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!

Bet you are confused?  Growing what with soap?  Ourselves in God’s word!!    This is such a great idea!  With summer right around the corner, I know many of us are trying to decide what bible study to do, and how we’re going to get our quiet time in with kids home and very open schedules.  This idea is gonna help you. 

I like to start my day by getting cleaned up and closer to God with a little SOAP.  The SOAP I’m talking about is more than just a surface clean, though…  it is a way to get into God’s word and grab my nugget every single time I read.

So, what is this SOAP?  Well, I’m glad you asked…

It is a simple way to read through the Lord’s word, pray and reflect on just what He might be telling you in that passage.

All you need for your study/ journaling time is a Bible, notebook, pen and about 20 minutes, depending on the length of your passage.

Here’s what I do:

Pray, asking God to guide me through His Word and clear my mind of distractions.

Read the passage and find the one thing I believe God is telling me that morning. Then I journal about it using the acrostic SOAP as a guide.

S: Scripture-Write the ONE scripture that I feel God is using to speak to me in today’s reading

O: Observation-What might He be telling me with that scripture?

A: Application-How can I apply it to my life?

P: Prayer-What is my prayer to ask God in helping me to make that application?

Isn’t that a terrific idea.  Give it a try and let me know how it goes.   This was not my idea.  I got it from this blog, check it out!   The gal was thrilled that I wanted to share it with you.

I had an awesome, fun morning,  women’s bible study started at church! I am so ready to get back into routine and study God’s word together.   We are doing the study, Experiencing God, which is said to be the best life changing bible study around.  It was so much fun to be reunited with sisters in Christ.  It is a wonderful celebration and it will be an adventure. 

I am sure your heart is as heavy as mine!  The devastation in Haiti is horrific.  Please, please be on your knees praying for this country.  They need so much help and hope.  I heard today on the radio that witnesses have seen groups of Haitians on hillsides singing hymns…praise Jesus!  In times of economic struggle it is easy to ask how you can help, what can I do?  Pray and ask God to show you how to serve these people.  One way you can is to text “disaster” to 90999 to give $10 to Compassion’s disaster relief program. They will be working directly with the local churches who know where these families live and will be providing immediate relief to them.  You can also click HERE to donate. 

Psalm 46: 1-7
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

So, I just finished a great book and wanted to see what you all were reading or wanted to read.  I really enjoy reading.  I don’t get much time to do it, but it does give me a respite from the daily life.  The book I just finished was “When Women Walk in Faith” by Lysa Terkeurst.  I love to highlight things in books that take me into deep thought or convict me.  This book is so highlighted!  It is great.  It walks you through the 5 steps of walking in faith.  If you have a list going of books to read in 2010, put this one on it.   

So, what’s on your list to read in 2010?  Are you gearing up to dive deep into God’s word with a bible study?  Do you have a favorite author?  When do you find time to read? 

Our women’s bible study is going to be starting “Experiencing God.”  I did this study when I was pregnant with Natalie back in 1999 (which I was on bed rest and while at study had to sit in a lawn chair that reclined)  so I really don’t remember alot about it.  I am eagerly anticipating the adventure Jesus has in store for me during this particular study!  I am sure it will be one not to forget. 

Well, I am off to get something warm to drink and see how the gang is outside.  Bet there will be some kind of snowman or fort built.  We have around 5 inches of snow and it is flurrying.  Oh, how do you like the new look of the blog.  I just love the colors…they are me.  I have been going through this journey of rediscovering who I am, what I like and don’t like.  I recently had the epiphany that I am a people pleaser and would make decisions based on if someone else would like it or not.  Would they think I was weird, judge me or change their view of  me.  Instead of being the person God created me to be I would be like a chameleon with whoever I was with.  This is a topic I would love to dive deeper in future posts.   If you have insight or are reading this thinking that sounds like me, let me know.

 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.

I am active in a women’s bible study and attend a Moms in Touch group.  I also like to attend a local aerobics class.  Taking kids to school, picking them up, housework, cooking, laundry, errands, time…does anyone know where we can get more of it?   In the past, I would do my bible study and check it off the list, just like something else.  In my self evaluation and in my prayer time, I really felt God changing my heart in this area.  I had made quiet time just another thing to do.  I need to cherish my time with the Lord.  Really listen to what he has to say about my life and how I use my time.  So I have started getting up at 6am…yes..6am to have my quiet time and I LOVE it.  I have my coffee, the house is quiet and it’s  just me and Jesus. This has taken some discipline.  It”s so easy to hit that alarm and roll over in the nice warm bed.  But, what I would be missing out on…nothing compares.  It is my fuel for the day. ( To help my type A mind from wondering and worry I have started journaling my thoughts and prayers.)  

While adjusting my schedule to life with both girls in school and trying to get on a good routine I have discovered that I have no hobbies.  None.  I have great friends who have introduced me to fun little projects but I have nothing to claim as my hobby.  So after chatting with my hubby really pondering on what I like to do and what I enjoy receiving,  I have decided to start stamping. I really enjoy encouraging others and I think this is gonna be a fun way to do that.  If you are like me, I love getting fun mail.  What a fun thing to get, a homemade card, to make you smile.   I am really excited about it.  About 10 years ago I had a Stamping party and tried to get into it but life quickly changed and I got sucked into a whirlwind of doctors, therapy and craziness.  I felt totally overwhelmed with getting all the “stuff” out and than putting in back up because I did not have an area to craft in and leave it all out.  Than we moved, twice, and the stamps went into a box. 

