Word of the Year: Content Vol 17

It's been way too long!  Last week I took some time out of a hectic schedule and put up some fall decor.  After all my traveling in September my house needed some attention so picked a few areas to work on and make pretty at the same time!!!!

Quick tour through the house....

Scarecrow I made from things in the basement :)

Piano top

Chalkboard

Coffee Table topper

China Hutch

 Kitchen

Watch for tomorrow more about 'This Old House', there is more to this post as a mom!

Word of the Year: Content Vol 16

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

Once again time has gotten away from me.  I've been having a hard time sleeping lately and normally it's not cause my brain is going a million miles a minute.  But last night I did some thinking about this blog post to recap my feeling over the summer, do you think I can remember it this morning?  No of course not!

Today I'm home with just one kiddo!  Seems odd, somewhat quieter.  Always amazed at how fast kids grow up in height, age, and maturity!

I wasn't ready for them to go back, just not enough time!  

When I did the board, I didn't think it through too many years ahead.  Brainstorming how to redo it to make it easier to read.

My heart also goes out to the families that didn't get a picture this morning.  Those who weren't home to witness it, kids grown up, lost a child, or haven't been able to bring one into this world!  I'm counting my blessings and praying for others!!!!!

Word of the Year: Content Vol 15

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

I haven't wrote a 'Content' post in way too long.  The problem hasn't been so much that I don't feel content but more I'm a crazy mom of 4 trying to make memories this summer.  Yet...I have had my share of discontent thoughts in the last few weeks.  Is it bad that I have been trying to document our activities so in years to come I can look at them with happiness and NOT remember the frustration I was probably feeling at the time?!?!?  Many moms I talk with have the same feelings.  Personally think that is okay.  Life doesn't have to be perfect.  Ask your kids, good chance they remember daily life a little different then you do.  Which leads to my personal goal:

Photo Credit:  Brandy Ann Photography

This picture shows our true selves and the saying exactly what my husband and I are trying to do.  In order to follow that verse, my husband and I need to show them an example of serving the Lord.  Sometimes that is finding a sitter for an evening for just us, setting time aside to better our health, and study daily with personal walk with the Lord.

What example are you showing?

Word of the Year: Content Vol 15

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

While mowing lawn I was looking at the dirt spots under the swing set and how I am NOT ready for those dirt spots to begin growing grass again!  Reminded me of this song.

The Green, Green Grass of Home

by Erma Bombeck, written November 1971

When Mike was 2, he wanted a sandbox, and his father said:

"There goes the yard We'll have kids over here day and

night, and they'll throw sand into the flower beds, and cats

will make a mess in it, and it'll kill the grass for sure."

And Mike's mother said, "It'll come back."

When Mike was 5, he wanted a jungle gym set with swings that

would take his breath away and bars to take him to the summit,

and his father said: "Good grief, I've seen those things in

back yards, and do you know what they look like? Mud holes in

a pasture. Kids digging their gym shoes in the ground. It'll kill the

grass."

And Mike's mother said, "It'll come back."

Between breaths, when Daddy was blowing up the plastic swimming

pool, he warned: "You know what they're going to do to this

place? They're going to condemn it and use it for a missile site.

I hope you know what you're doing. They'll track water everywhere

and have a million water fights, and you won't be able to take

out the garbage without stepping in mud up to your neck. When we

take this down, we'll have the only brown lawn on the block."

"It'll come back," Mike's mother said.

When Mike was 12, he volunteered his yard for a campout. As they

hoisted the tents and drove in the spikes, his father stood at the

window and observed, "Why don't I just put the grass seed out in

cereal bowls for the birds and save myself the trouble of spreading

it around? You know for a fact that those tents and all those big

feet are going to trample down every single blade of grass, don't

you. Don't bother to answer. I know what you're going to say.

'It'll come back.'"

The basketball hoop on the side of the garage attracted more crowds

than the Olympics. And a small patch of lawn that started out with

a barren spot the size of a garbage can lid soon drew to encompass

the entire side yard.

Just when it looked as if the new seed might take root, the winter

came and the sled runners beat it into ridges. Mike's father shook

his head and said, "I never asked for much in this life - only a

patch of grass."

And his wife smiled and said, "It'll come back."

The lawn this fall was beautiful. It was green and alive and

rolled out like a sponge carpet along the drive where gym shoes had

trod ... along the garage where bicycles used to fall ... and

around the flower beds where little boys used to dig with

iced-tea spoons.

