Faith

Eliza Jane’s Total Weekend Hijacking

July 1, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith, Life Leave a Comment

Last Saturday night I caught a glimpse of a really sweet necklace on Instagram and literally just before midnight I placed an order for it, just in time to catch the end of their flash sale!.

I got my new pendant necklace Wednesday and planned to wear it on Friday with my black dress.

All morning Friday I kept pondering how to share my new necklace on Instagram – what would I say about it? Then as I was plotting it out, it happened.

Eliza Jane’s teacher called me and said she had a fever. Her temp was 101 and we needed to come get her.

My necklace was appropriate.

“Tune my heart to sing thy grace”.

Our weekend plans were crumbling as I drove the short distance from my office to daycare to get my sweet daughter.

I opened the door to her classroom and she was lying on the floor, cup in hand, just whining. Her teacher said that’s all she had done since they had come inside from playing on the playground.

I knew exactly what was wrong with her. You see, earlier in the week I’d heard that a virus had been making its way around the school, and here was my sweet Eliza Jane, it’s latest victim. I picked her up and held her, her small body on fire. Her temp was certainly 101.

Sad and discouraged about knowing what this meant for our long weekend, the plans we’d made to go back to Georgia to see my parents, that was all coming to an end.

Another weekend at home. Another weekend stuck, unable to go out because our kid is sick {last weekend R had croup}. I felt my heart sinking.

Tune my heart to sing THY grace, Lord.

Knowing the Lord is sovereign, I accepted the fate, that for some reason, He has us here.

Our weekend has been officially hijacked. This isn’t the first time we’ve been hijacked by a kid. Reynolds hijacked us all the time, it seemed, when he was younger {this post, this post and this post are proof!}. Eliza Jane has been more gracious to us, except this weekend.

As she sleeps soundly in her bed I am praying for her health and healing and that Reynolds {and the rest of us} will be spared.

I’m also praying for a heart to sing His praise, when I truly just feel sad. I really wanted to go home. I wanted to see my parents. Reynolds was so excited to see Grammy and PopPop. We actually haven’t even told him that we’re not going – thinking that if we just don’t say it, he will somehow forget that we aren’t supposed to be here.

I sent my mom a text to confirm that we weren’t coming. Her reply indicated that she felt like that was the best thing for Eliza Jane and us. I know she’s right, but I didn’t want it to be this way.

Tune my heart. Sing thy grace.

Call for songs of loudest praise. I’m going to go listen to Hillsong for a bit.

God is good all the time. He sets the moon and stars in their courses. He tells the waves when to rise and when to fall. He is sovereign over all.

I hope you all have a lovely 4th of July weekend – and that none of you get hijacked of your plans!

I Throw My Hands Up!

June 22, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith, Life 2 Comments

Recently in church our pastor was talking about how God makes us all different.

Look around you.

Who looks like you?

Who acts like you?

Nearly no one. We all have different body shapes, hair colors {and styles!}, we certainly dress differently…

We talk differently, some of us have accents… We ALL have quirky mannerisms….

His point at one moment was to talk about how some people on Sunday morning, in worship, “feel the Spirit” and their hands go up. Some others may look around like those people are crazy…and clinch their fists or fold their arms so that they are not tempted….

See, different.

I bet at some point at a concert or really great worship service, your hands have gone up – you cannot deny it.

And it feels really great to let go and be in that moment.

Here’s a song I’ve heard recently that I LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. And I wanted to share with it you:

→Love & The Outcome →The God I know {get ready to RAISE.YOUR.HANDS!}←

“I can throw my hands up, worries down! I remember when he showed me how to break up with my doubt…Once I was lost but now I’m found.” Who can relate to THAT. Every day, people. EVERY.DAY.

So I heard this song for the first time a few weeks ago, while driving {alone}, and my hands may have gone up…

This is one of those songs, for me, to which I can totally relate and in the moment, I throw my hands up! I CAN

What’s the song for you that totally puts you in that moment of either total praise or abandon?

As May Comes To An End

May 31, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Events, Faith, Life, Travel Leave a Comment

I am just amazed at how fast this month went by! But thankful for all the memories we made this month! Here are a few of the things I/we did.

