Change {#FiveMinuteFriday}

Today is Friday.  That means it's Five Minute Friday time!  That's when a wonderful group of writers get together and write for five minutes.  That's it.  Today's topic - Change.

Ready.  Set.  Here I GO.

Change.  

I'm really not a fan.  It's not that I m afraid of it, it's just that it's not always fun.  Right now, it's really not fun.  

Since May I've had TWO teenagers in the house, and with that comes lots and lots of change.  They are changing Physically, Mentally, Emotionally, and thank God - Spiritually. 

The challenge right now, is maintaining the momentum of the changes and not losing our minds in the process.

Drummer is really going through a "press" right now.  He's having to determine at the ripe old age of 13 just how much he wants to play baseball.  He absolutely loves the game, but we are all realizing he may not be as determined as he needs to be.  And add to that a little bit of fear (of failure of course) and you have lots and lots of change...in his heart and mind and soul.  

As his parents, we have come to the point where we have to let him work through the process.  Press through the press is you will.  Let the changes come and be willing to embrace the results, especially when the LORD is behind it.

CHANGE and COMFORT cannot occupy the same space. (tweet by Kat at Inspired to Action).

How true is that?  It's not comfortable to change.  Or to go through some changes.  But we have to.  Change is growth and growth is good.  And that which we change then becomes normal, at a new level.  

Until the next change of course....

♥Lori

Linked up with:  Five Minute Friday
                         Allume - August Link Up

Savor Seven Saturday {8/25}

Once again, we find ourselves at the beginning of another weekend.  Thank God, because this was a pretty long, full week - (one child started school and the other started a sinus infection). Or maybe it's because I've changed a few of my habits...anyway, I'm linking up with Lisa and her Savor 7 Saturday Meme.  I really enjoy thinking about my week and being able to recount some of the highlights. 

Here we go...
 
Scripture - This week I started the #HelloMornings early morning challenge, and I decided to use their Bible Study for the fall.  It's called Kept and it's based on 1Peter.  The thing that was really striking me this week as we studied the man - Peter, was that he was a man.  Just like us me, he was a little "thick," BUT God still used him - and for miracles!!  God truly is no respecter of persons - he is willing to use any of us who are WILLING!

I also started the Bible in 90 Days program.  At the end of day 6 I'm caught up and moving forward.  Reading 12 pages of Scripture a day has been a bit of a challenge, but it's been awesome!

Storyteller - This week, well, last weekend mostly, I read a book called The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn.  There are too many words to describe it.  It's eye opening, bone chilling, exciting, scary, and the list goes on and on.  I agree with everyone who has already reviewed it - if you're an American, you need to read it!

Social - This week, we had plans to get together with another couple from church but it's been cancelled twice.  We are scheduled for next Monday, so hopefully....  Today we are spending the day with Hubs' Mom & Dad.  They are celebrating their 50th anniversary!!

Silly - I fell through the back door.  Thursday morning as I was leaving for work I managed to fall through the screen door.  Yep, you read it right...I fell right through it!  Bent it up and everything.  I can't even begin to tell you how I did it, but as sure as anything, there I was, laying. on. the. screen.  Drummer said, "that was like something you see on America's Funniest Videos."  Yeah.  Something like that.  I'm still pretty sore, but I'll live.  The door, that's another story, it's functional, but we need to look into getting a new one.

Snapshot - This is a shot from Drummer's first third day of school.  He started the 8th grade this week.  He attends a Charter School so he started about 2 weeks earlier than everyone else, so that irritates him, but I think he's going to have a great year!!

Sips - Hot Tea - Green with Raspberry and Gogi.  What with waking up at dark o'thirty, I'm needing some incentive to open my eyes and keep them open.

Sweets - This week I discovered a lovely new chocolate candy...mmmmmm!  Simple Pleasures...

So how was your week?  Enjoy your weekend!!

♥Lori

Four Concerts & A Speaker {#PSF}

A couple of weeks ago, we were blessed to be able to attend a four day Christian Music Festival 40 minutes from our house.  Of course we couldn't just go one day, we each had a concert we wanted to see so we spent the better part of three days there.

First, on Sunday was the concert I really wanted to see....Casting Crowns.  We saw them last year, and I really enjoyed them, so everyone humored me.  Their style of worship is exactly what I love to listen to!  Needless to say Hubs picked up their new cd for me and that's what's been playing in my car since then...

Then on Tuesday was My Man's choice...Third Day.  I enjoyed this one too!  But before Third Day was For King & Country.  They are a treasure we found last year when they debuted with their sister, Rebecca St. James.  We love the spirit of purity, honor and respect that these young men carry and model.

