Down at the Rivah!

This weekend we met some dear family like friends to camp out by the river! Now, this type camping is a lot different from our usual pitch a tent in the middle of no where camping, this was like camping at the Hilton or maybe the Holiday Inn!

We had pancakes, sausage, bacon, and coffee in the morning! No need to worry about food spoilage with two refrigerators on site! The kids played Frisbee, football and baseball while the adults cleaned up.

We rented John boats to go out fishing! Since I do not fish, I simply enjoyed the beautiful scenery!

Later in the day the Mr P and Uncle B took the boys out to really fish. Each boy was in a boat with either dad or their uncle. They loved going on this all boy adventure! They did catch at least one fish and many almost catches! The fish tales were honest, not embellished, as fisherman sometimes do!

While the "men" fished we girls "relaxed" at the pool by catching two giggling three year olds! After our swim we showered outside (suits on!) in the outdoor shower! We even took a nap inside an air conditioned camper!

When the boys returned they were tired, sweaty, and ready to relax!

In the evenings after a yummy meal we'd sit around under an open tent shelter (complete with party lights!) and play games with friends. Our friends camp with a group, and they were a delight to meet, and fellowship with.

In the morning were were awakened by rumbling thunder in the distance so we zipped up the boys tent and awaited the storm. We slept peacefully as a gentle rain pattered on our tent (Mr P, my youngest and I). The boys later reported on how they were awakened to drops of water falling on their heads and then they discovered they were sleeping on a water bed!

We packed up our damp, and some soaking wet gear, hugged our fabulous hosts and headed back home. All in all it was a fun adventure!

Later, the day cleared, so we put our tents and tarps all back up to dry in the sun. The children played on their swing set as a gentle breeze set in. I noticed some yellow leaves were in the back corner of our yard and felt happy and sad at the same time, as they summer season is now coming to a close.

We have had some wonderful adventures together this season and I know there will be more for the Fall, but I long to cling to the moment and squeeze every ounce of joy the days bring! We had a coming home, celebratory, take out pizza dinner and played a game of Monopoly before sending them off to bed.

Dear God,

Oh how I thank you for making the seasons. There are so many fun things to do and enjoy out in the world. Thank you for dear friends who share their lives with us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

Random Question: I'm Ready, Ready To Serve

Edie, from Rich Gifts, challenges us again with an even more difficult question than last week.

What quality of Christ's do you most see in yourself? Tell us about it.

God designed me to be happiest when I am a helper. I do not enjoy being "in charge" or even "the leader" - I love being a helper.

When I was in ninth grade I chose to be a nurse thanks to my Uncle John. We were on a family beach trip and he shared his thoughts that nursing would be a profession that would suit my personality. My parents, nor I were certain this was a perfect fit until I began my clinical training (the class work was difficult for me and most everyone I've talked to.) Once I met my first patient I was hooked! She was recovering from open heart bypass surgery and would soon be going home. I helped with her bath, changed her bed, brushed her hair, and I was delighted to be able to take out the staples they had in her leg (they don't use those anymore) from where the surgeons has harvested a vein. As I sat and talked with her and saw her comfortably smiling I knew this was what God put in my heart to do!

Even though my job is far from glamorous, (now I work weekends for an urgent care center) I do get extreme satisfaction from the care I give to my patients. Each life that I come in contact with I begin my assessment by silently praying for each ailment, even the ones I can not see, that may be hurts only God knows about. As I am carrying out the physicians orders I pray for wisdom and skill for our medical team. Later once things have stabilized I pray for their families that they may have comfort and patience as getting medical care sometimes takes lots of waiting. Most nights I work I find myself- even days after- praying for them, hoping for wellness physically and spiritually.

So, back to the question. I think the most Christ like quality I have is the desire to serve. I don't have to be a nurse to serve. I can serve my family in the meals I prepare, house tidying and laundry that I do. I can serve my neighbor by helping with a project or simply by listening to a story she'd like to share. I can serve in a million ways I only need to open my heart to Christ so He can open my eyes to these situations.

Another blogging buddy, Living My Life On Purpose, also has a challenge for us, one I think we all will enjoy doing as it is the way Jesus wants us to live.

