Brothers and Sisters = best friends

I am one of those kind of mothers that loves an idea and runs with it (well, sometimes I don't because it is messing up my math and lanuguage arts schedule!). Admittedly, I cringe at times because I know it means set up, clean up, clean up and clean up. Why does that hinder me so much! I have capable children however, they love the doing while I tend to do the cleaning. Not always, but enough that I may second guess the really cool creative mess coming!
BUT...today was different. I know that our TAG group at church (Truch Application Group or small group) has been praying for the brothers of the house for strengthened relations in other words getting along (a very specific request lately!). I also know of many prayer warriors in my family that are doing the same my parents and sisters!!!.Also many friends too.
 I see answers to prayer!
 These are the kind of blogs I love to write because of the truth of how God hears us and loves us, even in what seem like the small stuff! It all started off with an idea I had based on a conversation with my oldest about serving one another even when we don't feel like it. So, Monday morning we served him breakfast in bed. The look in his face was priceless. What a great moment! Immediately he set out to make sure the others had the same service happen to them. So. he has requested that they all sleep in and we will serve them some breaky tomorrow am! I know it is a little decadent, but this is a treat remember! It really worked. Serving blesses all parties involved in countless ways. This idea kept on rolling in neat ways. I had suggested that Chris take some of the wood in our shed that a contractor had given us for our firewood, perfect for building projects, and he took off running! Hammer and nails in hand and off he went. As the first born in the home his influence is strong and powerful in positive and not so positve ways at times. However, he had a secret mission and as you will see in the pictures below he finished a project for Jack and as a result the others made items as well. Jack made one for Duncan, so did Samantha. Jack made one also for Chris. Sara has chosen to cut paper and perhaps a rice krispie box to get in on the action!
I have to say this may seem odd, but all of the above is a result of answered prayer. The fact that serving is part of tthe fruit in our walk wtih Christ does not always come in the most regular form! The kids demonstrated unique and creative ways of serving the family and therefore blessing the family.

I can tell you we had some rough moments today as well. But the good far outweigh the bad. In those moments I have to cling to the truth that I am where I am supposed to be, doing what I am called to do and living the life Christ has for me through His endless strength!

Quick book review to add to this entry: 'Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends' By the Mally children.

We have been reading this together through our days here and there and sometimes rereading! Wow, what a fantastic book to guide families through the daily relationships that occur. Brothers and sisters are unique and we all know that can pose some serious issues. If the issues are left unadressed ugly  roots are firmly planted and are very difficult to pull out. We are tackling the issue of humility lately and learned more about Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. She was a godly woman married to a wicked man that had offended a king.  She went to the king that was offended and fell on her face and said she would take the blame. Her humility saved the household.
I see the story applied to all homes! Humility saves situations over and over again. Great reminder for our family.
We continue to read from the book and take the funny stories, biblical principles and attempt to apply them to our lives here in the hills. The Mally children (all older than I make them sound!) really make this book a gift to anyone who opens it. As we go about our days here, we are continuing to learn to forgive, love and serve in ways that astound me. Do we fail? Yes, quite miserably I might add. Thank God for His grace that we apply daily.
This book offers great advice and biblical hope that can conquer our ugly roots!!

staring a new project means dusting off the machine. Trust me, look close you will see the particles!!

The boys working side by side on their own creations.

Chris shows his craftmanship for Jack

Beginning of apron one

Chris opening the gift from Jack

Beginnin stages

Secret project for Dad from Jack

Here it is, just for DAD

Girls working on wrapping for Daddio

Seems like a busy day! It was and a lot of good fruit came out of it!!

Glo

Sandee Glo and Sara Glo!

Oh yes, we share the same middle name (lots of other interesting traits too!!) She also has something I do not, another middle name - Castanier. Comes from Duncan's side of the fam, french?! Sounds great and we loved it!

