Happy Saturday

It's Saturday, finally.

We past our third week of school, and the dust is finally settling. It seems that all the pieces are fitting together well, and we are pleased with how our schedule worked out.

But it's Saturday, and I'm really appreciating it. My alarm went off this morning and I was so confused as to what day it was and what I was supposed to be doing. I fell back asleep. Lucky for me it is Saturday, because I slept deep and hard and much too long.

I was driving home from Trader Joe's about an hour ago with Jacob and Andrew, our windows were down, and the air was perfect. One of the boys said, "I don't know why, but I'm just really happy today!" We each agreed. Sometimes that feeling comes - that fickle and fleeting feeling of happiness - and it's so good to stop and acknowledge it. Joy is possible in all circumstances, but the merry feeling of happiness is just so pleasant. It's a gift I am thankful for today.

Jacob and Andrew are now up in the tree having a snack. I just heard Andrew offer Jon help with some exterior repair work, which encouraged my heart!! Olivia and Michael are spending the afternoon at church: Michael has been given the opportunity to help set up sound for Sunday service, and Olivia gets to learn and practice playing the base with the band. They are both eager to learn and participate, which also encourages me! Jon is also learning something new (and saving us some dollars). He is learning how to repair a pool pump. He always models a good attitude of learning and working that I hope will someday inspire our children to great productivity.

Tomorrow afternoon I get to host a meeting for the staff of our youth group. I am so thankful for the work they do each week, and thankful for the impact they are having on my kids. I always look forward to hearing how things are going within the group and to think through ways Jon and I can support them. In addition, I enjoy figuring out simple ways to provide refreshments and to make a pretty table arrangement with what's already available to me from our home and yard. It's an enjoyable challenge in resourcefulness and creativity.

Since I'm really appreciating Saturday right now, I thought I'd post some pictures from recent Saturdays around here...

Andrew made a sort of zip line with ropes and some pulleys. His initial design required someone to stand in the bucket while the rider takes a turn on the zip line!

The coffee sack pillow covers I made a few years ago for the school room chairs have served us well, but three of the four started falling apart. I used some no-longer-needed Ikea curtain panels to make new covers. This is the extent of my sewing skills...

I made an extra cover for Olivia, and she added some pretty embellishments taken from an old article of clothing...

Jacob invaded my work space with his Legos...

From my work space at the table, I snapped this shot of Michael cleaning our windows.

One of the boys decided to bunch all my pins in one area. Who knows why boys do the things they do! Some of those pins are the old lead tipped pins from my great-aunt. She was a nun, and she wore a wedding ring because she was "married to Jesus!" That was humorous to me even as a child.

This was Jacob this morning, watering his growing collection of succulents and cacti. It's such a cute little hobby!

I hope you've enjoyed you Saturday!

~Katherine

A Saturday Evening Post

It's the end of another week. These weeks seem to fly by, don't they? I guess that's a good sign because it is said that, "Time flies when you're having fun." Indeed it has been a good week.

For one thing, Jon has returned from an overseas trip. Of course we are thankful for a productive ministry time and for his safety, but I'm just super glad he is back. It's always a sweet thing to be reunited as a family. During his time away Jacob would say things like, "I just don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight without Dad tucking me in." The boys and I picked Jon up from the airport during Olivia's soccer practice, them we all went out for a bite to eat. By the time we returned home, the excitement escalated because the kids knew Jon had brought back a little something for them. They all sat in a neat row on the sofa, grinning with anticipation. Our kids are always so happy for the simplest of things. Anything that says, "I thought of you while I was away," is meaningful. Sometimes, depending on the trip, it's just a few foreign coins and some airline or hotel amenities. But not this trip. Somehow Jon managed to pack his carry-on bag in Mary Poppins style and the gifts just kept coming. There were little toys, snacks, leather bound journals, personalized items, jewelry, clothing, and of course, international amenities.

Jon happened to return on a special little anniversary he and I have. It is the anniversary of our first date, and this year marked the 20th year! (Yeah, we feel old.) These trips apart are never our preference, but somehow they do us a little good. You see, Jon and I can both be dangerously independent: He doesn't lean on me like many husbands do, and I do just fine wearing the "pants" when he's away. Sometimes it takes being apart-- and especially being reunited-- to remind us that we really are so much better together. I still have such a big crush on him all these 20 years later!

