So Tue we were leaving for Iowa and our plan was to leave at 11:30am. Here is how the day played out:
8am Dalton went to school
8:30 I went to work for one client/friend
*Apparently, during this time Jason not only packed everything and the car, but he also cleaned the entire house! Spotless! (I have been slacking a little lately)
11am Dalton out of school
11:30 I came home from work and last minute Wal-Mart trip.
*Finish packing car and last minute things.
*Stop at McDonald's and Radio Shack
1:30 Finally on Highway headed out of town for a 10 hour trip!
4pm While driving down the road Jason and I realize that my fully packed roll-up bag has been left at home. (Due to a little miscommunication) This bag contained all children's meds, my meds, band-aids, toothbrushes, shampoos, skincare, make-up, deodorant, etc. AAAAGGGGHHHH!
6:45 Arrive in Wichita, KS, eat at Cracker Barrel
8pm Stop at Wal-Mart and buy meds, band-aids, deodorant, toothbrushes, a little make-up to get me by for 5 days. (Which by the way, they do not carry Bare Minerals) And I was trying to be cost conscious.
9:30 Finally back on road-Wooo-Hooo!
Driving......
Driving......
At some point, Jason and I switched so he could rest a little...
More Driving...
1:45am about 10 minutes from Grandma's house, we pull up on a road crew-guess what? Road closed! They are moving farm equipment (or something like that) So we have to go about 15 minutes out of our way- up and around)
2:12am Arrive at Grandma Mildred's house in Iowa! Only 13 hours!
Did I also mention that I spent most of the trip crawling back and forth over the back seats to help the boys with their video games and movies-all the while trying not to squish the dog. Yes, you read right-Levi was with us! While he is a pretty decent dog, he remains a thorn in my side!
Needless to say, we decided to re-evaluate the seating situation on the way home.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
WOW! The Blood
So, if you remember from Saturday's post, I was in need of a good cry, which I had not been able to allow myself to take. Well, I got my good cry yesterday! In the middle of church! Yesterday was very moving at The Exchange, as Joel taught on Mark 4: 1-20. This was on the first time Jesus spoke in parables. This particular parable was on the sower and the seeds. Well, Jesus was relating the seeds to The Word and how they work on different types of hearts.
I am paraphrasing here, so bear with me:
*the seeds that were scattered on the wayside, represents The Word used on people with hard/calloused hearts. The birds that come and swoop up the seeds, represents Satan who comes and steals away The Word immediately after they have heard it.
*the seeds that were scattered on stony ground represents The Word used on those with superficial hearts. It shows where they have heard The Word, and received it with gladness, but because they have no root (Jesus)whenever trials and persecution occur, they soon back away from The Truth.
*the seeds that were scattered among the thorns, represent The Word used on those with faithless hearts. It shows that these type of people allow the cares of the world, and the false promises of money, and other lusts to choke out The Word in their lives and therefore have no fruits.
*the seeds that were scattered on good ground, represents people with a soft heart. People that have heard The Word, and were ready to accept and receive it. They then are able to show producing fruits in their life. This shows a "life change", which is what happens when you know and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
Why did I just type all of that you ask? Honestly, I don't know-it came from God. I sat down with full intention to write only this next part, and I felt God leading me to write about the actual teaching on Sunday. So, there you go.
Now, after this wonderful teaching was The Lord's Supper. Now for me, this is a huge deal. This is something that the symbolism really puts things into perspective for me. The actual drinking of the "blood", and the breaking of the bread "body" brings me full circle to where I can not turn away from visually seeing what Jesus went through for me. And if you can't get this visual, I recommend renting the movie The Passion of The Christ. No matter what you have heard about this movie, or other reasons as to not see it, I highly recommend it to put life as a Christ follower into perspective.
Something that I have missed for several years now is going to the front of the church and actually kneeling down to take communion. This was an option this weekend, for those that wanted to. So, Jason and I follow our line and get our juice and cracker/bread, and then we kneel and he prays over it and us, and then we partake.
