My Family

A New Book to Read

2012-02-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

I am so happy that Bible study is back in session. I love the teaching, and my small group so much. I need this weekly encouragement from older women, and moms who are in the same season of life as me.

We are reading Elyse Fitzpatrick's book Give them Grace.

We are two chapters in, and it is so challenging!

I have also been listening to Revive Our Hearts this week. I noticed that Elyse was the featured guest in which she is talking about another one of her books Love to Eat, Hate to Eat. It has been SO good. She talks about the consuming powers of food, and how food can become an area of besetting sin in the lives of believers, especially women.

This book is not just for those with eating disorders, it's for any person who struggles with her diet. Even our eating should bring glory to the Lord, it should not consume us.

Christmas Morning

2012-01-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

MS Update

2012-01-17T12:52:00.000-08:00

I am writing this post to thank all of you who have been praying for me. I had an appointment with my neurologist this morning and received some great news....my MS has not progressed at all since my first brain MRI last March!!!! Praise the Lord!

Being pregnant with Grace did in fact protect my body from any further damage to my brain or spine. I must admit, I was a little worried when I found out I was expecting Grace last April. I had just been diagnosed, ready to begin treatment, and God surprised us with another baby.

Jordan was so certain that God was going to use this pregnancy to protect my body. It was hard for me to wrap my head around it at the time because all I could think was, "How will I be able to care for another baby when I feel so awful?" But I had to stop worrying because the situation was out of my hands. God had given us another baby and there was nothing that would change that.

I immediately began to ask the Lord for His grace to help me trust what He was doing. I knew, and know now, that God was over it all. He had a plan, and He was going to use Grace to accomplish it.

We quickly found out that pregnancy and MS are great for each other. Pregnancy offers a lot of the same results that different MS drugs do. So being pregnant was like treatment for nine months, but in the end I had a wonderful, sweet baby girl to show for it. It was also great timing to be pregnant because it bought us some time to be certain that Tysabri is the drug I want to go with.

Jordan immediately said that if this baby was a girl we should name her Grace. He was certain it was God's grace being extended to us during that very hard time last Spring. He was certain God would protect my body, and He did.

We were so excited leaving the doctor's office this morning. I had been a little scared to hear of my recent MRI results, but after hearing my doctor say that everything looks good, and that I am ready for treatment, it was like a giant weight had been lifted off my chest.

But it wouldn't be right if I didn't give God all the glory for the news we received today. He has been the one leading us, and answering the prayers of so many. He has been with us every single step of this journey. He has brought us closer to Him. He has used this trial to transform my faith and my prayer life. He has made me a better and stronger person through this.

We give God the glory, and are trusting Him for more answered prayer!

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:2-8

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7

A Sweet Time

2012-01-10T05:51:00.001-08:00

It will be four weeks tomorrow since we welcomed Grace into our family. Since then, the older three have been in and out of the house, spending a lot of time in Beaufort.

It has been a nice break. I feel like I have been able to get some much needed rest, and I really have been able to get to know Grace. I have been able to respond to her every need. I now know her cries. I know when she is tired, hungry or happy. I know her daily routine (for the most part). In some ways it has felt like I am a first time mom, having only one to care for.

It was also a great time for the older three to spend extra time with Amma, Granddaddy, and Aunt GraceAnna because I started treatment last week. It wasn't the "real" treatment that I will be doing on a monthly basis, just a three day steroid treatment to keep my body from having a relapse. The relapse rate is high in postpartum women, so the doctor wanted to treat my body before an attack could happen.

I was nervous. I didn't want the steroids. I was worried about the side effects.

But, once again, God was so faithful to answer our prayers and the prayers of our family and friends. With the exception of the first day, I felt terrific. I had energy during the day, but would crash at night. Even little Grace started sleeping 6-8 hour stretches the night of my first treatment, and she has been since! Praise the Lord! God is so good.

During the past four weeks I have had a lot of time to pray. Having a nursing baby has always been a sweet time for me. Those night time feedings allow me to get close with the Lord. There are so many things that go through my mind in the middle of the night. I am able to have devoted times of prayer for my husband and each one of my children. The Lord brings others to mind, and He always brings things to my mind that need to be done, changed, or incorporated into our family life. It is truly an awesome time.

I feel like my relationship with the Lord always grows deeper with each baby, which I am thankful for because I know I will need the Holy Spirit's help this year! I want this year to be filled with devotion to the Lord. I want to be shaken to my core with the things of God's word. I want to be more knowledgeable of the Bible at the end of this year. I am asking the Lord for a great year.

I want to have lots of joy in our home. Lots of laughter. Sweet times with each of our children. I don't want to miss out on the every day moments that take place in a house with four children under five. I know I will only be able to achieve this if I am walking close to our Lord. I need to be sensitive to the Spirit's leading. I want to be.

Last year was tough, but I don't write it off as a year to forget. In some ways it was the most difficult year of my life, but it was through the trials I faced that my faith became rock solid. So I am thankful for 2011. Yes, it was hard at times, but God sure did put a happy ending to the year by blessing us with Grace Catherine!

"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;" ~ Psalm 103:1-4

Jack, Luke, and Claire will be home today! I am excited to see them, and I know they are excited to see us and their new sister!

Grace Catherine

2012-01-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

Grace was starting to get tired by the end so we had to put her pacifier in!

This is one of my favorites!

My sweet friend Brooke came over and took some adorable shots of Grace. I will only be sharing two because I haven't decided which one I am going to use for her birth announcement!

Thank you, Brooke!

Gingerbread Cookies and Christmas Trees

2011-12-22T07:45:00.000-08:00

Two more days!

2011-12-12T05:28:00.000-08:00

We are all so excited that in two days (or less) we will be meeting the newest member of our family! The children have been so sweet to watch throughout my pregnancy as they have prayed for, asked many questions, rubbed my growing belly, and tell the baby how much they love him or her!

I will be sure to let everyone know when the baby arrives. We can't wait to share the gender and name!

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Essential Piper: Don't Waste Your Life

2011-12-05T02:34:00.000-08:00

Essential Piper: Don't Waste Your Life

Thankful for my husband!

2011-11-17T05:45:00.001-08:00

I woke up this morning feeling so thankful for the man that God has given me! Words can't describe how much I love him!

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.
The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones,
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man.”
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 25And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:18-24

Claire is 2!

2011-10-28T18:03:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Claire! We love you so very much!

Children are a Blessing

2011-10-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

This article was such an awesome reminder to me this morning.

As I find myself seven weeks away from delivering our fourth baby, I have to be honest. There are days I am scared to have another child. I am nervous and scared because raising children is hard work. It requires all of me, and sometimes I don't feel like I have more to give. I know I am wrong. I know God has blessed us with this fourth child. I know it's His plan, and His timing. He is always on time.

I also know that God will equip me to be all this child needs in a mother. I know, by God's grace, I will be able to mother this child the same as I have, and do with my other three. I know this child is meant to be in our family. I am the only woman designed to be the mother of my children. It's no accident. God has a plan for each one of them, and He has called Jordan and me to be their parents.

I guess I have this feeling of nervousness because this child is coming at a difficult time in my life. It's been a tough year. But God has been so faithful to our family. He has brought us through each day. He has always given me the strength needed to care for my children. I have grown so much over the past eight months, and I may not have grown as much in Lord if it hadn't been for the trial I face each day.

As I have wrestled with the Lord for the past seven months, He has showed me that this baby is a tremendous blessing. He has given us a precious gift at a dark time in my life. This baby has helped to protect my body from continued damaged to my brain and spine. This baby (with each passing month) has given me more energy to play and be with the three who are already with me. This baby has given me something to smile about each day. This baby has strengthened my faith in the Lord. The Lord has been so good to give us this baby.

All these negative feelings I have had have come only from Satan. He is a liar. He is my enemy, and he wants to bring me low. He wants to steal the joys of motherhood, and I can't let him.

I need to find my strength in the Lord. I need to have the full armor of God on each day (Ephesians 6). I need to walk by the Spirit so that we will not carry out our fleshly desires (Galatians 5:16). I know God will equip me to do the things He has called me to do, and being a mother is calling from the Lord.

While it is the work of the Holy Spirit that ultimately draws the hearts of our children to himself, it is still our job to teach and train our children. It is our job to make Christ look appealing to our children. We are their first picture of our loving Heavenly Father.

While we will never be perfect mothers, God has given each of our children to us. He knew the homes they would grow up in. He knew that they need us to be their mothers. God doesn't make mistakes.

So my feelings of nervousness will have to be entrusted to the Lord. I must trust Him each day to be the godly woman, wife, and mother that He has called me to be.

A Prayer about the Realities of Homeschooling

2011-10-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

I follow this amazing blog, where I am encouraged weekly by her posts! She appears to be a godly woman, wife, and mom who desires to walk with the Lord each step of her life.

Today I came across a prayer she prayed before embarking on her homeschooling journey. The questions that filled her mind are some of the same ones I asked. I think any homeschooling mother will be encouraged by her prayer.

Here it is!

Another Great Read...

2011-10-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

Rediscovering Family Worship by Jerry Marcellino

This is a very quick read, only 22 pages. This small booklet is packed full of scripture, quotes from godly men, and great advice!

The People I love most!

2011-10-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

I heard this song for the first time yesterday, and it made me smile and cry. I hope you enjoy it!

Great Book

2011-10-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share the name of an awesome book that I am slmost finished reading: The Enemy Within by Kris Lundgaard.

It is so challenging, convicting, and encouraging!

This will be a book that I read more than once, it's that good!

I would love to hear your thoughts if you choose to read it, or have already read it!

Apple Picking in Ellijay

2011-09-30T15:54:00.001-07:00

AudreyKate & Claire

2011-09-29T07:25:00.001-07:00

AK came for a visit over Labor Day weekend. All three of my children had so much fun with her. It was a little preview of what things will be like around here in December!

GA and I went to the mall and bought the girls matching outfits. We were able to snap a few shots before they both got restless.

Sunday Afternoon

2011-09-11T16:40:00.000-07:00

The weather has been so nice for the past week. Jack and Claire enjoyed climbing the tree and swinging on the swing set after church today.

Luke is with Amma and Granddaddy this weekend. We can't wait to see him tomorrow!

Random Pictures that I love!

2011-09-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

Encouraging Words from Sally Clarkson

2011-08-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready to begin another Bible study in a few weeks. When I found out what book we would be studying, I was excited. Yes, it's a book that I read a few summers ago, but I remember loving this book, so it will be great to hear it taught.

The book is The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson.

I was so encouraged last fall after studying The Mission of Motherhood that I began to read Sally's blog. I read it pretty faithfully last year, but I haven't in a while. It is so good. Full of biblical truth and encouragement.

While reading her blog tonight, I came across the following:

Three things I am learning to do in the midst of my own storms.

1. Remember and list in your journal all of the ways, in your lifetime, you have seen God’s faithfulness and answers to prayer. This is why our family celebrates family day. Even in the most difficult years, we could look back and see His handprints in our lives–He was always there, He was always providing. He looks upon us with compassion.

Once, as a little girl, I had double pneumonia, was gasping for breath in an oxygen tent, and feeling scared. But then, I heard a familiar sound. My father, a business man, wore wing-tip shoes, and above the noise and spew of the oxygen, I heard the stout sound of His shoes, chipping down the hall way toward my room, and my heart was immediately at ease. I thought, “Now Daddy is here. He will be sure they take good care of me. I will be ok.”

And so, we need to listen for the wing-tip shoes of our heavenly Father who is coming to our rescue. He will take care of us and we will be ok.
2. Find a promise, hold fast to His word.

Have you ever been in the car with your children and all of them start speaking to you at once and continue speaking as though you can hear their voice above the roar? Too many voices keep us from hearing. And so the voices of the world, of fear, of what ifs, all speaking at once drown out His voice, the only one who is truth and who will bring wisdom. So, we must still our lives and sit quietly that He may speak to us.

“I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

“If God is with us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own son, but delivered him over for us all, how will He not freely give us all things?” Romans 8: 31-32

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” Isaiah 43:2

Allow the Holy Spirit to comfort you and fill your heart with the peace and calm of His strength and presence. If we look to outer circumstances for our happiness and peace, we will always be defined by the limitations and battles raging in a fallen, sinful world.