But Mike's father never saw it. He anxiously looked beyond the yard

and asked with a catch in his voice, "he will come back, won't he?"

Yes it's exhausting raising tiny humans like my mug says but OH SO worth it!!!!

Word of the Year: Content Vol 14

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

Times like Saturday night, when I took 3 of the 4 kids to the park for just a few minutes.

Look at those happy faces!  I almost didn't even take my phone out to take these pictures.

Word of the Year: Vol 14

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

Sunday was Mother's Day, the kids brought home simple, silly gifts they made at school. Plus they picked a bunch of dandelions for the special supper with the grandma's.

Hannah had a lap book that she made.  All she wanted for the day was to make pancakes with her....I think I made her very happy when we did!

Word of the Year: Content Vol 13

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

Yesterday was kind of a crazy day at our house and I didn't get my Thursday content post up.  So today while cleaning up some folders on my computer I came across this image and had to share!

Word of the Year: Content Vol 12

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

I am 'content' being a work at home mom BUT it is not alway the easiest job.  

Today I will 'endure' continue; be durable.

Word of the Year: Content Vol 11

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

This week I have a couple sick kids, which has made for a very long week.  So today I took the time to do one of the most therapeutic things for me, hanging out laundry and be content for those few minute that it takes to hang a load of wash!

What is the small thing that makes you content today?

Word of the Year: Content Vol 10

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

I knew when I picked this topic it would be tough.  Never did I think it would be this tough to come up with topics each week!  I'm still glad I picked this topic cause it really keeps me thinking pretty much every day on this subject.

A friend was just talking about goals today and it got me thinking too.  Lately I've been doing personal and work related goals and writing them on my white board.  This week, I am going to also to share my April Personal Goals.

To be content is to be pleased and satisfied, not needing more, yet previous posts have really shown me that yes, we need to be content but we also need to not be stagnate. This goes for our relationships, situations, jobs, etc.

What are your April goals?

Word of the Year: Content Vol 9

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

I really like what Lysa TerKeurst has to say here.  In the Mom's Group Bible Study I attend, we have been reading through her book 'The Best Yes'.  It always amazes me how when I really start to look into a certain aspect of my life, I find the subject coming up multiple times during the day in my different devotions and readings.  

Stop and think for a minute...what do you want out of life?  Now think a little harder, will that TRULY satisfy you?  Is God the middle of what you want?  HE is the ONLY one that can truly satisfy us.  From past experience I know if I don't put him first and upmost I will be left wanting more and true satisfaction is never completely meet.

Word of the Year: Content Vol 8

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

I've been MIA last week and part of this week.  Last week, business trip to Orlando, this week still trying to get back into the swing of things.  Never seems to fail, mom is out of town for a few nights and when I get home 'someone' gets sick.  

Now back to topic....last week's trip had SO much good info on content, I'm not even sure where to start!!!!  A lot of talk about money, debt, how to be a leader, goals lead to dreams, with the main focus on

Here is a little segment from my notes:

7 Habits for Living the Life You Want

1.  Quite the comparison

2.  Steer Clear of Debt

3.  Make A Plan for Your Money

4.  Save Like you Mean It

5.  Think Before You Spend

6.  Give a Little....Until You Can Give ALOT

7.  Talk About Money Even Though It's Hard

  

Small highlight from last week, I'm ready to apply those to my life, are you?  

How does money magnify you?  Good or bad?  

Want to learn more, contact me!!!!!

Word of the Year: Content Vol 7

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

Today is spring pictures at school.  For years I have made a point to not pick out the clothes for the kids picture day.  Yet this morning I was really struggling with my oldest daughters clothing choice.  She has a whole wardrobe of really nice dresses that is usually her first choice in wearing.  This morning....nope she picks the oldest graphic tee shirt she owns, paired with a multi colored tiered skirt that didn't match.  I grumbled at her about not matching but didn't force her to change.  The boys put on their favorite shirts, one a bright orange sweatshirt.  Now, couple hours later I wish I hadn't said anything or grumbled at her.  She choose what she likes and felt good in, she was CONTENT with her choice!  Mom needs to learn from her example.