And what happened next, was beyond my control. After I took of His body, and of His blood in remembrance of Him and what He did for me, I gave thanks to Him. As I was thanking Him, the tears just came, and I do not mean a few rolling drops down my cheeks, I mean a flood of tears. A flood so uncontrollable that I am sure the people behind us thought I was seizing or something. (And no I am not kidding!) Yesterday's tears and uncontrollable sobbing and deep breathing, probably goes beyond any "ugly cry" I have ever had.
And as I was having this "moment", my husband continued to pray over me, over us, and also thanks for all we have in our reach. Specifically my thanks of what is in my reach is everlasting life through Jesus. Now I know that I have incredibly long arms, but everyone has Jesus within their reach. Even those of you lucky people that do not look like something out of the amazon or maybe "Olive Oil" (Popeye reference)
I was asking myself, when am I going to stop being so emotional when I visualize all that Jesus has done for me. And then, I told myself "Never Amber, Never!" And that is so true, I never want to partake in the Lord's Supper, or sing a worship song that reminds me of Jesus' cleansing blood, and his enduring pain-and just sit there like a bump on a log! I want to openly worship my king and his son with my arms wide open, with tears streaming down my face, showing God's glory and my gratefulness for all that He has given me.
In closing, I just openly want to thank Jesus, for enduring beatings, torture, ridicule, for dying on the cross, for shedding his blood for my sins. I openly want to thank God The Father, for giving His only son so that we may be with Him in Heaven instead of burning for eternity in Hell. Oh, and by the way I have pretty much not stopped crying since yesterday!
Wow! There is so much power in the blood!
I am paraphrasing here, so bear with me:
*the seeds that were scattered on the wayside, represents The Word used on people with hard/calloused hearts. The birds that come and swoop up the seeds, represents Satan who comes and steals away The Word immediately after they have heard it.
*the seeds that were scattered on stony ground represents The Word used on those with superficial hearts. It shows where they have heard The Word, and received it with gladness, but because they have no root (Jesus)whenever trials and persecution occur, they soon back away from The Truth.
*the seeds that were scattered among the thorns, represent The Word used on those with faithless hearts. It shows that these type of people allow the cares of the world, and the false promises of money, and other lusts to choke out The Word in their lives and therefore have no fruits.
*the seeds that were scattered on good ground, represents people with a soft heart. People that have heard The Word, and were ready to accept and receive it. They then are able to show producing fruits in their life. This shows a "life change", which is what happens when you know and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
Why did I just type all of that you ask? Honestly, I don't know-it came from God. I sat down with full intention to write only this next part, and I felt God leading me to write about the actual teaching on Sunday. So, there you go.
Now, after this wonderful teaching was The Lord's Supper. Now for me, this is a huge deal. This is something that the symbolism really puts things into perspective for me. The actual drinking of the "blood", and the breaking of the bread "body" brings me full circle to where I can not turn away from visually seeing what Jesus went through for me. And if you can't get this visual, I recommend renting the movie The Passion of The Christ. No matter what you have heard about this movie, or other reasons as to not see it, I highly recommend it to put life as a Christ follower into perspective.
Something that I have missed for several years now is going to the front of the church and actually kneeling down to take communion. This was an option this weekend, for those that wanted to. So, Jason and I follow our line and get our juice and cracker/bread, and then we kneel and he prays over it and us, and then we partake.
And what happened next, was beyond my control. After I took of His body, and of His blood in remembrance of Him and what He did for me, I gave thanks to Him. As I was thanking Him, the tears just came, and I do not mean a few rolling drops down my cheeks, I mean a flood of tears. A flood so uncontrollable that I am sure the people behind us thought I was seizing or something. (And no I am not kidding!) Yesterday's tears and uncontrollable sobbing and deep breathing, probably goes beyond any "ugly cry" I have ever had.
