Crazy Summer Days.

This summer has been crazy so far.

Crazy:  Case and Point

  Summer has been full full full of fun and work and play and people and kids and food and laundry and activities and more food and fun and birthdays, lots and lots of birthdays.

  I figured a conservative average and we are averaging 37 plates of food prepared and consumed a DAY around here.  

That is 259 plates of food a week.

I honestly wouldn't have it any other way.  I'm telling you, God is amazing and faithful to allow this unorganized mess (me) to be a part of so much LIFE! 

God is so good!  He is a provider.

 He provided a steer...that was ready to be butchered right before the real crazy season and a pig (thanks to my son-in-law) just in time. 

 We have freezers stuffed full!

 I have learned the more I open my heart and my home  the more God will give me. 

 He never runs out of blessings for me....and I never run out of what I need

IF and WHEN

I rely on the Lord and NOT myself and my plans and MY anything frankly.

  I have to be careful every single day to NOT try to do it in my strength.  

The minute I do...and I do at least several times a day...I get overwhelmed and tired and I start to yell, and as much as I want it too....it just doesn't BLESS anyone.  :)  

 In the midst of all the crazy food and laundry....I have gotten to participate in some fun activities!  Concerts and family gatherings.

   

I set out to do something to bless someone else....and I

 ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS

 end up WAY more blessed.

Third Day concert.  It was AMAZING!!!!!

 When I say to the Lord.....I'm open for whatever you have for me today....He brings

 SO MUCH,

 and when I operate in His strength and His love and His timing and His plan....I get to enjoy the blessings and the activity and the people that He brings into my life. 

 I never know how many are going to be at our table for the night.....NEVER....I don't even try to plan or figure it out....and you know what....we always always always have enough. 

Some of my favorite ladies at the family reunion.

 I whisper or (whine) to the Lord (depending on the current mood) first thing everyday and say......you know what the day holds...I clearly have NO idea, so HELP me! 

 When I keep it about Him and not how clean I want the house or how organized I want the day to go....we are BLESSED and hopefully we are a BLESSING around here.

Cousin time!!!!

These little faces bless me to pieces!!!!

Happy Birthday Kole!!!
  It is AWESOME to have you home for the summer!!!

More cousin fun.  It's the best!!!

Happy Birthday Luke!!!!
 You may be the youngest 12 year old in the house (we currently have 3 kids 12 years old) but you are the leader and a very good one.
 Keep it up buddy!!!!
 We could not be prouder of you and who you are and what you do on a daily basis.

The way you live out your love for Jesus and your family and friends is a true testimony.
Love YOU !!!!!