Philippians 4 & Gratitude Journal Freebie

These have been some weird days around here lately. Our home and the rhythms aren’t too much different since I’ve been homeschooling a few for the last year and a half, but the difference is the unknowns that are more evident and in our faces. With these changes, and with any changes in our daily rhythms can come feelings of anxiety, feelings I am familiar with if you’ve been around here for any amount of time.

I am waking in worship, God’s Word, prayer, and jumping into what is known. Dwelling on what is true, not the what-ifs. As I try to talk to my kids about combating lies and using those feelings as tools to get through the unknown, we talked about Philippians 4. This book of the Bible is full of encouragement. So often people read a verse or two and stop.

If you’re at home like I am, you have the time.

Sit in Philippians 4.

Do you see it?

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Let your gentleness, reasonableness be seen by all! It’s not always easy when we are feeling overwhelmed and out of control. Tempers are short and we are sitting on the edge if we aren’t careful.

What else does it say? To pray and give it to God. I can tell you that I daily lay down my thoughts and fears to the One that can handle them. He doesn’t turn me away. He’s not shocked. He’s my Healer, He’s my Shepherd, He’s my Savior. & He gives me His peace, His wholeness, and guards my ever-changing emotions and thoughts in Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

These verses are a great reminder and encouragement. God created us, He knows where we often let our thoughts take over and loop. Do you see what it says? Verse 8 tells us what to think about, what to loop in our brains, the TRUE, the HONORABLE, the JUST, the PURE, the LOVELY, the COMMENDABLE, the EXCELLENT, the PRAISEWORTHY.

It’s easy to fall into the “WHAT-IFS”, but we are called to think about WHAT IS true, honorable, just, pure,…

I made some sheets to help our family focus on these things and practice them.

We are trying to think about the lovely and all we are grateful for. Since I made these for our crew, I thought I'd share them with you! Each “listing” has multiple pages and choices so you can choose. If you know my kids personally, I bet you could guess which ones they chose.

They are in the shop to separate you from any newsletter list. By putting them in the shop you will not be signed up for anything. It does ask for your address, just make one up and click to check out. It will be sent to your email!

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Free THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS download

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5 different sheets to choose from with written reminders on what to focus on. Fill this out daily, weekly, or monthly! Based on Philippians 4.

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Weekly Gratitude Journal Download for Kids

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Print this out and write down daily what you are grateful for, the true, the lovely, the honorable.

Download multiple versions of the gratitude journal, both with and without verses.

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Weekly Gratitude Journal Sheet Download Adults

Sale Price:$0.00 Original Price:$2.00

Print this out and write down daily what you are grateful for, the true, the lovely, the honorable.

Download multiple versions of the gratitude journal, both with and without verses.

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A Kind Letter is More Difficult Than You Think

We’ve all thought back about what we’d tell ourselves decades before. I know I’d tell myself not to wear those hand me down 80s clothes in the 90s, skip the ratted bangs, baggy Skidz pants, and the oversized Polo shirt.

Jump ahead 10 years from now and I wonder what I would want to tell 40-year-old Virginia. I have always been critical of myself.

I AM WRITING THIS FOLLOWING LETTER SAYING THINGS I NEED TO HEAR RIGHT NOW.

So as I write this, know that I hardly need a reminder that I am saved from my poor choice by grace, and that I daily lay down my tendencies toward people pleasing or anxiety. I am learning to ask Jesus how He sees me and to walk in freedom, and am sharing because I know I am not alone in this.

A kind letter to myself is more difficult than you think.

Dear V,

Beautiful woman of God, you are free. You are forgiven. Stop and let this soak in. Sit in this truth, and don’t just throw a checkmark to the left of it on your to-do list. Stop and celebrate.

Ok, now let’s move on to something big, just because you stepped out of one position doesn’t mean you’re not seeking God or His ways. You are not a failure. You are far from that. You are created in God’s image, His bride. You are another voice to proclaim His love in a world that so desperately needs to not only hear but see His love lived out. God’s ways are higher, and you don’t see all that He is preparing you for. Those moments that flew by in your 30s and now have kingdom impact, only because you don’t stop.