And as I was having this "moment", my husband continued to pray over me, over us, and also thanks for all we have in our reach. Specifically my thanks of what is in my reach is everlasting life through Jesus. Now I know that I have incredibly long arms, but everyone has Jesus within their reach. Even those of you lucky people that do not look like something out of the amazon or maybe "Olive Oil" (Popeye reference)
I was asking myself, when am I going to stop being so emotional when I visualize all that Jesus has done for me. And then, I told myself "Never Amber, Never!" And that is so true, I never want to partake in the Lord's Supper, or sing a worship song that reminds me of Jesus' cleansing blood, and his enduring pain-and just sit there like a bump on a log! I want to openly worship my king and his son with my arms wide open, with tears streaming down my face, showing God's glory and my gratefulness for all that He has given me.
In closing, I just openly want to thank Jesus, for enduring beatings, torture, ridicule, for dying on the cross, for shedding his blood for my sins. I openly want to thank God The Father, for giving His only son so that we may be with Him in Heaven instead of burning for eternity in Hell. Oh, and by the way I have pretty much not stopped crying since yesterday!
Wow! There is so much power in the blood!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Warning Label
*UPDATE* Check out Super Stephanie's blog, cause she is amazing and posted pictures of Friday's Open House already! Yay!
P.S. Isn't little "P" super cute? Thanks Kristin!
So I haven't blogged in a while because I have been crazazy busy! (Tab's word) My friend Stephanie and I started a mini business venture (name to be determined, and more info on this to come). But, we have been crafting like crazy for a holiday open house at my salon, and I haven't slept much this week because of that. Hence the blogging spell! Also I have stopped taking my medicine. See Hallelujah!
This all began by accident, first I kept forgetting to call in my refill, then after I called it in-I kept forgetting to pick it up! So once it had been 7 days of no medication, I decided through prayer to try and stop all together. Please let me state, that this is highly NOT recommended! You should normally be weined off of anxiety medication! But, since it had been one week already, I decided- Why not?
Ok, so this week being that I have had way too much on my plate, was probably not the best week to try this, but-that's just the way it happened!
I am extremely exhausted from the late nights of crafting, and my normal long Thursday and Saturday work hours. My emotions are definitely getting the best of me. Have you ever felt like you knew that you needed to cry and let it all out? Well, I have felt that way for 3 days now. The only reason I haven't cried, is that I haven't had the time. I know that sounds silly, but I have had 5 minutes here, or 5 minutes there, but I know that when these tears come they are not going to stop on a 5 minutes timer!
So I am writing this post mainly to my friends, here is my Warning Label: If I seem to be extremely emotional, extremely sensitive, rash, maybe a little rude or argumentative, etc...I am chalking it up to the medication leaving my body. Please if you are my friend, and you are wondering your friend Amber is, I am hoping and praying that she comes back within the next 2 weeks.
That said, we are traveling to Iowa next week for Thanksgiving, which is a 10-12 hour drive both ways. Aaaaggghhhh! We have movies loaded up for the boys, along with a few travel games, but I am wondering about a non-medicated mommy in a tin can with 2 young boys is a very good idea?? Also pray for us while there, I always seem to get sick with severe sinus (and I do mean severe!) every time we go there.
Happy Turkey Day to you all! Oh, and check out my friend Suzie's blog post on Thankful Thursdays! She could not have written a better post for a better time!
P.S. Isn't little "P" super cute? Thanks Kristin!
So I haven't blogged in a while because I have been crazazy busy! (Tab's word) My friend Stephanie and I started a mini business venture (name to be determined, and more info on this to come). But, we have been crafting like crazy for a holiday open house at my salon, and I haven't slept much this week because of that. Hence the blogging spell! Also I have stopped taking my medicine. See Hallelujah!
This all began by accident, first I kept forgetting to call in my refill, then after I called it in-I kept forgetting to pick it up! So once it had been 7 days of no medication, I decided through prayer to try and stop all together. Please let me state, that this is highly NOT recommended! You should normally be weined off of anxiety medication! But, since it had been one week already, I decided- Why not?
Ok, so this week being that I have had way too much on my plate, was probably not the best week to try this, but-that's just the way it happened!
I am extremely exhausted from the late nights of crafting, and my normal long Thursday and Saturday work hours. My emotions are definitely getting the best of me. Have you ever felt like you knew that you needed to cry and let it all out? Well, I have felt that way for 3 days now. The only reason I haven't cried, is that I haven't had the time. I know that sounds silly, but I have had 5 minutes here, or 5 minutes there, but I know that when these tears come they are not going to stop on a 5 minutes timer!
