This picture was taken by Dana who is incredible photographer. More picture hopefully to come later this week!
A blog about the rewards of motherhood which are more precious than jewels.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Fun Water Day at the Church
This picture was taken by Dana who is incredible photographer. More picture hopefully to come later this week!
Wednesday's Word: God is in absolute control of the details of our lives
In Paul Tripp's book, "What Did you Expect." he states:
"Acts 17:24-27 is one of the most helpful and encouraging discussions in the New Testament of God's rulership over our lives:
'The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of earth, having determined allotted periods and boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.'
"Having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place." What does Paul mean by these words? Well, let me paraphrase. God determines the precise place where each of us will live ("boundaries and dwelling places") and the exact length of our lives ("having determined allotted periods"). It is God who determines the precise details of location, situations, and relationship in which each of us lives. This means not only that God is in control of where you end up and who you finally live with, but also that, in order to do this, he has been in control of everything that brought you where you are. This means that God has been in control of all the experiential, cultural, and familial influences that shape how you desire, think, act, and respond. So, God is in control not only of the locations in which you live, but also of the influences that have shaped you as a person. He has not only written the story of you and your spouse and determined that your stories would intersect, but he has controlled all the things that have made you different from one another.
"As you struggle, you must not view your marriage as bad luck or poor planning, or a mess that you have made for yourself. No God is right smack-dab in the middle of your struggle. He is not surprised by what you are facing today. He is up to something."
"He is working to rescue you from you, to deliver you from sin, and to form the character of Jesus in you."
"He has designed marriage to be one of the most efficient tools of personal holiness. he has designed your marriage to change you."
"Acts 17:24-27 is one of the most helpful and encouraging discussions in the New Testament of God's rulership over our lives:
'The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of earth, having determined allotted periods and boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.'
"Having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place." What does Paul mean by these words? Well, let me paraphrase. God determines the precise place where each of us will live ("boundaries and dwelling places") and the exact length of our lives ("having determined allotted periods"). It is God who determines the precise details of location, situations, and relationship in which each of us lives. This means not only that God is in control of where you end up and who you finally live with, but also that, in order to do this, he has been in control of everything that brought you where you are. This means that God has been in control of all the experiential, cultural, and familial influences that shape how you desire, think, act, and respond. So, God is in control not only of the locations in which you live, but also of the influences that have shaped you as a person. He has not only written the story of you and your spouse and determined that your stories would intersect, but he has controlled all the things that have made you different from one another.
"As you struggle, you must not view your marriage as bad luck or poor planning, or a mess that you have made for yourself. No God is right smack-dab in the middle of your struggle. He is not surprised by what you are facing today. He is up to something."
"He is working to rescue you from you, to deliver you from sin, and to form the character of Jesus in you."
"He has designed marriage to be one of the most efficient tools of personal holiness. he has designed your marriage to change you."
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Fun Friday: June Pictures
First train ride at Shelby City Park for both of them!
First princes outfit
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday's Word: Jesus
"Jesus suffered so that you could face hurt and mistreatment with wisdom and grace. Jesus died so that you would resist the temptation to give in, give up, run away, or quit. Jesus shed his blood so that you would have the power to edit your words and say what is wholesome even when you have been spoken unkind. Jesus shed his blood so that in specific moments you would have the power to say no to irritation and impatience and respond in kindness and self-control. Jesus died so that in the face of the death of your dreams you would take up the better dream of what he has called you to. Jesus suffered so that you would have the wisdom you need to deal with things you did not expect and don't fully understand. Jesus shed his blood so that you would have the power to grow and change."
from Paul David Tripp's new book "What Did You Expect??" One of the best books I have read.
God in his grace has still given me the ability and time to read 15 pages a day 5 days a week this year...I am so blessed.
So a quick prayer for us tomorrow that we get all our NC plates since Charlie has a court date and deadline of Friday morning to get it all in or we pay a $180 fine (I am going to Gaffney tomorrow morning at 8:30 to try to get the title to the accord). Thank you! Preach Jesus, people get saved, hold on tight it is going to be a bumpy ride.
from Paul David Tripp's new book "What Did You Expect??" One of the best books I have read.
God in his grace has still given me the ability and time to read 15 pages a day 5 days a week this year...I am so blessed.
So a quick prayer for us tomorrow that we get all our NC plates since Charlie has a court date and deadline of Friday morning to get it all in or we pay a $180 fine (I am going to Gaffney tomorrow morning at 8:30 to try to get the title to the accord). Thank you! Preach Jesus, people get saved, hold on tight it is going to be a bumpy ride.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Movie Monday: Singing at VBS
VBS was so great this year at David Baptist Church! My kids got to ride a real horse, learn all the songs, and play on a bounce house. Beverly Scruggs, April Van Dyke did such a great job! But the best news ever is 9 children (for sure) made the most important decision of their lives in accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior! GOD GETS ALL THE GLORY!
I love VBS!Friday, June 18, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Prayer for our House
to sell!
It has been on the market since the end of February.
