Random thoughts from all of the tabs in my brain that have been left open

-Our church is doing a 7 day fast and prayer. We talked about what that means and the purpose of doing something like that. We encouraged the kids to think about what they could fast from as they pray and ask God to help them grow. Isabella decided on her own that she would fast from all technology and tv for 7 days. Saturday was a snowish kind of stay home all day and watch tv kind of day. She busied herself all afternoon at the kitchen table doing crafts of all sorts. It has been hard for her, but she's pressing on. She's also counting down for the fast to end.
-My boy lost a friend to a sudden death last week. He's 15. He has questions. He doesn't understand how this could possibly be part of God's plan. Why? All I can say is, we don't know God's plan and as terrible and hard as it is, we have to trust that He is in control. His plan is the very best plan.
-Laura is going to be grounded for the rest of her life if she doesn't stop being so much like her daddy. (Sneaky, smart mouth comments. Passive aggressive jabs at others.) It's funny but not. She often sees the real in people. Unfortunately, that means she doesn't always give others a fair chance to prove who they are.
-17 month old fits when they throw their head back on the floor and scream don't bother me nearly as much with the 5th kid as they did with the first. In fact, I can continue on with life and completely shut it out. It almost doesn't faze me at all.
-"I can't wait until Shelby is old enough for summer camp. Can you imagine a week of vacation from Shelby?" Quoted from another one of my children who will not be named.
-Sometimes teaching is just my job. It's not really great. It doesn't feel like a calling. It's just a job that I have to complete. This is one of those years. While there are little connections with students along the way, this is a tough group. I will love them and do my best for them, but I'm much less frustrated if for now it is just my job.  Tough group of kids.
-I'm grateful for a church that is pushing me and my family to take the next step, to grow, and to be open for God's purpose for us.
-Fasting from coffee is harder than I thought.