Well we have been on the go since arriving in France. We spent Christmas Eve in the local pastors home and enjoyed a traditional holiday meal. It lasted over 4 hours and we had 6 courses. We were extremely full and very tired by the time the evening ended.
On Christmas Day we slept in and then just enjoyed time together as a team as we ate croissants and pastries before two local missionary couples arrived for a traditional meal. I won't try to spell it here but we will be buying a machine that allows us to have the meal at home in the states.
Then on Wednesday we got up early and went into Paris by high speed train. We saw many of the famous sights of the city. We walked a lot and took lots of metro train rides. Paris is a beautiful city and we loved our time there.
Thursday we did some local sightseeing and ended the day with a missionary couple making crepes. Yummy. Earlier in the day we went to a local store. While there we bought a crepe pan so that is another French meal we will be having in the states.
Today we are preparing to leave to head toward Grenoble for the conference.
We are all loving the time here in France. I think we will be leaving part of our hearts here.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
On our way--delayed
Well our team was supposed to fly out of NJ Saturday evening. After the flight was delayed a number of times we were told the plane was not safe to fly. We later found out that it was due to a major problem with the hydraulics. We are thankful for the wisdom of those who made the decision to ground the plane. They are adding a flight and finding a new plane for a flight out Sunday afternoon.
We ended up with meal and hotel vouchers so we slept in beds and not in the airport.
Today we hope to make it on a plane and across "the pond". Our plans for some sightseeing and time with missionaries and local pastors is reduced now. Thankfully the conference that we are participating in is at the end of the week.
We will try to update when we arrive in either Switzerland or France.
We ended up with meal and hotel vouchers so we slept in beds and not in the airport.
Today we hope to make it on a plane and across "the pond". Our plans for some sightseeing and time with missionaries and local pastors is reduced now. Thankfully the conference that we are participating in is at the end of the week.
We will try to update when we arrive in either Switzerland or France.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Until then...
Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone, we had our first snow of the season and basketball season has begun, among many other things.
We had a great time with family and friends over Thanksgiving. Our family traveled to Indiana for the holiday. We ate way too much, too many times. This trip was a sort of "two for one" as we will not be with our families over Christmas.
We arrived home on Monday evening and woke up Tuesday to snow that covered the ground. I am not a lover of snow, but there is something so beautiful and pure in that first snow. The kids are sad that it is now mostly gone.
The oldest two kiddos and my hubby have been back into the swing of basketball practices. This makes our afternoons and evenings a bit different right now. The boys practice right after school until 4:15 and that is when Aaron's team begins practice. Even though the boys are both on the Middle School team, they are actually on different teams: "A" and "B". This means trying to keep three game schedules straight. Games start in the next week or so, and life will get even more interesting. I can only be at one event and there are some nights where all three will be in three different places. (I am struggling a bit with not being able to support each one, every game.)
We also have Christmas programs and extra activities in the next few weeks, plus my new boss (our church's new Lead Pastor) comes next week. It's kind of overwhelming to look at the calendar right now. On top of all the extras are the normal day to day things that we have going on, such as work, school, homework, etc... And then to add to the busy-ness of our lives we are planning for our trip to France. (For me, I also have to have everything prepped for the two Sunday's we will not be here.)
Due to all of the above, I don't have a lot of extra time so I am not going to be posting anything for awhile (not that I have been posting much lately anyway). However, the plan is that we will post from France to keep everyone up-to-date with our trip. Hopefully we can make this work. If not, I will post a bunch when we return. Until then, enjoy your family and take time to truly reflect on the reason we celebrate this season. Without the birth of Emmanuel, we would be without hope and peace.
We had a great time with family and friends over Thanksgiving. Our family traveled to Indiana for the holiday. We ate way too much, too many times. This trip was a sort of "two for one" as we will not be with our families over Christmas.
We arrived home on Monday evening and woke up Tuesday to snow that covered the ground. I am not a lover of snow, but there is something so beautiful and pure in that first snow. The kids are sad that it is now mostly gone.
