Since hearing the news of Bin Laden's death, I have felt a little relief to know that justice was served in some small way. At the same time, I don't think we (as Christians) should rejoice in his death. I know this man did horrific things to his country and countless others. There were many men, women, and children that suffered greatly at his hands. There are so many terrible things that happen that sadden God that we may never see or hear. God knows us inside and out. Much like He knew his people, in Ezekiel 18, He was rebuking and urging them to turn from their ways. He was addressing a generational sin issue. He was telling them just because your father is righteous...it doesn't make the son righteous and so on and so on. They were judged on their own souls. This was, of course, before Christ's death and resurrection from the cross. He will never leave or forsake us. We have a free will to choose our Savior. Ezekiel 18:23, God says he does NOT rejoice in the death of sinful...He rejoices in the sinful turning away from their wickedness and toward him. (I am paraphrasing.) He mentions this again in Ezekiel 33. This shows that God gives us all a chance to turn from sin. He wants us to choose life. Life with Him for eternity, not an eternity in hell. It is a struggle to pray for our enemies great and small.
I have written previously about being a gracious woman. My biggest struggle with this study was that you have to have gracious submission. This is hard because God calls us to forgive as we would want forgiveness. (I went into more detail about it in that post.) I want justice for injustices. When I have opened up my mouth and said things that have deeply wounded a friend. I wanted mercy. When I have betrayed some one's trust by gossiping about them (even when I thought it was venting to another person. tearing someone apart with another friend listening is gossip. If you have an issue/problem, talk directly to that person.) I wanted mercy. I know that I haven't ever murdered someone. I have hated someone. I don't want to admit it, but I did. Jesus said, if you have hate in your heart for someone else. You have committed murder. I have repented and forgave. It is a command to love our enemies, even enemies that harm us or others.
On another side of this discussion, there are millions of babies murdered every year. Do we know who has done this? Do we know if they have repented and turned to God? Do we rejoice in their death?There are thousands if not millions that are killed in genocide. Do we rejoice when these leaders die? As Christians we are called to pray for these and all people who haven't humbled themselves and accepted Christ's free gift. Preacher Man has been reading a biography about Leonard Ravenhill. Lynnie is what I have started to call him since he is in most of our conversations. Preacher Man said that Lynnie was a man of prayer. He had a long life of ministry. He was not someone that had a mega church, but he spoke at many revivals. Preacher Man and I have been convicted about our prayer lives. It isn't enough to pray in the morning, before meals, and at night. Our prayer lives should be like breathing. It starts small. When someone cuts you off when you're driving, asks you to move your car blocking their driveway when they aren't going anywhere, someone says something about you behind your back. These little things left not prayed over, can turn to anger. Anger and hate drives a wedge between God and us. We need to fight against anything that will tear us from our Savior's grip. Fight through all the garbage that society give us day in and day out! We are called to be peculiar people, not reacting the way that the world reacts.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
MAC is back!!....and Pictures of our Spring Break!
Honey Bear relaxing with Opa while he catches up on some media time. She first thought we were nuts for coming out to this place with all the leaves and dirt. It didn't take long before she embraced it and truly kicked back and relaxed!
Preacher Man trying to show Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea how to cast their new fishing rods.
Cutie Pie was really getting the hang of it. She loved trying to fish. We didn't catch anything but it was still a lot of fun.
Sweet Pea trying very hard to cast. I think this was just right after she got it caught in the tree. She kinda took a "rest" from practicing.
I couldn't help but take a picture of this fire. I loved sitting by the fire talking for hours. The girls went to bed really early because there wasn't anything else to do. They loved the tent more than anything else. It was 'three rooms' after all.
This was at 8:30 pm. They were all so out that it didn't bother them one bit when I took this. To the left was a queen air bed and to the right was an elevated queen air bed. Everyone was comfy and cozy.
Some of the ingredients for breakfast: egg omelets and bacon. Yum!
Cutie Pie doesn't normally play in the dirt but when we were camping she didn't shy away from it at all. They were totally covered in dirt by lunch time.
Oma and Opa taking a time out to hold Honey Bear while she napped. When Oma got tired, Opa would take over holding our big girl. Soon she won't want to be held because she will be so busy playing with her sisters.
"Do we really have to leave?!" Preacher Man truly was able to relax and take it easy for a few days. I was so glad that he was able to have a good vacation.