So I am writing this post mainly to my friends, here is my Warning Label: If I seem to be extremely emotional, extremely sensitive, rash, maybe a little rude or argumentative, etc...I am chalking it up to the medication leaving my body. Please if you are my friend, and you are wondering your friend Amber is, I am hoping and praying that she comes back within the next 2 weeks.
That said, we are traveling to Iowa next week for Thanksgiving, which is a 10-12 hour drive both ways. Aaaaggghhhh! We have movies loaded up for the boys, along with a few travel games, but I am wondering about a non-medicated mommy in a tin can with 2 young boys is a very good idea?? Also pray for us while there, I always seem to get sick with severe sinus (and I do mean severe!) every time we go there.
Happy Turkey Day to you all! Oh, and check out my friend Suzie's blog post on Thankful Thursdays! She could not have written a better post for a better time!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Fan or Disciple?
Ok, so the last post was about modeling, and as I said...apparently God is trying to teach me something. It has really been on my heart a lot lately that I need to be living my life as an example of following God every minute of every day. Now, while this may sound simple...WOW it is not! Now while I write this, I feel prompted to state that it is not simple being a Christian. It is a daily struggle and commitment to choose God's way not the easy way. But, in the end it is sooooo going to be worth it when I am dancing in the streets of gold singing with my beautiful voice right next to Jesus himself! :)
Well, this morning was a test in itself to say the least. We are all just hanging out being silly on Sunday morning before getting ready for church. Jason was just beginning to make pancakes, I was making fresh fruit into a syrup topping for the pancakes, when all of a sudden, our electricity went out! And then it came back on! And then it went off again! For like an hour! UUUGGGHHH! Now let me just state that if you were looking through my kitchen window, or listening outside my house for the next 10 minutes, it was not pretty! The kids were running crazy, apparently Carson had gotten ahold of a blue permanent marker, and wrote on the floor, the wall, his brother (which of course Dalton had no control over-hmmmmm?). And, they were completely flipping out about not being able to turn on the bathroom lights to clean the lovely blue ink off of their faces and hands!
In addition, electric skillets with partially cooked pancakes, do not work. Gas stoves apparently light with an electric lighter...good thing Jason is smarter than the stove and used a lighter! So as he is cooking pancakes, the kids are running crazy, I am trying to make the fruit stuff, and stressing about how I am going to take a shower in the dark, what about my hair (which by the way was on day 3 and had to be washed-there was no getting past that!). And again, the kids were still running crazy, I am trying to call the electric company, with no luck by the way! Did you know that it is very hard to try and complete a voice activated phone call with a million crazy things and noises going on in the background? AAAGGGHH!
So at this point, Jason and I are fighting, I am yelling at the kids, he is telling me to just go get in the shower, cause my hair is going to have to air dry, I am running in circles trying to figure out what to do next. Which by the way was actually pretty comical I am sure if you were on the outside looking in-maybe we should do a reality show? Maybe not. So, we ate our pancakes-which were really yummy! I decided to relinquish control, and grabbed some candles and took a shower. As I was getting ready, I did everything I could do without power-and voila! the power came on just in time to dry my hair! And yes, I vocally thanked and praised God out loud! I was really beginning to wonder what people would think if I wore a hat to church! (I know pretty vain, but what can I say-I am human!)
So, life went on, and we were able to get to church on time! Now the minute I walked in those school doors, I was completely and totally convicted! I did already apologize to my family and ask for forgiveness at breakfast, but let me say that this morning was truly an eye opener that I needed to stop, breathe, and realize what I am about to do or say at every moment. God was speaking to me in the first 2 worship songs, that I have not been being the model and example He is calling me to be. Ouch! Ok, so I promised Him this morning, that I would do better, I would try harder from now on.
