We left Jackson again for 2 nights

Well, we did it again...we left Jackson with Grand and Gigi for two nights. After falling off the bed and going to the doctors (do not worry - he is fine and landed face first---God gets all the glory), we met dad halfway to let Jackson spend some time with the grandparents. Trust me, him falling off the bed was one of the scariest moments of my life, and it was only after the second I left the room that it happened. Anyway, we had a great time Friday night and we both played in our church softball games. Charlie did well and had a couple of hits. For me, it was a riot, and I had a foul ball and hit the second pitch that was caught by the pitcher. We had a lot of fun. Then Saturday, we had marriage counselling with a couple Charlie is marrying in September, and then Charlie wrote an article for The Item. Today, I went to Columbia to get my Boo Boo, who I missed sooo much (we met at Kelly's apartment). Grand, unfortunately, ran a temperature Saturday night, and has a sinus infection, so yall please pray that Jackson does not get sick!

Jackson always comes back smarter from his trip. Last time he said "daddy," this time my mom somehow got him to say "The Gigi." I guess it is all that attention he gets. Also, his first tooth has really broke through the skin.

Ps-Jackson had his pictures taken at the church by a company for the youth fund raiser--I hope to get them scanned and show them to yall soon.

My talented Husband-2

Today this was on the front page of the Sumter Item. He is a great writer, and we are both learning how to play softball on our church Softball team. The above picture is him practicing at Rascals.

Lady Bears make it 3 in a row

Chris Moore / The Item Members of the Sumter Christian School softball team celebrate after beating Emmanuel Christian 16-4 for the SCACS 2A state title Saturday at Dillon Park. It was the third consecutive title for the Lady Bears. Bryant to face death penalty 'Round here, they call him 'Hollywood' Library named for 'Mayor Bubba' Airman accused of manufacturing bombs Obsessed Bullock fan arrested District 17 outlines plan for open enrollment **View ads from the last 7 days**

By CHARLIE WALLACE
Special To The Item

Make that three in a row for the Sumter Christian School softball team.

The Lady Bears pounded out 15 hits and 16 runs on their way to defeating Emmanuel Christian School of Hartsville 16-4 Saturday at Dillon Park to clinch its third consecutive SCACS 2A state championship.

"I was very pleased with the team, especially after yesterday only getting three runs and not really hitting the ball well and to come back today with 16," said SCS head coach Ron Davis, whose team beat Northside Christian 3-0 in Friday's semifinal game. "They were hitting the ball hard as our offense really came through today."

Freshman pitcher Ashley Dannelly allowed only five hits during the game, which was called after 4 ½ innings due to the 10-run rule.

"The defense had my back and I was confident in them and we hit the ball well today," Dannelly said.

Emmanuel Christian pushed across one run to take an early lead in the top of the first inning as catcher Courtney Sims blasted a triple to score shortstop Laney Williams.

The Lady Bears, who finish the year with an 18-1 record, answered in the bottom of the first with five straight singles to go ahead 4-1.

In the bottom of the second, Sumter Christian shortstop Brienne Alsbrooks hit an inside-the-park home run to spark another 4-run inning, as Sumter Christian found itself ahead 8-1 after two innings.

"We played really well," Alsbrooks said. "We really wanted it (the championship)."

In the third inning, the Lady Crusaders added three runs and were sparked by Sims' 2-run double to cut the lead to 8-4.

However, the Lady Bears had another big inning in the bottom of the third as they pushed across five more runs. Emmanuel gave them a little help in the inning by committing two key errors. Dannelly shut out the Crusaders over the final two innings as she retired the final six batters. She recorded six strikeouts for the game.

"Ashley pitched and did a super job and has come through for us many times," Davis said. "From the top to the bottom of the lineup, we got production from all nine players. It was truly a team effort."

"I think we played the best game we've ever played," centerfielder Ashleigh Johnson said. "We've never hit that well before and each of us played a part."

Johnson led the way for the Lady Bears by going 3-3 with three singles, a walk and an RBI.