This is just a small post with BIG meaning! She is a delight (don't worry all children will have a moment of glory in a post to come!) Here is what comes to mind when I think of Sara...

creative

artistic

spunky

imaginative

dramatic

cuddly

melodious

expressive

feminine

curious

crazy

cute

friendly

funny

ticklish

joyful

easily happy or sad

bright

lovely

poised for prayer in a hearbeat!

Her ability to memorize astounds me. She has Psalm 23 down. I need to video and add it. At night she reads to me because she has some fav books memorized. I love it, early stages to reading!!! If she needs assistance with a line, she won't just start from where she needed help. Oh no, she goes right back to the beginning!!!

Today I tell you Sara I love you and am so thankful for the gift you are to the family.

Proverbs 31:30

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman (girl!) who fears the Lord is to be praised.

It is in our hearts that God sees, not outside. My job is to walk along side of her daily and remind her of Proverbs 31 not only by my words but by my actions.

Love you Sara Bear!

Leaving and beginning!

I was recently asked how I like having a new baby in the house. I eagerly replied, "I love it!" I look back to the day we were leaving the hospital and a new beginning awaited. I did not know what it looked like. I only knew that it was new. Somewhat overwhelming sure, but truly I never felt more peace in my baby days than this time. I know why...prayer. I had so many people praying for me unlike eve before. I have been carried. I can say that even today. I am carried by so many prayer warriors and I am so thankful.

I reflect on that day of leaving to a new beginning. I am now three months from that time and see God's hand every day of my new beginning with five children! Thank you Lord! 

Shepherding....Why we do what we do!

When asked why we do what we do I could really give a mini seminar of my journey. I also want to be able to give one quick reply. I asked Duncan his one sentence response, again! I am asking frequently and it seems he always has the best way to describe our hearts...

"We only get one chance to Shepherd our children's souls."

His response sums up our purposeful and intentional journey. I love how my hubby is so concise. I am so wordy!! Thanks babe!

 I have read the book, "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp a long time ago and have it on my shelf to read again. A biblical outline for christian parents for sure. A key part for me is deep into the book is in chapter seventeen. This chapter is called, Childhood: Training Procedures. In this chapter is the nugget I love. It is all about A Long-Term Vision. Tripp says, "You must be a person of long-term vision. You must see your children's need for shepherding, not simply in terms of the here and now, but in terms of long-range vision."
Sometimes it is difficult to see the next ten years when you are trying to make it through the next ten minutes! Character training now fits them for the future. That is my heart today!

Yes there were moments today that were trying. I was tired. Coffee did not cut it (that's weird). It was the moments that occurred that I prayed for ahead of time. Those kind of prayers that have help in them, you know what I mean. Science and art came together in a beautiful way today that was inspirational. Enough to give me strength to clean up the school room!!

Back to hearts...
"...out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Luke 6:45. So, what is going  into their hearts? If I don't know, how can I help them? What do they hear, say, speak and live? We are here to enable them in this journey of life to guide them biblically to discern what things are beneficial and what is harmful.

I ask that God move me and lead me in this journey. If I don't I will be constantly frustrated!

Blessings in your journey today!!

Special Visits!

As old as Christopher is tell the number of years we have know this clan! What a gift they have been to us over the years. I think back to the younger years of Chris and Jack. We did everything together! Then Samantha arrived and their third Rachel and we continued to enjoy parenting and orgainizing our children to enjoy life and walk together!
They grow, they change and yet they connect as though siblings. What is so cool is the fact they too are walking this life with Christ and we can grow in so many great ways!
we love you Jo, Josh, Hannah and Rachel!!!

xox

Memories

I look back and am thankful for what the Lord has done. Memories of a young Sara and younger Daddio!!!

With Great Love

All Duncan had to do today was simply say thank you...I did not know I needed to hear it, but I did. For all you do thank you is what he said. There are days and many more to come that are seemingly thankless! I do what I do to honour God, Duncan and raise these gifts diligently. As I walk along the way in the hills, as I rise to the smell of fresh coffee (usually made by one of the boys!), as I sit to read (and listen) to the children read and tell me stories (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). So thank you babe for speaking life into me. I am so thankful for you.