Dear God,
Thank you for making us all with many different attributes so that all together we may shine the light of Christ to the world. May I continue to serve You through serving others with an attitude of love that You have for Your people. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

Ephesians 4:32 a "Be kind and compassionate to one another."

1 Corinthians 12:12 "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ."

A Whale of a Tale and a Clap of Thunder!

This morning I was awakened by a huge clap of thunder. It was so loud that it knocked off a picture from the kitchen wall downstairs! I immediately ran to each child's room to make sure all were well and safe. They all were and only my youngest was awake so I gathered her up for some extra snuggle snooze time!

Our next study segment for our church's children Sunday School is the story of Jonah. Mr P and I are helping in the drama room. We plan to have a big refrigerator box, covered in blue tarp (the big fish) and we will help the children put on a play about Jonah's adventure. I have also been thinking about signs this week after reading Wonder Woman Wonders.

God had told Jonah to deliver a message to the people of Ninevah. God wanted to tell them He noticed how cruel and evil they had become. God wanted Jonah to warn them to change their ways or God would punish them. Jonah did not want to go to such a evil place and he thought that their evil ways deserved God's wrath so he headed away from Ninevah on a ship.

A terrible storm came. I imagine the thunder may have been louder than even this mornings storm. Jonah realized this was a sign from God, voicing His displeasure with Jonah. Jonah cared enough for the other sailors to tell them to throw him overboard so that the storm would pass and they would not perish. Jonah was sure he would die but God in his mercy had a big fish swallow him. There he was in a stinky, wet, dark and scary place praising God for saving him from drowning. Jonah repents of his sin of disobedience and gets a second chance. The fish deposits Jonah on shore after three days.

He goes on to Ninevah, warns the people they repent and God shows mercy. Jonah then pouts because these people do not get in trouble. They are forgiven. He sets up a camp for himself just beyond the city to see what will happen. God causes a bush to grow to give Jonah comfort and shade. The next day it dies and withers away providing no shade. Jonah gets hot and thinks he surly will die from the heat. God tells Jonah, you are concerned for a bush you did not plant or care for. It just appeared one day and was gone the next. Don't you think I should be concerned for the 120,000 people of Ninevah who did not know how to act? God wanted Jonah to change his attitude to be concerned about God's people, all people. God loves all people and will forgive them when they repent.

Dear God,
Help me to be like Jonah, in listening to Your voice, and in repenting when I fail to listen. Help me to obey with a loving attitude towards Your people, being careful not to judge as that is not for me to do. May I see all Your people as You do, not as I think Christians should look. May I have an attitude of gratitude rejoicing when a lost sheep has been gathered back into the flock. Thank you for your grace and mercy that is given to us freely, we only need to ask. In Jesus Name, Amen.

God loves all people and will forgive them when they repent. We, like Jonah, are called to tell others about God.

I encourage you to read the book of Jonah. (It is short only four chapters long)

Matthew 12:39-41 "But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so for three days and three nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth."

Micah 7:18
"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.

Luke 6:36 "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

How to Tire Three Kids!

During our beach days we took an afternoon to visit Jockey's Ridge. The kids love to climb the huge sand dunes and then run, or roll down! It feels almost like snow only not cold!

The boys always say it looks like a planet from the Star Wars movies. They also like to pretend it is a deserted desert and as they climb they pant out, "Water, water, I need water."

It's also a great place to fly a kite!

It's the climbing up and down the dunes that works them out only they seem to have plenty of energy even after going up and down three and four times while I am bushed after adventuring along after them!

Here is a video of my youngest and I running down the dunes!

Afterwards we were off to go cart race!

We always tend to plan more than we can do so next year maybe we will play putt putt, visit the Wright Brothers Memorial/Museum and go to the Aquarium.

See you next summer!

A Few Days At The Beach

We recently took a trip to the beach! We all had a wonderful time! The children are not tired at all, but we are exhausted! The boys loved the ocean and boogie boarding. This was the first time I've boogie boarded since I was probably twelve years old! I was definately out of practice but thanks to tips from the boys I caught on quick.

We drove out on the beach, set up a tent shelter, and spent the day! It was like we had our own little Patterson beach.

