Todd's reclaim to fame

I love a good list. Typically they contain things such as laundry, grocery shopping, a project I'm working on, etc. Today I thought I'd lighten up the feel of my list with some things that I'm loving lately.

My best friends wedding
When Hailey tells her food "get in my belly"
Snuggling the babies in the church nursery
Helping Todd with homework and getting rewarded with chocolate mouse tracks ice cream
Another close friends bridal shower as she prepared to marry her prince charming, literally, he
LOVES her
When Hailey swirls her hand above her head and asks "can we do that angels all around us thing" when she asks for bedtime prayer
Having girls that know how to make their beds on the top bunk themselves AND put their clean clothes away
A son who unloads the dishwasher and loves to run the vacuum
When Mallory wakes up before the rest of the girls and asks "can we cuddle for a minute, but don't got 'seep' mommy"
Standing beside my son as he raises his hands, yes both hands, to praise his God; I had me an ugly cry!
My shoot sac! Oh how I love thee
The fact that Todd came home after work one day with a gift, wrapped and all for me. It was my new D200! D200, oh how I love thee as well
Learning endless lessons at a very poorly lit fashion show for the Crossroads Crisis Pregnancy Center.
Feeling full and blessed after photographing the Walk-for-Life for the Crisis Pregnancy Center as well.
I love charity work
A good mocha for breakfast
Lunch daily with Mallory and Hailey
Walks to school to pick up Faith and Karli
Warm cups of cider
Cinnamon donuts
An e-mail from an old friend
A phone call from a close friend and preparing to go for a visit and photograph her and her son
Changing leaves
Crisp, cool, air
Evening fires
Twilight; I can't put it down
Extreme Home Makeover Edition who built a 4500 sq. ft. home for a mother of 4 who also took in her 10 nieces and nephews when her sister died! Awesome!
This I know I've mentioned before, but my head in Todd's lap while he runs his fingers through my hair
Snuggling in a warm bed, windows open, and a cool breeze blowing in
although, not good for the throat.

1 Corinthians 10:13
Temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.

I was tempted to ramble and complain about a particular circumstance that continues to occur daily at the twins preschool. I easily bite my tongue now after spending a few moments to reflect on all the good things in my life. The things I enjoy. The things that make me realize just how blessed I am.

Todd recently shared with me his disappointment for his lack of stardom on my blog recently. Explaining how "other woman boast about their husbands on their blogs all the time." I actually told him "well they are expressing thanksgiving and gratitude for all the things their husbands do to make them feel loved." Ouch, right! I soon realized, all though I'm too bull headed to have admitted my wrong and apologized yet, that Todd does all kinds of things on a regular basis to make me feel loved. He sacrifices things daily to accommodate me and express his affection toward me. So what's wrong with me then? I simply took them for granted and began to no longer notice.

So Todd, this is your post babe! The first of many cameos where I'll express my gratitude for the many selfless and loving things you do to let me know how much you love and adore me. Okay, I'm pouring it on a little thick, no. Seriously though. I love you. I'm grateful for you. I'm sorry for taking you and all the things you do for me for granted. xoxo!

Short and Sweet

Can I just tell you all real quick, I'm feeling a bit melancholy. We're having our used costume sale at Polish dance for the next few weeks. We buy our pieces from Poland, very expensive, and so when our children grow out of things we swap them with other families. We make a bit of money back to go toward our new pieces that aren't available at the used costume sale and another family gets to save money at the same time. Great deal, great idea. I typically have nothing to offer because when one grows out of a piece, it just gets passed on to another child. Last year was the twins first dance recital and already they have grown out of jazz shoes and their first pair of rockn', black, patent leather, authentic, polish boots. My heart is broken! I'm done with them. I have no one left to save them for. My babies are closer to five then they are to four! It makes me want to spend the day reading to them on the couch, pushing them on the swing outside, and go for a walk. I better get it all in while they'll still let me!

Humble, Gentle, Meek, Lowly Part II

How do we get it, do we already have it, how do we develop it?

Well, we do already have it.

Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

If you are born again and have received also the Holy Spirit then you are already filled with the fruit of the spirit. How? Well we see above the bible says the Spirit is. Just like God is love. The Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. So if the Spirit is all those things and the Spirit lives within us then the fruit of the Spirit also lives within us. It is a seed that needs to be developed.

For instance, you take a picture with a camera of Susie across the room. You have a picture of Susie but others can't see it because it hasn't been developed. You have the fruit of the Spirit within you as a seed that needs to be developed, worked like a muscle, practiced.

How do we develop it?

