Summer traveling with 4 kiddos(a four year old, 22 month old and 2- 5 month olds) has proven itself an adventure in and of itself. One would think the adventure would begin when you are actually at your destination. That is not the case with our family anymore! Last week we took a short trip to Atlanta. A normal 3.5-4 hour trip took us 5 hours with a 22 month old not napping a bit! You can imagine what that looked like...crying, delirious laughing, crying more and then ending with two boys trying to out scream each other. I really wish i had a video of there new exploits together. The girls did fairly well only a few outburst of uncontrollable crying. Thankfully the trip home had them all sleeping until we hit the south carolina border.
Yesterday I took all 4 kids by myself up north a bit to see a dear friend and her new baby. We had a great time and was a relatively uneventful car ride. However, about half way there I started to panic! I began thinking...What if B needs to pee? How will i pull that one off? 4 kids at a rest stop? Really? Double stroller + 22 month old crazy kid...how is that suppose to work. So i came up with a plan... I decided IF he needs to pee we pull over and the boy pees in my empty coffee cup. THANKFULLY, we didn't have to follow through with my plan. I made sure before we left that he had to be twice! Only empty bladders on the way home.
Our next adventures begins in a couple of weeks when we head down south to the beach for a week. We plan on leaving early in the morning for this trip. Should be interesting.... At least B won't have to pee in a cup, with two parents in the van he will have the luxury of his Daddy taking him to the restroom. :)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Adventures in boy land
I really wish I had a pictures to visually explain to you what my boys get themselves into.
B has recently began a fascination with having J be his pet. Not a fish where he can swim like Nemo, or a cat he can pat on the head, but a DOG. And what comes with a having a pet Dog??? Collars and leashes. On Easter Sunday morning the boys were "innocently" playing in B's room while we were getting ready. I was in the hallway and heard B saying commands. So i open the door and B has his belt wrapped around J's neck and telling him to sit! ahhhhh! That was all i could think of. So we tell them to stop and that if you continue you are going to hurt him. So we leave it at that.
Then last week came....and the adventure continued. In our living room we have a phone cord that stretches a good 4 feet from the outlet and then goes behind our entertainment center. Can you see where this going... I was in the room with the boys and the next thing i see is B wrapping the cord around J's neck. So we immediately stop that action.
I called both boys over and we all 3 sit down on the floor. Here is what our conversation sounded like:
Me: B wrapping something around J's or your neck can hurt you.
B: How can it hurt?
Me: It could make you are J stop breathing if it gets too tight
B: What happens if you stop breathing?
Me: You die.
B: Begins waterworks and says: "I don't want J to die." Cries some more and hugs J.
So we hug and talk through it some more. i love the heart of my 4 year old.
Here's hoping my straightforward answer will stop this new action or at least delay it's reappearance for a really long time. I'm thinking that bluntness is the only thing that is going to work with these two.
Happy Monday!
B has recently began a fascination with having J be his pet. Not a fish where he can swim like Nemo, or a cat he can pat on the head, but a DOG. And what comes with a having a pet Dog??? Collars and leashes. On Easter Sunday morning the boys were "innocently" playing in B's room while we were getting ready. I was in the hallway and heard B saying commands. So i open the door and B has his belt wrapped around J's neck and telling him to sit! ahhhhh! That was all i could think of. So we tell them to stop and that if you continue you are going to hurt him. So we leave it at that.
Then last week came....and the adventure continued. In our living room we have a phone cord that stretches a good 4 feet from the outlet and then goes behind our entertainment center. Can you see where this going... I was in the room with the boys and the next thing i see is B wrapping the cord around J's neck. So we immediately stop that action.
I called both boys over and we all 3 sit down on the floor. Here is what our conversation sounded like:
Me: B wrapping something around J's or your neck can hurt you.
B: How can it hurt?
Me: It could make you are J stop breathing if it gets too tight
B: What happens if you stop breathing?
Me: You die.
B: Begins waterworks and says: "I don't want J to die." Cries some more and hugs J.
So we hug and talk through it some more. i love the heart of my 4 year old.
Here's hoping my straightforward answer will stop this new action or at least delay it's reappearance for a really long time. I'm thinking that bluntness is the only thing that is going to work with these two.
Happy Monday!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Adventures in parenting
So my husband rocks! We have been talking a lot lately about our parenting. Discussing our wow moments and our not so wow moments. We really are trying to be conscience of what we are doing as parents. So, the husband sent me an email today with a link to Kevin DeYoung's blog post today about parenting. It was super encouraging to me to read about another persons adventure while parenting. I thought i may be encouraging to you too! So here it goes....
