We had a busy summer. Nephews and nieces spending time with us. Gotta make those memories :). A nice vacation to Florida to see my Uncle and Aunt. A drive to Tulsa to visit other family members. It never seems like summer is long enough (sigh) or cool enough. Now that school is in full swing, I miss the lazier days. We are outsourcing all of Hannah's schooling this year. I have learned that I am not the best teacher for her, surprise surprise. She does better being accountable to someone else. With outsourcing the schooling it means more driving time for Elijah and I, but more quality time spent together as we wait on her classes to finish. I sure do love my little mini dates with my little man. He is just about the sweetest thing. I love how boys are rough and tough and then so tender. At night he is the sweetest giver of hugs and I love you mommy. The other day, he yelled across the house, "MOMMY??? I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!" That boy is so yummy sweet.
The other morning I was reading from the bible and this was what touched my heart. Isaiah 43:22-24
22 “Yet you have not called on me, Jacob,
you have not wearied yourselves for[c] me, Israel.
23 You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings,
nor honored me with your sacrifices.
I have not burdened you with grain offerings
nor wearied you with demands for incense.
24 You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me,
or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices.
But you have burdened me with your sins
and wearied me with your offenses.
Here is how I read this. I do not call on the Lord like I should. I most definitely do not weary myself for Him. I do not bring enough worship or praise to Him. Yet, He does not burden me with that or weary me with His demands. Yet, I burden Him with my sins and weary Him with my offenses. I am not seeking Him as I should. It is high time for some repentance and turning from my old self. Praising Him that Romans 12:2 is in the active voice.
"2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.".
God is good, all the time.
I have also just finished catching up to date on another adopting blog, I really am the adoption blog addict. http://theblessingofverity.com/ In a questions and answer post written on June 25, 2012, where the questions were for her 2 older sons about adoption, special needs and a large family, her boys said this, "If we’re living in Christ the goal is not to learn lessons and become better people. We aren’t the point, God is. It’s about worshiping God by enjoying Him. He will change us in His own time and His own way to bring Himself glory." I found this to be so true and such a HUGE reminder. It has been a rough year and I recall many times thinking, "well at least this is sanctifying!" What a huge error on my part. Instead of those thoughts, I should have been praising Him more as I have been walking through this rough patch. I am not the point, God IS. Less self more Him.
Now for some fun pictures.
This was taken in June of last year. I thought it was a cool shot.
July of this year. Who can pass up bubbles!
In August, while on vacation in Florida
A little eye candy, my man!
At the beach or should I say in the water at the beach.
Two of my absolutely favorite people on the earth.
They really do love each other!
