful Monday!

valentines, snow storm, packing…

Tricia — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:17:34 +0000

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!! I hope that you have had a blessed day and told someone Happy V-day.

We have been so busy around here. We have had lots of snow which has given our kids…snow days! Phoebe has had fun playing out in the snow and Natalie has enjoyed sleeping in. I have to admit it has been sorta nice sleeping in and not having to run back and forth to school. We have had our fair share of sickness and everyone is on the mends, PTL!

Our church service was so good this morning. Our pastor has been preaching on Jonah. Now if you grew up in church, I know that you have heard Jonah and the whale, you know the guy who was disobedient to God, got swallowed by a whale, lived in it’s belly for 3 days, decided to obey what God called him to do, got spit out by the whale and followed through with his assignment. Well, we have been studying topics like, Running from God, Running to God, Running for God and today was Running Into God. The main meat of the service was the compassion that God showed Jonah as he sat on the hillside and waited to see what kind of wrath God was going to dump on the Ninevites. When nothing was done, Jonah got angry with God because he, Jonah, believed that they “deserved” punishment, even though they had turned from their evil ways. Hmm..don’t we all act that way? Do we graciously give others compassion and empathy? Empathy is entering into another’s feelings trying to understand them. Compassion is acting on what you discover. We judge and look at others “deciding” what they should have coming to them or coming up with their punishment in our own heads but never stop to think that we ourselves deserve NO mercy or compassion from God, but because he LOVES us so much HE desires to give it to us! WHOA… That is huge! Just sit with that for a minute. We hold grudges, get angry, look at others with fogged glasses of judgement, when we should be looking right in the mirror. What God delivers to us so lovingly is GRACE!

Our pastor brought up someone who is be so criticised right now..Tiger Woods. He said that the three words that come after Tiger’s name if googled are, affair, mistress, jokes. That is sad. Think of how he feels. Our pastor said no wonder he hasn’t made a comment. Would anyone take him serious? The good news is that Tiger’s wife, Elin, has told him that he has 6 months to get their marriage fixed. So, as Christan’s, we need to hold that family and the whole situation up in prayer. That, is just what we did. The church had pieces of paper that we could write an encouraging note to Tiger and Elin Woods. They are going to be mailed and our senior pastor, Greg Marksberry, wrote a letter that will be inside the box explaining who we are and what the box contains. Notes of encouragement and prayers hopefully showing them the love of Christ. Our desire should be that our lives point to Christ.

A question was posed at the end of service, ”Are we a church that celebrates people, not shaming them because of what they have done?” We all pray, “God use me” but do we ever pray, “God change me so that my life points to Christ” We have a choice to show compassion or shovel out judgement. Let’s choose the compassion! (Good stuff huh!)

On another note, we are in the midst of packing to move. Our new home will be finished in about 5 weeks. PTL! We are so excited, this home is fully handicapped accessible and will make taking care of Natalie so much easier. Plus she will be able to be completely involved in all family activities. She will be able to go upstairs to the bonus room and downstairs, to what will eventually be called the family fun room once it is finished (although, Elliott wants to call it, The Man Cave). God is so awesome and faithful. We feel so blessed! This has been an incredible journey and we see God’s hand all over this project! Does anyone out there have any tips for packing and moving? I so want to just dive in and get things packed but we still have to live in this house. I have gone through, cleaned out closets and packed things that we don’t use right now. I guess I just need to go about my days and go with the flow. It will get packed and we will get moved.

Well we are preparing for a winter storm. We are supposed to get 5-8 inches by Monday night. School is out for Presidents Day, but I am wondering if there will be school on Tuesday? Get all this snowing done now than bring on Spring!!

Simple delights..

Tricia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:17:15 +0000

I was reading a blog I follow today and the gal was talking about simple pleasures. I thought it would be fun to list some. We are so busy in life and the minutes turn into hours, turn into days, turn into months and than years. Do you take time to have delights or pleasures? In the moment do you say..”Ah, this is delightful!” I know I have. Like…..

Sleeping in (those moms who are up at the crack of dawn with school aged children..I can hear you all saying AMEN!)

A good, and I mean good cup of coffee

The smell of a freshly cleaned home, just love it.

Getting a handmade card in the mail..this has become one of my newest pleasures!

Hot fudge cake all to myself..no sharing

thunderstorms

tall glass of brewed ice tea

Being able to sit and watch a TV show you enjoy with no interruptions

Hearing “I LOVE YOU MAMA” from you kids

Fresh flowers in the house

Pellet ice…like at Frisch’s or Chick Fila

Great hair days

Sassy shoes

Natalie’s smile

Phoebe’s laugh

Elliott’s love

sunrises

An upbeat Christan song on a Sunday morning..the kind where you just have to raise those hands

bible study and quiet time

answered prayers

coffee lovers ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery

warm clothes right out of the dryer

fuzzy socks

getting a compliment

laughter between friends

Now it is your turn, blessings !!

Bye Bye 2009, come on in 2010..

Tricia — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:43:42 +0000

Wow, can you believe we are closing a decade. I am so excited about starting a new year and a new decade. New, new, new!! I have some new adventures I am praying about. What do you have that is new coming in 2010? I am so excited to be moving into our new home in a few months. We have waited so long for this home and it is such a blessing from God. It will able us to care for Natalie easier. We are truly blessed!! I will also be teaching a lesson for our women’s bible study. I have to admit, I am scared to death. I just keep praying that God takes “me” completely out and fills “me” with Christ. Those are just a few…so what is “new” with you?

I want to wish you and your family a safe and refreshing New Year. I have added a new page called Tips and downloads. There is a great download that has 20 questions to reflect on from 2009. It is really good!! Check it out and let me know what you think. I hope to add more tips and downloads in the future. If you have something you want to share send it my way!

Once again, Happy New Year!! May God bless you and your family abundantly in 2010!!

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.