"Parenting 001
via Kevin DeYoung by Kevin DeYoung on 5/10/11
Does it seem like parenting has gotten more complicated? I mean, as far as I can tell, back in the day parents basically tried to feed their kids, clothe them, and keep them away from explosives. Now our kids have to sleep on their backs (no wait, their tummies; no never mind, their backs), while listening to Baby Mozart surrounded by scenes of Starry, Starry Night. They have to be in piano lessons before they are five and can’t leave the car seat until their about five foot six.
It’s all so involved. There are so many rules and expectations. Kids can’t even eat sugar anymore. My parents were a solid as rock but we still had a cupboard populated with cereal royalty like Captain Crunch and Count Chocula. In our house the pebbles were fruity and the charms were lucky. The breakfast bowl was a place for marshmallows, not dried camping fruit. Our milk was 2%. And sometimes, if we needed to take the edge off a rough morning, we’d tempt fate and chug a little Vitamin D.
Trial by Error
I don’t consider myself a particularly good parent. I was asked to speak a few years ago at some church’s conference. They wanted me to talk about parenting. I said I didn’t have much to say so they should ask someone else (which they did). My kids are probably not as crazy as they seem to me (at least that’s what I keep telling myself anyway), but if I ever write a book on parenting I’m going to call it The Inmates Are Running the Asylum.
There are already scores of books on parenting, many of them quite good. I’ve read several of them and have learned much. I really do believe in gospel-powered parenting and shepherding my child’s heart. I want conversations like this:
Me: What’s the matter son?
Child: I want that toy and he won’t give it to me!
Me: Why do you want the toy?
Child: Because it will be fun to play with.
Me: Do you think he is having fun playing with the toy right now?
Child: Yes.
Me: Would it make him sad to take the toy away?
Child: I guess so.
Me: And do you like to make your brother sad?
Child: No.
Me: You know, Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. That means loving your brother the way he would want to be loved. Since Jesus loves us so much, we have every reason to love others–even your brother. Would you like to love him by letting him play with the toy for awhile?
Child: Yes I would daddy.
I try that. Really I do. But here’s what actually happens:
Me: What’s the matter son?
Child: I want that toy and he won’t give it to me!
Me: Why do you want the toy?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: What’s going on in your heart when you desire that toy?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: Think about it son. Use your brain. Don’t you know something?
Child: I guess I just want the toy.
Me: Obviously. But why?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: Fine. [Mental note: abandon "why" questions and skip straight to leading questions.] Do you think he is having fun playing with the toy right now?
Child: No.
Me: Really?! He’s not having fun? Then why does he want that toy in the first place?
Child: Because he’s mean.
Me: Have you ever considered that maybe you are being mean by trying to rip the toy from his quivering little hands?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: What do you know?
Child: I don’t know!
Me: Nevermind. [I wonder how my brilliant child can know absolutely nothing at this moment.] Well, I think taking the toy from him will make your brother sad. Do you like to make him sad?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: [Audible sigh.]
Child: He makes me sad all the time!
Me: Well, I’m getting sad right now with your attitude! [Pause, think, what would Paul Tripp do? Thinking . . . .thinking . . . .man, I can't stop thinking of that mustache. This isn't working. Let's just go right to the Jesus part.] You know, Jesus wants us to love each other.
Child: I don’t know.
Me: I didn’t ask you a question!
Child: [Pause.] Can I have some fruit snacks?
Me: No, you can’t have fruit snacks. We are talking about the gospel. Jesus loves us and died for us. He wants you to love your brother too.
Child: So?
Me: So give him the toy back!
Then I lunge for the toy and the child runs away. I tell him to come back here this instant and threaten to throw the toy in the trash. I recommit myself to turning down speaking engagements on parenting.
Growing What You Can
I want to grow as a parent–in patience and wisdom and consistency. But I also know that I can’t change my kids’ hearts. I am responsible for my heart and must be responsible to teach them the way of the Lord. But nothin’ guarantees nothin’. I’m just trying to be faithful, and then repent for all the times I’m not.
I have four kids and besides the Lord’s grace, I’m banking on the fact that there really are just a few non-negotiables in parenting. There are plenty of ways to screw up our kids, but whether they color during church, for example, is not one of them. There is not a straight line from doodling in the service as a toddler to doing meth as a teenager. Could it be that beyond the basics of godly parenting, that most of the other techniques and convictions are nibbling around the edges? Certainly, there are lots of ways that good parents make parenting a saner, more enjoyable experience, but even the kid addicted to Angry Birds who just downed a pack of Fun Dip and is now watching his third Pixar movie of the week (day?) still has a decent shot at not being a sociopath.
