In the midst of walks on the gravel with our cousins, eating Grandma Judy's good food, endlessly pulling sandals on and off, and watching the maintenance men working the grounds, the Lord has been answering my prayer for our summer at camp. I'm happy to report that He has provided a sweet window of quiet time with Him every day so far. And not only the time, but He planted the desire for that fellowship with Him in my heart. He is so faithful. (I haven't made it out to the dock yet. It rained this weekend. Hopefully soon!)

I'm currently reading my usual devotionals (*see note at bottom of this post for a list of my favorites) as well as the book of Mark- which has been so, so good. This is the first time I've gone through one of the gospels as an adult, and with the addition of a study bible. It feels like a whole new ball game. Jesus is bringing me so much deeper and I just appreciate everything so much more and I crave the studying part of reading my bible. I'm keeping notes as I go, but I want to get better at journaling and meditating on what I read each day. I chose to start reading Mark because of something I read in Elisabeth Elliot's wonderful, useful book Keep A Quiet Heart (one of my big favorites) and I instagrammed about it a few weeks ago:

Whew! Hi guys! We've been here (living at camp) a week already and this is the first time the thought of blogging has even struck me. (!!!) We finished up the school year last Friday and the very next morning we packed up the car and closed up the house in town! And here we are. My days are much the same -- keeping my little ones in tow and entertained and fed and safe and somewhat clean, and the laundry in progress. I also wipe a ton of drool from my teething boy's chin and the cute little buns of my almost-3-year-old potty training/trained girl. I feel like I transferred my normal job to a new, prettier location, with super fun neighbors. Casper is getting close to the point of a good nap and nighttime routine and Hadley is loving living around her friends, playing endlessly, and sleeping hard. And we're working on not being afraid of Champ the camp dog ;)

Grant has already been out mowing (with eye protection on- don't worry) and the anniversary of his injury just passed. We are so thankful that the Lord spared his eye and we continue to pray for full healing and clear sight someday, if that's the Lord's will.

Summer's off to a great start! Tomorrow morning is the first staff meeting of the 2014 season and I cannot wait. I'm a sucker for meetings.

Since this is the week leading up to my due date (oh my goodness!), I thought it would be fitting to spend it posting a few thoughts on preparing for labor and birth.. one of my favorite subjects. If you aren't interested in that sort of thing, rest assured that I have some yummy recipe posts coming and more gut health FAQ's waiting in the wings. So hang in there! Also, as you guys can probably guess, when the baby arrives, I will be posting sporadically and keeping things very short and sweet while I hang out, heal, and nurse the newest little person in our house.

A while ago, I received a great email question from a reader:
I know that when you prepared for Hadley's arrival, you meditated on a lot of scripture. Would you be willing to share what verses you used? As I prepare for my first birth, I would love to have some insight from another mom who has used this strategy. 

My answer: Yes! 1,000 times yes. Birth is something that sends my mind reeling. If I didn't keep my thoughts under control with the Word, I would be lost to fear, worry, doubt, and dread. During my pregnancies I've relied heavily on some hand-written notecards with bible verses, hymn lyrics, and favorite quotes as I mentally prepared for labor. Spending the weeks leading up to Hadley's birth dwelling on these truths made such a difference when I was actually in labor. I drew snippets from my memory each time a contraction would start. It was my coping mechanism, and Jesus sustained me with His truth and strength. "I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and He suffers in me now; He sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong." Believer, lay hold of this in all times of agony. Let the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in His steps. Find a sweet support in His sympathy." -C.H. Spurgeon

Here's a list of verses that I used (and am still using to prepare for this birth), as well as some more quotes from Spurgeon that are near and dear to my heart. Most of these verses have to do with fear, burdens, peace, and the promise of His help, strength, and power in times of need.


I'm reminding myself, and encouraging you, if you are looking forward to a birth or any big undertaking soon, to read these promises, take them back to the Great Promiser, and ask Him to fulfill His word. Plead His written promises and He will perform them.