Home | Charis Buckland

Summer days! They look like rec center pool in the mornings, naps (I hope) in the afternoon for the youngest while the big girls often have hot chocolate and watch a hallmark mystery movie in the afternoons. Maybe a little sewing for me… We always have a few mundane chores like laundry folding or sweeping. I am also trying to soak up every moment of summer by doing some different activities with them that we did not do during the school year. I wanted to find some new and different ways to disciple the children at home, with the various ages and stages.

I have really tried to simplify the summer. We took a break from all ballet, much to the dismay of the the older girls. We have sung in church choir, went to Fuge camps with church, Vacation Bible School, and I think it has been a simple, yet full summer. We have met new friends at the pool and at Chick-fil-A.

It occurred to me that not all of the little people here have memorized the books of the Bible, so I taped a poster I had to the wall in the kitchen dining area so we can see it every day and say them together. Deacon is catching on and even Krew, who is three, can pick up on some of the books. 

What it often looks like: Everyone begins well, then someone speeds up, confuses other people, other people try to correct the speedy reciters, and it all falls apart, and maybe we start over.

I remember reading The Book of Virtues at home when I was little, so I have implemented that into a weekly time slot. It sounded fun and idyllic at first. I have had to move the time around several times because of life stuff like doctor visits, orthodontist appointments, and other events.

It often looks like: Izzy Grace whining because she’s tired, people hopping up and down, or someone touching someone else to irritate them.

I am reminded that we are to “number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts” (Psalm 90:12). When we think about how temporary life on earth is, we can make wise choices about how to use our time. We can ask God how to prioritize our time and make the most of it. 

It’s not really about what I can do or the great activities I can plan. It’s not about me at all. It’s truly about God’s power and miracles that I get to watch. Through all the imperfections, I get a front row seat to the life change and maturity that He brings. Regardless of the crying, fidgeting, or restlessness, God’s Word still changes hearts. Transformation is found in the everyday imperfect ordinary moments that God redeems. 

These ordinary summer days where we play VBS music on the patio speakers and splash in the little blow-up pool, we are making memories, but even more than that, God is changing hearts. 

I am learning I don’t need to plan greater, bigger activities, I don’t need a spectacular schedule packed with stuff to help our children have a great summer and grow closer to God. God is totally capable of taking my best and He does the rest. I believe this applies to other aspects of life. Jesus met people in their ordinary lives doing ordinary things. We can ask God to help us use our time and resources wisely to be available to those who need us. He is the One we can trust to change hearts. 

Love,
Charis

Pic(k) of the week:

I couldn’t wait to post this one. We had to rope off the bathroom downstairs because someone took a Hotwheels car to the bathroom…you can guess what happened. It was going to be a little while before I figured out how I was going to fish that out.