Making Time For Quiet

It's SO Important!

As a Follower of Jesus.

As a Mama.

As a Wife.

Life can get so chaotic around us. 

Busy, busy busy with no end in sight!

I always have multiple projects on the go: piano lessons to prepare, Etsy orders to complete, 

dinners to cook, people to keep in touch with, errands to run... 

But making quiet time with a priority keeps me fuelled for everything else I do.

So it tops my list.

Earlier in Spring I shared my first devotional of the year by

She Reads Truth

I love She Reads Truth studies because the focus is on God's word, and not someone's interpretation or feeling about it. 

Lets be honest, my quiet time is limited, so I need to get the goods without a lot of other distractions.

Hebrews was my first study of the year. 

Yes, those are scribbles from my toddler.
After all this is real life!

So much focus on Jesus as my advocate - better than all others before and since.

So much encouragement on the power of faith in the example of others.

I finished Hebrews a few weeks back and began a new study.

It's a Journible.

I had been given this beautiful journal by a sweet friend in 

Washington and somewhere in our move it got lost in the shuffle of books.

I recently came across it and decided to make it my next quiet time Bible study.

Once again, the focus is scripture - Romans.

Writing the words out for better retention.

Studying and then journaling through the text.

So, let me encourage you...

We're always going to have things to keep us busy.

Making time for quiet and study is rewarding beyond the few minutes it takes. 

Fill your soul with truth and be encouraged in every aspect of your life.

It's so worth it!

What To Do When It Feels Like Your Kids Get In The Way Of Life:

Since getting back from our long weekend camping trip I've been feeling pretty sluggish and fighting to get up and get a lot accomplished in the mornings. On Friday I finally decided to go ahead and write down what I hoped to get done during my day.

What is it about a list that inspires and motivates to action? Must be a weird personality thing. Here's what I came up with: 

The list stuck to the counter in my kitchen so pardon all of the water marks. :)

While I did go ahead and plan out my day from early on - the baby was up at 5 and Ryder was up at 6 - somehow the kids didn't pick up on my get 'er done mentality. Haha! Just a few things to accomplish, seems pretty reasonable, right? Well, those things turned into many more...

1. Breakfast (nurse Lynden, change diaper, take Ryder to the potty, get everyone dressed)

2. Bike Ride (leave, return home to pump up tires, return home to leave Dixie who was terrorizing the neighborhood dogs, finally get home after our ride to find that Ryder has had an accident in the bike trailer - sigh..., another trip to the potty, laundry, get dressed)

3. Pull Weeds (nurse the baby, rescue Ryder's tricycle stuck on the rocks, coach Ryder on where and where NOT to throw rocks, hunt for lizards with Ryder and find a few other creatures instead)

Can you spy the camouflage creature?

4. Wash Dishes, Clean & Clear Counters (shower, make lunch, feed everyone lunch, put Ryder down for a nap, wash one dish, feed a bite of food to Lynden - yes, he's started solids!, wash one dish, wipe that last whole bite that is dribbling down his chin, wash one dish, feed Lynden a bite, etc.)

5. Fold Laundry (change yet another dirty diaper, nurse the baby, pour a 5th cup of coffee, scrub crayon off of the floor, find a full episode of The Pioneer Woman to watch - yes, this is relaxed as I get these days. :)

6. Deep Clean Master Bath (Set Ryder up with water and a snack to 'watch the thumper go boom boom' instead of being scared of the thunderstorm, What?! It's 6 already! Time to make dinner...)

Sometimes at the end of days like these I look back and wonder what I did all day. If you have kids at home, I'm sure you can relate!

As you can see, not so streamline as originally planned. But, at the end of the day, all of the important things got done and these two were just as happy as could be. 

I need to remind myself of this often, but for today, my consolation is this:

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Days like this are not a write-off. 

They aren't treading water. 

They don't keep us from really living life. 

They are real life!

So, are you a Mama? 

Glorify God.

Are you single?

Glorify God.

Wherever you are, 

whatever you're doing, 

there - glorify God. 

