I'm a minimalist.
If there are 5 of us eating, I take the chance and buy the 8 piece chicken.
If the little boy in the Bible had been my kid, he'd have had one fish and two loaves of bread.
I have 6 pairs of shoes. (Yes, I'm female!)
My kids have 4 pairs of dress pants each.
I only buy peanut butter when we are running out.
I make God a minimalist.
I only ask Him for just enough.
I only expect just enough to get by.
I am almost never disappointed.
He gives me just enough, because I don't believe Him for more.
He made 20,000 species of butterflies just so we have a variety to enjoy. The stars are a testament to His handiwork for our pleasure. (we could easily get by with one big night light)
Yet I ask for a tiny drop of water as to not run His well dry....and He holds the oceans in His Hand.
I ask for the exact amount of money we need, and not a penny more, because I don't want to take away from someone else...and He put the gold and the diamonds in the hills.
I refuse to make God a minimalist any more, the last thing I want is for my God to be like me!
;)
Do you limit God?
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
A new month means.....
A new month around here will mean lots of things....America is having a birthday! We will be renewing our lease (unless the Lord has another plan QUICKLY) on our church building. We are almost done with summer, thus almost ready for school to begin. (yippee/booo in no particular order) It means one year our house has been on the market. :( We will be attending Campmeeting at our home church.
So much to do (which is how I like my life) when do we get started?
Well, we started off July at church. Sunday morning is a great way to start a new month. (Or anything for that matter) We had a couple in our church to have a new grandbaby this week, so they brought her to church for the first time. I love FIRSTS at church. <3 Church was the first places any of our boys went...we dedicated them there...we learned to worship there....we learned to pray there...we've had one get married there...we celebrate all of our biggest achievements there, with our church family. LOVE IT!
Been thinking a lot lately about how quickly our boys grow up...you have 18 summers with them (unless of course, you are like me, and continue to vacation with your parents haha!) Time is running out to have any 'firsts' or 31's with them.
So far we have enjoyed these "firsts"
Camped on the Black Warrior
Water skied
Tubed
Got a pet ferret
Gavin & I took (and passed) our vessel license
Larry & I sailed down the river ALONE! (what?)
Love my guys. <3 Here's to many more firsts this summer.
So much to do (which is how I like my life) when do we get started?
Well, we started off July at church. Sunday morning is a great way to start a new month. (Or anything for that matter) We had a couple in our church to have a new grandbaby this week, so they brought her to church for the first time. I love FIRSTS at church. <3 Church was the first places any of our boys went...we dedicated them there...we learned to worship there....we learned to pray there...we've had one get married there...we celebrate all of our biggest achievements there, with our church family. LOVE IT!
Been thinking a lot lately about how quickly our boys grow up...you have 18 summers with them (unless of course, you are like me, and continue to vacation with your parents haha!) Time is running out to have any 'firsts' or 31's with them.
So far we have enjoyed these "firsts"
Camped on the Black Warrior
Water skied
Tubed
Got a pet ferret
Gavin & I took (and passed) our vessel license
Larry & I sailed down the river ALONE! (what?)
Love my guys. <3 Here's to many more firsts this summer.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Monday-the day you catch up from the weekend.
Isn't that what Monday's are for? They are around here. Our weekends are so packed, that I don't think we breathe. (I know we don't do any chores!) Monday, I fall apart and put the house back together....I feel so exhausted, but also happy, as I remember why I'm so tired. Here's why...
Friday evening, the guys took the lawnmower back to Casey's house while I fixed a huge Breakfast for Supper. It is one of our favorite meals, and quiet frankly, we haven't had it in a very long time due to bacon being about $1,000,000.00 a pound or something like that. I got bacon and sausage on sale so it was ON!!!
After supper/breakfast, we got our fishing and picnicking gear together because Saturday morning, we headed out to Burchfield Lock on the Black Warrior River and fished, picnicked, sat in the water and ultimately had a WONDERFUL DAY!
