A Lesson on Being Still

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

Be still. Still. Be. Still. Be still. Each time I write it, it looks more and more strange. Wrong. Almost as strange and wrong as it feels to actually be still. In today's society, so much emphasis (and recognition!) is placed on going and doing and accomplishing...fill in the blank. So to be still in contrary to what has been taught and reinforced since childhood.

Throw in motherhood and the concept of being still is nearly impossible. Nevermind more than one child who constantly "needs" something -- a milk refill, a shoe tied, a light turned on, a kleenex, a blanket, a bandaid, a hug, a snack, help buckling a seatbelt, help finding Buzz, no not that Buzz, the other Buzz, help writing numbers, help catching a ladybug. There are so many "needs" to tend to on a daily basis, 24 hours a day!

But what do they really need? How can their mommy really meet their needs? By being still. Showing them how to be still. And know God. To "be still and know that I am God."

Yes, I still have to meet their physical need, but more importantly, I need to show a living example of how to be still. Balance. Settle down. Set limits. Establish healthy boundaries. Quiet. Calm. Order. Peace.

"Be still and know that I am God." Be still. Be. Still. This is my charge. I believe that God has placed my physical limitations on my life so that I will slow down and be still. This verse is brought to mind each day, throughout the day, and I believe without a doubt that God is at work through it. Be still. Carly, be still. Know me. Know that I am God. I am your God.

God is teaching me a big lesson now. I don't want to miss it. So, I am choosing to stop. To listen. To settle. To be quiet. To find balance. To be still. Be. Still.

"Be still and know that I am God." -- Psalm 46:10

Three Little Noses

A precious moment at our house this afternoon.

Pure Love

Oh, this baby. I am so, so blessed.

I never imagined there could be enough love. But amazingly, there is an abundance.

Grant Todd Winborne

November 3, 2010

1:13pm

7lbs., 6 oz.

20 inches

some favorite things

the quiet of my house with only faint Praise Baby music playing from the kids' rooms and a snoring dog on the couch.

a sweet girl's smiling face saying "thank you" when i gave her an english muffin and strawberry smoothie this morning.

an energetic boy dressed as buzz lightyear re-enacting all buzz's actions he remembers from his trip to disneyworld.

a helpful husband who folded a load of laundry for me last night.

my last free day where kids are gone until 2pm until . . .

Carrier Cover

My sweet friend, Pamela, has a beautiful baby Macy Kate. When Macy Kate was born, Pamela crafted the most adorable car seat cover. I asked if she would make me one, once she began sewing again. Even better, she shared her secret on how to do it!

Pamela recently came over for a morning of sewing. (Our older children were at school and Macy Kate just watched from the bumbo and played on the floor quietly - THE ENTIRE TIME!!! I seriously hope my baby is cut from the same mold as she was!) Anyway, Pamela walked me through the process, used her serger where necessary and left me to finish the rest. What a fun project and oh-so-much-cheaper than the ones in the stores.

Here is the result. I couldn't be more pleased! And what a great way to re-use something from other children, but make it new again for the new baby?! Thank you, Pamela, for sharing your skills with me!

Muscles

Have you ever seen muscles like these? Never in my life.

It was 50s day at school for Jack today. He was pretty excited about his tattoo.

It's Fall, Y'all

I've always loved fall. It reminds me so much of when I was a little girl, and I have such good memories of that time. Plus, I love You've Got Mail and all the fall scenes in that movie. Freshly sharpened pencils, anyone?

So, here are a few pictures of fall at my house. These decorations will be up until Christmas kicks off sometime around Thanksgiving. Oh, I can't wait.

Did you know that I'll have a baby by then? (Any day now, actually.) But my plan is to send my older two children off to school, come home and soak up every single second of holiday goodness with my newborn. It brings tears to my eyes, thinking about it now. I can't wait to share Christmas with a new baby.

Until then, here's fall.

Aren't these pumpkin faces hilarious? My mother-in-law found the kits with a set of faces at the Dollar Spot at Target. My children were in heaven, having the best time decorating pumpkins. And I loved them because it was much easier than actually carving a pumpkin.