Those Sanctifying Moments

They happen every day. We all probably refer to them in different ways. Times when our patience is tested. Moments when even our faith is put to the test. 

Over time, I've come to realize that it's not the situation itself that is so much the problem, but how I choose to respond that matters.

Today is a prime example...

I had my grocery lists written out, coupons printed, and diaper bag fully stocked. I was all ready for our bi-monthly trip to Reno. We were up and out the door by around 8 and I was feeling good. It's a good thing we left early too, because a nearly potty trained toddler, asked for and got 6 different trips to 'the potty.'

Target - check

JoAnn's - check

Whole Foods - check

Costco - check

Gas Station - check

That's how I thrive - checking things off of my list. We did great. The kiddos were cheerful, we ran from our air-conditioned car to air-conditioned stores and had a great day of it. By 2, we were well on our way home with both boys sleeping soundly in the backseat.

And then it happened...the car overheated.

I had been watching the temperature gauge, after seeing it climb on our recent road trip and had even asked hubby if I should maybe just take the truck instead. But that little needle didn't look back and all of a sudden I started to hear a rattle. I pulled over and the engine died before I had even come to a stop beside the highway. 

Flashers On

Oh boy!

After a quick call to Braden, help was on its way - but his work is on the opposite side of town and I knew it would take a little while for him to go home, get the truck and meet up with us. Sigh....  The temperature inside the car climbed as we sat there in the baking sun. Before long both Ryder and Lynden were awake and getting antsy. 

Yes, I was the crazy lady nursing her baby by the side of the road when a kind truck driver pulled over and offered to help. 

Hurry up, honey! 

I can tell you the initial thoughts running through my mind:

1. Why couldn't I have just taken the truck? I knew this would happen.

2. Now? Really?! I have all kinds of cold food in the back that needs to get into a fridge.

3. Great!  Now the kids are going to be cranky for the whole rest of the day without a decent nap.

It wasn't pretty.

But then I caught myself. Here I was grumbling and complaining inwardly when I didn't really have it so bad. 

1. Braden was in town and though at work, he was able to leave and come rescue us.

2. Today was 91 degrees (33 for my Canadian friends) but it's supposed to get up to 100 later this week.

3. I had remembered to bring the big cooler along and the cold food was not going to spoil in the extra hour we had to wait without AC.

4. We were only about a 10 minute drive from home, not a whole hour away, which would have been the case if it had happened in Reno.

5. We were safe. The car died on a not very busy highway where we could safely pull over and wait for help. Not too remote, but not so busy that we were in any danger.

I catch myself doing these mental evaluations every so often. I suppose the goal is to one day get them so ingrained that I think these grateful thoughts before allowing the complaining ones any place in my mind, but it's all a process.

That's the way sanctification works. These trials - some big life changing blows and others fairly trivial, like my hiccup today - are all part of the bigger picture and God intends to use them to bring about growth in my life.

So instead of whining, I'm going to choose joy in this moment, and hopefully I can remember this lesson and save myself the trouble next time. But if not, I can remind myself of these truths:

Trials are going to come and are not without purpose.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 ESV)

What I have is good, from the hand of a loving God.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)

Looking for Opportunity

This week I was blessed by a dear friend from Washington who sent a birthday/baby/care package. It was filled with so many thoughtful items - a handmade baby blanket, a glass Starbucks cup, some of my favourite snacks including a box of Canadian Smarties, and more. 

Every little item brought a smile to my face, but the things wouldn't have been special if they hadn't reminded me of my sweet friend. And that got me thinking about how actively I am looking for opportunities to minister to others.

I know many of you are like me - stay at home Mama's - and have a limited sphere of influence outside of the home. You may be surprised at how simple blessing another can be. For example, on Thursday when I made the trek out to Costco in Reno, I stopped at Starbucks to pick up my free birthday coffee. Before I could give the barista my gift card though, she said that the car in front of me had paid for my Venti Americano Misto. A complete stranger!

So here's my goal for this coming week: to bring God glory by actively seeking out and taking advantage of opportunities to bless others. 