We stopped off at Mineola, TX to take a picture at the AM Track station. This was on the way to breakfast and everyone was kinda hungry. I love these moments with Opa and Oma! We have to make the most of the little time together.
Love this picture of the girls being silly. Anytime we see these little posters. They really feel the need to stop and take a picture. I totally indulge them too because they are hard to get in a picture together these days. We are usually doing anything wild and crazy to keep their attention for some pictures.
Today, I heard that one of the dear older men of my childhood church passed away. This man was one of those men who took time to invest in anyone and everyone he came in contact with. Mr. Boney had severe arthritis but would take that pain and put it to the side to show the kids of the church just how young he was. I will never forget the first time I saw him go for a short jog along the back of the church. Everyone watched in amazement. Afterward you could see him move a little slower to the car, but it baffled the young kids how this man with a cane could jog passed them. As the years passed you could see him having a harder time getting up and down for praise and worship time. He would stand and raise his hand in worship to his King. Mrs. Boney was a woman that poured into my life too. Preacher Man and I were newly married and only a few months into my first pregnancy. I had a chance to sit next to her during a wedding reception. I saw her during the wedding praying without ceasing for the young couple at the alter. She asked when we were going to start a family. She started to talk about how when they started a family they didn't have anything to their name. She had two little babies and they put pillows into the drawers of their dresser until they wouldn't fit anymore and she would hang their cloth diapers and sterilize the glass bottles. She told me that you may never feel fully prepared for little ones, but they don't know any different. They only know your love and attention. We lost Isaiah days after that. And after that she just prayed over me. I have no doubt that Mr. Boney is now moving and jogging with ease. I pray that Mrs. Boney's grief can be eased over the time she has here until she can join her Savior. The time they spent with Preacher Man and I was very short, but the impact they left on our lives is eternal. I am so thankful for the people who poor in to future generations and lead them to the cross. Let me take time to say, (if you read this blog...which is pretty limited) thank you! Thank you for the time you take to pour into people's lives and souls to show them God's love. Thank you for the prayers that you say for the lost and hurting.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
What's Going On?!!
April has been a very busy month....wait, 2011 has been a busy year. This year is moving at light speed to me. It might have something to do with having three girls, one of whom is in school now, keeping up with all the little extras that most everyone has creep into their life. We have sent our newest addition (our new Mac) to be worked on over the next couple of weeks. I hope to get my SD card out of the CD slot!!! In the midst of waiting for the triumphant return of those two things, Preacher Man and I have made it through one revival week where he was gone and now he has been asked to do another for today and yesterday. Thankfully this revival is in a town a little closer than the last. The week of the 11th, I was franticly pulling together Sweet Pea's birthday extravaganza!! Her birthday is on the 17th, her Opa and Oma were coming on Friday morning, Saturday afternoon was the party and Sunday was the actual day. When things fall like that is seems like a birthday extravaganza. I will be posting pics when I get the chance. (no SD card slot on ole faithful here and I can't find the USB cord. :) Bare with me, I am a little scattered at the moment.)
Sweet Pea and I have had a relationship like that of teacher and student. Sometimes those roles have switched to her favor. She is uniquely different from her older sister. Cutie Pie is more reserved, more serious and methodical. Sweet Pea is more never-meet-a-stranger (gets that from her Opa), always ready to make you laugh (even when she should be in the deepest of trouble), and VERY implusive. None of these are bad, but just different from my first child rearing experience. I will never forget the first time I took her to youth camp at four months old. She was sleeping through the services for the most part, but one night she woke up and the chapel area wasn't very big. I didn't want to leave and not hear the rest of the message. Sweet Pea was not having this! She started screaming. When Cutie Pie would start that I would sing Jesus loves me and it would calm her down. So I start to sing this sweet lullaby to her and she just looks straight into my eyes and screams louder. I tried holding her still in a effort to get her to sleep she wiggled and squirmed more and more for 30 minutes this went on. It felt like almost 3 hours!!! It did end, but I did notice other times that she would push her limits and boundaries. She has been much more of challenge to raise only because I am a people pleaser for the most part. There are times that I get fed up with a situation in my life and I have to check my poor attitude with God. Well, Sweet Pea has matured so much in the last few months. She was lying to me so much in the last year that it was beginning to worry me. But in the last few weeks she has started to work at telling the truth because I see in her eyes the effort to look at me and tell me the truth. She has also potty trained. I still sit sometimes in amazement. To give you an idea of how funny she can be, Sweet Pea looked at me when she was almost three and said, "when I am four I will go potty." What?!! I mean Preacher Man and I tried everything! She many times would go sit on the potty and then within minutes of getting up...she would use her pull up and laugh and giggle about it. Oh it was a struggle! As we got closer to her birthday, she started to tell everyone that, "when I am 5 I will go potty." NOO!! We had just gotten back from our vacation on Spring Break and she was supposed to go potty when we got home and she looked at me and sang, "I pooped in my pants". That was the last pull up she EVER wore! It could have been a terrible idea, but I was more determined than she was at that point. I haven't been able to enjoy one in diapers in a few years. Anyway, Sweet Pea has also developed this deep empathy and thoughtfulness that has just astounded me. No mater how 'strong' willed she may seem. She is the first one to be truly concerned about an hurt foot or a sad face or someone being left out.
