"Be strong...in the grace that is in Jesus Christ."

"Be strong, not confiding in thy own sufficiency, but in the grace that is in Jesus Christ."

As I think and pray for my sister each day, I have also taken some time to read about the treatment she will be enduring to combat the cancer that is in her body.  She had no idea it was there, till she felt a little lump.  Due to the affects of Covid-19, she had to wait to get in for an appointment, did that little lump grow and change?  How long had it been there?  What will it do?  Where else could it be?  Will it respond to treatment?  How drastic will treatment be?

So many questions.  So many concerns.

We know treatment for cancer will not be fun.  We know there will be nasty side effects from these treatments.  

The team of doctors feel that Mari will respond to these treatments and the lump that is cancer will shrink or even go away.  They are hoping for less invasive procedures to remove the lump.  And we know that God is the Great Physician.  We know that He alone knows the end from the beginning and we choose to trust Him.

It is hard to watch someone prepare for the path of treatments for cancer.

Tests to endure.  

Waiting to experience.

Tears to catch.  

Fear to fight off. 

It is hard to watch someone go through the treatments for cancer. 

As I watch and prepare to help in the fight, I cannot help but think how much cancer is like sin.  We wouldn't choose to have cancer in our body.  I'd like to think we wouldn't choose to have sin in our heart.  That wasn't God's plan when He created man!  God created a world that He called "VERY GOOD" but sin entered the world by one man's choice...and affected the whole creation. 

Cancer starts off as a small problem, and when we don't know of or acknowledge its presence and realize the danger of its growth, we are at its mercy.  Thankfully through the years, medical experts have learned about cancer, how it grows, what makes it grow, and how cancer can be dealt with in the body.  Every body is different.  Every cancer is different.  Every treatment will be adapted as bodies respond differently.  We, of course, are praying for God's will that Mari's body and the cancer will respond in the quickest way to the treatment with the least harmful effects!

Sin works in much the same way.  When we do not deal with our sinful choices, we allow for other choices to be made.  We make excuses and allowances making room for satan to attack us in our weaknesses.  Pretty soon, we are down a path that leaves no consideration for thinking of how we could or should please God with our choices.   Sin always takes us farther than we want to go...and with the help of others...we can make a change in our direction...to prevent further destruction.

Cancer can be treated...but you need the help of knowledgeable people.  The medicines and treatments are strong.  There is pain and unpleasantness.  We hope and pray the cure doesn't cause lasting damage or kill.

Often there will be some warning signs that may signal there is something wrong, but we might ignore it due to busyness or ignorance.  Sometimes, we don't even know how bad the danger is till it too late to prevent some long lasting consequences and even death.

Some people have a physical cancer to fight.

Other people have a spiritual cancer to fight.

Both have a choice in whether or not to fight the cancer.  Both need help and support to fight the cancer whether it is physical or spiritual.  

No fighting....long-lasting consequences...sickness or even death.

No help and support...consequences...discouragement or devastating choices.

Help and support and tools to fight...the will to go on, healing, and restoration.

We make the choice!  

God gives the strength and healing in His time and His way.

 

Who was watching?

I saw this quote the other day and immediately I thought of all my students past and present!  This year marks my sixth year in Kindergarten.  One of my first students came by my room this morning and saw his class picture on the wall and pointed with a stunned look. "Five years ago...can you believe it?!"  He shook his head.  I love watching these kiddos grow up, but I don't get to see very many of them.  Some have moved on to other schools.  Some have moved to other cities, states, and countries.  But one thing I know for sure...they took knowledge of Jesus with them!  The same student who visited me this morning once said, "I can't get that song out of my head!"  And my reply was, "That is the point!  Hide God's Words deep in your heart and you will always know His love!"