"We were kind of scared coming into the game because we saw them (Emmanuel) beat Conway (Christian School 16-6) yesterday, but we really wanted the championship, especially the seniors," said catcher Amanda Alvis, herself a senior. "It feels really good to come out on top."

Alvis led SCS with three RBIs.

Alsbrooks, Dannelly and Alvis were the Lady Bears who made the all-tournament team. Williams, Casey Plummer and Sims made it from Emmanuel.

Not long after the game was done, SCS already had its designs on winning four titles in a row.

"We are looking forward to next year," Davis said. "We have six seniors, but both of our pitchers (Alsbrooks and Dannelly) are freshmen. I have a nucleus of five or six solid players so there will be a few openings next year that the girls will be competing for when we begin our practice."

Pictures of my little man, April 23rd

Here is Jackson and Jenna at our church in the youth room (she calls him her boyfriend) I think she is a little old for him--she is in kindergarden!

Here he is again wooing the church secetaries:

Here he is meeting Clay's Smith little girl Madison (they are only a couple days a part in age)

My men!

What does Egalitarianism Mean? What does Complementarianism Mean?

Egalitarians rightly argue that both Adam and Eve were created in God’s image, however inaccurately affirm that Adam’s role as the head is a result of mankind’s fall from grace. Furthermore, they would profess that women no longer have the obligation to submit to their husbands because Christ came to this earth and established a new covenant. Egalitarians have to reinterpret many passages of Scripture concerning a women’s role in the church to fit their view (Eph. 5:21-22; Col. 3: 18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7). Ultimately, this view must be rejected for it elevates a women’s experience above the authority of the Word of God.[1]

Complementarians argue that both Adam and Eve were equally created in God’s image, but that Adam’s role as head of the home was established before the fall, and is not a result of sin (Gen 2-3). Women are created equal in essence yet different in function. Complementarians believe that a wife should graciously submit to her husband’s servant leadership, care and protection (Eph. 5:21-22; Col. 3: 18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7). Even though there are some qualifications for women in church life, the many valuable ministries of women far outweigh the few restrictions Scripture imposes.[2]

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[1] Peter Schemm, Class Notes presented for the Class: Christian Theology 1 T3000B at Southeastern Theological Seminary, Fall 2005 (100 out of 135).

[2] Ibid., 104.

Biblical Womahood Continued

The following is my conclusion on biblical womanhood from a 50-page paper which I wrote in seminary.

Conclusion

• As we have seen throughout this paper, God affirms: the beauty of manhood and womanhood, the equality of the both genders, and the striking differences in roles of both men and women found throughout the Bible to show his glory. God created women to perform a different function than man for His glory. Women can ultimately glorify him by adhering to what the Bible states her role should ultimately be. When a woman does not do the role God called her to, His glory may be hindered. We, as women, need to seek God’s glory in everything we do.

• John Piper sums it up best when he states, “at the heart of mature femininity is a freeing disposition to affirm, receive and nurture strength and leadership from worthy men in ways appropriate to a woman’s differing relationship.”[1] Piper is quick to affirm that we cannot and should not prohibit women from influencing men. Prayer is certainly a God-appointed means women should use to get men to where God wants them to be. At the home, when a husband leads like Christ and a wife responds like the bride of Christ, there is harmony that is more beautiful and more satisfying than any pattern of marriage created by man. Biblical headship for the husband is the divine calling to take primary responsibility for Christlike, servantleadership, protection and provision in the home. Biblical submission for the wife is the divine calling to honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts. This is the way of joy. For God loves his people and he love his glory. And therefore, when we follow his idea of marriage “we are most satisfied and he is most glorified.”[2] God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him and his plans for us. God intends for the entire church, both men and women, to be mobilized in ministry. Piper concludes that perhaps the most devastating sin today, is not the so-called women’s movement, but the lack of spiritual leadership by men at home and in the church.