I remember years ago hearing a line from Alistair Begg, quoting another man, that went like this: “When I was young I had six theories and no kids. Now I have six kids and no theories.” I must be smart. It only took me four kids to run out of theories.
Getting a Few Things Right
I look back at my childhood and think, “What did my parents do right?” I watched too many Growing Pains reruns and played a lot of Super Techmo Bowl (LT could block every extra point and Christian Okoye was a stud). I never learned to like granola or my vegetables (kids, stop reading this post immediately!). But yet, I always knew they loved me. They made me go to church every Wednesday and twice on every Sunday. They made us do our homework. They laid down obvious rules–the kinds that keep kids from killing each other. They wouldn’t accept any bad language, and I didn’t hear any from them. Mom took care of us when we were sick. Dad told us he loved us. I never found porn around the house or booze or dirty secrets. We read the Bible. We got in trouble when we broke the rules. I don’t remember a lot of powerful heart-to-heart conversations. But we knew who we were, where we stood, and what to expect. I’d be thrilled to give my kids the same.
I worry that many young parents are a) too adamant about the particulars of their parenting or b) too sure that every decision will set their kids on an unalterable trajectory to heaven or hell. It’s like my secretary at the church once told me: “Most moms and dads think they are either the best or the worst parents around, and both are wrong.” Could it be we’ve made parenting too complicated? Isn’t the most important thing not what we do but who we are as parents? They will see our character before they remember our exact rules regarding television and twinkies.
I could be wrong. My kids are still young. Maybe this no-theory is a theory of its own. I just know that the longer I parent the more I want to focus on doing a few things really well, and not get too passionate about all the rest. I want to spend time with my kids, teach them the Bible, take them to church, laugh with them, cry with them, discipline them when they disobey, say sorry when I mess up, and pray like crazy. I want them to look back and think, “I’m not sure what my parents were doing or if they even knew what they’re were doing. But I always knew my parents loved me and I knew they loved Jesus.” Maybe it’s not that complicated after all.
"Parenting 001
via Kevin DeYoung by Kevin DeYoung on 5/10/11
Does it seem like parenting has gotten more complicated? I mean, as far as I can tell, back in the day parents basically tried to feed their kids, clothe them, and keep them away from explosives. Now our kids have to sleep on their backs (no wait, their tummies; no never mind, their backs), while listening to Baby Mozart surrounded by scenes of Starry, Starry Night. They have to be in piano lessons before they are five and can’t leave the car seat until their about five foot six.
It’s all so involved. There are so many rules and expectations. Kids can’t even eat sugar anymore. My parents were a solid as rock but we still had a cupboard populated with cereal royalty like Captain Crunch and Count Chocula. In our house the pebbles were fruity and the charms were lucky. The breakfast bowl was a place for marshmallows, not dried camping fruit. Our milk was 2%. And sometimes, if we needed to take the edge off a rough morning, we’d tempt fate and chug a little Vitamin D.
Trial by Error
I don’t consider myself a particularly good parent. I was asked to speak a few years ago at some church’s conference. They wanted me to talk about parenting. I said I didn’t have much to say so they should ask someone else (which they did). My kids are probably not as crazy as they seem to me (at least that’s what I keep telling myself anyway), but if I ever write a book on parenting I’m going to call it The Inmates Are Running the Asylum.
There are already scores of books on parenting, many of them quite good. I’ve read several of them and have learned much. I really do believe in gospel-powered parenting and shepherding my child’s heart. I want conversations like this:
Me: What’s the matter son?
Child: I want that toy and he won’t give it to me!
Me: Why do you want the toy?
Child: Because it will be fun to play with.
Me: Do you think he is having fun playing with the toy right now?
Child: Yes.
Me: Would it make him sad to take the toy away?
Child: I guess so.
Me: And do you like to make your brother sad?
Child: No.
Me: You know, Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. That means loving your brother the way he would want to be loved. Since Jesus loves us so much, we have every reason to love others–even your brother. Would you like to love him by letting him play with the toy for awhile?
Child: Yes I would daddy.
I try that. Really I do. But here’s what actually happens:
Me: What’s the matter son?
Child: I want that toy and he won’t give it to me!
Me: Why do you want the toy?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: What’s going on in your heart when you desire that toy?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: Think about it son. Use your brain. Don’t you know something?
Child: I guess I just want the toy.
Me: Obviously. But why?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: Fine. [Mental note: abandon "why" questions and skip straight to leading questions.] Do you think he is having fun playing with the toy right now?
Child: No.
Me: Really?! He’s not having fun? Then why does he want that toy in the first place?