One of my students will be moving back to Japan in November.  He is very shy, but I love watching him learn to trust me and talk to me.  He is participating in class with me.  Today, I watched him singing the songs and practicing Proverbs 3:1-6.  By the time his family leaves, we will have learned several more songs and John 1:1-6.  He will have heard truth from God's Word along with all the letters and numbers.  I am praying that those things he has learned in K5 will impact his thinking for his whole life!  And that someone will cross his path and remind him that God loves him and sent His Son to die for him.

That...that is why I teach!  So children may learn the truth at an early age and love Jesus with all their heart and soul and mind!
 

Be Still and Know

The girls and I got to go away again this year for a girls get-away to Grand Haven/Springlake.  This time we brought a friend with us to celebrate Alisa's graduation!  We stayed in the same AirBnB as last year.  It was so cozy, clean, and cool.  We so enjoy the area and atmosphere even with things not being like we planned.  We ate yummy food, drank coffee, shopped, slept, read, laughed, talked, and enjoyed the beach!  We couldn't wait to go...we've been counting down the days!  Waiting with anticipation!
The Grand Haven State Park beach was closed Sunday afternoon till further notice due to the loss of a 14 year old boy on Sunday.  The warnings had gone out on Friday for the beaches.  Red flags all weekend.  The waves were furious and crashing.  People from out of town do not understand the power of Lake Michigan...they don't respect it like they should even with warnings.  It has been an age-old problem at beaches all over our country.  As we readied for our trip Sunday night, I read the warnings and looked forward to being able to see the crashing waves!  Then I read the update about how a boy went missing and beach goers formed a human chain and were walking the water...being tossed around by the waves...they tried...but there was no way they were even close to helping.  I can't imagine the helpless feeling...trying to help while waiting for the experts...only to have the experts say it is too dangerous to bring out the boat.  The helicopter was out, divers were in the water.  The force of the waves too strong!  Only God could calm the waves and help the searchers!
Waiting...in that situation is excruciating and painful...but waiting was the only option.
My brother was part of the search and recovery team.  They spent part of Sunday and Monday searching as best they could.  My heart hurt for the family and the searchers and we prayed for them.  We went to another beach and enjoyed the sand and the sun.  It was a beautiful time together.  We were in awe of the power of the waves on Monday and the quiet of them on Tuesday!  Tuesday the lake was calm and the team found the boy in the afternoon.  It was hard to be upset that our plans were interrupted by the loss of a child.  People cared for that family and helped them generously.  We adjusted our plans and still got to do what we wanted...it just looked a little different...but then again...everything looks different due to the Covid craze!  Even the ordinary things are not as easy...and then the extraordinary happens...and we see people still helping in any way they can...because if the shoe was on the other foot...we would hope for the same help.  Wednesday brought the crashing waves again...and I loved their song.  There is something peaceful and refreshing to my heart as I listen to the waves crash on the shore.  I never grow tired of the sound.
As the family's grief washes over them in waves, I prayed for peace to calm the hearts and minds of all involved.  I don't know if they know Christ.  Waiting can be dangerous or tricky...if you wait too long...you may miss a chance or opportunity.
As I sat and watched the waves and people at the beach on Wednesday, I wondered how many of them knew what had happened.  I wondered if any of them looked at the yellow flag that offers a warning to all beach goers.  I hoped that people would heed the warnings given by the Coast Guard...the ones who watch and patrol...the same ones who have to rescue and recover.  It is in the times of peace and quiet that we all have to come to terms with our thoughts and attitudes about life.  Life is fragile.  There are dangers.  I think that is why many people do not give themselves time to be still...quiet...because they don't want to think and face the reality that we will not live forever here on earth.  There is life after...where will you spend it?
When I hear and see the waves crash...it brings a quiet peace to my heart.  I crave time to just sit and rest at the beach!  I think of the vast power of God.  I think of God's unending patience with me.  I think of the love of God...and how it reaches to all mankind.  I think of God's sovereign control in our lives...He knows the number of the grains of sand...the vastness of all the lakes and oceans...and yet He cares for me.

It is what inside that counts!