But if we look within, still our hearts, wait to hear His voice, we will perceive that the Lord of Hosts is with us, that His Holy Spirit is there waiting to speak peace, healing, strength, love and life into our hearts and into our circumstances, while we wait on Him and behold His salvation and comfort.We are not alone. He is faithful.

3. Determine to hold fast and to be a courageous warrior in your battles.
Memories of my family and friends have been flooding my mind this week as I move toward my mom’s memorial service.

The life of a distant relative has been on my mind. He was a man who lived a life of great faith, for many years, bringing light into darkness, redeeming, loving. But he became weary of the battle and instead of staying strong, he gave up. Consequently, his legacy, by which he will be remembered, is of quitting.

All of the soldiers who saw Goliath and ran away from him, will never be remembered. We do not know their names. But we do know the name of a valiant young warrior named David. He saw the same giant, but faced him.

“You come to me with speer and sword.” (the weapons and strength of the world–even a giant is the power of the world’s way)

“But I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts.”

David did not picture his own strength, but instead pictured the Lord and thousands and thousands of angels behind him. And so he has a legacy of faith and saw God work.
Do not give up your legacy of a story of faith. Your children are looking to your story to give them courage in the story they yet will yet live. Hold fast, find a friend to pray with, stand strong. Today is the day you have to proclaim His faithfulness in your own life for all generations to see. What a shame if we all gave up–there would be no stories of His strength, grace and truth.

So, find a way to stay strong. Pray every day with a friend. Fill your mind with beauty, songs, stories of those who have gone before us. Rest deep inside your heart and see His love for you.

Right in the middle of the boat, deep in the midst of the storm, Jesus was resting, sleeping, in the arms of His Father, knowing He was not alone, and understanding that His Father’s strength would calm the storms.

Chris Tomlin - How Can I Keep From Singing

2011-08-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

Does God give us more than we can handle?

2011-08-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

I just read an excellent post regarding God not giving us more than we can handle, click here to read for yourself.

I found myself saying this when first diagnosed with MS. Not only did I say it to myself, but to my husband and a few family members. No one ever corrected me - maybe because I was already down and they just wanted to let me talk?

I don't know what day it was, but I remember one evening crying out to the Lord, pleading with Him to take this away, and asking why He thought I was strong enough to face this trial?

I wasn't angry with God, but I did have some real questions that I wanted answers to. At the end of my prayer time I knew that there was a possibility that I would never know why this was happening, at least not on this side of heaven. So I closed my prayer with, "Lord, I know that you will see me through this trial because I know that you do no give me more than I can handle."

WRONG! As soon as I said Amen, I knew that this statement was false. It hit me that I had been believing this statement for several weeks, all the while doubting that I could handle this trial. Well, I had that doubt because there is nothing, a part from Christ, that I can accomplish on my own. Nothing!

God was using this trial to strengthen my faith and reliance upon Him. He wants me to need Him. He wants to be my help in time of need. He does give Christians things that we cannot handle so that we will rely upon Him. He is to be my rock that I run to. He is to be the One that has my love and affection. Bottom line, I need Christ to do, or get through each day of my life. He didn't promise this life on earth to be easy, but He did promise to never leave me or forsake me.

I was so thankful for that eye-opening moment with the Lord. And then, to further confirm this, a dear friend of mine reiterated this truth to me a few days later, and she wasn't aware of my thinking or prayer a few days prior.

Lesson learned: don't listen to ever cliche comment that believers make and take them as gospel truth. Yes, this is a nice and comforting statement, but it couldn't be farther from the truth.

This is why we all need to be daily searching the scriptures for ourselves.

Thankful for God's people

2011-08-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

One thing that has been made clear to me through my trial with MS is how amazing fellow believers in Christ really are. I have had so many emails, cards, and words of encouragement over the past five months that it's been overwhelming.

I have been amazed at the love the body of Christ has poured out, and it's not just from my tight circle of friends and family. Love has come from people whom I have never met, people I have known for years, and from people I never thought cared that much for me.

"A friend is always loyal, and brother is born to help in time of need." (Proverbs 17:17 NLT)

In fact, it has been through this trial that I have seen who my true friends are. Much to my surprise, many of the people who have been the first to help, have been people that I would never have expected It has been through the body of Christ that I have been blessed with prayers, words of encouragement, letters, emails, and meals for my family.

The Body of Christ has been with our family every step of the way. They are loyal. They will be ready to help and serve whenever called upon. They are ready because they are filled with the Spirit of God. They want to serve like Jesus did. They want to be a true friend.

I could write for hours about some of the offers I have gotten from believers. But one sticks out to me in particular, I guess since I am a worker at home and all things under this roof pertain to me. A lady from my church offered to hire a housekeeper for me, and to pay for it! She said that she wanted to bless me in this way because she knew how much I appreciated a clean house. She told me that she didn't want me to waste any of my energy on cleaning, but to use it all on my children.

I was so shocked by this offer. I was amazed. Yes, I know this woman, but we are not close. Not close enough for her to pay for my house to be cleaned!

This was just another example of God's love being shown through His body. And for the record, I haven't taken her up on the offer. I really have wanted things to remain as normal as possible, but I told her that if I ever needed it I would give her a call.

These are the kinds of people who are shining their light. These are the people who love the Lord and are willing to sacrifice to help another believer. These are the people who make the gospel attractive. These are the people who will be blessed beyond measure during their time on earth and when they get to heaven. These are the kinds of people I want to have as my friends!

I can't help but think of 1 Corinthians 12 when Paul is talking about how there are many parts that make up the body, but we are all one in Christ. Each part has its purpose, but this doesn't make it better than another part. All parts are needed to make up the body.

I am so thankful for all the people God has brought into my life during this time. He knew what sort of people would be my real friends and who would be the most encouraging, and those are the exact people He has brought into my life!

In fact, I need to go now so I can heat up a meal that was brought to me this morning:-)

Thankful for the small things

2011-08-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had to have a round of steroids to help with some of my symptoms that had gotten worse. This wasn't planned, as the doctor believed that I would be fine until after having the baby.

It was about five weeks ago when some of my symptoms began to escalate. I was already having trouble walking by the end of each day, but now it had become difficult to walk at the beginning of the day. It was scary. I was very scared that this would now be the new "normal". I begged the Lord not to take away my ability to walk.

Jordan insisted that I see the doctor that week. We went in on a Tuesday, the doctor suggested the steroid treatment, and we began the next day.

There were a few side effects that I had to deal with for about ten days afterwards, but now things seem to be better. In fact, tonight was the first night that I have been able to go on a family walk in months without my leg giving out on me. It was amazing. I walked fast, anticipating my leg to give me trouble at some point during out thirty minute walk, but it never did!!!

I was amazed! But mostly just thankful. Thankful that I was able to enjoy a walk with my husband and children. Thankful that my leg cooperated the entire time. Thankful that the Lord allowed me to take this walk. Thankful that Lord had answered my prayer five weeks ago when I begged Him to help me walk.

Two years ago I would have never given thanks after a walk. I always assumed that I would be able to. Never did I think that walking would become difficult. Never.

But God has taught me so much through this trial. He has taught me to never take anything He has blessed me with for granted. It could all be gone tomorrow. This truth has never been clearer.

"For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthian 4:15-18)

"I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness
And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High." (Psalm 7:17)

Ten Reasons for Contentment

2011-08-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

This post was taken from http://www.feminagirls.com.

Here are ten reasons why we should find contentment, found from the matchless works on the subject by the Puritan ministers Jeremiah Burroughs and Thomas Watson.

Why should we want to be content?

1. The first and most important reason is because God commands it: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

2. It is our duty as Christians. We believe that our circumstances are not the result of chance or luck, but because our wise Father has decreed this for us. Therefore, contentment fits us for our duties and makes our duties lively.

3. Contentment makes our life more comfortable. When we are content, we are not dependent on the creature for our comfort. Contentment changes an affliction into something else. Quoting Burroughs: “Godly men get more riches out of their poverty than ever they get out of their revenues. Godly men are better for an affliction; many godly men are worse for their prosperity.”

4.It is a means of worshiping God rightly. In active obedience, we do what pleases Him. In passive obedience, we are pleased with what God does.

5. Contentment is excellent. As Watson says, “It is a remedy against all our troubles, a comfort to all our burdens, a cure of care.”

6. Contentment exhibits the beauty of grace and the strength of grace. It sweetens every condition. God’s glory is exhibited in contentment.

7. Contentment makes our souls fit to receive mercy. We must hold still to receive God’s mercy. Quiet your hearts; quiet your soul.

8. Contentment delivers us from many temptations. It keeps us from murmuring, envy, covetousness, anger, and a host of other sins. Contentment is a way of mortifying the flesh.

9. Sabbath is kept in a contented heart; where there is contentment, there is rest. Get into the ark of contentment.

10. By contentment our souls are nearer to God’s own excellence. When God is our portion, we are “self-sufficient” in the best sense, because we don’t need much, and what we have we are thankful for.

Number Four?

2011-07-18T17:01:00.001-07:00

That's right! I am pregnant! Baby Broggi will be here December 12!

We couldn't be more thrilled to have another baby!

Super Mom vs. Abiding Mom

2011-07-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine was so kind to send me a link to this amazing website on homeschooling. I have enjoyed all of her ideas for schooling little ones, but what God has used most is her biblical advice.

She has an amazing outlook on children! She challenges parents to see their children as blessings, not burdens. She encourages homeschooling families to have a mission, and to see it as a calling!

She also has these great character studies to do with your children. Jack and I started our first one today, and God used it in both of our lives.

Below is the link that convicted me to the core. I so often strive to please my family (which I am not saying is a bad thing). I want things to be perfect. I want them to be happy and obedient. Who doesn't, right?

But the Lord showed me today that these desires are not always from a pure heart. I should cease striving to please man, and strive to honor the Lord.

These are not new truths that I saw today. In fact, I know that my life should be honoring to the Lord. I know all these truths, but I think I have lost focus. I have let things slip in that shouldn't be here. I have let the problems with my health become more important than teaching and training my children.

Anyway, I hope these simple truths will be meaningful to you as well.

I love how God is always working. He is always revealing my short-comings. He desires my heart and motives to be pure. I am so grateful the I serve such an awesome God.

Click here to see what I read.

Avocado Egg Salad and New Pictures

2011-07-13T10:43:00.001-07:00

I have missed The Pioneer Woman's recipes this summer. We have been gone a lot so the cooking has been down to a minimal. I am ready to get back into my kitchen! I even went into Crate and Barrel today to see if there were any new "must have" kitchen gadgets!

I love egg salad! My mom made this often when I was growing up, so I am excited to try out a new recipe!

Below are a few new pictures!

Voddie T. Baucham, Jr.

2011-07-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

This man of God was at our church this past Sunday. I didn't get to hear the message live, but I just listened online. It was so encouraging, challenging, and God-honoring.

Listen here.

In Sickness and In Health

2011-06-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Jordan and I attended a wedding. I don't know why but weddings ALWAYS make me teary-eyed, no matter how well or little I know the couple. I love watching the groom as he watches his bride walk down the aisle. I love when the father gives his daughter away. I love the music. I pretty much love it all.

But there was something different about this wedding that hit me in a different way. I especially was teary-eyed when the couple was exchanging their vows. I immediately flashed back to our wedding and the vows that we promised to keep.

It made me think. It made me ponder how so many couples promise the exact words that Jordan and I did seven years ago, but have failed to keep them. It was sad to think of the people we know who have divorced, or who have never been faithful to their spouse. I prayed for this couple, and I prayed that their marriage would be solid and lasting. I prayed for their salvation, because without Christ at the center it will be a tough road ahead.

After those thoughts and prayers, I found myself smiling. I was smiling because the man whom I love the most was sitting by my side with his arm around me. But I was smiling the most because I am so thankful for Jordan. Jordan has kept every word of our vows.

Until this year we have never been sick, always in health, so that was easy. It's easy to love someone who is well and can carry their load. What's tough is when someone you rely on is no longer the same. No longer able to do much of what they used to do. It throws things for a loop. No longer predictable.

As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in March. This rocked our world. For almost a year I had been visiting different doctors and physical therapists, but after Christmas things really came to a head. The symptoms were no longer "manageable". There was no more pushing the problem under the rug.

After having a series of MRI's done, it was in fact confirmed, I have MS. There was no more brushing things over. This was real. Our lives were forever changed.

I had suspected MS for about two months before it was confirmed. It was like I had a peace about it. I knew the doctors would confirm it. Jordan, being the optimist that he is told me that there was no way it was MS. He prayed with and for me every day, asking God for it to be something curable.

