The Daunting College Quest

I'm not quite sure how I got here, to be able to write a blogpost about finding a college?! The toddler years, when we had four kids in six years, seemed to move in slow motion. And then I woke up from the zombie years, and my kids wanted to have playdates with people I'd never met, began asking to go to the movies with groups of kids of the opposite sex, driving, and now thinking about which college they might want to attend!

Although I still have one more year until our oldest applies, it feels as though the very quest is beginning to consume a lot of our time already. I think what makes it all the more odd is I clearly remember these days in my own life and they don't seem that long ago. And, things did not seem nearly as competitive as today. It's kind of easy to sense a bit of a panic in the air...where will they get in? Have we prepared them enough? Since the perfect financial storm has hit our nation and world, can we afford the college of their dreams?

I think what has struck me recently has been perspective. I know in my heart of hearts that God has already mapped out His plan in the life of my child. How tempting it is to want to just sneak a peak into that blueprint and not have to trust Him. He has been so faithful to provide and to lead for all of these years until now. Why do I at times doubt Him at this stage?

My prayer is that He will show up in a very BIG way in my daughter's life. There's nothing more exciting than seeing the hand of God on a child's life. And so, I am going to look. I'm going to keep going down this path trying to keep my eyes on Him, rather than her GPA, SAT scores, or AP test scores. And, I'll pray that He will be SO big that there is no way in my humanness that I will be able to miss His hand on her life. When it is all said and done, I want it to be because of Him, and nothing more. (So, do you want to pray with me for a full ride scholarship??!)

Dear Lord,

Thank you for our kids. Thank you for giving them minds and hearts to study and to learn all that you have created in this universe. You hold each of them in the palm of your hands. Will you be big in this college quest for those of us who are embarking on this journey? You are amazing and we look forward to seeing your incredible hand of provision during this process.

Today's Bargain Tip

My friends and I love to share the burrito bowls at Chipotle - a Mexican fresh fast food restaurant. With drinks, and a small bag of chips and guacamole, each of us can get out of there for $6. They will also give you two large tortillas for free, when you ask! Chrissy has discovered by sharing tacos, you can each pay only $2. You can't beat that bargain. You're amazing Chrissy!

Now go and enjoy every moment!

Kim

School Days and Sanity

I hope you all had a wonderful summer. Summer is just the best. I love all of the fun memories our family made at the beach, camping, and being with friends. I also loved the lazy days of summer where the kids could wake up whenever they wanted and the days began around noon and seemed to go until midnight. The bickering I did not love, but the togetherness I did. And now that they are at last back in school, I feel like I am able to think once again. There are a few quiet hours now in my house before the afternoon rush, and it feels nice, very nice and sane.

Now, we are back in the realm of waking up when it is completely dark outside. I say a prayer as my two oldest drive off together to high school in the morning and I wonder how did they become 16 and 14 already? How did my time shift from figuring out playdates to figuring out the college admissions process?

Many of you asked me about Caroline's time in Rwanda and yes, she did have an amazing experience. Her favorite part was volunteering in the AIDs hospital and having the patients learn her name and call out to her when she returned each day to visit. It was truly a gift that she was able to take part in that opportunity.

It's funny how it works when you are a mom. Caroline had just gotten her driver's license a week before she went to Rwanda. The day after she returned home, she wanted to drive on three separate freeways to get to the Irvine Spectrum shopping area. It made me WAY more nervous to have her do that than to fly and overnight through Dubai and stay in Rwanda for two weeks! And now my oldest child has complete responsibility for her brother when she drives him in her little Honda to school every day. Crazy!

Recently, I was reading an article about a young mom with a two year old and how she was encountering a ton of "shoulds" as a parent. She felt like she "should" handle naps a certain way, she "should" send her child to a certain school, and the list went on and on.

Now that three of my four kids are in their teen years, I am realizing that there "should" not be any "shoulds" in parenting. Each husband, wife, child, and family is unique. God gives us enough guidance in His word to direct us but to let us make our own choices. So, this fall, I'm going to give up on the "shoulds" and just trust God to lead my husband and I through this next school year with our kids. No "shoulds"-just lots of prayer, a few hours of sanity each day, and the rest is going to be up to Him.

Dear Lord,

Thanks for the amazing children you have given to us as moms. Thanks for crafting each child uniquely. Help us to turn to you when the world shouts out what it thinks we should say and do as parents. Allow us to see our kids through your eyes and to be your arms of love and support, as they begin this new year.

Today's Bargain Tip:

How many of you remember the store called, Pic N'Save, when we were growing up? Well, I remember it well as the store of incredible deals. It used to have cheap quality goods but now it is filled with popular brand names. You might know the store now as Big Lots. It's a great place to buy cereal, shampoo, and household items for a fraction of the price. Check it out the next time your kids are in school and you have a little bit of time to hunt for the bargains.