And let me say, that the service at The Exchange this morning, was AMAZING it was so obvious that it was God led, and that the Holy Spirit was moving. My make-up that I put on in the car, was gone! Joel's sermon was about being a fan of Jesus, or a disciple- a fan is someone who sits on the sidelines, and cheers and follows along. A disciple is someone who gets involved, and lives their life for Jesus! By the way, in case you didn't know-Jesus doesn't need any fans. If you get the chance, check out the pod cast on the website when they get it put up!
Now, today was baptism day and they had 17 people come up for baptism! A few were friends of ours from our Life House (small group), which is just awesome when you know the person, and their background story. I was in tears practically the whole service! There was a 74 year old man that went up to get baptized, and when he stood in front of everyone he said "I have been waiting my whole life for Jesus Christ" WOW! People were cheering, I think the entire church was on the feet for that! I am tearing up again! By the way, nothing is impossible with God! Please be in prayer for this man, I cannot think of his name at the moment, but I found out tonight, that his wife died a few years back, and his son committed suicide this past year. I cannot imagine losing anyone, especially without God by my side, but all I can think is He is beside him now! Praise Jesus!
Ok, so back on the being an example thing...tonight at Life House we went more in depth on being disciples, and being what else...examples in our daily life! So, things are going good, we pick up the boys, head home, and the minute we open the door-I am hit by this smell. Hmmmmmm? What is that? It smells like rotten food? Or maybe like the dog pooped or something? It was not or something...it was definitely the dog-ohhhhh that dog! Now, he is inside because his collar that goes with our underground electric fence (that we have to have or he digs out and into the neighbors yard) is broke. I personally think that he somehow disabled it! But, we have to buy a new one-UUGGHHH! Anyway, I see the poop, and that is it! I lose it! Stressed out, tired, etc. Needless to say I was not being a good example, AGAIN! So, once again, I apologize to my husband and to God (the kids were safe this time). And again, I am telling God that I will try harder next time! So, as I get ready for bed, I am arming myself with His words to prepare myself for tomorrow!
And, I desperately want to be a disciple! I want to live my life for Jesus! And I want my life and my fruits to show it!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
Pretty much, all of Chapter 4 in Philippians is going to be my theme for the week! Pray for me as I work on this!
*Side note* Please also be in prayer for my friend Kim, who is having some tests and trials of her own. Please pray that God's will be done, and that He be with her through those. I love you my friend!
*PS* "My friend Kim rocks!" LOL
Well, this morning was a test in itself to say the least. We are all just hanging out being silly on Sunday morning before getting ready for church. Jason was just beginning to make pancakes, I was making fresh fruit into a syrup topping for the pancakes, when all of a sudden, our electricity went out! And then it came back on! And then it went off again! For like an hour! UUUGGGHHH! Now let me just state that if you were looking through my kitchen window, or listening outside my house for the next 10 minutes, it was not pretty! The kids were running crazy, apparently Carson had gotten ahold of a blue permanent marker, and wrote on the floor, the wall, his brother (which of course Dalton had no control over-hmmmmm?). And, they were completely flipping out about not being able to turn on the bathroom lights to clean the lovely blue ink off of their faces and hands!
In addition, electric skillets with partially cooked pancakes, do not work. Gas stoves apparently light with an electric lighter...good thing Jason is smarter than the stove and used a lighter! So as he is cooking pancakes, the kids are running crazy, I am trying to make the fruit stuff, and stressing about how I am going to take a shower in the dark, what about my hair (which by the way was on day 3 and had to be washed-there was no getting past that!). And again, the kids were still running crazy, I am trying to call the electric company, with no luck by the way! Did you know that it is very hard to try and complete a voice activated phone call with a million crazy things and noises going on in the background? AAAGGGHH!
So at this point, Jason and I are fighting, I am yelling at the kids, he is telling me to just go get in the shower, cause my hair is going to have to air dry, I am running in circles trying to figure out what to do next. Which by the way was actually pretty comical I am sure if you were on the outside looking in-maybe we should do a reality show? Maybe not. So, we ate our pancakes-which were really yummy! I decided to relinquish control, and grabbed some candles and took a shower. As I was getting ready, I did everything I could do without power-and voila! the power came on just in time to dry my hair! And yes, I vocally thanked and praised God out loud! I was really beginning to wonder what people would think if I wore a hat to church! (I know pretty vain, but what can I say-I am human!)
