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3 Common Traps that Hold us Back

February 11, 2015 By Lisa Lewis

 

It has been far too long since I’ve written…

ever start a long overdue letter or email with that phrase?

You may have thought to write many times but just haven’t sat down to actually follow through.

That’s been me.  Here.  And other places too.

I’ve been wrestling and waiting…with myself mostly and for what exactly?  I’m not sure.

But I decided I wanted to get some of this out of my head and onto the page.

I’ve been wrestling the thoughts of ‘not good enough’ and ‘you don’t matter’ for several months now.  And I was actually getting ready to give into those lies.

But God had a different plan.

I listened to the IF:Gathering this weekend. And I was reminded why I write. Why I can’t help but write.

For far too long you and I have allowed three traps to catch hold of us and hinder us from being all that we truly are in this with God life. We compare, we criticize and we compartmentalize.

Trap #1: We Compare

We look out at the world and then look at ourselves.  Most of the time we believe we’re not enough. Not good enough. Not smart enough, or talented enough or cute enough or…fill in the blank.  The world doesn’t love you.  It doesn’t love me. The world gives messages through media that reinforce our doubts and fears.  So what’s a girl to do?

love

Instead of compare, LOVE. Allow love to come into your heart. The world doesn’t love you but God does.  He knows your faults, limitations and loves you because you’re you.  Not in spite of those things but because of them.  The hard work is to believe God.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I call you Friend.

You are My Beloved.

Let those seep into the cracks of your broken heart; You are LOVED as you are. No need to compare.

Trap #2: We Criticize

I know we’re unique people but in talking with many women I have heard similar patterns that match up with my own thoughts and this second trap is common.  We criticize ourselves and others.  We tear down with hurtful words; sometimes only we hear them as we speak to our own thoughts. But the result is the same…not good enough. We get caught up in the critical trap and suddenly lash out and start using our words to tear down others too. Maybe to make ourselves feel better? Maybe to “help” someone grow? Neither reason fits with how God sees our words.

A harsh word stirs up anger…but a gentle answer turns away wrath.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in setting of silver.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger clamor and slander be put away from you along with all malice.

street love gift session 3 

Instead of being caught in the Trap of Criticism, look for the good in the imperfection of life.

Trap #3 We Compartmentalize

Too often I find myself saying the words “if only” or “should” “ought” or “must”. I put myself and my circumstances into a box.  It’s often the box labeled Perfectionism. All these words keep me from taking action. Keep me on the sidelines rather than actively in the game of Life.  And while I’m compartmentalizing myself I do the same to others; putting them in a box of my own design.  Too old. Too young. Too … (fill in the blank)  And again, this trap is just that; a way of hindering my with -God life from being all that He offers me.

For freedom has Christ set us free; stand firm therefore and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

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At the end of the IF Gathering we were asked what our next step of faith is.

Mine is to step forward with Courage…sharing gifts that He gives daily.

So in this step of courage, what Trap do you find yourself caught by most often?  What step will you take to keep from being caught in the trap next time?

 

Filed Under: Encouragement, Hope, Personal, Thankfulness Tagged With: comparison, compartmentalizing, criticism, freedom, gifts, God, IF Gathering, traps

31 Days of Encouraging Words #4

October 5, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

 

medium_5853195263photo credit: FDR Presidential Library & Museum via photopin cc

57 years ago an historic event occurred in another country, propelling the United States forward in the “Race for Space”.  Do you know your history?

It also happens to be the day I was born.  My life has been influenced by science, industry, competition and forward thinking.  Strive to be the best.  Don’t settle for anything less.  At the same time the words of President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural speech became the framework of service that has shaped me.

ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.

I was only 4 when that speech was given, but in the years to come those 17 words were repeated in the media and in classrooms through formative years.  I thought about what could I do for my country?  How could I help others?  Through involvements in student council, Scouts, church and the YMCA, I learned how to fundraise, serve those who were “less fortunate” in our community and how to be in leadership.

When I went away to college I joined a sorority,  Alpha Gamma Delta.  I learned what it means to live with purpose in those years as I was mentored by the Alumnae leadership while an undergraduate officer.  You might think “party girl” and although there was some of that there is much more to being involved in a fraternal organization.  Fundraising, leadership and altruism were high values that became even more deeply a part of me through my four years of college.  At the heart of our purpose are these words:

“To welcome the opportunity of contributing to the world’s work in the community where I am placed because of the joy of service thereby bestowed and the talent of leadership multiplied.”