Child: Because he’s mean.
Me: Have you ever considered that maybe you are being mean by trying to rip the toy from his quivering little hands?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: What do you know?
Child: I don’t know!
Me: Nevermind. [I wonder how my brilliant child can know absolutely nothing at this moment.] Well, I think taking the toy from him will make your brother sad. Do you like to make him sad?
Child: I don’t know.
Me: [Audible sigh.]
Child: He makes me sad all the time!
Me: Well, I’m getting sad right now with your attitude! [Pause, think, what would Paul Tripp do? Thinking . . . .thinking . . . .man, I can't stop thinking of that mustache. This isn't working. Let's just go right to the Jesus part.] You know, Jesus wants us to love each other.
Child: I don’t know.
Me: I didn’t ask you a question!
Child: [Pause.] Can I have some fruit snacks?
Me: No, you can’t have fruit snacks. We are talking about the gospel. Jesus loves us and died for us. He wants you to love your brother too.
Child: So?
Me: So give him the toy back!
Then I lunge for the toy and the child runs away. I tell him to come back here this instant and threaten to throw the toy in the trash. I recommit myself to turning down speaking engagements on parenting.
Growing What You Can
I want to grow as a parent–in patience and wisdom and consistency. But I also know that I can’t change my kids’ hearts. I am responsible for my heart and must be responsible to teach them the way of the Lord. But nothin’ guarantees nothin’. I’m just trying to be faithful, and then repent for all the times I’m not.
I have four kids and besides the Lord’s grace, I’m banking on the fact that there really are just a few non-negotiables in parenting. There are plenty of ways to screw up our kids, but whether they color during church, for example, is not one of them. There is not a straight line from doodling in the service as a toddler to doing meth as a teenager. Could it be that beyond the basics of godly parenting, that most of the other techniques and convictions are nibbling around the edges? Certainly, there are lots of ways that good parents make parenting a saner, more enjoyable experience, but even the kid addicted to Angry Birds who just downed a pack of Fun Dip and is now watching his third Pixar movie of the week (day?) still has a decent shot at not being a sociopath.
I remember years ago hearing a line from Alistair Begg, quoting another man, that went like this: “When I was young I had six theories and no kids. Now I have six kids and no theories.” I must be smart. It only took me four kids to run out of theories.
Getting a Few Things Right
I look back at my childhood and think, “What did my parents do right?” I watched too many Growing Pains reruns and played a lot of Super Techmo Bowl (LT could block every extra point and Christian Okoye was a stud). I never learned to like granola or my vegetables (kids, stop reading this post immediately!). But yet, I always knew they loved me. They made me go to church every Wednesday and twice on every Sunday. They made us do our homework. They laid down obvious rules–the kinds that keep kids from killing each other. They wouldn’t accept any bad language, and I didn’t hear any from them. Mom took care of us when we were sick. Dad told us he loved us. I never found porn around the house or booze or dirty secrets. We read the Bible. We got in trouble when we broke the rules. I don’t remember a lot of powerful heart-to-heart conversations. But we knew who we were, where we stood, and what to expect. I’d be thrilled to give my kids the same.
I worry that many young parents are a) too adamant about the particulars of their parenting or b) too sure that every decision will set their kids on an unalterable trajectory to heaven or hell. It’s like my secretary at the church once told me: “Most moms and dads think they are either the best or the worst parents around, and both are wrong.” Could it be we’ve made parenting too complicated? Isn’t the most important thing not what we do but who we are as parents? They will see our character before they remember our exact rules regarding television and twinkies.
I could be wrong. My kids are still young. Maybe this no-theory is a theory of its own. I just know that the longer I parent the more I want to focus on doing a few things really well, and not get too passionate about all the rest. I want to spend time with my kids, teach them the Bible, take them to church, laugh with them, cry with them, discipline them when they disobey, say sorry when I mess up, and pray like crazy. I want them to look back and think, “I’m not sure what my parents were doing or if they even knew what they’re were doing. But I always knew my parents loved me and I knew they loved Jesus.” Maybe it’s not that complicated after all.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Empty Tomb Cookies
Hey!
I know that many of you are well of aware of the Empty Tomb Cookies, but i wanted to post the recipe for those of you who may not. This is a great "lesson" to use to help in explaining the Truth of Easter with our kiddos If your kids are like mine they are itching to get in the kitchen and "help". B loves to bake with me so i know this will be a great "hands on" activity to use with him. Hope you all have a great week!