I still remember all the dates surrounding my diagnosis. Those dates are forever etched in my memory. But with each date, I have a Bible verse or a song that the Lord gave me along the way.

I am so thankful for the timing of my diagnosis. It couldn't have come at a better time for me spiritually speaking.

I haven't been angry with God. I haven't even been asking the "why" questions. God really gave me a peace even before I officially knew. I know God has a plan for my life. God already knew that I would be 28, have a husband and three children when diagnosed. God's timing is never off.

This trial has drawn our entire family even closer to the Lord. We are learning new things each day about God, and His faithfulness to our family. How can we be mad when we have an overwhelming amount of things to be thankful for?

We are choosing to be thankful. Of course that doesn't mean that we are happy that I have a life-long disease, but it does mean that we are trusting the Lord to bring us through this trial.

There have been hard days. Days with a lot of tears. Days when I have no energy to be the wife and mom I so long to be. But there has yet to be a day that God hasn't given me the strength I need to do the things I need to do. God is so good!

Jordan has been amazing. He has been praying and fasting so faithfully for God to heal me of this disease. He has lightened my load in so many ways. He has made sure that I am seeing one of the best MS doctors in the country. He spent hours researching my disease and ways to make things better. I think he knows more about it than I do:-)

He has already taken me on two trips for me to get extra rest and relaxation. He takes care of dinner some nights. He has been so commited to me through this. He has kept his vow to love me in sickness and in health.

God has taught us so much. The biggest lesson we have learned is to live each day for the glory of the Lord. Not that any of us know what tomorrow will bring, but now we truly get it. Tomorrow is not promised. Our health is not promised. So we want to invest even more in the things that will last: God's word and people.

Over the next few months I hope to share some things that God has been teaching me through this trial. I have so many verses that have brought nothing but comfort and encouragement. I have books that have impacted me forever. I hope to share these things over the coming months.

Today I want to share two songs that Jordan has sent me on two different occasions. The first song is a song from him to me, the second is a song that reminded him of me as I was walking through this trial. They were sent at just the right time. God knew I needed them.

You are Responsible For Your Own Actions.

2011-06-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law, GraceAnna, posted this link to her Facebook this afternoon. I loved this article so much that I had to share.

This article is so true. I sometimes find myself blaming circumstances/people for my actions, so this was a sobering reminder that I am the one responsible to God for my actions!

The biblical wisdom my dad imparted as I was growing up laid a rich foundation that has blessed my life in countless ways.
One simple principle in particular has been helpful to me in dealing with difficult people and circumstances: I am not responsible for what others do to me. I am responsible for my own reactions and responses to others.
The implication is that no one can make us sin. We are prone to try to blame our reactions on people or circumstances: “I acted that way (i.e., I lost my cool, mouthed off, withdrew, became irritable, etc.) because this person treated me this way, this thing happened at our house, or this circumstance happened in my life.”
Circumstances certainly have bearing on our reactions, but the liberating concept for me—one that my dad emphasized even more as I got into my teenage years—was, “You will not have to give account to God for what someone else does to you. You will only be held accountable for how you respond.”
I remember him exhorting me along these lines, regarding my relationship with my mother. She and I frequently tangled during my teenage years. Now, as a grown woman, I see many things differently. But at the time, there were aspects of my mother’s style of parenting that I resisted and resented. I would react to things she did or said that I felt were unreasonable, or that I just didn’t agree with.
A sense of the fear of the Lord kept me from being overtly defiant, but I definitely had a “kick in my spirit” when it came to my mother’s authority.
Observing my disrespectful attitude, my dad wisely made two points to me: First, you must honor and respect your mother. Period. That is not an option. Second, you are not responsible for her attitudes or behavior. You are only responsible for your attitudes and how you respond to her.
I don’t know what he may have said to my mother about her responsibility; but I know what he said to me! He understood that I needed to be less concerned with whether she was right or wrong, and more concerned with whether I was honoring her and the Lord in my responses.
I wish I had “gotten” this truth faster and sooner and easier, but the Lord has a way of creating circumstances to teach us these lessons. I’ve come to see how important this principle is because throughout our lives there will always be people and circumstances that we find annoying or feel are unfair.
At the end of the day, we have to leave it to God to right the wrongs in the universe and to deal with others about their issues. They are not our responsibility. Our responsibility is to respond in faith and in obedience to His Word, through the power of His Spirit. That’s what He will hold us accountable for.
That means our responses and lives don’t have to be controlled by circumstances or by how others treat us. You may have had ungodly parents; you may have an unloving mate or in-law, or foolish children, or an impossible boss or co-worker. I’m not suggesting those things don’t affect you or that you should live in denial. But I am saying that by God’s grace you can respond in love and humility to the people and circumstances He brings into your life.
Who or what have you been blaming for your ungodly responses? Counsel your heart with this truth: I may not be able to control or change those people or circumstances. But I do have a choice about how I respond to them. I am not responsible for the choices or behavior of others. I am responsible before God for my responses.
As you accept responsibility for your own choices and reactions, don’t forget that we can only love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, and bear the unbearable as we depend on the Spirit and grace of Christ in us to love and forgive those people and bear those wrongs. “Not I, but Christ!”

Thoughts on Suffering

2011-06-01T15:21:00.001-07:00

These words from J. C. Ryle have brought me much encouragement:

“Reader, if God has given you His only begotten Son, beware of doubting His kindness and love, in any painful providence of your daily life! Never allow yourself to think hard thoughts of God. Never suppose that He can give you anything which is not really for your good. Remember the words of Paul: ‘He who spared not His own Son—but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things’ (Romans 8:32).

See in every sorrow and trouble of your earthly pilgrimage the hand of Him who gave Christ to die for your sins! That hand can never smite you except in love! He who gave His only begotten Son for you, will never withhold anything from you which is really for your good. Lean back on this thought and be content. Say to yourself in the darkest hour of trial, ‘This also is ordered by Him who gave Christ to die for my sins. It cannot be wrong. It is done in love. It must be well.’"

A few new recipes.....

2011-05-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

Old Bay Chicken Marinade

1/4 cup Olive Oil
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning (I put some extra)
1 Tsp. parsley flakes
1/4 Tsp. ground black pepper
1 lb. boneless chicken breasts

Combine ingredients in glass dish or plastic bag. Add one pound boneless chicken breasts. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Grill or broil (we grilled).

This recipe was fantastic. It will definitely be added to my rotation of meals!

Black Bean Soup

Ingredients
10 slices bacon, finely chopped
2 medium onions, chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
6 garlic cloves, pressed
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups canned chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
4 (15 1/2-ounce) cans black beans, drained but not rinsed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 bunch cilantro
juice of 1/2 lime
Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
Sour cream, for garnish
Grated cheddar, for garnish
Directions
Put the bacon into a large heavy pot and place it over medium heat. Cook until it starts to give up its fat, about 4 minutes. Stir in the onions and cook, stirring, until they start to turn translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until you can smell it, about 1 minute. Add the broth, tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire, and chili powder. Stir in the beans, turn the heat to high and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat so the soup is bubbling gently and cook 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, pick off all the thick stems from the cilantro. Wash it and shake dry. Chop the cilantro coarsely and stir it into the soup when it has been simmering 10 minutes. cook until the soup is thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lime juice. Serve with the garnishes.

Jordan and the children LOVED this soup! I was in the mood to try some new recipes last week, and both were a success!

Let me know how you like them!

Thoughts on Prayer

2011-04-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

"The example of the Lord Jesus was not one of prayer in crisis only, but of prayer as a way of life."

"If we only understood the importance of prayer, we would give up sleep before we would give up prayer. Jesus did."

"Busy, busy, busy.....Work, work, work....I have so much to do today, I must spend the first three hours in prayer."

and my favorite,

"Of all the examples we can draw from Jesus' humanity, perhaps none is more compelling and more practical than the example He set for us with His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, When He asks, "Father, if Thou are willing, remove this cup," He shows us that we can ask the Father for the desire of our hearts. When Jesus concludes with "...yet not my will, but Thine be done," He teaches us the importance of surrender to the will of the Father. When that is our heart, we can bring any honest entreaty to our Lord."

He is Risen!

2011-04-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 40:28-31

2011-04-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up on wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not grow weary."

This is the passage God has given me this week. He has used this to encourage me in more ways than imaginable. I love that I have a Savior who never tires, or grows weary of hearing my petitions. I am so thankful that He wants me to cry out to Him! I serve such an awesome God!

My Children

2011-04-17T17:29:00.001-07:00

Being Thankful

2011-04-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

I have been reflecting on all of the things that the Lord has blessed me with, and am amazed at all of the things I can think of (and I know that I am missing some)!

While I am overwhelmed with gratefulness to God for all He has blessed me with, His blessings do not surprise me. The Bible tells us that the Lord blesses those who walk upright, those who love Him and obey Him, those who trust Him, those who honor Him in their daily lives.

I am by no means perfect – I struggle with sin daily. While I am not pleased with this, I do know that if I confess my sin to the Lord, He is faithful and just to forgive and purify me.

What I do know is that I am in a good place with the Lord. I feel like I have truly learned what it means to be a follower of Christ, and that I have fully embraced it. My life is not filled with compromise, and I find it a joy to obey the Lord. I trust that He is sovereign and that He knows every single detail of my life. God is in control, not me!

Following Christ is not always easy. In fact, Jesus tells us that it requires full surrender of our lives to Him. For justification, this is about trusting in Christ alone to save us from our sin. For sanctification, it gets a lot more practical – removing the things of this world that are not honoring to Him, be it certain television shows, tabloids, gossip, etc.

There are times when I do not understand everything that God is doing. I don't get it sometimes. But I then take those times to rehearse the promises God has given me in scripture:

"For I know that plans I have for you, declare the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."
~Jeremiah 29:11-13

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting."
~Psalm 136:1

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose."
~Romans 8:28

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all mean generously and without reproach, and it will be given him. But he must ask in faith, without any doubting..."
~James 1:2-6

"I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.
~Psalm 116:1-2

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
~2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"I will give thanks to You, O Lord, my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Your name forever."
~Pslam 86:12

Those are just a few of the verses that I have been dwelling on lately, and I have taken great joy in each one of them. It iss so freeing to know that I am not in control, but God is. He is the One who knit me in my mother's womb twenty-nine years ago, and He is the One who will guide each step of my life, no matter how short or long it may be!

Our Pastor shared a quote from Charles Spurgeon on Sunday that I absolutely loved:

"The Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who is not."

I want this quote to be true of my life. I want to take everything to the Lord first. I want Him to be the One who directs my steps!

I Will Be Here

2011-03-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

It's been almost seven years since this song was sung at our wedding ceremony. I heard it again this morning, and I was reminded of how true this song has been in our marriage. Through the good, bad, happy, and sad times, Jordan has always been here for me.

I love him so much, and am so thankful that God brought us together so long ago!

Claire is walking!

2011-03-26T14:57:00.001-07:00

I don't actually have a video or even a picture to commemorate this new milestone of Claire's, but those will come at some point.

Last week Claire decided it was time to take off on her two feet instead of all fours. She is improving every day with her new skill. And I even bought her two new pairs of shoes to celebrate!

The boys think it's so cool that their baby sister is now a walker. Each of them will come get me if they find her walking. It's been fun!

Yippee!

A Prayer for Japan

2011-03-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

A Prayer for Japan

Just ordered......

2011-03-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

The Miller Family Storybooks. I have been looking at these storybooks for some time now, but when a lady at Bible Study shared about reading them to her children, I just knew I had to have them.

The series includes five different books:
1) Prudence with the Millers
2) Storytime with the Millers
3) Wisdom with the Millers
4) School Days with the Millers
5) Missionary Stories with the Millers

All five books are character building books written by an Amish woman. They are stories that children can relate to, and they do a great job of teaching a moral lesson in each book.

I am always on the hunt for new books to read aloud to the children. Jack will also enjoy reading these to himself! Yes, Jack is reading (in the beginning stages, but reading no less).

I will let you know how we like them!

Happy Birthday to Luke!

2011-03-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

Three years ago today, I was in Boston at Brigham and Womens Hospital, in labor with our second child. We were so excited to meet little Luke at 6:33pm - he was perfect. I held him. Jordan held him. Jack came in a little later and held him. We were all so thrilled!