 
Here's Third Day...

Wednesday was our full day at the park.  The kids enjoyed a few hours riding rides with their Aunt who joined us for the day, and we took in an awesome seminar.  Justin Lookadoo.  If you have children, especially teens, and you've never heard of him, you should take a minute and check out his website.  We actually caught his message - "Is It Holy?" on Tuesday before Third Day and then his hour long seminar on Wednesday.  Awesome!

Wednesday night was Kids choice...Toby Mac.  Man it was tough taking a photo!  That man can move!  But the kids really enjoyed the concert!  Who wouldn't?!?  He is quite the performer!!  I took the photo of Toby on the jumbo screen and the one of my kiddos - well, there is really no explanation!

That's my PhotoStory for this week....

♥Lori

Linked with Lolli @ #PhotoStory Friday

To join or not to join...

To join or not to join.  That is always my question.  

Like Nikki, I'm a lurker.  I comment occasionally, but mostly I read and absorb.  But in order to fully enjoy this experience we call blogging, I've learned that I have to put myself out there a bit more and join in.  Comment.  Ask questions.  Listen.  Be me.  

It's tough, because I'm an introvert.  It's easy to stay pretty quiet most of the time in real life.  In the blogosphere it's even easier! That's why lurking is so appealing to me.

But now, I know the Lord is actually nudging me (has been since I re-started my blog) to join...to join in the conversations on twitter.  To join in by commenting on a few more 5-minute posts.  To join...to become part of this community...

How about you?  Do you lurk or do you join right in? 

♥Lori

 If you aren't already checking it out, you should head on over to Gypsy Mama's 5-Minute Friday...Today...Now even...

 

So, set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:::

Monday Musings {8/20}

Last week I discovered Monday Musings.  I'm loving the idea of thinking about my week/weekend in the light of these prompts. 

What I'm THINKING about - Right now, there are a number of things going on in my brain.  I have one child starting 8th grade on Wednesday at the Charter School and one starting her Sophomore year in another two weeks.  Those facts alone overwhelm me, but then there is the dance signups, the baseball tryouts, Youth Group, and the list goes on.  I really have to get back in the swing of things!

What I'm READING - The Harbinger, by Jonathan Cahn.  Wonderful Book!  I agree with the multitude of readers who say that every American should read this book.

What I'm LISTENING to - the sounds outside.  It's early morning, and I can hear the cars on the expressway, airplanes, etc.

What I'm WATCHING - We are excited that this week Jeff Foxworthy is debuting his new quiz/game show The American Bible Challenge.  It airs this Thursday.  More information here.

What I'm COOKING - Well, I sat down yesterday and actually created a MENU PLAN for this week!  Woohoo....haven't done that in awhile, but it's already liberating!

What I'm BUYING - school stuff.  Need to get Dollie a few clothes before she starts her Sophomore year in a couple of weeks.  Stuff she wants is on sale this week, and I have a few discounts, so I guess this is the week!

What I'm THANKFUL for - the kids had a wonderful time at Youth Camp last week.  They came back totally sold out for Jesus, and have a new desire to walk in holiness.  Things I've been saying for a long time are finally understood!  Thank you Lord!

What I'm PRAYING - for a quick end to this bout of summer colds!  The kids both came home from camp with nasty head colds, and I want them gone!

What I'm CREATING - Started working on my recipe binders yesterday, but I think that will take a back seat to the photo album I REALLY want to finish up for my in-laws.  We see them on Saturday, so here's hoping I can get them done!

What I'm PLANNING - still working (actually I need to start working) on our September Weekend away when we go to the Quitter Conference in Nashville!  Woohoo!!!  I have to arrange for the kids and dog, etc.

What we DID this weekend - nothing but REST, with all of us battling these colds...

What I'm LOOKING FORWARD to - though the craziness increase, I am looking forward to resuming our regular schedules.  Summer is great, but even the weather has already shifted, so it just feels like it's time...

A PHOTO to share - I received this beauty via text the other day.  Isn't she a doll?  She is my 8 month old niece who lives 9 hours away (booooo!)  But I do love me a photo now and then!

Ok, so that's it from me.


Happy Monday!!

♥Lori

Into Your Ocean {Sunday Community}

Into Your ocean
Into the flood
I want to fall so deep in Your love
Into Your ocean
Into the flood
I want to fall so deep in Your love

I want to know You
You are the flame
My heart’s on fire
Just like the sun
Tears through the darkness
I’m burning for You
My heart’s on fire

I’m burning for you
My heart’s on fire

"Heart's On Fire" by The Sidewalk Prophets

Happy Sunday!

♥Lori

Linked with:  The Sunday Community