building a foundation

more painted rocks

I'll be the one that comes in quietly after church starts and sits on the front pew or is sitting there 10-15 minutes before church starts waiting for it to begin. I would love to find a happy middle, but so far that hasn't happened. I thought I got there nearly on time today. They were singing when I came in and I stood there with my eyes closed listening to the female behind me sing out. Her voice was so captivating. As she sang out I wondered if it was one of God's voices. If he lives in us, can people see him through our lives? Can they see him through our eyes? Can they hear him through our voice? The song ended and the pastor came up to pray. I couldn't believe that I had missed the first part of the service. I kept thinking wait a minute that's it? When it came time to shake people's hands, greet those around, I turned around and she gave me a hug. I told her how beautiful her voice was, how I could only listen to her voice. I had never heard anyone sing out like she did and that she belonged on the stage. This too, is part of her dream and I believe one day she will not be behind me but before me and everyone else.

I kept thinking about bricks. In fact, I think about bricks a lot. Today I wondered what kind of foundation I was building with all of these bricks. Is it symbolic? I'm not sure. 

Today I heard God say, 

"I need you to wait on me."

"You are good."

"You are worthy and you are mine."

I need a lot of reassurance. I felt like snow today, pure in who I am. I was not worried. I was not anxious. This is what I want for Creed. I want him to be secure in who he is, more importantly who God says he is and believe it. I want him to stand firm. We're building a foundation here, spiritually and maybe this is why my mind often wonders to bricks. 

We're working on our people skills. Yes, Sir … Yes, Ma'am. I get to see it play out once in a while when Creed is interacting with adults and today I was really impressed. On our way home from church we went by Goodwill so Creed could pick out something. After a lot of contemplation he decided on these Leap Frog card holders, though he had no idea what they were and the price was right at 59 cents, so we headed to checkout. I gave Creed and dollar and told him we needed to wait for our turn. When it was our turn he put his item on the counter and said, "I'd like this please," holding up his dollar. The lady asked, "Is this for me?" taking the dollar. "Yes, Sir," Creed said. "Would you like a bag, Sir?" she asked. "Yes, Sir," he answered. Here's your change, Sir," she said dropping it into his little hands. "Oh, thank you mama!" he said. Then she asked if he wanted the receipt. "Oh, thank you mama," he said again. So we're still working on the logistics but I'd have to say we're half way there.

I thought I'd share a portion of 1st Corinthians 13 for Moms from Life with Jack blog:

the color red

If my child speaks in the tongues of men or of angels, masters sign language at six months and Spanish and Mandrin Chinese by six years, but does not learn to love, she is only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If he has the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge-ABCs at a year, reading by two, writing chapter books in Kindergarten-but does not have love, he is nothing. If I volunteer for every mommy ministry-MOPS, AWANA, Sunday School, and if I give all I possess to the poor (or at least bring loads of groceries to the foodbank), but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy other mother's lifestyle choices or possessions, it does not boast in the areas of my children’s natural strengths (while covering for their faults), it is not proud of the way my child potty trained before your child. It does not dishonor others by insisting that my method of parenting is the best, it is not self-seeking-hoping that you’ll notice how smart, talented or well rounded I am raising my child to be. It is not easily angered by perceived slights or misjudgments, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth that all of parenting is fueled and driven by God’s grace. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. - for the rest visit http://www.lifewithjack.com/2012/05/1st-corinthians-13-for-moms.html.

While Creed napped I painted another rock. "Owl" have to say it's been a lot of fun. I've been finding a great resource of ideas on pinterest for this. Just search painted rocks and you'll see a wealth of examples for inspiration. I forget how much fun it is to paint and create. It's also really relaxing for me, peaceful even!

Ta Da! another great time with daddy

After nap time Creed and his daddy built a pirate's ship. This was one of the projects you can buy from Lowes, like the Build and Grow Kids Clinic they offer. The only thing you need is a hammer. The kit includes all of the pieces needed, pre-drilled, along with the necessary nails. Afterwards Creed was excited to paint it red. I asked him if red was his favorite color since he asks for it whenever we're getting ready to paint something and he said no, green.