But tonight I'm down here in the living room and he's upstairs in his study. He's still fighting jet lag, and he's teaching/preaching three times tomorrow. Saturdays through Sundays are not at all the days when he and I hang out! I've become used to that-- the structure of our lives are a little different from most people because of his work as a pastor. Fortunately we had some good, undistracted time together during the week.

Today was full, as are most Saturdays, with practices and games for everyone from morning till mid-afternoon. It was nice to have Jon tag-team with me this morning since Olivia's game was in one city and the boys' games were in another city, all starting at the same time. Olivia is now at a birthday party sleep-over, and I had a nice day with the boys. It has been interesting to watch my boys. Their teams didn't work out the way we had hoped, and I was prepared for a tough season. Michael and Andrew are on the same team, which is convenient in one sense, but I worried that those two were just not the right combo. I expected too much brotherly competition/rivalry. I worried and strategized how I would instruct their character throughout this season. Apparently I misjudged them. They have been awesome brother-teammates, high five-ing and patting each other on the back. I've watched them work together and encourage each other after failures and successes. It has been a nice surprise for me to observe.

On the way home there was traffic and the sun beat down hard. We had some fun music playing kind of loudly, the sunroof open, and the back windows down. I looked in my rearview mirror and I could see my three boys all leaning in together, laughing. Those are the types of images that stay in my mind.

Later in the afternoon I opened up my little lawn salon and trimmed Jacob's and Andrew's hair. Then they all spent some time in the jacuzzi, Michael mowed the lawn, the other two did odd little jobs, then showers and dinner. Jon read from Proverbs, reminding us how to live wisely. Our evening wrapped up with the boys helping me with the dinner dishes and vacuuming, then they listened to audiobooks while Jacob and I wrapped a gift for a baby shower I will attend tomorrow afternoon.

Well I'm not sure where I have gone with this post! I don't know-- I guess it's just a Saturday evening wrap up that got typed up here for future memories.

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Pictures from last week, when I was very tired (still am!) but also responsible for providing something wholesome for my children to do:

I set up a little resting/reading spot for myself and told my kids to go and explore...

I'm going to have to return there soon (or somewhere similar) because I've got to make things right with Andrew. I accidentally broke his super cute and very effective bow. He had made it himself and stored it in his room to keep it from getting damaged (he even made a leather quiver to go with it). Then I came along with my vacuum cleaner one night and I managed to carelessly break it. He kept saying, "It's OK, Mom. It's OK," as he fought back tears of disappointment. I felt terrible. Now I get to go along with him in search of a new stick. Hopefully we will find one just as good as the first.

~Katherine

Life!

Saturday afternoon and it’s football the whole day through. The kiddos were at a friend’s place overnight for a birthday party sleepover, and I picked them up just after eight this morning for a full day of sports. I’m guessing they’ll sleep very soundly tonight.

Jon is tag-teaming with me this afternoon. He brought lunch to the field and then sent me off for the afternoon on my own. I’d love to be watching Michael and Olivia play, but an opportunity to sit out on the patio of a coffee shop by myself is a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of opportunity. I suppose I could do it a little more often than I do, but it’s so hard for me to justify when there’s always so much to do, or so many moments I don’t want to miss out on. It’s sweet of Jon to make sure I have time away, especially on a Saturday when he is typically immersed in his studies and prep for Sunday. It's also funny that I mention time to myself again, when in actuality it represents such a small slice of my time.

But this is nice, you know, when I get sent away to relax. I won’t argue. So here I sit in the golden sunshine of a California afternoon in November, and I marvel at the blessings that fill my life. I’m on the upper level of a really neat coffee shop, looking out over the rooftops of quaint and colorful houses that lie between me and the sea. The sun is shining through brightly colored bougainvillea, palm trees, and flowering shrubs, while little sparrows swoop in and out to steal a few crumbs beneath the tables.

Jon and I spent the evening out together last night. We intended on grabbing a early dinner, then head back home to work; instead we meandered from place to place, through one beach town to the next. We started the evening by sharing tapas at a Peruvian restaurant, sitting side-by-side beneath a heat lamp out on the patio. Then in the next town, we casually walked through little shops and eventually spent a store credit I’ve had in my wallet for over three and a half years: With the holidays in mind I got something fancy and something casual, and Jon found a nice sweater. Even though it was money spent long ago, it kind of felt like we walked out with those items and spent less than $5.00. After our big splurge, we enjoyed a little chocolate truffle and late evening coffee. Driving back home along the Pacific Coast Highway through thick marine fog, we commented how our “seasons” are quite enjoyable. I don’t think I care anymore that we don’t have the typical four seasons of the north.