The oldest two kiddos and my hubby have been back into the swing of basketball practices. This makes our afternoons and evenings a bit different right now. The boys practice right after school until 4:15 and that is when Aaron's team begins practice. Even though the boys are both on the Middle School team, they are actually on different teams: "A" and "B". This means trying to keep three game schedules straight. Games start in the next week or so, and life will get even more interesting. I can only be at one event and there are some nights where all three will be in three different places. (I am struggling a bit with not being able to support each one, every game.)
We also have Christmas programs and extra activities in the next few weeks, plus my new boss (our church's new Lead Pastor) comes next week. It's kind of overwhelming to look at the calendar right now. On top of all the extras are the normal day to day things that we have going on, such as work, school, homework, etc... And then to add to the busy-ness of our lives we are planning for our trip to France. (For me, I also have to have everything prepped for the two Sunday's we will not be here.)
Due to all of the above, I don't have a lot of extra time so I am not going to be posting anything for awhile (not that I have been posting much lately anyway). However, the plan is that we will post from France to keep everyone up-to-date with our trip. Hopefully we can make this work. If not, I will post a bunch when we return. Until then, enjoy your family and take time to truly reflect on the reason we celebrate this season. Without the birth of Emmanuel, we would be without hope and peace.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
My one and only political rant...
For many the fact that the election is over brings a sigh of relief...the ability to watch TV without the many political ads blasting someone's character, policies, or twisting words and statistics (this happens on both sides of the isle); the freedom to once again answer the phone without the fear of listening to yet another recorded message; the hope that friends and family will tone down their Facebook posts and tweets. (Maybe even that posts on blogs would have nothing to do with politics...)
I voted. I chose the candidate that most closely aligned with what I believe is best for my family and this country. Did I agree with everything about that candidate? No. But as a citizen of this great nation, I exercised my right and freedom to vote for who I wanted. That is one of the great aspects of this country, we can choose. That may mean that I disagree with a friend, family member, co-worker, or any number of people but they have the same right that I do, so I really can't be mad at them. Right?
Yet, I have seen fear and hatred well up in many people. Sadly these same people say they are followers of Christ. I can't seem to understand it. We claim that we believe that God is still the King. And in another breathe rip apart our friends (remember if you are blasting people on Facebook, you chose to be friends with them) and enemies who voted differently from us.
If God is still King, then guess what?! He was not surprised at all by the results of this election. In fact I believe that it fulfills His sovereign will and plan. He appoints leaders and authorities and we are told to live in submission to those authorities.
I think we as adults can take a lesson from my six year old. Yesterday, she told me that in Chapel at school she prayed for President Obama, that he would make good choices. Instead of arguing and fighting, instead of living fearfully or in anger, let's pray. (Interestingly, my 12 year old son was also in that Chapel made the comment, "We didn't have a time of prayer for the President." My response: "Obviously she didn't need a designated time, she followed a prompting from God to pray.") Let's commit to putting ourselves in a place where we can hear the prompting of God over the noise of dissent. No matter what side of the isle you are on, let's pray for our country and it's leadership. And let's pray and commit to being the Light of Christ to this hurt and divided nation.
I voted. I chose the candidate that most closely aligned with what I believe is best for my family and this country. Did I agree with everything about that candidate? No. But as a citizen of this great nation, I exercised my right and freedom to vote for who I wanted. That is one of the great aspects of this country, we can choose. That may mean that I disagree with a friend, family member, co-worker, or any number of people but they have the same right that I do, so I really can't be mad at them. Right?
Yet, I have seen fear and hatred well up in many people. Sadly these same people say they are followers of Christ. I can't seem to understand it. We claim that we believe that God is still the King. And in another breathe rip apart our friends (remember if you are blasting people on Facebook, you chose to be friends with them) and enemies who voted differently from us.
If God is still King, then guess what?! He was not surprised at all by the results of this election. In fact I believe that it fulfills His sovereign will and plan. He appoints leaders and authorities and we are told to live in submission to those authorities.
