A Lantern in Her Hand...

A sweet friend, Stephanie L., for my birthday gave me this book- A Lantern in Her Hand.  I have to say that I have not read a lot of fiction in my day but this has been an amazing book- I couldn't put it down.  God has used it to strengthen my zeal for motherhood.  It is the story of a life of a woman, Abbie Deal, and as you journey through her life on the prairie, you see themes of Time and how the clock ticks and how fleeting life and Time really are.  I have been challenged through the book- as you cannot stay Time but cherish it- to cherish my husband and children in the season of life I am in now.  It is a call to not wish away Time but treasure the season.  Michael read the book too and told me he has a new appreciation for mothers and all the sacrifices they do and all they "give up" for their children.  It reminded me of what we do as mothers- die to self- all we give up for her children and yet all we gain- this is how God intended it.  We see one of her daughters who does not want children and the author wants you to think- but think of all that you would miss.  At one point the author asks us as Abbie grieves all the losses of dreams of a mother- "Is motherhood an accomplishment enough?"  The book deals with a woman from childhood to old age and looks at old age and death through a sweet lens.  I think all mothers should read this book and be renewed in their call of the purpose of motherhood and life. 

"You can't describe love, Kathie and you can't define it.  Only it goes with you all your life.  I think that love is more like a light that you carry.  At first childish happiness keeps it lighted and after that romance.  Then motherhood lights it and then duty... and maybe after that sorrow.  You wouldn't think sorrow could be a light would you dearie?  But it can.  And then after that, service lights it.  Yes... I think that is what love is to a woman... a lantern in her hand. (p. 210)" 

 

Friday Cousin Love...

 

 So maybe I did take all 5 kids by myself to Gold Top Dairy to get ice cream one night when I was cousin sitting!  :)  Fun memories and one crazy aunt! :)

So what do you do after a chocolate ice cream outing- throw all 5 kids in the tub to wash them off!

Women's Gospel Coalition

In case you wanted to listen up, Women's Gospel Coalition audios are now up!  I can't wait to listen to all the workshops that I missed. :)  I recommend the Keller's preconference and the session by Rosaria Butterfield and Jen Wilkin's main session.  My favorite I think was John Piper expositing 1 Peter 5- so very rich and encouraging!

4th of July...

Reds Game

Jeremiah went with Daddy to his first Reds Game this year at 5 years old.  He had a lot of fun! 

Lydia, Josiah and I- stayed home and hung out. :) 

Swim Ministry...

Swim Ministry Week...

Women's Gospel Coalition

 Last week, I enjoyed going to the Women's Gospel Coalition for a few days of some refreshing worship with the Gettys and some great teaching from various women and DA Carson and John Piper!  The theme was 1 Peter and Resurrection Life in the Midst of Suffering.  It was refreshing!  Michael held down the troops at home.  He had a little bit of help from his mom and a sweet friend from church.  He even managed to clean the carpets in the midst of watching kids! 

The highlight for me- hearing John Piper preach, listening to Rosaria Butterfield share a Q & A and her testimony and listening to the Gettys sing their new missions album- The Unfinished Task which is soo soo good!

 

Lake Erie...

A few weeks ago we spent 1 night at Lake Erie and visited with some of Michael's extended family.

Girls...

 Lydia has become very obsessed lately with her cousin Anna!  She has Anna take her to the bathroom and has to go everywhere with cousin Anna.  I have to admit- it is really cute seeing these two girls hold hands and walk together.  I foresee a lot of friendship drama in our future with little Lydie.  And yet I seen in her some of my own struggles I have had with valuing friendships maybe a little too much.  As a friend told me as I was thinking through loss of relationships- "Lord, help us to love people more than we need them."

Reaching Out...

Last Thursday was the last day of school!  I have been burdened lately for the kids that walk by our home after school.  These kids have been far from respectful of our space and at times have even trashed some of my flowers.  As the same time, I really do want to serve with my kids and reach out with them to our surrounding community (where God has placed us for this season.)  So we made some brownies and handed out lemonade- the kids love it!  They were shocked it was free- one kid asked are you going to be living here next year.  We even gave some to the garbage men and some construction workers across the street- ways to reach out!  I pray God would give us  more ways to reach out to those He has placed around us!