15+ Ways to Show Love to Others

Years ago, I took the Five Love Languages quiz.  Not surprisingly, my #1 love language was Acts of Service, followed closely by Words of Affirmation.  While these are the ways that I best feel loved, I think they are also the ways that I show love.

Need me to help keep your kids?  Gladly!  Need help setting up for an event you are hosting?  Sure!  Need me to drive you to a doctors appointment?  Of course!  I often stay and clean up after friends' kids' birthday parties, because that is my thing.  (Just be sure to affirm me afterwards or I will get my feelings hurt...ha!)

I say that to get to this.  On Sunday at church, our pastor said that, as Christians, it is time to get off our butts (he said bottoms, because he is a pastor) and LOVE OTHERS.   A previous pastor often said, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."  I don't know if it's because of my love language, but this fired me up, ya'll.  My faith is not about sitting on a nice, cushioned pew in a nice, cool sanctuary, drinking my coffee while listening to an ensemble and a sermon.  That has it's place, believe me.  Even as Christians, we need teaching and let's not suffer if we don't have to, am I right?  But, personally, I don't feel called to pack up my family and move to Africa.  I don't feel called to go all David Platt and sell everything I own for the gospel.  What I do feel called to do is show others that I love them.

Write letters to elderly and/or shut-ins.

Send gift packages to military families.

That mom down the street who can't keep her daughters' heads lice-free, because she can't afford the treatment?  Take her the Nix.  And maybe even volunteer to take some bedding home and wash it for her, because treating five lice-ridden heads is enough to drive anyone insane.

The new family in the neighborhood?  Take them cookies or muffins or even a full meal.

Ditto with the family with the new baby.  Offer to keep older kids for a few hours.

Send a note of appreciation.  Or encouragement.

Speak well of others, not because you have to but because you can.  (This goes along with my Words of Affirmation language--nothing makes me happier than hearing nice words about myself.)

Cook dinner (or order pizza) and invite a family over.

Pay for the person's meal behind you in the drive through.

Drop a gift off on a doorstep.  Muffins, cookies, chips and salsa.  Leave a note, so they'll know it's safe to eat :)

Pray for someone, and then let them know.  A simple text message saying "I prayed for you today!" can go a long way.

Contact your local school and see what supplies are needed.  Donate these.

Purchase and deliver items off a needs list for a Children's Home.  (Or nursing home, children's hospitals, etc.)

Leave a big tip with a nice note.

Deliver snacks to the local fire and/or police department.

Buy frivolous grocery items and deliver them to a family in need.  (Fruit, pop-tarts, popcorn, cookies, snacks.)

Go to a lower income neighborhood and hand out books (children and adult).  Books can be new or used.

Have more ideas? PLEASE share them in the comments.  The girls and I are making this summer a Summer of Service!

One of the Greatest Posts I'll Ever Write

For a few months now, Kyndall has been asking questions about salvation.  Little things.  Tiny questions.  Justin and I have been very careful to only answer the questions she asks.  We did not want to volunteer any information or persuade her in any way.  Salvation at such an early age is a tenuous thread.

Last Sunday after church, as I was tucking her into bed, Kyndall asked me (again) what happens after you die.  I started with the superficial "You have a funeral and then you are buried..." but she wanted more.  I told her that some people go to Heaven and some go to Hell.  She reiterated to me the things she has heard over many years of being raised in church--that you must be saved to go to Heaven, that to be saved you have to ask Jesus into your heart, that Jesus forgives you of your sin.  And then she looked at me with confidence and said "Can I do it right now?"  And there, tucked in between her pink and purple sheets and all her stuffed animals, we prayed.

There were tears in both our eyes as she asked Him to come into her heart, to forgive him of her sins.

The next day, we met with our pastor.  He is the same man who baptized Justin and performed our marriage ceremony and I am so glad that God has given him such a strong part in our story.  He asked Kyndall several questions, all of which she could answer.  We set the date for her public confession of faith--her baptism.

This morning, at 10:30 a.m., she was baptized.  There is no greater feeling than to know that my big girl's future is secure.

Luke 18:17 I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.
Matthew 18:3 Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

A political rant from the not-so-political media specialist

Please pause while I step up to the podium.

I don't usually get into politics much.  As a matter of fact, the presidential race is the only thing "political" I ever pay attention too.  I actually even watched the presidential debate this year, for the first time ever.  It feels wonderful to be informed, but also a little bit scary.  I think I like my land of denial better.  I hate seeing the future of our country, the leadership of our nation, reduced down to a matter of race.  The color of your skin shouldn't determine who you vote for.  Our president can be black, white, or green for all I care.  I want someone who will stand up for what he believes in, and someone who has the same morals and values that I want to instill in my children.

