Gratituesday | Heavenly Homemakers

Archive for Gratituesday

Mar

Gratituesday: The Great Outdoors

Posted by: Laura | Comments (38)

We have been experiencing some unusually wonderful weather lately in Nebraska.I don’t ever remember a winter this nice, nor do I ever remember experiencing such great spring like weather during the month of March. Recently, while our family should all be in the house cleaning and working on home improvement projects, we’ve instead been outside playing Air Soft and shooting hoops. Not only have we not been cleaning, we’ve been tracking in all kinds of extra dirt and leaves. It’s lovely – and it’s all over the house.

The boys have been asking for popsicles and have been hoping to soon turn the sprinkler on under the trampoline. I think it is a little early to be thinking about both of these, but hey, it never hurts to ask, right? While I can’t accommodate them on the sprinkler, sure, I can make popsicles. Why not? After all, I did ask my husband to grill steak the other night when it was a warm fifty degrees outside. Of course he was happy to oblige.

Over the weekend, I was able to go out and play a couple rounds of HORSE with my boys. Then because it was so lovely outside, and I couldn’t stand the thought of going back in to face the dirt and leaves (which were by that time joining forces to plan a party in every corner of my house), I stayed out even longer to continue to shoot baskets for another half hour with my teenager – just he and I. It just doesn’t get any better than that. And, you should be impressed to know that I got my hair caught in the nearby gangly weeds only twice while retrieving my ball. Not too bad, eh?

My personal trainer (aka, awesome friend Jen) and I have been able to take long walks outside for our work-outs lately. Walking outside in the sunshine for miles instead of walking lap after lap after lap (after lap, after lap…) on the indoor track – there is no comparison. There is just something about the sun and mild weather that is invigorating, making us want to stay out longer and work harder. It probably helps that the bugs aren’t out in full force yet. Seeing several centipedes on the sidewalk is almost endearing, as opposed to breathing in and having twelve gnats threaten to fly into your mouth and down your throat. Yes, this kind of weather totally works for me.

Now, I am Nebraskan enough to realize that this kind of gorgeous weather may soon be blown right down south while a freezing cold northern wind blows sheets of ice right down my pitiful and frigid neck – any day now probably. But as long as the sun is shining and providing ideal moments to spend outside with the people I love – I’ll be abandoning the vacuum and dishwater to catch some Vitamin D and to make some memories.

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Mar

Gratituesday: Partners in Ministry

Posted by: Laura | Comments (26)

Matt and I are blessed to be a part of several ministries with our local church family. We are thankful that our health and time all allow for this, and that we have been able to follow God’s leading in serving Him where He has called us.

Tonight, we were invited to a special “dessert appreciation night” for one of the ministries we are involved with. The chocolate and peanut butter were incredible of course, but more importantly, we felt so encouraged by the fellowship and so blessed to be a part of a group of people who care about our church body and seek to make a positive difference.

In addition, Matt and I were reflecting on our “High School Huddle Team”. We love having around 25 teens in our home each Sunday, but the weekly event would not be what it is if we were doing it on our own. We’d be completely worn out, we’d likely face a fast burn out, and the teens would certainly get sick of us. ;) However, each Sunday night, we have a team of nine adults that join the teens. This group of adults is a huge help, and we’ve loved forming better relationships with all of them.

Serving side by side with many godly people is a gift. We are so thankful to be a part of these ministry teams.

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Feb

Gratituesday: More Than Enough

Posted by: Laura | Comments (34)

I have a funny habit when it comes to enjoying my music. When I find a song that I really like, I sit at my computer and listen to it over and over and over. I mean, like obsessively. I can’t necessarily get any worthy writing done while I’ve got music cranked up at my computer, but I can answer emails, organize blogging schedules, or pay bills while I listen and sing.

Let’s just pause right here to (let me get on my soap box and) note that I think real worship happens on a Sunday morning while at church, and while you’re sitting in your sweaty work-out clothes at your computer on any day of the week. I love both and feel that both are necessary. Life is worship. Sweaty work-out clothes are optional. ;)

My most recent song obsession is More Than Enough, by Newsboys. One of our boys got the CD for Christmas, and we’ve been listening to it often in the van. I love Newsboys. This song – it’s an incredible worship song. I could go on and on, but the song speaks for itself. Play the song and join me in worshiping the God who is more than enough.

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Feb

Gratituesday: The Basketball Trip

Posted by: Laura | Comments (34)

Our family loves supporting our hometown York College athletics. As YC alum, we have a huge heart for the students and are so thankful to be right here in town, able to be a part of the lives of so many young people.