A theme song of serving was starting to be played out in my life…

When God saw fit to open the eyes of my heart to understand His Word and purpose for my life, it was as if all the notes for the music dropped onto the page and a lovely melody came out.  I learned that servant leadership was a value to God because His Son modeled that life for us.  One of my favorite passages of Scripture that captures our actions as Christ followers is found in Philippians 2.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

We’re called forth from navel gazing (focusing on ourselves) to looking to the needs of others.  Just think!  If all of us looked out for each other, there would be a greater sense of community, less isolation and loneliness, more physical needs would be met and there would be a greater sense of purpose for all.

Jesus told us It is more blessed to give than to receive.

We can all take an audit of how our time is spent; time is the one resource we are gifted that cannot be renewed.  How we spend time will be what we give an account of when we stand before God.

There are a million little ways to begin!  Pray.  Go through your cupboards and closets and gather things to give away.  Volunteer for organizations that help others in some capacity.  Give financially.

Share some of your ideas that have worked for you!  It would be great to be able to learn new ways of giving/serving to encourage each other!

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Encouragement Tagged With: Alpha Gamma Delta, JFK, Philippians 2:3-4, Sputnik

31 Days of Encouraging Words #3

October 3, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Corazón

photo credit: Jonathan Rubio via photopin cc

I was nearly born a reader.  At least to hear my mother and gramma tell it.  I read Mother Goose Rhymes at the ripe old age of 3.  Impressive, eh?

I’m sure what really happened was the positive effect of reading to your children: they learn language. Rhythm, patterns, story, connection, comfort, closeness, fun.  Reading had an early positive effect on me.

I have loved to lose myself in books since I could read on my own.  My earliest “chapter book” was Anne of Green Gables.  Not a bad start really.  I was blessed with a wonderful, generous great-aunt Mildred who was the children’s book curator in a lovely bookstore in Witchita Falls, Texas.  Aunt Mildred would send books for gifts.

Some children would groan at receiving a book instead of a toy; not this kid.  I am the proud owner of the 1936 hard back editions of the entire series of Anne of Green Gables.  One book at a time.  Aunt Mildred knew I loved books.  She hoped I’d learn to love the Good Book when I was older.  In fact she prayed that over me when I was a small 9 yr old visiting her in the hot, humid summer of 1966.

I read and read and read.  My mother was a junior high English teacher who later became a high school English teacher so there was no shortage of recommendations of good titles for me to hunt for on my weekly trip to the local library.

I love the smell of books.  I use a kindle on my iPad but there is no replacing the smell of books.  Especially old books in used book stores (if the library is not open!)  Reading built my love for words; extended my vocabulary without flash cards and made me a better writer.  More pages read than pages written.  I live by that rule.

Are you familiar with the author of the quote on the picture above?  If you’ve seen the Broadway musical Wicked then you have encountered Gregory Maguire’s storytelling ability.  He wrote the book upon which the musical is based.  Check him out on Goodreads.  He takes a familiar story and writes around it in a new way; a new direction.  Not necessarily children’s lit just so you know.

My Aunt Mildred’s prayers were answered 15 years later when I asked for my first Bible.  I was curious at that point; how was the Bible so popular over so many centuries?  What did it have to offer of lasting value that extended beyond other books?

How little I knew at the time; faith comes by hearing the Word of God.  I had no idea the power that lay within that book; power to transform a broken, lonely young woman.  How the prayer of an older woman would have an effect 15 years later.  What a lovely circle to live within; an extended family who loved the Word as well as the written word.

What heritage are you leaving?  Do you have an extended family member who needs you praying for them?  Is there someone close to home who loves books but can’t spend money on them?  Do you know a family who would be blessed by an anonymous bag of children’s books dropped on their doorstep?  Do you have time to be a reading tutor for adults or children?

If you love story, how can you share that love with others?

Share your ideas here!

Filed Under: Encouragement, Personal Tagged With: Anne of Green Gables, Bible, reading

31 Days

October 2, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

31 Days 2

I’m taking up a writing challenge presented by The Nester, because, well, I like challenging myself.

I read about it last year half way through the month.  The Nester’s been doing this series for 5 years.  Each year it has grown; this year there will be over 1200 writers contributing in so many different categories!  One writer said she was going to write 31 days of Disney!  I will be checking her out for certain.

Me, well, I’m going to do what comes naturally… sharing encouraging words.  I’ll share a favorite quote I’ve collected and/or Scripture; a bit about how it encouraged me and how I hope the words will encourage you! My post directory will be here, updated each day with the link to the current post.  For you subscribers, you’ll still get the weekly digest of posts in one tidy email on Monday mornings!  No fuss, no muss!