Luke is such a blessing to our family! We love him so much.

Happy Birthday, AudreyKate!

2011-03-03T19:12:00.000-08:00

Our niece, AudreyKate Anne Castleberry, was born today at 4:26 pm. She weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. She is a beautiful little girl!

We love you!

Never Grow Up-Taylor Swift

2011-02-22T00:46:00.000-08:00

I came across this song last night right after posting Feeling Thankful. This song made me think of our three children. I do love them so much, and there are times I wish they wouldn't grow up!:-)

I know this is not God's plan though. They will all three grow up. They will all three leave our home one day, and this is a good thing. I guess it was another reminder to continue to pray for their lives, and to take every opportunity to teach them about the Lord. Because they will leave one day, and I want them to be solid in their relationship with the Lord!

P.S. I will definitely not be dropping them off at the movie when they are 14:-)

Feeling Thankful......

2011-02-21T18:05:00.000-08:00

As I turned 28 yesterday, I was amazed at all God has blessed me with! God has saved me from my sins so that I can spend eternity with Him in heaven. He has blessed me with the most wonderful man, Jordan, as my husband. He has given me three wonderful children: Jack, Luke, and Claire.

He has given me an amazing extended family. A family who loves the Lord. A family who cares about the things that will count for eternity. A family who is wonderful, loving, and best of all, fun to be around.

He has given me an awesome church home. A church that teaches from the Bible, even when it's not popular. A church that loves children, and strives to teach them the love of Jesus and their need for a Savior. A church that cares about its members, and builds into the lives of each one. I love our church, and I am so thankful for the leadership!

He has given me wonderful friendships. Friendships of all kinds. Close friends. Neighbor friends. Friends to pray for. Friends who listen. Friends who I have the opportunity to share the love of Christ with. And friends to simply enjoy and have a good time with.

God is so good to those who love Him. This doesn't mean that my life is perfect, or that things always turn out how I would have chosen; but, it does mean that as long as I am living at the center of God's will, He will guide me through the good and the bad. I know that I have a Savior who cares about all the details of my life. And for this I am so thankful.

It is my prayer that I will spend each day honoring the Lord. I want to bring Him glory. I want our family to bring honor to His name.

Thank you, Lord, for the life You have blessed me with!

"As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away." Psalm 90:10

"I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works,And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand when I awake, I am still with You." Psalm 139:14-18

"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." James 4:13-14

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry." Colossians 3:1-5

The Nose Neighbor

2011-02-20T16:49:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again.....

2011-02-17T05:51:00.001-08:00

PLAYGROUND TIME!

Our children absolutely love going to the playground. The other day we walked to the one located behind our neighborhood.

Jack and Luke immediately walked over to the woods, found two big sticks, and began making all kinds of marks and holes in the playground mulch. I'm not sure if I should have let them, but no one else was there, and they were having a blast.

Claire loved the slide. She would climb up as far as she could, then she would let herself go, laughing all the way!

Jack and Luke eventually put the sticks down and began a game of hide and go seek. This was hilarious to watch because Luke never really hid in a good spot, for which Jack would get a little frazzled. They still had fun.

I am so glad that the nice weather is making it's way to Atlanta!

Charlotte Mason

2011-02-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

I have been reading some of her books again, and I have, specifically, been reading about Habit Taining for children under four.

Here are her thoughts:

1) Realize that your child will not simply grow out of his faults.

"What you would have the man become, that you must train the child to be."

2) Your child can learn many good habits by being surrounded with them in your home.

"The child's most fixed and dominant habits are those which the mother takes no pains about, but which the child picks up for himself through his close observation of all that is said and done, felt and thought, in his home."

3) Good habits will give you smooth and easy days now and eqip your child well for the future.

4)Determine which habits you want to instill in your child.

"Parents should take pains to have their own thoughts clear as to the manner of virtues they want their children to develop."

5)Intentionally teach adn train your child in each good character trait that you want to become a habit, using good examples, Scriptures verses, and reinforecement.

6) Identify any bad habit in your child and determine to set up the opposite good habit in its place.

"A child has an odious custom, so constant, that it is his quality, will be his character, if you let him alone; he is spiteful, he is sly, he is sullen. No one is to blame for it; it was born in him."

7) See taht your child does the new good habit as much as possible for at least a month.

"Let the month of treatment be a deliciously happy month to him, he living all the time in the sunshine of his mother's smaile. Let him not be left to himself to meditate or carry out ugly pranks. Let him feel himself always under a watchful, loving, and approving eye. Keep him occupied, well amused."

8) Devote yourself to the correction of a bad habit as you would to nursing a sick child.

9) Keep a diary to help you oversee your child's progress in character and good habits.

"Every mother should keep a diary in which to note the successive phases of her child's physical, mental, and moral growth, with particular attention to the moral...."

10) Depend on the Lord's help and pray for your child during habit training.

"Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain..."

11) One good habit you might want to instill would be to teach your two-year-old to put away his toys.

12) You can also practice good manners by role-playing with your child.

13) Train your child to be habitually truthful.

"It is more important to cultivate the habit of truth than to deal with the accident of lying."

14) Teach your child to unselfishly give, share, and serve. This habit will deter a mind-set of "It's not fair" later in life.

Keep Watch with Me

2011-02-11T17:49:00.000-08:00

I have been reading through the One Year Bible, and a few days ago I came to the passage in Matthew when Jesus entered the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus was deeply grieved that His hour had come. It wasn't that He was unwilling to die for the sins of the world, it was that He was overwhelmed with grief at what was about to take place.

Jesus was so burdened that He took His disciples, entered the Garden, and asked them to stay, keep watching, and praying until He came back. Jesus went before our Heavenly Father, poured out His heart, and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will."

My eyes welled up with tears as I read this passage. It grieved my heart that our Savior was so broken. It grieved my heart knowing that it should have been me on that cross, not our sinless Savior. And it grieved my heart knowing that even though Christ paid the ultimate price for me, I still continue to sin. There are still times that I choose my way over His way.

This was not the first time I have read this passage. In fact, I have read it numerous times. I always hone in on Jesus' prayer. But this time it was different.

After I read the prayer of Jesus several times, my eyes came to a stop when I read the part about the disciples falling asleep. Jesus had asked them to watch, and to be prayerful, yet they couldn't even stay awake. And not only did Jesus ask them once, but three times!

It hit me. I am a lot like the disciples sometimes. There are times when I need to be watching, praying, and staying alert. There are times when I know God is asking more of me, but I seem to have an excuse. I really was convicted by this.

The passage goes on to say, "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

This was Jesus' response to the disciples after finding them asleep for the first time. But obviously it didn't have much of an impact because He came back two more times to find them sleeping.

I need to be watching and praying so that I do not enter into temptation. Because it will happen. Whenever I make an excuse for not spending time with the Lord, I have a bad spot in my day. And sometimes my entire day is ruined by things that I say or do. Things that I say and do when I am not walking in the Spirit. And I am not walking in the Spirit when I choose "something" else over spending time with ourLord.

I need time with the Lord. I need it even more now that I am a wife and mother. I can't afford to not spend time with the Lord!

And even though this year has been going well so far (in terms of spending time with the Lord each day), I don't want there to come a day when I am not "watching" and "praying" and I am vulnerable to fall into temptation.

I want to be sold out to the Lord. I want my life to count for eternity. Won't you join me?

A few other passages I read after reading the above:

1 Peter 5:8&9

"Be of sober spirit,be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world."

Galatians 5:16

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh."

Romans 5 & 6

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."

Chocolate Valentine Cookies

2011-02-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

The boys are with their grandparents for the weekend. I am planning to have the dough all ready when they return, so we can cut out some adorable Valentine cookies. I will need to get the stencils and heart shaped cookie cutters, but I have everything else.

I am excited!

Check this out for the recipe.

Happy baking!

Casting Crowns Praise You In The Storm

2011-02-06T16:49:00.000-08:00

I heard this in the car this afternoon (I was alone), and I loved it. I am not sure how I missed this song because I love Casting Crowns. Maybe because I have been listening to Wee Sing Bible Songs, Raffi, and Donut Man for the past four years:-)

God is so good and faithful to His children. Even when our lives seems out of sorts, He is still in control.

Anyway, I hope this encourages you as it has me!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2011-02-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

I love my mom so much. She is the hardest working woman I know, and she doesn't even hold a job that receives a paycheck. From my earliest memories my mom was always at home with us. She was always "working" in the home.

Not only is she a hard worker, she is also someone who perseveres. I have never known her to quit any task that she was given. She never complains, and she is always happy. She is a true role-model for me!

I love you, mom!

Wonderful Husband

2011-02-03T15:27:00.000-08:00

I was reflecting today on how blessed I am to have Jordan as my husband, and best friend. I truly love him more with each day. He is exactly what I need in a husband.

1 Corinthians 13:4-13: 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . .And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.'

Coloring Upside-Down

2011-02-01T13:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a great idea from a great website, we were able to enjpy some new inside activities.

The coloring was a hit.

Bedtime at the Broggi's

2011-01-31T18:19:00.000-08:00

Jordan usually makes it home every night to eat dinner with us, and to put the children to bed. After their bath, they get dressed, then they each select a few books to have daddy read to them.

It is always fun to watch them as they select their evening reads. Jack will always choose two LONG books; he does this intentionally so that bedtime will be delayed even longer. Jack is not a huge fan of sleep, he is always worried that he will "miss" something, or he is too busy rehearsing what tomorrow will look like:_

Luke simply selects books based on what he is in the mood for. It varies from Lentil to Blueberries for Sal to Knuffle Bunny. We never know what it will be, but it will always be a good one!

And Claire, well, she will always choose Goodnight Moon That is by far her favorite book. She loves to point out the kittens, balloon, moon, and cow. She absolutely loves this book, and the boys also enjoy listening.

Lately Luke has been pulling out How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Jack is quick to tell him that Christmas is over and that we don't read Christmas books after Christmas, but Jordan tells them that it's fine to read Christmas books year round, which leads to the reading of the Grinch.

Anyway, I decided to capture storytime the other night because they were having so much fun. I heard the laughter, and I immediately grabbed my camera and began shooting.

P.S. Jordan is the BEST story reader. He is extremely animated, which the children LOVE. In fact, there are a few books that he does so well that I don't even attempt to read to the boys during the day because I know it will not be the same:-)

Claire is 15 Months!

2011-01-28T12:59:00.000-08:00

Today, January 28, 2011, marks the fifteenth month of our sweet Claire's life! We have loved every day of having her in our family. She is simply the best!

Some of you have been asking about her and what she has been up to, so here it goes!

Claire is still not walking:-) She likes to cruise around everything, she loves to stand and will even take an occasional step or two, but that's it for the walking department.

She LOVES to be read to. She reminds me a lot of Jack at this age. She could read all day long, if I had the time. Just like her older brother, Jack!

Her one year molars are making there way through, which has not been pleasant:-)

She LOVES, and I mean LOVES her two brothers. She is amazed by all that those two do!

She is very busy. She always has to be into something, which keeps me busy! She loves to go from room to room making it known that she was there:-) Definitely my messiest baby:-)

Claire is so sweet and snugly, and she is definitely a "daddy's" girl:-)

We love our little girl!

Fun in the cold...

2011-01-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I am always looking for fun things to do on cold days. I am not a creative person, so we have about three different things that we tend to do when we have "inside" days.

A girl in my small group shared this link with us this morning.

I cant wait to check it out during nap time!

Enjoy!

My Boys

2011-01-22T17:44:00.000-08:00

Elisabeth Elliot

2011-01-19T12:46:00.000-08:00

God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will, a will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to.

Elisabeth Elliot

Claire Bear

2011-01-17T14:40:00.000-08:00

Interesting read....

2011-01-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

I love homeschooling, and most everything that comes with it. I believe in it. I have seen amazing results from my own child, and the success stories of many.

As I was perusing the homeschool section of the Pioneer Woman blog, I came across this entry and really enjoyed it. It made me think a lot about the schedule for our home, as well as things I would like to add or change to our daily routine.

I thought I would pass it on.

Click here to read the article.

The Arizona Shooting

2011-01-13T07:33:00.000-08:00

Here is an article that our pastor, Michael Youssef, wrote in response to the recent shootings in Arizona.

May we all turn from our wicked ways, and turn back to the Lord.

Has Anyone Read.......

2011-01-10T11:31:00.001-08:00

The Shaping of a Christian family?