 My sister and I went strawberry picking last week.  It was a beautiful day in Michigan to spend the morning outside in the strawberry fields!  We came home with boxes full of beautiful strawberries to make into freezer jam and yummy treats.  I picked up a nice, ripe, sweet piece of fruit, but when I turned it over, I found that the inside was rotten, not noticeable right away.  What a vivid picture of life!  We view the outside...but God views our heart!  I Samuel 16:7 the Lord reminded Samuel not to look at the outward countenance as man does.

What is on the inside will always come out!  Look at this picture!  Something got inside the strawberry causing it to rot but it was not visible till it was cut open.  The outside looked like everything was just right...and then the pressure came!  I am thankful for the the lessons that God brings our way when we are least expecting them...it is in those moments that I know He is reminding me to be constantly vigilant.  What am I letting in that will cause me to be spiritually rotten?

Hands...

As I am getting older, I am finding that the strength in my hands is diminishing.  I notice it especially when I am working on a project that requires repetitive action...pulling weeds, kneading dough, scrubbing stains, scraping paint, painting, cutting bulletin board items with scissors, and even typing.

We use our hands for so many different jobs throughout the course of the day.  I am thankful for the mobility I do have.  I do not take the use of my hands for granted.

I have always noticed people's hands.  I loved my Gram's hands.  I remember her hands being crippled with arthritis and she would shake them in the mornings.  She used her hands to serve her family and her Lord.  I think I was most impressed by how her hands had worked so hard through the years...most often...blessing others.  She made so many good things to eat.  She made things for her Sunday school girls.  She did so many things all the time.  I would hold her hand and trace her veins when I was little.  We did not get to see her very often but she would hold our hands.

  

 I've been thinking a lot lately about working with my hands...doing for others...doing those things well.  Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatsoever thy hand finder to do, do it with thy might;  for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."  I must learn from those who have gone before to work with my hands.  Titus 2 

Hands often show the hard work of person does.  I have had to learn that I am not called to do everything all the time.  I must learn to relax, let go, and rest which allows everyone else to have a chance to learn to use their hands to do good for others. There is a time to let go.  I am so thankful that I can use my hands to do good.  God made me with the ability to work and to teach our children to work, as well.  I have been hit with the realization that sometimes...I need to stop working and let go...and allow God to work.  There is a point that my working hands can get in the way of God working His plan.  I am seeing the importance of working at the same time letting go.

My hands do many things during the day!  Washing, pointing, juggling, throwing, writing, cutting, hugging, catching, grasping, balancing, folding, squeezing, griping...closed and open.

My hands and fingers are not for the purpose of holding on to everything in life...that action physically brings cramping and pain after a short time.

Humanly, it is impossible to literally hold on to every part of life.  There are somethings that I must allow others to care for.  There are things that only God can hold and handle.

There are things that I am not meant to hold on to...my strength fails me...I get tired and I lose my grip.  I cannot juggle too many things...I know I am not successful in that feat.

It is better when I let go...the release brings relief.

I do not need to live with fear, pain, and stress of trying to hold on and hold everything together.  

That is not my job!  I have the ability to handle only a certain amount...

there is no sense in trying to hold more than I am physically capable of holding.

Open hands show an acceptance for what is coming to fill them.

If my hands are already full...clutching to something else...I might miss what is coming.

God...the Master Creator...of my hands...

holds me safely in His hands...

So while I work and plan with my hands...I hold to God's almighty hand...

holding loosely to my feeble attempts...knowing God is in control.

I love all things coffee!

Coffee is how I start my day!  

I want it.  

I need it!  

I am crabby when it is not there.  

I grumble if it is gone.

Coffee represents more than just a hot beverage to me.  There are moments of remembrance and sharing with friends and family that are special.  I love to share it.

I love to taste it.  I love to smell it.  I love to hear it.  I love to see it.  I love to touch it.

I saw this picture posted by a friend advertising her friend's artwork.  I saved the picture because I loved her explanation of the saying.  I shall paraphrase...