• In conclusion, Piper gives a challenge and prayer for all women that is important to keep in mind when going through women’s roles throughout the Bible. First, a woman in all her life, whatever the calling, needs to be completely devoted to the glory of God. Second, that she be a women of the Book who love and study and obey the Bible in every area of its teaching; that meditation on Biblical truth be the source of her hope and faith; that she continue to grow in understanding through all the chapters of her life, never thinking that study and growth are only for others.[3] That if she is single, she is completely devoted to God (the way Jesus and Paul and Mary Slessor and Amy Carmicheal did) and she is not paralyzed by the desire to be married. And finally, if she is married, she creatively and intelligently and sincerely support the leadership of her husband as deeply as obedience to Christ will allow. That she encourage him in his God-appointed role as head; that she influence him primarily through her fearless tranquility and holiness and prayer. Lastly, all Christians must elevate God’s words found exactly in the text over experience or culture. Nonetheless, in the gender role debate, complementarians and egalitarians are prudent enough to know that the only way to maximize their ministries is to completely submit to the Word of God when it is correctly interpreted.

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[1] John Piper, “A Vision of Biblical Complementarity: Manhood and Womanhood Defined According to the Bible,” in John Piper and Wayne Grudem, eds. Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical (Wheaten: Crossway, 1991), 46.

[2] Ibid., 52-3.

[3] Ibid., 54-5.

Complementarian Interpretation of 1 Timothy 2:11-15/ A Rebuttal

• Complementarians believe that the coupling of “teaching” with “having authority over men,” in this passage, means that teaching of men is inappropriate for a woman in a setting or way that dishonors the calling of men to bear the primary responsibility for teaching and leadership. Complementarians affirm from this text as well (1 Corinthians 14:34-36; 11:2-16, ect.) as others that the office of pastor or elder is the responsibility of the man. Douglas Moo affirms that women are not to teach or have authority over men. They are not to do so because of the order in which God created man and woman and because of how man and woman fell into sin.[1] Moo goes on to assert that complementarians believe that 1 Timothy 2:8-15 imposes two restrictions on the ministry of women: “they are not to teach doctrine to men and they are not to exercise authority directly over men in the church.”[2] Only two restrictions of women in ministry in the local church are found in this passage; there are numerous other roles women can fill in their church.
• First, the setting of 1 Timothy 2:11-15 is very interesting. Thomas Schreiner affirms that if one could show that prohibition against women teaching men were explicable on the grounds of false teaching and its specific features, the egalitarian position would be greatly strengthened. [3] Kroeger do argue that Paul was speaking to false teachers who proclaimed the priority of Eve over Adam and that Eve enlightened Adam with her teaching. Paul’s words on Adam being created first were a direct response to this teaching. If Kroeger’s reconstruction is right, then this restriction for temporary use is enhanced. However, according to Schreiner, Kroeger constantly appeals to later sources to establish the contours of heresy, and the lack of “historical rigor is nothing less than astonishing.”[4] Kroeger is clearly looking at sources that are far past the time that Paul was writing this letter.
