Friday Night Flicks

I realized last night that we have developed a little Friday night ritual the past few months. Around 5pm on Fridays, either Hubby or I text or e-mail with a simple message, "Dinner in or out?". We usually opt for "out" since it IS Friday after all. Then we decide where, I load up the kids and meet Daddy at the restaurant of choice for dinner. After eating, he sweetly offers to take the kiddos home in HIS car to give me a few minutes of quiet because, once again, it IS Friday after all. :) And, at this stage in life, a few minutes of quiet at the end of the week is an incredibly valuable and greatly appreciated gift! On my quiet drive home I stop off at Red Box or Blockbuster Express and pick up a movie. By the time I get home Dad has gotten bedtime underway and I help finish that off. After the littles are tucked into their beds we climb into ours and pop that night's movie selection into the DVD. Big, huge, S-I-G-H.
If you know much about Red Box or BBE, you know the selection isn't always the greatest. So we've been branching out a bit to try movies we wouldn't otherwise select. To our surprise, we've hit three for three the past few weeks!
Loved 'em!


Dear, John


Did You Hear About the Morgans?


My Sister's Keeper

Lately, I've realized just how much a few routines in life can ground me and keep me filled up. I'm a planner but a loose one. I like to have a few things in place to give my weeks and days some structure but do not like everyday planned out with no freedom for variety or flexibility (that drains the life right out of me!). It's a tricky balance to strike sometimes. But I was amazed this morning when I woke up feeling like I'd had a shot of life from our little Friday night routine. Although I love the freedom of Summer and thoroughly enjoy some days with no agenda I realize it begins to wear on me about Month #2 (that would be NOW for those of you not counting! :)) and I begin to long for more routine. This is the time I need to guard some of my lifegiving routines the most...early mornings with my coffee, Bible and journal; quiet room time for all (including Mommy!) a couple of afternoons each week; a phone conversation or coffee with a friend; a good DVR'd show or two along the way; a good long walk or bike ride. I'm so thankful for the little ways God refreshes me along the way. Ways that seemingly have nothing to do with Him but in my heart I know those little gifts come straight from His hand just for me...even Friday Night Flicks! :)

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights..." James 1:17 (NASB).