Life in a House

What has been going on in my life lately?

1. Realizing that my children really will grow up and leave. Danielle turning 17 and preparing to leave for college next year has forced me to come face to face with this disturbing reality. I've felt a sadness that I can't even describe at the thought of not having our whole family living together under one roof.
Along with the sadness, comes the joy and peace of realizing that God is my source of joy. That every season in my life, with God, will be good and right.

2. While sitting in my thoughtful spot (i.e. the toilet) the other morning a great big, black cricket jumped out at me and said, "Rawr!!!" It was a very traumatic experience but I am happy to say that I prayed to God to help me and I was able to conquer the cricket and flush him away to a land where he will be much happier. Is that a run on sentence? If so, I'm Ok with that.

3. Started school back up a couple weeks ago. Didn't want to. Was putting it off but realized I must face the inevitable. I have been praying for ways to have more fun and make school more interesting and less over-whelming for all of us. We have already been having some fun. My Mom is teaching the girls Science. We enjoy that because we get to visit and it is a change of pace for us. Looking forward to more exciting things that God has for us this year. Determined to enjoy every minute of my children's childhood, due to comment number one.

4. On my never ending quest to become closer to God, I have come to some realizations. One of them being, I will never become all I can be in Him without reaching out to others. I know I am called to preach and one of the ways I have been doing this is putting more time and energy into my devotional blog, which is kristimanafromheaven.blogspot.com.

5. Really praying that September is the month of new beginnings for us! Excited about what God has in store. I know it's gonna be good! He is the master of healing and restoration! Every day of my life is all about Him.

6. Um, dying to my flesh has been fun. NOT! This is another realization I've come to. In order to go further in the things of God, Kristi (i.e. Kristi's flesh man) must die! OUCH! Come on God, can't you just supernaturally poof me into being the way I need to be? Self-denial is not one of my strengths. Nope. I like to tell myself, "Yes! you can have whatever you want and do what ever you want!" But you know what? I have learned that this does not lead to true happiness. In fact, living a self-serving life actually leads to depression and discouragement. OK God, you win. You always do! Because you love me and you know what things lead to an abundant life I will trust you.

7. Well, Danielle and Ali are out of town. So I am guiltily enjoying a quiet morning. Why guiltily you might ask? Well, I purposefully let Brittani and Alyssa stay up late... They are still asleep and I'm not waking them up. It's just to wonderful... And I'm not telling you what time it is. By the way, blogger time is never correct. ha ha

8. So looking forward to fall weather.

9. Still hate football.

10. Really enjoying my coffee with hazelnut creamer!

11. Learning to communicate with my teenage daughters. They are great! Enough said.

That's all for now, folks. Tune in next time.