I am super excited about reading this book at the Mom 2 Mom Bible Study I attend.

If anyone has read it, I would love to hear from you.

Zannies Black-Eyed Pea Dip

2011-01-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

Most of you know about my love for The Pioneer Woman, so this will not come as any surprise that I just made another one of her scrumptious recipes!

Click here for this yummy dip recipe. I made it for the boys(including Jordan) for lunch, and it was a hit.

Next time I would add more salsa (spicy) and cheese.

Enjoy!

Answered Prayer

2011-01-10T06:08:00.000-08:00

Last night, after the children were in bed, Jordan and I watched the snow begin to fall. It was coming down pretty hard, so I knew there would be plenty for the boys to enjoy when they woke up in the morning.

We had discussed the possibility of snow with the boys all weekend. Jack was so excited. He was talking about the snowman that we would build. He wanted to know if I had carrots and raisins so that he could make the face. He wanted to know if Daddy would be able to stay home from work. He was definitely our most excited child!

Last night, before going to sleep, Jack prayed, "Dear Jesus, please let it snow tonight when I am sleeping." He prayed, "Lord, please let daddy stay home from work tomorrow so that he can play in the snow with me."

Well, to Jack's amazement, he came running into our room this morning exclaiming, "God answered my prayer! It snowed! It snowed! Look at all the snow!"

Jack asked for the snow, believing that God would answer him, and God did answer this four year olds prayer.

"Therefore, I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you." Mark 11:24

And, Daddy is at home today!:-)

Would He Find You?

2011-01-06T12:19:00.000-08:00

Since I have been taking the past few days to reflect on old study notes, I have come across some key verses that God used in my life a decade ago. This is one of them.

"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His...."
2 Chronicles 16:9a

God is continuously watching me, there is nothing that I think, say, or do that He doesn't see. Just as I desired ten years ago, I still desire for the Lord to be pleased with my actions.

I have to daily ask myself, "Will I surrender to the call of the Lord, or to the ways of this world?" I want to be found in a state of complete surrender to the Lord!

Is your heart completely His?

For the believer, if you have known sin in your life, you need to claim 1 John 1:9. For those of you who are not sure of your relationship with the Lord, listen here.

Happy New Year

2011-01-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

As for resolutions, I have one: read through my Bible in a year.

I have done this once before, but it was for two classes that i took in college. Not that I didn't gain from it being an assignment, but I feel like it will be more meaningful if it's done because I feel led to.

I am also planning for this to be done in addition to my daily study time, not as a replacement. I feel like I am a strong enough Christian that my goals should start to deepen with each year. I so desire for this year to be different from last year. 2010 was a great year, but there were some definite road blocks in my walk with the Lord.

I want my life to count for the sake of Christ. I don't want to be tangled up in things that have no heavenly significance. I desire this for myself, so that my relationship with the Lord with deepen, but also for the betterment of my family. I want to be a wife and mother who's life counted for Christ.

One of my favorite books of the Bible is 2 Timothy. In fact, Jordan and I memorized this book our senior year of high school. I am not going to pretend that ten years later I still have the book down in it's entirety, but for the most part, I do still have it memorized. I am excited about going through this book again and rediscovering some of the truths God impressed upon my heart almost a decade ago.

After going through some notes I kept from when we were memorizing, I remember how much 2 Timothy 2:4 impacted my life. It says, "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier."

This verse summarized my desire as a seventeen year old girl, longing to please the Lord. That was the year that the Holy Spirit revealed several things in my life that needed to go, in order to make room for Him to work in my life.

God has done a lot in my life since then, but there are still areas in my life that could use some refining. But, with all of my imperfections, I still long to lead a life that brings glory and honor to our Lord and Savior. And I am praying that 2011 will only help in fulfilling this desire!

How about you? What changes do you need to make so that you can walk with our Lord more intimately?

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...

2010-12-13T13:35:00.000-08:00

It's been a few weeks since my last post, and it has not been for lack of activity in the Broggi home; in fact, it has been the exact opposite. We have been pretty busy this holiday season. I am going to attempt to post a few fun things that we have done since my last post.

For today, I am going to start with the day we got our Christmas tree.

Here are some pictures that I captured to remember this day. The kids loved the tractor ride out to the tree farm. They also enjoyed sipping on their hot chocolate during the ride -- it was a frigid day!

It was so much fun! It's become one of my favorite things to do as a family each year.

P.S. Claire LOVED the popcorn!

Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving!

2010-11-30T16:27:00.000-08:00

Johnny Rockets & Mighty Jumps

2010-11-14T16:41:00.001-08:00

White Christmas

2010-11-07T14:32:00.001-08:00

This weekend Jordan's parents took all three kids so that we could have a weekend alone! Thank you, Carl & Audrey!

To celebrate Jordan's birthday, we went to the Fox Theatre to see White Christmas. The show was excellent, and the company was even better.

We have had a great weekend with just the two of us, but are excited to see the kiddos tomorrow.

God's Will for My Life

2010-11-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I started reading Elisabeth Elliot's, Keep a Quiet Heart. This is more of a devotional book, rather than a chapter by chapter book. It is excellent, and God has been faithful to use this godly woman's words to convict and encourage my heart.

Today, after laying the children down for naps, I had already had my quiet time but was looking for something else from the Lord. He lead me to this book. I opened up the book, read the devotion title, and quickly started reading. The devotion was titled, How to Discover what God Wants..

You see, for the past few months I have been struggling with a decision we have to make for one of our children. It is a pretty big decision, and I so want to do what the Lord desires. It has been difficult. There have been days when the decision seems clear, and then I wake up the next morning with another thought. I have been so frustrated with myself for being so back and forth on this.

I know that God has a plan for each one of our children, and I know that He will be faithful to bring it about. <em>"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

I also know that God gives wisdom and discernment to parents when they are seeking it. Proverbs is full of verses on wisdom, and I have been feasting on them, but still have had this feeling of uncertainty. Why?

Well, as I was reading Elisabeth Elliot's devotion, it was like the Lord came down and opened my eyes to why I haven't been hearing Him clearly!

She says, "Three questions may help to clarify the call of God. Have I made up my mind to do what he says, no matter what the cost? Am I faithfully reading His Word and praying? Am I obedient in what I know today of His will?"

There is was! Not only did I feel stupid for not recognizing the reason for my wishy washy behavior, but I felt like I had been pierced in my heart. It was a God moment. He showed me that while I have been faithful to pray, read His Word, and obey what I know to be true, I HAD NOT made up my mind to obey exactly what He tells me to do in this decision.

I never thought that I wasn't completely willing to obey what He says, but it is true. There are things that I want to be in control of. There are things that I want to have the final say. And this decision we are in the process of making will change a lot of things in our family. I will have to be more selfless, more patient, etc.

But isn't this exactly what our Savior has called me to be anyway? Why am I struggling with this? Why? Because I am selfish. I like being in control. I like knowing what to expect. In fact, I hate the unknown. But it's not about me; it's about dying to myself daily in order to serve my family.

"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:1-4

"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily." Matthew 16:24

God has really opened my eyes to my sinfulness today. He has made is clear that this life is not about me. It's not about my desires, wants, or needs. It's all about serving Christ, completely and unashamedly. It's about putting the needs of others before mine.

So while reading this excerpt from Elisabeth Elliot's book has not made our decision clear, it has made my way of thinking clear. It's not that one decision is "better" than the other, or that one is "bad" and one is "good". But it is about being ready to completely obey whatever decision the Lord calls us to!

"Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:8

My Best Friend

2010-11-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

Today, my husband, and best friend is 27 years old! He was 20 when we were married. I can hardly believe how the time has flown by. We have lived in four states, had three different jobs, three amazing children, and an MBA sandwiched somewhere in between. I am saying "we" because "we" have experienced every bit of this together. We both believe that without the Lord, and each other, none of this would have been possible.

I say all of this to say that Jordan is the hardest worker I know. I always wanted to marry someone who would work hard to provide for his family. At the time, I wanted to marry a hard worker so that I could be home with the children I would some day have, which is exactly how it's turned out. But now that we have two boys, I so appreciate Jordan's work ethic. I love that he is already teaching our boys responsibility and how to work. I am confident that both boys will know how to work hard after they leave our home. And I am also confident that Jordan will do his best to make sure that Claire marries a hard-working man!

Jordan loves the Lord with all of his heart. He makes time for the Lord. He seeks His wisdom and discernment before a major decision is ever made. I love when I come downstairs after he has left for work and I see his Bible left open to where he has read. I love knowing that he has put God first. It is such a great example for myself and the children.

"For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones." Proverbs 2:6-8

Jordan is an amazing husband and father. He loves me so much. He makes time for me every day, even if it's just to ask about my day. He takes me on dates regularly, and he seems to always be looking forward to our next vacation with just the two of us. Most importantly, Jordan respects my role as a worker at home. He elevates my role, and recognizes that it's a full-time job. He appreciates how I love, train, and teach our children. He loves that I am home with them, and I love that he makes it possible!

Our children adore him. Words cannot describe the look in each of their eyes when they hear the garage door open at the end of the day. The boys race to the door to greet him with squeals, screams of delight, and lots of hugs. They immediately want to tell him about their day, or ask him to read a book to them. He is an awesome father!

I could go on and on about Jordan, but I won't. Bottom line, God has blessed each one of us with a godly husband and father. We love him dearly, and are so thankful for his life!

Happy Birthday!

Trick or Treat!

2010-10-31T17:51:00.000-07:00

Sweet Claire

2010-10-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl is one today! I can hardly believe it; it just seemed like yesterday that I first held her in my arms. This year has been an amazing one. It has been different. Full of pink, dolls, smiles, different laughs and cries than we were used to with the boys. Claire has been a true blessing to our family!

The blog header picture truly depicts Claire over the past few months. She is constantly crawling around with something in her mouth, we call her our puppy! Though she always has something in her mouth, this does not impede on her ability to play, crawl, cruise, or even to sleep. By day she has some sort of toy, bottle, or blankie in her mouth, and at night it is replaced by her thumb!

She is growing so much these days. She has started talking recently. A few of her words include: dadda, mamma, Jack, dat? (when she points to an object), duck, and a few animal noises.

We love you Claire!

Happy Birthday sweet baby!

Happy Birthday, Kelly!

2010-10-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

To my oldest and dearest sister: I love you! Thank you for being my best friend! Thank you for all of the godly wisdom you have shared with me over the years! Thank you for being so loving and kind to my children. Thank you for being you!

I am always reminded of you when I read the verses below! These verses are sometimes a struggle for me, but not for you. You are one of the most selfless people I know! Thank you for modeling after Christ.

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." ~Philippians 2:3-4

The Mission of Motherhood

2010-10-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

Okay readers, I know I mentioned this book a few months ago, but, at the time I hadn't read a single page. Now, a few months later, and half way through it, I must say that this is one of the best mothering books I have ever read (and I have read quite a few). Not only is it full of biblically based principles, but it's also very practical to every day mothering.

I am so thankful that the Lord brought this "tool" into my life. God has been teaching me so much. But not only has He been faithful to teach me, He has also been convicting me of my sin! I thought I was a pretty good mother until reading this book:-)

I highly recommend!!!

Below are the key notes from this weeks chapter. I want to give you a little dose of the goodness!

Chapter Five: "The Discipling Mother" Reaching Children's Hearts For Christ

"I don't just want my kids to be moral. I don't just want them to know all of the biblical rules for behavior. I don't just want them to make it through my home with good grades, no drug addiction, and no premarital sex."

"I want them to leave my home with a hunger and passion to know God personally and to be used by Him to accomplish great things for His kingdom. I want them to personally hear God's voice and have His Spirit's gentle touch and impression on their hearts as they read the Scriptures and struggle with the issues of their lives."

"Christians are like people who are trying to straighten the picture on the wall while the house is burning down!" (This is in reference to mothers who worry too much about the perishable, instead of their children's hearts.)

"Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercised lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for I delight in these things, declares the Lord." Jeremiah 9:23-24

We try to control external factors, but do they measure true success? (Intellect, Power, Status, Riches)

"The reality is that no matter how we try to control these external factors, each of us will fall short. No matter how we try to control life, we cannot make it behave. And pursuing only these worldly goals has a diminishing effect on us as mothers as well as on our children. Comparing ourselves to others and all they have will almost inevitably cause us to focus on the shortcomings of our families instead of progressing in truly important areas."