"Everything that comes my way today...is from the Lord."

Oh that I would linger over the truth of these words as I savor my first cup of coffee every morning!  Everything that God has given me to do today...when I am yielded to His voice...has already passed through His mind and hands.  Did I ask for His guidance?  Approval?  Care?  Or did I dive headlong into what I wanted to do without considering God's will for me today?  Was I still long enough to hear His words?  Did I take time to read His words?

Do I consider what God has called me to do as a wife and a mother as holy?  Somethings are just so daily...over and over and over...  Really!?! God can be glorified as I clean a dirty bathroom, stand and wash dishes again, and fold the same clothes for the thousandth time?

Admittedly, I do the things...but not always happily.  

Usually, I feel rushed and have time limits looming over my head.  

Until...March 2020...and everything slowed down...and then stopped.

As life situations begin to pick up speed again, I am thankful for the summer months of a teacher life.  I can work back into routine...if I want...some days.  There is time to just do nothing or not do anything rushed.  

I still have time to take care of things as a wife and mother without the hectic schedule.  I am beginning to wonder if I will ever be at normal functioning levels again.  What is normal?  Will there be a new normal?  Do I even want to know what the new normal is?

For now...I think I will just be grateful that God knows what is ahead.  

He gives me just what I need for each day. 

I will only drink from the cup of coffee...

freshly brewed and hot...

to be savored right at that appointed time of day.

June 2, 2020

When I read through Proverbs 2, I read the words "If" and "Then" many times.  There are many times now that I sit back and watch our children navigate life.  I silently wonder if we taught them everything we should have.  Is there anything that we forgot?  Is there something we messed up on teaching?  Could we have done better?

Do I look up enough?

I know many parents go through these thought processes...and then linger on the guilt.

I don't want to linger there...because then satan wins.

I don't want to take away our children's responsibility or accountability for their actions as individuals with a free will.  I don't want to step in the way of God's sovereignty in our life as well as our children's lives.

We have asked for God's wisdom numerous times!  I know He has directed through our guidance.  

I know He has stopped our mouths and inserted His words multiple times.  I know He can work through the mistakes as well.

At some point...we all have to step back and let our children fly.  Some will flap wildly...flailing all about in fear.  Some will not flap at all...and fall...maybe getting hurt and suffering through injury.  Some will soar...strong and high.  We have allowed our children to stretch out and try out their wings as they ready to leave our nest.  We have had a couple mishaps...but thankfully...they have been close to the nest to allow their parents to help and show them how to soar.  Baby bird #2 is getting ready to jump out of our nest for new adventures and I find myself, once again, wondering.

 Questions with Dad on the deck...and searching through God's Word for answers...on their own but together without fear of saying the wrong things.  I am so thankful for a wise man to help guide and steer our family in the right direction.  Life has not been easy...but when you are willing to submit to doing things God's way...there is peace.

                                                              Unbelievable peace!

I am thankful that God brings a sweet time around His Word as a family to remind me...they are are learning to understand and use discretion and good judgment.  If we don't take the time to teach our children truth...someone else will teach something...and it could be devastating.

June 1, 2020

I am reading the first chapter of Proverbs...because it is the beginning of the new month.  I am always amazed that I see new things or old things in a different light each month.  I did some more in-depth reading this morning on the sun-drenched deck...while listening to good music and the birds and drinking my yummy coffee.  Time with the Lord...is special in the summer...with no hurried schedule!