Reading – I read through most the SRT study on Proverbs: The way of Wisdom, which was really fantastic. This study was more of some brief readings, focused on one topic {anger, humility, pride, etc.}, with questions to follow. That was some deep thinking for me at 5 a.m. while on the treadmill…

I also got to read several of my magazines on our trip to Disney {7 hrs in the car!}, which was a blessing to me because they were really starting to pile up again…

Playing – Same as April, we’ve played a lot outside this past month. From the backyard to the playground, to the upstairs before bedtime, there are lots of laughs that make my heart rejoice!

Watching – We haven’t watched much of anything of late. Sunday evening I was thrilled to have been able to sit on the couch after 9 p.m. to watch Caribbean Life. That’s just a glimpse of my very interesting life…

Showing -This is a fun one….my baby bump is starting to show ;)

Cooking – I haven’t cooked a whole lot lately…but I just tore out some recipes from the May issue of Real Simple that I’m super pumped about…like this Perfect Chicken Salad {I ♥ chicken salad…a lot}

Eating – I am really trying to eat healthy so I don’t have another baby the size of Reynolds {9.5 lbs at birth}; Eliza Jane was only 6.5 lbs because I watched much more closely what I ate with her…so here’s to small portions of carbs :)

Drinking – Water…gone are the days of mimosas…

Calling – I haven’t called anybody in a while…honestly, the last couple of weeks have been super busy with getting ready for our trip and then being at Disney – it was wild. I did call my mom on Sunday to let her know that no, we were not stuck in the flood on I-95, but that we were in fact home.

Texting – Andrew asked me if I wanted a milkshake from Chick-Fil-A, and while I answered “No. Thank u :)”, I really wanted one…

Tweeting – About our Disney trip – I was really hoping to find out who this girl was that got our kids to dance in the conga line! She was completely amazing! Disney Character

Pinning – Food for the kiddos {WHY are they so PICKY?!} and hair styles. I found this pretty little twisted side braid from one of my favorite bloggers, Gal Meets Glam and tried it out last night. While my hands may have gotten a bit tricked up from going from the side to the back, I was quite pleased with my first ever real braid {I know, I’m so old to finally be learning how to braid!!!}.

Going – We are done with the going. Disney was amazing and I am SO thankful and excited {still!} that we were able to go last week. What a fantastic place, with my favorite people!

Our announcement about the 3rd set of ears that will be joining our family in November! {The kids’ shirts were made by →Institches Designs←!!}

Loving – My babies and my husband. I know, y’all get tired of the gushing, but even after a week of really close quarters and a LOT of time spent together, I love them so much more!!

Hating – Summer heat? Is that too strong? Last week it was 90ish every day in Orlando and it was brutal. What happened to Spring?

Thinking – About the fun we had in Disney! I can’t wait to share the pictures and stories with you – starting tomorrow!

Feeling – Thankful. I’m just so thankful. The Lord has been so good. I am also really excited about the little one we get to meet in November ♥ .

Hoping – That everybody sleeps tonight? R’s legs were hurting him last night so that had Andrew up. EJ was soaked at 3 a.m., so that was fun changing her out of FOOTIE pjs…hello!? Best and worst pjs ever, all at the same time.

Listening – I love to hear the birds singing on our nightly walks…and to share their rejoicing with the kids. It is so easy just to go out for a run or walk, put in your earbuds or just tune everything out and miss so much. The birds bring me great joy because I know they are singing the praises of their Maker.

Smelling – GAH. I love my babies! So friends that live down the street inherited some pretty amazing rose bushes. And when we go for our walks, I’ve taught the kids to {literally} stop and smell the roses.

From tonight…

Celebrating – The blessing of pregnancy. I do not take it for granted because I know how hard it is for some to have this experience. I am overjoyed with thanksgiving.

Ordering – Today I ordered some new pjs from Carter’s for Eliza Jane {NO footies!!!} and a new duvet for our bed. Turns out that new duvet cover I got from Pottery Barn is a California King…and the duvet I got from IKEA is only a King. There is a slight difference in size…

I am also going to order a book of our Disney pictures so that the kids will have that to look at to remember all the wonderful things we did last week. Other than Shutterfly, is there another recommendation from anyone?

Thanking – The Lord for His blessings. Far too many things to count or name.

Considering – We have our annual Welcome Summer Party coming up and I’m trying to figure out the food situation. Last year we did shrimp tacos {which were amazing, thank you, Andrew} but we ran out of food we had so many fun guests show up! This year, we’re totally catering…I just have to figure out what.