• Second, when one looks at the 1 Timothy 2:11-13 he sees that a women should learn submissively and quietly, and she is not to engage in teaching or exercising authority because of the created order. When Paul states in 1 Timothy 2:11, “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission,” the focus on the command is not on women learning, but the manner and mode of their learning.”[5] Paul wants women to learn in silence with all submission. Moreover, most scholars today argue that the word “silence” or “quietly” found here does not mean silence but rather refers to a “quiet demeanor and spirit that is peaceable instead of argumentative” (see 1 Tim. 2:2 and 1 Peter 3:4).[6]
• Third, when looking at verse 12 where Paul says, “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence,” two things are forbidden: teaching and having authority over a man. Paul does not mean that once a woman has learned they can teach or that the word permit means just for a certain period of time. Bilezikian argues that in the verse the only reason for prohibition on women teachers was lack of education or the influence of false teachers.[7] If Paul wanted to say something about false teachers or lack of education he would. However, here teaching that Paul is describing involves the authoritative and public transmission of tradition about Christ and the Scripture” (1 Cor. 12:28-29); Eph. 4:11, 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 3:16, James 3:1).[8] Women can still privately teach other women, children, and privately. The key issue here is that women are prohibited from the function of public and authoritative teaching of men in this verse.
• Fourth, a powerful objection against the complementarian position is that prophecy is just as authoritative as teaching (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 2:20; 4:11). Since it is clear that women could prophesy in the public assembly (Acts 2:17-18; 21:9: 1 Cor. 11:5), it is therefore concluded that women should be permitted to teach.[9] However Wayne Grudem asserts that prophecy is very different from teaching. Prophecy involves impulsive revelations in which truth is mixed with error.[10] Prophecy is more vertical in nature, while teaching is more horizontal. One could say that prophecy is much like a woman reading Scripture. In all the biblical texts where women are prophesying, they do not teach the Word that was given to them, they just proclaim it. Grudem also affirms that, “there is not one example in the entire Bible of a woman doing the kind of congregational Bible teaching that is expected of pastors/elders in the New Testament church.[11] This statement has huge implications. Even the prophets Deborah and Huldah prophesied only in private, not public. Moreover, Schreiner asserts that “1 Corinthians 11:2-16 shows that women with the prophetic gift should exercise in such a way that they do not subvert male leadership.”[12] This passage does mean that the gift of prophecy can be done without overturning male headship, whereas 1 Timothy 2:11-15 demonstrates that women cannot regularly teach men without doing so.
• Finally, women are prohibited from teaching or having authority over men because of the created order. 1 Timothy 2:13-14 states, “For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” The creation of Adam before Eve, signaled that men are to teach and exercise authority in the church. Furthermore, the events in Genesis 3 confirm the need for male leadership. Eve took leadership and responding to the serpent and Adam just stood back and did not lead Eve. He allowed Eve to sinfully react to the serpent. However, even though Eve was the first to sin, the responsibility for the sin is given to Adam in Romans 5:12-19. Lastly, a woman, by performing her role in childbearing is not sufficient for salvation; women must also practice other Christians virtues to be saved.[13]