King Solomon was known by his peaceable spirit and reign.  His father, David, was known for having a life of troubles.  I wonder if Solomon learned from his father's mistakes?  We know he was affected by his father's life.  I wonder if our children will learn from my mistakes or in spite of them.
The book of Proverbs is an instruction book.  The things I learn on a daily basis, I can then practice in times of trouble.  I am inexperienced and in need of discretion and knowledge.  Where do I go to get the help and guidance that I need in life?
John 7:17 Do I know whether the teaching is from God or am I speaking on my own?  There are principles that I can apply to any situation of life in which I have questions.  There are people that I can go to that "have been there and done that".
I hope I don't go to social media!  We hope we can go to our church leaders and teachers.  Often, I recognize that I cannot go to friends.  Definitely I cannot go to news sources!  I cannot always trust medical professionals, because they constantly change.  I have to put time in to study and read.
So many things change through the years and depending on who is trying to give information...I think back to when our first baby, Ashlynn, was born.  I was told in the hospital that she had to sleep on her back with no blankets, bumper pad, and no loose materials.  When Alisa and Teddy came along, they would not sleep great or long on their back.  They would startle and wake up.  My mother shared that when I was a baby, she was told to put the baby to sleep on their tummy.  "If you are worried, removed the loose materials from around them and just try it."  I did!  I had a relationship with my mother and I trusted her...she raised three children and we were adults.  Do you know that both my babies slept and slept and slept...and were happy.  I was greatly relieved and rested.
I believe satan purposely keeps our world stirred up with differing views and opinions to keep mothers (families) off kilter.  If satan can cause strife and division in our homes between spouses, he has attacked the first human relationship that he can use to tear people apart.
I have witnessed these situations to many times to think otherwise!  Just because someone quotes or states some facts or new information, does not mean we should go running after it whole-heartedly.  We should apply ourselves to seeking if those things are so, just as we are told in Scripture "to be like the Bereans who searched to see if those things are so." Acts 17:10-11  Why would we only apply that to spiritual matters?  In Matthew Henry's commentary, he stated our need to use the wisdom and discretion that we have learned "to accommodate what we are taught (told) to ourselves and to our use that we may discern things that differ."
Am I able to "approve" things that are excellent?  There are many things out there for me to take in daily.
What guides my daily practice of justice, judgment, and equity?
Who am I taking guidance from on a daily basis?  Our world is filled with simple people(ignorant), youthful people (still needing to learn), foolish people (rejecting wisdom), and wise people (increasing in learning).

"POUR into someone...

who will pour into you."

I understand the idea but I believe that we should POUR into others...

whether they pour into you or not!

I read this quote the other day, and while I liked it...I also had trouble accepting it as written.

Provide

Offer

Uplift

Rebuild

God's Word tells me that I am to edify.  (Romans 14:19, I Corinthians 10:23, I Thessalonians 5:11)

 I am to testify and teach others also. (Titus 2)

I've been thinking about this a lot lately.  I am watching people pour into my children.  I remember with fondness those who have poured into my life...some are now with the Lord.  If Jesus Christ is my example, then I should live life as He lived.  I know He is perfect, and I am not.

Christ did not just pour into people who poured into Him.  Thankfully...He is not a respecter of persons.  He met the woman at the well.  He touched the blind man.  He healed a lame man.  He healed the woman with the issue of blood.  He healed the maniac of Gadara.  None of those people poured into Jesus...yet He offered living water, forgiveness, love, hope, and healing.  He gave...till He gave it all on the cross of Calvary...and He still gives freely to all that come to Him.

Who am I pouring into today?

May 29

May 20

Needing an attitude adjustment already!  
School is over and the schedule has changed...again.  I enjoy the time at home to be a wife and mom.  It always take me a long time to unwind and remove my teacher hat.
This year, I am feeling a little more discombobulated and there is more of a let down this year because there hasn't been a finale.
I stopped posting teaching videos.
I stopped posting helpful tips.
I stopped posting "Just for Moms" thoughts and verses for the day.
I miss my little friends...there was comfort in structure and routine.
I feel like I've let everyone down because we didn't have this big, fun graduation program and ceremony...because the leader of our state has over-reached and keeps cancelling things.
I feel bad for my Kinders and their parents.
I feel bad for my girl Alisa...no normal Senior graduation activities...yet.

