The reality of life :)

Don't buy into the lie that quiet time has to be quiet in order for God to speak. Squirming, active children in a motion filled home is ripe soil for the Gospel. It's supposed to happen this way because this is real life with young children; at least that's what I keep telling myself. We attempt to have Bible reading as part of our daily life.  Most days it happens. Some days, life gets crazy and it doesn't. Some times it goes well. The kids sit still and listen. Great truths of our faith are shared.....

 Other times..... bad attitudes, unrealistic expectations and life with young children happens too.  Kids squirm. They tickle or hit the sibling sitting beside them. They are grossed out by whatever they just put in their mouth! Any number of things can interrupt the "formality" of our teaching.

 

Thankfully we've been instructed by scripture that teaching the Bible doesn't have to be a complicated thing.  Deuteronomy 6:7-9, "Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates." 

The reality of life with kids is that they are not going to sit still. The best listening they do is when they are engaged in the story, acting along, answering questions and are allowed to interrupt to ask. questions. I've been amazed at some of the thing they want to know.

Josiah needs something to do while he listens. Often, I will give him a toy car or something to occupy his hands. I've learned, even when they are running around or playing they are still learning. Sometimes, I'm amazed at what they pick up when I think there is no way they heard what I was saying. 

It's also a relief to know it is a continually process. We hope that we will have many years to share these truths with our children. We've read through many different children's Bibles with them. Many of the stories of the faith have been repeated over and over. The kids can can bring up details and facts that have been building over the past few years. We are also able to get onto more complicated and mature issue as they mature. It is our goal to help them see how all of the stories are not just individual stories, but are all connected. They are all part of the ultimate story; the story of Christ.

God Seems Closer at a House by the Beach

God Seems Closer at a House by the Beach.

That saying is sewn into a pillow on my Momma's couch, and she swears it's true. 

Often when we talk, she'll tell me how beautiful the sunrise was that morning. It seem to be one of her favorite times of day. 

Momma also has an added bonus to her sunrise, the view! My parents live on the end of a canal in the Panhandle of Florida. The area they live in is a beautiful combination of waterways and exotic marsh. Water surrounds the front their property and there is always neat wildlife to watch.  

Watching a sunrise is not a frequent occurrence in daily life. I try to squeeze out the last possible moment of sleep into each morning, so I miss most Sunrises. But on our past visit, I decided I would get up and enjoy some of what Momma seems so enamored with. I wasn't disappointed. 

 As the sun slowly crept up behind the marsh, small flecks of gold sliced through the dark. Night made room for rich blues and warm pinks, then those quickly gave way for a glorious golden ball to rise up and up. It was amazing how much the sky changed in just 15 minutes. Watching the darkness give way to light was a tiny taste of God's promise for the future.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:22-25

As pretty as these photos are, they pale in comparison to the real colors and beauty that I witnessed that morning. This world pales in comparison of how great heaven will be too. But every sunrise is a reminder of our hope in the Lord, His never ending compassion and his great  faithfulness!

 The sunsets are not bad either :)

Full Circle

This post has been on my heart for months, actually it's been over a year. I'm bad at blogging :) This story has been on my mind a lot lately as I keep reflecting on what God has shown me and how he has blessed my family over and over this past year.

Last year Eden had heart surgery to correct a condition she had called SVT. You can look here and find the post I wrote following her surgery. She is doing fantastic! We continue to have check-ups with her cardiologist, and her heart is doing great.  She fully recovered from the surgery and has finally begun to put on some weight and has hit a growth spurt.

While Eden was in the hospital, our family was able to stay at the Ronald McDonald house in Greenville. It was a huge blessing to be able to be so close. At the time Titus was only 6 months old and was nursing him every 4 hours. He refused to take a bottle. We worked out a plan so my wonderful In-laws would keep the boys and bring them to me when Titus needed to eat. I was able to keep Titus with me at the Ronald McDonald house and Larry was able to stay at the hospital with Eden overnight. I tell you, there has never been a situation where my heart was so torn between wanting to be with each of my children and serving them both at the same time. I had to realize the importance of the people God put in our lives to help and accept the generosity other others. It was a learning period for sure, and everything worked out beautifully.

Oh the story gets better :) Here is the letter I wrote to the Ronald McDonald house:

Dear staff of the Ronald McDonald House,

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thank you for the wonderful hospitality we received while staying at the Ronald McDonald house in Greenville. I also wanted to let you know that Eden is healing well and has a great prognosis for her future.

