Ready, set, go!

As summer fun and long nights give way to earlier mornings and school times (or, for some of you with littles, no change at all), it brings with it a return to routine. It is a routine that I embrace.

I tell you, I love, love, love my children with all their challenges and quirks, but I also must admit that they challenge my patience some days...okay, most days. And I know we all thrive in routine. The kind of routine I have learned through trial and error that I am just not as equipped to provide. I am not that mom. So, I'll do me and we'll be more laid back over the summer and more structured during the school year. Anyone else? Was that an 'amen' from the back row?

For those of you who are not as familiar with my situation, let me tell you (as we will be spending quite a bit of time together this year). I have an 8 year old (Audrey) who is severely ADHD and will be going into 3rd grade who works diligently to overcome her processing challenges. My middle child, Andrew, is 6. He is autistic (high functioning), ADHD, and has a laugh that can melt anyone. For many reasons, we chose to put him in a Montessori school. The baby of the family is 3 (Aiden). He is my instigator, lovingly nicknamed "Destructo". And does he ever live up to that! He goes to First Baptist's "First Learners" two days a week. So, they all go to different schools. Yes, that's fun.

And, God love them, they bless me every day with their smiles and giggles. Somedays more than they wear me out, somedays less (hey, I'm being honest). But everyday, God has enough strength to sustain me. And He gives me exactly what I need to get through every day. Not less. Not more (though the well I can draw from is infinite). It's like He knows just what I need. He gives us the grace we need for those moments we find ourselves in. If we will only look for it.

Sometimes that grace just seems to come from within, flowing from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it comes from a truth spoken to us in that moment, from our memory (cue the need to know the Word) or from a dear friend. Or even from the reassurances and love of a kind hearted friend or stranger. You know what I'm talking about. We've all seen the stories on Facebook, or even experienced it ourselves. He is there. In those moments, in the trenches, with us, beside us, moving in us and around us.

And I am so excited for the coming MOMS TO MOMS year for this very reason. I am excited for the relationships He will bring into our lives and grow. The things He will teach us through speakers and through discussion time. The words you will bring to each other are just as important as the words that come from the front. Community is what it is all about. And I will share that our Leadership has put a lot of thought into our schedule. We have decided that there will be more discussion group time this year. More time for connection, for you share your thoughts and exchange ideas, to know one another.

And so, I will close with yet another reminder about our KICKOFF on August 25th! This is a family friendly event. So, plan on bringing your husbands and kiddos. There will be plenty of fun things for all. And food! Lots and lots of food.