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Once our part of town gets warm, which is about a month later than the rest of the country, we spend as much time out in our backyard as we can. And thanks to a Christmas bonus, this summer have have a new dining table and lounge chairs, which make the outdoor experience even more enjoyable. Rick also went and bought swim floaties and tubes a-go-go on Saturday morning, because our silly dog tends to sneak them away when the kids take them off and puncture holes in them.
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Saturday afternoon, while Avalon passed out on the couch tired from pool and sunshine and Loudoun relaxed playing video games, I snuck out to take Barkley on a walk around the neighborhood. Normally our super hyper non-Labrador dog is pushing to go faster, faster, faster.
But I guess due to the heat, Barkley was willing to stroll, and it was so nice to take in the warmth on my shoulders, the beautiful blooms from yard to yard, all while listening to a podcast sermon suggested by a friend studying the book of Galatians.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
~Galatians 5:22-25
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We follow a pretty strict bedtime in this household, not because we're sticklers for a certain time on the clock but we know very well that a certain 3 year old does not do well more than about 5 minutes after that set bedtime. But, as she is approaching her fourth birthday this week, and we have seen many positive changes in her maturity as of the last couple of weeks, I figured it was ok to try taking her out past her bedtime for frozen yogurt. I mean, it is summer and all.
She has even matured to the level of switching
the store sign...when they weren't even closed yet!
Trickster.
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I thought since we were doing so well all weekend, I would attempt to take both kids to church with me this morning. Loudoun is always easy, as he likes to stay with me in the grown up sermon, but she typically doesn't like the whole drop off process, making it really hard for Loudoun and I to leave for our service. But we hyped up the new class she would get to try out today...the 4 year olds! And that seemed to do the trick. Reward for ease of drop off has always been play structure time after service, and today we stayed out there extra long.
Loudoun told me yesterday that he is really nervous about starting a new summer camp this week. We had a nice chat about praying to God about his fears, something that is still new to his mind and heart. Today's sermon was the last in a series our church has covered on the book of James, and today was spent talking all about prayer. Prayer in time of need, prayer when you are sick, prayer when you have sinned and prayer to give praise to the Lord. It couldn't have been better timing for Loudoun.
When we got home I told him we could pray about it together at bedtime, and he said Sure, but I also already did it during the service. With Daddy dropping him off at camp in the morning and staying with him until he's ok, and his Father sticking by his side all of his days, well, I think Loudoun has got some great support.
Come near to God and he will come near to you. ~James 4:8
What an awesome weekend! Living outside in the summer is the best!
ReplyDeleteOK, you have to post a pic of the new table and chairs. I can't wait until this weekend to see them ;) I was such a fan of the ones that came with the house. They will be missed. ;)
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