Stay rooted in God’s Word, and live with open hands, eyes open to the faithfulness of God. Girl, (yes, you’re still a little girl), in the midst of the heartache and confusion you may face, don’t forget how God is present. He walks with you. He loves and cares. The moments you feel seen, loved, held “together” and free, that’s just the beginning.

The lies you began to believe in your youth and still creep back in, they are brought down with Truth…don’t stop the fight. The battle is won with our Savior and in His power.

The unknown of homeschooling and frustrations and fears of the entire prospect seem but a passing breeze to the powerful storms of renewal and growth. Don’t freeze in fear, march on.

Don’t become numb to the world’s sadness. Let the tears for the hurting spur you on to action, not send you crying in the corner. Keep going.

The exercise, keep up the exercise. You’ll be glad you did. Those stretches and that healthy food help you jump out of bed much faster every day. Who cares if your pant size doesn’t display the health of your bones and spirit. The worries you have about the dimples and stretch marks is wasted time. You are God’s creation, don’t see yourself as less. You can walk and move (remember when you were paralyzed or had that brain tumor?) Yes, so throw away the scale, wear clothing confidently, and teach your kids what real health looks and feels like.

The time you spent in prayer for each of your children, family member, and friends, that’s what lasts.

Hormones, oh goodness, the hormones and changes in your life, eh, it’s new. Read the books, pray, and just name it and take it on. You’re not going crazy. It’s normal-ish.

Keep spending time with your husband, those energetic kids, your family, and friends. The busy times only slow down when you choose.

Friends, don’t assume they are “too busy”, be a good friend, pursue, encourage, walk with them.

Continue practicing saying no, and don’t fear when it's time to say yes to the bold opportunities God opens up for you. Confidently move forward.

Continue to put down the phone and look those precious ones in the eyes and wrap your arms around them as much as you can. They grow quickly. Those conversations at night and stories retold will be precious memories. This parenting gig is a difficult privilege. Don’t hold back.

God is faithful. You are here for a purpose, march on.

~V

What do you need to remind yourself of right now? Don’t wait 10 years and feel regret. Face it, line it up with God’s Truth and move forward.

Trusting God in this season of Wife, Mom of littles

I am Virginia, wife of Paul for 12 years, Mom to 3 kids ages 10 to 5. I shared this tiny bit of my story with the women of my church the other week. I pray as I share it here that you may be encouraged.

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I grew up going to church, accepted Jesus as my personal Savior at the age of 5, and read my Bible through my teen years. I served in the church and made every effort to please both God and others. In college I rededicated my life to Jesus after some poor choices, and ended up being able to go abroad and serve alongside some local churches and support them. I am a teacher, love to create, and enjoy the outdoors. I had a brain tumor 9 years ago, was paralyzed for 6 weeks and had an undiagnosed infection that could’ve taken my life. Health then became my idol and source of fear.

When I was asked to answer, What are you currently trusting God for? As a new homeschooling mom to 3, it was great for me to sit and reflect.

What am I trusting God for, and how does that look?

Identity. I am daily trusting God for Identity in Him.

The clutter, cries, and minute by minute needs can leave me feeling overwhelmed and lost if I’m not rooted in Who God says I am. I can find myself attempting to find my identity in what I do or do not do, rather than who God says I am. I can choose to put on anxiety and worry that I messed up, worry about being around for my kids, and since I had some of the oddest things happen to me, in the back of my head I can jump to the google answer as a possibility. I can choose to spiral, or I can choose humility and Jesus’ forgiveness. I can accept His wisdom, and grace, remembering that I am redeemed, I am God’s beloved. I am the daughter of the One True King. I am more than a conquerer in Christ Jesus.