Word of the Year: Content Vol 6

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

The opposite of content is anxious, afraid or nervous especially about what may happen.  Sometimes stepping out in faith is really tough.  I need to write this verse on the mirrors above the sink.  I've been praying about a decision for awhile now and I think today I'm pretty sure that prayer has been answered.  Just calls for me to take a step of faith!!!!!!

Word of the Year: Content Vol 5

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

This morning I'm facing major writers block!  Maybe cause I'm just content this morning to sit with my cup of coffee in a peaceful quiet house that is going to be this way a few more minutes.  Even with my messy desk all around me since I'm trying to reorganize...which led to almost throwing my phone away yesterday! A good friend called me on my cell phone completely out of the blue which saved my phone from going to the curb in the trash bag.  

I do need to finish organizing my desk area but today multiple loads of laundry is on the list.  We are so pleased to have so much laundry, it means 4 healthy, growing kids, being blessed with clothes from either hand me downs, garage sales, gifts, and/or purchased.  It also means we have running water, a washing machine with HOT water, a warm house, and SO many other wonderful blessings!!!!!!

Praying you have as much to be content about as I do!

-Rachel

Word of the Year: Content Vol 4

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

 

 Lately I have been going through a lot of personal development.  I was challenged to find an inspirational quote for a fitness group I am in and this quote hit it right on the head for many areas.  Not only in fitness but also business, relationships of all sorts and life in general. 

 

If you aren't happy with what you have, it causes so many issues.  But it also doesn't mean that you stop working for what you do want!!!!!!

NEVER stop trying to be better!!!  BUT also be content with what you have.

Word of the Year: Content Vol 3

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

It's Thursday again and time for Content Thursday.  Last night I was challenged by my mentor to think about, 'if you were given $1000 today, how would you spend it?  You are not allowed to use it for bills.'  Since my first thought was to stick it in savings, I had to quickly think about something else.  My first thought was to help a friend that could really use $1000 today!  Yet the more I thought about it the harder it became.  Sadly it felt like it wasn't enough, the things I want to do $1000 doesn't seem to scratch the surface.  Does that mean I'm not content?  Or that I have dreams that I want to work for?!?!?!?!?  There is nothing wrong with dreaming and striving for something greater, as long as it doesn't consume you and forces you off course or leaves you feeling discontent.  

Never fails, this morning during my devotions these two verses came up.  

How often do we go to God but it is for our selfish need/needs?!?!  In the last couple years I have tried very hard to write 3 or more things I am thankful for each day, no matter how the day looks or the days have been.  You can always find something to be thankful for!  Be peaceful and content on purpose is something we have to do for ourselves. 

Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.  John 14:27

After my 'thanks' in my journal, I then write 'prayers', so many times I can look back in the days and find my prayers have been answered and are now can be added to thanks.  

And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.  This hope will not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has given to us.  Romans 5:3-5

Today is a new day.  Will you choose God's peace and contentment?

-Rachel

Word of the Year: Vol 2

Content

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

This morning as I'm sitting to write I am having a hard time putting words to my thoughts.  Yesterday I took the 16 Personalities test online.  It was interesting to see how many characteristics were correct about me.  The last few months have been a challenge with my Ehrlichiosis and I have found some of my personality traits have changed with physical challenges. Yet today...I'm content to be me!!!!!  

I challenge you today to take the 16 Personalities test at  www.16personalities.com, find out your strength and weaknesses, friendships, parenthood, career paths, and work place habits.

Glimpse my results

Word of the Year: Vol 1

Last week my best friend challenging me to select a single word to guide my year.  

Do you make resolutions every new year that you swear you will keep? Only to have them end up on the forgotten or gave-up pile yet again? Try something different this year. Select a single word to guide your year instead. You just might be as surprised as I was at the incredible impact it makes.

I have been praying about a word that fit me.  Three words came to me right away, only to be reading my devotion one day and have one pop out at me that wasn't on the original list!

CONTENT

adjective  simple definition:  pleased and satisfied, not needing more

Title of the devotion was 'Learning to Be Content in Every Situation'.  Contentment is a decision to be happy with what you already have.  You can choose to be content every day. This is worth more than all the material possessions you could possibly accumulate in a lifetime.  What is sure to make us happy? Choosing contentment in the Lord, every day. Saying to God, "Lord, I only want what You want me to have," is the only way to have real peace and lasting happiness. 

My goal is each week to post about contentment in my life. This is my challenge to myself and you!   Are you content?

Prayer for the week...