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[1] Douglass Moo, “What Does It Mean Not to Teach or Have Authority Over Men? 1 Timothy 2:11-15,” in John Piper and Wayne Grudem, eds., Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism (Wheaton: Crossway, 1991), 179.

[2] Ibid., 180.

[3] Andreas J. Kostenberger and Thomas R. Schreiner, eds., Women in the Church: An Analusis and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15, 2^nd ed. (Grand Rapids : Baker Books, 1995), 88.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid., 97.

[6] Ibid., 98.

[7] Gilbert Bilezikian, Beyond Sex Roles (Grand Rapids; Baker, 1985), 179.

[8] Kostenberger and Schreiner eds., Women in the Church, 101.

[9] Ibid., 102.

[10] Wayne Grudem, “Prophecy – Yes, but Teaching – No: Paul’s Consistent Advocacy of Women Participation without Governing Authority,” JETS 30 (1987): 11-23.

[11] Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: InterVarsity, 1994), 942.

[12] Kostenberger and Schreinder, eds., Women in the Church, 102.

[13] Ibid., 120.

Egalitarian Interpretation of 1 Timothy 2:11-15

• Overall, egalitarians see the declaration found in this passage to be a temporary ban that involves just the women in Ephesus. Egalitarians look at the historical reconstruction and find that Paul is intent of silencing the Ephesian women because they are involved in some sort of heresy or they were just not educated. Stanley Grenz and Denise Kjesbo assert that when Paul says that women are to “learn in silence,” the word silence does not actually mean “not speaking” (compare Paul’s use of the word in 1 Tim. 2:2).Grenz and Kjesbo state, “rather it implied respect or lack of disagreement”(as in Acts 11:18, 21:14).[1] Furthermore, the phrase “with full submission” does not mean that women have to be in submission to either their husband or church leadership because Paul does not explicitly state that they have to in this passage. Rather Paul is suggesting an attitude of receptivity with regard to submission and to silence. To whom are women supposed to submit if they are not submitting to their husband (Ephesians 5) or church leadership?
• Egalitarians see the phrase “I permit no woman to teach,” as a temporary command to a specific situation. Grenz and Kjesbo explain that it is on the basis of Paul’s choice of the present active indicative (epitrepo) rather than the imperative that gives strong evidence for Paul not voicing a timeless command. They conclude that this statement really means, “I am not presently allowing.”[2] However, complementarians cite other present active indicative verbs which do have the power of an ongoing rule (1 Cor, 14:34; 1 Tim 2:1, 8). Additionally, when Paul prohibits women from exercising authority over men, Richard and Catherine Clark Kroeger conclude that Paul’s directive should read, “I do not permit woman to represent herself as originator of man.”[3] Aida Spencer takes the interpretation of this verse a step further when she states that “Paul here is not prohibiting women from preaching nor praying nor having an edifying authority nor pastoring. He is simply prohibiting them from teaching and using their authority in a destructive way.”[4] Moreover, whatever the results of Eve’s sin it is no longer in effect now that Christ has come and established a new community. Spencer, like most egalitarians, believes Paul, even though he does prohibit women from teaching or having authority over man, means that this prohibition only pertains to the women in the church in Ephesus who were probably acting disruptive or preaching heresy.

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[1] Stanley J. Grenz and Denise Muir Kjesbo, Women in the Church A Biblical Theology of Women in Ministry ( Downers Gove, Il: InterVarsity, 1995), 128.

[2] Ibid., 130.

[3] Richard Clark Kroeger and Catherine Clark Kroeger, I Suffer Not a Woman: Rethinking 1 Timothy 2:11-15 in Light of Ancient Evidence (Grand Rapids, MI : Baker Book House, 1992), 103.

[4] Aida Besancon Spencer, Beyond the Curse: Women Called to Ministry (Nashville: T. Nelson, 1985), 88.

1 Timothy 2:9-15

Oh yes, this week in Sunday School, Charlie is going through the Baptist Faith and Message, and he is going to go verse by verse through this passage on why Southern Baptist do not affirm women pastors...should be interesting. I thought I would post a part of my 50 page paper on this issue. You decide what camp you fall under. Wherever you fall, the question we need to ask ourselves is what do we do with this passage....we cannot just throw it out.

"I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety."

Jackson is an Official Crawler and 2 Teeth have Broken Through

Charlie, Jackson, and Pastor Charles

He is has now been offically crawling for 1 full week. He can crawl down a complete hallway without stopping. He is into everything and we are confining him to one room at a time (Baby Wise II gives this advice). The pack in play is great for this. Also, we are plugging up the outlets because they say that with them teething and water on their fingers they can easily get electricuted. Crazy, and Jackson loves all those fun cords that come off the play station. We also just saw tonight 2 of his bottom teeth have barely broken the surface--Yeah! Teething tablets really do help with teething.

Update on Andrew April 21st 2007

FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2007 08:26 AM, EDT

Andrew is doing well. He is really enjoying having a bit more independence at the Mologne House. He was measured for his C-Legs yesterday! That's very exciting. After one masters the "stubbies", they are fitted for the final leg, the C-Leg. They are very high tech and expensive. I believe I heard that they even come with some sort of remote control. As I receive pictures and more information on all of this fun technology I'll let you know. A couple days ago, they allowed the knee joint to function on his stubbies. This more accurately simulates our walking. So, there's a definite process of building up strength and balance when it comes to prosthetics. Andrew's next surgery will be on tap the beginning of May. This will put him back a bit. Please continue to pray for physical strength and endurance for him. I know his body is just so exhausted. We're nearing close to the six month mark since his accident. Thank you all so very much for your prayers! ~Katherine