There is no wifi here as I had hoped, but I can write anyway and post later...

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I wonder sometimes if what I write here makes any sense to anyone reading. I wonder if people scratch their heads with a little embarrassment for me because my words are hard to follow. Perhaps some are tired of hearing me talk about God.

It's probably true that I don't make sense because I do typically write in bits and pieces and because certain facts are sometimes hidden to protect privacy. I guess I can't do much about that. And writing about God and about how He is revealing more of Himself to me? It's like I can't help it anymore. It's at the forefront of my mind. What God is doing for me and in me changes the way I live, so journaling about God's goodness as I learn about it is also keeping a record of the path of my life. He leads and I follow.

Sometimes I come across a verse and it sticks with me for days. I am struck by the simple truth, almost like it was the first time learning it; then I think of it from different angles and how deeply that truth applies. It's in understanding who God is that deepens my faith, causing me to pray with more certainty, and live with greater confidence and joy. I’ve been going through Romans bit by bit, sometimes moving forward and sometimes going back to understand more. Several days ago, on Halloween actually, I read Romans 4:17 that says, “God... who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” Although it turned out to be a great verse to think about on the day when death, destruction, and decay is portrayed everywhere, this single verse has stuck with me every day since then.

God gives LIFE to the dead. Life!

I think I struggle to understand what it means that I was dead. I was dead in my sin, yes, I know this. Although I feel the sting of death here on earth, the struggle of disease and decay, the power of sin in a fallen world, I don’t think I know anything of the full horror of the death from which I am saved. Ultimately, the death I am saved from is an eternal death without hope and without God. And the life I enjoy as a Christian now is something marvelous to be sure, but it is nothing compared with the life that is yet to come. Life and death as I understand here today is nothing compared with the life and death that God promises.

But God knows death because Jesus died. And He knows life because He is the author and giver of life; Jesus has the power and the victory over sin and death because He rose victorious.

Paul continues, “It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification” (Rom. 4: 24-25). Then later, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Rom. 5: 10).

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23)

And He calls into existence the things that are not. He calls into existence faith when faith was not, and delivers from death to life!

That is so much more than we deserve, more than we can dare to expect. But God is that good, that kind, that merciful. So it is amazing to me that he keeps giving, He keeps calling us to Himself and keeps blessing us. He even desires us to ask for more and wants to keep giving more of Himself.

So, as I keep thinking about God calling us from the dead and granting us life, I think about the dead or decayed things of this life and remember that He can do the same on all levels. He restores and makes all things new. A broken relationship, or marriage? He can make it new. A broken heart? He can heal and make whole. What about abandonment? Or simple, but destructive, discontentment? God can provide, transform, make new. He gives hope, He fills up, He changes lives.

The salvation from death to life is a free gift to the one who comes by faith. And salvation into the family of God is the beginning of a transformed life, the doorway to LIFE abundant to the one who runs to Jesus.

Run to Jesus...

“Out of the depth I cry to you, O Lord!

O lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,

O Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness

that You may be feared."

Ps. 130: 1-4

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” 

James 4: 8

The pictures in this post are from a weeknight last month. We had the beach to ourselves. After the sun set we built a fire and had dinner all cozied up around the pit. It's simple fun, and hopefully makes for good and lasting memories.

It's later in the evening now. The jobs are done for the day: the car unloaded, things unpacked, dinner made, clothes laid out for Sunday, kids showered up and tucked in bed, the dish washer and washing machine put to work... and I click this post into existence.

~Katherine

Work

It's important to Jon and I that we model and teach a good work ethic to our children. So yesterday it was encouraging to see Jack outside in the morning continuing work that was assigned to an older brother the day before. This was on his own accord.

We have tons of yard and house work to do. Sometimes we work as a team, sometimes jobs are offered for pay, sometimes work is assigned to combat boredom, and other times work is none other than a parenting tool for me.

For instance, yesterday afternoon the three boys were playing in the trees. They were being snipers, I think. After some time, the older two become frustrated with Jacob because he wasn't playing right, insisting on having his own way. I tried to work it out, reminding both sides of their responsibilities for right behavior and responses. The trouble continued. Jacob was simply not mature enough for this game, so I lured him away to help me make a snack for everyone. He distributed the snack to his brothers in the trees, then he and I ate under a large tarp which was draped over the edge of the deck railing to dry. Pretty soon all four kids were cozied up under there, laughing at the absurdity of me hanging out under the tarp. 