I know God is in control and I have peace in all of the changes...but there is still frustration and aggravation.  Those natural feelings and emotions have to be dealt with on a daily basis.  Oh my stubborn, sinful heart with natural feelings and emotions...that cannot be allowed to run wild!
So even though everything else seems to have stopped...my time with God has not.  It cannot!  It is a choice I have to make each day.  I have a poster on my bulletin board in my classroom...
Today's goals: Start with God, Stay with God, and End with God.
I cannot do that if I am not spending time with God to keep my thoughts focused on the right things!  Even with a schedule change...I must set time aside to read, meditate, and ask the Lord for wisdom and direction in my thought life.
In my flesh, I am tempted to vent my anger over what is happening in our world right now.  I read in Proverbs 29 today what happens when I am not wise...but a fool, so I choose to hold it in check and remember that God is still in control.  He is fully aware of what is happening.  Just about the time I think we will get to move on with plans, we get smacked with another cancellation or change...which brings disappointment.  It is not fun.  I don't like it.  It irritates me...mostly because of the dishonesty and the double standards...and how it affects life negatively. Turn the news off.  Get off the internet.  Evil is evil...it will not get better.  Turn the music on.  Get in the Word...because it will affect you ALL DAY LONG!

May 16

I Wish You Mud Puddles & Dandelions

When I look at a patch of dandelions,
I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard.
My kids see
Flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.

When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me,
I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money, and I look away.
My kids see
Someone smiling at them and they smile back.

When I hear music I love,
I know I can’t carry a tune and don’t have much rhythm, so I sit self- consciously and listen.
My kids
Feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don’t know them, they make up their own.

When I feel the wind on my face,
I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk.
My kids
Close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.

When I pray,
I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that.
My kids say
“Hi, God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don’t want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss Mommy and Daddy.”

When I see a mud puddle,
I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets.
My kids sit in it.
They see dams to build, rivers to cross and worms to play with.

I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from?
No wonder God loves the little children!!
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
I wish you Mud Puddles and Dandelions!

(Author Unknown)

May 15

Just for Moms,

We made it! Your days of facilitating the teaching of kindergarten this year are complete! Thank you for all your help! We have laughed and cried together. We have cheered and scolded. We have worked and played. We now understand (in a much clearer way) that there is so much more to the kindergarten school year experience than just book learning! I pray that my little friends have developed a love for learning and that love will continue to grow! I am praying for God's protection, guidance, and provision for the months ahead as we prepare for FIRST GRADE!!!!

As we pour our hearts and love into our children, we want to see the same coming from them. Today...we get to see a small glimpse of what has been poured into these precious children this year. Take time to look back at pictures and their work/art/books...if you have saved some in their memory box...and celebrate your kinder's growth. Bake some cupcakes or cookies. Have a pizza party. Share the videos I will post later as a family night. Cheer your child on! It is time for a party...and you don't even have to dress up today...because you did that on Wednesday!

Proverbs 15 reminds us today how important our words and attitudes are in life. Verse 2, 13, and more...but 16 is in the spotlight for me today..."Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith." Our end of the year looked really different...but we still accomplished so much! Our year moved forward! We have learned how important the little things are! So we will not fuss about what is not...we will celebrate what is...and be thankful! I can think of no better life lesson for a Kindergartener!

With love,

Kari...just a mom who loves teaching kindergarteners about Jesus and other stuff

May 14

Just for Moms,

How sweet to see each of you yesterday! You all have been such a blessing to me each day and I want you to know that! Your constant vigil over details of school as well as your responsibilities as wife and mother!