Last weekend, I was privileged to go on a trip to Branson with our ladies basketball team. They played two tough games – the final games of the season. I am so thankful that it worked out for me to join them. I love cheering the ladies on as they play, and have appreciated the opportunity to be an encouragement to them off the court as well.

You know the best part about taking a long road trip with a big group of people? Developing relationships. We had some great visits – and oh yes – we did have some big laughs. :) Ever been to Lambert’s? Fried okra and “throwed rolls” in abundance! And oh yes, I did catch a roll or two. (FYI, when offered margarine at a restaurant, if you ask for real butter, they will typically bring some to you. Couldn’t have a Lambert’s roll without real butter now, could I?)

Here I am with the head coach and one of our senior players. Love these gals!

I am so thankful that Matt and the boys were able to hold down the fort while I was gone, and even more thankful for the hugs and kisses I received when I walked in the door when we arrived home. I am also very thankful that I was able to go along and support the team.

And now…to get all caught up on sleep and laundry. ;)

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Feb

Gratituesday: Basketball Season

Posted by: Laura | Comments (40)

While we typically claim to be a soccer family, we’re loving basketball season right now too. From going to York College games to going to our oldest son Asa’s games – we’re sitting on many a bleacher these days. We love every minute of it and really appreciate that Asa (14) is a part of a wonderful homeschool basketball team. The friendships he has made by being a part of this group have been priceless.

Last week was “Parent Appreciation Night” during our Falcon home game. A friend of ours got some great pictures that night, so I thought it would be fun to show you my fun, smart, and sometimes goofy teenager.

Asa presented me with flowers during the Parent Appreciation part of the assembly. Don’t ask me what we were having a conversation about here. Yes, he and I often like to talk smack. ;)

Here, he decided to continue the goofiness, even though we were trying to get a nice picture…

Okay, finally. He decided to stop being silly. I love having fun with my teen. And yes, he has grown since I last posted pictures of him and yes, he is now several inches taller than I am.

Here he is later during the game, going up for a shot. I believe that one didn’t go in, but shucks, let’s just not talk about that and pretend that it did.

I’m thankful for basketball season. I’m thankful that my son has this opportunity to be a part of a great team of Christian boys. And I’m super thankful for the relationship I have with my teenager. What a gift.

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Feb

Gratituesday: New Shoes

Posted by: Laura | Comments (44)

It’s borderline ridiculous that I am gushing over and dedicating my Gratituesday post to my (fantastic, awesome, super comfortable) new running shoes, but here goes anyway.

You know how I started exercising? I’m really starting to love it and crave it. All has been going great and I feel like my friend and I are making great progress in our exercise routine. But my feet have been killing me. I’ve never spent much money on my shoes and never have felt the need to do so until now. However, Matt and I decided that since I’m serious about this exercise thing, good shoes are a necessity.

I must have tried on at least twenty pairs of shoes. I lost track of how many stores we checked out. None of the shoes I tried were comfortable - not even the more expensive pairs. I thought it may be because my feet were blistered and sore. I had just about decided that maybe truly comfortable shoes were out of the question and that I’d just need to settle on a pair and go home. I was almost at the point of not even caring about the price of the shoes, so long as I could find one that half way sort of worked for me. And I was definitely beyond caring about the color of the shoe. Bring on the neon orange with purple stripes for all I cared, as long as they were comfortable.

Finally, I put my feet into these:

If I could have done a happy dance without embarrassing myself and knocking over the display of athletic socks, I would have. True comfort – on my feet. Really, it was possible. And could it be that the shoes were on sale, making the cost actually below my target price? Sure enough. And joy upon joy, they weren’t hot pink with green and yellow stripes.

I haven’t taken them off since last Tuesday (except to sleep – I think). I love these shoes. They are incredibly comfortable and have made exercising so much more enjoyable.

I know there are more important things in life, but today, I sure am thankful for my new shoes. Comfortable feet rock. :)

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Jan

Gratituesday: Exercise

Posted by: Laura | Comments (31)

If you’ve been reading my blog for long, you might be laughing after seeing that my title states that this week, I am thankful for exercise.

I’m the girl who doesn’t like exercise – and that’s putting it mildly. Exercise is painful. It also hurts and is sometimes fairly miserable – not that I’m a whiner or anything. ;) I’ve never really enjoyed exercise, and I’ve never understood people who do. Until now.

To say that I now love to exercise would be stretching it a bit, so I won’t go that far. But truly, I can say that I love how I feel afterward, and I love that I’m exercising with a great friend.

