Comparison Kills Happiness

When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” ~ John 21:18-22

I know I wrote about these verses years ago, but I probably mention this daily with my kids! Seriously. All day I hear But he or But she. It’s always comparison with each other or other kids — what they have or get to do.

My motherhood mantra for them and myself is You follow Me!

Summer Son Enjoyment

• First week of August: My mom took Micaiah home with her to spend his week alone with the grandparents; we loved on Aolani by letting her have a sleepover with her best friend, watching Ever After together, playing games and more; went to a pre-wedding reception picnic at a park; and, we had a breakfast, two lunches and a dinner with friends.
• Second week of August: We met my parents halfway to trade the big kids and let Aolani have her week alone with the grandparents; we loved on Micaiah by letting him have two play dates with his best friend, taking him and Raphael to the the movie theater for a family showing of the live action Lion King, playing games and more; Ricky took me out for a lunch date one day after we got something notarized; and, met my parents halfway again to get our girl!
• Third week of August: We went over to friends for dinner; attended a rehearsal dinner for a wedding that Aolani got to read 1 Corinthians 13 in the next day (she was so excited and did a beautiful job!); Micaiah had a play date one afternoon; had a cookout with some close friends; Ricky received some farm animal training to help out our friends and then he went kayaking again with his guys’ night group (not in the dark this time!); spent a day with my aunt and uncle and went to their pool; and, the kids and cooked meals for another family one afternoon :)
• Fourth week of August: We went to Charlotte for a few days and met with several friends; had a friend come over to babysit all day one day while Ricky took me to court to witness for a friend (but ended up not needing to), so we went on another lunch date; Ricky met a mentor for lunch; and, he took the big kids to play laser tag for their first time as a surprise for completing another school year:)
• Raphael's romps: U I have missed documenting so many milestones and notes here! He was really attached to Mama this month but usually it’s Dada; is learning his body parts; loves balls and is naturally athletic (started kicking on his own a while ago; and, really started to adore trains. He likes sleep a lot and will even run to his bed if he’s really tired!!

• School verses: Micaiah -- Proverbs 1:7 ; Aolani — Romans 8:28, 31
• Verses I memorized: 1 Peter 4:13-14, Psalm 103:1-2

How to Bear Fruit

Let your roots grow down deep into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7

This verse lends itself to such beautiful imagery! I can just see a great tree with deep roots and a big, strong trunk. It’s flourishing with bright green leaves and...

Overflowing with fruit of course! ("Overflowing with thankfulness.")

When we give thanks, we bear fruit! 

And who doesn’t want to see the fruit of the Spirit in their lives?!

So, give thanks friends!