Some days I feel like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. Or a round peg trying to fit in a square hole....which is it? Anyway, I know how I feel and that it is a little out of place. Honestly, I have felt this way since I moved here and each month I think it will get better. But...2 years, 3 months and 1 day later...nothing has changed. Maybe God wants to see if I will stick to my personal convictions, goals for my family, and way of life no matter what. I am not sure why and some days, I really don't like it.

Phil and I were discussing some difficult and VERY uncomfortable circumstances with a friend the other night and he just smiled and looked at our kids. Then he said..."sometimes you probably feel like Jeremiah (the prophet). But, no matter what, the most important thing is those three children right there." The perfect words at the perfect time. We know this and have tried to live this since we started our family, but to hear it from someone else was perfect. No matter what looks enticing or fun or interesting....our focus and goal should be our children.

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver (NIV) or Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket (New Living Translation)

Thank God for wonderful people in our life that love us enough to give us timely advice...even when they don't realize they are doing it.

Working on our orchard

Love this word picture...it so applies to our life!!

Bible Quizzing is like planting an orchard. When you plant an orchard it takes 4-5 years of hard, consistent work without it producing a single crop of fruit. But, if you stay faithful to the care of the orchard for those first 4-5 years, the orchard will produce fruit for approximately 60 years. Bible quizzing is similar....it is a lot of work, dedication, time and money. But after several years, these children will be fruitful in the kingdom of God for years to come.

I guess I am in the middle of taking care of my orchard and looking forward to them growing up to be fruitful in the kingdom of God...whatever His plan is for them!!

I am so thankful for my orchard!!