My youngest did not like the waves at all. She would stand at the edge of the water and as the waves would come, turn around and run! She'd sing, "You can't catch me!" "You can't catch me!" She did enjoy all of the sand. We made sand castles, lots of cakes, and even a Christmas tree! (She even sang a few carols).

We flew our kite, played football, and the children chased and caught a few sand crabs, or buggies, as my youngest called them!

We enjoyed our time on the coast marveling at God's wonderful creation!

Tuesday Tip: Date Escape!

My husband and I noticed that in our busy schedule we were not setting aside enough time to "date" each other. We were busy with our children, church, work and school. We needed to set aside time for us to reconnect not as a mom or dad but as sweet hearts.

I decided a perfect spot for our little "dates" would be out on the deck of our home. That way the TV would not be a distraction, nor would projects or undone chores loom over us causing us to feel too busy for some time just for us. I found inexpensive lights and posted them on the railing around our deck and put out citronella candles to set the mood as well as keep away the bugs. After tucking the kids in bed we will go out to our retreat to talk about our day or simply share ideas. It is an inexpensive and easy way to sneak in a little romance into our lives!

Check out other great tips at Wonder Woman Wonders!

Stepping Stones

We began the project of making stepping stones the other day. First of all, we needed a disposable container to mix the cement in. The perfect one was in the freezer with just enough ice cream for a mid morning ice cream snack! The kiddos were delighted to have ice cream in the morning! Here is the conversation that ensued.

My Oldest: You know if we were millionaires we could have ice cream every morning for breakfast!

Mom: Do you think millionaires have ice cream every morning?

My Oldest: Well, I don't know about EVERY morning but they could if they wanted!

My Middle child: We could be millionaires if we mowed peoples grass.

My Oldest: We would need to mow about a 100 yards a day but together we could do it!

And so a brothers business adventure begins! (Even though if they become millionaires their teeth might fall out from all of the sugar!)

Later that same morning we made the stepping stones.

Stirring the concrete....almost as fun as making mud pies!

Then decorating...........

We decorated with decorative stones that came with the kit and also small toys that they have enjoyed like: match box cars, army men, Legos, and Elmo!

The featured artists with their pieces!

Being Passionate About a Godly Marriage

Edie, from Rich Gifts asks us to write about something God has made you passionate about. I spend a lot of my prayer time praying not only for my marriage but for my friends marriages. I even pray for my children's future spouses should they choose to marry. Both my husband and I had parents who were wonderful examples of the covenant we entered in marriage, my heart aches for those who did not have such examples. I am thankful God gives us the perfect example in Christ's love for the church.

Divorce is very common in our country. In some areas well over 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce. Seventy-five percent of all second marriages end in divorce. Many homes, lives, and children are being destroyed and God hates it, Malachi 2:14-16, Mark 10:2-11.

The media does not help matters any at all. The shows on television mock the sanctity of marriage, as do a few of our states governments. We live in a society where anything goes as long as it feels good for you.

This is not what God had in mind. Jesus came to show us how we are to live and treat each other. If anyone deserved to be served, He did yet He washed his closest friends dirty feet. He served. He calls us to serve. He calls us to choose to love each other even when we are unlovable just like He does. He calls us to forgive just as He forgives.

In the past my husband and I have lead a small group marriage study by Marriage Builders after attending a retreat. This was a great opportunity for us to pray with and support other couples who, like us, were trying to keep it all together while caring for young families. Currently God has it on my heart to pray for marriages and I have blogged some of these prayers and they are marked in red if you'd like to link to them.

Dear God,

Bless our marriages in this country. May they become the way You designed. May we be humble, gentle and loving with each other. Where there is a hurt, please heal it. If there is abuse please make a safe way out. May we turn to You for our needs not expecting our spouses to meet unrealistic expectations. Give us a heart for service, even in our homes. Grant us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ephesians 4:2-3 "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her"

Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control"

Mommy Time

My husband treated me by taking all of the children to flag football practice so I could just enjoy some time to do well, anything I wanted! I fixed a nice cool diet coke and headed out to our deck with a stack of magazines I had been hoping to read! It felt luxurious and decadent to mearly sit out on my deck, with my feet up reading ideas for summer, clearly I am behind, and ideas for back to school! All of the ideas were upbeat and positive! I felt renewed and recharged ready to tackle, well, life with three children!
I may even instate Tuesdays as a night the children can take turns being crowned chef. The chef gets to plan the family meal, all the way down to the shopping list and estimate of costs. They can help prepare and serve! We will all have to thank the chef! See how fun magazines can be!