I had all my little chick-a-dee's there and a family friend and her son joined us. The guys were happy, we gals were soaking up some rays and the sandwiches and bottled water were AMAZING! lol A picnic just hits the spot when you've been outside all day. I sat in amazement at the different birds, fish and insects we saw. As I rode up the river in the boat, I was reminded of how wonderfully creative THE CREATOR is. Our Father's World is truly a gift to us-He painted and carved something wonderful for us to enjoy each day. I'm determined to enjoy it more this year. We are admonished to teach our children when we sit, walk, get up, etc...and going outside is a terrific place to guide a little heart toward the Father.
Sunday morning is always a wild a crazy experience around here. It mainly consists of Larry getting up earlier than the rest of us. He likes to pray when it's quiet....I follow him and get Lunch started and the boys sat on the couch in a confused state as Ibark gently guide them to the shower, the breakfast table, the sink to brush their teeth, their clothes, to the comb to brush their hair, etc. As they wake up- they are ready to greet everyone who enters. Aaaah, it's good to be me..."Oh, I forgot to fix my hair!", I realize as I'm walking down the stairs.
This Sunday, we had Lord's Supper and Foot Washing during our evening service. I have not been in a sweeter Spirit at a service like this. The whole point of this service is to remember, reflect and humble ourselves...to draw us closer to the One we are serving. That is exactly what happened last night. From the beginning of the service, the Holy Ghost was right there with us...so many tears, so many thankful hearts...such conviction...I know people left changed.
I know I did.
I know God was pleased.
So now, Monday showed up. It's crazy. It's chaotic, but it's HERE. And we are going to serve the Lord with gladness. (even if we are slightly sleepy!)
Isn't that what Monday's are for? They are around here. Our weekends are so packed, that I don't think we breathe. (I know we don't do any chores!) Monday, I fall apart and put the house back together....I feel so exhausted, but also happy, as I remember why I'm so tired. Here's why...
Friday evening, the guys took the lawnmower back to Casey's house while I fixed a huge Breakfast for Supper. It is one of our favorite meals, and quiet frankly, we haven't had it in a very long time due to bacon being about $1,000,000.00 a pound or something like that. I got bacon and sausage on sale so it was ON!!!
After supper/breakfast, we got our fishing and picnicking gear together because Saturday morning, we headed out to Burchfield Lock on the Black Warrior River and fished, picnicked, sat in the water and ultimately had a WONDERFUL DAY!
I had all my little chick-a-dee's there and a family friend and her son joined us. The guys were happy, we gals were soaking up some rays and the sandwiches and bottled water were AMAZING! lol A picnic just hits the spot when you've been outside all day. I sat in amazement at the different birds, fish and insects we saw. As I rode up the river in the boat, I was reminded of how wonderfully creative THE CREATOR is. Our Father's World is truly a gift to us-He painted and carved something wonderful for us to enjoy each day. I'm determined to enjoy it more this year. We are admonished to teach our children when we sit, walk, get up, etc...and going outside is a terrific place to guide a little heart toward the Father.
Sunday morning is always a wild a crazy experience around here. It mainly consists of Larry getting up earlier than the rest of us. He likes to pray when it's quiet....I follow him and get Lunch started and the boys sat on the couch in a confused state as I
This Sunday, we had Lord's Supper and Foot Washing during our evening service. I have not been in a sweeter Spirit at a service like this. The whole point of this service is to remember, reflect and humble ourselves...to draw us closer to the One we are serving. That is exactly what happened last night. From the beginning of the service, the Holy Ghost was right there with us...so many tears, so many thankful hearts...such conviction...I know people left changed.
I know I did.
I know God was pleased.
So now, Monday showed up. It's crazy. It's chaotic, but it's HERE. And we are going to serve the Lord with gladness. (even if we are slightly sleepy!)