"Any parent in any station of life has the ability to reach his or her child's heart for Christ and His purposes."

"The Lord cares most about the state of the heart: (the mental/emotional core of a person)
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27

"It simply makes sense that our primary job as parents is to focus on developing their hearts--their passions, loyalties, convictions, and commitments."

"...so they will be equipped to reach the world and their families and friends with the message of Christ after I'm gone...."

Several simple aspect of Jesus' life with His disciples give us a simple plan for our homes. What will make them 'deep' and spiritually alive?

1. Being "with" our children. Jesus did not sign the disciples up for programs and activities! He gave them His whole life. A relationship with Christ is best taught through a long-term personal relationship with someone who knows the Master...

"I know the real work of digging deep wells in my children's hearts with Scripture, a biblical worldview, issues of prayer and faith, and Christian convictions is a job for which God will hold Clay and I responsible..."

2) Intentional Instruction. Jesus covered every possible subject with His disciples. Our attitude and example are crucial!

3) Training Our Children -- the practical applications of learned truth to actual life...

Confront sin and selfishness. James 4:1

Discipline!
"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness." Hebrews 12:11

"A gentle answer turns away wrath." Proverbs 15:1

Training in relationships, work habits, integrity, leadership, manners, thinking skills, proper self-image, service...BELIEVE that children will learn the way of excellence in every area of life.

4. Guarding Ou Children's Influences - Children tend to take in all information as truth.

"He who walks with the wise will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20

"Bad company corrupts good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33

"We must see that the people who are models for our children--their parents, teachers, friends, peers, even heroes in history--are those who undergird what we are teaching instead of undermining it."

"They need time to grow their roots in love, innocence, kindness, truth, morality, and trust."

Authority figures, peers, heart attachments....
"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the sprigs of life." Proverbs 4:23

Rish of pharisaical attitudes...However..."Protecting them from harmful influences has not produced in them a superior attitude toward others or a lack of social skills. Instead, our children have compassion for kids their age who have had lots of trouble in their lives."

A pure conscience and a mind with no scars or regrets is a great treasure to take into young adulthood.

Not only guarding negative influences, but exposing children to positive influences.

"I have noticed that all of us would love to have a formula for producing godly kids. "Just tell me exactly which rules to follow and I will do it to the letter!" is the desire of our hearts. And yet parenting, just like every other area of the Christian life, is to be done in faith in the power of the Holy Spirit, I find myself constantly coming to the Lord and seeking His counsel about many issues in my children's lives. I must follow what I think are the biblical principles, apply them to my life, and step out in faith, which means I must study the Word regularly!"

Happy Birthday, GraceAnna!

2010-10-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Words can't even describe how thankful I am for you! You have always been such a wonderful friend to me! I also appreciate your strong walk with the Lord -- you will never know how much I have learned from you!

And I don't even know where to begin with the awesome influence you have had with our children! Jack and Luke love you SO much! I am so thankful for all the times you have been able to travel with us, and to come visit us! We were so blessed to have Aunt GraceAnna for the first four years of parenthood! Our children adore you!

We love you!

I always think of you when I read this verse:

"The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:2

Happy Birthday, Chesed!

2010-10-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

You are wonderful. You are a godly woman, and an amazing friend. I look up to you in so many ways!

I hope you had a great day!

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

nd

Claire at 11 months!

2010-09-30T11:58:00.001-07:00

Why Are Children A Blessing?

2010-09-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Several times a week I tune into Nancy Leigh DeMoss' radio show. This past week was awesome, especially the two days she spent talking about children as blessings.

It really is sad the way that our culture views children as "burdens"! Children, all throughout scripture, are pictured as true blessings that the Lord entrusts to a husband and wife.And while we all will not have the same number of children, or even biological children, we are all called to be mothers to some capacity.

God has graciously given women the role of mother and nurturer. We have been given the responsibility to be our children's primary care-givers. We have been called to be in the home, teaching, training, and rearing them (Titus 2 & 1 Timothy 5).

I believe the role of mother is the most difficult "job" a woman can have. And while some would certainly disagree, and see worker's at home as merely women who run around from one play group to the next, it is much more than that.

It is a challenging job, but very rewarding. Our days never end. We are always "on-duty". With all the joy, excitement, and adventure, there is also a lot of worry, tears, long nights, and lots of praying. God is truly the only One who can give us true wisdom when it comes to rearing children. All the advice/tips are great (I would never give them back), but there is nothing like seeking the Lord with things that we deal with with each of our children. No prayer is too simple, or too menial. God wants to hear them all.

Whenever other moms ask me what my "life" verse(s) is, I always tell them James 1:2-5. God has used these few verses to transform my thinking, and my prayer life since I first entered into motherhood over four years ago.

"Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:14-16"

Below is the transcript from Nancy's radio show. I hope you are challenged and encouraged by her words!

Look at the first and last paragraphs of that chapter. You see something interesting. Those paragraphs, the beginning of Genesis 11 and the end, show a contrast between man’s ways and man’s kingdom and God’s ways and God’s kingdom.

In the first paragraph of Genesis 11, you read the account of the Tower of Babel. You remember the story of how man was intent on building his own kingdom. It was big, visible, magnificent, splendid. It was for the purpose of human glory, and how did it end? In disaster, right?

Then, if you go to the last paragraph of Genesis chapter 11, you see an account you may not be as familiar with. In that passage we find an obscure man named Terah, and God gives this man three sons. The firstborn son is named Abram, and at age 100, Abram has a son named Isaac. Isaac has two sons named Jacob and Esau. Jacob has 12 sons and a daughter, and one of those sons was named Judah.

Now, Judah’s family—we won’t go into it here, but they had some incredible, major failures, and mess-ups, as did virtually every generation before and after him. But through that family line, thousands of years later, a virgin supernaturally conceives and gives birth to another Son and names Him Jesus. As a result of that progression, blessings are still flowing to the world today.

So we see man’s kingdom, man’s way of doing things, which is fast; it’s visible; it’s spectacular; it’s immediate, but it ends up in disaster. You see the way that God builds His kingdom and that He brings His blessings to flow in this world is through an obscure—initially—an obscure family line that leads and points to Christ, by one generation after another doing what? Having children for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.

That brings me to the next point in the True Woman Manifesto where it says,

We will receive children as a blessing from the Lord, seeking to train
them to love and follow Christ and to consecrate their lives for the
sake of His Gospel and kingdom.

Now, if you have your Bibles, I want to ask you to turn to this next passage. I want to look today at portions from a pair of psalms: Psalm 127 and 128. These psalms are familiar, at least 127 is, to perhaps many who are listening. I’m going to jump in—I don’t like to do this normally—but in the middle of Psalm 127, starting at verse 3, and just kind of talk our way through the rest of Psalm 127 and then its twin, its pair, Psalm 128.

You’ll find that the word blessed or bless are found five times in six verses if you start at chapter 127, verse 5 and continue through the next psalm. There’s the word, blessed or bless-ed and bless. We want to see what causes someone to be blessed.

Starting in Psalm 127, verse 3, “Behold, children are a heritage,” my translation says. Your translation may say, “a gift.”

Children are a [gift or a] heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed [or bless-ed] is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate (verses 3-5).

So in these verses—let me just stop there, and we’ll move into the next passage in just a moment—but we see the blessings and the benefits of population growth, having children for the glory of God. Just a reminder that when the pregnancy test comes back positive, no matter what the circumstances may have been, no matter how unexpected that may be, it is not an accident. It is an act of God. Children are a gift from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward. They are a blessing.

I was reading one commentator on the Psalms, Derek Kidner, and he has a paragraph at this point that I put a smiley face next to. He said,

It is not untypical of God’s gifts that first they are liabilities, or at least responsibilities before they become obvious assets. The greater their promise, the more likely that these sons will be a handful before they are a quiver full. (laughter)

And all you mothers said, “Amen!” But the question is, do you see children—and I’m talking here to married women, and I’m talking to single women, younger and older, women who have a brood of children (is that okay to say that? I’ll probably get a letter on that one) a lot of them, women who are not able to have children, women like myself who are single, have not married, and are past childbearing age, but do you see children—regardless of your season of life—as a gift, a reward, a blessing, an asset, desirable? That’s the feeling you get from this psalm.

Children are considered by so many today to be an inconvenience, a bother. In fact, they do interfere with a selfish lifestyle. They are interruptions, in a sense. They infringe on certain kinds of freedom.

That’s why we have declining birth rates in the Western world, so much so that in some countries in the West, we are not meeting the replacement rate. We’re not having enough babies to even replace ourselves, and so we end up, in many Western countries, with a diminished pension or retirement fund, with other economic issues, and many different geo-political consequences because children are not considered by our culture to be a blessing.

Now, you can look at children and say, “Oh, aren’t they cute, but me have them? It’s okay for you to have them.” Then you have some people who even think for you to have them is a bother to me. (laughter)

So a mindset that I saw expressed in an email I got just several days ago from one of our listeners who said,

I want to send you a comment I heard on the morning news. There were two local, women anchors on in the morning. They are pleasant, but this morning one of them said, "More women are choosing not to become mothers. Isn’t that wonderful?" The other one said, "How selfless!" And they both smiled broadly like they were proud of these women.

As I read that, I think, “selfless or selfish?” People used to have small houses and big families. Some of you can remember that. Now they have big houses and small families. It shows what we value. We think of a big house as a blessing—until you have one and you have to take care of it. Do we think of a big family as a blessing?

Now both big houses and big families require care, upkeep, maintenance, investment, time, and effort, but one of those is an investment that will last for generations. You cannot compare the two. Raising godly offspring is at the heart of God’s purpose for marriage, and it is His plan for passing the baton of faith on to the next generation.

Jesus said in Mark chapter 10 when the disciples wanted to push the children away thinking they were less important—Jesus said,

Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them (verses 14 & 16).

Now let me say, I’m not talking about what size of family you have. Some people listen to me talk about this subject or others like me, and they think, “She’s saying you should have as many children as you possibly can.” I’m not telling you how many children you should or should not have. I am saying that a true woman receives children as a blessing from the Lord.

She seeks the Lord regarding this matter of children, her own or others’, whether she should have them, when she should have them, and if she cannot have them, as even many married women cannot have children. How is she to demonstrate the heart of Christ toward children—single women, childless women?

We need to remember that we are part of a bigger family. I know that talking about children makes some of your hearts ache because you think you would love to have children, and it has not been in God’s plan. Or you’d love to have more children, and God has not enabled that.

But let me remind you that we are part of a larger family, and we have all been given an opportunity to invest in children, our own or others’. That’s been a great joy in my own life to have that kind of investment in the children of others.

Now, how are children a blessing? There are a lot of things we could say, but I think we just need to remind ourselves occasionally that they are a blessing and how they are a blessing.

First of all, they make you more dependent on the Lord. Am I right? You know what kind of women know how to pray? It’s mothers—because they don’t know what else to do so much of the time. (laughter) It makes you more dependent on the Lord—for their physical provision.

I hadn’t recalled this if I did know it, but I saw it recently that Martin Luther had six children of his own as well as several orphaned nieces and nephews. He was once criticized for bringing another mouth to feed into the world. His response was, “The Lord God who gave them life will also provide them with bread.” Amen!

But not only are you dependent on the Lord for their physical provision, you have to trust God—and sometimes this is even harder—for the grace and the strength and the wisdom to parent those children once you have them—makes you more dependent on the Lord. That’s a blessing!

We say often around this ministry, “Anything that makes us need God is a blessing.” Do your children make you need God? And it’s not just when they’re infants, is it? It’s not just when they’re toddlers. It’s not just when they’re school-aged, not just when they’re teenagers. Some of you have young adult children, and you find yourself needing God as much as ever for the hearts of those children—makes you more dependent on the Lord. That’s a blessing.

It forces you to die to self, to sacrifice, and to become less selfish, and that’s a blessing because it helps you become more like Jesus, being around children. Again, let me hearken back to Martin Luther’s day. There were cultural pressures in his day against having children that are not unlike the pressures we experience today, but Luther rebuked those who, quote, “Seem to detest giving birth, lest the bearing and rearing of children disturb their leisure.” 1

He realized that having children does disturb your leisure, but he still believed that they were a gift to be embraced from God, a blessing. Another blessing of children is that they provide an avenue or an opportunity, a means to impact the world, to evangelize.

