TIME ... the moments of life we can never replace ...

Last night I was feeling bad because it had been "so long" since I had been in touch with Carissa, only to realize that I was in Argentina just 9 days ago. The past 9 days have been sooo... packed, it seriously feels like I've been home for a month.

Today, however, I am finally starting to feel caught up and am very much looking forward to the weeks ahead, with my new stay-at-home schedule. While losing my job was definitely difficult, I really am excited for what the Lord has planned for our family. I have so enjoyed the relaxed (yet focused) homeschooling schedule this week. I have TIME to answer all of their questions ... TIME to listen to the little ones read ... TIME to think about and plan all of the fun things that we can do together this year. Yea!

Not only do I have TIME for my husband and my children ... I have TIME for ministry to others. This week I was visiting with a young friend of mine when she mentioned that she was looking into attending Bible Study Fellowship. I shared with her that our family has been involved with BSF for 16 of the past 22 years. She said that she had heard that her children could attend the program after they are 2 years old, but she asked me "What about the baby?" Without a moments hesitation, I explained that there is no childcare for the young ones. However, I shared that for years there were women in our community that volunteered to babysit my little ones while I attended with the older ones, and that I would love to pass along the favor. Not only that, but I suggested to this dear friend that she invite her sister also, and that I would love to watch both of the little boys (ages 4 mo. and 10 mo.) while their mommies and older siblings attend BSF weekly. ME ... babysit??? I haven't had TIME for that in years. And, this week, I get all 3 of my friend's little ones, as she must attend an Intro. Class without the children. What fun!

In addition to my offer to babysit these little guys weekly, this week I made an even bigger offer ... one that would bring about some HUGE changes for our family. At my dear dad's 90th birthday party, I explained to him that we believe it is TIME for him to move in with us. He lives 150 miles away, and we really want to be able to shower him with love in the last years of his life. While this is a very big decision for him to make, I know he was very surprised and pleased with our offer. (The HUGE hurdle to this plan ... he has a wife. She is in very poor health, so she would need to stay with her children caring for her, while my dad moved up here for us to help care for him.) Please pray for my dear dad, as he makes this difficult decision. The day before dad's birthday, it hit me like a ton of bricks ... I couldn't make this offer if I was still working full-time. Wow! God sure knew what He was doing when He allowed me to get fired. Oh how I would regret things later if I didn't have TIME for my dear daddy in the last years of his life. He is a sweet and precious man, who loves me and my family dearly.

This week ... I had TIME to go out to lunch with my two sweet administrative assistants from my old job. It was awkward for only a moment, as they felt so bad about the whole job situation. But, everything was good when they realized how truly happy I am to be walking in faith for the new journey that the Lord has for me.

Yesterday ... I had TIME to scrapbook. From 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., I visited with sweet friends while putting pictures into our family albums. I am so blessed to have a husband that supports me and encourages me to do "my thing", even after just returning from 14 days away.

Today ... I had TIME to bake brownies and to welcome a houseful of teenagers as we celebrated Joshua's 18th birthday. I can't believe I'm old enough to have 6 adult children. Where did the TIME fly?

Tonight ... I will have TIME to give the little guys haircuts, finish up this week's laundry, pay a few bills, and maybe even do a bit more scrapbooking.

I am relaxed. (I can't believe how stressful my job has been for the past 2 years.) I am happy. I am blessed. I am excited for this new TIME in my life ... a TIME to support my husband, teach my children, minister to my friends, ... and a TIME to grow deeper and deeper in love with my LORD.

I hope that each of you will take TIME today ... to show the ones closest to you, how much they mean to you ... to give yourself a little treat (maybe 20 minutes at a coffee shop to enjoy a sweet drink and to read the newspaper uninterrupted) ... to read God's Word and to ask Him how He would like you to spend your TIME.