Choose Joy :)

Where do I begin? Our week has been filled from start to finish. Monday Olivia and I got groceries and squeezed in a little school. Our foster child's caseworker visited our home Tuesday then we went to DSS for a visit Wed., We had a school picnic last night, Chris's mom had a colonoscopy and a light ran down her throat this morning ( he went to be with her and praise the Lord all looked good). We were invited to a birthday party tonight, but can't go due to other plans (which we've now had to cancel due to a sick child) ... we are suppose to go to a birthday party in the morning, but considering how things are going I don't know if we'll make it or not. Life is sure busy these days. I count it all JOY and feel very blessed. I wish Joy helped with my tired body :) I don't seem to have a moments peace :) I got up extra early this morning and just sat in the presence of the Lord. I said a few words then told Him I was going to be quiet and listen. Oh how hard it is for me to be quiet. I prayed for family and friends this morning. I prayed for myself that I would do what the Lord would have me to do today and not my own agenda. I have to-do lists to remind me of my to-do lists :))) But the Lords list is so much more important than mine. His ways I want to be my ways, His thoughts I want for my own thoughts. No matter what life brings God is my help, my strength, my encourager, my father, my king, my greatest love ... He gives me Joy.

As we continue down this foster parenting road pray for us and the little girl we have in our care. We have all adjusted to each other and she a part of our family now. I will always cherish this time we have with her. I don't know how much of me she will remember, but I will never forget her. She could be with us 3 months or 6 months ... we don't know. Regardless, we know what our mission is and that is to care for her while she is here and send her back with the knowledge of the Lord. Pray that we are all good examples for her to see and hear. Proverbs 3 has been such an encouragement to me this week. If you need encouragement read it.

Deer season and Shrimp season are in full bloom :) Chris will be trying to harvest both soon. I'll let ya know if he gets a big one. Olivia loves our kittens. By the way our cat had 7 kittens. 2 have already gone to a new home together, 2 more will go to a new home together next week, 1 hopefully will go to a new home this weekend and that will leave 2 who need a home. Don't you want a kitten? They will be 6 weeks old on Sunday :) They are eating and ready to meet you :)
Let me know if you are interested.

I have to wrap this up because the girls are finishing their projects. They are making examples of the craft we'll be doing in Sunday school this week. I let them help when I can :)

Go be a blessing.

Life is good :)

Ok so it has been several days since I have written. I have had my hands full with a sweet little 5 year old. She is a lively little girl. We just love her. I have to admit that I am tired!!! Yes I said it. Getting up early is something that I am used to, but getting dressed to go out and see the world is not something I am used to :) I've had to take my new little one to register for school, DSS appointments and a doctor check up ( most have been early in the morning). I had to do a lot of extra shopping for clothes since I did not have any in her size and most of what she brought didn't fit. To say I have been on the go non-stop would be very accurate. Not to mention our nightly routine starting at 7:30 with bath, brushing teeth, reading 3 or more books, singing and bed. Whew ... She likes me to pack her lunch so I get up extra early to do that. So I've not had the time or energy to blog or play my face book games or exercise. Homeschooling has suffered because we are on the go so much that we've hardly had any full days at home. Olivia is adjusting to everything and I make sure I give her plenty of attention as usual. She and I have a bedtime routine as well so by the time both girls are in bed I am pooped. I am trusting that I am doing what the Lord has called me to do and I know He will work it all out, so ... I am not concerned at all about anything. I will do His will and He will take care of me :)

Thanks for your prayers and thoughts. I don't know how long we will have our little girl, but she is a joy and all is going well. We took her to church Sunday and she really enjoyed herself. She said they had some good ideas :) Chris took all of us to the zoo on Monday and we had a great labor day. We fed the animals and had snacks and took silly pictures. It's all good.

Take care and have a blessed day.