Many times, a happy diversion is enough to bring fresh appreciation for sibling relations. I figured the boys would go on their way and play happily together. However, not too much time elapsed before trouble began to brew again, and so I did what I had to do. I brought consequences.

Each boy went to a SEPARATE side of the house to work! Jacob cleared some junk in the back, Michael broke down cardboard boxes by the garage, and Andrew swept the front walkways. Pretty soon --lo and behold-- they were working TOGETHER to pull out random and overgrown succulents.

And when the work was complete, the boys went off to play. A happy ending for them, and an accomplishment of nagging tasks for me!

~Katherine

Living in a Neighborhood

After our first official week of summer vacation, a Saturday at home was needed in order for me to accomplish some basics around the house, in addition to finishing up a project I've been working on for a friend. As I worked in the kitchen, and then on my laptop at the dining room table, I kept a close eye on the boys outside. It seems that our backyard has become the neighborhood hangout for random boys. Sometimes they come through the side gate, other times they climb over the fence in packs of threes and fours.

This is new territory for me because I didn't grow up in a neighborhood. In fact, you couldn't even see another house from our home. We were tucked away in a meadow, surrounded by wooded hills on the outskirt of a small town. If we wanted to play with friends, parents would plan a picnic at the lake,  or they would drop us off at the ski hills.

So random kids showing up at my house is a new concept. I've never met the parents of these kids-- only one grandparent of one little girl. It's strange to me, this freedom that these young kids are given. Maybe freedom is not the right word. Sometimes little girls ages 4 and 5 come ringing the doorbell for Olivia long after the sun has set. I ask if it's OK with their parents for them to be at our house, and they give some confusing answer about being tossed around from parent to grandparent to uncle to whoever. 

Most of these kids are not the type I trust my kids being around, but I welcome them anyway and keep my ears open and my eyes wide. One little boy, who can be plenty of trouble if other kids show up, seems to find solace here. This makes me happy, even though his frequent presence can be wearisome at times. He used to avoid eye contact with me when he started coming, probably viewing me as yet another irritation adult getting in the way of his rebellious plans. Now we can have little conversations, and I make it a game with myself to catch his eye and smile. I think this is my thing: lonely kids who need affection. I like to bring out a big platter of watermelon, or bowls of fresh popcorn when I can.

My kids seem to welcome these visitors, but have never asked to roam the neighborhood on their own. Occasionally they'll play out front, in which case I'll busy myself cleaning out the car in order to watch over their interactions. Other times I'll have the chance to talk with one of the ladies next door.

A few days ago, I heard the boys trying to explain to one of our visitors that we are Christians. I was happy to see how freely my boys engaged in this conversation, even though they struggled to explain what a Christian is. A few days later they were perplexed when this kid came back saying his mom said Christians have to do with devils. Yesterday, Michael asked one boy not to use the Lord's name in vain when he was at our house. A short discussion followed, but the boy agreed.

This all has been good, leading to good discussions and training here in our home. I'm not sure what the summer months will be like now that all these kids are out of school, but I pray that the Lord will use us. 

Olivia was on her own yesterday as I worked and the boys took over the backyard. She played the electric guitar, unplugged, instead of her acoustic guitar because it's so quiet and soft. I love listening to her. She plays O, The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus beautifully.

~Katherine

Our weekend so far...

A Friday picnic dinner overlooking the beach and surfers prior to picking up our race bibs and timing devices gives us plenty to be thankful for. Can I just say I love living here?!

A quick picture before my 5K race, followed by the start line as the kids got ready for their race. We all did better than our first race a few weeks ago!

Ah, and Jon... He's been so busy but I'm thankful he carved out some time for us this morning. He acted as driver, goodie bag holder, cheerleader, and childcare provider while I ran. Love that man!

The rest of the day consists of work for Jon and I, but the kids are enjoying some BB gun shooting, board games, rock collection inspections, and the like.

Happy weekending!


~Katherine

Just a regular Saturday post.

As much as I love my boys' shaggy hair and crazy bed head, haircuts are in order today.

We're back to our regular routine since the departure of my family a couple days ago, and I'm missing the conversations and excuses to put off the necessary household chores and errands. We had a loud, crazy, and somewhat tiring time together (late nights, babies with insomnia, all the joys of many kids in a small space on rainy days...), but our memories are fond and hopefully we've all grown a little closer.

I've yet to go through my last batch of pictures and I hope to post them soon. It might be today, or tomorrow, or sometime next month because of the very full week ahead.

Happy first weekend of spring!


~Katherine