Who Am I?

The summer is gone and although I know I did many, many things, I sit here and wonder how it went from April to almost September so fast?!?

My summer was filled with wonderful church activities and ministry and youth camp and family time and now school is back in full swing and my brain hasn't had a chance to slow down...does it ever stop?

I mean, one minute you celebrating the beginning of summer and it seems like I blinked and we were packing lunches and doing homework.

I am so grateful for the consistency of God in my life. When this life takes over and spins us in a whirlwind of trials, hardships, victories, burdens, worries or concerns, His love and grace and mercies are new every morning and never failing.

And in the midst of those crazy days, kids are still kids and tell you things that make you pause....and say, "huh?"

Like yesterday, Noah told Donny after football practice, "Dad, when I grow up I am going to work 2 jobs." Donny said he asked him what 2 jobs he is going to have and Noah promptly responded, very matter of fact, "I am going to be a fire fighter and work at Wendy's."

Noah, we are glad for the high hopes, buddy.

Or, realizing one day that my baby is using full sentences to tell us things! When did that happen?

And at the same time, they say things that cause you not only to pause but then to do a reality check and a quick inventory. Things like "Mom, you work too much."

ouch...

God,
Help me to always put my family first. Help me to keep my husband and my boys above the things of this world and even my ministry. God You come first, and help me to keep my family second and before anything else.

Of course, the ministry (it's not a job...it's my calling!) is full of it's own rewards...for example, this past Sunday was host to close to 40 kids and youth in our worship service. How awesome is that? But the best part was watching them enter into worship and not only enter but to lead!
As I lead the song "Your Love Is Deep" to a close, those kids and youth continued to sing it, hands raised and voices strong. It broke me.

I ramble on only to say this, may we never become too busy for our kids or even other kids and miss the opportunities before us to pour into them and love on them and show them who God is and all He has in store for them.