We are finally home.

Although it was only 2 1/2 days, it seemed like forever.  We had a great time going to the park (3 times) eating at fun places in Norman (minus the sushi place–ick) and just hanging with my cousin. Haven sold cokes at the garage sale and made 5.50. She would ask ‘would you like a coke?’ when people walked up. It was sweet.

This is the only picture I took this weekend. I anticipated taking more with my cousin and aunt and Harbin, but, alas, it was a bit CRAZY! I was so thankful for my aunt and cousin helping me with two kids. While we were there, Harbin turned 4 months old. It is so hard to believe. He is so sweet and laid back (unless he’s hungry) so it’s been a change from Ms. Haven. Speaking of Haven, so for some weird reason, every time we went to the park, she would poop in her pants. She never poops in her pants (I had to throw away two pairs of panties b.c I didn’t feel much like cleaning them up) and usually has a ‘time of day’ she goes, which is when we are home. It was so weird. (and gross) So, we have yet to figure that one out, but thanks to Erin, for taking her back and forth to the bathroom many times, and my aunt for cleaning her up one time and putting her pants back on her so she could play. (yes, she went commando at one point….ick again) But, she had the BEST time outside playing and we were so worn out when we got home yesterday. I went to bed at 8:00 and Haven and Harbin were in bed by 7:30.

OH, while I was away, my friend Kristin, found out she is having a GIRL. Baby Gray will be all set with 4 older brothers!!:)

Seeking Him

This song is by Kari Jobe. She is a wonderful worship leader out of the Dallas area, and has a heart to bring others into His presence through worship. I was there about 15 minutes ago while burping Harbin. (who said you can’t worship AND feed and burp your child?:)) It was amazing, something I really needed and have lacked for awhile. I am at a dry spot in my walk right now, and it was so refreshing to tune everything out (almost:)) and just be in His presence, worshiping. It was like…..well, I’m not sure how to characterize it, so I won’t. It was just truly amazing.

Thank you Lord for the little times I get to spend in Your presence, even though I am in my living room with my kids. I pray that You would overflow my cup, fill my heart and my mind, spirit, and soul with Your presence and fragrance. I am desperate for You.

Oklahoma

Tomorrow morning, we (with the exception of Micah) are leaving to go to Norman to visit my cousin, Erin, and help with a garage sale for her mission trip. A little nervous with two kids, but excited to get out of Arkansas and have some fun! We will be back on Sunday, so Micah will have the whole weekend to hang by myself…

Off to pack and clean.

In-Sane

Today, Haven went on a field trip, complete with a ride on the bus. The trip was to McDonald’s to celebrate summer birthdays and the upcoming end to the school year. I was able to go since I am no longer working…..needless to say, it was crazy…the moms that came were amazed at how the teachers do it (AND they teach on a volunteer basis….they are all so good w/ our kids) It was the one by the mall and they got there early enough that they were the only ones there. I think every kid that came in was a bit overwhelmed by the large group and left promptly.

k.3 students:16

k.4 students:22

Crammed in a McD’s play area:in-sane!!

Haven and Harbin

Lord, thank You for the children You gave me. I pray that they would come to know You at an early age, that their hearts would be changed forever, from the inside out. That Haven would be a haven for those hurting and in need of safety, rest, and You. That Harbin would be a warrior for You, fighting for You and, although he is young, You are already molding his heart and personality to be more like You.

Thank You,

Kara

Havenism of the Day

We were going to pay a bill and stopped by sonic on the way. I got Haven a Sprite and usually, when she drinks it too fast, she gets a stomach ache from all the carbonation. I reminded her not to drink too fast b.c the bubbles would make her tummy hurt. So today, of course, she drank it too fast and got a stomach ache.  So, she told me to hold onto her drink and she was going to play with her little game she had to ‘help make her belly feel better’.  A minute went by, and she said:

‘MOM, my belly feels all better!!’

I said: ‘Praise the Lord, I am glad it feels better’.

Haven: ‘Yeah, Jesus went down my throat and got all the bubbles out of my belly so it would feel better’.

Holding Hands and Praising God

The title says it all, but today, Haven was holding Harbin’s hand while they were in the car seats. She usually does this and Harbin just loves it and smiles at her. Today, she said:

‘Mom, I’m holding Harbin’s hand and teaching him how to praise God’.

WOW! For all the times she has been a stinker today, that makes it all worth it.

Treasures

Haven is always finding ‘treasures’ she calls them. It could be an old hair rubber band under the dryer (that she found this morning) or a coin she found. She gets so excited.

The other day I was helping my mom clean her house and she had a plaque that had the verse:

‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’. (Matt. 6.21)

I got to thinking over the past few days about this verse and what it means…….where does my treasure lie? Where is my heart? Where my heart is, I will find treasure.

Hmmm…..

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside still waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, ^[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Haven is learning this passage in school and we have been working with her a bit at home. Last night, I couldn’t sleep, so I was thinking about what this passage says. I memorized it as well as a child, (not 4 years old though) but I never really thought much about the actual verses and what they mean to me NOW in my life.

I was thinking about how blessed we are. How Harbin is such a miracle, after 3 losses, and Haven as well. (though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death) I tried not to fear and the Lord truly comforted me like no other person could. He restored those things that I lost, He was WITH me always, even when I didn’t understand why it was happening.

And then this morning, I put olive oil on Harbin’s scalp (it’s supposed to help get cradle cap to go away) and thought about how He anoints us with ‘oil’ and anoints us to be Him to others. So, while I was trying to get Harbin’s cradle cap to go away by rubbing olive oil on his head, :), I began to pray over him, that He would become a mighty warrior, a man of God, gentle and strong at the same time, like his daddy, and his other Daddy. My cup truly does overflow! I am so thankful that the Lord spoke through this verse so many years after I learned it and that my daughter now gets to learn His Word—His goodness and love does follow me, every day, through my children, husband, family and dear friends.

I know this is a long post, but felt like I needed to share what He gave me in my heart as a reminder of His goodness.  I have learned what it means to hide His Word in my heart…I pray that the Lord shows that importance to Haven and Harbin as well. You are never too young……thank you Jesus for the reminder. We love you.

Ode to E.R.

So, this is my cousin and best friend. E.R. was what I called her growing up. She truly is my best friend. Here are some random, yet important information.

*She is Haven and Harbin’s aunt.

*She is always an Arkansas fan, even though she lives in Oklahoma.

*She radiates Christ always and is fulfilling the calling He has on her life, no matter how difficult.

*She hates honey and beets.

*When she would stay with us during the day when we were little, we would always watch ‘Nadia’ (the TV version), Annie, and Pete’s Dragon all the time. We would pretend we were Nadia and Tayadora and do this funky gymnastic routine.

*She makes me laugh, for no reason.

*We get to go on vacations together and enjoy the great outdoors. (camping and the beach)

*We were in the car when we were younger and we were pretending like we were slapping each other, and she really slapped me.

*She does the best impression of the ‘Mary Lou Retton smile’.

* We lip synched to classic Amy Grant and Beach Boys and she would always get mad b.c I didn’t know the words and I acted like I did.:)

*She is the perfect example of mercy, compassion, and gentleness.

Erin, I am so excited to see where the Lord continues to take you and all the people you lead to Christ through the ministry He laid on your heart to live out. I love you so much and wish we were closer in miles, but it makes the times we do see each other that more special. Just wanted to take a little trip down memory lane and let you know, also, how very special you are to me.

-K-