We recently were blessed with a new addition to the family....no not our immediate one.
March 6, 2008
March 3, 2008
A Young Heart, Now God's
We were thrilled to discover that Harrison has decided to accept Christ as his Savior. During the drive home the other day we were discussing the cost of salvation and what Christ's act did for us. As many may know, Harrison has recently been open to the gospel but afraid to make any real commitment. We have appreciated his honesty and yet it was difficult to try and not force a decission from him. Prayer has been a constant task. Waiting on God's timing was so hard and yet looking back now so worth the wait. We know that the decision was genuine rather than a gesture to please parents, a weighted choice rather than a flipant act of the moment. We continue to pray that his heart is softened before the Lord and excited to watch the growth that will come from a sould that is HIS.
February 15, 2008
Wicked on Valentine's Day
My wonderful husband created a very special V-day for me. A wonderful card with personal poem, dinner at Taix and then great seats for WICKED. I loved the musical. The two main vocals had an incredible range. The songs were creative & cute. I loved the spin on the Wizard of Oz story. ...similar to the fractured fairy tales (Cinderella from the step-mother's point of view). This is def a must see again performance! The singer who played the wicked witch did an excellent job mimicing the characteristics of the original witch in so many ways.And they ripped on the movie
"Get over it! They're just SHOES!!"
"Let the girl and her little dog DoDo go."
"Not everyone can ride in a bubble."
January 29, 2008
The Logic of Children
This morning the kids were having a conversation in their room...
Chandler: So when is Easter?
Harrison: I don't know but it is always on a Sunday.
C: Oh, is that so everyone can go?
H: Yeah, they have three services.
C: I know why they have three. Because Jesus rose from the grave in 3 days.
H: Oooh, yeah that could be it. And because there are 3 - God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
C: Do you think that Jesus was also born in 3 days?
H: Nah it took more like 50 days for that to happen.
C: So what is your favorite food? (just a bit of a left turn)
H: I like french toast and eggs.
C: My favorite food is the stuff God makes in Heaven. That is really good.
H: How do you know? You haven't tried it yet?
C: Cause if our food is so good then God's has to be even Better!
H: Yes, but what is your favorite down here?
C: Ice Cream
I just marvel at what their little minds come up with.
Chandler: So when is Easter?
Harrison: I don't know but it is always on a Sunday.
C: Oh, is that so everyone can go?
H: Yeah, they have three services.
C: I know why they have three. Because Jesus rose from the grave in 3 days.
H: Oooh, yeah that could be it. And because there are 3 - God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
C: Do you think that Jesus was also born in 3 days?
H: Nah it took more like 50 days for that to happen.
C: So what is your favorite food? (just a bit of a left turn)
H: I like french toast and eggs.
C: My favorite food is the stuff God makes in Heaven. That is really good.
H: How do you know? You haven't tried it yet?
C: Cause if our food is so good then God's has to be even Better!
H: Yes, but what is your favorite down here?
C: Ice Cream
I just marvel at what their little minds come up with.
January 28, 2008
Rambles on Being a Friend
On Sunday our pastor continued thru Eccles. and he said something that I never really thought about. No where in the Bible does it talk about others coming to you, encouraging you, being your friend. It only refers to what you are supposed to do towards others.
This statement was timely. There are times when I have to say I seriously doubt some of the relationships I have with others and question if the friendship goes both ways. Times when friendships can feel more an opportunity of convience rather than a deepening and exhorting of one another.
I am learning that it is not how often others speak to you, but rather how often you speak to them. Some people just don't think about showing the initiative with all of those they know. I am probably guilty of the same...and don't even realize it - For that I am sorry.
It gets so frustrating trying to hold on to some of the old. Those who don't reciprocate in any way. Those who you run into and everything feels a bit awkward since you haven't spent any time with them. And then there are those who you can miss for ages and meeting up again is like no time has passed at all. Those souls that are knit like Jonathan & David. There are so many that I appreciate! love! They have been so faithful and have taught me so much.