Day 3

Day 4  Encouraging Words from President Kennedy

Scroll down to read Day 1.

river to the sea

Years ago I wrote this quote in my journal.  I was struggling with giving up my career to be a stay at home mom.  I know, I hear the disdain in your voice, “what kind of woman would want their career over time with their precious children?”  I did.  I was good at being a teacher.  I knew how to do that.  I didn’t know if I was going to be good at being a full time mom.  I was scared.

I heard the words of Jim Elliot at a season when I needed them.  My career was a gift just like my children were a gift.  God provided both.  He asked me to set one aside and take up a new role; a role where I was going to have to trust Him more than I had before…no getting away with relying on my own strength anymore.

Do you know who Jim Elliot was? He was a missionary to the Auca Indians in Ecuador.  In January of 1956, he and his fellow missionaries, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Roger Youderian and Pete Fleming were martyred while bringing gifts to the Auca.  Jim’s wife Elisabeth wrote a book about their sacrifice, Through Gates of Splendor.  Not too long ago it was made into a movie, End of the Spear. (2006)

A person who is willing to give up what is known for what is not yet is brave.  Courageous.

Reminds me of one of my favorite Scriptures I memorized with my son for VBS when he was little:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the One who goes with you.  He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

I have had that verse come to mind so many times over the years when I have faced the fear of the unknown in my future.

God is with you. Always.

Giving up what is known for what is not yet can be done.  Rely on His strength.

You are no fool to give what you cannot keep to gain what you cannot lose.

 

Filed Under: Encouragement Tagged With: Deuteronomy 31:6, End of the Spear, fear, Jim Elliot, Through Gates of Splendor

Does This Happen to You?

September 30, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind in your day before it really gets started?

You have a reasonable list of things to work through; it’s not over full but getting through to the bottom will keep you busy all day.

And then a curve ball gets thrown your way and you’re just not ready for it.

That happened this morning.  I really desire to show the Fruit of the Spirit wherever I go and with whom I interact.  Well today I, well, failed miserably.

All before 9 am.

Now mind you I had already had my coffee with Jesus and read Jesus Calling and my daily Scripture reading and my Mornings with Tozer devotional.  I had chatted with my hubster.  I had taken photos in the garden.  It was all glorious.

Then a text came in that jarred my serene countenance and the old self showed up in a big way.

What happened to applying all that I had just encountered?  Where did that peace go?  How did I so quickly dive head long into the depths of a yucky attitude?

I don’t know is the short answer.  I missed the choice point.  The place where I got to choose a slow, deliberate, patient response or the quick-tempered off the top of my head reaction.  I chose unwisely.

We always have them.  Choice Points.  My sweet mentor used that phrase so many times to remind me at each encounter God was giving me opportunity to learn discretion, discernment, wisdom.  Those characteristics aren’t ones we’re born with; they are earned from making the wise choice time and again.

What happens when we don’t choose wisely? Like this morning?  Is the whole day ruined by this one poor choice?  Do we just give up and figure we’ll start over tomorrow?

The short answer? NO

Start again. As soon as possible.

Admit your poor choice and ask for forgiveness; first to the Lord, then to the person (or people) who need to hear you ask for forgiveness.  You are forgiven because Christ paid for that poor choice already.  (that doesn’t mean you get a free pass to sin all the more! see Romans 6:1)

I have no promise that your asking for forgiveness from the one(s) you wronged will turn out great or even ok.  But taking the time to admit what happened and ask forgiveness is a demonstration of the inner work of the Spirit of God in your life.  Don’t just gloss over what happened as if it didn’t.  I know it’s tempting.  I’ve done it too.  It’s no good because you just end up feeling yucky all day long.  So get real as gently and as quickly as possible.

photo-4

Jesus told us if your eye is clear your whole body will be full of light.  Basically, when you know you’re forgiven and you live out that forgiveness, you see life clearly.  You see glimpses of God everywhere.  (see the bit of rainbow?)

I know sometimes you feel as if you’re all alone shining your light

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but God has promised He will never leave you or forget you.

Never.  In fact Paul tells us in his second letter to the church at Corinth: “But thanks be to God who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.”

Even when you choose unwisely.

Forgiveness isn’t to be taken lightly.  Our relationship with Christ isn’t to be taken lightly either.  He calls us Friends.  His grace to us cost Him everything.  But accepting His forgiveness and grace brand new can feel like the discovery of new life when it’s not the season

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Strawberries in September?

