Strange 3 weeks, but not the strangest

The weather continues to twist every plan I've made in the last couple weeks. We had snow day #12 on Friday, although the snow didn't start until flurries showed up around 3pm. I know parents all over the county are on the verge of being on the local news for something horrendous, but perfectly understandable to anyone with more than 2 children that have lived through this winter.
To top the school cancellation madness, 2 of my 3 have had on & off again stomach aches, (with & without vomiting) missing odd days, several Dr. trips on alternating days. Sigh....

Found this week on a pit stop after one of aforementioned Dr. visits with Trinity.  It reminded me of a Mentor Mom from our MOPS group, who would always say, "In our family we have a saying, 'It is what it is'. " And the advice behind it? Let go, and let God.

So far I am still on track (give or take a few days) with my Bible reading, the solidarity of the group has been a great focal point to guide us and see different thoughts on the verses we've read.  The bulk of the last week's reading has been in Mark. I was really struck by two thoughts so far. The first being a general notice of all the miracles, parables and travels that the disciples shared in the presence of Jesus and their general cluelessness of what was right in front of them. To the point that on occasion Jesus seems exasperated by their human perspective. Like when he walks on the water out to their boat and they freak out- even though he's already calmed a storm, performed great healings and fed 5000 out of 1 person's lunch. I think Jesus invented the forehead smack.
But would I have been any different? That's where it really leads my thoughts. Would I really have thought, Immanuel, God is with us? Would I have denied my Lord, like Peter? Betrayed him like Judas? Or anointed him when I had the chance, boldly and without care for what others thought like Mary of Bethany (actually named in John 12:2-3) Or still remain doubtful like Thomas, even after seeing. Would I still have the faith of things unseen if He was staring me in the face? I truly hope so. And it's comforting to know that we can take care of the "least of these" in his name.
The other stems from this thought that Jesus actually articulated in Mark 10:13-15, addressing the disciples concern of children being brought to him.

                  13 Some people were bringing little children to Him so He might touch them, 
but His disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw it, 
He was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me. 
Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 
15 I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God
 like a little child will never enter it.” 16 After taking them in His arms, 
He laid His hands on them and blessed them. (HCSB)

Is my faith the simple faith of a child? Do I still think of God with awe & wonder? And am I doing anything to my children to hinder their relationship with him? 

My sweet Trinity reading Habakkuk after covering a verse in Sunday School.
 (Her brothers would never do this.)
 But really, what 8 year old has the instinct to form context?

Lots of weighty thoughts with this reading, my friends. Ones that must be constantly turned over and reviewed and renewed. 

On less weighty issues... I attempted to take the kids to see the Lego movie last weekend with our AMC gift cards, but although we arrived early, they were sold out. I was not waiting 2 hours for the next showing so I gave the kids the option of seeing something else. They chose The Nut Job. Kids enjoyed it, I thought it was ok, certainly not at the top of my favorites. 

I am also one giant step closer to getting my kitchen changed out. A couple at church are in the midst of a remodel themselves & luckily their old counter tops are the exact set up I need with a trim here and there.  I am still looking for someone to help with cabinet installation since I feel that is one thing above the scope of my knowledge. Flooring still needs to be found, which is completely hinging on me filing my taxes (as is hiring installer if need be). But I am hoping God isn't finished with these details since everything else has come together so far. 

School is going smoothly, we've had our share of cancellations as well so we are not as far along as we should be. I had my first Criminal Justice test Thursday (46/50, which I thought was good since I didn't get to review the day of) and Criminal Behavior test coming on Tuesday, Counseling Psych test on Thursday. 

I've made exactly zero progress on: purging, movies, or anything else...think I have a valid excuse for my camping goal? I'm ready for summer! 

But....I've had an incredible 2 weeks with my All'asta business, All'asta by Eryn and I've been offered the opportunity to be a contributor to a single mom resource site!!!! So in addition to my rambling, first person, boring life I'll be writing some (hopefully) more insightful and worthy posts.  As a family we are looking at a major change very soon...more on that when it becomes definite. 

Off to a good start

Today I started off my Bible reading and read all the way to Genesis 12. I also read through the first sections of the study guide as well as the coordinating chapter for the first week's reading.

I started A Quest for More which I found to coincide with today's reading in Genesis. 

I'm DVR'ing Steel Magnolias as I write this, it will be my first 2014 "I've lived under a rock" movie.

My calendar is also ready for the new year now that each week has been labeled and amount to be saved clearly marked. If I can get through the first month that will be great.

New Year Thoughts

The other day I posted these thoughts on Facebook:
For 2014 I have a couple things on my mind- not so much "resolutions" but goals/bucket list type things to look forward to, not layer myself in guilt with. 
1. Read the Bible completely through (joined a fun group of ladies today)
2. 26 fun, non-school related books and keeping a list
3. Start a weekly savings- something even if it's not much
4. 8 OCC boxes compiled throughout year, depending on deals (doubling our normal 4 OCC boxes.
5. Get my kitchen changed out, after having all but the countertop in my garage for 6+ months
6. Find a small group that meets regularly
7. 5 great campings weekends (at least)
8. PURGE- self-explanatory It needs to be the YEAR of SIMPLIFYING
9. Organize garage (post purge) For some reason the garage is my happy place-if it's clean I'm good, second only to my bedroom.
10. Watch one movie a weekend that I somehow missed by living under a rock...think classic, cultural references. For example...I just watched Thelma & Louise last weekend.

And I'd like to really follow through with all this. So I thought I would create a little timeline of all this exceptional action...and of course I don't do anything without my little army tagging along.

Here's where I am starting with several of these items. 

1. I joined an online Facebook group started by the author, Tricia Goyer. The group will be going through A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year, by Diane Stortz that I downloaded on my Nook for only $1.99.  In addition to the big group, we'll be in smaller accountability groups as well. I downloaded a copy of HCSB on the Nook as well, in addition to my print copies of HCSB & ESV that I use on a regular basis. I'd welcome any of my real life friends joining me too. 

2. I figure I read way more than 26 books a year, but wanted a reasonable "goal" that would be suitable with my course load. First up is A Quest for More, Living for Something Bigger than You by Paul David Tripp that I downloaded free thanks to a post by my pastor, Shawn Dobbins. I'll post a short review when I'm finished.

3. For the savings goal I've seen those "Save so much a week...", usually starting with a $1 the first week of the year and adding a $ to the amount each week. I found this one that does the same thing in reverse at stretchingabuckblog. Which I really liked...gets the hard part out of the way first and if I can follow through I'll have $1000 in June. 

And for #8 I stumbled across Kathi Lipp's post a few short minutes after mine. I'm going to purge, simplify and purge some more. I've said I'm ALL IN for 2014 items out of my house. You can check out more on Kathi's purge-fest here 2014 Things Challenge

This is just the tip of the iceberg, but a good start considering it's still technically 2013. 

I'll give more info on some of the other items soon, until then me & the army are going to go celebrate.