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2007 09:54 PM, EDT

Andrew is continuing to surprise me. He took two steps today without holding on to anything! For the past few days, he has been practicing walking on the parallel bars( a few hours each day). Building up the strength for this is the real challenge. Mom said it's like us spending our day literally jogging nonstop for Andrew to choose walking as his mode of choice. He asked that we pray for his strength. He is just so worn out and exhausted. He is encouraged and content with where he is. I just think that he is extremely taxed physically. The PT is really exhausting. He has officially moved to the Mologne House today. He's been spending the night there for the past fews days and is getting along just fine. For those of you that don't know, it is an outpatient facility on the campus of Walter Reed. He has a short distance to wheel to the hospital for therapy each morning. I really think he's very happy with his progress and where he's at right now. God is just giving him a real peace about where He has him. God's grace to my brother is truly amazing! We are all just so thankful for what he does have and what he is able to do. Thank you all for investing your hearts in my brother. ~Katherine

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2007 07:44 PM, ADT

Andrew's doing great. He did practice walking again a few days ago and did very well. It is absolutely so exhausting that he can only do it every so often. He is basically using his core and stomach muscles to propel his legs. That has to be a work out! It's been nice to have the weekend as a break. Thank you all for your prayers! ~Katherine

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2007 11:42 PM, EDT

Andrew is continuing to do well. I have not heard whether or not he has practiced walking again or not. I do know that he's in the process of moving over to the outpatient house right now, so that may be keeping him busy. Please lift up all of his doctors in prayer as they are working on making decisions regarding his surgery schedule. He has at least two large surgeries that will be coming up in the next weeks and months. These will definitely stall his progress for a while. It is awesome to see how God has been providing for Andrew and my family day by day. God has provided and provides still! I think I have really learned that we don't have to know the future or even what will happen tomorrow. He gives us enough strength and grace for each day. And, no matter whether it's a praise report or a prayer request, I know God has Andrew in His hands. ~Katherine

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2007 05:28 PM, EDT

You guys will not believe this--Andrew was able to walk on his prosthetics holding on to the parallel bars for 30 whole minutes! Mom said his physical therapist was blown away. Apparently, they fit him for prosthetics for both legs and they were a really good fit. Usually it is a very long process to find the right fit. They fit him into 'stubbies', which are shorter legs used for practice. He'll move up as he masters each stage. We were told it would be exhausting for him to walk (even with support). When you think about it, it makes sense that so much energy is being expended. When I spoke to Andrew on the phone this afternoon, he about fell asleep on the phone. He is exhausted! The other good news is that he'll be moving to outpatient in a few days. He'll move in to the Mologne House on the hospital campus. He'll probably move back and forth as he has several major surgeries to go. I'm just so thankful to God for the progress that he has made thus far. Andrew sounds excited about this walking process. Thank you all for your prayers! ~Katherine

Pictures April 19th 2007

Here is Gigi and her boy. We had so much fun with Gigi, especially when we went shopping. Thank you Gigi and Grand for all our treats. Ps-If you have not been to Five Guys, go! It is not expensive, and they really do have the best hamburger and fries I have ever tasted!




Here is our good friend Gretchen at her Birthday dinner a couple weeks ago.


Meg was so nice and sent me an e-mail, and I ordered this padded for his crib. It has no ties: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266849&cp=2255986.2256244.2256251.2256262&view=all&parentPage=family#prod_prodinfo
BreathableBaby™ Padded Mesh Crib Bumper. If you have ties on your bumpers, please take them off if you baby is a grabber, and especially if your baby is 3 months or older. I really do think 7 months old is a danger time, and God really did protect him from strangling himself with those ties! We are so blessed to have him, he is really a wonderful gift.

I also am letting Jackson watch me do the dishes in his high chair with toys in the morning. Thank you ladies for the the advice. Jackson really does not cry anymore, now that he can sit up on his own and crawl to anything he wants to get to. He is a lot happier, but he never stops so I never stop. He is really so fun though, and I am not going to complain. Today he was saying "dada" so loud that I called everyone and they could not believe how loud and funny he is! I think Mimi's entire class got to hear the "dada" message we left her on her phone---fun times!

