Toddler Translation, Springtime, and Being Set Apart

Some of the words I don't want to forget as my little one grows older...

Grandma = Numna
Grandpa = Bapa
Great-Grandma = Nat-na
Scott = Dot
Sarah = Waa-wa
Doggy = Dadu
Cat = Num (Don't know where that came from??)
Bug = Bim
Stuffed lion = Dude
Basketball = Ba-baball
Baseball = Ba-ball
Go outside = Mail
Sandbox = Duurt
Elmo = Melmo
Mickey = Mi-mey

I am so amazed at all of the words he's learning, and starting to put together! He understands so much now, and will be carrying on conversations soon! :) We are beginning to deal with some of the "terrible two's" as he "asserts his independence" through tantrums and answering every question with "no". At the same time, he often obeys simple commands, and we are praying that he will grow in obedience!

It has been so fun to get outside more this Spring. We planted our first vegetable garden 2 weeks ago (in a beautiful raised bed, thanks to my wonderful hubs!), and are already starting to see some plants growing! We're looking forward to fresh lettuce, spinach, peas, carrots, and beans this summer. :)

On a more personal note, please pray for my walk with the Lord. I have been convicted about so many things, but am having a hard time putting changes into practice. I'm beginning to be discouraged and lose the burning passion I felt for Him just weeks ago. I feel like big changes are coming, but then lose heart when they are just baby steps, and more waiting... May He shake up this life and make it set apart for His glory! May He be the center of all I do, and may every distraction become worthless to me, compared to the riches of His grace!

Consider with me the incredible gift we've been given...

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Eph 2:1-10

Let's celebrate the life we have been given! Let's put to death our selfish desires and do the good works God has prepared for us! Why waste time on the idols of Hollywood, of the Internet, of drinking, or catering to the expectations of others? God's opinion is the only one that matters in the end! The work we do for Him is the only work that lasts!

One last quote that really hit me this week...

"We must look upon the world, with all its delights and all its attractions, with suspicion and reserve. We are called to a higher Kingdom, we are touched with a diviner Spirit. It is not that He forbids us this or that comfort or indulgence; it is not that He is stern, demanding us to follow a narrow path. But we who love our Lord and whose affections are set on Heavenly things voluntarily and gladly lay aside the things that charm and ravish the world, that, for our part, our hearts may be ravished with the things of Heaven that our whole being may be poured forth in constant and unreserved devotion in the service of the Lord who died to save us." - Amy Charmichael, God's Missionary

Linky Love

Just wanted to share some wisdom from one of my very favorite blogs, Passionate Homemaking: http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2010/04/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-home.html.

I found Lindsey's blog through my sweet friend Carrie's blog, and her words have been such an inspiration and encouragement to me in my pursuit to be a godly wife and mother. I must admit, at times, her amazingness puts me to shame... and then I must remember, God calls me to live my own life, and no one else's. :)

And a quick update... we're spending lots of time enjoying Spring, playing in the yard and discovering what's planted there, going to the zoo, Spring cleaning, etc. It seems that Spring gives us an all-around new appreciation for life, and renewal to pursue our goals, build our friendships, and love on our family. :) At the same time, sometimes it all gets a bit overwhelming, and we remember to take time out to rest in the Lord.

Thoughts of Spring!

I can smell it... the snow is melting, the grass is emerging, and Spring is almost here! This year I am longing for Spring like never before. Being cooped up inside with a toddler all winter is so draining, not to mention the commuting hassles that snow can cause. I can't wait to see what our yard looks like when the lilacs, hydrangeas, and who-knows-what-else are blooming. I can't wait to start my first garden and to play and explore the outdoors with my family.

In preparation for Spring, I've had this drive to have a sparkling clean house that I've never felt before (probably because I've never owned a house in the Spring before!). I've been following the kitchen spring cleaning tips on The Nourishing Gourmet, which has given me some extra motivation. So far, I have cleaned out the fridge and freezer (ewww... I'm really bad about not throwing away old food!), cleaned out our food cupboards, and filed away all the papers that were hogging our counter space. Hooray!

I've also been inspired to begin a home organizing binder, thanks to Davy's Delights and Passionate Homemaking! I am usually horribly unorganized unless someone inspires me to have a "system" for organizing. I believe that God is a God of order, and that our lives are more pleasing to Him when they are in order (oh, and more pleasing to us, too!).

So far, my home organizer includes:

• My weekly menu plan and grocery list
• Fast food menus (I wish I could leave that one out...)
• Upcoming bills, paid bills
• Important receipts
• List of house to-do's
• Healthcare info

And I plan to add:

• Addresses
• Commonly needed phone #s
• Gift ideas
• Book list

I've also started a separate binder for recipes, since so many of my recipes come from the internet and are completely unorganized!

I had a good talk with a friend the other night, and we both agreed that all of the information on the internet makes it hard to know which "good thing" to focus on first. There are so many great Christian blogs out there, with so much good information. But it's easy to become overwhelmed with it all, and to start feeling that I'm not good enough. I'm trying to take baby steps in all of this, and to remember my ultimate priority is to do everything for the glory of God! May He be honored in even the most mundane tasks of motherhood. :)