Proverbs 31 and a birthday recap!

I was reflecting on a few things as my birthday approached this year.

I guess because I was approaching my 31st birthday and because of association areas in the brain mixed with the truths of Gods words hidden in my heart, Proverbs 31:10-31 kept coming to mind .  

I know I'm not a wife anymore but I still get to be my children's mother and I still hold fast to truths of the characteristics of 'the wife of noble character' in Proverbs. 

Verse 28 says, "her children arise and call her blessed." 

I don't know that I'll ever be half the woman in Proverbs but I pray that my children call me blessed and see the blessings that come from working heartily for the Lord.

My heart has been overwhelmed with gratitude this year. I've had unexpected gifts in every form from friends and family. I've received blessing after blessing from my loved ones. 

My mom and dad came up the day before my birthday to celebrate with me. 

On the day of, Ryan brought me my favorite cupcakes from my favorite bakery. 

He and the kids sang happy birthday to me as I made a wish then blew out the candles on my cupcake. I'm so thankful for the example he sets for them in the way that he cares for us. 

We went for a walk that evening and the sunset was absolutely beautiful. 

Ryan also gifted me with tickets for us to see my favorite band!

Saturday we went down to Hilton Head to spend the weekend there.

Ryan has family down there, so we stayed with his Aunt Pat and her friend who are always so gracious to host us and feed us delicious meals! 

By the way, his Aunt Pat grills the best salmon around! 

And for the record, I absolutely adore his family.

We spent Saturday (and most of Sunday) here. It was so nice to relax and enjoy the beach.  

Ryan asked to take me out somewhere for my birthday, so on Saturday (By recommendation of his Aunt Laura) we went to Old Fort Pub. The food was great and the view was breathtaking. 

I'm still processing the way my heart has been moved by such generous, thoughtful, and caring people in my circle.

As I read through Proverbs 31 again today, the verse that stood out to me was verse 25, "She is clothed with strength and dignity. She can laugh at the days to come." 

Through everything I've encountered over the past year or two I've gained so much strength. I can laugh at the days to come because I know with absolute certainty that God is a good father, He is always faithful, and He gives good gifts to his children. 

A kingdom heart.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

"Thank you for making us the most important thing to you mommy. I'm so glad you don't have to be at work when I get home from school." -Ellie Kate 

I dropped everything and immediately embraced my sweet girl when she said that. I squeezed her. Then I whispered softly as my voice cracked that I loved her and Jude and that I would choose them everyday. 

My main goal as a mother is to raise children who know and love Christ. To raise them in the truth and knowledge that our treasure is not in anything this world has to offer; but that our treasure is in the things that are valuable to God. To invest my time in making our home a home where they know they are treasured, feel valued, loved, safe and secure.

God makes it so clear how much He values children. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Being a single mom is the hardest job I have ever had. Being a single mom and a stay at home mom is even harder. I sacrifice often, but I would choose to store up treasures in heaven through the hearts of my little ones above acquiring earthly 'stuff' over and over again.

I want Ellie Kate and Jude to know that it's okay to have "stuff" but that it shouldn't be our treasure. I want them to be content when they are given much and just as content when they're given little. 

Sometimes I do wish I could give them more. There are days I feel like I let them down by not being able to get them certain things...but then there are moments that far outweigh those times-Moments when I see the fruits of choosing to be content in our circumstances and blessings that come from living a life with a kingdom heart. 

Moments like the one above- when I know Ellie Kate understands that I sacrifice "stuff" because I love them more and that someone's heart and eternal life (especially theirs) are far more important. 

I am always so humbled when I witness God work these truths together and allow these things to flow through the hearts of Ellie Kate and Jude. My heart melts when I witness them love and give with unclenched fists. 

I become overwhelmed with joy watching them give of their earthly possessions so generously to others. I smile when I watch them give out hugs and encourage others just as generously as they give out the clothes and toys they've outgrown.

My hope is that even in my failures I'm able to continually set an example of and instill in my children the kind of heart that pursues the things that matter to God. 