How do I practically do this? How do I remember that my identity is not defined when my hands are soaking in a pile of dishes with squabbles at my side, or when I’m greeted by underwear still attached to the inside out pants? How do I keep my cool? By seeking God in His Word, in worship, and in prayer. I have verses and reminders around my house that I may sometimes shout out in the shower, or cry into my pillow. When those thoughts enter my mind, I am trying to be mindful and refute lies with Truth. Prayer, prayer changes everything. (I’m blessed to be married to a man who loves Jesus. As I type this, I know that is not true of everyone’s situation, but this is part of how I battle the lies.) Every morning the most beautiful, imperfect words pour out of my husband’s mouth, as he prays for me, and our family. Every evening we pray over our family again. I say imperfect because the words we say don’t make our prayers beautiful, the power, grace, and love of God does. I share with him my fears, and he knows he can’t do anything but to get on his knees and point me to Jesus. In addition, I may text a friend to ask for her to pray when a new headache follows me all day, or my patience has disappeared. What would have crippled me in fear in the past, now I try to see as a highway rumble strip with a fast correction.

Peace. I am daily trusting God for peace.

Peace for the anxious times. Peace in the busy schedules. I am daily on my knees praying for help to let go of the control over my husband, my kids, house, homeschool, friendships, unknowns. When left on my own my brain can quickly hit the worst case scenario. He’s so good to show me in His Word, help calm my nerves, and remind me who I am in Him, and what He calls us to. Here are the verses I had memorized and placed under my pillow before my brain surgery.

Philippians 4:4-9, ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I am not to think about how I may have disappointed my husband, I am not to be thinking about the broken glass. I am not to be focusing on the horrible news that fills our feeds, no, I am to be anxious for nothing, pray, and replace that with God’s truth, lovely things, and thanksgiving.

How do I practically do this? Log off of Facebook, and block it on my phone. Remove Instagram. Refuse to watch the news. Listen to audiobooks and spotify playlists of the good, true, and lovely.

Provision. I am daily trusting God for His Provision

as I am no longer working outside of the home. Last year God was very clear that I was to take a leave of my teaching position and pull my kids home. I looked foolish to many, lost some friendships, but am at peace about where He has us. God has provided just enough, every month. It is faith growing to watch how God provides little blessings that may have gone unnoticed in prior years.

How do we trust God to provide?

We live on a tight budget and shop at Aldi too. We watch our finances closely, and pray faith filled prayers. Our decade old mini van gets us around town, and we utilize the Hoopla app and the library now rather than purchasing books. We pray with our kids about the little and big things. They have seen God provide a gift card for Gigi’s sparkle boots when she needed new shoes and we couldn’t find any at the thrift. We’ve seen God provide supplements, new to us appliances, new to us vintage door, size 5 winter coat and boots, just praying and watching God provide in unique ways. We also realize we don’t need as much as we thought we did in the past.

So, as I trust God for my identity, His peace and provision, I hope to encourage you and you me.

Love,

V

Simpler Times - How to know when technology causes more harm than good

I lay hunched over holding my baby, typing with one hand on my phone, balancing and shifting my fingers with each breath.  My how times have changed.  The decorative turquoise typewriter from the 60s sits on my desk to look pretty, but the real work happens with my left thumb putting my thoughts quickly down on the screen as my other arms supports my sleeping baby girl. 

From the couch whose angles and springs invite everyone after a long day, to the spring rockers that sit steady, our furniture reminds us of simpler times, times we didn't experience, but simplicity we'd like our family home to host.  Each piece we find abandoned at the thrift or sold from a loved one, we breath new life into and soon the kids are jumping off of them and reading under them. 

The clean lines and the unique shapes of the furniture and decor represent our determination to not be distracted, not feel the need to keep up with the newest decor trends, but to find the pieces that truly represent our unique taste and family. 