Another thing that I am looking forward to is our Good Friday service. Preacher Man and I loved our church where we got married because they had a Good Friday service. I have missed it. Many churches now don't do them. It does cause me to interrupt what is going on in my life to get my mind quiet and remembering what that day represents. My savior died and that Sunday is coming! He rose again and is sitting by God's right hand!! Also, Preacher Man turns 36 on Good Friday!!! It is a 'good' friday. I had to sneak that in....ok, if I haven't already lost you because of my cheesy joke. I can't say enough about Preacher Man and all that he does to help me. I do give him a hard time, but he works so hard to provide for us and then he comes home to help with the girls without complaining (most days). I do need to recognize how blessed I am to have him in my life. At least once a year, I try to call Preacher Man's mom and thank her for raising him and trying her best to have him be a gentleman. I also thank his dad. This year unlike others, I have asked him what he wants for his birthday. I didn't get a straight answer. So what is a Blue Jean Queen to do?! I hope that he enjoys whatever we decide to do. Well, I wanted to share that is what's going on in our ministry life. What's going on in your life?
Sweet Pea and I have had a relationship like that of teacher and student. Sometimes those roles have switched to her favor. She is uniquely different from her older sister. Cutie Pie is more reserved, more serious and methodical. Sweet Pea is more never-meet-a-stranger (gets that from her Opa), always ready to make you laugh (even when she should be in the deepest of trouble), and VERY implusive. None of these are bad, but just different from my first child rearing experience. I will never forget the first time I took her to youth camp at four months old. She was sleeping through the services for the most part, but one night she woke up and the chapel area wasn't very big. I didn't want to leave and not hear the rest of the message. Sweet Pea was not having this! She started screaming. When Cutie Pie would start that I would sing Jesus loves me and it would calm her down. So I start to sing this sweet lullaby to her and she just looks straight into my eyes and screams louder. I tried holding her still in a effort to get her to sleep she wiggled and squirmed more and more for 30 minutes this went on. It felt like almost 3 hours!!! It did end, but I did notice other times that she would push her limits and boundaries. She has been much more of challenge to raise only because I am a people pleaser for the most part. There are times that I get fed up with a situation in my life and I have to check my poor attitude with God. Well, Sweet Pea has matured so much in the last few months. She was lying to me so much in the last year that it was beginning to worry me. But in the last few weeks she has started to work at telling the truth because I see in her eyes the effort to look at me and tell me the truth. She has also potty trained. I still sit sometimes in amazement. To give you an idea of how funny she can be, Sweet Pea looked at me when she was almost three and said, "when I am four I will go potty." What?!! I mean Preacher Man and I tried everything! She many times would go sit on the potty and then within minutes of getting up...she would use her pull up and laugh and giggle about it. Oh it was a struggle! As we got closer to her birthday, she started to tell everyone that, "when I am 5 I will go potty." NOO!! We had just gotten back from our vacation on Spring Break and she was supposed to go potty when we got home and she looked at me and sang, "I pooped in my pants". That was the last pull up she EVER wore! It could have been a terrible idea, but I was more determined than she was at that point. I haven't been able to enjoy one in diapers in a few years. Anyway, Sweet Pea has also developed this deep empathy and thoughtfulness that has just astounded me. No mater how 'strong' willed she may seem. She is the first one to be truly concerned about an hurt foot or a sad face or someone being left out.