God puts circumstances in our lives where each of this gifts has the opportunity to be practiced. Our personalities are tested and we reveal the size of that seed in our hearts. While talking in the kitchen with my mother-in-law this weekend I caught myself interrupting her on more than one occasion to share my thought. I clearly remember asking myself as I began to talk over her why I was doing it. How rude! Yet, I did it anyway. That was the Holy Spirit inviting me to exercise patience, kindness, goodness, self-control, and love instead of pride because I obviously thought what I had to say was more important that what she was saying. So mom, if your reading this, sorry for being so rude!

Humility, meekness, and lowliness are all bi-products of each other. Having an awareness of our own faults and defects. Not thinking poorly of ourselves but not too highly either. Without pride.

A common dictionary definition of meekness is "a deficiency of spirit." However Galatians 5:22 refers to meekness as a fruit of the Spirit. When true meekness is produced by the Spirit of God, it is a valuable virtue. Yet the world tends to misperceive it as cowardice, timidity, or a lack of strength. That's not how the Bible defines meekness. It means "to be gentle-hearted." A meek person is the opposite of someone who is vindictive or who harbors bitterness and resentment toward others. Meekness is characteristic of one who is opposed to vengeance or violence. It is a quiet, willing submission to God and to others. A meek person has a mild, gentle, non-retaliating spirit. (John McAurthor)

Not telling off a person when we could is meekness. It is power under control. Anger is not absent from a person who is meek. We still experience anger, but we control our anger.

Take a week or a month even and write down all the silly, worthless, meaningless, offenses that occur in your day to day life. Write down the offense, why you were offended, and your reaction to it. You will quickly see within 24 hours the number times per day your character is tested. You will quickly learn whether you walk in the fruit of the spirit or if you live to seek revenge, in anger, and contempt. You will also be more keen to the still small voice of the spirit that guides your heart, thoughts, and conscience.

In closing...Ephesians 3:16 NIV
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.

Look it up and keep reading, it gets even better!

I just want to share a funny story with you. This morning from my room I could hear Tyler wincing like he was doing something that hurt. Because Tyler is being raised with a ton of woman and girls he tends to notice things that would ordinarily never be discovered by a typical thirteen-year-old. I went into the bathroom where I found his face in the mirror (not all that uncommon) holding masking tape. I often tease him about the "dirt" on his upper lip, he is coming of age you know. Tyler covets the minor hair that exists on his upper lip but apparently, not so much, the hair that began to grow between his eye brows. Yes people, he was attempting to use masking tape to rip the hair out of his face from between his eyebrows to get rid of what Tyler refers to as, "the uni brow." What is a mom to do? Well, I did the only thing that occurred to me. I pulled out my good ole' Sally Hansen wax tape and ripped the hair from his face the proper way. He went to school this morning with a bright red spot between his eyes where there used to be hair and to top things off, it was a bit shiny because I had gobbed on the oil that comes with the kit to relieve and cool the area. So no, Faith, who is ten and has hair on her legs like an amazon cannot shave but yes, Tyler who is thirteen can wax his uni brow. Go figure!

Humble, Gentle, Meek, Lowly Part I

I am so excited this morning. I just got a full revelation of why certain things have happened in my life the way they have. I have seasons where I just want to go home. For those of you who have followed my blog for a while know that we have recently (4 months ago) moved into my parent's house because our home was foreclosed on. The house is just a house, it's just four walls. I don't miss the stature that I thought came with owning that house. I miss the feeling of "being home." Most days I am perfectly fine, either because I bury it, but more likely, because God's grace is sufficient and I'm learning to be content no matter the situation.

God started to deal with me on some things which were portrayed in my blog yesterday and they came full circle in my life this morning. God is an awesome God! I love it when I begin to get stirred up about something and he then sends a full blown confirmation with scripture to back it up. I often times watch Joyce Meyer as part of my study time to keep a fresh look at God's word. He uses her messages to speak to me, always. Again, if you follow my blog, this is not news. He used her again this morning to speak directly to my heart and directly to my situation.

I mentioned yesterday that I was willing to endure trials in my life to bring glory to God and benefit others. Today, I learned why we need to live through times of brokenness.

If we have too many blessings we become haughty, full of ourselves, think we can do it on our own, that we're better than others, and in doing so we treat people poorly and devalue them. Been there, done that, bought the book. Anyone else?

We need a balance of blessings and trials. That is why Paul was so full of faith in all circumstances, he learned to do both because he knew he needed both. That is why Paul was able to be content in every situation.

The alabaster box must be broken in order to smell the sweet perfume.

Matthew 26:26 NIV
As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "take this and eat it, for this is my body."