The irony of it is that I'm clenching my iPhone as the iPad sits on the side table.  How do we live in such a time with opportunities and technology ever expanding, and yet not be distracted?  How do I love on my baby and meet the demands of my other children, husband, friends and family?  I read, write out notes, plan, schedule, text, write grocery lists, email, lesson plan, watch re-runs on an app, connect with friends on IG, all on my phone.  When I need to get away, I hide it in the bedroom with the volume down. 

Notifications roll across my screen and my mind adds another thing to my to-do list. 

I don't want to be staring at my screen and miss the notifications of my children.  The moments of worry that may flash across their face, the joy when they spell their sight word perfectly, the wonder of Jesus.  The moments missed because we are choosing to not use technology properly. 

When our tools for efficiency and connection become hindrances to our relationships and lives we must make a change. 

Even as I write this on my laptop, my son snuggles next to me and spells his sight words once again.  My eyes move away from the screen and I look at him and ask how I can serve him, a deliberate choice to be present. 

Work and play, efficiency and entertainment, all mixed together in our palms while our families and relationships slowly stunted from the missed moments.  It is not too late.  We must make a choice to be deliberate with our time.  As I lay my phone down on the kidney shaped table, and look over to the colorful Pyrex stacked on my shelves, I stand determined to make a life change. 

How are you being deliberate with your technology choices in your home?  Do you have some amazing resources to share?  We'd love to hear how you balance the use of technology and your thoughts on this. 

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Would you like to reflect and sort through how to make change with me?  Sign-up for the bi-monthly newsletter below to keep in touch and you'll get the reflection study and a printable for your home, and keep the conversation going. 

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In preparation

Opening our home to teens this summer...

Just days before their arrival my stomach is in knots and I wonder what they will think of our family, our home.  As we pick up our toys and shift bedrooms around, I glance at the clock again and add 7 hours.  My mind wanders for a moment, “It’s 5 o’clock, I wonder what they are doing right now.”  My wonders turn into prayers as my children call my name from across the house.  Another prayer is uttered, “Oh Lord, give us wisdom with our 3 children at home, and our 2 host children coming soon.  Give us Your Peace, Joy, and Patience.”

Preparations consist of not only moving beds around, but preparing our hearts.  We are trying to remember that while we move our daughter out of her closet, that we must prepare her heart to share her room, her mom, her dad.  What good are clean windows if our minds are not ready?  How can we pour out more love if our hearts are not full?

You are beautifully and wonderfully made

Here are just a few ways we are preparing:

• We have found ourselves praising God out loud in moments of sunshine and fun, and talking about how much fun we are having, and how we can share that with D and K soon.
• We pray every night for D and K.
• We made our welcome sign together.
• Every day we change our chalkboard countdown, with my kids taking turns.
• I made a few verse prints to post in frames around our home to remind us of God’s love.
• Books and new friends help to give advice and ask questions to prepare us more.
• We are reflecting upon all of the people God has used, and is using in order to bring D and K here, and are grateful.  From NHFC, to new friends, friends financially supporting, friends praying, and others reading and sharing on Facebook, we all have a part.

So, as the butterflies continue and the airport welcome nears, we will seek God and praise Him, and pray for gentleness.

Let your gentleness be evident to all

Our Summer Additions

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ~ Psalm 34:18 NIV

 

Scrolling mindlessly on Facebook as the day wraps up is not edifying, but what I was doing the evening an image changed our family forever.  What is this picture?  What is this story?  The image, a child that needs love.  The story, a family providing a loving home.  The future, well, God knows.

In the middle of ads and random posts of friends describing their daily fun, every once in awhile there stood a picture, a child or a group of children staring at me, tugging at my heart.  Like many, I “liked” the post and continued on my mindless 10 minutes of Facebook.  And then one day I went to the page where these images were coming from and liked New Horizons For Children.  Months went by and I continued to read the stories and wonder if when our kids were older we could maybe host or adopt.  Surely with 3 younger children we weren’t at the point in our lives to open our home to these hurting children.  What could we give?  We had always talked about mission trips and adoption, but weren’t sure when to take next steps.