Whether it's a simple smile, word of encouragement, or invitation to a play date, there's always something we can do to bless others. Often we ourselves are blessed as we minster to others too!

How about you?  

Will you join me this week in looking for ways to encourage those around you?

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

A Lesson From Hannah

Our small group from church is currently studying through the Old Testament. This week we began 1 Samuel. I've read the story of Hannah and Samuel a dozen times, but this particular time, something new stood out to me. 

Hannah was a heartbroken woman. She was beloved of her husband, but childless and forced to endure mocking from a rival wife. And yet, what was her response?

She prayed, 'pouring out [her] soul before the Lord. (v.15)
'Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.' (v. 18)

1 Samuel 1

But wait...

Hannah hadn't received an answer to her prayer yet - yes or no. She hadn't done anything but share her burdens with her God.  Yet she trusted Him.

Hannah prayed and left her worries in God's hands.

What was the proof that she was trusting Him?
1. Her appetite returned
2. Her countenance changed

And that's the greatest application I took away from our study. Once I've prayed and given my burdens over to God, I can leave with the same peace that Hannah experienced. And if you are God's child, you can too. What an encouragement!

A Gift to Treasure

I AM B.L.E.S.S.E.D. Every day I am reminded of how God provides to meet my needs and so much more. I'm not really one to love a lot of stuff. *One diamond is enough. *Last week when an old guy parked way too close to Shasta at Safeway and put a dent in her side when he opened his door, I just reminded myself that she's just a truck, smiled, and waved. *Before we moved, I posted and got rid of countless items on Craigslist. We may have accumulated a lot, but over time we've really learned hold to these things loosely. 

But sometimes things come along that hold a special place on our treasure list. Such an item arrived in the mail today. My dear dear grandmother (Ryder's Oma) sent a sweet soft quilt handmade for Baby Little Dipper. Grandma celebrated her 92nd birthday this week! We love her dearly and appreciate so much her love, encouragement, and the spiritual heritage she and Grandpa gave us. 

Here is Baby Little Dipper's new quilt and brownie bear made with love. <3

And just for fun, here are a few throwbacks from Ryder's first weeks and the super soft turtle and turtle print quilt that Oma made with love for him. 

One other thing that brings joy to this Mama's heart is when I come across Ryder in his independent play time sitting down and reading his Bible. <3  He will point to each picture and say, 'Dee-sus.'  Love this little sweetie. We pray that his love for Jesus will grow as he begins to learn and understand the truths we read from the Bible. 

Have a great weekend!

J

Thoughts on Beginning a New Year

It's only 9pm and already I have the house to myself. Ryder usually goes down at 7 and Braden's fighting his sickness with additional rest as well. 

So here I am with my Sparkling Cherry Lime Izze (yum!) meditating on my day in general and considering this new year that has just begun. 

I'm not one to make new years resolutions. I have nothing against them, but I also tend to be a realist; meaning, if I didn't do something yesterday or the day before, I'm not naive enough to think that turning the page on a calendar is going to motivate me to change. I find that I am generally internally motivated. Don't get me wrong, I know that I should be constantly looking for areas in my life that I can improve and ways to grow, but January 1 doesn't seem to influence that very greatly.  

My thoughts tend to drift to the addition of a new family member and continuing to learn and love life here in Nevada. Only God knows what the coming year holds for us and that alone causes a certain amount of excitement and peace.

How about you?  Do you set goals for yourself? Does the start of a new year invoke a lot of reflection and motivation to change in the one to come?

In my reflection tonight, I would be remiss if I didn't share how I was incredibly encouraged at church this morning. After a few weeks away, it was refreshing to get back into our study in the book of Matthew.

A few applications that I took away from the message in our Matthew 13:31-32 text:

1. Don't be discouraged, God works through small beginnings.

2. Don't ever think that darkness is greater than light; as Christians, our influence in our families and beyond is stronger than that of unbelievers because light is more powerful than darkness.

3. Be a Spirit-filled, Spirit-controlled blessing to both believers and unbelievers, so that God can work through you.

Praise God for his word to instruct, encourage and motivate us. If I wasn't motivated by this new year, I certainly was by the teaching of God's word this morning.  Feeling blessed and thankful!