I hope that they will hold fast to the knowledge that a kingdom heart is a blessed heart; that a life lived with unclenched fists leaves open hands to receive God's best for their lives. 

Loft bed.

Jude recently realized how much taller Ellie Kate's bed was than his, and began begging for a big boy bed. 

Being the frugal type that I am, I searched for ideas and ways to make his wish come true without breaking the bank or having to purchase a new bed. 

My Dad is super talented at building things so I presented to him my idea to turn Jude's little ikea bed into a loft bed. 

He executed that idea perfectly. 

I wanted to share some of the details because I had a few people inquire about how we did this. I don't know too much about building so if I'm not clear on the instructions or if I got the names of some of the materials we used wrong- please don't judge me;) 

I forgot to get a picture of Jude's bed by itself so I had to pull a photo from www.olivesworldblog.com. This is the bed we started with except our didn't have the headboard. It's an extendable ikea toddler/children's bed that I purchased as a hand me down from a friend.  

What we used:

2X4's for the rails, ladder and bracing the back

4X6's for the legs and bracing the sides 

Screws and bolts to secure the frame and to connect it to the legs of the original bed. (We used screws and bolts instead of nails since it isn't permanent. I wanted to be able to take the bed apart in case we move.)

I think we only spent a total of $50 on all of the material. 

This is the inside of the frame where the mattress lays. I just wanted to give an idea of how we secured the frame.

I can't wait to share pictures when it's 100% complete. 

We still have to stain or paint the bed. (I can't decided which.)

I also want to organize the bottom in a fun, exciting way for him. Maybe a camping theme or a bat cave. We are still deciding that too.  But for now, the kids and all of their friends are loving it! It's also sufficient for jude to sleep on (and play on) and that's all he really cares about. 

Weekend recap!

"You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, and training them up in God’s fear, and minding the house, and making your household a church for God, as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of hosts." -Spurgeon 

This weekend was one of the sweetest weekends I've had in my season of motherhood. 

My best friend came up from Columbia and the kids and I got to spend the day with her and her precious little girl on Friday. When we are together we are like a tiny village..a family. We love each other's children like they are our own. 

We share everything. Toys and clothes belong to everyone. Scripture is a main topic. The love of Christ is spread generously. There's an abundance of food and refreshments and life is good. 

Friday night I enjoyed a date with Ryan. Our dates where it's just the two of us are sometimes few and far between, so we never take it for granted. One of our favorite things to do is to go golfing then out to dinner. That's exactly what we did Friday night and I enjoyed every minute with him.  

Saturday my mom, dad, grandparents and Aunt came up for Ellie Kate's recital and for Mother's Day. 

I was so excited to see the recital and see her dance. All of the precious ballerina's in the ballet class have been working so hard. I couldn't wait until the dances were revealed. 

I knew Ellie Kate had the lead in one of the dances but I had no idea what to expect. Her teacher has the window covered so that the girls aren't distracted while practicing so I was so anxious to see her perform! 

I watched her light up the stage. 

She was humble and beautiful. She danced with such grace and passion. Her love for dancing was written all over her face. 

I felt a little weepy from the joy of watching her pour herself into something she loves and even more weepy because she is mine. My gift. The one who made me a mommy and the one who God entrusted to me. 

I am so humbled by the gift of both of my children. The are so different but teach me so much. Even in their 'not so good moments' they draw me closer to Jesus. They make me study the bible more so that I'm equipped and prepared for whatever scripture is required for the situation at hand. They keep me in a constant attitude of prayer. We laugh together, cry together, and love hard in our home.  

Im so happy to celebrate these moments not just on Mother's Day but every other day of the year too. 

It was so nice to have my mom, grandmother and Aunt here with me for Mother's Day this year. The men treated us and served us so well yesterday. 

I missed not being able to hug my Meme but I did get to call her! 

Ellie Kate and Jude gave me the most beautiful necklace to wear 'forever'.

I'm pretty sure I will never want to take it off! 

This past weekend and Mother's Day 2015 will forever be etched in my heart and mind.