Reading the Bible Through in One Year

This weeks reading: Don't wait start today! The NIV dramatized Bible on cd makes all the difference in the world. The Word of God brought to life has been a huge blessing in my life.

16 2Samuel 17-18

17 2Samuel 19-20

18 2Samuel 21-22

19 2Samuel 23-24

20 I Kings 1-2

21 I Kings 3-4

22 I Kings 5-7

Well, 2 Samuel is all about David really. Who is Joab really, I keep asking myself? Wikiapedia sums it up well:

"Joab was the nephew of King David, the son of Zeruiah in the Bible. He was made the captain of David's army He had two brothers, Abishai and Asahel. Asahel was killed by Abner, for which Joab took revenge by treacherously murdering Abner (2 Samuel 2:13-32; 3:27). After leading the assault on the fortress of Mount Zion, he was promoted to the rank of General (1 Chronicles 27:34). He led the army against Syria, Ammon, Moab and Edom. He also took part in David's murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:14-25).

Joab played a pivotal role as the commander of David's forces during Absalom's rebellion. Absalom, one of David's sons, rallied much of Israel in rebellion against David, who was forced to flee with only his most trusted men. However, David could not bring himself to harm his son, and ordered that none of his men should kill Absalom during the ensuing battle. However, when a man reported that Absalom had been found, alive, caught in a tree, Joab ordered his men to kill him (2 Samuel 18:1-33).

In addition to the murder of Absalom, Joab also murdered Abner son of Ner against David's wishes (2 Samuel 3). David later replaced him as commander of the army with his nephew, Amasa (2 Samuel 17:25; 19:13). Joab later killed Amasa (2 Samuel 20:8-13; 1 Kings 2:5).

Near David's death, he told Solomon to have Joab killed citing Joab's past betrayals and the blood that he was guilty of, and for this Solomon ordered his death by the hand of Benaiah (1 Kings 2:29-34), who then replaced him as commander of the army. Joab was buried in 'the wilderness' (1 Kings 2:34). It is interesting to note that Joab fled to the Holy Temple and told Benaiah that he will die there. Benaiah, as ordered by King Solomon, kills Joab in the House of the Lord."

That is Good Bible Trivia.

I love reading about David, you really do see a man who seeks God with his entire heart. If we have another boy we will probably name him David Easterlin Wallace. Anyway, I love hearing his songs of praise.

2 Samuel 22:2-4:

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent men you save me. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.”

These verses remind me of all the tragedies going on this week with the Virginia Tech killings. My heart breaks for everyone going through this; I really cannot even imagine what they are remotely feeling. Charlie wrote a good post on Mr. Cho on his blog: http://chiefwallace.wordpress.com/

Perspective: Ninety Nine Balloons

Today Charlie was visiting the site churchrelevance.com, when he came across the video called "Ninety Nine Balloons." I must warn you, I did cry a bit, but it really put things in perspective. They did not complain about having to feed their little miracle, they looked at it as a blessing to have this day with him. Do we really enjoy God's blessing? Or are we too busy complaining when things are not perfect? So, for moms, this video would be a blessing but you need to watch it when you have some time to gather yourself, because you will cry. Also, this website is a great site to get relevant illustrations from. Enjoy, I wish we all could have this perspective.

Click here to view video:
http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/570/99-Balloons

Click here for church relevance website:
http://churchrelevance.com/

July 20, 2006-October 27, 2006

Our fighter of a son has gone to be with Jesus. We celebrate his life and revel in the fact that he is finally well. We are sad. We miss our son. But do not mourn for us. Celebrate with us. Eliot's life points us all to worship. Join us.

More posts and details will come.

II Timothy 4:7,8
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Revelation 21:3-5
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' "

My Son

My son was not strong
by any measure of man.
But his song I will sing whenever I can.

It sounds of truth
and rings out of grace,
Removing the veil and revealing God’s face.

My son was a picture
painted bold and bright.
His life throwing color on world’s canvas of night.

