Deep Thoughts from a Bible study lesson...

The question was..."Do you desire God's presents more than His presence in your life?"

God's presence is a present. I think as humans our natural desire is to have all the comforts we want without risk or cost to us. We want the easy, fun, uncomplicated version of everything. But then our character is very shallow and surface-y, because we've never had to work or earn or deny ourselves anything. Sure, it'd be easier if God made all the decisions for us, because then we wouldn't have to engage our brain, and we could move through life without thinking. But, even with that, it doesn't guarantee the things God would pick for us would be comfortable, easy and uncomplicated. We are not one dimensional, nor is our creator. He wants us to think for ourselves, but use His word and His spirit to guide our decisions to be in line with his will for us. And he knows what we will choose, despite our best efforts to please him. So, if we aren't going to choose what's best for us, God will place us in a situation where we will learn, and there is no guarantee of ease, comfort or quickness. But we do know he will always be there with us. And he has our best interest at heart. God's will is not going to show itself to be the simplest decision most of the time, until our will is in alignment with his.

Spring Awakening....

So, a lot of little things have happened since fall.

Ava is pretty much potty trained, with the exception of night time. Praise the Lord! She has also moved into a toddler bed, which was a little bit tougher for her than I think she thought it would be. But I gave her wall decals to decorate however she wanted to right by the bed, and that seemed to help. She is eagerly awaiting preschool in the fall. She talks about it all the time. I think the fact she saw "Preschool Musical" on Sesame Street helped. She loves music, and singing, and reading.

Paige is just as much a monkey as ever. She is climbing everything that looks dangerous, with much bravado and not enough healthy fear! She is a tough nugget, and brushes things off pretty quickly. BUT MAN, does she have a temper. She is very laid back in general, but when she gets mad, she goes all out! She will grab and throw whatever she can get her hands on to express her anger or disappointment in hearing the word 'no'. Funny how they love to say it, just don't want to hear it!

We went camping this spring, and had a really good time, despite the continuous rain. We stayed up in Standish, which is our favorite place to camp. We frequented our favorite store, Wilson's Cheese Shop, and got some good cheese to eat while we were there.

It was bonding time for sure. Christopher was even so dedicated to grill he did it in the rain. What a guy! The girls are starting to ask about going camping again soon. I'm not so sure we're ready for another go quite yet!

Easter was a wonderful time with family again this year. We spent the saturday prior to with my family, and Easter sunday was with Christopher's family. It was a lot less stressful not doing both families in one day. Just too many logistics to figure out for one day and not enough nap time for the girls.

So, we are eagerly awaiting spring and summer weather to stay put for a bit, so we can enjoy the outdoors. I have enjoyed seeing my flowers come up again this year--gotta love perennials! Even my lilac bushes are blooming for the first time ever. So hard to be patient, but so excited to see and smell them!

Christopher finished up his Masters' classes for the winter semester. I know he is as relieved as I am that they are done! He's taking spring semester off (thank goodness!) and starting up again in the summer semester. I often wonder why I thought it was tough to be in college full time without a separate full time job and family to juggle! I was so naive then....