One of the most famous scriptures. There is a revelation that Joyce taught in her message this morning. A message within the message. Jesus wants to bless us and he wants to give us to the world. But, in the middle, parts of us must be broken. Not destroyed but areas need to be broken off.

It says in the bible that Jesus told Peter that satan wanted to "sift" him. Satan wants to sift us all. He wants to distract us, break our faith, get us out of church, and keep us busy. But, Jesus told Peter "I pray that your faith will not be broken." Jesus was telling Peter I pray for you, I want to bless you, but there is a trial ahead and I won't stop it but I pray you make it through. When we endure a trial or an attack, we come out changed so we can then help others.

We are more patient, we no longer feel full of pride and better than anyone else but are humble. In order to be used by God people need to like us. In order for people to like our personalities, we need a God-like personality, we need to be humble, gentle, meek, and lowly.

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
Then Jesus said, "come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

Jesus is saying anyone can come to me and I'll make you feel better. Don't we want people to think that of us?

Humility, gentleness, meekness, and lowliness are all fruits of the spirit. How do we get it, do we already have it, how do we develop it? Learn, later this week.

Without fault in His eyes

My Pastor at church has spent the recent weeks teaching us about the seasons of Faith. There are different levels of faith and different tests call for a different kind of faith. One of the verses covered yesterday truly spoke to me.

Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

It has been my motto, so to speak, in life to never have regrets. I am who I am today because of the decisions I have made in life. The right decisions and the wrong decisions. I am who I am today because of the things that life has thrown at me. I make it a point to intentionally try to forgo feeling ashamed of my mistakes, ashamed of my trials. Whether I am in the midst of a storm because of a series of mistakes I made or because life just happens sometimes, I take the same approach and have the same attitude. I am an open book. If I must endure this time of my life to benefit another person later on, then so be it. If I need to suffer through some things, that suffering is a small part compared to the glory that is given to God in order to support another person through the same or similar situation.

I have spoken previously about a miscarriage I had before my twins were born. Not long after my miscarriage, a very close friend of mine also suffered a miscarriage. I was the first person she called when she got the news. We cried together and I just loved her. I was grateful to have gone through the miscarriage first so I would know what to say and how to attempt to comfort her. My suffering and trials don't compare to what my experience can offer another person. The support, love, compassion, and understanding that can be lent to another person in the midst of their own struggle.

My blog didn't start with that purpose but that is the direction my blog has taken. When I feel led to share a story or an experience in my life through this blog. I am happy to. I trust that my words are guided and those in the midst of struggle can read what God has done in my life and find hope. We are here to serve God and further his kingdom. What can you do today to bless someone? If you know Jesus today and he dwells in your heart, share His good news with a friend or co-worker today.

I can live a life free of shame and condemnation because the bible promises that if I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior and repent, turn from my old wicked ways then I am forgiven. I am saved. My sins are as far as as the east is from the west. They no longer exist.

Ephesians 2:4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

That is a powerful verse. If Jesus sees no fault in us after we have repented then why do we both to carry our heads low and relive our mistakes over and over and over again. So if you are feeling condemned today. Simply as for forgiveness, repent, just say, "I made a mistake." That's all you have to do. Then Jesus will wash his hands of it and it's gone. You are forgiven, now forgive yourself, and let go of the shame.

I will leave you with this...Ephesians 2:2 May the God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Lana - you are truly and deeply missed as much today as the day we learned you are now with Jesus. Sto Lat princess, Sto Lat! Today we don't cry because we miss you, we celebrate your life and the motto you carried with you; seize life.

Where the heck is your blog, lady?

Well, I am human and must humbly admit the imbalance in my life. There were signs and a slow build-up of a disconnect, still, I just got smacked in the face with it because I refused to adhere to the warning signs. I guess I have always been one to not take the advice of others and have always been more of a hands-on, do it and learn for myself kind of person. Let me just say, at the first hint of God's voice, be obedient!

I placed too much emphasis and priority in catering to my clients that my portfolio became more important than my family and even superseded my devotional time. My family would have been the first to notice the change. I've been cranky and tired and impatient and irritable. I started to notice my own irritability and soon weakness followed. I am nothing and useless without first seeking Christ. I need his refreshing daily to keep me full and strong in every area of life.

I continued along this path for two weeks now ignoring everything around me. I even got boastful enough to think how cool it was that I didn't catch any of the colds from my lil' kiddos. Too much of anything isn't a good thing and we (Todd and I) had too much freedom and fun last weekend. So my week started with a bladder infection which is now a full blown kidney infection complete with nausea, vomiting, chills, a sore back, oh and the insatiable need to pee. I apologize for the graphic nature of all that. I'm ticked at myself. I know better.