I know that I need to stay faithful to do what scripture tells me, and yet my question is: at what point do you stop pursuing a relationship that obviously has no personal motivation or genuine desire to reciprocate? I know that relationships change with time and yet why do some appear so flakey. I'm tired of trying to continue those relationships. I will still be kind - I won't shun them. But I know that there are others who do share a desire to see and spend time with us. Those are the true ones, the faithful ones, the ones who seek friends themselves, the ones who don't forget the old when a new one comes along. Yes, the common bond of Christ should be what holds friendships together, but in a fallen world with shallow people (myself included) we seek people who share our interests or (very selfishly) give us something - be it items, praise, notice. We are called to just be a friend. To love those around us and show the fruit of the spirit with all men. Why does that come so easy with some and yet harder than rocks with others? Do you persue those people who don't sharpen you and make you stronger? Yes, all men are at different levels in their walk. At what point if a friendship changes to one of just usery do you step back from that relationship? Do you step back?
All questions that probably have answers. Ones I'm going to seek. I don't want to be hasty in this but part of me is hurt when it happens and is that selfishness? Is it just that I'm not getting my way? How do I know when the emotions felt are wise to listen to or should be ignored. I appreciated what our pastor said "To look forward to meeting new strangers who may be hidden friends." to bring alongside the faithful old ones - those who want to sharpen iron together.
This statement was timely. There are times when I have to say I seriously doubt some of the relationships I have with others and question if the friendship goes both ways. Times when friendships can feel more an opportunity of convience rather than a deepening and exhorting of one another.
I am learning that it is not how often others speak to you, but rather how often you speak to them. Some people just don't think about showing the initiative with all of those they know. I am probably guilty of the same...and don't even realize it - For that I am sorry.
It gets so frustrating trying to hold on to some of the old. Those who don't reciprocate in any way. Those who you run into and everything feels a bit awkward since you haven't spent any time with them. And then there are those who you can miss for ages and meeting up again is like no time has passed at all. Those souls that are knit like Jonathan & David. There are so many that I appreciate! love! They have been so faithful and have taught me so much.
I know that I need to stay faithful to do what scripture tells me, and yet my question is: at what point do you stop pursuing a relationship that obviously has no personal motivation or genuine desire to reciprocate? I know that relationships change with time and yet why do some appear so flakey. I'm tired of trying to continue those relationships. I will still be kind - I won't shun them. But I know that there are others who do share a desire to see and spend time with us. Those are the true ones, the faithful ones, the ones who seek friends themselves, the ones who don't forget the old when a new one comes along. Yes, the common bond of Christ should be what holds friendships together, but in a fallen world with shallow people (myself included) we seek people who share our interests or (very selfishly) give us something - be it items, praise, notice. We are called to just be a friend. To love those around us and show the fruit of the spirit with all men. Why does that come so easy with some and yet harder than rocks with others? Do you persue those people who don't sharpen you and make you stronger? Yes, all men are at different levels in their walk. At what point if a friendship changes to one of just usery do you step back from that relationship? Do you step back?
All questions that probably have answers. Ones I'm going to seek. I don't want to be hasty in this but part of me is hurt when it happens and is that selfishness? Is it just that I'm not getting my way? How do I know when the emotions felt are wise to listen to or should be ignored. I appreciated what our pastor said "To look forward to meeting new strangers who may be hidden friends." to bring alongside the faithful old ones - those who want to sharpen iron together.
January 24, 2008
Water, Water Everywhere
The rain has been pounding the house today. I am thankful.
The kids have been running around today. School, Swim lessons...I am thankful.
God has been teaching me to rejoice in the day to day mundane. I am thankful.
The kids have been running around today. School, Swim lessons...I am thankful.
God has been teaching me to rejoice in the day to day mundane. I am thankful.
January 22, 2008
Grilled Cheese and Treadmills
I'm thankful for Grilled Cheese sandwiches. God is so good to have given someone the creativity to come up with them. I just like them.I'm also thankful for Treadmills and Elliptical machines. I will admit, I would prefer sitting down with a good book and a small box of chocolates. I am learning to enjoy exercise too, although it is coming along much slower than even I would care to admit.