So, life went on, and we were able to get to church on time! Now the minute I walked in those school doors, I was completely and totally convicted! I did already apologize to my family and ask for forgiveness at breakfast, but let me say that this morning was truly an eye opener that I needed to stop, breathe, and realize what I am about to do or say at every moment. God was speaking to me in the first 2 worship songs, that I have not been being the model and example He is calling me to be. Ouch! Ok, so I promised Him this morning, that I would do better, I would try harder from now on.
And let me say, that the service at The Exchange this morning, was AMAZING it was so obvious that it was God led, and that the Holy Spirit was moving. My make-up that I put on in the car, was gone! Joel's sermon was about being a fan of Jesus, or a disciple- a fan is someone who sits on the sidelines, and cheers and follows along. A disciple is someone who gets involved, and lives their life for Jesus! By the way, in case you didn't know-Jesus doesn't need any fans. If you get the chance, check out the pod cast on the website when they get it put up!
Now, today was baptism day and they had 17 people come up for baptism! A few were friends of ours from our Life House (small group), which is just awesome when you know the person, and their background story. I was in tears practically the whole service! There was a 74 year old man that went up to get baptized, and when he stood in front of everyone he said "I have been waiting my whole life for Jesus Christ" WOW! People were cheering, I think the entire church was on the feet for that! I am tearing up again! By the way, nothing is impossible with God! Please be in prayer for this man, I cannot think of his name at the moment, but I found out tonight, that his wife died a few years back, and his son committed suicide this past year. I cannot imagine losing anyone, especially without God by my side, but all I can think is He is beside him now! Praise Jesus!
Ok, so back on the being an example thing...tonight at Life House we went more in depth on being disciples, and being what else...examples in our daily life! So, things are going good, we pick up the boys, head home, and the minute we open the door-I am hit by this smell. Hmmmmmm? What is that? It smells like rotten food? Or maybe like the dog pooped or something? It was not or something...it was definitely the dog-ohhhhh that dog! Now, he is inside because his collar that goes with our underground electric fence (that we have to have or he digs out and into the neighbors yard) is broke. I personally think that he somehow disabled it! But, we have to buy a new one-UUGGHHH! Anyway, I see the poop, and that is it! I lose it! Stressed out, tired, etc. Needless to say I was not being a good example, AGAIN! So, once again, I apologize to my husband and to God (the kids were safe this time). And again, I am telling God that I will try harder next time! So, as I get ready for bed, I am arming myself with His words to prepare myself for tomorrow!
And, I desperately want to be a disciple! I want to live my life for Jesus! And I want my life and my fruits to show it!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
Pretty much, all of Chapter 4 in Philippians is going to be my theme for the week! Pray for me as I work on this!
*Side note* Please also be in prayer for my friend Kim, who is having some tests and trials of her own. Please pray that God's will be done, and that He be with her through those. I love you my friend!
*PS* "My friend Kim rocks!" LOL
Friday, November 14, 2008
If you saw me out and about, what would you think of me?
There's just so much on my chest right now, that I don't know where to start. I have a couple of funny stories about the boys and things they say, but I will post those later. Right now something that has really been on my heart is modeling. No, not the Cindy Crawford kind of modeling, but modeling as in living by example.
The other day, I felt led that one thing I wanted to focus on in my next Wed group (I really think it needs a name by the way), was to talk about how to model being a good Christian. I always think of modeling, as how we are an example to our children, but I started thinking what kind of an example for our glorious Savior am I being to the outside world we live in? I know that people would know that I am a Christian, and that I love Jesus, but would they know how to follow the Lord by my examples?