Starting – Nesting. Is it too soon? I’ve decided to go one room at a time and clean up and out. Out being the key word. Andrew also has encouraged me to get help from a designer {I love him so much!} so more to come on that, but I’m excited about the possibilities!

Finishing – I feel like there is a lot that needs to be finished. Right now though, I’m going to finish cleaning up the kitchen so I can go to bed.

Do you know, last week in the craziness of our trip to Disney, I got 8-9 hours of sleep EVERY night?! It was amazing. When we’re home, I’m lucky to get 7. Tonight I am determined to get all 7 hours. So good night, friends! I hope you have something to rejoice over this May…it’s come to an end, and June will be here in the morning!

Tuesday Encouragement From A Working Mom

March 29, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith, Work 2 Comments

This week has been way overwhelming for me. Like, WAY. Like, over the top kind of WAY. I legitimately left work yesterday with my heart racing and had to say some major prayers in the two minute ride from my office to daycare to get the kiddos.

Thankfully the Lord heard my prayer and did some major work in all of us so that we could have a calm night last night.

As I got in the bed, before 9 p.m., mind you, I pulled out my Bible. Where do I turn when the world is just too much? When the weight of “all that I have to do” is enough to make my heart race? When the days are hard and the work is overwhelming. When the kids are screaming banshees on the 15 minute ride home.

I read God’s word.

Matthew 11:29-30: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

My burdens at times seem incredibly heavy. And the yoke around my neck, insanely tight.

He calls me to loosen my yoke and to lay down my burdens…surrendering all to Him.

So as I crawled into the bed, totally exhausted, I pulled out my Bible and opened to Proverbs. I just needed to be in His word after the incredibly hectic day I had…but I recognized that I also need some help with parenting.

A few weeks ago our Pastor talked about the difficulty of parenting. And yes, we’ve had some really difficult nights over the last few months {I think R is over the whole nap-taking thing…}, which has kept us on our knees, and almost brought me to tears a few times. But when our Pastor talked about parenting…he referenced the Proverbs as a great tool for parents.

Side-bar: Last night R was actually very good for me. I think partly because his daddy {who was working late} called and told him he needed to be “a good gentleman for momma”. So that was his mission.

So last night I actually had 2 Bibles…maybe my brain would absorb it faster… Bible

Appropriately enough, and to prove Dr. Estep’s point, chapter 1, verse 1 of Proverbs says, “The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight.”

Yep. That’s why I’m here…in Proverbs. To gain wisdom and instruction and to understand insight…from God.

I mean, if there ever was a manual for parenting, for being smarter, for being wiser – hello? It’s right here…it even says so.

I could camp out in chapter 1, verse 7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

I seek knowledge…wisdom…grace…and…love. All things that are of the Lord.

I may be in Proverbs for a while…

Totally unrelated, but I’ve wanted to share this best thing R has said to us today/lately: Singing Row, row, row your boat…he says, “…merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, like it’s butter dreams.” His personal take on the lyrics of “life is but a dream.”

Good night dear friends. Find rest for your souls in Jesus.

The Garden, The Curtain & The Cross : An Easter Book

March 25, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith Leave a Comment

The other night I shared with y’all the treats I picked up for the kids’ Easter baskets this year. At the end of the post I mentioned that there was one more book that I had purchased for R & EJ, and was going to share with y’all tonight.

This is it:

020 I love the caption at the bottom: The true story of why Jesus died and rose again.

Like any good book, you must start at the beginning…

In the garden, with Adam and Eve.
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You know that part…they had everything that was perfection.

Then, the snake came on the scene and temptation was not squashed.

There was the great “fall”. Now sin abounds and there was no remedy.

Fast forward a little, to when Jesus was born….he lived a perfect life for us.

Then, as Reynolds would say, the “bad guys” got him and put those nails in his hands and that crown of thorns on his head. And hung him on a cross, between two thieves, to die.

It’s such a great little book, reminding us of the curtain in the temple…and how on that fateful day, it tore! 022

HE gives us access to the Father. “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – 1 John 14:6

And again, like any great book, there’s a perfect ending…the invitation to be with Jesus & God forever…all because of what Jesus did for us. 023

How fitting that I didn’t get to post this last night as originally planned, but rather, tonight on Good Friday.