Another thing that I am looking forward to is our Good Friday service. Preacher Man and I loved our church where we got married because they had a Good Friday service. I have missed it. Many churches now don't do them. It does cause me to interrupt what is going on in my life to get my mind quiet and remembering what that day represents. My savior died and that Sunday is coming! He rose again and is sitting by God's right hand!! Also, Preacher Man turns 36 on Good Friday!!! It is a 'good' friday. I had to sneak that in....ok, if I haven't already lost you because of my cheesy joke. I can't say enough about Preacher Man and all that he does to help me. I do give him a hard time, but he works so hard to provide for us and then he comes home to help with the girls without complaining (most days). I do need to recognize how blessed I am to have him in my life. At least once a year, I try to call Preacher Man's mom and thank her for raising him and trying her best to have him be a gentleman. I also thank his dad. This year unlike others, I have asked him what he wants for his birthday. I didn't get a straight answer. So what is a Blue Jean Queen to do?! I hope that he enjoys whatever we decide to do. Well, I wanted to share that is what's going on in our ministry life. What's going on in your life?
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Youth Lab 2011
Just take in this picture. I have always loved older buildings. This one is no different. There is something very cool about this place. It is a very interesting place, but it is also a seminary. That's right, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brian spent so many hours here when we lived and worked at a children's home. The couple of days we had off I would go with him and spend lots of time in the library. I loved roaming the aisles and knowing all the knowledge and wisdom that has been put on those shelves. We didn't go here just to visit Brian almamater. We went to Youth Lab: Release for youth ministers and older youth that have potential to lead in the group.
For years now, we have taken our girls to see my parents while we are there. Friday, we met up with my dad and handed the girls off to grandparents. Yahoo! We did miss them, but to have a time for them to enjoy grandparents and us to get spiritually fed. It is usually an amazing weekend. The first worship time was around 6 pm. The worship was really good and I was just praying that God would show me things that I need to improve in our relationship. When the speaker started, I thought that he was pretty good. He wanted to talk about adoption. God keeps bringing this thought to me. Brian has been burdened for the orphans of the world. Our speaker went from adopting one Ukrainian baby to adopting 4 older children ranging in ages 8 to 14 years old and later adopted another Ethiopian boy. For the last year and a half his wife and he have been working very diligently to show them God and His love for them. They have many issues that they are working through slowly. He spoke honestly that things can be difficult but on the other side of that is the joy and happiness that they share. This is true of any parents-child relationship: biological or adopted. God was speaking to me.
Our first breakout session, I chose to go to a girl ministry session because the youth minister's wife sessions didn't start till the next day. In this session, I listened as I was challenged to reach deeper and farther into my walk with God to spur on the youth girls. I can honestly say that lately it has been difficult to not be discouraged. I have tried to reach out to some of the youth and I get shut down very quickly. I remember being that age and so much is going on that you get wrapped up in the here and now. She talked about discipleship and mentoring, the differences, and how to set them up. I realized that I did have a group that did discipleship just like she had "modeled" with her girls. I failed in that I didn't urge my group to "pay it forward" and disciple others that are younger. I let it just fizzle. I didn't keep after them no matter how long it took. I have let this time go and now they are preparing for college. I don't doubt that they have continued to read and strive after God, but not carrying that forward to others is not ideal. Anyway, her next session was about cultural trends. Uh, WOW! That is literally all I could think. I really just wanted to grab some girls and tell them how precious they are to God and to me. There has always been sin and there is nothing new under the sun when it comes to sin. I just get blown away at some of the things that are pretty much shoved down our youths' throats. She talked about choosing holiness opposed to choosing to do-the-right-thing. I have fallen into that mentality before. God is the one who does the changing, not us.