I noticed your peaceful smiles as you got out of your vehicles. You may have felt a little rushed or scattered on the inside...but you showed a different picture! Let's face it...when you are getting out of a vehicle...you are not thinking about who is watching. Did you have something similar to this unconscious dialog in your head as you were focused on not falling ungracefully out of the vehicle? "I'm dressed. Oh good, shoes match. I hope my boy's hair isn't sticking up now as his head rested against the car seat. Did I wipe snack on the face? Don't lock your keys in the car. Did the bow I put in my girl's hair match? Oh the sun feels good! Ahhh, a family outing! I'm glad we didn't have to go far, we can't get in the building, please, God, no potty accidents today, it will be my undoing. This is a happy time...oh...I can't cry! How did we get here...first grade is next. I did my hair and makeup for the first time 8 weeks. I kind of feel pretty. I wonder how hard I will have to hint about stopping for a treat to celebrate. I will not cry."

And you were probably giving last second instructions as you walked around to the other doors...your mind going a hundred different directions...and then you look up. We are mothers...it is what we do! All. the. time. For about five seconds you were by yourself in your own little world...and it is in those moments that what is going on inside comes out.

You are welcome! Now you will forever be conscious of what is happening in those type of life moments...and you will notice actions of others. All of that to say...people are watching our lives! Lately, our life watchers have been those who live with us. It can be a little unsettling! Ted was looking at me last night...I was sitting in the recliner with puppies on me. I said, "What!?" He said nothing and just smiled. It unnerved me a little! But I felt loved too. Yes...I am still trying to figure out if there was something I missed...I was in my own little world.

Now as we get to get out more, our lives will either be an encouragement or discouragement to others. I have been reminded just recently again that a smile and a kind greeting makes the difference in any exchange...and it goes both ways! Proverbs 14:1-7, 12, 26-33 (and more) point us to our walk and how our walk will affect others. Rejoice in the victories and refresh areas of weakness.

With love,

Kari...just a mom who was encouraged by all our mothers of Kindergarteners during this coronavirus episode 2020

May 13

Just for Moms,
God used a friend this week to say the words, “God goes before us...don’t forget that. I know it says that somewhere in Deuteronomy.”
I had to laugh because I know lots of verses and stories from God’s Word but don’t always remember where I read it. Deuteronomy 31! And a reminder from Proverbs 13:6 today to “stay upright in the way”.
Moses was giving direction to the people of Israel telling them Joshua would lead them and God would go before and destroy the nations (enemies). Moses challenges the people to be strong, courageous, don’t fear, or be afraid...it is God who goes before us.
How easy to forget this example...of real people, living in real places, who had real problems! God loves His children. He is at work in our lives in ways we see and in ways we don’t see! He knows just what we need...and when and where and how!
With love,
Kari...just a mom watching my step...making sure God is before me...so basically...from my kindergarten perspective...I’m playing follow the leader

May 12

Just for Moms,

Another day filled with sunshine to be thankful for this week! I am thankful for the reminder this morning for the things that never change. 

To be sure, I like changes too...some were ordered by God at Creation, some are necessary to the continuation of life, and some are just desired by us.

No matter what...Proverbs 12:3 reminds us that "the root of the righteous shall not be moved". We need roots that hold fast...they are anchors for our life and give us life-giving nourishment...and in verse 12..."the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit". When our roots are strong, we will be able to stand through the natural and supernatural changes in our life...and produce fruit in our life and encourage fruit in others. 

God provides for us...are we planted in truth? Are we nourishing ourselves with truth (the water of the Word)? How strong are our roots?

With love,

Kari...just a mom looking at all the growth taking place and praying that the roots are deep and strong

May 10 and 11

Just for Moms,

Happy Monday! It is our 9th week of distance learning and our last week Kindergarten! I can hardly believe it! It will all seem very final on Thursday as we meet to get pictures of the Kinder in their caps and gowns!!! It still seems like a bad dream that we will wake up from...

But our God has met our every need! I feel victorious in that thought this morning! Satan has tried to take us down into darkness and frustration...but he has not won in our home...we have fought against those powers of darkness with truth and light from God's Word! I did not say it has been easy...and we are still in the fight. As I read Proverbs 11 today, I am reminded that "a false balance is abomination to the LORD...the integrity of the upright shall guide them...a gracious woman retaineth honor: the wicked worketh a deceitful work..."