I encourage you all to take some kid free/household chore free time sometime soon to recharge!

Dear God,
I thank You for time away to just take a deep breath and relax. With no task to be completed, or list to be made, no one to make many requests, just chill out time! Lord, renew my mind. Make it fresh and full of optimistic hope for our days so that joy and laughter will fill our home. In Jesus Name, Amen.

"Ours is a little home
newly begun.
So, we would ask of Thee,
Lord, let it always be
chuck full of fun.

Homes, even the newest ones,
often are full of
things unexpected, gray;
so let it be alway
bursting with love.

This, and above it all,
one special plea:
'mid outward storms, still it
and storm or calm, fill it,
Lord full of Thee."

Ruth Bell Graham

Exodus 33:14 "The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Isaiah 30:15 "This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, "

Sick Day

We had such wonderful plans to go on a fun adventure to a park and nature center with friends, but our plans came to a halt the moment my youngest started down the stairs. She was sick so we settled in for a "sick day". Thankfully the boys were very good sports about the change in plans and helped me make the patient a covered spot on the couch, along with a bin to get sick in. They scooted to the far side of the couch, and let her pick a girlie movie to view. They did not even complain when she fell asleep mid movie. They read her books and held her cup as she took just a few sips.



By lunch time she was feeling a good bit better and did eat part of the picnic we'd packed for our outing. She napped again in the afternoon while they noisily played outside to let off some steam. They hushed our dog, Toby, when the UPS man came with a package so as not to wake her. They were happy when she came down for dinner.



After dinner she was feeling much more like her self so they all ran though the house like the wild children they sometimes can be. My husband was away at a Cub Scout planning meeting so I was refereeing alone. I was happy they were all so exuberant but exasperated by the chaos.



Later after all of my imps were bedded down and my husband came home to re-tuck them in. (they needed a kiss from Daddy) We sat down to talk about our day. I shared my frustration, and he gave me much needed reassurance. Then I logged on to check out some blogs I read Edie's tip about First Things First, if you have not read it please do! That tip really spoke to me today as a way to calm the chaos and keep them focused cheerfully! Her blog encouraged me today.



I am blessed everyday by lots of women in what they share on their spots. (I am going to ask Chatty Kelly how to put a list of my favs on the side of my blog!) You know who you are because I usually check in with you just about every post. Thank you ladies for journeying through this adventure along with me and sharing a little bit of your life. What you share truly blesses me!

Dear God,
I am thankful for the encouragement given by these very inspirational women of God through their writings. They daily offer things you have whispered to them through Your Holy Spirit; and they share it so that others may see Your love. May we all keep our eyes on You and continue to encourage one another on the path You've chosen. In Jesus Name, Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ...so let us ...Encourage one another!

Recapturing the Wonder

Yesterday we spent a glorious day with dear family friends, and had a spectacular time!







The children climbed a magical tree, ran through sprinklers, sought out turtles and cute baby fish. They marveled over a caterpillar living inside a love puff (a kind of plant). We picnicked along with a school group and enjoyed their prayer which was allot like the one we say. Our littlest girls compassionately listened to a young girls woe of a skinned knee. Our children played Indian houses, and made up Indian names for each other. They befriended a toad, who later will need trauma counselling from the amount of love he received. We were chased by a bumblebee seeking a beautiful flower. They caught another toad, who we encouraged them not to love quite so much!



The fun day ended with a slight amount of drama from tired little girls, so we knew it was time to go. As I was driving back to our home, hoping a nap could surely be in my future, I thought about how this magical day was so full of wonder for our children. Each path, flower, bug, turtle, fish, taste and smell was remarked on and savoured. Most things to them are full of wonder and they are eager to investigate. May I return to that. Taking time to savour the day with them. Take time to smell the roses I've always heard. How about, "Take time to catch the toad." or "Take time to treasure the puffy tickling part of a plant." I don't think these phrases will become well known, but for me, perhaps they should!




