Saturday, June 29, 2013

{Grounded in God Word vs. Ground Balls}

 Buddy's end of season baseball party always proves to be a great time!
 Our baseball team had a tad bit of trouble this year. . . we didn't practice much due to weather and such, but we were there to have fun, enjoy the weather, make friends, and get some exercise.
  Does that cover all the reasons to play sports? 
 A person would think so. . . but that just doesn't seem to be the priority any longer.
  These 5, 6, 7, 8 year old kids (younger even) are serious. 
 The demand is high.  
The expectations are high
.  And the kids. . . well, they are good.  Dang good.
 They practice all the time. 
 And if they aren't practicing they are playing. 
  And if they aren't playing with our team they are playing with another team.  
And if they aren't playing in our town they are playing in another town. 
7 days a week.
 I have come to the conclusion that there isn't a whole lot of room for a parent like myself.
  Yes, I want my children to succeed. 
 Yes, I want my children to play. 
 Yes, I want my children to play well. 
And I expect nothing but the best on the field. . .but I refuse to sell my soul to any sport.
AND I refuse to take a chance of risking my child's spiritual stability to advance in any sport.

  Some of my most recent insane thoughts have been. . . 
"Well, if they don't travel" or "Well, if she cant tumble" "Well if we don't do this or that". . .
they wont make it in high school. . . really, Tonia?
What does my Lord say about all this madness?
 (Because I have really had to have some Come to Jesus Meetings with myself!)
My LORD says I am not guaranteed tomorrow. 
I am not guaranteed tomorrow.
I am not guaranteed tomorrow.
I do not know what tomorrow holds, but I do know what helps me through today. . . and everyday.
My Faith.
 Sure who doesn't want a Tyler Wilson?
Oh, and how proud of him I am. . . but I also know a Momma that would give anything to be able to bring her son up from the ground.
 Just to have 60 seconds to say, It doesn't matter.
It doesn't matter.
It doesn't matter.
So I ask myself, "Tonia, what matters when it comes to this sports stuff?"
 Its my hearts desire for these kids the Lord has entrusted me (and The Mr.) to raise to not be "sold out" to anything but The Lord.  

Its my hearts desire for them to understand "win or loose" we are to be humble before The Lord and grateful for any opportunities we have. . . and thankful for the doors He opens and doors He shuts. 
  Even when it hurts.
His ways aren't our Ways. His plans aren't our plans.

Its my hearts desire for them to know the importance of church attendance and that staying in fellowship with other believers is critical to their Christian Walk.
Its my hearts desire that when friends, teachers, and professors teach them 
(VERY CONVINCINGLY I MIGHT ADD)
about anything other than the Biblical principals they have been raised to put their trust and faith in they 
WILL NOT BE SHAKEN.
Do you know what an amazing task that is? 
Huge. And the honest truth is . . . my time is ticking. 

 I am going to one-by-one release my babies into a world where a very different agenda will be pushed.
Outside the walls of our home the paintings look very different. 
Outside of this little town the paintings will look very different.
The way I see it. . . Being grounded in Gods Word is way more important than stopping ground balls.
Church is our choice. . . and everything else can fall into any kind-of order The Lord sees fit.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

{The Many Faces of Summer}

 Pool Excitement!! Woo-hoo!
Thanks Mom for bringing me to the pool!
Life Guard Austin giving me a push!
Well that's all folks!

Monday, June 24, 2013

{The Teenager Boy}

 The list of reasons why I love this boy is endless, but one that would be in the top 5. . .
 he is a Rule Follower.  At a recent pool party, he was without a doubt the only child there that
read the Pool Rules and was bugged by all those whom didn't follow.
Love.That.Boy.

{VBS. . . I think not.}

 Would it be Summer without Vacation Bible School? 
I think not.    
The problem is. . . my kids are getting too old for it. 
 See all the "Teal Shirts"? 
Next year my kids can wear those and help lead! 
Thank Heavens for The Baby! 
As you can see he nestled right in with his
 snow cone 
and listened to a man in a M&M vest bring stories about Jesus to life.
 Our VBS this year was at our city park.  The kids rotated among the different stations outside.
 We had several kiddos and they all had a great time!
 Everyone would gather before and after and sing praises! Here is my Sis.
 Is there anything better than a Bible Story under a tree? I think not.
As The Baby went from station to station I soaked it all in like a . . . Mom. . . wondering where time goes and hanging on to what I have for dear life.

Friday, June 14, 2013

{The 1st Check-in of The Summer}

 Hello! How is your summer? We have been cruising right along. . .late nights, long talks,
sitting outside, BBQ out back, swimming, church camp, VBS, tennis lessons, friends, video games, 
board games, and all sorts of other fun. . . like ice cream!
I am managing to keep my "the vine" alive. See my adorable flag from my Sweet Shaina! I just love it!
She brought it to me at a time I really needed some cheer!
 I have been to 3 funerals within the past 2 weeks. 
 My heart has been full of sorrow.  Sorrow, y'all! I mean it!
 The Baby had his very last ballgame last night.
He hit 2 home runs! Oooooo, how your heart swells with joy when your
kids are beaming with happiness.  I have absolutely loved watching my boys play baseball
each summer.  The Teenager Boy hasn't played in a few years (gulp.), but watching The Baby
has been wonderful.  AND I really don't miss Field Hopping.
 He typically plays 2nd or 3rd base.  
He is super smart.
He is super speedy.
Thank you baseball for being so great. . . and ending before it is complete heat misery outside.

In case you need code for the kids. . .
Clayton aka The Teenager Boy
Carson aka Buddy or The Baby
Lily aka Sweet Sis

Talk soon!

Monday, June 3, 2013

{I haven't been a very good. . . }

Blogger lately! Sorry my sweet readers! 
Talk soon!

 
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