Independence Day

If it wasn't for friends with cameras, no pictures of me would exist.

Thanks Debra.

One of those moments

You know the kind. There had been little people noises everywhere. Too much noise. Talking, banging, crashing, maybe some bickering too. Then it got quiet. It seemed too quiet. I was expecting to find something destroyed. It is usually not a good thing to find the house this quiet...
Pleasantly surprised. Whew!

The B-C-H

Ismert super-secret-code for "beach." This home-educating family is probably not going to win any national spelling bees. But, we can spot a good playground a mile away. There are especially awesome if they are anywhere near the B-C-H.

a futile effort of the flesh

I am not sure if Sono Harris originally coined this phrase, but I heard it from her.  The idea goes like this...

There is a new "thing" that I feel I must do: exercise, eating differently, scheduling, budgeting, clothing/hair/make up, recreational activities, etc. I throw my effort, energy, money, and attitude at having or succeeding in the newest ""thing".  My motives may be good, my plan may be good too.  But, the problem is, my focus is usually centered on this "thing". I usually end up discouraged or frustrated because most "things" dont go the way that I plan or hope. I dont think that I am the only woman that faces this problem.

I expend myself "in a futile effort of the flesh".

"Lord, you are good.  Your plans are for my good.  The "things" that you want me to do are for your glory. Please help me to do everything that I do with your delight as my goal.  Let me labor not just to get your attention, but because I have your affection.  Let the confidence that I belong to you become my courage to live for you. Because of Jesus I come, Amen."