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family time

Family Time

Do you ever start talking about something and the person you're talking to has no idea what you're saying? Maybe you started mid-thought, you used the wrong word, or some background info was needed? This happens to me, and I usually say something like, "I knew what I was talking about!" hoping to laugh through it!

Well, I don't want that to happen here on the blog, so today I'm sharing a little about what surrounds me, and how that affects who I am and how I blog. Allow me to go on for a bit. This post is gonna be wordy! (with a few pics from dessert and stitching the other night!)

Family Time

I live at home with my parents and younger siblings. There are six kids in my family, and my youngest sister is seven. (that's her in the super-neon swimsuit above!) For a person my age, I realize this is not quite normal, but we're okay with that. When I ask my parents if they're ready for me to go, they tell me they like having me here. And I like being here, and being under the protection of my parents.

My family home schools, which means that the house is often full, and fairly loud. And I do all of my work from home. Sometimes, it's a wonder that I actually get things done, but I still can't imagine it differently! Oh, and we do a lot (a LOT) together, which means that when we go out, we all pile into our giant van. We call it the Big Bus of Fun. (Some of us say it a bit more sarcastically than others...)

Family Time

Our house is a creative environment, and that's thanks largely to my parents who encourage creativity. There's always a project in the works, whether it's construction, painting pictures, designing a town for toy cars, or stitching crafts. Pulling out tools, supplies and "stuff" to start making is always welcome! It does mean that the house is often a mess. And we're all too busy creating to ever get it all the way clean! Most of the time, we try our best, and then try not to fret over it. (Although, while writing this I'm also in the process of trying to schedule several DAYS to clear out my office/mini-studio...)

We are all very different people, but we all enjoy creating in one way or another. I think part of that comes from parents who are creative and who set us up in an atmosphere that allows for exploration. But I also know that we are made in God's image, and He is a Creator! It makes sense that we would have that attribute in us; we just need to nurture it.

Family Time

Which brings me to faith. It comes up as a topic here on Wild Olive because it's a big part of my life. To not talk about it would be to hide who I am, where I come from, and where I'm going. For as long as I can remember, my family has had daily conversations about God, church, the Bible, and everything that goes with these. When questions come up, we talk about them, research answers, figure it out together, and make our faith our own.

God is what all of this (family, blog, work, joy, life!) is about. As a family, we seek to glorify God by loving Him, following His commands, and making Him the most important thing in our lives. It's a process. One that requires practice. But we're trying. And in the middle of it all, we aim to be available for what God has planned. And guess what? He's doing amazing things!

"If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us." 2 Corinthians 4:7 (The Message)

19 comments:

  1. As I started to read your post, my son came up to me and asked me to read it to him as he looked at your photos. I was so excited to read your last part. As a young mom, I am constantly trying to show my children how to live for Jesus. Reading this passage, written by a "real-person" as they put it, was such a wonderful lesson. Thank you! And I think you have a wonderful family.

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  2. I love your blog. :)

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  3. Anonymous10:01 AM

    I came across your blog recently while looking for sources of inspiration to help revive the creative interests I've had since I was young. I've found that and more here! Your tutorials, projects and ideas have really jumpstarted my efforts, but equally as important is the atmosphere/vibe I get from here. Simply put you've created a "place" online that is peaceful, relaxing, and inspiring and a joy to visit every day. Thanks, Mollie!
    All The Best,
    Michele

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  4. I enjoy your blog so much! I love your fun, beautiful style with embroidery, your gift with color, your cute sense of humor as you write. I am impressed with the love you have for your family. I am especially grateful that you also share your faith with us. You truly are letting your light shine. Thank you!

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  5. Lovely blog, lovely family, love reading about you, your family and your faith.

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  6. That's awesome! We are a big family too, my hubby is the oldest of 7 and we had 8, and #11 Grand is expected in Nov. We have kids coming and going all the time. I like it that they feel comfortable enough to come home when they need us. I remember people asking all the time when they would see all the kids together that we must be Catholic or Mormon? I didn't answer except to say no just a normal family.
    Hugs,
    Vicki

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  7. Amen and Amen. Praise be to God from whom all blessings flow. :)

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  8. Anonymous11:51 AM

    Thanks for your story Mollie! There is no doubt that God is Glorified through you His faithful servant!

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  9. i totally agree. Our blogs only show one slice of our lives. If we're filled with God, shouldn't that be in our part of the "slice"?

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  10. Love getting to know a bit more about you!

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  11. Thank you so much for your very kind response! In the interest of full disclosure, after I posted this, I had a bit of a melt down with my brothers and youngest sister today. Again, it's a process!

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  12. Aw, I loved this post. My family is not close at all, so it's nice to peek inside the lives of people who have good family bonds!

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  13. Such a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing you heart, and love for God!! It truly shines through you and your blog! xo Heather

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  14. Mollie, thanks for this post. You are so right, God is the reason for all we do. Thanks for the reminder.

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  15. What a great verse! I had not read it in THE MESSAGE version before...it is so interesting you would put that on here, because I am looking into reading the Bible through for the third time, in that format. I wish my phone app would have this version. I think your family sounds wonderful. My parents were huge creators and allowed for so much creativity. Sounds like you guys are truly blessed. I appreciate you and your blog very much...I am always here reading. God bless you!
    Julie

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    1. You should read THE MESSAGE! I read it last year for a one year reading plan, and it was very enjoyable. It helped that my copy has more verse numbers, unlike some. Without those, it would have been a bit more challenging to follow the plan!

      And thank you so much for your encouragement! I know that God has blessed us in so many ways, and we're truly grateful.

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  16. Meg McG11:05 AM

    I'm an atheist/secular humanist. It's a huge part of who I am and how I create as well. I too come from a large, loving family and to me "there's nothing more important than the love that lets us share our name" (Avett Brothers). You do a wonderful job in making the world a prettier, happier place and to me there's very little work in life that's nobler than that!

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    1. Thanks, Meg! And ooooh....I love that lyric!

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  17. How cool to know you are a believer. Thanks for sharing about yourself!

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