The next day, we had worship and our speaker talked about holiness. Ok, Lord, I am listening and I want to truly take what you are plainly telling me and apply it to my heart. The morning session was really great. She talked about Psalm 127 and in the afternoon sessions she spoke on how to resolve conflict or difficulty in the church. I hate to admit it, but that was one of the main reasons I went to this track. There is conflict everywhere, but sometimes in church life everyone needs to stop and put themselves in someone else's shoes. This was very interesting sessions because we were taught about different temperaments. We were all born with a certain temperament and our character is what we have been taught. I have a more 'melancholy' temperament. I am very sensative to other peoples needs or thoughts, a huge perfectionist (having kids has caused this to be less and less), analyze things way too much. I do think that my parents worked hard with me to not take things too personally and it is still something that I struggle with. If you look in the bible, you can tell that Jesus dealt with all kinds of different people and he could speak to each one in their "love language." In dealing with church conflict, it can be very hard to know if you are resolving it and still showing God's love (even when our humanity says, "you're wrong and I don't care ________.).
My next post I will share some funny things that happened in the past few months. Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea have been very entertaining lately. I hope you all have a great week!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Time to catch up
I have kind of been putting this post off. I really wanted to have pictures to show of our latest happenings. Unfortunately, I accidentally got my SD card stuck and I have to figure out how to get it out. That being said, I will get on with it.....
We started preparations for our camping trip pretty soon after our friends left. When Preacher Man first brought up this idea, I thought he had lost his mind. The more I thought about all the times I went as a child, I thought he was on the the right track. Our girls needed some one on one time because they were starting to pick up some bad habits. On the night of the 9th, we packed up everyone and everything we needed and headed to East Texas. After driving the whole night, we were exhausted and rested for a bit and then got out to make sure we had all the food and provisions we needed for our "off the grid" adventure. Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea were excited to be able to get some fishing poles. Of course, Cutie Pie picked a Barbie one and Sweet Pea picked out Dora. Well we were all set for our trip. Friday we (my dad, Preacher Man, myself, and the kiddos) went out to a pretty active lake with paddle boats, playground, etc...but they were full and we didn't think we needed reservations. Thankfully, there was another lake close by and it was not full. The campgrounds didn't have nearly as many amenities, but it was just as nice and there was a bath house close. It felt wonderful to get out and set up our HUGE tent and the "kitchen". By early afternoon, we had a good amount of time to relax and get dinner started. All this time the girls were asking over and over if we could go fishing. When they saw that we didn't have much time to go fishing before dark, they asked to go to the playground close by. (My mom joined us after she got off work.) We enjoyed dinner, toasting BIG marshmallows, stories by the fire, and adults talking late into the night.
Saturday, there were many moments of relaxation. We weren't completely "off the grid", but we didn't have all the luxuries that most of the others had in their RVs. In the morning, Opa and Preacher Man took Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea for their first attempt at fishing. Honey Bear was constantly going to the concrete and hanging out there. She kept looking at us all like we had lost our minds, 'staying in the woods?!' This morning she was stepping off the concrete and found a spot that was low. She tripped and hit some rock and her entire face was covered with dirt and rocks. And resulted in some scratches on her forehead. We had lunch and most everyone had a chance to lay down for a nap. I think we all slept about 3 hours!! Right before dinner, the girls went back to the playground. When we suddenly heard a cry...It was Cutie Pie. There was a teenager carrying her. Cutie Pie had asked this girl to hold her ankles as she crossed the monkey bars. Cutie Pie let go of the bar and fell forward and scratched her forehead and was holding her right arm. She has broke this arm before, but she didn't seem to be acting the same way. I gave her some Tylenol and she came to eat dinner, but very soon after that she went to bed.
Sunday, we packed up everything and the rest of the day was spent going to see Preacher Man's family and Monday was very similar. I love spending time with all of our family. I can't ever take for granted how much our family cares for us. We are so blessed!
When we arrived home, it was back to the swing of things. Sweet Pea had been telling me she would potty train when she was five! (For a year she has been telling me that when she turned 4, she would go to the potty. Her 4th birthday is next month!) I began to tell her that if she didn't go potty she wasn't going to get a BIG party with a BIG cake. I know that seems hardcore, but come on, this is all strong will??! When we got everything unpacked, she looked at me shaking her hips, grinning from ear to ear, "I pooped in my pants." I cleaned her up and said, "That's it! NO more pull ups." She has been in big girls pants ever since and we have had a few accidents, but less and less. I am so thankful she got on board with the program. I have seen a different side to my Sweet Pea. When I had a chance to watch her today playing with Honey Bear, she was very clearly becoming a little girl. It made me so thankful, but also a little thoughtful. She will start Pre-K next fall and definitely gaining more Independence. I am so proud of my Sweet Pea.