Listen, having children is not about surviving another day of changing diapers, cleaning up messes, refereeing sibling rivalries. It’s all about having another day to point your children to Christ, to train them to take their place on the front lines of the battle for God, and that’s what we see in Psalm 127. Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of these arrows that he can send forth to accomplish God’s purposes in the world.

Now, let me just read over into Psalm 128 because we consider this theme of being blessed.

Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you (verses1-2).

Now, let me stop there. How will this person be blessed? The emphasis in this passage is not on material wealth or fame or position, but on the blessings of a fruitful, God-fearing family, so he says, “You’ll be blessed.”

Verse 3, “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house,” or as the New English Bible says there, “in the heart of your home.” Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within the heart of your home. A vine is a symbol of fruitfulness. She will be fruitful, spiritually fruitful, and look at this, “your children will be like olive shoots around your table.”

One commentator says, “This speaks of the hope and promise of the future.” Not only do you give life, but you’re raising up children who can give physical life to others and pass on the legacy of faith and godliness to the next generation. So verse 4 says, “Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.”

Then, as we come to verses 5 and 6, we see that there’s an expanding circle of concern and influence here, that our faith is not just to be about us. It’s not just individualistic—me and my family and my children. It’s not a self-contained faith, but this blessing of children is ultimately for the whole people of God. Look at verse 5.

The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life! May you see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel!

You see this widening circle of influence? The Jews were concerned, not only about themselves and their own immediate families, but about the blessing that their families could have on the rest of the Jewish nation and ultimately upon the world. That’s why God gave families, so that the blessing of godliness, of God’s covenant, could go from one family to the next and ultimately to the world.

There’s one other verse in the Psalms that I love as it relates to this matter of children. It’s found in Psalm 144, and it’s a prayer for our children, Psalm 144, verse 12. It says, “Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants.”

Grownup plants—that pictures growth, maturity, faithfulness, “And [let] our daughters [be] as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace.” Those pillars are for beauty, for support. “Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants, and our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace” (NASB).

Now, it’s very nice and sweet to have all these beautiful prayers for our children and to say, “Blessed is the man or the woman who has—have your quiver full of these children.” It brings blessing, but some of you are engaged in a battle for your children.

I have a very close friend who has just had her fourth child, and her oldest is five. Her hands are very full these days, and there’s hardly a moment for herself or her own interests. She has to remind herself regularly that these children are a blessing.

Now, she receives them as a blessing, but there are days when children seem like anything but a blessing. Some of you are dealing with teenage or young adult children who are not following Christ, and your heart is heavy. You are burdened and concerned because your children are not walking with the Lord.

Let me say this,

•You cannot give your children a heart for the Lord.
•You cannot make them love Him.
•You cannot make them Christians.
•You cannot make them followers of Christ.
That is the work of the Spirit and of God’s grace in their lives, but you can pray.

•You can stay engaged in the battle for the souls of those children.
•You can claim the hearts of those children for the Lord and for His kingdom.
•You can engage others with you to pray for them.
I have some friends—three young moms—they have—I don’t know—several children between them, but they’re in that very early season of childrearing. These moms meet once a week for an hour just to pray for their children, and as they are praying for their children, they’re praying for themselves because they want to be the moms those children need. They want to have the kind of marriage that those children need. They’re meeting to pray for their children.

You may consider, if you’re a younger woman in the childbearing season of life, and your hands are full, and you find that you’re not getting a full night’s sleep—you may want to find an older woman in your church and say, “Could we just pray on the phone once a week? Would you pray for me? Would you pray for my children?” Realize that raising children for God is a battle.

The enemy does not want your children to follow Christ, but you cannot just throw up your hands and say, “Oh, they’re going to do what they’re going to do.” You need to stay engaged in the battle and believe God to win their hearts, to conquer their hearts, to bring His grace into their lives.

I am so thankful, myself, to have had a mother and a dad who received children as a blessing from the Lord, seeking to train them to love and follow Christ and to consecrate their lives for the sake of His Gospel and Kingdom.

When my parents got married, my mom was 19. My dad was 32. They decided for a number of reasons that for the first five years of their marriage, they would not have any children. Within the first five years of their marriage, they had six children. (laughter)

By the time my mother was 24, she had six children, ages, I think, five and under, if I’m not mistaken. They had their hands full in those days, but they embraced children as a gift from the Lord. I’m so thankful, not only that they had children, but that they were committed to train us to love and follow Christ and that they consecrated our lives for the sake of Christ’s Gospel and His Kingdom.

I love hearing from listeners who have this heart, the heart of a true woman, and who honor their mothers who had this heart. Let me read to you a couple of those testimonies. One woman wrote and said,

I am one of seven children my mom had in a nine-year period. Two of my siblings had Down Syndrome, and I’ve always wondered through the years (I’m much older now) how on earth my mom did it with so little to work with.

She was one of the most self-sacrificing women I think I have ever known. The testimony of her life is that all of her children, the five of us still living, have grown up to love and honor the Lord and are also living out our lives for others to His honor and glory. Much of it is due to her example in our lives.

Then this one I found touching. This lady said,

My mom is in the hospital dying today. She has a great reward waiting for her in heaven. She raised 12 children, the last six basically on her own as her husband became disabled.

Neither my dad or my mom ever made a lot of money. They had some very rough times, but they truly, sincerely kept the faith. I am so grateful for them. She is dying a rich woman. She has so much more than an executive, actress, or model.

She is leaving much more as well. Her heritage will outlast any amount of money she could have earned. Souls saved will thank her in eternity for being, "just a mom," and a woman who chose to trust God with her life. I will be one of them.

What’s the legacy you’re going to leave behind? Your children? Others’ children? Let me say what a joy it has been for me over the years to embrace other people’s children, to bring them into my life in different ways, to invest in their lives.

•Whether they’re your own, biological children or other children that God brings into your sphere of influence, will you receive them as a blessing from the Lord?
•Will you seek to train them to love and follow Christ?
•Will you ask God that those children’s lives will be consecrated to Him for the sake of His kingdom and His Gospel? Amen.

Just what I needed!

2010-09-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

This is a poem my wonderful mother-in-law wrote. The Lord knew I needed this today!

Too Busy

Today I was busy, too busy to hear
Your laughter, your games, but your voice was so clear.

I worked and I worked, no time to relax
To tell you a story, carry you on my back.

I washed all the clothes, I scrubbed all the floors
I cleaned out your closet and your dresser drawers.

You cleaned up alone, you got yourself dressed
While I kept working and thinking about self.

When you asked me to color, I said, “Not today,
I’m busy, I’m busy, too busy to play.”

I took care of me, I did all my things
I hardly noticed when you started to sing.

I heard you pretend and I heard you play
All the while I kept saying, “I’m busy today.”

When night came along, I said, “Go to bed.”
You paused and I questioned, “Did you hear what I said?”

You got in that bed, you pulled up the covers
You wanted some time, You wanted your mother.

Yet I was too busy to take time with you
I just wanted to finish and get the day through

Consuming my thoughts was to get you in bed
I walked in your room and here’s what you said,

“Mommy, do you think you could stay just a bit?
Tell me a story? Read me a book?”

You asked with such longing, how could I say no?
How could I ignore you, how could I just go?

I felt so ashamed as I looked in your eye
And suddenly I realized the day had flown by.

I stayed for awhile, I read all your books
I held you so tightly, I was glad for your look.

As you said your prayers, my heart felt such tears
For I realized the days were turning into years.

The man you’ll become is shaped at my knee
I mustn’t forget the man that you’ll be.

So tonight little guy, I’m stopping to touch
To pull you real close and love you so much

So tonight I will hold you as long as there’s time
For tomorrow will come when you’re no longer mine.

Yet I have today, I still have some years
I’ll spend them with you as long as you’re here.

When you grow up, you won’t need me the same
But I’ll never be too busy when you call my name.

I love you

A Day on A Train!

2010-08-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after church, we headed to Chattanooga, Tennessee to visit the train museum, and to take a fifty minute ride on the old 1920's train.

The boys were so excited on the way up. The car was filled with squeals of delight, lots of Jack and Luke "conversations", and the sound of Donut Man running the entire two hour car ride. We packed a lunch, with the plan to stop at a rest area for a bathroom break and to eat our sandwiches.

After we had eaten lunch, we loaded back into the car for the remainder of the trip. We arrived at the Train Station with thirty minutes to spare before our train departed. As we were walking to the station to purchase tickets, the boys stopped to look at the old trains that were on the tracks. Jack quizzed Jordan about all the parts of the engine, as they both were familiar with train parts after Jordan's nine month assignment at Bain working for a train company.

Jack and Luke were both very interested to learn about the "cow catcher" on the front part of the engine!

Once we had purchased the tickets, we went outside to wait on the train. I was reminded of the scene in Anne of Green Gables when Anne was waiting to be picked up from the station. Everything about this station reminded me of the station from the movie. Jordan and I chatted about that for a few minutes while the kids ran around the grassy area squealing, "Choo Choo!"

The train ride was so much fun! The boys loved going through the tunnel and over a bridge. It was a blast!

The Mission of Motherhood

2010-08-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

This will be my fall reading for the Bible study I attend at my church. I have heard wonderful things about it.

In fact, this is the first mothering book that a dear friend recommended to me during my first pregnancy. I am not sure why I haven't read it yet, but now I am glad that I didn't since I will be able to enjoy talking about it with other godly women.

Things are a changin'!

2010-08-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

Jack will officially begin homeschooling the day after Labor Day. His books are scheduled to arrive at the end of the week, which means I will have a few weeks for lesson planning!

Jack and I are excited to begin this new journey together!

Claire is 9 months!

2010-07-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

I love my little girl!

For the Young Mother: Ministry, Guilt and Seasons of Life

2010-07-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

My sister sent me this encouraging article last week, but it wasn't until this morning that I had time to read it. It is wonderful. It is so encouraging, but yet challenging at the same time. It is a great reminder to never lose focus of our true mission field: our husband and children!

Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

Guilt is a young mother’s habitual shadow. It has a nasty way of soaking through many of her efforts at nurturing, serving and loving others. “Am I doing enough for my children? For others? What do they think of me? What does God think of me?”

As a young mother everyone wants something from you—your family, your church, your boss, your neighbor. And most likely, you give way more than you ever thought you could. But along the way guilt nibbles at your soul, eating away your inner peace and joy. And it often lingers through the years, even after your children are grown and gone.

Dear young mother, don’t waste your guilt!

DON’T WASTE YOUR GUILT

Don’t waste your guilt, but instead listen to it and evaluate it. Take it out of the shadows and examine it in the light of Scripture. Lay out your feelings before Christ. Is this guilt legitimate conviction of sin? Then confess your sin, receive his forgiveness and ask him where and how he wants you to change.

But maybe your guilt is a nagging, self-focused fear that if you were just a bit better or worked just a little harder, then you would be noticed and admired enough to feel okay about yourself. That is false guilt, rooted in pride. It will hurt your family and hinder your relationship with your grace-giving Father. If this describes your guilt, then remind yourself that through Christ’s death and resurrection, you’re accepted by God. The solution to false guilt, as to true guilt, is the gospel.

Paul speaks of these two kinds of guilt in 2 Corinthians 7:10. There is a godly grief that produces repentance, and a worldly grief that produces death. Ask yourself this question: is what I give my time and energies to driven by life-giving repentance or life-depleting pride?

A YOUNG MOTHER’S PRIMARY MISSION FIELD

One reason a young mother can feel wrongly guilty is that she forgets that her first and primary mission field must be her children.

God values children. He places great importance on our teaching our children to love and serve him (Deut. 6:7-9). Jesus became indignant when the disciples didn’t value the worth of children in God’s expanding kingdom (Mark 10:13-16). And God tells us that children are his blessing to us (Psalm 127:3).

Mothering calls for the best in us as women. As mothers, we shape the souls of our children and ultimately influence the world. Children are our gift to the future. So accept your calling from God to serve your family. It is not godly guilt that would call you away from a wholehearted investment in your little ones for his sake. Don’t feel guilty over making your children your primary ministry investment when they are young. You are teaching the younger generation to form intimate emotional bonds with others. Your sensitivity, availability, devotion, affection, and unhurried attention are irreplaceable.

MOTHERING: PLAIN HARD WORK

On the other hand, Paul’s word to me as an older woman is to “train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled” (Tit. 2:4-5).

