Monday, November 17, 2008

Haircuts!







My Daughter and my step son both got their Haircut over the weekend! I think the both look Marvelous!
Everything is going really well since my step son has come...He is really a great kid!
Our daughter asked to cut her hair to the middle of her neck and I had to convince dad that it was okay. When the stylist started to cut I got pretty sad and decided that she is too young to make this decision for herself. She looks adorable but I do miss her longer hair!


Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Should now read "Double Blessed plus one plus one!"

We are being blessed by many changes! Our oldest daughter started Home school on Monday and that is going great. The twins are not wanting to play as nicely as I had hoped but I am sure once it becomes daily routine they will start to enjoy it! My step son is also coming to live with us. For how long I am not sure but I am excited for him to come! He is a great kid who needs his dad right now! I pray we are able to help him in any way he may need! This is going to be such a blessing. Please keep us in your prayers as I am sure all the kiddos involved are going to feel the change! Love to everyone!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

We have made our decision!

We have prayerfully decided to Home School our oldest and while I am a little nauseous at the thought of her education laying my hands (ultimately given to God), I am excited to take on this new adventure. I have come across an article that I have found inspiration in and thought I would share. I would like to Thank everyone who has supported our decision and lifted us up in prayer, We are truly grateful!


Here is the article!
Where do you go to school?” is often asked of my son who always proudly answers, “My mom teaches me at home school.” I sincerely believe that he truly is a happy home school pupil (most days) but I also think he realizes there is no faster way to get rid of his unwanted questioner than by the two little words: home school.
I quickly realized that prejudices toward home school are inevitable. I most often hear that a home schooled child will lack proper social skills or will lack proper confidence when integrated into society. As much as I would like to reciprocate rudely to the ignorance, it is important to choose words (and actions) reflecting Christian integrity. The scripture below has been helpful for me in answering people about home schooling.
1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV “But in your hearts set Christ apart as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
I have learned to be prepared for a lack of understanding of home school since many don’t understand Christ. So I prepare my reply using God’s Word, the source of the understanding of Christ. In Deut. 6:5-9 KJV the importance of a parent’s responsibility to instill the love and law of God is beautifully commanded. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou rises up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thout shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.”(Underline added) Webster’s Dictionary describes diligence as: showing painstaking effort and application in whatever is undertaken: industrious. Home schooling is daily opportunity to teach children the law and love of God with the diligence God commands.
Christian parents home school in the hope to provide spiritual needs as well as academic and physical needs, since not all are usually met in a traditional school environment. Christian faith is centered in hope. We are encouraged and anchored by our hope in God (Hebrews 6:18-19) When we hope in God we will never be put to shame (Psalm 25:3). We are joyful in hope (Romans 12:12). God’s Word gives us hope (Romans 15:14). Love always hopes (1 Corinthians 13:7). The world is looking for hope and I may be a source if I share mine.
The lack of gentleness in a discussion will surely add to the existing criticism and prejudice regarding home school. Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); one of the characteristics of life lived by the Spirit of God. The Bible also says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV) Exuding a gentle spirit may present a challenge but will produce better results.
Lastly, a respect in the difference of opinion may lead to a better respect of home schooling; to agree to disagree. There is no sense trying to convince anyone of anything; it isn’t about right or wrong. Treating the issue with respect will demonstrate maturity and humility and encourage people to let down their guard, set aside prejudices and hear out what is being said.
Christians desire to first and foremost seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). Home school is one “strategy” for a Christian family to reach this goal together. Christian parents strive to combine a solid academic education with a Christ-centered life. Approaching prejudice and criticism with all hope and confidence placed in Christ and hearts filled with His word will not only strengthen Christian faith but will provide a better Christian witness to the world. I encourage you to use the prejudice as an opportunity to show the world the love of God.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Happy Birthday to Me!

Well Wednesday I turned 28 and as I told a friend of mine I do not feel as old as my parents made me think I would when getting so close 30. I had the most wonderful day. My husband took almost the whole week off for my birthday. I was forced to open my presents as soon as we got out of bed, hence the reason there is not a photo. I would not want ingrain your mind with that Horror. Hehe! My husband got me a new lens for my camera. I am excited to get to play with it. My daughter got me the most beautiful pair of earrings. They actually look like they picked out a set with each of our family's birthstones, it just happened that way! My family took me out to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. It is one of my favorites, of course we ate way too much. I do tend to have an over active imagination. My mom called me at 700 and she called back at 1030. Both calls I missed, I tried calling her and my dad back at noon but could not get ahold of either of them....since my husband was taking me to a resteraunt not too far from the airport I just knew my parents would be meeting us for lunch. It all fit. They called right before their first flight and then called during their layover. I was excited when I thought my husband missed his turn and was headed for the next exit which would take us to the airport. Didn't happen! I still had hope that they would be meeting us at the mall after lunch when my mom finally called back and inquired about my location. I was looking at everyone but none were my parents. Not this year maybe next...My husband thinks I am crazy! He laughs that it has taken me 28 years to become an adult....Aside from my imagination, my birthday was great. My husband and kids were so great to me and thank you to all my friends who wished me a happy birthday!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Continuation of Celebrating the Differences in Marriage!

This weeks sermon was on Staying Faithful. This is something our society is plagued with on the daily basis, whether it is in the media or the work place. Thank you again to Pastor Dave for this message. Men and women have different expectations in marriage. If we were the same it would be easy and uncomplicated to be selfish because in meeting our needs we would meet the needs of our partner. For your marriage to be healthy you need to think of your spouse before yourself. I Do~means I Do recognize my spouses needs and I need to work to meet those needs.

There is a Downward Spiral that any of us can become a part of if we are not careful.

The Downward Spiral that can lead to Unfaithfulness
Step #1 Position of Vulnerability
*This can be stress, boredom or unmet expectations.

Step #2 Presumed Innocence
*Boundaries can be crossed even without physical contact. Sharing your deepest and most personal thoughts or feelings with someone outside of your marriage may seem innocent.

Step #3 Rationalized Behavior
*May start to say things like "This person meets my (emotional, physical or spiritual) needs better than my spouse." "Doesn't God want me to be Happy?"
*God is more interested in your Holiness than your Happiness~Pastor Dave

Step #4 Physical Involvement
*It adds a newness like when you are first married.

We may feel so secure in our marriage that we don't think about our spouses needs.

The Bible has something to say about this and it applies to both men and women.

Guard your Heart
"Do not let your heart turn to her ways" Prov. 7:25a
*Your heart can be turned before there is any physical act.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ Matthew 5:27
"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl." Job 31:1
We all can experience vulnerability~Anything that steals your heart from your spouse can rob you of time with your spouse. Ie...work, hobby etc...

Watch your Step
"Do not stray into her path" Prov. 7:25b
This is about being wise as to when and where you are alone with the opposite sex.
"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 13:14

Consider the Cost
"Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death" Prov. 7:26-27
Adulterous behavior can feel like death, whether it be emotional, physical or spiritual.

Keep the Home Fires Burning
"Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. ...May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth' Prov. 5:15, 18

Your spouse is a gift from God. To not appreciate the gift is not to appreciate the giver. Infidelity happens because we become complacent.
We have to make our spouse a priority in our hearts. Allow God to work in you to meet your spouses needs.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Happy Halloween!




Just wanted to share our kiddos on Halloween. They each had a blast and this was the first year the twins went up to the houses pretty much by themselves...They didn't last long so Dad took them home after about an hour and continued on with our oldest and her friend. Our oldest was Mrs. Clause she was so cute! I love our meece! We hope you had a wonderful time and got some yummy treats!





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