And honestly, when I go vote today, I feel that I'm going to be choosing between the lesser of two evils.  I mean, why can't we have a CHRISTIAN candidate to choose?  At least I can be comforted in the fact that, regardless of which presidential candidate is chosen today, my God is always in control.

And now I'm stomping stepping down...

On a lighter note, Kyndall got to experience voting for the first time today.  At school, we had a very realistic mock election.  Students worked hard to create voting booths and set up a ballot box.  We were even able to get an authentic voting kit, complete with signs, "I voted" stickers, and badges.  

Here she is registering to vote:

And signing in:

In the booth about to place her vote:

And turning in her ballot.

After placing her vote, she and Harrison worked as volunteers to register the older kids.

Awana Kick-Off

Tonight was the AWANA kick-off at church.  The girls were so excited-- they both had their shirts, books, bags, and Bibles;  and they were ready to go!

At the kick-off, the girls ate pizza, played games, and met their Awana teacher.  They played introduction games with their classmates, just in case they didn't know everyone. And the Awana leader told them all about how they would have "homework" each week and that they needed to study their verses.  K was already practicing her verse on the way home!  Here's to a great year of Awana'a!

Gossipy Girls

Last night was Kyndall's Girls of Grace class at church.  The lesson was on gossiping, and how we need to use our mouths for good and not for bad.  I think it was a perfect lesson--I have been amazed lately at how early we females start critiquing each other!

Here is K with her friend, Madison.

Mrs. Emily taught the lesson, and as an example, she had the girls play "The Gossip Game."  She started a secret in the first girls' ear and it was passed all around to see what it came back as.  The original line was "Mrs. Courtney likes pink hair."  It came back as "God gives us love."  Somewhere along the way, one of our girls 'churched it up!' 

Obviously,  the point of the game was to see how quickly gossip can get twisted.  That worked!  Then, Mrs. Emily explained to the girls how we can't be inviting other people to church one second and dissin' on someone the next.  God expects us to use our mouths to spread good news and say nice things.  After the lesson, the girls all had their make-up done.  Here is Macy putting blush on K...

I didn't get any photos of the final look---we had cake right after this, so I was busy cutting and serving and eating :). 

Summer Memories and a Good Book

I am so thankful for the wonderful memories we are making this summer!  Yesterday, we took the kids to see a movie at the Monaco and then bowling.  My girls had never been bowling before and they loved it!  (The photos aren't so great, thanks to the lighting.)

And today, we went swimming! 

Don't you love that hair?  Crazy hair is a sign of too much fun--did you know that?

I have to take a minute to share--- I've been reading this book and it has really touched my heart! 

You can purchase and/or download it here.  You can also join in the book club and be part of discussion on the author's blog.  I needed this book.  It's been great for my soul.  And it's funny how God works, because after reading the first chapter of this book, I came across this blog post, which is all about putting on a "front" as a Christian.  How we think we need the perfect attitude, the perfect house, the perfect everything.  Read it.  Go.  Now.  And let me know what you think =)

Hands

In tonight's Girls of Grace class, Jess taught on the topic of hands.  She talked about using our hands to pray.  She gave the girls the illustration below about using your hand to help you remember what to pray for.  The thumb reminds you to pray for family and friends, the pointer for preachers, teachers, and directors, the middle finger for police, firemen, and government officials, the ring finger for sick people or those in trouble, and the pinky finger for yourself.

And after the lesson, all the girls had their fingernails painted.  All 21 of them!! That's 210 fingernails ladies and gentlemen! =)  The adult helpers set up a nail-painting assembly line.  There were people removing polish, people painting nails (as in this photo of K getting her nails done).

 There were those of us with hairdryers to speed up the drying process.

And we had a few teen helpers adding designs and a top coat.

Overall, I'd say tonight's lesson was a success.  All the girls went home with their own bottle of polish and a reminder to pray daily.

Ordinary Days

Today has been a perfectly ordinary day.  There was mostly good.  There was a little bad.  It’s not really worth retelling.  Our perfectly ordinary day has, in an odd way, made my heart heavy.  I’m so very thankful that my girls spent the day splashing and giggling at the pool.  I love that we spent time with friends and basked in the sunshine.  I am undeniably grateful that we have this special time together.

All this makes me think about those who hope for perfectly ordinary days.  In this world, there is hard stuff.  Really, tough stuff.  Friends are hurting.  A sweet local family has a 2 year old daughter battling leukemia.  I read her Facebook updates and I know she hopes, she prays, for a perfectly ordinary day.  Another friend delivered a sweet baby girl and was able to hold her for 2 hours before that little one left this earth to be with our Heavenly father.  A distant cousin is fighting for her life as a result of spinal meningitis.  A high school friend of mine was killed in a car accident a few nights ago.  The list goes on and on.