Now go and enjoy every moment!

Kim

Rwanda or Bust!

Did I tell you all that our baby, Caroline, is in Rwanda? Our very first child...the one we thought we would protect forever and never let her out of our sight...is in Rwanda. She's been there for a week now, with fifteen other high school/college kids and leaders from Saddleback Church. Thanks to so many of you who generously supported her, she was able to make the trip of a lifetime.

My husband had gone to Dubai on business earlier this year and Caroline told me how much she would LOVE to go to Dubai. I remember thinking that would be great but you are sixteen, and I highly doubt you're going to have any opportunities soon! But I said with a smile, "Yeah, that would be great!" She wanted to see the indoor ski resort that they put right in the middle of the desert and the homes that were being built on the island in the shape of a palm tree. Well, little did I know at that time, she would be going to Rwanda and staying overnight in where? You guessed it --Dubai! In fact, she is staying there not only on the way there, but also on the way back.

The YouTube video that I posted is from one of my favorite artists, Sara Groves. She sang for an event that was hosted by Open Doors this past fall. In the video, she is visiting Rwanda and sees the Genocide Museum. Little did I know as she was playing this song and we were watching the video that my daughter would soon be visiting the same places.

Life is funny that way, you just never know. But then again, I like surprises. I like God showing up and doing big things in my life and my family. It's harder for me when it seems like He is absent and silent. My prayer for Caroline is that God shows up in a huge way for her in Rwanda. I'd love your prayers for her and her safety as well!! Can't wait to see her again soon!! Her room is so empty and quiet and CLEAN!

Dear Lord,

Thank you for all of your blessings. Thank you for providing people in the amazing USA to generously support kids to go on missions trips around the world. Thank you for this incredible country of freedom. Please watch over all of the kids who are currently on summer missions trips. May they make a tremendous impact on those whom they are serving. May their hearts be touched and changed to fall more and more in love with you.

Today's Bargain Tip

Don't forget to check the internet for coupons prior to shopping at a retail store. I recently bought some gifts at the Bath and Body Works sale. I got all of my items for 75% off. I was really happy until the woman at the counter next to me did the same thing, and then presented at $10 off coupon as well! She had printed her coupon off of the internet, prior to visiting the store. The lady was so sweet at the store and kind enough to allow me to use her coupon as well. But it made me think that I should always remember to google the store name and any available coupons, before going shopping!

Now go and enjoy every moment!

The "Busyness" and Brevity of Life

I love the blogging world and I miss the blogging world when I just don't have time to be a part of it! I realize that it's been almost a month since my last post. A sure sign that life with four kids in the month of May is just WAY too busy!

Sometimes in the "busyness" of this world, I can so easily forget what really matters until I come across something that helps me refocus and remember. This happened recently when a dear friend of mine, Jen DeKlotz, referred me to an amazing link on the site: http://www.deathisnotdying.com/. It's the story of 37 year old Rachel Barkey who is dying of cancer, and most likely has only has a matter of days or months left on this earth.

Rachel, who loves her husband and five year old daughter and one year old son fiercely, spoke to the women at her church in a fifty minute talk, and described her cancer in the hands of a sovereign God. This is a woman who gets it. She gets the whole deal. She understands and accepts that a loving God could allow her to contract this horrific form of bone cancer. She understands that her suffering may be what God uses to help usher just one soul into eternity. And if that be the case, she says it will be worth it and ok. Rachel is very well read and in addition to God's word, she lists her book list on the website.

I encourage you to find time in your own "busyness" of life and make a cup of tea and listen to her message. I promise you it will be fifty minutes very well spent. In fact, it might very well affect how you approach each day for the rest of your time here on earth. My favorite quote from her talk was, "I am here to serve with joy."

Here's one more quote I recently came across...

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion."
- Mark Batterson

Dear Lord,

You know how busy we all are, especially at this time of the year. Would you help us to realize the brevity of life each day? Would you help us to believe you for great things in our life and to accept your sovereign plans for our lives, whatever those may be. More than anything, help us to remember that in the blink of an eye we will be spending eternity with you where there will be no more pain and no more sorrow, only pure joy.

Money Saving Tip

Have you found the local dollar store in your area? You'll find gift bags for a dollar, tissue paper for a dollar, and all kinds of school supplies. Some dollar stores have fresh produce for a dollar. I just found out that my local dollar store creates a dozen balloon arrangements for far less than the local party goods store. You just might want to go and check it out!

Now go and enjoy every moment!