One thing I have been really convicted of, is the way I teasingly talk about disciplining our children. I sometimes jokingly use the word beat (which this is definitely not our form of discipline). Yes I spank, yes there are other consequences, but I have realized that I use this word around people that don't really know me, and don't know that I am totally kidding. So I felt like God was telling me that for those people around me that know I am a Christian, and know I try to do everything I do for the Lord, that they might hear me say that, and think that it was ok to "beat" their child. So please let me say again, for those that do not know me very well, this is not ok, it is not ok to physically abuse a child, it is not ok to spank out of anger, and it is not ok to use the word beat when speaking about our children! If you have been around me, and have heard me use this term please accept my apologies, and help me in the future by keeping me accountable if you hear me say this again!
Something else God has put on my heart in the modeling category, is how I act and react every where. Some of these that stand out are in my front yard, in my back yard, driving in my car, on the phone with sales people or bill collectors (this one is a hard one). I am making a commitment today, that I am going to try to model for my children, and for myself, trying to be Christ-like. Am I going to make mistakes? Umm....Yeah! Am I going to continue to be an example for others who want to love and know Jesus as I want to love and know Jesus? Umm...Absolutely! So, if you see me and I am not being a good model, please let me know! (in a loving Christ-like way ofcourse!)
How am I supposed to model for my children? One thing that stands out right now, is the way I treat my husband. I want for my sons to grow up to meet a woman that has a true heart and desire for The Lord. (I am praying for her already) But, if they are not seeing me be the wife that God has called me to be, then how would they know what to look for in a future girlfriend? Because I know right now, that if either of my boys came home with a girl that had the attitude that I sometimes give Jason (sorry honey), I would not be happy about that at all! I want to model for them the loving, respectful, submissive, woman that Christ asks me to be. Is this a daily struggle? Um...Yes! Am I willing to accept the challenge! Absolutely!
My challenge to my blogger friends, is this...what part of modeling for the outside world do you feel convicted about? There are so many others for me, but I really want to start with these first, since mother and wife seem to kinda be the meat and potatoes of it all! I guess that brings me around to the title of this post, and my new daily reminder saying for myself...If you saw me out and about, what would you think of me? Would you think I was some spastic stressed out mom running crazy, or would you think I was a woman full of joy and love for The Lord? I know which one I would say if I saw me lately, but I really want to try to be the other one!
Anyway, I am serious about holding me accountable! I don't care if you barely know me, or if you are a dear friend for years-please let me know if I slip up! I promise not to choke you for too long! :)
The other day, I felt led that one thing I wanted to focus on in my next Wed group (I really think it needs a name by the way), was to talk about how to model being a good Christian. I always think of modeling, as how we are an example to our children, but I started thinking what kind of an example for our glorious Savior am I being to the outside world we live in? I know that people would know that I am a Christian, and that I love Jesus, but would they know how to follow the Lord by my examples?
One thing I have been really convicted of, is the way I teasingly talk about disciplining our children. I sometimes jokingly use the word beat (which this is definitely not our form of discipline). Yes I spank, yes there are other consequences, but I have realized that I use this word around people that don't really know me, and don't know that I am totally kidding. So I felt like God was telling me that for those people around me that know I am a Christian, and know I try to do everything I do for the Lord, that they might hear me say that, and think that it was ok to "beat" their child. So please let me say again, for those that do not know me very well, this is not ok, it is not ok to physically abuse a child, it is not ok to spank out of anger, and it is not ok to use the word beat when speaking about our children! If you have been around me, and have heard me use this term please accept my apologies, and help me in the future by keeping me accountable if you hear me say this again!
Something else God has put on my heart in the modeling category, is how I act and react every where. Some of these that stand out are in my front yard, in my back yard, driving in my car, on the phone with sales people or bill collectors (this one is a hard one). I am making a commitment today, that I am going to try to model for my children, and for myself, trying to be Christ-like. Am I going to make mistakes? Umm....Yeah! Am I going to continue to be an example for others who want to love and know Jesus as I want to love and know Jesus? Umm...Absolutely! So, if you see me and I am not being a good model, please let me know! (in a loving Christ-like way ofcourse!)