Thursday and Friday, we spent the day napping early, and going to EnterMission-an apartment outreach event for our Team Kids. Friday evening, Preacher Man and I did a lock out/in. We took 24 youth bowling, What a Burger, inflatable boxing ring, a movie, and breakfast. I crashed about 5am and I didn't even hear Preacher Man come in the door. Thankfully, we had some friend help us with the girls so that we were able to do all of that crazy activities! I think that lock-ins are lots of fun, but I am starting to get too old for them. It goes really well until about 4am and then I hit a wall and it is all I can do to stay awake.
During all of those events, we found out the Cutie Pie had broken her radius bone by her wrist. She is in a full arm splint for the second time in two and a half years. I noticed that she had some bruising and some swelling still in her arm. She had been using it and the only time I noticed her favoring it was when she was holding or pushing something with that hand. Tomorrow, she will be fitted for another hard cast. I am praying that she will not have the whole arm in it. We will just have to wait and see what is decided by the DR.
All in all, we had a great time and the girls want to go again...well Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea want to go again. I just don't want to forget some of things they ask and wonder about. It really does make it all brand new for me as a parent to see it through their eyes. I do apologize for the length of this post, but it was so good to reminisce over the last week and a half. I hope your weeks have been enjoyable.
We started preparations for our camping trip pretty soon after our friends left. When Preacher Man first brought up this idea, I thought he had lost his mind. The more I thought about all the times I went as a child, I thought he was on the the right track. Our girls needed some one on one time because they were starting to pick up some bad habits. On the night of the 9th, we packed up everyone and everything we needed and headed to East Texas. After driving the whole night, we were exhausted and rested for a bit and then got out to make sure we had all the food and provisions we needed for our "off the grid" adventure. Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea were excited to be able to get some fishing poles. Of course, Cutie Pie picked a Barbie one and Sweet Pea picked out Dora. Well we were all set for our trip. Friday we (my dad, Preacher Man, myself, and the kiddos) went out to a pretty active lake with paddle boats, playground, etc...but they were full and we didn't think we needed reservations. Thankfully, there was another lake close by and it was not full. The campgrounds didn't have nearly as many amenities, but it was just as nice and there was a bath house close. It felt wonderful to get out and set up our HUGE tent and the "kitchen". By early afternoon, we had a good amount of time to relax and get dinner started. All this time the girls were asking over and over if we could go fishing. When they saw that we didn't have much time to go fishing before dark, they asked to go to the playground close by. (My mom joined us after she got off work.) We enjoyed dinner, toasting BIG marshmallows, stories by the fire, and adults talking late into the night.
Saturday, there were many moments of relaxation. We weren't completely "off the grid", but we didn't have all the luxuries that most of the others had in their RVs. In the morning, Opa and Preacher Man took Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea for their first attempt at fishing. Honey Bear was constantly going to the concrete and hanging out there. She kept looking at us all like we had lost our minds, 'staying in the woods?!' This morning she was stepping off the concrete and found a spot that was low. She tripped and hit some rock and her entire face was covered with dirt and rocks. And resulted in some scratches on her forehead. We had lunch and most everyone had a chance to lay down for a nap. I think we all slept about 3 hours!! Right before dinner, the girls went back to the playground. When we suddenly heard a cry...It was Cutie Pie. There was a teenager carrying her. Cutie Pie had asked this girl to hold her ankles as she crossed the monkey bars. Cutie Pie let go of the bar and fell forward and scratched her forehead and was holding her right arm. She has broke this arm before, but she didn't seem to be acting the same way. I gave her some Tylenol and she came to eat dinner, but very soon after that she went to bed.
Sunday, we packed up everything and the rest of the day was spent going to see Preacher Man's family and Monday was very similar. I love spending time with all of our family. I can't ever take for granted how much our family cares for us. We are so blessed!
When we arrived home, it was back to the swing of things. Sweet Pea had been telling me she would potty train when she was five! (For a year she has been telling me that when she turned 4, she would go to the potty. Her 4th birthday is next month!) I began to tell her that if she didn't go potty she wasn't going to get a BIG party with a BIG cake. I know that seems hardcore, but come on, this is all strong will??! When we got everything unpacked, she looked at me shaking her hips, grinning from ear to ear, "I pooped in my pants." I cleaned her up and said, "That's it! NO more pull ups." She has been in big girls pants ever since and we have had a few accidents, but less and less. I am so thankful she got on board with the program. I have seen a different side to my Sweet Pea. When I had a chance to watch her today playing with Honey Bear, she was very clearly becoming a little girl. It made me so thankful, but also a little thoughtful. She will start Pre-K next fall and definitely gaining more Independence. I am so proud of my Sweet Pea.