I don’t know why bad things happen.  I especially don’t know why bad things happen to good people.  My human self thinks that bad things, like cancer and death, should only happen to bad people—murderers and rapists.  But God sees things differently.  And I know that He is the one in charge, not me.   We may not know God’s reasons, but we can know HIM.  And we can put our trust in Him. 

And I can praise Him for perfectly ordinary days.

Brave

On Sunday, we went with a few of our favorite people to see the new movie, Brave.  It was super cute and had a great moral lesson--Don't be disrespecting your mama!! :)

These kids are so great at taking pictures--I guess they are somewhat used to it :)

Then, Sunday night, we started a new class at church for girls, grades K-4.  It's titled Girls of Grace, and we kicked it off with an old-fashioned tea party.  The girls dressed up and had a lesson on manners, biblical style.  I am so excited about this class!  Each week we will focus on a different topic--hands, feet, makeup--and explore biblical principles that go with that topic.  After a short lesson, the girls will have an activity to go with the topic.  For example, the lesson on hands could be about serving God and helping others, and the activity will be a mini-manicure.  Cool, huh?

The tea party went off without a hitch.  Below are a few photos:

Look who popped in all dressed up! My friend Lisa.

Written on the Wall

The West family is considering a few MAJOR changes right now.  We (Justin and I) feel that these things are in God's plan, but would REALLY like a little assurance in some way.  I "coincidentally" came upon this song by Todd Agnew.  The chorus is like this:

I wish you still spoke through burning bushes,

And I wish you still wrote on blocks of stone,

'Cause the sound of this world's deafening

And I'm having a hard time listening

And I wish your will was still written on the wall.

And my favorite verse:

I can't seem to find you

I just need a little clue

It doesn't have to be the parting of the sea

If you'd just show me

your way.

I know you still want to speak to me

Cause I know your love

So if you are reading this, please take a second and pray that Justin and I would follow God's will and have a peace that we are following His will and not ours.  And look up Todd Agnew on youtube--he has some amazing songs that are so very honest about what he sometimes feels as a believer.

Speaking of writings, I am currently reading book 2 of the Inn Boonsboro series, written by Nora Roberts. I'm a HUGE Nora Roberts fan, and if you haven't read any of her books, this series is perfect. Book 2 is titled The Last Boyfriend-- a little romance, a little mystery, even a touch of the supernatural.   (If you're interested, book 1 is The Next Always.)

Also on my summer reading list are the following:

• Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life by Emily Freeman
• Harry Potter by JK Rowling (I actually want to read this entire series! Can't believe I'm an elementary librarian and haven't read them before now! Shhhh.... don't tell anyone!)
• One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
• Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse Fitzpatrick
• The Yellow Sock: An Adoption Story by Angela Hunt
• Tamara's Child by BK Mayo

Just a bit of humor: I realized as I was making this list that all of these books, with the exception of Harry Potter, are faith-based novels. I guess after reading the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, God knew I needed to cover that trash up with some good, moral information. He DOES have a sense of humor :)

Have you read any of these books?  Have any great summer reads you would like to share?

Fear

The past few nights, we have been working on a new bedtime routine for the girls.  I have always curled up in bed with them until they fell asleep, which sometimes could take a full hour.  Well now, we read a book, say our prayers, and then I tuck them into bed and leave.  Things went pretty well the first few nights, but about three nights ago, K started getting very upset when it was time for me to leave her.  She is TERRIFIED that our house is going to catch on fire.  In the past three nights, I have ranged from paranoid (is she having some sort of vision??) to consoling (It's not going to catch on fire.  Mommy and Daddy will take care of you.) to just plain frustrated.

Last night, after we had exhausted the fact that there most likely would not be a fire in our house, but if there was, Mommy and Daddy would come get them, I had a vision.  I realized that nothing I said or did could take away her fear.  So I turned around, went back in, and our conversation went something like this:

Me:  Kyndall, do you know what we can do to help you not be so afraid?
Kyndall:  What?
Me:  We can pray and ask God to protect us and to calm your fears.
Kyndall:  And He'll do it?
Me:  Absolutely.

Together, we talked to God and layed it all out there--her fears, her doubts, her needs.  And you know what?  No more tears. 

I have no doubt that I would walk through fire to get to my girls.  I would do everything humanly possible to protect them, but that's just it.  I am only human.  Sometime during their lifetime, I am going to mess up.  I am going to fail them.  (I can only hope it's with something less life-threatening than a house fire.) It doesn't matter how hard I try, or how many precautions I take, I am not the one who is ultimately in control.  And that can be hard.  As a parent, I want my children to see me as SuperMom.  And I am, on some level.  But as SuperMom, it's my job to teach them about a Super God.

A God who is all-powerful. 
A God who is perfect--He doesn't make mistakes or mess up. 
A God in whom I can trust with my most precious little ones.  And they can trust with their fears, doubts, and needs.

And last night?  Well, that was the first lesson.  For me, as much as for Kyndall.