Romans 13:1-2 "Everyone must submit themselves to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves."God plans and ways are far above ours. He calls us as His followers to love our enemies, love and pray for those who persecute us (again, this is happening on both sides of the isle). We need to consider that maybe the results of this election could possibly be a catalyst for His people who are called by His name to humble themselves and pray. It may be a call for the Church of Jesus Christ to actually act like the Church! God's eternal kingdom is coming and we need to be prepared for that day. In our preparation are we condemning those who think and act differently or are we considering their need for Jesus? Are we showing them love? Not the emotion of love but the person of Jesus who is Love.
I think we as adults can take a lesson from my six year old. Yesterday, she told me that in Chapel at school she prayed for President Obama, that he would make good choices. Instead of arguing and fighting, instead of living fearfully or in anger, let's pray. (Interestingly, my 12 year old son was also in that Chapel made the comment, "We didn't have a time of prayer for the President." My response: "Obviously she didn't need a designated time, she followed a prompting from God to pray.") Let's commit to putting ourselves in a place where we can hear the prompting of God over the noise of dissent. No matter what side of the isle you are on, let's pray for our country and it's leadership. And let's pray and commit to being the Light of Christ to this hurt and divided nation.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
51 Days
In 51 days our family will embark on an amazing adventure. Honestly we hope it is the first of many like it. We will fly to France and have an opportunity to encourage others and spread the love of Jesus. We will be given the chance to minister to kids who are in ministry with their families. I love the thought of hanging out with these kids. Being a child of a parent in ministry can be tough. However, I believe that ministry kids can be amazing tools used by God. I look forward to challenging these kids to "shine God's light", not just because it's what mom and dad do but because they can have a personal and amazing impact for God.
For our family to do this together is an amazing blessing! I look forward to seeing how my kids react to and deal with another culture. I have been told by friends who have been in France that the darkness there is palpable. I am excited (and a bit scared) about how this can impact our family for a long time. We truly want to be stretched and grown by God through this experience. (And not just trying some new foods, though I am a bit excited about that too.)
Please join us in praying for the team that is going. Our family is being joined by two other couples: Marlin and Sue, Nevin and Heather. Pray that details with the flights and transportation in and around France will be smooth and easy (plus that we can find some great deals!). Pray that the people we come in contact with-whether missionaries, their children, local pastors, or the local French people-will be encouraged through us; that we would be a light to all we meet. Pray that we will come back changed!
Right now our biggest prayer is that God will provide the funds for our trip. Taking six people on a trip like this costs money and quite a bit of it. We believe that God can do the miraculous and provide exactly what we need in terms of finances. In fact, we believe that God can use our friends and family to bless this trip through their gifts and prayers. Please join us in praying for this portion of the trip as well.
And if you are interested in giving toward our trip. Please respond to this post with your email address and I will send you the support letter and paper for giving.
Whether you give the gift of prayers or finances, please know that we are grateful and blessed by the love and support of family and friend! God is faithful and good!
For our family to do this together is an amazing blessing! I look forward to seeing how my kids react to and deal with another culture. I have been told by friends who have been in France that the darkness there is palpable. I am excited (and a bit scared) about how this can impact our family for a long time. We truly want to be stretched and grown by God through this experience. (And not just trying some new foods, though I am a bit excited about that too.)
Please join us in praying for the team that is going. Our family is being joined by two other couples: Marlin and Sue, Nevin and Heather. Pray that details with the flights and transportation in and around France will be smooth and easy (plus that we can find some great deals!). Pray that the people we come in contact with-whether missionaries, their children, local pastors, or the local French people-will be encouraged through us; that we would be a light to all we meet. Pray that we will come back changed!
Right now our biggest prayer is that God will provide the funds for our trip. Taking six people on a trip like this costs money and quite a bit of it. We believe that God can do the miraculous and provide exactly what we need in terms of finances. In fact, we believe that God can use our friends and family to bless this trip through their gifts and prayers. Please join us in praying for this portion of the trip as well.