Friday, January 27, 2012
No 'Search & Rescue' Members In This House
My boys can't find the mayo jar in the fridge, so the chances of them finding a small child in the 100 Acre Wood is slim to none. So, yep, marking that career off their list. They could, however, be Dog Trainers. They've trained me well. If I say, "Clean your room." They know that if they pick up a sock...play XBox....put their pillow on the bed....shoot a nerf gun.....open the closet door....I'm going to march in, scream, "Forget it! Go outside!" and then clean the room for them.
Training is in their blood.
They're really, really good.
As infants, they would whine and I'd drop everything to come to them. No words necessary.
As toddlers, they could bust out a good cry and I'd scoop them up to the Nursery to avoid disturbing the congregation. Only problem was, they were smiling before I made it out the back door.
They've got this down.
So, today, as evidence proved a serious rubber band war goes on in my absence, I thought of our cleaning routine. I tell them what to do. They do it. Next time. I tell them what to do. They do it. When will they catch on for themselves? When will they notice the sock in the floor, the paper on the desk, the pizza under the bed? When will they take the gumption to clean something because they want it clean?
I know the day will come. I saw it in my oldest son. His room was only clean after I'd made a visit in there and then suddenly, he would be vacuuming on his own time. It takes a little bit of maturing and a little bit of getting sick of dirt. And before you know it- you find a good guy where there was a grimy kid.
I think about their souls. They read their Bible when I remind them...they pray with us because we always pray at meals, church time, bedtime, in crisis....they go to church because we load them up and go....they abstain from things because we don't allow them...they partake because we lead them. When will they take the initiative on their own? Have I stunted their spiritual cleaning by doing it all for them?
I pray not.
I pray I'm leading by example. I mop with Pine Sol because I was taught. I wash with Dawn because I've seen it done. I wash with Tide because Mom did. I know bleach will whiten because Maw Maw said it would. I find myself tapping my broom the way my Grandmother did. But it in all, I've found what works. I've what doesn't...and I've made my own 'brand'.
I hear myself praying, and it is the voice of others' in my ears. I raise my hands and I catch a glimpse of loved ones gone. I know the truth is found in the Bible- because my Great Grandfather found it there. Church is a comfort because my family has found it to be so. The way I live, the standards I follow, the joy I feel in my soul....it is not done for me, as a Mother makes the bed for her child. It is buried deep, grown in a well-toiled heart of an honest child. I know my convictions are true. I pray that in spite of all the ways I pamper my boys, they will love the cleanliness of a Christian life and pursue their own path. A path of Godliness and Holiness knowing that while they may have seen their Dad and I live it- they must embrace it themselves and become who God wants them to be. Live how God calls them to live. And work for God like nobody's business.
Who knows, with the amount of 'training' they have under their belts- they just might be the next greatest leaders of our time.
Sweeping and praying,
Sondra
Training is in their blood.
They're really, really good.
As infants, they would whine and I'd drop everything to come to them. No words necessary.
As toddlers, they could bust out a good cry and I'd scoop them up to the Nursery to avoid disturbing the congregation. Only problem was, they were smiling before I made it out the back door.
They've got this down.
So, today, as evidence proved a serious rubber band war goes on in my absence, I thought of our cleaning routine. I tell them what to do. They do it. Next time. I tell them what to do. They do it. When will they catch on for themselves? When will they notice the sock in the floor, the paper on the desk, the pizza under the bed? When will they take the gumption to clean something because they want it clean?
I know the day will come. I saw it in my oldest son. His room was only clean after I'd made a visit in there and then suddenly, he would be vacuuming on his own time. It takes a little bit of maturing and a little bit of getting sick of dirt. And before you know it- you find a good guy where there was a grimy kid.
I think about their souls. They read their Bible when I remind them...they pray with us because we always pray at meals, church time, bedtime, in crisis....they go to church because we load them up and go....they abstain from things because we don't allow them...they partake because we lead them. When will they take the initiative on their own? Have I stunted their spiritual cleaning by doing it all for them?