If you have a prayer list it would be wonderful if you can add our house selling to your list. Thank you so much. Of course we are huge believers in the power of prayer (you could also pray right now reading this that it sells soon). We have heard from realtor friends that houses really do not sell in July and December. July everyone is on vacation, and December of course in Christmas.
Also, if you know anyone interested here is the link. It was built in 2007, 3 Bedroom, 2 Baths, Garage, Privacy Fence, etc.
http://www.realestatebook.com/homes/listing/101-3000234304/209-Gardenwalk-Dr-West-Columbia-SC-29170/
It has been on the market since the end of February.
If you have a prayer list it would be wonderful if you can add our house selling to your list. Thank you so much. Of course we are huge believers in the power of prayer (you could also pray right now reading this that it sells soon). We have heard from realtor friends that houses really do not sell in July and December. July everyone is on vacation, and December of course in Christmas.
Also, if you know anyone interested here is the link. It was built in 2007, 3 Bedroom, 2 Baths, Garage, Privacy Fence, etc.
http://www.realestatebook.com/homes/listing/101-3000234304/209-Gardenwalk-Dr-West-Columbia-SC-29170/
Monday, June 14, 2010
Movie Monday: Jackson Playing the Wii
The Wii just really went down on its price and we were in Toys R Us the other day buying nursery water that we have to have since we are on Well water and we splurged and bought it (before we knew how much we were going to have to pay for Charlie's gallbladder surgery...). Jackson loves playing golf on the Wii, swords, etc. We really have to monitor it or he will play all day! It was great to have after Charlie had surgery and we were in the house a lot.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
"Shopping for Time: How to So it All and Not Be Overwhlemed" Did I Really Just Buy a Book Talking about a 5 am Club?
I am pretty sure I picked this book out from the Westminster Bookstore because I love time management books.
The book starts off great with Bible verse Ephesians 5:15-16:
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Then they (Mahaney, Whitacre, Chesemore, and Bradshaw) give 5 Tips
1) Rise early.
2) Sit still.
3) Sit and plan
4) Consider people
5) Plan to depend
Then Chapter Two is about joing the 5 am club!
Ah! 5 am? Really?
I am really struggling with our schedule here and not letting Jackson take a nap anymore. Most nights he stays up till 11 pm sometimes even 12 am!
She goes on to say that there is biblical encouragement for rising early to seek the Savior.
I have always said what you do first is where you heart is.
John Piper states,
"Entering the day without a serious meeting with God over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons, The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart...We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer."
Martha Peace states:
"I have heard of women who pride themselves on being "night people." That means they have trouble getting up in the morning because they come alive at night. They may stay up till all hours reading, watching television, or pursuring some sort of interest. The next morning they are too tired to get up and care for their family...These women are not "night people." They are lazy and selfish. Who would not rather stay up late to do whatever they please and sleep late the next day?
Once a young wife begins getting up earlier than her children and husband, she will cease to be a "night person." She will be tired at night and go to bed at a reasonable hour so she will be there to serve her family the next morning."
Ouch!
Yes I know that early morning time is ofter more profitable than late-night hours, and I praying for the grace to start getting up before my family.
5 am tips
- Do not hit the snooze button
- Proceed directly to the coffee pot or caffeinated drink of choice
- Be prepared to feel absolutely miserable for the first 15 minutes, but then you will have gladness as you experience the delight of meeting with God
What about you? Do you wake up before your family to read your Bible and prayer? How does this work for you?
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
"Thank You For Sharing a Wonderful Day Mommy"
Just to warn you this is going to be a mushy post...
Last night while putting Jackson to bed for the first round he said,
"Thank you for sharing a wonderful day Mommy."
I know he got this phrase from a book or show but cannot think of it right now. I was thinking how sweet he was when he goes on further and says,
"Thank you for taking me to Chick Fil A today."
"Abigail and me, love you very much."
Oh wow, tears start coming.
"Thank you."
It is a phrase moms of Preschoolers rarely get to hear it seems.
My love language is definitely words of affirmation now since being a mom of little ones you do not get "thank you," too often. Growing up, my parents were so great in affirming me and I am so thankful for them for that.
Also, this appreciation is something I did not think I would hear from him for a while, since he was tongued tied and has had a lot of catching up to do after his surgery. He can really express his emotions so well now.
Jackson was re-evaluated recently and is doing so well. Overall, his speech is at a 3 and half year old level, but his expressive speech is almost exactly where it needs to be with his age. So I guess he is only three or so months behind now.
He will not be getting speech therapy this summer, but his speech therapist is giving me a folder of stuff to work on this summer. I will be hopefully posting some of the things we are working on throughout the summer.
He will get speech at the school for 30 minutes a week next school year with the therapist at Bethware, and we have singed him up for Resurrection Lutheran Church Preschool for two days a week with his buddy at church.
God gets all the glory for bringing Jackson almost right where he needs to be, and next year he might not even qualify for speech. It has been so awesome to see God's glory shine through my little baby boy who is growing up so fast.
