The Daily Grind

As the title suggests, the day to day has felt more like a grind of life lately. It's difficult keeping up with the house right now, the boys aren't as thrilled about school as they usually are, and the days are both dragging by yet flying by (I know, I know; my life is an oxy-moron right now).

I feel like our days really hinge on what state the house is in. When it's clean, I can focus and we can easily get things done. When it's cluttered, I can't seem to focus for the life of me and we struggle to get through our day. Why does everything hinge on the house? I need to get better about having the kids help me clean. Although, even if they help more, Elijah has officially hit the toddler dumping stage and the mess just continues all day. My job is the kitchen and I've been keeping up with that at least. I just need to get the kids more involved with the shared spaces.

Any tips to get kids more involved without resorting to taking privileges away?

We're now more than half way through Holy Week and this year, I've really been into reflecting on just what it meant that Jesus did for us on the cross and what led up to that moment. We have the Biggest Story curriculum along with the Biggest Story Bible for the kids and we've been going through Holy Week together which has been really special. I can't imagine how Jesus felt going through this week knowing his death was coming. I love the somberness of this week. You can really sit in your bible and take the time to meditate on what it all means for us.

Speaking on Holy Week, I've really felt the push from God to do more with the kids on helping their relationship grow with God. I don't care what my kids do or become in life so long as they have a strong relationship with Christ and know exactly who he is. Taking time to study the bible and pray together each day has been truly wonderful! To see what they take in and the knowledge they already have is such a blessing.

Matt is doing well. His ship is underway (not in the Middle East) for some time. He had a stop in Thailand and was able to go scuba diving! Although he accidentally whacked a sea urchin, so prayers for healing and that the spine would come out of his finger (right at a joint, Ouch!) quickly. When the ship gets back to Japan, Matt will be able to move off of the ship! He got a waiver signed that will allow him to live in housing or out in town and we're all looking forward to him getting off of the ship! It's not the nicest place to live. He's hoping to come back for a visit in May or June. Something to look forward to!

I do have some prayer requests with this update:

1) That I would have an easier time with focus.

2) The boys would find the joy in learning again.

3) Matt's finger will have quick healing.

4) I would have an easier time keeping up with the house.

5) Matt will definitley be able to come for a visit in May or June

Life has this way of rollercoastering between hectic times and times with plenty of time. This appears to be a more hectic time for us. Life in general is a wonderful gift! I pray we would all see it as the gift it is!