Ah yes, I’m pretty sure this exercise thing wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for my friend Jen. She’s a basketball coach, so she knows a thing or two about proper exercise, which I have found very helpful. But more importantly, the two of us have so much fun together and have such great conversation that I sometimes forget I’m intentionally inflicting pain on myself…I mean getting a work-out. At this point, we are up to walking several miles at a time, with a tiny bit of jogging thrown in. Maybe we’ll start the Couch to 5K program soon? Yes, that’s what we’re thinking. Now that the muscle soreness has eased, I’ve gotta say that I am feeling really, really good.

So there you go. I’m actually thankful for exercise. Will wonders never cease? :)

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Jan

Gratituesday: Three in Double Digits

Posted by: Laura | Comments (24)

I have no idea how we got here so fast, but we now have three children in “double digits”. Yep, our third son, Elias, turned the big 10 last week.

What happened to all those long days of chasing babies and toddlers around the house – those never ending years of diapers, spills, potty training, and sippy cups? Yeah, they ended. I sometimes miss those crazy days of sweet little boy chaos.

And now, here we are in a new season with a houseful of four big kids who are eating so much food I can hardly keep up. Potty training and sippy cups have been replaced by biology labs and soccer practices.

I have loved every season in our lives (okay, maybe I’ve not loved some of the painful seasons – although God has taught us so much about Himself during those times too). This current season, with our teenager, pre-teen, ten year old and seven year old – it’s just pretty stinkin’ awesome.

I’m working to embrace every season in life, no matter what it brings. Right now? Bring on the big boys with their big appetites and big ideas. I’m lovin’ it. :)

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Jan

Gratituesday: The Wrestling Match

Posted by: Laura | Comments (20)

Wrestling matches with God aren’t very much fun. I’m not even sure why I choose to participate in the sport. But every once in a while I find that He’s calling me to do something that I really, really don’t want to do. And so, the fight begins.

It’s funny that I would fight the One who has all the answers. It kind of seems pointless that I would consciously choose to go up against the Ultimate Champion. And yet, I know that God understands that it’s hard for me to go down without a fight. I believe that He’s okay with me having to meet him over and over again for a knock-down-drag-out. He’s strong enough to handle it. In fact, if God were to talk smack to me, I’m pretty sure for the past few months He’d have been saying to me, “You want to fight? You want a piece of this? Bring it on, Sistah.” :)

The time of wrestling, arguing, being stubborn, being fearful – that is when God can teach me the biggest lessons. How can I fully understand what He’s trying to do with me if I don’t question what He’s telling me and struggle against trying to grasp and accept His will for my life?

You know what I learned during my latest wrestling match with God? I learned that He will never call on me to do something without also completely preparing and equipping me. I learned that His ways are bigger than my ways. I learned that humbly seeking answers, letting friends in to help, and getting on my knees is the best way to stretch and find the truth.

I also learned that when you wrestle with God, surrender is sweet. God won this wrestling match, but I didn’t come out the loser. I came out with answers.

Victory doesn’t get any sweeter than that.

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Jan

Gratituesday: Air Soft, Really?

Posted by: Laura | Comments (65)

Well, I’m just a little bit surprised that I’m actually posting about this, but here I go anyway. :) If you’re interested in learning more about my feelings on the subject of guns and other weapons, I’d love for you to listen to a podcast I recorded on that subject a few months ago to understand my perspective just a little bit more.

You are aware, right, that I live in a household of males? I am surrounded by toy light sabers, swords, knives, guns, and many other varieties of weaponry. Recently, our boys have been introduced to an awesome new toy - the Air Soft Gun. Oh yes, they are now old enough to play air soft. Using their own money, they each got themselves a small air soft pistol. Much to my surprise, Matt had so much fun playing with them, he got his own pistol too. Then, a friend of our family, who happens to be a gal who loves guns, joined the fun.

And long story longer, that very fun girlfriend talked me into playing air soft too. I tried to argue. I gave plenty of excuses. But she talked me into it anyway. Once the boys heard her trying to talk me into it, they joined the begging. What’s a girl to do?

I figure if I can’t beat ‘em, I better get out there and join ‘em. Or something like that.

Matt got a picture of me trying to figure the whole thing out.
I obviously don’t have a lot of practice aiming or shooting or loading or…

Well, terrible as I was at playing, I can’t believe how much fun I had. It was crazy fun. Exhilarating. I loved it. Unbelieveable.

Then I came back into the house, put down my gun, washed my hands, and continued to make dinner to feed all of us. It appears that I can go outside and shoot an air soft gun with my family and friends, then come back in and still be a homemaker. How about that? It didn’t kill me at all to take a break and have fun like that.

And I might just play again sometime.

Oh, and just in case you might be interested in this bit of information, everytime I open our dryer now, little air soft pellets fall out. They are everywhere in my house. My vacuum rebels. I love it. :)

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