Reminding myself this morning of how vital forgiveness is helped get me back on track with the day.  Even when it was temporarily derailed so early.

We are called to live differently in this world.  Do the unexpected.  Ask for forgiveness.

And be forgiving.

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He is always with you, shining Light on your next step toward His home…

Filed Under: Encouragement, Hope, Personal Tagged With: choices, forgiveness, wisdom

4 Words to Tell Yourself (again & again)

September 23, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Have you ever thought much about your self-talk?  The words you tell yourself in your head? They may come out of your mouth when you think no one else is listening.

Are they kind words?  Are you nice to yourself?  Or do you have the voice of “the Bad Girlfriend” as my coach calls it?

I hadn’t thought about how I treat myself until one day I overheard my little boy say something to himself when he dropped something.

“That was stupid.”

ouch.

My eavesdropping became an awareness to change something I hadn’t had on my radar.

Maybe that is something you need to be aware of too.

Change is hard.  But the good news about change?  It’s constantly going on all around you. You might as well join in!

I’ve worked on that self-talk change for almost 20 years.  I have learned a four word phrase that I’ll share with you that you can tell yourself too.

You Can Do This.

These 4 words have helped me again and again.

We sent one son off to college. You Can Do This.

My mom and dad passed away in the same year. You Can Do This.

My husband and I trained for 6 months to ride our tandem bike around Lake Tahoe.

You Can Do This.

We’ve watched one son get married and move away. You Can Do This.

We launched our youngest to college all the way across the country! You Can Do This.

We emptied our home of 15 years and moved away from our community.  You Can Do This.

See what I mean?

A very helpful phrase.  But it’s really a shortened version of the first Bible verse I memorized when I came to faith in Jesus Christ at 23 years old.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

If you follow Christ, You Can Do This.  Whatever He calls you to, He will be with you in it.  His strength is yours to rely on, to sustain you through the change.  God doesn’t change.

Everything around us may change but God remains the same.  Yesterday, Today and Forever.

You Can Do This.

My recent challenge?

Food changes.

This guy has had hidden health issues. A change in what he eats will improve the issues.

Colin at Apple

So we became vegan.  Not just a change like “eat less fats” or “cut out sweets”.

A plant based diet will reduce the scary numbers that say bad things could happen.

I had to change how I cook, what I buy and just about everything I knew about food prep.

Tempeh Tacos

You Can DO This!  (these are tempeh tacos)

You might be a passionate cook who looks at a challenge like this with great enthusiasm.  That’s not me.

I have to talk to myself. Daily.  I had to find new sources of inspiration (check out my Pinterest boards for proof!)

Here is a new favorite book

French Market

Remy would be proud (ratatouille)

Your change challenge may be much different than food changes.  Believe me, I know change is hard.

But change can be good.

You Can Do This!

I’d love to hear your changes so we can encourage one another!

Also, I’m linking up today over at Sue’s blog:

Tasting on Tuesdays

Filed Under: Encouragement, Hope, Personal Tagged With: attitude, change, Kathy Vick, perseverance, Philippians 4:13

Family Fun Fridays: Camping Re-visited

September 19, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

It’s Friday. Maybe you’re exhausted from this first month of school.  Maybe you’re excited about what you might do with your family as the fall is easing into view in the weather and on the calendar.  Either way, I want to encourage you to think about getting outside with your littles and enjoying God’s beautiful gifts of Creation.

Whether you take them to the park, the beach, or the school playground, getting outdoors is an important part of childhood.  Having adventures together as a family is fun and memorable.

We’re a camping family.  Ever since the boys were babies we’ve camped.  They loved to go up the coast into the redwoods. They loved to camp near the beach to go boogie boarding.  They loved campfires (building and lighting, they’re boys after all) and especially loved the eventual s’mores.

We got the wild idea in the spring of 2001 that we should take the boys out of school (WHAT!!??) and camp around the country; giving them a taste of the grandeur and immensity of this nation.  We planned for months! We taped a map on the wall and let the boys put map pins on the places they wanted to see.  The Hubster and I added our own pins, too. We researched destinations and estimated costs; plotting a course that would circumnavigate the lower 48 states.

And we did it in this

van

This trip was pre-smart phone and google maps.  We had a gps and a phone that would connect to the internet via dial up modem (ancient tech history) which worked 1 out of 10 times!