If you would please allow me a moment, I would like to share a story with you. Our family moved to Williamston almost 4 years ago for my husband to pastor a church. One of our  sweet church members was a lady named Mabel Roberson. Small in stature, but big in heart, Miss Mabel was an incredible woman. Mabel was a nurse and spent her whole life caring for others, especially children. She was known to take sick children home with her to continue their care. Mabel was a talented woman and quilting was one of her passions.  When Mabel passed away, her family gave her quilting material to our church.

A suggested was made that we gather some of Mabel’s Christmas material and make Christmas quilts for the Ronald McDonald house. I’m not a quilter, but I helped cut material and gather supplies for the other ladies as they made the quilts. It was fun making the quilts, but soon I moved to other projects and life with small children. I didn’t give much thought to those quilts or the families who would receive them, until Eden’s surgery.

As I completed our check out, one of the ladies took me to a side room and shared with me how every child that stayed at the Ronald McDonald house received a quilt. As she opened the cabinet, in the bottom corner, there were two of Miss Mabel’s Christmas quilts.  

It’s hard to find word to describe that special that moment.  I know Miss Mabel would have been so pleased to know her quilting supplies were still bringing joy to sick children. I never imagined that my family would have been one of the families that would have received one of her quilts. That gift was a sweet reminder of Mabel’s love, and the love of the women of our church who quilted the blankets. It was also a great reminder of God’s love for our family and for Eden. It was a reminder of His love for each of the children and families that the Ronald McDonald house serves.

I hope this letter will be an encouragement to the Staff and families at the Ronald McDonald house. As someone who has been on both sides of the ministry, making the quits and having a child that received one, it is a pleasure to share this story with you in hopes of encouraging others. May the Lord bless and keep you as you minister to the children and families who stay with you.

These are some of the special women of our church as we dropped off more quilts at the Ronald McDonald House. You never know how an act of service or kindness will effect others, and how it might return a blessing to your own life.

The Jesus Storybook Bible

I love getting packages in the mail. They always make me feel special. Last week, I received a package from my cousin Kelly. While we were in Florida during my grandmother’s funeral, She told me about a Bible she was using with her children and how much she enjoyed it. You can imagine my joy when the package arrived and The Jesus Storybook Bible was included.

Larry and I have been searching for an age appropriate Bible for the children for a while. We tried The Long Story Short Family Devotions, but it was too advanced for Eden. It would be fantastic for an older child. A lot of children’s Bibles on the market are cartoonish and were not exactly what we were looking for in a children’s Bible.

We read straight out of the Bible, and think that it is wonderful, but there were a lot of things that we came across that we had a difficult time deciding how to (or even if we should) expose them to a two and four year old. We want them to be knowledgeable of the Bible, but not to some of the evils it includes. We realize babes need the milk of scripture, not the meat.

So you can imagine my joy when I opened the Jesus Storybook Bible and began reading. I loved the way the author, Sally Lloyd-Jones, wove the stories of Scripture into kid friendly tales that all pointed to Jesus. I looked up the Book’s website and read a wonderful Q&A about her and her purpose behind writing the Storybook. Her words touched my heart. She so exactly embraced Larry’s and my philosophy about the Scriptures and the wonderful Savoir for whom they were written. Here is a exert from the website:
If you lose the greater story of the Bible, the danger is you start thinking that it’s all about you and what you should or shouldn’t be doing. You can start to think it’s a book of rules to follow (of course there are rules in it and they show us how life works best but if we could save ourselves by following the rules, Jesus never would have had to come); or you can think it’s a book of heroes to copy (clearly that can’t be right though. So many of the people God uses are not heroes at all--they’re broken sinners!).


But if you see that everything in the Bible is pointing to the greater one, the greater Hero, the greater David, the greater Daniel, the Greater Shepherd, the True King--it transforms everything. Suddenly, it’s an incredible adventure story, a wonderful love story. The rescue of Noah and the ark was great--but it was not enough. Isaac was a brave son--but there would be another braver son. The Promised Land was good, but it wouldn’t last. The law was good, but it wasn’t enough. A greater rescue, a more wonderful home, a more obedient son was coming. The Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes. It’s most of all a Story, and there’s only one hero of that Story. And it isn’t us! It’s all about Jesus, it’s always all been about Jesus, from the very beginning.

Even though I had only read through the first few pages of the book, I knew I held something special in my hands. We had been given a wonderful tool to point our children towards the Savior who loves them with a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.

