A little of this.....a little of that.....

I've always enjoyed the 4th of July as I schedule vacation from work to enjoy 9 glorious days to do whatever comes to mind, and this year is no different.

Here's what we've been up to:

~we've recently added "stir-fry" to our menu plan with LOTS of fresh veggies....and even the kid's are getting into it. (well...maybe not Ashley...) Any given evening...oh say..around 9:45pm (hence the time on the kitchen clock) you might find Andrew doing this:


I guess if the boy needs to eat late at night...there is nothing better than fresh veggies

~Ashley and I have been spending a lot of time sitting here (no, these are not our deck chairs.....but one of ours does look similar) catching some rays for a much needed coppertone tan.



The little girl in the coppertone ad looks much like the little boy Ashley nanny's for, as he's been joining us this week.

It's so relaxing to get up each morning, and have nothing on the planner for the day......no to do list, no need to be somewhere at a specific time....how relaxing is that?


~I've also slipped into these:


These are by far my FAVORITE running shoes!! We are blessed to live in a neighborhood will access to wonderful biking/running trails, so I'm getting myself back into my routine of running 3 miles a day.

Surprisingly, it's not been too hard to get back into a groove. Perhaps its' easy not having to jokey a work schedule around my running schedule? Who knows. All I do know is that I've missed running, and I'm glad I'm back into the routine.


~Another favorite thing I enjoy while running is listening to this:



I slip on my headset...put on my baseball cap, and away I go. Listening to Christian music while I run sure helps me keep my stride. In fact, my favorite song to listen to while running is: Lincoln Brewster's song called: Everlasting God.


~Ashley has also introduced me to Arizon Ice Tea!! We LOVE it. There is noting like
pouring yourself a tall glass of ice tea over ice while enjoying the sun on the deck. We've found the Arizona tea at Target on sale this week for $2.50 for the 128 ounce container so we've stocked up!

We are hoping to pack up in a few days and head to Wisconsin to spend the 4th of July weekend with my family, that is, if our mini van is fixed by them. Yesterday afternoon Andrew went out to run some errands and while out, the van wouldn't start. Thank goodness for the added benefit of "towing" on our insurance. So, today, our van is sitting at the shop, hoping to get looked at tonight, or tomorrow. Of course, the car shop is super busy getting cars fixed as many are planning to head out of town for the holidays.

So, for now, we are praying that the repairs will be minimal, so that we can still travel to see family.

~All of the above make for a great vacation, but a recent book find is the icing on the cake. I'm a huge fan of Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and last week my husband picked up one of her books for me. It's called:

Brokeness.....Surrender....Holiness....

On the first page of her book she shares from-The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions which says:

He is everything To me!

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation, Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and Never undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can’t understand him, armies can’t defeat Him, Schools can’t explain Him, and the leaders can’t ignore Him.

Herod couldn’t kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him, and
The people couldn’t hold Him!
Nero couldn’t crush Him,
Hitler couldn’t silence Him,
The New Age can’t replace Him, and
The intellectuals and rationalists can’t explain Him away!

He is Light, Love, Longevity, and Lord.
He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, and Pure.
His ways are right, His Word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me!

He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my Guide, and
He is my Peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my Comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.

I’m bought by blood and bound by love.
I love Him because He first loved me.

I follow Him because
He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days,
The ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders,
The First of the overcomers, and
The sovereign Lord of all that was and is to come.

And wonders of wonders-
His goal is a relationship with ME!

He will never leave me, or forsake me,
Never mislead me, or forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is my everything
He is God,
He is faithful.

I am His, and He is mine!
Our Father in heaven has defeated the god of this world.
Greater is He that is in me!

So, if you’re wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly
Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision
where I live in the heights with Thee
and in the depths with me.
Hemmed in by the mountains of sin,
I yet see Thy glory.

Let me learn by paradox

that the way down is the way up
that to be lowly is to be high
that the broken heart is the healed heart
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul
that to have nothing is to possess all
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown
that to give is to receive
that the valley is the place of clearest vision.

What a powerful prayer/devotion!!! As I read it, I knew I wanted to read this book, and I'm enjoying my time this week....reading through...Brokenness, Surrender, Holiness.

Praying that each of you are having a great week...and a WONDERFUL 4th of July!!

Kim~