The subject unfolded,
a new stroke each day.
Until brought into focus was true joy’s way.

In the least likely place
and hard to explain.
Joy was found in the midst of the pain.

The awe of a life
and the wonder of birth.
My son was a gift of unspeakable worth.

His heart could not hold
his song came to rest.
And I am left with no son to hold on my chest.

My son was not strong
by any measure of man.
But his song I will sing whenever I can.

So ask of my boy,
consider it no bother.
When I tell of my son I tell of my Father.

Click here for their blog and complete story:
http://www.ninetynineballoons.com/

Update on “Wild Man” Jackson-April 15th 2007, 7 months old!

Here we are at one of our favorite places in Sumter, "Rascals." They have the best hot dogs and ice cream (and Jackson had a lot of it when I was pregnant). They also have $1 bating cages. It is a real fun place.


Here is the new bubble face:

Got to love that smile!


Determined boy-

He is a little rascal!

Here he is with 2 of the church secretaries having a good old time

Chris, our financial secretary is leaving in May because her husband got transferred to New Mexico. Boy, are we going to miss her!

Here is the latest update on “Wild Man” Jackson:

1. Jackson is reminding me more and more of my dad in looks and in actions. On Friday, Charlie was going somewhere and Jackson was in his tot rider. He literally ran in his tot rider and tried to get out the door to follow Charlie. Jackson had his passy in his mouth and Charlie pointed out that Jackson looked and was acting just like Grand! He is a very determined little boy!
2. We had a big scare with Jackson this weekend. Saturday morning I went to get him up and he had the bumper strings double-knotted around his neck! I of course started screaming, and luckily it was not tied tight around his neck and he was not red or anything. He is a wild man, and now we have had to take the bumpers off his crib. Then, he kept banging his head against the crib while moving around in his sleep, so we just let him sleep in the pack-and-play last night and he did fine. Do any wise mothers have any advice on what more we can do? He moves around a lot when he sleeps, and will eventually hit his head hard against the crib!
3. Some moms have asked about Jackson’s schedule. I do not think you really ever go to 3 feedings a day. I know some of my friend’s children eat 3 big meals and then a juice at 8 pm, but she did not start this until she was 1. They have formula the first full year and then at 1 year old they eat what we eat and I guess then you go to 3 meals. Jackson still gets 4 bottles and 1 mini bottle at 8 pm. He has just now started eating a lot of solids and he is not eating as many oz (about 27 in a day). He still eats 7 oz at 8, 11:30, 2:30, 5:30 or 6, and then a couple ozs at 8 pm. He really likes squash! We are still on type 1 food. I do not think we will start meats until he is 1 year---that is just what BabyWise and most doctors recommend.
4. We had a really hard time finding 12 month sleepers but we finally found some at the Children’s Place. I had never been there but we went to the one in Columbia and I love the place. They have great light weight sleepers all the way up to 2 years old! I was so excited. We got three 12 months for like $20 total!
5. Jackson really never stops moving and he bruised my arm the other day by pinching it when he was hugging me. He has been sleeping on his stomach since he was 3 ½ months old. But as I said he is wild and he never stops moving even in his sleep. I think it is fine for them to sleep on their stomachs as long as they can lift their head, and I think it helps with strengthen their muscles.
6. He is now sitting up by himself for 45 minutes at a time in the Pack-and-Play. He loves to be in that now more than the Exersaucer. I would highly recommend starting to put your baby in the pack in play starting at about 4 months old (BabyWise II strongly recommends doing this). I started doing this and Jackson did not like it too much at first, but now it is his favorite place and he can stay in there for 45 minutes with all his toys. He loves to sit up in it, and see what we are doing. If we put him on the floor right now, he will crawl and cry to get powercords far away within minutes! Some people say you can raise two girls for every one boy, and I am starting to understand what they mean. Do y’all have any other playtime advice? What did your babies enjoy doing at 7 months?

Don't Forget to Laugh (2)

Kelly's Gamecock Pictures from March 23rd 2007