The Tomlinson Trio: July 2008

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Scattered Lives

Isn't it amazing how God will so clearly speak to you and show you what He's trying to teach you even when you don't give Him the time of day? I've had one of these experiences recently where everywhere I looked and went I was getting hit with the same message! It amazes me that even though I was not putting The Lord first at the time He loved me enough to smack me upside the head!!

So what did He tell me? Well, from my devotions, to something I'd see online, to a Sunday morning sermon, everything was tying together with the message "stop being busy, slow down, realize what is important in life and take time on a weekly basis to rest, reflect, and stop!" As all these pieces were coming together I didn't see how it could be for me. See, I've always said I want to make it a priority to not let life control us and to not go through live on "auto-pilot". Plus, we are not busy right now! We are not involved in a lot of activities or commitments, but still, I couldn't deny that God was speaking this to me. Then, as I was doing a devotional and trying to figure this all He hit me with it- "No, you're right, your not busy right now running around with activities, it's your mind- your mind is busy"!!

As the Lord continued to speak to me I realized that in my everyday life my mind is busy thinking about everything that has to be done. From being a wife and mother to keeping house and running my own business I am constantly thinking ahead to the next thing on my list. The problem is that I'm getting all caught up in what needs doing that I'm not giving my attention to the Lord and keeping him my number one priority. I may get a lot accomplished in my day, but He sits there waiting to spend time with me and talk with me. I need to remember to weave everything I do into the purpose of glorifying Him.

I don't' know about you, but I want to live life on purpose and always be in tune with my God and my purpose. Here are some of the scriptures that spoke to me. Whether you are someone who struggles with just getting by in life or is scattered and running all over, may this be an encouragement to you to stop. Stop and reflect on what the Lord has done in your life and what He has for you in this season. Rest in Him.

Ephesians 5:15,16- Be very careful how you live-not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Psalm 39:6- Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro; he bustles about, but only in vain.

"I don't know about you, but I want to do more than survive life. It's not enough to just flap my wings a little before I hit the ground and get plowed under. I want to mount up like the eagle and glide over rocky crags, nest in the tallest trees, dive for nourishment in the deepest of mountain lakes, and soar on the wings of the wind." Barbara Johnson

"Don't let your life speed out of control. Life intentionally. Do something today that will last beyond your lifetime." Barbara Johnson

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Summer Fun!

It's been a while since I've updated, so we have lots of pictures! It's been a fun summer, we are definitely enjoying the nicer weather! You'll see all of our adventures below.

Gavin is now almost 9 months and seems like a little boy instead of a baby!! He's officially pulling himself up and standing on everything. He's been thinking about it for a few weeks now but would always give up after starting to try, then the other day he just decided to do it all the way and does it all the time now!!

Gavin's language is also expanding very quickly!! He started a few weeks ago with "bababababa" and now it includes "dadadada" and the letter g sound and a very fun (and high pitched) "yay"!!!
He has also gotten more teeth. One of the top ones has come through and the other one is about to any day now! He gives high fives and loves to "shake, shake, shake" his head back and forth when you tell him too!! My how this year is flying by!!

Sportin' his new hat and shades (the hat he leaves on, the shades- not a chance!!)

The first time he stood up in his crib the other day- now he's like that every time I go in there!

Splish-splashing!

Gavin had his first ride on a merry-go-round this week. Binghamton (where Marie's family is) is the carousel capital America so we visited a park and rode one while visiting grandma & grandpa! Gavin was a little tense and didn't really know what to make of it!!