As we started to read it together as a family, I began to tear up. Eden being super sensitive to Mommy’s tears, didn’t understand what was going on. She kept asking why I was so upset. I explained to her that I loved this book and its stories so much that It made Mommy cry tears of joy. They were happy tears because I love the God who gave us the Book and the stories and who loves us with a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love. I explained how the hundreds of books on her bookshelf were all pretend stories, make believe stories, but that these stories were real. They were from a real God and a real Jesus. Can you imagine how that must have impacted her little heart?

It makes me joyful when each night she pulls out the Bible and looks forward to us reading it together. Only a week or so into it and she knows Mommy’s and Daddy’s love for this book. I have also found myself reading ahead and loving the stories. Even though it is written for Children, the Truths are timeless and touch this tired Momma’s heart as well. The stories remind me of the Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love that God has for me as well. What a blessing!

Happy New Years - Resolutions

As this decade is ending and a new year is only hours away I have been reflecting on all that I am thankful for. Many things have come to mind. Then I thought about the things I am thankful that I do not have. I have learned it is in need that I am humbled. I remain dependant on God’s provisions now and the years to come.

Thank you Lord that I do not have a clean house. There is laundry that needs to be folded AND put away, toilets to be scrubbed, dishes to be washed. Only Max (our dog) is willing to eat off my kitchen floor. Because of my two little mess makers, our home is filled with toys, and clutter. I have stuff thrown from here to there, and toys litter my floors in a daily basis. But it is also filled with laughter and joy. Thank you Lord for the mess that my children make. I am so happy to have them. We have such a great time together playing. I’m sure twenty years from now, I’ll long for these messes. Thank you that I have opportunities to play with them and let messes wait.

Thank you Lord that I don’t have a job outside of our home. Because the great care that our church provides our family, I am able to be home with my children. I get to watch them each day. I am the primary person that molds their character and teaches them the Bible. What a blessing it is to serve and love others because I can be on our schedule instead of a work schedule.

Thank you Lord that my daughter isn’t 100% healthy. When Larry and I learned of Eden’s heart condition, We prayed and gave her life to you. We know that she is yours. You entrusted her care to us. That was perhaps the hardest lesson I have learned as a parent, but it is by far the best. I know you care for Eden and Josiah more than we ever could. In the big scheme of things, her heart condition could be much worse, for that I am thankful. Twice a day as I give her medication, Twice a day I give her life to you. Thank you that she has the medication she needs. We know there is surgery ahead of us, but we trust you with our most precious gift, our child’s life.

Thank you Lord that my children are not immediately obedient. They give me daily, hourly, and sometimes minute by minute opportunities to rely on you to help me parent them well. They remind me that I am not obedient to you as I should be. I am your rebellious, sinful child. Thank you for being graceful and merciful with me. You remind me constantly that I am in need of self discipline just as they are. I need to parent with grace and mercy as well. Parenting is the hardest thing I have ever attempted.


Thank you Lord that my son still does not sleep through the night. Sadly three of my friends have lost their sons or daughters this pass year. I’m sure those Mommas long to hold their children and would never complain of being up in the middle of the night. Waking to nurse or sooth Josiah’s hurt is a privilege. Late in the night when everything is still. There is a since of wonder as he rest on my chest and we enjoy time with one another. Often I pray during these precious times, sometimes I just listen to Josiah breath. Don’t get me wrong, I would love a full night’s sleep. But I know these days will pass quickly and I cherish that you wake me in the middle of the night to have time with Josiah.


Thank you that my husband is often away when I would rather him be home with me. Ministry is such hard work. There is rarely a schedule and when there is, it can be changed in an instant when a family needs him. It’s difficult when he is called away during dinners or has meeting so many nights of the week. Yet, you have provided him a wonderful job when so many others are without one. But it’s more than just a job; it’s a calling to ministry. That is a special privilege. It is a lifestyle, not an occupation. He is able to proclaim you Truth to people who or hurting or dying. His vocation allows him to impact eternity. He loves what he does and he’s good at it. I’m proud to be his wife and his help mate in the ministry.


Thank you Lord that we are not rich. Each month I wonder if we will run out of money before we run out of days. Each month I am reminded that you provide for us exactly what we need when we need it. It never fails that when the truck breaks down you provide the money to pay for it. An unexpected bill will show up and you provide. Time and time again, You provide. We are rich beyond measure!


Like many people I have a wish list of things I would like to have. Then I remember the children in the orphanages that I work in and think of how very little they have. Those children had so little yet were so joyful. I remember how I felt the first time I returned to American soil. I thought how much I had compared to how little other had. I am ashamed to have been thinking so selfishly. I have never gone to bed hungry. I have always been blessed with clothes, shelter, transportation, education, access to medical care and a family that loves me. More importantly I have been blessed with the inheritance of heaven!