Easter Story Cookies
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
masking or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300*F. Do it NOW.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell and taste the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
In the morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
I know that many of you are well of aware of the Empty Tomb Cookies, but i wanted to post the recipe for those of you who may not. This is a great "lesson" to use to help in explaining the Truth of Easter with our kiddos If your kids are like mine they are itching to get in the kitchen and "help". B loves to bake with me so i know this will be a great "hands on" activity to use with him. Hope you all have a great week!
Easter Story Cookies
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
masking or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300*F. Do it NOW.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell and taste the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
In the morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Get me to the church on time...
Yesterday was our first time back to church since the girls were born. I am really proud of us for actually making it on time! It was great to see so many smiling faces of friends. Many of them were such encouragers and it blesses our family so much to see or hear from them, even if it is for just brief minute.
I love that we are able to drop off our children in a place where we know they will be taken care of in a loving manner. Our oldest learned that it is pretty cool to put goldfish in his water! Our second cried for a good bit until he was given snack...i think they learned that if they feed him he'll calm down. That boy can eat all day if you let him! Every time he goes into the kitchen he goes to the pantry door and says "Cracker". And them we have the girls, they just sat with some sweet ladies and drank their milk and slept. How great it was yesterday to know that our children were safe, happy and loved while we were able to sit under our pastor.
The subject our pastor taught on was a great one to come back to. It affirmed in my mind and heart something I had been processing regarding a missionary family. In college i had the opportunity to visit and serve along side them for a few weeks. It was great to talk through this yesterday and come up with an action plan for when they are on stateside assignment next year. So i ask that you will join with us as we pray through how we can best serve and encourage them when they are home next year.
Happy Monday!
I love that we are able to drop off our children in a place where we know they will be taken care of in a loving manner. Our oldest learned that it is pretty cool to put goldfish in his water! Our second cried for a good bit until he was given snack...i think they learned that if they feed him he'll calm down. That boy can eat all day if you let him! Every time he goes into the kitchen he goes to the pantry door and says "Cracker". And them we have the girls, they just sat with some sweet ladies and drank their milk and slept. How great it was yesterday to know that our children were safe, happy and loved while we were able to sit under our pastor.
The subject our pastor taught on was a great one to come back to. It affirmed in my mind and heart something I had been processing regarding a missionary family. In college i had the opportunity to visit and serve along side them for a few weeks. It was great to talk through this yesterday and come up with an action plan for when they are on stateside assignment next year. So i ask that you will join with us as we pray through how we can best serve and encourage them when they are home next year.
Happy Monday!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Let's try this again...
I have been reading a lot of blogs recently from so very smart, intelligent, and godly women and it made me remember my own blog today! HA! So here I am...
I'm going to try my best to start this anew...we will see what happens. Life is crazy now, but whose life isn't? Right? I am by no means saying I qualify as one of the above stated women, but i think it will be nice to put my thoughts down...somewhere.
Since the last time I blogged, we have sold our first house, moved into a new home and had twin girls. Plus all the other things of life that go in between. It has been one crazy, stressful, exciting year and i would not change a bit.
So stay tuned, maybe blogging will catch on with me this time!
I'm going to try my best to start this anew...we will see what happens. Life is crazy now, but whose life isn't? Right? I am by no means saying I qualify as one of the above stated women, but i think it will be nice to put my thoughts down...somewhere.
Since the last time I blogged, we have sold our first house, moved into a new home and had twin girls. Plus all the other things of life that go in between. It has been one crazy, stressful, exciting year and i would not change a bit.
So stay tuned, maybe blogging will catch on with me this time!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Boys!
It is one week and two days since Jacob entered the world. How great it is to have two wonderful little boys. The Lord has truly blessed us with these two gifts!
A few months ago, B and I were driving to work and the Lord spoke some clear words to me. I had to just sit in the car for a bit before getting out. I needed a minute to let it all soak in. So far in my life as a parent the Lord has given Adam and I two little boys. Along with these great gifts, comes great responsibility. As Christian parents we are charged to raise our children in the Lord.
A few months ago, B and I were driving to work and the Lord spoke some clear words to me. I had to just sit in the car for a bit before getting out. I needed a minute to let it all soak in. So far in my life as a parent the Lord has given Adam and I two little boys. Along with these great gifts, comes great responsibility. As Christian parents we are charged to raise our children in the Lord.
- Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Eph 6:4
- Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Prov. 22:6
I have always know that as parents we have this responsibility. But that morning on my way to work the Lord impressed on me the deeper responsibility of not only raising children, but raising two boys who must grow up to be the spiritual leader.
So now Adam and I are doing our best on focusing on what it means to raise two boys up in Christ, and to help equip them to be men of integrity and the spiritual leader of their family.
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