Dear God,
I thank you for good friends and outdoor adventures! Two of my favorite things in one day! What a blessing! Lord, may I treasure each little amazing thing you have given us in this world. I feel like You must smile as Your littlest children discover small treasures and wonders You have made in our world. In Jesus Name, Amen.

A song for the day!

chorus
All things bright and beautiful,
All things great, and all things small,
All things wise, and wonderful,
God, our Father, created them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings.
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.

All things bright…


The purple headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset and the morning
That brightens up the sky.

All things bright…

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.

All things bright…


He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God almighty,
Who has made all things well.

All things bright and beautiful,
all things great and all things small,
all things wise and wonderful
God our Father, created them all!

Tuesday Tip: Prepare For Your Day The Night Before

Today is Tuesday Tip day per Chatty Kelly so for some useful tips be sure to check her blog.
I usually recieve tips from others and am rarely the tip giver, but here it goes.

Getting out of the door with my three children in tow can be extremely difficult, and at times down right frustrating. In order to keep my sanity in check in the mornings, as well as my good humor, I find the night before preparation is of upmost importance.

Each night before we go to bed I pack the lunches, sometimes even if we are staying home, just to free up a few moments for myself at lunch time. I make sure I can find every ones shoes, jackets, swimsuits, whatever will be needed for the days activities. If we are to head out later that day to a sporting or music practice-I make sure we have all the equipment packed and ready to go, as well as a chair for me and a "busy" bag ( bag o' toys, crayons, paper, snack) for my youngest to play in while she waits for the practice to be over.

This way I am gathering items during a stress free time when there is not a clock ticking and my children are asleep. This saves me from feeling frustrated about the shoe I can not find and only have moments before we need to leave.

Now if only I could find a quick, fun, easy way to sunscreen three children while they are still asleep.

I'm Going to Brush That Hair Right Off of My Dog!

Most pet owners I've talked to have an on going battle with hair! Their beloved pet's hair is everywhere and can be a real problem! The first few warm days of spring brought this problem on at our house. Even if I vacuumed twice a day and diligently brushed our dog we still had hair on our floor. It does not help matters much that we have white carpet in our family room and a black dog.



My neighbor, who also has pets found a solution! This solution, however, is a bit pricey. It is a special comb called the Furminator! Even the name sounds like it is dauntingly up to the task! One of her workout buddies recently purchased one and lent it out to her to try. She came over last night so we could try it out on Toby.

Here is the before photo..........








The comb was easy to use and Toby lavished in the attention. It's not everyday your neighbor comes over and brushes you!
We brushed off lots of hair and later I did his nails so he was feeling like a new dog!





As I was feeling excited about such a marvelous comb I began to think, even though the comb works well I would still need to continue in my diligence to brush him everyday.



Kind of like the sin in our lives. Try as I may I can not rid myself of my sins on my own. There is not one tool I could use to take it off. I must daily reconnect with my Lord and Savior. I must daily, sometimes even more than once a day, pray for forgiveness and ask for help in true repentance.


Just because I am a Christian does not mean I do not have any sin in my life. To say that I have no sin would be untrue and would make the sacrifice Jesus made for me loose it's meaning. I am a sinner and in need of Jesus to save me from that sin. He is the sin terminator, I only have to give them to Him in confession, pray for forgiveness and seek true repentance . He paid for my sins already, my debts been paid!








Dear God,
May I never become so proud as to forget who I truly am.... a sinner in need of You. Please forgive me for my sins and may I freely give that same forgiveness to those who hurt me. I thank you for sending Your son to die for my sins and that He rose again from the dead in triumph, so that we all might be freed to live eternally in fellowship with You. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Proverbs 28:13 "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."

1 Timothy 1:16 "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."


1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."



PS Toby really was not as hairy as the "before" picture.

Update on Camp

My oldest went to a nearby camp for 72 hours last week and had a blast! He does not volunteer many details, when asked he usually gives one word answers- example:

"How was camp?"

"Fun."

"What was your favorite part?"

"Mud slide."

For the details we have to wait and they come out here and there, over time; perhaps at dinner, on a bike ride, or while throwing Frisbee. Here is the information we have gathered so far.