Last night while putting Jackson to bed for the first round he said,
"Thank you for sharing a wonderful day Mommy."
I know he got this phrase from a book or show but cannot think of it right now. I was thinking how sweet he was when he goes on further and says,
"Thank you for taking me to Chick Fil A today."
"Abigail and me, love you very much."
Oh wow, tears start coming.
"Thank you."
It is a phrase moms of Preschoolers rarely get to hear it seems.
My love language is definitely words of affirmation now since being a mom of little ones you do not get "thank you," too often. Growing up, my parents were so great in affirming me and I am so thankful for them for that.
Also, this appreciation is something I did not think I would hear from him for a while, since he was tongued tied and has had a lot of catching up to do after his surgery. He can really express his emotions so well now.
Jackson was re-evaluated recently and is doing so well. Overall, his speech is at a 3 and half year old level, but his expressive speech is almost exactly where it needs to be with his age. So I guess he is only three or so months behind now.
He will not be getting speech therapy this summer, but his speech therapist is giving me a folder of stuff to work on this summer. I will be hopefully posting some of the things we are working on throughout the summer.
He will get speech at the school for 30 minutes a week next school year with the therapist at Bethware, and we have singed him up for Resurrection Lutheran Church Preschool for two days a week with his buddy at church.
God gets all the glory for bringing Jackson almost right where he needs to be, and next year he might not even qualify for speech. It has been so awesome to see God's glory shine through my little baby boy who is growing up so fast.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Friday, June 04, 2010
Fun Friday: Monkey Joe's Two Friday's Ago
We were able to all get together to go to Monkey Joe's in Gastonia a couple Friday's ago for customer appreciation weekend. A lot of us from the church were all able to make it, and the kids had the best time. Customer appreciation weekend involved half off admission, and $1 slice of pizza. I think Jackson would live at Monkey Joe's if we would let him, and it is a great fun thing to do once a month or so.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Wednesday's Word: Being Committed to Joy
"Serving in love means being committed to joy. What is joy about? It means looking for reasons to be thankful. It means being better at counting your blessing than you are at calculating your complaints. It is about communicating appreciation. It us about letting [him] know how much the things he does for you mean to you. It is about letting him know how much things [he] does for you mean to you. It is about daily thanking God for your marriage, even though it is less than perfect. Joy means looking for the good in the other and encouraging it when you find it. Would your husband or wife characterize you as being thankful?"
What Did You Expect?? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage
Paul David Tripp (who I got to meet in seminary...he is an incredible writer, and I want to read everything he has ever written).
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Tuesday's Tip: CVS Deals This Week
that I will hopefully be buying this week:
Extra Care Deals:
$1 ECB wyb Hefty Trash Bags 28-80 ct, $6.49 Limit 3
Click here to see complete list
I will do multiple transactions on this trip and so I will use the extra bucks I earn on a few transactions, and I might not do the Pampers deal or the Claritin deal.
What is your money saving tip for this week?
Extra Care Deals:
- 10 ECB wyb $25 Procter & Gamble products listed Limit 1
Charmin Big Rolls 16pk $9.99
-.25/1 off Charmin PG 5/02 (exp 5/31)
-$1 off Charmin “A Year of Savings” PG Mailer
Duracell AAA, AA 10pk, C, D 4pk, or 9-volt 2 pk Batteries $5.99
-$1 off Duracell, “What Matters Most” PG Mailer
Bounty Extra Soft Paper Towels 12pk $12.99
-.25/1 off Bounty Towels or Napkins PG 5/02 (exp 5/31)
Puffs Facial Tissue 99¢
-.25/3 off Puffs Tissues PG $100 Coupon Book - **Deal Idea**
Buy:
(2) Charmin 16 rolls $9.99
(1) Duracell 10pk Batteries $5.99
Use:
(2) -.25/1 Charmin PG 5/02
Total Due: $24.97
Get Back: $10 ECB, makes it $5.15 ea
$1 ECB wyb Hefty Trash Bags 28-80 ct, $6.49 Limit 3
- $5 ECB wyb $25 Pampers or Similac products listed Limit 3
Pampers Wipes 64-77ct. $2.99
Pampers Baby Dry, Cruisers Diapers 48-96ct. $21.99
-$1.50 off Pampers PG 5/02 (exp 5/31)
-$2 off Pampers Diapers AND Pampers Wipes 60ct+ PG 5/02 (exp 5/31)
Similac Advance, Go & Grow, Sensitive or Organic 22-23.2oz $21.99
-$2 off Similac large size powder 23.2oz+ SS 5/09
- $2 ECB wyb Claritin Children’s 4oz, or Adult 10ct $9.99 Limit 1
-$2 off Claritin Children’s Non-Drowsy, 4 oz or 10 ct+ SS 5/09, printable
-$2 off Claritin Non Drowsy, 10ct+ SS 5/09 (makes it $5.99)
Click here to see complete list
I will do multiple transactions on this trip and so I will use the extra bucks I earn on a few transactions, and I might not do the Pampers deal or the Claritin deal.
What is your money saving tip for this week?
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