Jayne

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a great first Thanksgiving in Fallon. It was SO nice to have Braden home this year - believe it or not, this is our first Thanksgiving together at home since being married!

The day began with a family oriented football game with a lot of friends from church. Ryder and I cheered while drinking homemade mochas from the sidelines.

Representing Daddy's Team

Excited to find a new 'hat.'

After a quick game of Monopoly, we barely had time to make a big batch of stuffing (I highly recommend this recipe from Food Network - minus the mushrooms :) before heading out the door to enjoy a delicious feast with friends in town. I don't think I've ever seen so many delicious and beautiful homemade pies in one place at the same time.

But all of this was just icing on the cake. Braden and I could not begin to count our many blessings. God has and continues to provide for us in ways that meet out needs and exceed our expectations. Our greatest blessing is that 'inexpressible gift' provided to meet our greatest need - a Savior. If you haven't yet received this gift, it's not yet too late. As we move into the Christmas season, take a moment to read the Christmas story found in Luke 2. Set the business of this time of year aside and focus on the truths behind your celebration - let it bring you joy and hope in the coming days.

And of course, Stingy had to tag along on our outing as well.

Playing In The Leaves

I've been so excited to see snow in the mountains on our runs this week. 

It's definitely a bit nippier outside.

But, until it reaches us, we're going to bundle up and enjoy the outdoors. Ryder had a great time playing with the fallen leaves in our backyard this morning. And I couldn't help but run back to grab the camera.  HAPPY FALL!

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV)

What To Do About Remorse

The day started out normal enough. Typical Saturday - sleeping in a little and Belgian waffles for breakfast followed by errands.

Ryder enjoyed a visit with the birds and goats at our local farm market.


















Have I mentioned that he's now walking?
It only took a year and a half, but we are thrilled to watch him develop and see his own excitement at this new mobility.

Our last stop was at the farm store. We needed to pick up some water softening salt and I wanted to get a play mat I've had my eye on for Ryder for Christmas, since there was a sale today.
Shhhh... don't tell!

We were waiting in line to check out, and then it happened. I opened my mouth - and I shouldn't have. Having seen a gentleman with an unattractive small dog on a leash, I decided to mutter my unsolicited opinion. Even if the words were quiet, and I doubt anyone heard me, my conscience kicked in and I immediately felt remorse.

What in the world possessed me to think and then say something so ugly?

I'll know what didn't....  It wasn't a momentary lapse in judgement. It wasn't even just a slip of the tongue.

In the book of Luke, we learn that 'out of the abundance of the heart [the] mouth speaks.' So when I say something that is unkind or even just something careless, my tongue can't be blamed. When we get down to the root of it, it's what's in my heart that comes out of my mouth.

And so, just buckling down and not saying what I'm thinking isn't going to fix the problem. My heart produces thoughts that come out of my mouth, I need to address the heart to fix my speech. From David, I can learn that I need to confess my sin in addition to being sorry for it. And like Paul, I can be thankful that remorse led to repentance - which is really just a big word for the desire to not do that again.

Today has been a day of thoughtful reflection followed by a desire to grow and mature in this faith that I hold fast. So thankful that though I fall, I will not be utterly cast down because the LORD upholds my hand.

Feeling thankful :)

IT'S A........

BOY!

And we couldn't be happier!  Secretly, I was hoping for another little man to be best buds with big brother.

Baby Little Dipper looks great. He's active and we caught him sucking on his fingers. All the measurements they took looked good and we are so thankful for this tiny little life. God has surely blessed us!

Ryder was eager to hold onto the balloon. 

Braden arrived home from work eager to hear the news for himself. Ryder shared in the moment with high pitched squeaks every time a balloon was within reach.

Of course, he didn't mind sampling the blue sprinkle-filled chocolate covered Oreos either. :)

So, bring on more Tonka trucks and airplanes!