That explains the fewer posts over the last couple of weeks. I won't be taking anymore evening appointments and will only photograph on Saturday. The number of sessions I take per week will be limited. My family needs me, they depend on me so I need to have time for them. More importantly, I need to be my best for them and my clients and I need time with the Lord first in order to be my best.

I've been struggling with a few personal relationships lately and how to handle each situation. My study time today was pretty clear, consistent, and to the point.

"You will never be called upon to give anyone more grace than God has already given you." Max Lucado Whoa! That got my attention. I don't really feel the need to follow that up with an explanation or background. It speaks pretty well all by itself. Judge and you shall be judged. Walk in love. Forgive.

Matthew 7:4-5
How can you think of saying "let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye" when you can't see past the log in your own eye. Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.

I am not perfect. If I'm going to spend some time sharpening my critical skills, I should begin with myself and ensure I am free of faults before I concern myself with other people's faults. That should keep me busy for oh, a lifetime.

I'm off to get my munchkins from preschool. I'm hoping to have a restful afternoon and lots of cuddles before I have to run to our evening commitments.

Walking in love,
Kari

I'm going to call this one, count it it all joy Friday!

We have pretty quickly settled into a routine. Faith even sleeps past 6:00 a.m. of late. Mallory and Hailey are pleased as punch to go to school everyday. They have Friday's off and just hate that they couldn't go to school this morning.

Boy, I did forget what morning time was like from the last school season. Every girl in the house has a turn with the tears, if I'm lucky. Most mornings they each just take turns all morning. It's really ridiculous actually. I can't tell you how many times Tyler's shower has been interrupted by his sisters potty runs first thing in the morning. It's not fun in the moment each morning but I laugh about it later on each day. Most people wouldn't survive a single morning in this house. My mom does a lot of road work for her job and it allows her to work at home. She's been gone by 6:00 a.m. most mornings lately; I wonder why?

My twins and I walk up to get Faith and Karli from school each afternoon and leave Tyler to his tinkering in the backyard with Grandpa. Most days Faith and Karli come running out with a new friend for me to meet. "Mom this is so-and-so, so-and-so, this is my mom." "Hi, so-and-so, nice to meet you." Which is always immediately followed by "will you be my friend?" and "will you be my friend too?" from the peanut gallery which is Mallory and Hailey. I wonder if Faith and Karli's friends realize that when you become friends with one of them, it's a four-for-one deal? Ah, it's so much fun though.

Polish dance started again last night with tons of new students. We have 26 kids in the first group alone which is all pre-school and kindergartners! Sounds fun, no? Our Director was the Artistic Director at the school we all left and has been doing double duty for the past three years. Running a new dance school, which is now the largest PRCUA dance group in the nation, and coordinating and creating new costumes in too big a job for one person. This is the first year she has taken on two costume assistants, yours truly and another wonderful lady. It's going to be a big job but I'm really excited about it. I'm looking forward to helping the new moms with the wealth of costume information they will be bombarded with in the coming weeks. I'm very proud of the time and effort I put into my children's costumes. They each own their own regional costume from the region of Krakow in Poland made of authentic polish pieces from Poland. I'm very proud of it. I just want to pass on a bit of that pride and assist the other moms. I'm looking forward to getting to know them and their children and mingling a bit more. Not my forte'. Not because I don't like people but believe it or not, I'm painfully shy! It's hideous really and I despise it.

I just feel really good about so many things. Todd and I are on a financial plan to get us to the end of this chapter so we can start a new one. All the kids are transitioning very well and socializing and making friends. Tyler has made more friends in two weeks then he did in four years at the old school. I'm so relieved and proud of him for conquering his fear. He's even beginning a bit of girl chatter. Oh no! Quick change of gears: his health teacher did a survey and wanted to know how many kids are allowed to go to the movies with friends. Tyler was the only one that didn't raise his hand. Sorry, I don't find it ridiculous to tell your children "no" sometimes for their protection. I want to ensure he is equipped enough to resist temptation to make a mistake when the temptation comes and I'm not convinced he's there yet. So for now, no movies! Besides, he wouldn't be allowed to watch any of the movies his gentleman friends would want to see. He is 13 but we don't necessarily allow him to watch all PG 13 movies. Guard your heart, eyes, and ears. Garbage in, garbage out. My husband's favorite words!

This seems to be sort of a jumble of things and I'm all over the map but I'm just full of joy and excited about all the good things happening and the many things I have to be thankful for. May His blessing continue to be upon us and more importantly upon you!

I'm going to leave you with a verse I read this morning over at Consider It All Joy by Cindy that just exudes from my soul this morning.

Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."