He enjoyed the mudslide the most. The mudslide is a big hill they pour water down and the kids slide into a huge hole of mud. I know it does not sound appealing but my little boy LOVES it. He was most excited because this year he was able to slide down from higher up, since he is older, and therefore could go faster! I did wash out his clothing from this event as his younger brother may want to experience this at a later summer.



They did sing songs, however when asked which ones, he could not remember. I will have to wait for his younger brother's camp adventures to hear about songs. Each of my boys went to the same preschool and I never heard songs from my oldest while he was attending, but then when my younger boy went, my oldest somehow knew all of the songs.



They had vespers out by the lake and this was so cool because their group got to sit on the dock. On the last night they had a camp fire and it was in the lake!



They read the Bible every day and he has been doing so since he came home. He is excited about Saul, David and Jonathan and their rather tumultuous relationship. He's quoted John 3:16 several times. He has known this scripture but had never just out of the blue quoted it unless required for Sunday School or Upwards sports.



They made a dessert called a banana boat by putting a banana wrapped in tin foil with chocolate sauce, marshmallows, and caramel wrapped up, and placed in the fire. He said it was very good.


They went tubing and canoeing on the lake. They watched an older group enjoy a pirating adventure. He climbed the climbing wall.


He said he met a really neat girl.... I asked, well what made her neat? (I was expecting that she was pretty, sweet or even cute.) He said she was funny and made everyone laugh. I am glad he is looking more towards personalities than outward appearances.


He made some good friends.


When sorting out his laundry I noticed his socks were dirty on both sides. How did he do that? I do not know.


We all took a nap that afternoon: the huge pile of laundry was just to daughting to face and it was such a relief to have him home!

And here is what my son wrote about camp.....the rest of the story!

Summer camp was fun this year. I got to meet some new friends and I saw old friends too.
I read my bible every day at rest time. I love singing and dancing at breakfast \lunch\dinner.
I like vespers .The first night and the third night we stuck our feet in the water.
On the third night we made a floating fire. It was cans with a grill on top.
I learned the game of black magic. I know the secret of the game.
I went tubing .I broke the camp record for standing up on the tube.
2:57
THE END I AM SO TIRED.

Choose Love

Yesterday afternoon I had a chance to catch up with a good friend for an extended phone conversation. My children were busy with Lego's so I had opportunity to really talk! It was a treat to catch up with my friend.



Once we'd caught up on each of our family's vacations and happenings she reported on a prayer request she'd made on behalf of a friend,who lives far away, months ago. A friend I do not know, but due to her circumstances my heart aches for her as a fellow sister in Christ. Her marriage is in trouble and has been for some time. She is committed to the covenant she made, but is lonely and hurting. They have two girls and lost a child three years ago, which caused her and her husband increased despair.



We talked about marriage and how hard it can be sometimes even under the best of circumstances. It made me think about how on the surface many marriages may look perfect, when in fact they probably are alot like everyone elses- a work in progress.

Before my wedding my mom shared how later in marriage I may not feel loving towards my husband. (At the time I was thinking, oh that will NEVER happen to Mr P and I.) She went on to add that love is a choice not a feeling. You can love without feeling love because you choose too. Thinking on that now, God's love is like that. He chooses to love me even when I am sinful and unlovable. Even when I let Him down He is there loving me. He made a covenant through the life of His son to love me.

My friend and I ended our conversation, promising to continue to pray for her friend. Praying that she may have strength, patience and perseverance in her decision to stay in her marriage. Praying that her husband's heart will be softened and again open to her. Praying that they may make a friendship with a Christ like couple in their church who will mentor to them during this difficult time. Praying they will choose to love even though they do not feel love.

Dear God,
Please cover all of the marriages out there that are hurting with Your love. May hearts be softened, forgiveness be granted, understanding be given, and love chosen. May flames be rekindled so that they can see the love they once promised to cherish. Your love can heal their hurts, may they turn to You and then to eachother. In Jesus Name, Amen.