Thursday and Friday, we spent the day napping early, and going to EnterMission-an apartment outreach event for our Team Kids. Friday evening, Preacher Man and I did a lock out/in. We took 24 youth bowling, What a Burger, inflatable boxing ring, a movie, and breakfast. I crashed about 5am and I didn't even hear Preacher Man come in the door. Thankfully, we had some friend help us with the girls so that we were able to do all of that crazy activities! I think that lock-ins are lots of fun, but I am starting to get too old for them. It goes really well until about 4am and then I hit a wall and it is all I can do to stay awake.
During all of those events, we found out the Cutie Pie had broken her radius bone by her wrist. She is in a full arm splint for the second time in two and a half years. I noticed that she had some bruising and some swelling still in her arm. She had been using it and the only time I noticed her favoring it was when she was holding or pushing something with that hand. Tomorrow, she will be fitted for another hard cast. I am praying that she will not have the whole arm in it. We will just have to wait and see what is decided by the DR.
All in all, we had a great time and the girls want to go again...well Cutie Pie and Sweet Pea want to go again. I just don't want to forget some of things they ask and wonder about. It really does make it all brand new for me as a parent to see it through their eyes. I do apologize for the length of this post, but it was so good to reminisce over the last week and a half. I hope your weeks have been enjoyable.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
And now there are 5!
For the past three weeks, Preacher Man and I knew some friends that needed a place to stay while they wait to return to China. We didn't even really discuss the situation before we talked to them about it. I am so thankful for a man that will act and do all that he can to help someone out. Preacher Man is one of the most giving and caring people that I know. Those first few days were a bit odd, just getting accustomed to different schedules. Our girls all loved having someone to play with and I enjoyed having another adult around to talk with during the day. There were many days that they would argue about which cartoon character they were going to pretend to be. We, moms, would try to explain that it was pretend and everyone could be anyone they wanted to pretend to be. It didn't change it too much, but it would defuse the situation for a bit. There were so many things my girls experienced through this. I feel so blessed that they stayed with us for these short weeks. She shared some cuisine, some culture, some advice, and great shopping deals and steals. When I think about our girls and all that they have. I want them to above all see that giving a person some help will only enrich their life all the more. I honestly didn't expect a thing from them, but I was truly honored to have become closer with her and her sweet family. They brought our attention to an amazing international market in a town close to us. Preacher Man and I have been there twice in the past 4 days. We hope to one day visit our friends in their country, but until then I am so glad for the memories of our time shared.
Last minute hugs before they check in
One last snapshot before they leave.
I saw that at 6pm (our time), they arrived safe and sound with all 10 pieces of luggage. I bet that they are having a wonderful time with family right now.
Women of Grace
When we arrived it was time to get settled and get to the dining hall to have to some dinner. I sat in silence because the last couple of weeks were exhausting. I was extremely tired emotionally and physically. I so badly wanted to join in on different topics, but just have the words. I looked at our booklet and our first session was over Gracious Submission, the second was over Gracious Speech, and the last session was over Gracious Forgiveness. Uh-Oh was my first thought and impression. The worship leader and speaker were both from The Village Church. We sang our praise and when we sat down I just wanted to relax and have a good word from God on our direction in ministry. You know a big clear voice saying, "Sarah you will do 'x' and 'y' will happen..and you will be greatly blessed with 'z'." JUST KIDDING! That has never happened to me, but I certainly wasn't expecting God to show me so many things over the weekend.