Kim

The Bird is Back in Town

Three of my friends, Dee, Jennifer, and Denise, and I are getting ready to do a retreat this coming weekend in Dana Point. (We would LOVE your prayers!) At times, in the craziness of life and the sixteen children between the four of us, it can feel a bit out of control. And as the retreat gets closer and closer, I begin to wonder, "Am I crazy to be trying to write my talks? Is it too much to try to do this while the kids are all still at home and my husband is in Africa? God, are you hearing my prayers? Are you really such a God of details that you will give me every word to say, and bring exactly the women you desire to be there?

And then, something like the Bird Story occurs, and I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that He does care, that He is present, and that He oversees every single detail.

A week ago, Friday, my son's friend's family lost their cockatiel bird. They had forgotten to close the door on the cage and the bird, Sunshine, had not had its wings clipped in a while. So, Sunshine found her way out of the cage and flew to their front yard and across the street. They tried to catch her and were within a couple of feet when she flew out of reach.

Fast forward to six days later when their son, Connor, my son, James, and another friend were walking to the park near my house. We live about a mile away from the bird's home. As they arrived at the park, James happened to notice a bird fly above his head and into a tree. For some reason, she caught his eye because she looked like a household bird and not a bird of the wild. He turned to Connor and said, "Connor, is that your bird - Sunshine?" Connor could not believe it. There she was, sitting right up on a branch in a tall tree.

The boys eventually caught Sunshine with their bare hands. Connor held onto the bird while James called Connor's mom. James asked her to please bring a cage, but the mom thought James was teasing. So, she drove up in her SUV and James asked, "Do you have the cage?" She said, "No - I thought you were joking!! I can't believe you found Sunshine!" And the bird finally made it safely home that day while fluttering around their SUV.

Do you believe God is a God of details? What are the chances that the housetrained bird could survive in the wild for a nearly a week, not get eaten by hawks, and be able to be caught with bare hands? I'm so glad that God is detailed and that He is not a God of chance. I am thankful that somehow He will pull together this retreat in a way that will bring glory to Him because "when I am weak, He is strong" and "not even a sparrow can fall to the ground without His knowledge."

Dear Lord,

We praise you that you are a God of details. Thank you for caring for the little things in our lives. Thank you that you care so much for your children, that not a detail about our lives escapes you.

Today's Bargain Tip: The Purpose Driven Connection Magazine

Rick Warren has a new magazine available that costs only $20 for four issues annually. You can save $20 by subscribing for the magazine because a single issue will cost you $10. He is also providing a DVD of his small group curriculum, "Wide Angle", that he filmed with Chuck Colson regarding a Christian worldview. It also comes with the text for the six week study, inserted in the magazine. Such a deal!

Now go and enjoy every moment!

Kim

Seven Minutes of Pure Surprise

Okay, now that I have figured out how to post a YouTube video onto my blog, I just had to share one more unbelievable clip with you! (Although you must click on the link below, as they have blocked bloggers from sharing the clip on their site.)

This is the story of Susan Boyle, a 47 year old spinster from Scotland who tries out for the television show, Britain's Got Talent. You must see this for yourself, if you haven't yet witnessed this clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Yesterday, when I checked YouTube the clip had received 6 million hits. This morning, it has gone up to 12 million. As many people have said, she just opened her mouth and out came the voice of angels. Let God be praised. For He is the creator, the creator of all things. Hearing her beautiful voice draws me near to our Creator, the one whom we will worship for all of eternity. (Perhaps we will all have Susan's kind of voice in heaven?!)

Psalm 145 states: "I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. I will bless you every day, and I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery!

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will SING with joy of your righteousness."

Dear Lord,

You are mighty and worthy of our praise. Thank you for blessing people like Susan with an unbelievable voice, a voice that touches our souls and draws us near to you. Let us each use the voices you have entrusted us with to glorify You.

Today's Bargain Tip

Buy the quart at Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt for your family, or buy some extras when they go and sale and keep them in your freezer. You can save a lot, especially when the $6.99 quarts go on sale for $3.99 and a small is normally over $3.00.

Now go and enjoy every moment!

Kim

Dancin' with the Sound of Music

Okay, I love this YouTube video. Check it out - it's only four minutes long and based on the Sound of Music...it might just make your day!



Dear Lord,

Thanks for joy. Thanks for fun. Thanks for creating music and dance. You are great and greatly to be praised.

Bargain Tips for Today

Three tips I heard today...kids can get a free lift ticket at the BrianHead Ski Resort in Utah with straight A's (Thanks, Teresa Genoway, for the tip!), Orange County Pizza in Trabuco Canyon has large pizzas on sale on Mondays through Thursdays for $7.99, and iTunes now gives a price break for the OLDER songs from my generation. Rock on!

Now go and enjoy every moment!

Kim