1 Peter 3:4 "Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

1 Corinthians 13:4-6 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres."

1 John 4:9-10 "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

1 John 4:19 "We love because he first loved us."

One on One Time

Since our oldest boy is still away at camp, (only 13 hours to go!) my husband has taken this opportunity for some big man time with our middle son. He is amazed at how much information this one on one time has generated. He's learned about all of our son's favorite sports; soccer, Tae Kwon Doe, swimming and of course football. These are basically all the sports he has ever tried but it was fun for my husband to listen to him talking so enthusiastically!

The summer before we had children we'd gone on a camping trip to West Virginia to raft the New River and to celebrate our third wedding anniversary. We met a nice young man of 14 and his dad. His dad shared with us that this trip was a coming of age trip that he'd also done two years earlier with his oldest and plans to do again in a few years with his youngest. He and his wife routinely planned special outings with each of their children for one on one time. Since we were praying for a child of our own at the time, we both marveled at what a wonderful idea this family had.

I've noticed that when I ask my boys about their day or about an activity or outing they were involved in I get short one word answers. Conversely, if I do not ask but do an activity with them like throwing the football in the back yard, or jog along side them while they ride their bike I learn so much more. More information that I would even think to ask.

I am so thankful that God has placed our lives in such a way that my husband and I can spend lots of time with our children. Time just for the ordinary daily tasks of life that sometimes lay way to learning experiences for all of us.

Dear God,
You have blessed us with three amazing children. I know they truly are Yours, and I only get to hold them for a short while. May I treasure every sweet moment and not take for granted even the mundane tasks of mothering. You have created them each with unique personalities, talents and preferences. May I be sensitive to each individual trait so as to love them and know them as You do! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Isaiah 40:11 "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

A Prayer for My Husband

Today is an important day for Mr P in his career. He has been diligently striving towards a goal for several years now and he is at a place where his hard work could now come to fruition.

For the first ten years of my marriage my husbands career has been a place where I have often prayed for what I wanted, relocation closer to where we both grew up. About two years ago my husband and I both came to terms with the realization that God does not have that in our immediate plan. Those days of realization were a rugged, rough, place in in our adventurous journey together. For that reason I was not sure how to pray for my husband today. I shared this with my dear sweet mom, who in all of her wisdom suggested I pray that what ever God wills is what should happen. I also would like to pray for peace for him, what ever the outcome.

When he comes home today may I pray with him to help lift the weight of any stress he may have and reassure him that God's Will shall prevail.


Dear God,
Please bless my husband today so that he may become the man You created him to be. You know how hard he has worked and the dedication he has put into his job. You have given him the strength and endurance for hard work and also the fairness and kindness to lead others well. May Your Will in this time of transition prevail and may we have peace with the outcome. In Jesus Name, Amen.

2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Off at Camp

My oldest is away at camp for 72 hours, well now 60 hours and 33 minutes, yes I am counting! My husband and I grew up going to camp for a week every summer since we were eight years old. We both went to Camp Grier, a church camp in the mountains of NC. We even became counsellors there during our college years. That is where we initially met. My children have visited Camp Grier with us many times especially when the director we worked under was still there. They've heard all our stories, some I'm sure have grown taller year by year. I should not have been surprised when our oldest wanted to go. Camp Grier is too far so we found a similar camp nearby to our home.

This type of camp gives the opportunity to participate in a 24 hour a day experience in Christian group living in the out-of-doors, through which the counselors and campers involved can find meaning and purpose for their lives.

This takes place in the warmth and security of a small group where each person is helped to find himself and has the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of others.

In this experience of simple living in a small group in the out-of-doors: Counselors and campers are truly participants as they take part in planning the activities of each day and helping make decisions which affect their lives, they develop a stake in their own program.


My husband and I have shared with each other, and our children how our faith was nurtured and grew while we were at camp as campers and especially as counsellors. I am not certain if my parents saw the fruit of this time while I was growing up, but they have seen it in my life as an adult.

My mother said my first time at camp while dropping me off I seemed nervous and did not mingle with other campers. She encouraged me to go and talk to a nearby little girl since she might be in my group. I said, "Well she might not." and stayed by my mom's side until the counsellors helped us all become friends.

My son asked us, myself and his younger siblings, not to get out of the car, he could handle his luggage and he'd already made a friend (we'd been there two minutes). We did get out and helped him get set up in his bunk. I even coerced him into posing for this picture. (No other campers were looking).