How am I supposed to model for my children? One thing that stands out right now, is the way I treat my husband. I want for my sons to grow up to meet a woman that has a true heart and desire for The Lord. (I am praying for her already) But, if they are not seeing me be the wife that God has called me to be, then how would they know what to look for in a future girlfriend? Because I know right now, that if either of my boys came home with a girl that had the attitude that I sometimes give Jason (sorry honey), I would not be happy about that at all! I want to model for them the loving, respectful, submissive, woman that Christ asks me to be. Is this a daily struggle? Um...Yes! Am I willing to accept the challenge! Absolutely!
My challenge to my blogger friends, is this...what part of modeling for the outside world do you feel convicted about? There are so many others for me, but I really want to start with these first, since mother and wife seem to kinda be the meat and potatoes of it all! I guess that brings me around to the title of this post, and my new daily reminder saying for myself...If you saw me out and about, what would you think of me? Would you think I was some spastic stressed out mom running crazy, or would you think I was a woman full of joy and love for The Lord? I know which one I would say if I saw me lately, but I really want to try to be the other one!
Anyway, I am serious about holding me accountable! I don't care if you barely know me, or if you are a dear friend for years-please let me know if I slip up! I promise not to choke you for too long! :)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Carson's Debut
Tonight was Carson's fall program at his pre-school. This was his first time to be on stage, and I am not quite sure he liked it.
Here he is back to his "normal" self
His brother was so proud of him
This is his cute foot print turkey, which I don't know if you can read it, but it tells 2 things he is thankful for...Jason and Dad (Jason is his dad!) So not only am I left out completely, but Jason gets double thanks! What a turkey!
Here he is with one of his sweet teachers (god bless them!)
Here he is back to his "normal" self
His brother was so proud of him
This is his cute foot print turkey, which I don't know if you can read it, but it tells 2 things he is thankful for...Jason and Dad (Jason is his dad!) So not only am I left out completely, but Jason gets double thanks! What a turkey!
Here he is with one of his sweet teachers (god bless them!)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Camping Again?
Yes, you read correctly, we are officially crazy! We went camping this weekend with our Life House group from The Exchange. We had an absolutely wonderful time with about 6 other families. Talk about a lot of kids! But they sure did have fun!
Of course, leave it to my family to take fishing to the extreme. I am pretty sure, that had I left them there, they would still be fishing as we speak! The boys are truly loving nature, which I am beginning to realize is probably the end of my girlyness. I am such a girly-girl, but it seems as though God truly had another plan for me with these silly boys of mine. If he could, I am pretty sure that Jason would gladly pack us up for anywhere with land and God's gorgeous scenery!
But, girly-girl and all, I have had a blast the last 2 weekends! I froze my toes off Sat night, but I guess that just means I need Jason's sleeping bag! I even mentioned to my husband that we could camp more often for family vacations and stuff. That sure would save a lot of money! And we could definitely travel to more places in the U.S. than we could afford to if we had to get hotel rooms! And, what a wonderful opportunity for my boys to see God's natural canvas first hand! I think I am trying to convince myself here!
Anyway, here are some pics from this weekend...Not pictured...the cold we brought home :(
Dalton and his new best friend Austin
Me and my friend Ryndi
Our Awesome Life House Leaders: Ben and Carolyn
Of course, leave it to my family to take fishing to the extreme. I am pretty sure, that had I left them there, they would still be fishing as we speak! The boys are truly loving nature, which I am beginning to realize is probably the end of my girlyness. I am such a girly-girl, but it seems as though God truly had another plan for me with these silly boys of mine. If he could, I am pretty sure that Jason would gladly pack us up for anywhere with land and God's gorgeous scenery!
But, girly-girl and all, I have had a blast the last 2 weekends! I froze my toes off Sat night, but I guess that just means I need Jason's sleeping bag! I even mentioned to my husband that we could camp more often for family vacations and stuff. That sure would save a lot of money! And we could definitely travel to more places in the U.S. than we could afford to if we had to get hotel rooms! And, what a wonderful opportunity for my boys to see God's natural canvas first hand! I think I am trying to convince myself here!
Anyway, here are some pics from this weekend...Not pictured...the cold we brought home :(
Dalton and his new best friend Austin
Me and my friend Ryndi
Our Awesome Life House Leaders: Ben and Carolyn
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