January 10, 2008
A Taste of Growing Up
Yesterday Chandler gave us reason to chuckle. She is learning the blending sounds of different letters (au, aw, ing, ang, ong, ou, etc). We were playing a game where each sound is attached to a colorful, little duck's back. When you call out the sound you get to 'catch' the duck. She was down to the last one, and the sound was not coming to her easily. So she sighs, looks over, and says quite seriously, "And I thought pink was my friend."
She also gave us a taste of our children growing up: We had arrived at Church for Awana.
Chandler: "Mom, could you drop us off!"
Mom: I'm going to park the car, there isn't any reason to drop you off."
Chandler: "I know, but I want to get out by myself and be dropped off. PLLLLEASE!"
I proceeded to pull the car over near the gym, she hugged & kissed, said goodbye, and hopped out. Harrison still sat in his seat. He was then asked to escort his sister to the chapel.
Later, I was talking with another mom about how our first born has to be encouraged to do something, partly because it suddenly dawns on you that they are indeed old enough to...?.. while your second is chomping at the bit to follow in the steps of the eldest.
She also gave us a taste of our children growing up: We had arrived at Church for Awana.
Chandler: "Mom, could you drop us off!"
Mom: I'm going to park the car, there isn't any reason to drop you off."
Chandler: "I know, but I want to get out by myself and be dropped off. PLLLLEASE!"
I proceeded to pull the car over near the gym, she hugged & kissed, said goodbye, and hopped out. Harrison still sat in his seat. He was then asked to escort his sister to the chapel.
Later, I was talking with another mom about how our first born has to be encouraged to do something, partly because it suddenly dawns on you that they are indeed old enough to...?.. while your second is chomping at the bit to follow in the steps of the eldest.
December 30, 2007
Christmas Pictures
Ok, so I'm a little late doing this post. We spent an hour setting up pictures to take for the christmas card. (if you didn't get one...sorry...I ran out of cards)
Here are just a few of the shots done. Again - digital cameras are great! Some 95 shots and only about 5 saved. Two kids both smiling, looking at the lense, eye
s open, and not killing each other. Quite a challenge. I don't know how those who have more kids do it?!
s open, and not killing each other. Quite a challenge. I don't know how those who have more kids do it?!
December 29, 2007
Fried Turkey and Fireplaces
Having friends over is a weekly tradition for our family. Fellowshipping with like minded people is a treasure we are truly gifted by God. [Christmas was wonderful, don't get me wrong. Our Family, I wouldn't trade for the world. We enjoy hanging out with them often. Previous posts prove that.] Last night though we had friends, who are quickly becoming like family, over. We were trained in the art of frying a turkey. Boy do they taste good when done right! Throw in a bunch of sliced potatoes and onions afterwards and you have some good eatin. After dinner we enjoyed a drowsy sit by the fire playing musical chairs since only 3 chairs fit in the room where the fireplace is. We definitely need a bigger fireplace in a bigger room when the house gets redone. Which by the way will begin in March.....Lord willing and weather permits.
Fire is definitely another gift from God. Last nights 30's temps were driving us to pyro behavior. Yes, call me a wimp, but I like warmth.
Sitting in front of the fire watching it dance and spit. It is soothing to watch, and allows your mind to wander to deeper thoughts. I marvel at the creativity God has in even something as the color of flames and the way it plays over a log. Growing up I would wonder if the gates to hell looked similar to when flames dance up both sides of a log. Small pieces of bark were those who had to enter through the terrible gates. Morbid I know, but it made me consider hell and desire never to see it in reality. God uses so much in our little lives while growing up.
Well rambling thoughts are done...I'm off to cook breakfast.
Fire is definitely another gift from God. Last nights 30's temps were driving us to pyro behavior. Yes, call me a wimp, but I like warmth.
Sitting in front of the fire watching it dance and spit. It is soothing to watch, and allows your mind to wander to deeper thoughts. I marvel at the creativity God has in even something as the color of flames and the way it plays over a log. Growing up I would wonder if the gates to hell looked similar to when flames dance up both sides of a log. Small pieces of bark were those who had to enter through the terrible gates. Morbid I know, but it made me consider hell and desire never to see it in reality. God uses so much in our little lives while growing up.
Well rambling thoughts are done...I'm off to cook breakfast.
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