And if you are interested in giving toward our trip. Please respond to this post with your email address and I will send you the support letter and paper for giving.
Whether you give the gift of prayers or finances, please know that we are grateful and blessed by the love and support of family and friend! God is faithful and good!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
In the eye of the storm
Well, as I am sure everyone knows, we here on the East coast have had a hurricane move through the area. And I am aware that most of you inland have also felt the effects of this storm, some even worse than we did.
For us in Lancaster County, PA, we were directly in the path of the eye of this hurricane. We all prepared and braced for whatever this storm would bring. In the wake of the storm, there were some that experienced power outages, a few uprooted trees, and minor ponding of water. Our family never lost power, though it flickered a number of times, and we had no large trees or branches come down.
As we have seen the reports of surrounding areas, we are realizing that being hit by the eye of this storm was a saving grace. Those in the path of the outer bands experienced much higher winds and more rain. Obviously those where the storm met land experienced great devastation.
We are extremely thankful that God protected us and our neighbors. We know of many that have family and friends in New Jersey and New York. Please continue to pray for the thousands who are now without homes and if you are able find ways to tangibly help these people then please do so.
God is in control and He is our rock and protector. He is our shelter from the storm.
For us in Lancaster County, PA, we were directly in the path of the eye of this hurricane. We all prepared and braced for whatever this storm would bring. In the wake of the storm, there were some that experienced power outages, a few uprooted trees, and minor ponding of water. Our family never lost power, though it flickered a number of times, and we had no large trees or branches come down.
As we have seen the reports of surrounding areas, we are realizing that being hit by the eye of this storm was a saving grace. Those in the path of the outer bands experienced much higher winds and more rain. Obviously those where the storm met land experienced great devastation.
We are extremely thankful that God protected us and our neighbors. We know of many that have family and friends in New Jersey and New York. Please continue to pray for the thousands who are now without homes and if you are able find ways to tangibly help these people then please do so.
God is in control and He is our rock and protector. He is our shelter from the storm.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Girl's Weekend=God's Gifts
This past weekend was spent in Columbus, OH with the Maxson girls. We have had a girl's weekend trip for the past five years. The first year it was just the four adult girls. Since then we have added a few "littles" to the group and have at times been accompanied by other extended family. But it has become an annual trip that we all look forward to.
This year we enjoyed the time together as we know that it will be a number of months before we are all together again. My sister-in-law and niece will be going to Florida with my brother for a few months. They will be there over the holiday's so we will not be together over Thanksgiving or Christmas. In addition, our family will be out of the country on a missions trip over Christmas, making for a very different looking holiday season.
I am blessed to have great friendships with my mom, sister, and sister-in-law. This weekend was a great reminder to be thankful for the good gifts that God has given to me. (James 1:17) Every good thing in our lives is a gift from God. By remembering this, our perspective is filtered through a very grateful heart. Such a great reminder as we head into the season of thanksgiving and gifts.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Birthdays, a wedding, soccer and family
Jack's birthday was at the beginning of the month and since the month is now almost over, I guess it's about time I posted some pictures. He chose an ice cream cake again this year and so in an effort to not melt the cake with 11 candles, we got a bit creative. We did not have a big party for him, but rather just a family time for him to open his presents.
Last week Laura and the boys were here and then we celebrated our cousin's wedding (pictures below) and another cousin's first birthday this past weekend. Drew enjoyed the birthday cake. The black icing left his face and teeth a pretty shade of purple.
My cousin got married last weekend and Stephen got to be the ring bearer. I realize I am the mom, but seriously this dude is handsome. And he did such a great job. (He was proud to be able to carry the real rings for the ceremony and took his job of keeping them safe very seriously.)
At this point in the ceremony the bride and groom were sharing a few moments together after lighting the unity candle. I loved this look on Stephen's face as he looked on.
The wedding party...
