Wives, submit to your husbands...

Oh yeah... I'm going there.

Well, really I want to go there, but I'm not sure how. Because that voice inside me (Sohlmate and I have named her Margaret, and she's even more bossy than I) tells me that I have a demanding responsibility to point out exactly where my husband's missing _________ (the blank to be filled with the up-to-the-minute thing that he's lacking or forgotten or blown up or messed up).

Interestingly, I'm so glad that I don't have someone like myself following me around to let me know where I'm lacking or missing things. Which is, as I recognize, a complete double standard.

I've been blessed to hear a few great women offer interpretations of what God's ideal submission looks like. It isn't lying dormant and it isn't simply giving over to which ever wild hair makes it... well you know where. But somewhere in the muck that's clogged my mind, I've forgotten what the picture really is intended to be.

All this to say, I'm not sure whether or not Margaret has a vaild point - I'm not sure that Sohlmate's missing or lacking. As a few wise mentors have reminded me, when it's time to point out who is lacking, the task of pointing out the speck is much more comfortable than identifying the log in my own eye.

So... what are your insights? What does your example of submission look like? Or, if you're like me, how do you cope with that voice telling you to point out the speck? And how do you reprogram or ignore it?

Sorry my friends...

So I know it's been forever, and I humbly seek your forgiveness.

Young Sohl is crawling and chatting up a storm. His favorite person is probably his older brother. Little Sohl Gal keeps everyone entertained with her monologue. Some friends from CC stopped over to visit, and we enjoyed dinner and fellowship with them. It was great to hear about where they're living now, what they experience, and the differences between here and there.

The kids and I spent the other morning with some great Christian women friends and their children. There were ten children there, running every which way. The best part? The view of the ocean while the moms chatted about the joys and trials of motherhood. It was really an encouraging time, and I was truly blessed to see these women in action.

I've been struggling with my confidence as a mother, which if you're like me, affects every other aspect of life. Reading this book, How to Talk so Kids Will Listen, and Listen so Kids Will Talk, has been incredibly insightful. What has been encouraging is that it's easy and effective. What has been a bit discouraging is the realization that the way I've talked to them up to this point has been less than respectful, and locked me into this distructive cycle in the first place.

The root of the problem? The lack of quiet time. As I learned in One on One with God, the relationship is on-going, but I'm feeling the lack of fellowship. Honestly, I'm surprised at how easy it is to be lured away. I shouldn't be - since I know how the enemy works. Day by day, though, I drift farther and farther from that fellowship and closeness. And while His truths don't leave me, they're not first. If you're consistently experiencing this time with Him, you can relate. If not, I encourage you to recommitt with me to spend time with Him daily.

I've filled that time with many things - even many good things (many not so great things... others may, I may not) - including reading several enlightening books. My favorite was Left Behind, which was eye opening for me. Scary, if I allow myself to be completely honest. Made me realize how little I know about that last chapter of His word.

Globally enlightening was A Mighty Heart, which is the memoir of Mariane Pearl. I have a very limited understanding of political system and of what journalism is and is not.

Living abroad has offered many challenges, opportunities, and a sense of responsibility to represent a specific picture of America. But that's for another post. Hugs and love friends!

It's March?!?!

I know it's been forever since I've put up pictures or blogged. So I am hereby agreeing to update weekly with pictures and a new blog. I encourage you all to hold me accountable, encouraging me to be true to this goal I've set for myself. In the meantime, here's what's been going on in Sohl-land.

Little Sohl Gal and Sohl Son have grown much, much taller in the last few weeks. We've gone up to 3T and 5/6, respectively, and plan that Young Sohl will be fully into 6 month clothing very soon as well.

Sohl Gal's taken up running with a friend. The goal is to run a 1/2 marathon in the fall. It's been easier than I'd have imagined, and though I've never considered myself a runner (nor have I wanted to be one), I'm really enjoying it.

My Sohlmate's finally been blessed with a supply of Arnold Palmer's. We recently learned that it IS possible to mail them, and he's happily enjoying them on a regular basis. Thanks to the Moms for those! He LOVES Arnold Palmer's. OR, as Little Sohl Gal calls them, "Awww BUMMER sodas."

We've reached strawberry season again, and I was able to buy a kilo of strawberries (2.2 lbs.) for 2 euros - cheap, cheap, cheap! I really enjoy going out into town and using my Spanish, and I'm praying that it's improving.

One on One is going well, and I can't believe how much He's growing me each day and week. I'm so thankful for His patience and unyielding love.

I'm out of exciting news to report, so congratulations on the new babies DaWags and Ketch! Thanks for the love and support, Jenni, Tooley, Daph, Hollenrockers, Sarah, and Mom. Miss all of you, love you all, and pray for you, too. Update you soon!

What do you do?

What do you do when you're having that day? The one where the mess, the routine, the challenges are so magnified that you struggle to see His light behind them?

A commercial I've seen recently spoke to me about this. There's a man and a rock - which looks to be much, much bigger than the man. The man talks, slowly taking steps forward. You realize that the rock isn't as big as it seems, it's just the way you see the situation. I know Pastor Bil's talked about this, too.

So what do you do when you're having that day? I read a bit in my Bible, where He reminded me that He's in charge, and I have to relinquish my false ideas of control.

Gotta move some rocks... but shoot me your ideas on how to change my perspective.

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