Well, time goes on and God has introduced me to a delightful friend who is quite the crafty gal.  She is an avid stamper and an excellent one at that.  So I am gonna give it a whirl.  I have a spot in the basement set up so everything can stay out and have purchased some paper, ink, new stamps, ribbon etc.  I have made a few cards, having to dig deep to find my creativity that has been placed on a shelf for many years and discovered, it is fun.  When you sit and think about the design, put it together, finish it…ah…a finished token of encouragement, that I made…me..little old me!

So what do you do for ”playtime?”  Do you bake, sew, bead, scrapbook, woodwork, garden, read, photography?  Share what you do and who, how you got into it.  It is important that we let our creative sides come out. I suppressed mine for so many years, using busy to keep me from pursuing anything fun.  This led to a very boring hum-drum life. God created us to be creative.  He gave us personality and curiosity.  He himself is so creative.  I love the colors of the changing seasons. Creative. The new colors of fall. Creative.  Get up one morning and view the sunrise, or in the evening view the sunset, than the starry sky.  He is creative and He is beautiful.  We tend to take all that for granted in our busy lives,  but have you ever just paused and  looked at the views God paints for us?  Magnificently creative.  Do you ever praise him for the marvels?  I challenge you to find them daily.  It might just get your creative juices flowing!! 

footnote:  the card in this blog is not one that I made but I do love the design.

Things are fun around our home.  We are getting ready for school, buying  supplies, orientations to attend, schedules to lay out.  Natalie will be in 4th grade and Phoebe is going to Kindergarten.  This will be such a huge change for us.  I have always had a preschooler at home.  Now my baby is going off to school. 

My motherhood season is changing.  I have been a preschool mom for a long time.  Now there are no  preschoolers in the Cross home.  We have entered a new season.  PUBLIC SCHOOL!!  I am excited, but nervous.  I have always had a schedule that consisted of:  getting Natalie ready for school, feeding Phoebe breakfast, getting in some exercise, shower, load Phoebe in the car and head out the door.  We either ran errands, went to preschool, play dates, bible study or attended MOPS.  My routine is changing.  I graduated from MOPS and now will be taking a kiddo to kindergarten. My mind still has a hard time with it. 

 It’s funny how you get comfortable in the season you are in and sometimes that comfort allows no room for growth.  I believe that the Lord wants us to grow continually.  I think he loves to see us enter into a new season.  He anticipates it.  Jesus loves to see us grow, especially in him.  This new season will allow me some much needed time and growth.  Though I am sad that my baby is going off to school and growing up, I am eager to see what God has planned for me.  I have spent alot of time in prayer for direction and guidance.  I know for myself I can get my plate of obligations cleared off and before I know it my plate is abundantly full again.  I have to be cautious and in prayer over the activities I choose to participate in.  I read in a book that sometimes we think we are the ones being called to aministry or organization when in reality Jesus just wants us to pray for the “called” person to step up.  That was huge to me.  I get all these ideas in my mind, believing that Christ is calling me to lead them or orchestrate when he is really just placing it on my heart to pray for it and them.  It is okay to just participate.  It’s okay to take days off and rest.  It’s okay to allow others to step up.  When we think we are the “called” ones and we aren’t, we are stealing the blessings of others and stressing ourselves out!

We do have a full fall season planned.  We are building a new home, which is very exciting.  I am attending a bible study at church.  Natalie will continue with physical therapy and Phoebe is going to start in American Heritage Girls.  I think that is enough for now, although I am praying about a Moms in Touch group.  If you attend or have attended a Moms in Touch group I would love to hear how it impacted your life and your children’s lives.  For those who are not familiar with Moms in Touch, it is an organization that get’s moms together once a week for an hour to pray for their children and their children’s school.   

For now, I am cherishing the last few days of summer break and cherishing my time with my family before we are back into the hustle and bustle of things.  How about you??

Can you believe that school is gonna start in 4 weeks.  That is crazy.  We have had such a mild summer.  The weather has been great but really odd.   I am nervous for school.  My baby will be in kindergarten.  This brings on a whole new hosts of worry.  She is now in the “school system.”  This is when I take a deep breathe and pray!   I know she will be fine.  Phoebe is outgoing, smart, witty and full of personality.  I know she is ready but I hope they are ready for her! 

I am kind of looking forward to getting back into a routine.  My favorite season is fall.  I love the smell of  pumpkin pie, warm cups of coffee, casseroles, apple tarts, paired with the beauty of God’s paintbrush over the earth.  The rich colors…magnificent.  I also look forward to getting back into bible study.  This semester our church is doing Esther by Beth Moore.  I started this study with another church but didn’t get to finish.  I am excited about it.  Beth Moore studies always move me.  The depth and intensity keeps me wanting more.  I have found that I need to be in a study.  That is my accountability.  I need to be surrounded by other christian women.  I need to sing the praise music.  I need to be covered in prayers and pray for others. 

What study are you doing this fall?  I have been praying about starting a study in my home this fall.  I have found that when I drench myself in God’s word, life seems to flow better..imagine that.  When I get out from under God’s umbrella, I get wet.  I am speaking from experience, trust me you get wet.  So I want to make sure I am under the umbrella at all times.  Plus, I just love doing bible study!  I am a bible study junkie. 

So, what study have you done or do you have a study that you really want to do?   Have you seen Beth Moore’s new one.  Click here to check it out.