Like I said earlier, the cousins were in town for a week. We had a blast with them. Lucas and Uncle Aaron were fast buddies and Lucas knew if Uncle Aaron had him that he could probably get some food. :)
Lucas was my dance partner at the wedding reception. Such a cutie.
And yes, soccer season is well underway. This year both Jack and Alex are playing for the school, and yes, mommy couldn't stay away from coaching, she is the assistant coach.
The boys are both doing really well. Jack is mainly an offensive player and has started a few games. Alex has started every game and is becoming an amazing defensive player, though he loves the opportunity to play in a position where he might be able to score.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Perspective...
...yours and mine may be different. We often see things differently because we have had different experiences and are in different circumstances. So when something happens we often see those situations through our own filtered lens. Or we take a stand (have a perspective) on something based on limited facts or knowledge. When someone is going through something we have never experienced we see it through the lens of "well if it were me...", which again is based in our own past and present.
Sometimes the perspective of others is helpful in gathering a full picture or because we arent' seeing something clearly. It can be a catalyst for change and growth within our own lives. Sometimes the perspective of others can be damaging and hurtful when shared without thought or knowledge of the facts. Perspective is often a very personal thing and not often a completely shared view.
However, I believe that there is one accurate perspective to hold onto no matter what the situation is and that perspective is JESUS! No matter what we are encountering we must keep our eyes fixed on Him. If life is good, bad, or somewhere in between we must strive to maintain a Jesus perspective. Not just in the big things but in every aspect of our lives.
I read the following quote in my Bible study the other day and it struck me in regard to this very issue:
For the friend struggling to maintain a Christian perspective in the midst of taking a political stand, it's all about Jesus. We live in a sinful world that doesn't get it, so we shouldn't expect them to be different. We are called to live like Christ, not like a Republican or Democrat. We may see our freedoms restricted or too many freedoms given, but the ultimate rescue is coming. Do people know you by your love for Jesus and others or by your political stand (which is often the bashing of the other political party)?
For the friend so very excited about the finalization of their daughter's adoption, it's still all about Jesus. He has proven Himself to be wonderful in the midst of the pain of struggling to have children. He has provided! (Not necessarily the way you might have chosen, but He answered your prayer to be a parent.) To Him be all the glory.
For the person who can't seem to see eye to eye with a co-worker, it is all about Jesus. It may be tough and it may cost your ego, but you gain the soul filling blessing of being obedient and working for Him. (Colossians 3:17, 23-24)
I believe the enemy is active and he senses that his time is running out. I think he is working hard to discourage and cloud our perspective in so many areas of our lives. The stakes are getting higher and higher. The fire is lit and it may even start to burn a bit.
No matter what we encounter we must remember that we have been purchased from death to life. Now let's focus our eyes on Jesus, adjust our perspective based upon Him (no matter what other's think or say) and then LIVE LIKE THOSE WHO CANNOT DIE!!
Sometimes the perspective of others is helpful in gathering a full picture or because we arent' seeing something clearly. It can be a catalyst for change and growth within our own lives. Sometimes the perspective of others can be damaging and hurtful when shared without thought or knowledge of the facts. Perspective is often a very personal thing and not often a completely shared view.
However, I believe that there is one accurate perspective to hold onto no matter what the situation is and that perspective is JESUS! No matter what we are encountering we must keep our eyes fixed on Him. If life is good, bad, or somewhere in between we must strive to maintain a Jesus perspective. Not just in the big things but in every aspect of our lives.
I read the following quote in my Bible study the other day and it struck me in regard to this very issue:
We may be captured, but we may be rescued. We may see horrors, but we may see wonders. We may lose our heads, but we cannot lose our souls. The stakes are up. The fire is lit. It's time to live like those who cannot die.-Beth MooreSo for the person struggling with overwhelming fear and anxiety; it could be that life will throw that curve ball you are paralyzed by the simple thought of or you might see God provide a different outcome. No matter what, it's all about Jesus. And if you really believe Him, you cannot lose Him. "To live is Christ, to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21) Is Jesus that valuable to you?