He is the Savior of the world. The perfect lamb of sacrifice. He is our Intercessor and greatest of friends. He is the one who makes all things new. Who washes me white as snow, taking away all of my sin.

Happy Good Friday friends. I pray your Easter is full of joy and exultations for the One who gave it all.

This Week : Holy Week

March 21, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith, Life Leave a Comment

Happy Monday, dear friends!

Today when I picked up the kids from daycare, the board in Reynolds’ room noted that they started talking about Easter today.

As we sat down for supper tonight Andrew and I asked him some questions.

He knew the answers. He knew that there were nails driven into Jesus’ palms. He knew that there were “bad guys”. He knew that Easter is about Jesus {sorry Easter bunny…}.

Andrew made a point to tell R that Jesus dying on the cross was for him, for you, for me. He did that for us.

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This is the start of Holy Week…well, technically it started yesterday with Palm Sunday.

This is one of the most important times for those of us who call ourselves “Christian”. It’s the week we remember all that Jesus went through, including the last supper, Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, the unjust accusation, and His death on the cross.

If you’re still not reading She Reads Truth, I entreat you to participate in this somber, yet glorious week. Pastor Russ Ramsey is providing a real-time summary of the weeks’ events. As believers in Christ, this is a week to be fully immersed in what He did for us.

The sin of the world and all its weight was upon Him as he hung on the cross.

Will you join me in walking through Jerusalem, into the Garden of Gethsemane and up to Calvary?

A Blog About Socks

March 8, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith, Life 3 Comments

I love sharing with y’all the real life conversations that are had in the Lucas home. For example…I was running thru this entire blog post in my head tonight as I folded the massive mound of clothes that covered our bed. And as I was coming up with what I thought was a great idea, and grabbed the camera, the peanut gallery walked in. The peanut gallery in this example is none other than the hubs, Andrew. He says to me “Um. Are you writing a blog about….socks?….because that’s weird.”

…………………………………………..

I am even more determined to write a blog about SOCKS now, Burn. :)

He has spurred me on toward good things.

So here’s where I was with all of that before the peanut gallery chimed in and made me think twice about my post.

First thing this morning I was reading my devotional from SheReadsTruth – the Lent study. And I was reminded about the Israelites and their grumblings against God. And yet, He provided for them….their every need. And I’ve thought on that all day. How I grumble about stupid stuff…all day long. And yet, He provides for my every need.

Last night at the end of my short post, I encouraged you all to encourage someone today. I had the honor of enjoying coffee with a friend this morning and happy hour with another this evening {that never happens, like ever, y’all.} and I thought about how incredibly blessed I am to have been encouraged by these sweet friends. How, though my friendship tank has been close to the empty line, today’s events took me to overflowing. He provided for that need.

And then tonight, as I walked into our bedroom and saw that massive mound of clothes that needed to be folded, I thought about that first post I wrote about finding joy in the laundry, not grumbling about it, but rather, finding joy in it. And as I sorted things out, this one pile of socks just kept growing and growing and growing. And while socks can seem like the thorn in my flesh → why are there ALWAYS socks MISSING?!, I pondered this little mound. {←notice the adjective went from massive to little…} 008

In the mound are: Andrew’s dress socks to wear to church and a job that he has been incredibly blessed in, especially this year. And athletic socks…for him to wear mostly on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons when we’re having family or play time.

Then there are Reynolds’ socks – our son who, though he is coming into his own “type A” self, has a huge encouraging heart and is crazy protective over his little sister.

Next are Eliza Jane’s socks, the daughter that shocked me with her speedy delivery, serious face and sneaky ways…she will be our trouble-maker or the class-clown…

Then there are my socks, the athletic ones, for which I am thankful to be able to get up so early in the mornings to walk on the treadmill and do those things that get my heart and soul ready for the day.

I pondered all the socks. Without the husband or the kids, there would only be my socks. Without the blessing of his great job, there wouldn’t be so many dress socks. Without the kids, there wouldn’t be the fun, colorful socks that somehow end up everywhere {in the car, under the sofa, in my purse…}. Without all of these amazing blessings, there wouldn’t be any socks. So why grumble about there being so many socks? They are a blessing.

That’s my post on socks…hope you enjoyed it. :)

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