Sunday, July 11, 2010


This is as good as it's gonna' get for a family picture...the camera was teetering on our couch and Chad was running back-n-forth pressing the timer button as we attempted to get all three kids to look at the camera and smile...quite an exercise! lol!

I love my family, and I love our crazy life! Unfortunately, with Chad's busy work schedule (he's travelling out of state a LOT now), finding family time has been challenging. I'm being convicted more and more that we need to simplify...but some days I wonder how we could possibly simplify more than we do already. We homeschool (which means there are no daily trips back-n-forth to the school...at least not until the Fall when Rauly begins a 5-day-a-week pre-k program), we don't have cable or nintendo games, and we are pretty choosy about who we spend our time with for play-dates. The only commitment I've made over the past few months is exercising, and that requires daily trips to the YMCA....on top of that, the only commitment the kids have is occasional seasonal sports and a Community Bible Study throughout the school year.

In this fast-food, fast-paced and rather shallow society - I'm finding that raising children who are obedient, patient and who love the Lord is not just challenging...it's HARD. There's very little encouragement to focus on your spouse and your children...if you do so, you can easily run the risk of being termed "anti-social". But if you were to ask me, "What is the one thing that you could not live with?", I would say immediately: my children not making it to Heaven! It is Chad and my job to teach our children what the heart of God is...to read the Bible to them daily....to plant seeds of scripture, as well as words of wisdom. And what I'm finding is that in between cooking, cleaning, teaching, diapering, chaperoning and playing, there's little time for anything else! Heck, just teaching them to do for themselves is a full-time job! Lol!

I used to be an "on-the-go-kinda-girl"! I loved to be busy...busy,busy,busy! I love to be involved and love to lead...but, God put me in this phase of life and I'm having to back away from my volunteer roles so that my children and husband can come first. And the freedom that's coming with these decisions is maaaarvelous....I'm learning how to say "no" and although I honestly would love to help organize or serve in the community and within our church congregation, there is such peace in knowing that my focus is where it should be.

Please don't get me wrong...I love people and believe that we need to fellowship with and encourage one another! I just am finding that I have to be diligent in "checking myself",...making sure I'm not becoming distracted by the busyness of life - I think this is one of Satan's number one tools!

These three little people below are my focus, and I pray that God's grace will pour out on me as I do my best in helping them grow to be more like Christ each day!


6 comments:

Kate said...

Hey, Lindsey! It's so funny that I came to visit your blog again today, after a several-month-long hiatus from blogging/reading friends' blogs. I completely understand what you are going through right now!! I'm in the middle of it, too. What I have to guard myself against is all the emotional "busy-ness" that I struggle w/. Simplifying my life has been easy compared to simplifying my mind. Any suggestions on that?? ;)

Jamie said...

"Narrow is the road....and few travel thereon..." What a blessing to travel it with you!
I love the family pic! You guys look fantastic!

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed our very short visit today! I was so happy when John said you were going to be there! And, I love your spirit and that you always put your family first.

Gina Harmon said...

Sure did enjoy spending time with you and Lillie Anna this week. It went way too fast. Thanks to Linda and Dennis and Chad for keeping Shep and Rauly occupied so they wouldn't miss you as much. And thank you for coming!!! We were way overdue for a much needed mother-daughter fix! The kids look so cute in their new outfits! Can't believe you are all looking at the camera at the same time with you guys taking the pic! Amazing!!! Great job! Love your focus too!

Kristin said...

Love, love, love the family pic! You have a beautiful family and I love keeping up with you guys through the blog! BTW-you look great and I love the new hair do!

Michael and Hannah said...

Lindsey, THANK YOU so much for this post. It very eloquently expresses everything I want to say to the world. I truly relate to EVERY single thing you said. Michael and I talk all the time about what a scary thing it is knowing that we brought eternal souls into this world that will ultimately dwell in Heaven... or not. Wow. I think a lot of parents don't let that sink in. When I pray for my kids, 99.9% of the time I'm praying for their future spiritual development, that they will walk with the Lord, and that they will accept grace. I could care less if they are pretty, popular, accepted, successful, etc., (even healthy) but he world's standards. And I'd rather have a child fall deep into sin one day and return to the Lord with an open heart than raise a "perfect" child that never develops a deep relationship with Christ. These are the thoughts that run through my mind and prayers EVERY night as my head hits my pillow. I'd love to get some prayer-swapping going here... I'll pray for yours if you pray for mine!

Oh, and the picture is gorgeous. And you're so sweet about my new header... I actually think it looks kinda wonky but my friend updates it for me once a year when I e-mail her a new photo. I have no idea how to change it. So I'm stuck with it until next summer. :o)