For the friend struggling to maintain a Christian perspective in the midst of taking a political stand, it's all about Jesus. We live in a sinful world that doesn't get it, so we shouldn't expect them to be different. We are called to live like Christ, not like a Republican or Democrat. We may see our freedoms restricted or too many freedoms given, but the ultimate rescue is coming. Do people know you by your love for Jesus and others or by your political stand (which is often the bashing of the other political party)?
For the friend so very excited about the finalization of their daughter's adoption, it's still all about Jesus. He has proven Himself to be wonderful in the midst of the pain of struggling to have children. He has provided! (Not necessarily the way you might have chosen, but He answered your prayer to be a parent.) To Him be all the glory.
For the person who can't seem to see eye to eye with a co-worker, it is all about Jesus. It may be tough and it may cost your ego, but you gain the soul filling blessing of being obedient and working for Him. (Colossians 3:17, 23-24)
I believe the enemy is active and he senses that his time is running out. I think he is working hard to discourage and cloud our perspective in so many areas of our lives. The stakes are getting higher and higher. The fire is lit and it may even start to burn a bit.
No matter what we encounter we must remember that we have been purchased from death to life. Now let's focus our eyes on Jesus, adjust our perspective based upon Him (no matter what other's think or say) and then LIVE LIKE THOSE WHO CANNOT DIE!!
Monday, August 27, 2012
First Day of School
Today, the kids headed off for another year of school. Since they attend school at the same location as the church, they ride with me. As we arrived at school today, I asked them how they wanted to do drop off. (Walking in with me, being dropped off at the door, etc...)
Without any hesitation, they ALL chose to be dropped off at the door. Even my baby, heading off to her first day of "all day" school. I will admit that I walked down to at least see if she made it into the classroom. She did and when she saw me she just waved and smiled. Where did time go???
Before leaving for the day, we did the traditional first day of school pictures.
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| Kindergarten |
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| 3rd Grade |
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| 5th Grade (part of the newly created intermediate middle school) |
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| 7th Grade |
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Weekend Fun
It is hard to believe that in just one short week the kids will be back in school. This past weekend we wrapped up most of the supply shopping for our kiddos.
Afterward we tried to enjoy a few more moments of summer...
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| Jackson |
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| Alexander |
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| Stephen |
...and I would say that we succeeded. Summer has been full of fun and lots of memories have been made. We have been blessed.
In the video (and one of the pictures) above you will notice an "extra" child. That is my cousin EmmaLee. She was with us over the weekend and also joined in the school supply shopping fun. Please keep her, my uncle, my other cousins, and the extended family members in your prayers. My Aunt Debbie died last week after a long battle with cancer. She is now at home with Jesus.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Just a thought...
...if you choose to advertise your political, religious, or any other type of belief on your car, you should probably consider the way you drive. We've all been there...we see someone with a "Honk if you love Jesus" bumper sticker (or similar) and then we watch in horror as they do everything but "love Jesus" and His creation with their actions.
I was very frustrated yesterday with someone who was one of the rudest drivers I had seen in quite awhile (and I just drove 1200 miles in the past week on major highways). He disregarded every common courtesy of driving. On the back of his truck he had plastered his very strong political beliefs. And I do mean strong. There were bumper stickers that were rude and appalling in their stand for a political party. Honestly, the rudeness of the bumper stickers were enough to make me a bit opposed to the party in question. But the way the driver handled himself just led to me thinking very negatively about that political party.
Originally I was going to post something on Facebook about this gentlemen. But then as I thought about it I realized that if I am going to advertise that I am a Christ-follower, I need to be careful in my thoughts, words, and actions. You see I may not have a bumper sticker on me but I am advertising my God in what I say and do.
So why share this story here? Well, I hope that you will see from my experience an opportunity to evaluate yourself. Who are you advertising? Are people who are watching you being drawn to God or put off because of you?