I pray not.
I pray I'm leading by example. I mop with Pine Sol because I was taught. I wash with Dawn because I've seen it done. I wash with Tide because Mom did. I know bleach will whiten because Maw Maw said it would. I find myself tapping my broom the way my Grandmother did. But it in all, I've found what works. I've what doesn't...and I've made my own 'brand'.
I hear myself praying, and it is the voice of others' in my ears. I raise my hands and I catch a glimpse of loved ones gone. I know the truth is found in the Bible- because my Great Grandfather found it there. Church is a comfort because my family has found it to be so. The way I live, the standards I follow, the joy I feel in my soul....it is not done for me, as a Mother makes the bed for her child. It is buried deep, grown in a well-toiled heart of an honest child. I know my convictions are true. I pray that in spite of all the ways I pamper my boys, they will love the cleanliness of a Christian life and pursue their own path. A path of Godliness and Holiness knowing that while they may have seen their Dad and I live it- they must embrace it themselves and become who God wants them to be. Live how God calls them to live. And work for God like nobody's business.
Who knows, with the amount of 'training' they have under their belts- they just might be the next greatest leaders of our time.
Sweeping and praying,
Sondra
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Day 3
One of my cousins had a sweet little boy, so I painted a banner to welcome him into the world (and our family!)
Actually, I lost the material I bought to make him a carseat tent, so at midnight, I painted this adorable gumball machine to celebrate...my wish for his Mommy & Daddy is that he is as Sweet as a Candy Shoppe!
Welcome William Grayson!
Happy New Year
2011 was a year of change for us. We learned how to live without our oldest son under our roof....we miss him but are SO proud of the husband he has become. Of course, I never doubted he would be anything but a wonderful husband- he has an incredible example in his father.
Larry lost his job in January, but God kept us through a few months of unemployment. During the New Year's weekend, God had prompted us that the upcoming year would be one of change. We had been praying about a ministry in the area of Tuscaloosa for 5 years. This would be the year- but when? After Larry lost his job, we felt the Lord's guidance to jump all in. God opened a job and sent us to work for Him, too. The devastating tornado in April set us to work running full steam ahead.
We haven't slowed down. We are currently waiting on our home to sell and in the meantime are living in an apartment. While we are thankful for a roof over our head we are SO looking forward to a 'Manse' of our own. The Preacher's Home, a place of peace, a place of hospitality....we can't wait to see what it will be like. Until then, I have purposed to make this apartment our home.
No matter how long it takes-(have I ever mentioned that patience is NOT one of my virtues?)
We have a precious group of people who worship with us at Refuge Holiness Tabernacle. God has given us favor in our community and we are so grateful. 2012 only brings me hope. I am super excited when I think of what God is going to do. He has promised us so much, and He is always faithful.
So, from the West home- HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Larry lost his job in January, but God kept us through a few months of unemployment. During the New Year's weekend, God had prompted us that the upcoming year would be one of change. We had been praying about a ministry in the area of Tuscaloosa for 5 years. This would be the year- but when? After Larry lost his job, we felt the Lord's guidance to jump all in. God opened a job and sent us to work for Him, too. The devastating tornado in April set us to work running full steam ahead.
We haven't slowed down. We are currently waiting on our home to sell and in the meantime are living in an apartment. While we are thankful for a roof over our head we are SO looking forward to a 'Manse' of our own. The Preacher's Home, a place of peace, a place of hospitality....we can't wait to see what it will be like. Until then, I have purposed to make this apartment our home.
No matter how long it takes-(have I ever mentioned that patience is NOT one of my virtues?)
We have a precious group of people who worship with us at Refuge Holiness Tabernacle. God has given us favor in our community and we are so grateful. 2012 only brings me hope. I am super excited when I think of what God is going to do. He has promised us so much, and He is always faithful.
So, from the West home- HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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