Our 4 Ringed Circus: July 2012

It's most interesting what I've noticed now that I'm the new one:) I notice moms talking about kid issues, people on their phones, busy people. I told myself I remember what that feels like and I do....the last time we moved. But somehow this move is harder, rougher, longer.....Maybe it's leaving behind such deep roots in fabulous people and serving, a wonderful church or maybe the stage of our family life that has made all the difference. I'm not sure.

I sure have been reading Zeph 3:17 a bit here and there....
The Lord your God is with you; the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

When we moved to Wichita, my verse I claimed per say was Isaiah 43:18 19-
“Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
¹⁹See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland. "

It reminded me of all the good that would come...that He would provide and He was faithful to us!

And now I love reading the Zeph verse about singing over me...keeping me calm, giving me peace in the chaotic, and yet eerily moments. When Kevin is working his long days and I am alone. Instead of having a pity party, which I've done:) here and there, I try to pull up my boot straps, ask Him for help & move on.

Thatcher seems sad from time to time, gets real quiet like he just wants to be done with it all. He is old enough to know the difference. He makes friends quickly so that's good...he's made one at each church we've visited! Brody provokes his siblings and gets angry. He misses having his outlets and his buddies to laugh and play. Ella seems to get along ok, but I know she longs for an afternoon with Bethany to laugh & play til they fall asleep. Barrett is now in destructive stage and all out temper tantrums. I'd post pics but I don't want to make a scene of his disobedience. It takes alot of energy to keep up with that cat!!

So, I've noticed that people go on about their days and schedules without much care for if you're the newbie or not...even when you tell them. I have some very kind people chat with me or recommend places to eat or go which is super! I even had a gal give me her # so I could go to Martini Thursday with her. She was the kindest person to date which is laughable. Oh well:)

I've always tried to be mindful of newbies, remember their name, offer to have them come over. I've dropped the ball plenty of times though....forget to call, forget about them altogether. Now I'm reminded how vital it is to be extra kind, thoughtful and to reach out to them in some way:)

Leaving a group of fab friends for none has forced me to alot of alone time & time w/my kids which is tough. Wouldn't choose it and really want it to end, but there is a sweetness to it all....it will be good here. We will make our way here & He will be glorified for it. To see Him here and know His plans are for us....that is is always with us is a huge promise to me. I wonder how long we'll be here and what I'll say when/if our time here is over, but for now....rest, read, teach our kids, love well & deep, laugh as much as possible, craft & just live this amazing life the best I know how:)