Maybe having a bumper sticker or a sign of some kind on your car is a good reminder that you need to be aware of your actions as you represent God. But bumper sticker or not, we should all be aware that we are bearing fruit of who we represent. Do your actions and mine reflect God: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Or are our actions reflecting the opposite, which advertises ourselves?
I was very frustrated yesterday with someone who was one of the rudest drivers I had seen in quite awhile (and I just drove 1200 miles in the past week on major highways). He disregarded every common courtesy of driving. On the back of his truck he had plastered his very strong political beliefs. And I do mean strong. There were bumper stickers that were rude and appalling in their stand for a political party. Honestly, the rudeness of the bumper stickers were enough to make me a bit opposed to the party in question. But the way the driver handled himself just led to me thinking very negatively about that political party.
Originally I was going to post something on Facebook about this gentlemen. But then as I thought about it I realized that if I am going to advertise that I am a Christ-follower, I need to be careful in my thoughts, words, and actions. You see I may not have a bumper sticker on me but I am advertising my God in what I say and do.
So why share this story here? Well, I hope that you will see from my experience an opportunity to evaluate yourself. Who are you advertising? Are people who are watching you being drawn to God or put off because of you?
Maybe having a bumper sticker or a sign of some kind on your car is a good reminder that you need to be aware of your actions as you represent God. But bumper sticker or not, we should all be aware that we are bearing fruit of who we represent. Do your actions and mine reflect God: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Or are our actions reflecting the opposite, which advertises ourselves?
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Challenging
We did something different with the boys last week. In an attempt to help them stay sharp for school we asked them to write a paper. However, in an attempt to challenge them spiritually as well as to give us a better handle on their perception of spiritual things, we made the topic of the paper be their personal testimony.
Yes, we had to explain what a testimony is and what it should contain. And yes, there were a few groans about "homework". We gave them two days to think about it and write it. (Yes, Emma had homework too. Her's was simply to write the alphabet, upper and lower case. She did this very well.)
Well, it was due Sunday night. And they were all turned in on time. Let's just say we may have to work on some more school sharpening skills but the content gave us a glimpse into our children's beliefs. And that left us challenged. Challenged to help them, pray for them, and create an better environment for them to grow in their relationship with God.
Often we wonder if our kids "get it" when it comes to God. Yes, they are kids, but as Christ-followers there should still be evidence of God. And honestly, lately there has been a bit of concern as to who our kids are serving; by all external evidences it seems to be themselves. (But it also begs the question: what do people think of my life and who I choose to serve? I hope they see Jesus, but all too often they would probably see a selfish and self serving person.)
We had a time of discussion before bed on Sunday night and it started with the questions: "Do you need Jesus?", "Do I need Jesus?", "Since mommy and daddy have good jobs, we have a house, we have two cars, we have video games, clothes, food, then why do we need Jesus?" WOW!!! My husband sure brought the conviction! Jesus is more than our ticket to Heaven, He desires a relationship with us and is calling us to be like Him. We can't do that on our own. We need Jesus.
If we really believe that Jesus is who He says He is and if we believe the Bible is Truth, then our lives should look different. We should be transformed. We should be set apart. We should be in this world but not of this world.
We are challenging our kids to develop their relationship with God now and not when they are older. But honestly, we are finding ourselves challenged as well. "Why do I need Jesus?" In this culture it is easy to slip into self sustaining and self serving mindsets. This question, if seriously considered, should be life changing.
So...Why do you need Jesus?
Yes, we had to explain what a testimony is and what it should contain. And yes, there were a few groans about "homework". We gave them two days to think about it and write it. (Yes, Emma had homework too. Her's was simply to write the alphabet, upper and lower case. She did this very well.)
Well, it was due Sunday night. And they were all turned in on time. Let's just say we may have to work on some more school sharpening skills but the content gave us a glimpse into our children's beliefs. And that left us challenged. Challenged to help them, pray for them, and create an better environment for them to grow in their relationship with God.