I am excited for my son in the discoveries he will make about his God, the adventurous outdoors, living in community and serving others, and also things he will learn about himself. He may never tell me of these things, but I pray I will get to see the fruits when he becomes a man.

Dear God,
Oh how bitter sweet my children's growing up can be. It's hard for me to let them venture out from under the safety of my wing-so that they can learn who and whose they are- not just who I want them to be. Help me to trust in the safety of Your wing over them and the plans You have for their lives. Keep my son safe. May his adventures be fun but mostly I long for him to seek You and to grow to be the man You planned. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Today my son is studing Gen 2:4b-22
He is learning about relationship.
"Campers will hear and explore the story of God creating the first garden and be invited into relationship with God and each other and learn to care for God's creation. Campers will:

• Be intorduced to ways they can grow in a relationship with God.
• Discover connectedness within camp and settle in
• Explore ways they can care for creation at camp
  
  

We Are All God's Family

The Patterson 5 travelled to DC today for a mini field trip! We decided we would only try to do two sites so as not to over whelm the kiddos! My oldest son right away was amazed by the hoards of people that were there. We explained to them that they would see people from many places and hear languages they have not heard before. Mr P and I love to people watch but we did not encourage this behavior to our children as we thought they might go on to stare and perhaps even point-which would be embarrassing!

We parked at the end of the mall. I giggled as my younger son asked if we were going shopping. I too had mistaken the mall for a place to shop about 12 years ago on my first DC trip. We visited the Museum of Natural History first. We only made it through a handful of exhibits. The boys especially enjoyed the dinosaurs, mammals and insects. My youngest seemed to enjoy it all and sang "Angels Watching Over Me" sometimes loudly throughout part of the museum- the other parts were regaled with "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands".

We walked on to the Lincoln Memorial, stopping along the way to dip our feet in a cool fountain!

We stopped and read the Gettysburg address and were thankful for a President who helped us hold true to equality for all peoples.

The walk back to the van was a long one. Long walks seem to spur on deep thoughts from our middle son. He picked up on a conversation from almost two weeks ago about a serious subject of death (see Hiking With My Boys) He picked up on it like there had been no time in between. Out of the blue he said, "Well what about when a baby dies only a few seconds after being born -how did the baby do God's purpose." I answered as best I could since there are so many hard questions I just do not have the answer for. I told him I believe we are all connected and our lives are all intertwined. We each help each other complete our purpose for God. I shared that perhaps my purpose in this world my simply be to be their mom and teach them about God so that they will be properly equipped for their lives and their purpose. I suggested the baby's short life could have been so the parents of that child could help others with loss or to promote the sanctity and beauty of life. I think my answer was too wordy as by the time I finished they were on to another topic.

Nearly back to the van we saw a carousel and just had to ride!

As we were driving away by the capitol building we noticed an out door concert going on. The sign read One big family under God. It was a group promoting world peace. It made me think again how even though we did not know any of the peoples around us they are all God's and He wants us all to be His children. Our lives are intertwined and everything we do affects others.

Dear God,
Thank you for our country and the many freedoms we have that I know I have often taken for granted. I am especially thankful for the freedom we have to worship You openly. As we travelled home we passed Arlington cemetery-I am thankful for these solders who gave their lives for others, following the example of Jesus. Please comfort their families with the hope they will see them again in heaven. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game!

Yearly our dentist treats us to a baseball game at a local ball park. We enjoy the evening together as a family, and as the children are getting older we get to actually watch more and more of the game! My youngest was fascinated by the Diamond Duck. Immediately when she saw him she stood up and waved as if they were long lost friends! This was surprising to us as often times she is painfully shy, and warms slowly to new faces and experiences. She, unlike both our boys, even wanted to meet him! Thankfully we had opportunity to do so!

Another highlight for the children was the food selection! They each chose the dippin dots and are hoping for "pink stuff" (cotton candy) when we go to the fair later this year. My youngest was delighted that the "snack man" comes by with peanuts, popcorn and cracker jack!

The boys were in awe of the batters that could hit a home run, and that some could also hit the ball so hard - the bat broke!

Once again, Thanks Dr Baum for a wonderful family evening out!

Love, The Patterson 5