God is still at work...in our homes and out in cities. There have been good people standing up and speaking truth and God is using their words in His way and in His time. I am so thankful that even in my weak moments...(because truth be told...I am so done with this whole pandemic craze...just done...) God is still in control. I want to follow God's way...because I do not want to trouble our own house and inherit the wind! (verse 29) I will trust God to care for every need that we have as a family, city, state, and country. Why? Because He has specifically cared for every need we have had these last eight weeks!

With love,

Kari...just a mom who is greatly relieved that God is always in control

May 9, 2020

Just for Moms,

Let this thought soak into your heart and mind. The words are freeing and healing all at the same time!

https://youtu.be/JhUvFqOY00I

We see the same truth in Proverbs 9:10-12!

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

We are to encourage others in their walk of faith. I am thankful that in that walk...we are only expected to take one step at a time one day at a time! Sometimes those steps are big, strong, confident steps. Other days the steps are wobbly as we move on tip toe. Still other days, we stub our toes as we trip up the step, on the crack, or over the curb...sometimes turning the simple movement of a step into a twirling, running, sliding full out face plant. Ask me how I know. I have friends and family, who right at this minute can attest to watching my gracefulness in motion, and they are full out laughing hysterically (Mari) and possibly snorting! But...they have always been there to help pick me up! Be that kind of mom, wife, daughter, friend!

With love,

Kari...just a mom remembering the sting of the multiple cement burns (parking lot and sidewalks), rug burn, gravel, gym floor, and ice

May 8, 2020

Just for Moms,

Counting down the days is natural...especially when we are looking forward to a special event that marks the achievement of a goal! Sometimes it is just the completion of a task for a normal day. Like the laundry washed, dried, folded, and put away on the same day! Sometimes it is finally seeing training completed. Like potty training or riding a bike without training wheels! Sometimes it is the end of a month or a season. We look forward to the new calendar or time of year and all that it brings!

As we count forward in anticipation for all that God will bring in the coming days, weeks, months, and years, I want to remember to look back with thankfulness and joy for what we just lived! Go back and read through your journal, look at pictures, and talk of all that God has done in those every day routine times of life. 

Proverbs 8:1-6 Wisdom cries out and understanding puts forth her voice...they speak of excellent things and right things! In order for our children to continue in the things that we are teaching them, they need to hear from our mouth (lips) the same words! 

Proverbs 8:32-36 Our children cannot hear and be wise or choose wisely if we are not daily speaking truth as we stand watching daily at our gates and door.

With love,

Kari...just a mom doing my best to speak truth in our home as we watch the days pass

May 7, 2020

Just for Moms,

Another beautiful, sunny, Michigan morning to listen to the birds! 

Take time today to be and play outside! Our family was outside ALL day yesterday. Fresh air and sunshine help your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well being! Usually, we are in our school classroom wishing to be outside. We lovingly call it spring fever. This year, we have the opportunity to be outside...some wishing to be in the classroom. As I read through Proverbs 7 this morning, I am amazed by how well God knows us...at all times and places of our lives. He knows just what we will do and what we need.

Proverbs 7:6-7 "For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,"

There is shelter and safety in our home. Hopefully, there is peace. Spend time teaching your children peace, safety, and truth in your home...because when you as an adult looks out your window...you know and see the dangers. We don't focus on those details with our children...because those things are scary and not age appropriate. As mommas, we focus on teaching the good things...the needful things...the important things for our family. This year...we get to expand our realm of teaching to the front and back yard, the park, the living room, the kitchen, bathroom, and the playroom. 

Look for all the opportunities you have now and prepare for the days that you will see your children...walking down your driveway to leave your home...from the other side of the window. You will ask yourself...Did I teach them well? Do they understand what is important in life? And you will ask God to protect and provide for them in ways that you can not.

With love,

Kari...just a mom who looks out of the windows of our house...a lot these days