Often we wonder if our kids "get it" when it comes to God. Yes, they are kids, but as Christ-followers there should still be evidence of God. And honestly, lately there has been a bit of concern as to who our kids are serving; by all external evidences it seems to be themselves. (But it also begs the question: what do people think of my life and who I choose to serve? I hope they see Jesus, but all too often they would probably see a selfish and self serving person.)
We had a time of discussion before bed on Sunday night and it started with the questions: "Do you need Jesus?", "Do I need Jesus?", "Since mommy and daddy have good jobs, we have a house, we have two cars, we have video games, clothes, food, then why do we need Jesus?" WOW!!! My husband sure brought the conviction! Jesus is more than our ticket to Heaven, He desires a relationship with us and is calling us to be like Him. We can't do that on our own. We need Jesus.
If we really believe that Jesus is who He says He is and if we believe the Bible is Truth, then our lives should look different. We should be transformed. We should be set apart. We should be in this world but not of this world.
We are challenging our kids to develop their relationship with God now and not when they are older. But honestly, we are finding ourselves challenged as well. "Why do I need Jesus?" In this culture it is easy to slip into self sustaining and self serving mindsets. This question, if seriously considered, should be life changing.
So...Why do you need Jesus?
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Come
Lately, I don't just feel tired, I feel weary. It's not just physical; it is mental, emotional, and even spiritual. Some of it is the result of having had a crazy schedule from January thru June and still feeling like I need to catch my breathe, all while looking toward a busy fall. Some of it is the result of living in a "keep busy" world. (Though thankfully to look at our calendar right now it's not that full.) And then some of it is the spiritual battle of ministry and the pressure that can create.
As I was talking to a friend the other day about just feeling so weary and that in truth it isn't always a bad weary, I realized I was actually complaining. This led to the knowledge that I need to address this issue and work to not complain. So I began to pray about my attitude.
The next day as I was watching my coffee brew, I was again talking to God about the weariness I felt at the beginning of my day and that I wasn't sure I could (or wanted to) make it through work. And then I very clearly heard Him speak to me...
As I was talking to a friend the other day about just feeling so weary and that in truth it isn't always a bad weary, I realized I was actually complaining. This led to the knowledge that I need to address this issue and work to not complain. So I began to pray about my attitude.
The next day as I was watching my coffee brew, I was again talking to God about the weariness I felt at the beginning of my day and that I wasn't sure I could (or wanted to) make it through work. And then I very clearly heard Him speak to me...
"Come to me""Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
"I will give you rest"
Ah, the release and peace that we are given when we "come". But I was reminded in that moment that it starts with a choice of my own to come to Him. He won't take the burdens and supply the rest until I come.
I was reminded that Jesus took time to go to His Father to be refreshed and renewed. He often went off to pray and be away from the crowds. I believe He found rest in those times with His Father.
So I am working to make the choice to "come to Him" each time the weariness begins to affect my attitude. This means taking some quiet time, alone time with Him. Finding rest and quiet away from the busyness and crowds. This is rest for my soul, which in turn provides rest to my whole being.
Do you feel weary or burdened? Have you come to Jesus with it? The next verse says to "Take His yoke upon you and learn from Him." You have to set down your "stuff" first. Let's work to lay down our busyness and pick up what matters to Him. I think it will give our souls a much needed rest.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
13
13 years ago today, we said "I do!"
I don't think that either of us really had any idea what that meant.
We have four children.
We have moved 6 times, including a 600 mile move.
We have made mistakes.
We have seen God work in amazing ways.
We have worked hard on making our relationship a priority.
We strive to keep God at the center of our home.
(above picture was taken for our 10th anniversary)
13 years ago, we said "I do!"
And we would do it all over again.
May God continue to grow us and mold us into the couple that He desires us to be. To Him be all the glory!
Friday, June 29, 2012
New Toy
Well, we got a new camera. This is not to replace my current one, but in addition to it. This new camera is waterproof. It has been fun to play with it as you can take pictures while in the water and even under the water. Here are a few pictures and then a video we took as well...
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