Search for Peace

I think we all have stressful days. Days when the kids wake up grumpy and fight all day long. Days when no matter how many times you sweep there is still a trail of sand and crumbs across the kitchen floor. Days when dinner is not ready for your husband who has worked hard all day and deserves a home-cooked meal when he comes home. I could go on. . .

I decided that I needed to do something to help lift my spirits and bring peace into my life. I needed a refuge from the storm but it needed to be something that I could carry with me all day long. (Kind of like a compact umbrella that folds up and fits into your purse.) As I thought about what I could do I realized I had not memorized a scripture for many years. And many of the scriptures that I had once memorized have mostly been forgotten. I looked up a few verses that are related to comfort and peace and decided on one to start memorizing.

When I was in college I often posted note cards on my bathroom mirror when I needed to memorize facts for a test. So, I copied my first scripture onto a note card and posted it on my mirror.

“For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

Revelation 7:17


After Scott showered that night he came to me looking very confused and asked what the note on the mirror meant. I hadn’t made the connection before but maybe that was not the best place to post this scripture. I assured him that the “throne” and the “living fountains of waters” made no reference to the bathroom and I would not be leading or feeding anyone there. And, while I do sometimes lock myself in the bathroom to cry, this scripture is not related to my bathroom in any way. Scott just looked at me like I was crazy.

I am glad to report though, that in one short week I have memorized my first scripture and am on to the next. Gradually I am building my compact umbrella that I can pull out when ever the storms of life hit.

To Be or Not To Be

I don’t know if I should be concerned or if this is normal behavior. As a society we applaud the girl who wants to follow a career path that is traditionally considered male. If Daddy’s little girl wants to be a fireman or a race car driver then Daddy cheers, but not so much when it’s the other way around. If Daddy’s little boy wants to be a hairdresser or ballet dancer then Daddy tries to lock him in the house so the neighbors won’t see. Why is masculinity praised and femininity shunned?

My almost-three-year-old little boy likes to wear dress up princess clothes and play Barbies. There I said it. Maybe it is because he follows two sisters. Maybe it is because he likes to play with Morgan and her friends. Maybe when he is a linebacker on the high school football team he will hate me for writing this.

Dad thinks his son has issues. Mom thinks it should be okay to show a sensitive side. He plays with trucks, balls, tools, and dirt also. We shouldn’t have to be rough and tough all the time – whether we are boys or girls.

So, when my son saunters into the kitchen in his blue satin skirt and says, “I can’t find my other glass slipper” I take him by the hand and help him locate the missing shoe.

Let Freedom Ring

Our 4th of July started with me loading three groggy children into the car for breakfast at the church at 8am. After a hearty meal of pancakes, eggs, sausage, and watermelon we hurried to Inkom for the parade. We were a little late and they had already blocked off the roads so we didn’t get to sit with our friends.

The kids loved the parade! Zane waved at everyone and held out his hands to catch all the candy. Morgan, being the pro, was super quick picking up the candy. But she was kind and always gave Zane a few pieces to put in the bag.





We ended the day with a BBQ with the neighbors and of course, a thunderstorm. Fortunately the storm did not last long and we were able to watch the fireworks on the beach.

It was a long, exhausting day but a great way to celebrate the freedoms that we so often take for granted.