We camped on average 5 out of 7 days; stopping to visit family and friends around the country.  We listened to music, sang songs, hiked beautiful trails, saw amazing vistas, met wonderful people and most of all, made memories.  Seeing historic places first hand, rather than in books, made a huge difference in appreciation of what the Minutemen had to go through or why the battle at Gettysburg cost the lives of so many.  Both of our sons grew up loving history; due in part to this trip of living history.

Like labor & delivery, there were hard parts but the good outweighed the bad.  We got one speeding ticket (seriously? in a fully loaded VW?); had a few emotional meltdowns (mom hates wind, bridges and semi-trucks); but were blessed with no mechanical issues and almost a completely healthy trip (dad got an ear infection).

It wasn’t always neat and tidy

inside of van

but the four of us managed to live in here and get along for the months of September and October of 2001.  Our sons were 13 and 6. Yes, that is a 7 year gap. In school they wouldn’t have see one another; too many years between them. But on the road trip they learned together, had fun together, argued about space together, and learned to resolve conflict without being sent to their rooms.  We read the Bible together, talked about God’s creativity as we witnessed so many different rock formations, rivers, trees, and people.  He covered our trip with favor in the midst of one of our country’s greatest tragedies: the bombings of Sept. 11.  We were drawn closer together as a family through the aftermath; we had just visited Mount Rushmore the night before and were headed east.  We saw people of our country come together to pray in places you wouldn’t have imagined like the parking lot of the Mall of America in Minneapolis for a candlelight vigil.  We went to church in places around the country and worshiped with strangers but didn’t feel strange.  Our trip was unique for many reasons but the timing in history makes it standout to this day.

This scrapbook journal box says it all

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You may not be ready to hit the road yet.  Camping isn’t easy for everyone I know.   I may not have convinced anyone to pack up right now, but I hope you’ll consider camping as an option for fun things to do with your family.  Get together with another family as I mentioned in my earlier post.  Go to a local county park so you’re close to home in case something happens that you feel you can’t handle (health issues, sleeping bag wetting, etc.).  At least give it a try!

Do you have a success story to share?  Encourage another family by commenting!

 

Filed Under: Encouragement, Parenting, Personal, Thankfulness Tagged With: campfires, camping, road trip, s'mores, travel

Do You Wonder?

September 17, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Do you wonder?

prefumo canyon dirt

How life can get so tangled up sometimes, how so many decisions, choices and deadlines can block your sense of Light on your path?

I do.

Sometimes I wonder how all the little ‘yes I’d be happy to’ and ‘yes I can help’ and yes I can do that’ end up in the same week as a sick child with a science fair project due.

prefumo canyon road and fog

Do you ever wonder about where all this is leading?

I do.

I’ve wondered if all the busy-ness is really valuable or if it is a disease of America (or addiction) that we over-commit ourselves right out of a peaceful present and into a frantic pace that leads to an empty soul.

We have other choices.  They’re hard to make at first.  To say ‘No’ takes courage.  To say ‘No’ takes purpose. We can make different choices. They may not make us popular with the moms at school or with our bosses when they want to add more to an overflowing inbox or with our children who come to us with the bottomless pit of ‘but I need…’ It’s time to press the pause button on this pace of life.

Stop. Breathe.

Take a moment and look around you.  Inside.  Outside.  Find one thing that you hadn’t noticed.

spring flower

Whatever that one thing is, take this moment to give God thanks for that one thing.

We can be so busy running from this to that we neglect the Most Important task on our list: prayer.

Be still and know that I am God.

He is here, He is with you in your dashing about, He has promised NEVER to leave you or forget you.

We forget.  He doesn’t.

But He does forgive…

as far as

and we are free to begin anew.  Make a new choice. Take the time to breathe. To be renewed. To fill your soul with His encouragement of peace and joy in your present moments.

To wonder at a big audacious God who loves, forgives, equips and abides with us…because of LOVE.

Now that is something worth wonder!

I’m joining in with Holley Gerth today; won’t you stop by?

 

Filed Under: Encouragement, Hope, Parenting, Thankfulness Tagged With: Holley Gerth

Musings on Monday

September 15, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

 

Does the thought of Monday make your breathing shallow and your heart rate increase?

Another week packed with appointments, an over filled schedule that requires teleportation to fit it all in?

What if you tried something new, something that just might slow your heart rate and allow you to breathe in deeply?

Want to try?

Take a moment and gaze at this picture.