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.~Titus 2:11-14 NIV
Gracious Submission
A gracious woman knows that life is not about her. One of the first things that she said was that grace is completely one sided. God describes himself in Exodus 3:1-4 as I AM. Moses wasn't very submissive and made lots of excuses why he wasn't a good pick to lead his people out of Egypt. Submission is yielding oneself to the authority of another. To me, when I hear the word submission I think about Ephesians 4:22. I have heard sermons on that quite a bit. This submission was more about our submission to God. If we are not careful our worship can become self focused instead of God focused. Pride comes before the fall....I have heard this quote pretty often and for some reason, I have struggled a little with this. My heart can become so hard toward God with just neglecting to spend time in His word. Even the songs that we sing are only about us and God. There are only a few that are on the unity of the body. Most are focused on us and what we are doing..not really focused on God and his amazing love and grace. This self focused worship goes into other areas: service, prayer, reading the Bible, and evangelism. I never noticed that when I was reading the Bible that I was treating as "an magic 8 ball". (hold the Bible in our hands and ask, "what verse can I get to help me through this situation?") This all sounds a little harsh, but our speaker spoke out of the most humble and loving way. She has dealt with these same issues. I went to bed that night overwhelmed with all the thoughts. I couldn't help but feel a little guilty for neglecting my appreciation for the gift Christ freely gave for me.
Gracious Speech
A gracious woman know when and how to use her words. I knew I had this one beat. I didn't use profanity that was good enough, right?! Not quite! The supreme act of self-control is to tame the tongue. (James 3) Our words are packed with power. We were asked for some words that we used to use that are not so cool to use anymore. My fellow minister's wife and I said in unison, "rad"...I know seems odd, but I used to use that a lot when I was younger. Words have to power to create confidence, trust, and feeling. Words also have the power to destroy character, relationship, and communication. Our speaker urged us to all behave as if all our words are being recorded. Before we left on Friday, I had a little time to sit in the stillness of the church and I started to read in Job 19 (it was a Job kinda day-feeling a little exhausted). God has a way of preparing your heart for something. I read through this passage over and over that weekend. When she said to behave as though our words are recorded because God can hear them. (Job 19:23) It seemed so familiar to me. Something I am still trying to learn is that less is more, think before you speak, recognizing and speaking words from the heart. So, I went to take a break from this over load of scripture and information. So many times we hear someone talking badly about us or ripping us to shreds, we want justice..we want to put them in their place, make them feel as badly as they made us feel. On the flip side of that coin, when we mess us and say something badly or degrade someones character...we beg for mercy...we ask for grace...we expect that eventually they will get over it and forget. We all just so badly want to have what is coming to us, right?! I have opened my mouth way too many times and said things I only wished I could take back...and I have also seen that mercy was needed in situations because I had been there so many times before. When we cause our sister or brother to be burdened with what we may have lashed out in a thoughtless moment, it is terrible how we aren't more careful with our words.
Gracious Forgiveness
A gracious woman know how to set aside anger. WOW, we had to take an 'anger test'. Let me just say that I don't have a huge problem of holding on to anger....or so I thought. This test made me take a second look at myself. I think that there has been something under the surface of my life that I could hide away and only be upset about it when I wanted to. We heard that emotions are not right or wrong, they are neutral. I know that my emotions can get the better of me. I try not to let my emotions take control of my life, but when I am slandered, in a losing situation-no matter the 'solution' it's a lose lose , or my family is attacked, I tend to get angry, mad, upset, vengeful (though I may not act on it). Anger is not sin; what we do with anger is where the danger lies. Our actions spring from our thoughts. There was a quote that said something to the affect of: "the person you are today is the product of what you have spent the last three months dwelling on." Ok, for example, if you have been dwelling on accumulating stuff..your house is filling up. Jesus was angry in several places of the Bible. When our anger turns from a strong feeling of displeasure to the act of despising someone (contempt), that is when we sin. In recent months, I have had something that has been eating at me..yes, some anger toward a situation that I had no control over. When this part of the study came up, I thought that I couldn't possibly still be that angry over that?!! The more our speaker talk...the more I could feel God poking me on the shoulder. Our Speaker said that Jesus was also the picture of forgiveness and grace. When Christ was on the cross. He didn't cry out "You FOOLS!" No, He cried out, "Father, forgive them! They know not what they do!" Man, it humbles me to remember that fact. Those who stood in front of Him were ignorant to what they were doing and yet he forgave us all. How much more should I forgive this past situation? Even though I can't tell them just how I feel because that doesn't really matter. It would only cause them more harm than good. Today, our pastor taught out of 2 Chronicles 7:14. Here I was faced with reconciliation. Ok, Lord, I lay it at your alter. I give up my need for being right, for being justified. I give it all up.
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