When I think of the many blessings that are given to me through Christ Jesus, I am in awe! While I was your enemy, you died for my sins, While I was years away from understanding your work in my life, you died fore my sins. Without proper way of expressing my thanksgiving for your grace, you died for my sins. How awesome is you love!


On this last day of the decade, we remember what we have to be thankful for and make resolutions for the things that we would like to change or improve. For many years I have made resolutions that were goal oriented, Like lose 10 pound or be better about sending letters and calling people. Half way through January, I have broken many of my resolutions. This year I decided to have God oriented goals. My thinking is that when I keep a heart inclined towards God, then my actions will reflect that change. It’s much easier for me to be God oriented than goal oriented. Anyways theses are my resolutions.

Lord please help me to love you more than I love my sin.

Lord please help me to love others more than I love myself.

Lord please help me be more intentional about sharing the Gospel with others.

Happy New Year!

Jesus Vs. Santa

VS.

Larry and I are in the process of developing a Christmas tradition for our family. Our biggest desire is for our children to know Jesus through a personal relationship. We want them to celebrate His birth at Christmas. Using the Holiday to love and serve others, as Christ has loved us. At 2 and 10 months Eden and Josiah don't understand most of what we're trying to teach, but we believe that the Word will not return void. Little minds absorb so much. Eden has her own little nativity set. She is so cute as she names the pieces. Of course, Mary is "Meme". Each day we sing Christmas carols and talk about Jesus' birthday.

Now what do we do with Santa? Larry and I have decided not to have Santa be a part of our children's Christmas tradition. That's not an easy task. People in stores ask what Santa's going to bring them or if they have been naughty or nice. He's everywhere this time of year. There are many reasons why we have come to this decision.

Please keep in mind we're not trying to kill Santa, and No we do not believe that Santa is an acronym for Satan. There are so many extremes of this position. Larry and I feel that legalism fuels most of that thinking. We don't think we're better Christians or more holy than families that do have Santa in their family traditions. We desire to have hearts that seek God and want our children to enjoy the holiday without the commercialised aspects that our society places upon it. We want Christmas to be about Jesus and His humble birth. And we always want to keep in mind the Cross behind the stable.

Last night at a Church Christmas party each person was asked to speak about a favorite Christmas memory or gift. Most of the older people commented about receiving a stocking with fruit or a pocket knife. Most of them only received one small gift. One sweet lady spoke about a rag doll her Mama had made for her that she cherished for years. Each of them spoke so fondly of their gifts that a parent had made or saved many months for. The simplicity of those gifts still hold a place in their memories as being special. I desire for my children to have that kind of attitude.

My cousin Kelly posted this about celebrating St Nickolas Day. I was intrigued. I had never heard of St. Nicholas Day. Larry and I started to talk about it, and I did a little research on St Nick. I loved this article from Cyberbrethren.com. St Nick was a feisty Christian. He was a man of conviction who was one of the writers of the Nicene Creed. So we are discussing having our family celebrate St. Nickolas Day next year. We still don't want the commercialised Santa in our home. But that heretic slapping, children loving Bishop, St. Nick,.... I hope my children love him :)

Fishing Jesus style

The running joke in my family is that any man can fish with a pole, but real men fish like Jesus.

This is my brother, Shannon, throwing a cast net. The net is weighted down with lead weights all around the perimeter. The net falls fast and catches anything under it. It's heavy! After casting it a few times you realize how hard of work it must have been for the apostles, who used bigger nets. We fish for fun, they fished for their livelihood.

After watching this it makes reading passages like Luke 5:4-11 more understandable. Jesus (who was a carpenter, not a fishermen) tells Peter to throw out a net again on the other side of the boat. Peter who is tired, says we've fished all night and caught nothing. But sure, we'll try one more time. When Peter obeys, he is blessed with a harvest so big it breaks the nets and he has to call in for reinforcements. He realizes he is in the presences of God and is humbled.

Now our catch was not remarkable like Peter's on the day Jesus called him out. But the Truths of Obeying and Blessing are still applicable to me today. Having a picture of how casting a net works, made me ponder Jesus' commands on my life. How often I struggle with his commands. How often I miss the blessings because of the struggle. I want to have an attitude like Peter, even though I'm tired. I want to obey.

Shannon's catch, also known as bait. :)