The Call Of The Mud

Well then. It happened again. The call of the mud. It cannot go unanswered. 

This time T acted as though he was at a spa. He carefully, deliberately painted it on every visible limb, and even gave his face a mud mask. Of course I didn't have the camera at that moment.

F stuck with the nearby wading pool. While she does enjoy a good dig in the mud the call of wet water is stronger for her.  She was a bit jealous when T got a midday bath. 

Learning to ride terrain

For three weeks now we've been out of the Midwest, visiting relatives in the west and southwest. T has had the wonderful opportunity to improve his bicycle skills. There are so many places to ride here, on concrete and on dirt. My does T enjoy "off roading"! He intimidates easily though when confronted by a hill. Today Grandpa discovered a great incentive.

He always travels with snacks when outdoors. T adores Grandpa's snacks. In particular Cliff Bars. So as T was waffling on whether to tackle a hill with or without help Grandpa swiftly pulled a Cliff Bar from his pocket. He held it in front of T, who pedaled as hard as he could. Grandpa sped up, trying to stay just out of reach. But that bike gained speed. Soon T's arm stretched out, his fingers opening and shutting. T was laughing so hard. He got to the end of the road, and snatched that Cliff Bar.

Hurrah for T!

Odd

Do you notice odd little things around your yard? Kids are especially good at it. This insect really stood out to all of us as rather curious. It seemed to have an expressive face. The antenna were the most interesting. See the square shapes on them?

Mud Buddies

This morning I awoke to a gentle pitter patter over my head. Rain! Such a pleasing sound to hear first thing.

Back at my house in the Midwest early morning rain is hardly unusual. Here in the southwest though is another story. Even during Monsoon season.

So what did I allow my children to do first thing after breakfast? Go outside and get dirty. Yes. I am encouraging them to get their toes, hands, and even clothes caked with mud. Why else is there a tub waiting inside the house? Mud comes off.

Playing in mud is relaxing. Have you recently taken the time to squish and squeeze some through your fingers and toes? Your blood pressure goes down. It's soft. Earthy.

Playing in mud makes you happy. Really it does. Smelling the air and the mud together are a pleasure enhancing combination. Apparently seratonin levels increase. So send your grumpy fighting kids to the nearest mud puddle and watch attitudes change.

Playing in mud is heathy. There are several ways in which it is healthy. It's sensory, so it aids brain development. It's a natural resource for creativity as your child imagines, builds, and explores. It builds memories. Good ones at that. Your child learns social skills if a friend is in the muddy mix. Plus it apparently helps build the immune system.

Mud how I love you.

Psalm 40 in light of Jesus' death

Last week was VBS. We studied the life of Paul, with p2 using the "gospel fuzzies" as the basis of the gospel presentation. Although it was clearly woven throughout the day.

I woke Wednesday morning before anyone. Quite rare. Usually my toddler wants up or the puppy starts barking first. Many mornings I'm trying to read scripture while nursing and trying to keep little fingers from changing the passage on me. A different story today. Everything was quiet. So I decided to pray through Psalm 40 which is a psalm that had struck me as I'd been writing the lesson for that day. The story was the Philippian jailor. The wordless book color "red means Jesus died and then he rose again". Here are some reflections. Maybe I'll continue this later.

"I waited patiently for the Lord," oh Lord that's so hard. Please help me wait on you. My patience is like that of my little toddler when it comes to waiting on you. You though are patient and longsuffering. You also promise it as a fruit of your spirit. We saw that in Paul and Silas as they sat, chained and praying, in prison.

"He inclined to me and heard my cry." You, Lord, love your people. You call yourself their father, and hear our cries. Thank you for hearing Paul's and Silas' prayers and the prayers of your people in Philippi. Thank you for hearing the cries of your people. Oh Lord hear my cry now.

"He drew me up out of the pit..." Thank you Lord for doing what I cannot and rescuing me. Thank you for recording in your word examples of you saving your people, both physically and spiritually. 

"He put a new song in my mouth...many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord." What an incredible promise, and we have seen this time and time again. Paul and Silas praised You and their jailor took note and believed in Jesus as his savior. Use their example in my life so many years later. Put a song in my mouth full of praise for my savior that others may see and believe.