Why does the apostle have to tell us older women to teach these things to the younger women? Because it can be hard to love your husband and children. In fact, it can be easier to minister outside the home. Why is it more rewarding for us to plan a ladies’ retreat for two hundred women than it is to plan an indoor picnic with our preschoolers on a rainy afternoon? I think it’s because the rewards are more immediate and the demands are not so steady.

Being a young mother is plain hard work. At times it feels like slave labor! Young moms can identify with the cartoon of a toddler looking at a wedding album with his daddy and saying, “So that’s the day Mommy came to work for us!”

But God has called you to this ministry. He knows there are no neutral moments in a young child’s life, whose experience is one of continuous need and development. Your children will bear the imprint of your mothering throughout their lives because much of human behavior springs from imitation.

You are the only mother your children have. Your ministry to them is the deepest expression of your love for them. Raising your children has to be done right the first time around. It is one of the few places in life where you can not say, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

You have received this commission from God. As a mother your privilege is to teach them how to respect their daddy and be kind to their siblings, how to choose good nutrition and wholesome entertainment, why they should value courtesy and orderliness, and which causes are worthy of their efforts, their reputations, and even their very blood.

Are you discouraged as you spend day after day immersed in the mundane tasks of mothering? Then think of the honor of guiding the spiritual and intellectual and social development of young minds and hearts. Think of the thrill of teaching them eternal truths from God’s Word. Think of the importance of teaching your young children how to live under authority, and of preparing them for future relationships by teaching them about love and trust. Think of the delight of sending one more godly, vibrant, strong, secure, loving young person into this needy world with the courage to live well for Christ’s sake. What a worthy investment!

WHAT YOUNG MOTHERS NEED: A HEART FOR THE HOME

Another challenge for a young mother is cultivating a love for the home.

God has called us to love our children from home base (Tit. 2:4-5). We can’t improve upon God’s design! This means more than staying at home. It means fixing your heart on your home. Women can leave their homes through more avenues than work or outside ministry. Cell phones, emails, and chat rooms can take a mother away from her primary ministry, too.

Ministry means being “all there.” It means rejoicing that you get to show your children how to peddle a tricycle, make their bed, build good memories, and share their toys with others. You serve your family, and ultimately your heavenly Father, by helping your child do that puzzle for the seventeenth time, by washing those sticky fingers, by planting a little garden, by acting out Bible stories and praying together, and by preparing for their daddy’s return as the highlight of your day!

What is the alternative? “A child left to himself disgraces his mother” (Prov. 29:15).

Remember this: you have the privilege of passing on to young hearts a sense of God! Should you feel guilty for that? As you let your children experience intimacy, nearness, and availability in their earliest years with you, you can point them to find those soul-necessities in Christ, their Savior, as they mature. And then you have the delight of sending them out with a light in their souls to bless this darkened world.

Someone is going to be influencing your children, inculcating values and imprinting standards on their impressionable young minds. Let it be you!

THIS SEASON IS JUST A SEASON

Does this mean you will never invest in others outside your family? Goodness, no. But if you are a young mother, use your primary ministry of mothering to guide your choices about where to serve Christ now. Don’t let anything woo you away from your unique role as a wife and mother.

This season in your life is just that—a season. And each season is a divine calling from our Creator and King. Organizing a new church event is important. Teaching your little boy to be kind to his sister is also important. But which one can best be done by you during this season? Serve God well by ministering to your children first. Very soon they will be grown and gone and all those uniquely teachable moments will be gone. And you will have ample opportunity to serve Christ outside your home in the seasons ahead.

“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7).

By Jani Ortlund

Girls Gone Wise In a World Gone Wild

2010-07-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of reading this book, and so far it is awesome. Finally a book written by a godly, older woman who is not ashamed to teach truth from the scriptures.

Mary Kasian lays out, chapter by chapter, the way women are living and then follows it up with the ways women should be living. She is amazing! This is a no apologies kind of book. It is compelling, convicting, and eye-opening.

Over the past few months I have been reading a lot of books concerning women. But, this is absolutely, hands-down, the best one yet. This is a book I will have Claire read when she is old enough to understand God's design for women.

This is a must read for all Christian women, no matter their age!

Here is an excerpt from the book:

Several months ago, my young adult;t son, Matt, phoned and told me about a girl he had started seeing. My first question for him was, :Is Christ at the center of her heart?"

"well," he tentatively replied, "she's super nice. She attended a Christian school. She goes to church. She went on a mission trip last summer. Her family seems solid, We get along really well."

"That's not what I asked." I explained, "What I want to know is if she bubbles over for Jesus. Does she long to know Him better and obey Him more? Is she into His Word? Is He the sun around which all her planets revolve? Does she love Him with her whole heart?"

"Umm...I'm not really sure," he stammered. "We haven't really talked about it much." (By now, he's probably sweating, because it's dawned on him that his lack of an answer is an answer. If he's gone out with her several times, and they haven't talked about Jesus, chances are Jesus isn't at the center of her heart, at the center of his heart, or at the center of their relationship.)

"Son," I gently advised, "there is nothing more important than a girl's relationship to Jesus. Nothing. If her heart isn't sold out to Him, then she's not the woman for you. Plain and simple. A heart for God should be your number one criteria for a wife--number one--at the top of your list. Above all, make sure she loves Jesus and gives Him first place in her heart.

This is my prayer for my three children. I want Claire to be the woman she describes, and I desire for Jack and Luke to be the kind of men who will attract this kind of woman.

Praying for your Husband

2010-07-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

Praying for Your Husband

“She does him good….” Proverbs 31:12a
Bless your husband by praying for him!

The Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18). This includes wives’ responsibility and privilege to pray for their husbands. Earnest prayer for your husband is good for him, for you and the spiritual health of your home (Proverbs 31:11-12). Satan desires to destroy your husband, especially his character and his leadership in your relationship. Trust God through prayer as you daily surrender your husband and marriage to the Lord’s wise, loving care.

31 Days of Prayer

Day 1Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study,prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Peter 3:18; Prov. 4:23)
Day 2Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)
Day 3Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)
Day 4Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)
Day 5Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to
cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)
Day 6
Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13)
Day 7Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov.6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14)
Day 8Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray
that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character – persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills,positive relationships with people, determination, etc. (Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 15:58)
Day 9
Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family. (Prov. 23:4-5; Rom. 12:13;Heb. 13:5)
Day 10
Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions. Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others. (Prov. 20:7; 1 Tim. 1:5, 3:7; Eph. 6:10-12)
Day 11Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord. Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Prov. 15:33; Eph. 6:6)
Day 12Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control. Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love. (Prov. 5:15, 18; 1 Cor. 7:3; Song of Solomon 7:10)
Day 13Pray that your husband use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly. (Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3-4)
Day 14Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language. (Prov. 18:21; Eph. 4:29)
Day 15Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead him into sin. (Prov. 13:20; Prov.27:17)
Day 16
Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control. (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:31; 2 Tim. 2:4)
Day 17
Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength. (Eph. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 10:11)
Day 18Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)
Day 19Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)
Day 20Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in pornography. (Prov. 27:12; 2 Cor. 10:5)
Day 21Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord. (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11)
Day 22Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)
Day 23Pray that your husband will be a good father—disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2)
Day 24Pray that your husband will have a balanced life—that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov. 13:15)
Day 25Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks. (Ps. 31:24; Eph. 6:13; Ps. 27:14)
Day 26Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity. (Jer. 29:11; 1 Cor. 10:31)
Day 27Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body—the temple of
the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)
Day 28Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)
Day 29Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4, 7)
Day 30Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3:23-24)
Day 31Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and
actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God.
(John 8:44; 2 Cor. 10:4-5)

Curious George

2010-07-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

This past week I took the kids to see Curious George on the "big" screen. When we were about an hour into the movie (yes, they all three made it that long), Claire and Luke started to get restless so we headed up to the balcony. Luke was so excited when we got up top, that he abandoned the last thirty minutes of the movie to climb the stairs and walk up and down the aisles:-)

It was a blast!

I can pull myself up!

2010-07-08T11:07:00.001-07:00

Granddaddy & Amma came to visit!

2010-07-04T18:19:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago Carl and Audrey came up on a Sunday night so that Jordan and I could have a one night getaway!! They arrived a little after 6 pm, Jordan and I bathed and fed the children then we headed out the door for our evening alone.

We heard that a talent show took place while we were gone, but neither Jack nor Luke will talk about it, they just laugh real hard when I mention it. It must be an Amma and Granddaddy thing!

The only thing I hate about the weekend is that I didn't get more pictures of the kids with Amma and Granddaddy!

Thanks for coming! We love you both!

T-Ball!

2010-06-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

It's Jack's first year of t-ball! It has been so much fun to watch him practice and then play his games! He loves it, and Luke loves it even more:-) Luke is so sad when he can't be on the field during games. We literally have to hold him so that he doesn't dart onto the field:-) I guess he will be a pro when he can really play in a few years!

Jack's favorite part is when the team huddles and says, "Gooooo Pirates!"

Happy Sixth Anniversary!

2010-06-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

Jordan and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary on Saturday. I am so thankful for the wonderful husband and father that the Lord has blessed me with! I love Jordan now more than I ever have!

BTW - The above picture is courtesy of Jack:-)

Claire at 7 Months!

2010-06-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Claire at 7 months:

1) She is our smiliest baby yet!
2) She is an excellent sleeper;
3) She LOVES her right thumb;
4) She enjoys eating solids, especially peas and bananas;
5) She is sitting up on her own;
6) She is scooting all over the house;
7) She is getting up on all fours trying her best to crawl;
8) She has been attempting to pull herself up in her crib the past week;
9) She is making all sorts of sounds, lots of "ba ba ba's" and "goo goo's;"
10) She loves to squeal in delight, and cry (a true girl cry) when she is upset!
11) She has her two bottom teeth!

We love her so much!

Excellent Quote!

2010-05-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

"From all that I have read of history and government and human life and manners, I have drawn this conclusion: that the manners of women were the most infallible barometer to ascertain the degree of morality and virtue of a nation. The Jews, the Greeks, the Romans, the Swiss, the Dutch, all lost their public spirit and their republican forms of government when they lost the modesty and domestic virtues of their women." - President John Adams

Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Quesadillas

2010-05-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

Here’s what you need: Flour Tortillas, Monterey Jack Cheese, Pineapple, Cilantro, Chicken Breasts, and Barbecue Sauce…and whatever spices you’d like to use to spice up the chicken.

prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 25 Minutes Difficulty: Easy Servings: 6

Ingredients
8 whole Flour Tortillas
Butter Or Margarine
2 cups Grilled Pineapple, Sliced
3 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Salt And Pepper, to taste
3 cups Monterey Jack Cheese, Grated
1 whole Jalapeno, Sliced
Cilantro
3 Tablespoons Barbecue Sauce
Preparation Instructions
(To grill pineapple: cut wedges, stick on skewers, and grill over low heat. Cut into slices.)
(To pound chicken, place inside a Ziploc bag and pound with a mallet or large can to flatten to uniform thickness.)
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and Cajun spice (or cumin/cayenne, etc.) Drizzle olive oil on a grill pan and grill on both sides until done, brushing with barbecue sauce. Set aside and slice into very thin slices.
Warm griddle over medium heat and put sizzling butter or margarine in the pan. Slightly warm and toast tortillas on both sides, then remove from griddle and set aside.
To assemble, sprinkle four browned tortillas with grated Monterey Jack. Arrange chicken slices evenly over the surface. Add pineapple slices and jalapeno slices. Sprinkle on cilantro. If desired, drizzle extra barbecue sauce over the top. Add second browned tortilla on top of each one. (You’ll have four complete quesadillas at this point.)
Add to oven to warm, or back to skillet to warm, until cheese is melted. Cut each quesadilla into six wedges. Serve with sour cream, pico de gallo, and lime wedges.

This Momentary Marriage by John Piper

2010-05-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

Through her blog, GraceAnna has encouraged me to share with my readers what I am reading. I am reading several books right now, but I am going to begin this one today!

I am excited about this book, but I am even more excited that I get to read it with absolutely no cost. Check out the below link and read along with me!

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/OnlineBooks/ByTitle/3338_This_Momentary_Marriage/

Friends and Firemen!

2010-05-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend was fantastic! Three of my favorite people came to visit me, and Jack had his birthday party. Between Mary Poppins, a late night at the St. Regis, Jack's party, and late night Yoforia, it made for a great weekend!

Thanks ladies for the visit. And thanks to all of you who made Jack's fourth birthday really special!