And then it began…

One evening I asked my husband what he would think if I asked for more information on hosting an orphan from Eastern Europe, you know, for a few years from now.  He gave an assuring yes, and I filled out an application online and got a response within days.  After reading through the site, I put it aside and continued with our daily life.  It just isn’t for us for now I thought as I rolled over in our cozy bed and drifted to sleep watching reruns of cooking shows.

And then the question came…

“Would you be interested in hosting an orphan this summer for 5 weeks?” the coordinator asked in an email.  There was a little girl who needed a family to show her unconditional love.  Um…seriously!?  I always thought I couldn’t right now.  I had everyone’s excuse of kids at home, finishing another degree, student loans, and um…there was really no good excuse I could think of to calm this nagging excitement.  A sleepless night of prayer met me.  How was I feeling so peaceful about such a jump?  How could we do this?  After 2 days of communication tag with the coordinator I found out that the girl had a home.  My stomach dropped.  I was happy for the girl, but disappointed.  All of the peace and excitement were for what reason?

“Would you still be interested in hosting this summer?” the coordinator asked.  She suggested that we just look through the biographies of the children and see if there are any children we’d like more information on, those that may fit well with our family.  After work I logged in and began reading the personalities and likes of these beautiful children living in a world so different than ours.  I have served at an orphanage in South America in the past.  I’ve met the loving kids that just want to be known, and know that they are special and loved.  Paul and I often talked openly about possibilities, but always with a 5 year time frame.  I began looking at all of the stories of the children and that’s when I saw them.  Brother and sister.  They described the likes and dislikes of our family perfectly.  The two children were the ones. Choked up, and before I knew, I was excitedly writing an email asking for more information.

You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? ~ Psalm 56:8 NKJV

I rushed to call Paul at work and tell him about these children.  I had a hint of anxiety sharing, worried that he would say that this was all crazy, too fast, not the right timing.  Instead I was met with, “It sounds like this is undeniably the right thing to do.”  (Thank you Lord for my husband who follows You with such great faith!)

Paul came home and we went through the picture and the story multiple times talking excitedly and playing with our kids.

Then the phone battery died…

Paul grabbed it and put it on the charger.

When the phone turned on it began to “ding” multiple times.  So many texts.  I shuffled to the kitchen and began reading.  It was the coordinator I had just talked to at lunch, and emailed a few hours earlier.  She wanted to let me know that she was going to give my phone number to a family that was currently in the process of adopting the roommate of one of the siblings we are looking to host this summer.  They could just give me more information since they are in contact and know the two children we are looking at hosting.  Oh good!  People that can share with me about these kids.  I wondered where this family might live.  Then a few other texts, and finally the words…they live in our hometown.  (Seriously?  Our town?  Out of the entire U.S., this family adopting the roommate to the siblings we are interested in hosting lives in our city?  That is impossible!)

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV

And before I could process the full thought, the phone rang…

“Hello” began the conversation where we discovered that the mother had been praying for a family to host these two children from Eastern Europe, and more specifically, in our hometown.  She had shared with friends and churches all over our area.  For months she and her family prayed.  We saw and heard of none of this before now.  The deadline had drawn closer and tears across the ocean streamed down faces as children, who were being invited into homes in the U.S., were announced and the siblings were not on the list.

At this point Paul and I know without a doubt that this step we are taking is what we are to do, and are excited to know that these prayers have been answered, andthe the tears that were shed were not in vain.  There are many more things that were spoken on the phone that let us know without a doubt that this is right.

We are excited and have peace about this.  I move between tears and sheer excitement that this adventure is undeniably orchestrated by God.

We don’t know what God will call us to after this summer.

All that we know is that our home, our hearts, our family and friends, are to love these two kids, share Jesus’ love and show them they are special.

We have stepped out in faith knowing that we are called to open our home this summer to D and K.  We are oddly not worried about asking others to join us on this journey as we have often found ways to support others and love to be a part of what God is doing in His children’s lives around the world.