Hills of Ben Lomond

Now slowly read these words:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

Imagine you’re walking on this shore…

shore of Ben Lomond

The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

Slow down. Spend time musing over these words. Allow them to seep into your soul.

Make time for musing.

Mondays are good. So is every day. A coffee break at work or at lunch or during your child’s nap. You pick.

Allow yourself a few moments to slow down…

Reflect on what you’re thankful for, what you’re looking forward to, what in this present moment is relaxing you.

I’d love to hear how your musing goes.

 

 

Filed Under: Encouragement, Hope, rhythm of life, Thankfulness Tagged With: Ben Lomond, Psalm 121

Family Fun Fridays

September 12, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

A friend posted a parenting question on Facebook recently.  “What do you like to do with your kids for FUN?”

I heard (or at least imagined) in her words a plea for something out of the ordinary.  Something everyone would like.  Something memorable.

Much of what moms do can be so ordinary: grocery shop, prepare meals (that get complaints), laundry, teach manners, teach pick up and put away (again and again and again), change diapers, clean up messes, clean up tiffs between siblings, repeat.  Wanting to know what others do for fun made sense to me.  When I was in the throes of parenting, I did not want to be the mom remembered for always being serious (“Oh I’m sorry you made that choice…”)

I also knew this Facebook friend was crowd sourcing (which is a great way to get a bunch of ideas all in one place) but her question gave me an idea for a Friday blog series; hence the title: Family Fun Fridays.

To start us off on this weekly venture I texted my sons (who are grown men in case you just dropped by) asking them what they remember of fun things we did together.  Happily they quickly texted with favorites that made me smile.  Number one for both of them?  Camping.

Now before you throw your arms up and tell me you hate camping, please hear me out.  I know that not all you parents grew up in families that camped, so lack of experience may keep you from it.  You might think it’s an expensive way to get outdoors.  It can be if you think you need every bell and whistle to be able to camp. I’ll say, Not Necessary.  If you live in a city, getting out past the boundaries of crowded civilization will do all of you good.  If you live near the great outdoors but haven’t gone camping as a family yet, give it a try!

Where else can you let your little boy do this?

Kurt in Yosemite campsite

(without worrying about how much the water costs?)  Playing in water, dirt, sand, whatever, is a child’s slice of heaven.  What great memories!

Here’s an idea, go camping with another family whose kids are near your kids ages.  It’s a great way to share expenses, keep your kids entertained so you can rest a bit and get vitamin D for everyone!

Brownings & Schwabs

Growing up, my parents always included another family in our camping trips.  We went to Yosemite for two weeks one summer and Lake Tahoe for two weeks the next summer.  My brother and I grew up with these kids.  Their family lived in another part of our city so we only went to school with them once we got to high school, but by then it was so helpful to know someone in such a big school.  But I digress…

Mom & me in Yosemite campsite

If you’re worried about dirt conflicting with fashion, you can tell my mom managed to overcome the conflict.  I on the other hand cleaned off in the river daily!

Remember, family fun is supposed to be out of the ordinary.  Memorable.  Camping certainly provides those two aspects.  Where else can you do this with your kids?

Mom & Kurt getting water

In the midst of all the fun outdoors is the very real opportunity to look around at God’s Creation and appreciate the beauty He blessed us with and intends for us to enjoy.

Mom & me at half dome

This was my first camping trip at age 3.  (please note all you dirt phobs; she’s wearing WHITE shorts) My early experiences with mountains and trees still cause me to pause, look up and give thanks to a great big God who made all this beauty.

Yes I grew up going camping so it was a natural thing to want to do with my own kids.  But that didn’t mean I didn’t have to make a list of things to pack.

Camping can be simple.  Try one weekend. Cereal for breakfast. Sandwiches for lunch. Mac n cheese for dinner. (jazz it up with peas and tuna!) S’mores for dessert!!

Borrow things before you invest to see if you really want to commit.

Go with another family who has other stuff like a tent, stove, lantern, etc.

Go.  You may find you like it.  You may also find that your children have memories of outdoor fun that will last a lifetime.

 

Filed Under: Encouragement, Parenting, Thankfulness Tagged With: camping, Creation, Lake Tahoe, tent, Yosemite

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Meet Lisa…

I am a native California girl married to my best friend, Colin; we currently live and work in the Silicon Valley. I am privileged to be mom to two fantastic grown sons, mom-in-law to a wonderful daughter, and recent Mimi to a grand-daughter! On any given Saturday, you can see my hubster and I out on our tandem bike somewhere, enjoying the beauty of creation! Read More…

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