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.  (Psalm 127:3-5 ESV) 

A Little Motivation

It just takes the sound of laughter coming from the down the hall to get me out of bed in the morning - unless I'm already up to get hubby his coffee and see him off to work. To go for a run or bike ride, it doesn't take much, just a clear day and my faithful companions. Making a gourmet dinner - a hardworking and hungry husband.

I'm hiding behind the camera, because you don't want to see me all sweaty and gross. :)

What does it take to motivate you?

Since we've been married, Braden and I have tried to make a regular habit out of reading the Bible together daily. Ryder always gets a Bible story before bed, but we also make a point out of reading to one another, sometimes followed by deep discussion and at other times, just quiet reflection. We're picking up in Psalm 110 tonight. Having a partner on the same page as a faithful encourager has been a great motivation to anticipate and make time for our spiritual growth.

But I need something more, and I've known it for a little while now, I just haven't motivated myself to get started yet.  Until today. Thus begins more regular Bible memorization for this girl. I am reminded of my Bible Doctrines class at BJU and the endless verse cards that I carried with me everywhere - breakfast, chapel, sports games, work - everywhere. Maybe I won't be that intense with it, but we're to be meditating on the scripture day and night, right?

 So here's the beginning of what I want to make a habit, once again. Colossians 3:16-17, chosen because they are a good reminder of why we need to be remembering these words anyway. What better motivation?

How do you hide God's word in your heart?

Getting Settled & Meeting New People

It's been a couple of months since we moved into our 'new to us' home. Whether the move is cross-country, like it was for us, or just across town, there are always adjustments that need to be made - like getting used to the hour-long commute to Costco, rather than the 3 minute drive. A trip to the 'big city' was what filled our day yesterday. We started out strong - coffee for this Mama and creatures for Ryder.

By the time we hit up WINCO, Goodwill, Whole Foods, and Costco we were a little more drained, but thankful for a productive trip. It's always nice to have lots of fresh fruits and veggies around the house and I scored big with a pair of second-hand fully lined Gap pants for Ryder at $2 - bring on the cooler weather!

But grocery shopping is just one of the changes I have had to make since the move. Another, especially for us military wives, is getting to know new people and making new friends in a new town. This is just my second big move, so I'm not as seasoned as some of you, but I wanted to share a few ways that I've been able to get the job done.  And for a task-oriented homebody, such as myself, it really takes effort to make this happen.

In WA, I became involved with Bible Study Fellowship.* As a newly-wed in a new town...country, actually...having just found out I was pregnant and with a husband about to deploy, I knew that I would need a greater network of support than just myself. And, I knew that I would benefit from the structure of a daily Bible study outline. The following year, while my husband was deployed, I became a small group leader and was stretched even more, but through it all, I was blessed to know I was being prayed for, encouraged and upheld by my newfound friends. For anyone interested, there are classes all over the world and plenty in the USA and Canada. Participation is absolutely free and excellent childcare is provided. Even the newborns in their children's class would hear a Bible story and have hymns sung to him each week!

Here in NV, BSF was out of the question because the nearest class was an hour+ commute. With a one year old and another on the way, I knew there was no way I could commit on a consistent basis. So, when an elderly neighbour lady and then a fellow military spouse recommended MOPS,* I decided to check it out. Today was the second meeting I attended, so keep that in mind as I give my review.  In our small Navy town, it's been great to meet a number of young moms used to a similar military lifestyle. While MOPS is sponsored by a local church, it's definitely not geared for the depth of spiritual growth that BSF is striving for, but it is a great way to meet other women and build relationships.

Both organizations have been a way for me to fulfil the commands given to women in Titus 2 - as a 'younger' woman, observing and being taught, and as an 'older' woman, exemplifying and teaching.

Titus 2:3-5  ESV

How about you?  What have you found to be helpful after making a move? Any tips or advice you'd like to share with the readers?

If you have any questions about either organization, I would love to share more info with you. Just contact me via e-mail address listed under my profile.

Have a fabulous day!
Jayne :)


*Disclaimer - No Christian organization or church is perfect. There may be things that you and I may find controversial about any entity, but as long as the integrity and sufficiency of scripture and the character of God are upheld, I am happy to participate and support these groups.