Happy Birthdafatherversary

For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)

We are moving to central Illinois in a little over a week. The past week was filled with fun and family (instead of packing...). Madeline celebrated her 7th birthday on June 14, Todd and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary on June 15, and of course, Father's Day was June 16. Every year it's a crazy-busy week, and every year it's wonderful. OK, it's a bit stressful, too.

Birthdays and anniversaries are new beginnings. This year we'll add a move and new ministry to the list. It could all be a bit overwhelming if we weren't focused on one thing: God.

The verse above comes from Isaiah, where the nation of Israel is in the midst of the Babylonian captivity. The author is reminding the people of God's marvelous works when bringing the people out of their bondage in Egypt. He also reminds them of how the people have turned away from and angered God.

I'd really love to complain about packing. It's especially frustrating since its only been 14 months since our last move. But God has provided for my family time and time again, and I am choosing instead to recognize the new thing that God is doing in our lives. He has blessed us with two beautiful girls and a strong marriage. He has led us to ministry. He has led us to Tiskilwa and Sheffield. And He will lead me through the next week.

I will show my love for God through joyful obedience. And by faithfully following.

Bring it on, summer!

I had my last day of school yesterday. I am not returning to work this fall (God willing!) so that I can help lead my family's transition to ministry life. The arrival of summer vacation usually brings with it pure joy, but this year, it's brought anxiety. I've never not worked. I'm always thinking about new things to do in my classroom, but I don't have a classroom anymore. It's like the breath has been knocked out of me.

So I am putting the enthusiasm I usually reserve for lesson planning into
summer activity planning for my family.
Thanks to Pinterest, I have a few cheet sheets to get the ball rolling. So far, I've found a summer bucket list, "bored jar" printable task cards, and a summer learning goal sheet.

Summer Bucket List:
http://www.alililyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/alilily-summer-bucket-list.pdf

Bored Jar: http://imom.com/downloads/color-pdf/im_bored_jar_color.pdf

Summer learning goal sheet:
http://inspiredtoaction.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/InspiredToAction-SummerGoals.pdf

I used the summer learning goal sheet as a template. I created my own in Pages on my iPhone and printed it off to do with Maddie. Pictures are below.

I'm not going to lie: Maddie was not thrilled about the summer learning goals. But I think if we take it one step at a time, she'll be pleased with he progress she's making.

So, what are you planning for this summer?

End of the Year Prayer

Full disclosure: I didn't write this prayer.  But I think it accurately says what I'm feeling as I wrap up my final school year at St. Paul.  May these last few days of school be a blessing as you reflect on all that you've accomplished this year!


End of the Year Prayer

(author unknown) 

O God of all beginnings and endings,
We praise and thank you for the gift of this school year.
It has been a time filled with grace and blessings,
With challenges and opportunities, joys and sorrows.

The days have passed quickly, O Lord.
The weeks, the months, the seasons, the holidays and holy days,
The exams, vacations, breaks, and assemblies,
All have come forth from your hand.

While we trust that your purposes have always been at work each day,
Sometimes it has seemed difficult to understand and appreciate
Just what you have been up to in our school.

Give us the rest and refreshment we need this summer.
Let our efforts of this past year bear fruit.
Bring all of our plans to a joyful conclusion,
And bless us, according to your will,

With the fulfillment of our summer hopes and dreams.
Watch over us in the weeks of rest ahead,
And guide each day as you have done this past year.
Help us return to school with a new spirit and a new energy.

May we continue to grow
In age, wisdom, knowledge and grace
All the days of our lives.

Amen

 

Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

Let's take a little field trip.
This is St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church and School in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, where I have taught for the past 5 years.  We are a private Catholic school of about 500 K-8 students.  Take a minute to appreciate the beauty of this place.

Images taken from djn_Brian on Flickr. 

It's not just the physical structures that make it beautiful, it's the people.  The students, faculty, staff, pastor, and priests at St. Paul make it a truly special place to work and learn.  I am proud of my time here and am sad to leave.  But I go forward knowing the last 5 years here have helped prepare me for what lies ahead.

As I wrap up my final days as a Laker, I've been reflecting on my time at St. Paul.  And a song kept popping into my head that perfectly says what I've been feeling.  I've posted the words below.

I know I'll cry at our final all school mass on June 8, when the children's singing fills the sanctuary.  In fact, I'm tearing up now just thinking about it.  But I will not look back at my years at St. Paul with tears of sadness.  I go forth with joy.  Like Dr. Seuss said, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place
Words and music by Lanny Wolfe

Refrain:
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
I can feel His mighty power and His grace.
I can hear the brush of angels wings.
I see glory on each face.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

In the midst of His children the Lord said He would be.
It doesn't take very many, it can be just two or three.
And I feel that same sweet spirit that I felt often times before.
Surely I can say I've been with the Lord.

Refrain

There's a holy hush around us as God's glory fills this place.
I've touched the hem of His garment, I can almost see His face.
And my heart is overflowing with the fullness of His joy.
I know without a doubt that I've been with the Lord.

Refrain

Are You Mom Enough?

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

Have you seen this?
http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,20120521,00.html

The Internet was abuzz last week when Time magazine released this issue. I'll admit that I've only glanced at the actual article. But here's the gist:
No, you are NOT mom enough.

My question is this: Mom enough for whom?

It is very easy to become consumed with parenting books and philosophies that claim, "Do this and your child will turn out great!" We might take our parenting cues from close family or friends. Maybe even from that mom on the playground who always seems to have everything so together. Hopefully, parenting is a team effort between two committed people who have an equitable share and responsibility in the raising of the children.

But who are we trying to satisfy? Our spouse? Our kids? Ourselves?

In my opinion, the only one I truly answer to is God. I am his servant. Just as Mary said yes to God when he asked her to bear and raise His son, Jesus, I need to affirm daily that He has blessed me with my two precious daughters and do everything in my power to bring them closer to Him. That's how I know I'm "Mom enough." That's really all that matters. Standardized test scores, college acceptances, honors assemblies...they're all nice, but not the point.

God has equipped each one of us with the tools we need to parent our children. Sometimes I wish I had more patience, courage, and gentleness, but I know God is using my trials as a lesson.

Are you mom enough to faithfully follow?