Unplug for Noursihment

Could you imagine using using electronics in the pool?  It doesn't make sense, but that's not even what the pool is for!

Besides, nourishing your body, dinner time is for nourishing the hearts of your family and it's really difficult to nourish a heart if everyone is "plugged in". 

On Sunday, Hubby and I took M out for a quick lunch before having to be back at the church for him to leave for camp.  At the table next to us, a dad was using his I Phone, one teenage daugther was reading a book while she was listening to her I-Pod and another teenage girl was playing a video game.  Really??  The Mom was waiting on the food and carried it to her plugged in family.

That night, Hubby and I went out to dinner with our small group.  A family was there celebrating the son's birthday (He looked about seven).  I remember thinking it seemed kinda quiet for a birthday and then Hubby pointed out that the parents were each on their phone.  Really??

No opinions here, just reporting what I saw.  It's a reminder for me too.  While we don't have electronics at our table, if I'm quiet and lost in my own "world", it can have the same effect.  Same with driving in the car, maybe they pull out their Kindle to read because I'm the one not engaging them in conversation?

Dear Father, please help me use the time we have together as a family wisely.  Help me to lay aside whatever circumstances are happening to use the precious time you've given us to love and nourish the children teens You have entrusted to our care.  In Your Son's Name, Amen.

On the Home Front - It's Been a While!

A peek through my window…. It is now officially hot for summer!  The last I checked it was 96 degrees.  Our neighbor’s crepe myrtle is blooming.  Can’t actually see it from my window, but just a few houses away, a neighbor is almost completely packed in their U-haul and we’ll have new neighbors next Friday.

What’s going on this week… camp, working in my new classroom, dates with Hubby, running workshop, projects at home, taking Aunt out someplace special as a belated birthday.

What “the boys” are doing… one is watching ultimate Frisbee on TV (I hope he’s packed for church camp) and the other is in his room with Hubby packing for Scout camp.

On my mind… a very different kind of summer, the best plans for the boys, getting ready for a transition.

On my bedside table… read three “Green” series books and started “The Quilts of Lancaster County” series – read one and have two more on my Kindle.  I read my “Daily 5” book and need to get “Café” to my bedside table so I can finish it soon.

I am richly blessed… to have had so much time away with friends and family, no cooking, no laundry, and seeing new and wonderful places.  On our cruise, Hubby lost a navigation system he had gotten as a graduation gift seven years ago.  He looked where he thought he left it and checked lost and found, but nothing.  I was sad for him, mostly for the sentimental value.  That was three weeks ago, and M. just found it in his backpack!  We were all so excited.

I’m praying for… Rosalie and my family – I had a cousin pass away today.

Our home…  is quieter and cleaner.  I cleaned for family coming, but now everyone is gone.  I’m fairly caught up on laundry and am starting to go through school things, so it’s about to get really messy!

Menu planning… leftovers tonight, out with small group tomorrow night, and then I have to figure out what to do with Monday – Thursday with both boys gone.

A photo or two…

Great Gift for A Friend or Yourself!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. 
Psalm 37:4

Hubby used that verse in his proposal over seventeen years ago, so when I saw it on Dayspring's inspired deals, I was immediately drawn to it.

DaySpring has a special Tote sale going on right now—they are Buy 2 Get 1 Free! This includes both regular price and clearance totes. You can go to this section on DaySpring.com for a great selection and a great deal!  I was so excited that totes were the inspired deal for June - you see, some girls love shoes or purses, but I love totes!

I didn't quite know what "oil cloth" meant, but after receiving it, I figured out it means that it feels smooth - did you follow the link and see the fun detail on the handle and even inside?  There is a zippered pocket, cell phone pocket and a couple of other small ones.  The website says "With a classy look and an inspirational message, this tote bag is ideal for carrying extra items when shopping, traveling or going to work!"  I definitely thought my tote was classy and it came just in time for me to use as my carry on for vacation!

Hubby has been so patient to put up with all my totes over the years - when he cleans the closet, he knows not to even consider getting rid of any! 

I've even discovered a great use for totes - gift wrap - gift wrap that makes an extra gift!  I got this one - for Aunt's birthday

I learned "jute tote" means burlap look and feel.  Aren't the colors great?  They said "Summer!" All the messages on the Dayspring totes are great reminders of God's word and our hope in Him. You'll love these!

Disclosure: I received two totes free from Dayspring in return for my blog review. All opinions are completely mine and true.