Passion

I realized today that, somewhere in the last few months, I've lost my passion. My focus hasn't been where it should be: on Jesus. Always straight on Jesus. This was in no way intentional. Life got in the way, I guess. I was sick for awhile and recovering was trickier than I thought it would be. Then it was *technically* time for school to start. I considered my current situation...headaches, lack of energy, drug-induced confusion and clumsiness...and Chris and I made the decision that school for our family would begin in September instead of August. And then we hit our knees and gave thanks to God for the benefits of homeschooling.

In September we hit the books hard and heavy. The kids were (and still are) learning lots and actually enjoying it enough to not cry about it too much. :) We had a schedule that gave us Fridays off, since we school year-round. Everybody loves this! We began attending a homeschooling co-op at church on Thursdays, which we all really enjoy. Everything was great. But it was also a lot of hard work. Getting lesson plans ready. Planning field trips and library visits. Shaun joined a dance team and is also taking karate again. Routines to learn! Oh! The nursing home ministry that our family is blessed to be a part of...together. We love it! But its also work...songs to choose and rehearse (along with rehearsing for the other 2 routines from other activities). Chris' guitar lessons and band rehearsals. Homework for School of Discipleship and keeping up with the reading for my small group.

I began to get really good at juggling everything! I was doing all of the above and still managing to keep the house decently clean, which is a major, major big deal for me. I was even on a Bible reading plan to read the New Testament in 30 days. But... I was on auto-pilot. Literally. Doing things without really doing them, if that makes any sense. Praying without thinking, reading without comprehending. Auto pilot.

Then, last night, my Hubs had the opportunity to lead worship for our church's middle school ministry. I had never attended one of these services and didn't really know what to expect, as this is a fairly new ministry at our church. I'm so glad that God orchestrated the events of our lives to allow me to be there last night. The message was about Jesus, and how He not only died for us, but because of us. Because of me. He knew each and every sin I would ever commit, and He died for me anyway. Of course, I technically knew this already, but lets just say that it had been quite a while since I had really meditated on it. Towards the end of the sermon, the pastor showed clips of The Passion of the Christ. I hadn't seen that movie in so long. While watching, I became overcome with gratitude for my Savior. And I wasn't the only one. The alter was full of middle school students making commitments to Jesus. It was a great night.

I left church last night with the correct perspective on life once again. And its so nice. Life has a way of taking my "best", and its so easy to lose focus on the important things. I've committed, once again, to not become so busy and wrapped up in my family that I lose sight of my Jesus. My Passion. I'm so grateful that He gives us second (third, fourth, fifth...) chances.

Ambien

I came here tonight so that I could post about our crazy busy weekend full of "firsts"...but the Ambien has shown itself and there's no telling what I'd type. So I'd better go to sleep instead. :)

Jordan's First Big Service

This morning at church, Jordan couldn't decide which classroom he wanted to be in. There are two choices for the four year olds at the 9:00 am service, and Jordan just could not choose between the Leopard class and the Tiger class.

So, I had an idea.

"Say, Jordan. Would you like to come upstairs to church with me?"

He looked at me and whispered, "To the big service?"

I told him sure, but explained that he must be quiet and remain in his seat the whole time. No funny business. He agreed, and off we went.

We sat waaaay up in the balcony, so we could make a quick getaway if the need arose. But, to my surprise, no getaway was needed. Shortly after the service began, an older couple came and sat right beside us. The woman looked at Jordan and then asked if we were visitors. I assured her that no, we were not visitors. She then went on to make sure I knew that there was "Sunday School" downstairs for the kids. Again, I assured her that I knew the routine. She "reminded" me of this fact several times. Apparrently she really thought Jordan belonged down there!

I guess my boy's growing up. Sometimes I forget that he's almost five years old. Anyway, he was really, really well-behaved. He sat in his own seat for most of the service, and then moved to my lap. The only issue was during the invitation song. Everyone stood up, and Jordan tried to stand in his seat. When he did this, his little feet slipped though the opening in the theater seats and were stuck there for a few minutes. He was able to get himself out quietly, though. And then it was over.

I hope he comes with me again next week!

Monkey Joe's Head

This is by far one of the funniest things to happen to me all year.

So, Monkey Joe's is having free admission again. My kids love MJ's. And so do I. I love that I can sit and talk with my mom-friends and my children can run, jump, and play themselves silly. Which is what we were all doing when two of my friend's children came running up to us with Monkey Joe's head. You know, the big fake purple monkey head that the poor MJ employee has to wear (along with the rest of the costume) at birthday parties. We all gasped and my friend Rebecca said to her children, "Where in the world did you get that??" .

To which they replied:

"Shaun's little brother and his friend who looks like him went into the room that says 'Stop! Employees Only'. The next thing I knew, he was running around with this on his head. So I grabbed it."

Oh my. Well. Rebecca was able to heave a sigh of relief, since her children weren't involved in this scheme. She instructed her kids to take Monkey Joe's head to the snack bar and give it to the employees who were working back there. The worker man then gave us a funny look, grabbed his keys, and ran to the back of the building--to lock all of the doors. I looked at my friends and wondered aloud why those doors weren't locked in the first place. But I guess that wasn't really the point...

I went to find Jordan. He saw me coming and jumped into my arms saying, "Did you see me? I put Monkey Joe's head on!"

In between the bursts of giggles that I just could not hold in, I told him that he wasn't ever, EVER to go into those rooms again. And he agreed.

What a day. What a day. I laughed out loud again just thinking about it.