Ten Things I’m Thankful For

1. My husband and children – they’re all so CUTE!
2. My extended family – mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews
3. My home – particularly my fireplace and big kitchen!
4. My weight loss (50 pounds! woo-hoo)
5. Cool friends near and far
6. The call of God upon me and my family
7. The freedom I have to post this because I live in the US
8. The endless journey I am on in my quest for understanding God
9. God’s answers to my prayers – although not always what I asked for, always the right answer
10. The enduring love of my Savior and King, Jesus Christ

 

Accomplishing your dreams…at any age…is sweet

I made a whirlwind trip back to the Midwest this weekend. My parents are living in Missouri and I haven’t seen them in forever. To boot – my mom, who is an excellent textile artist, had a solo art exhibit in one of the local art galleries that I wanted to go see. My mom has exhibited her art in several galleries in England, none of which I’ve been able to go see. So since this was her first exhibit in the States, it was a “must-do” trip.

 

Helping your kids in hard times

As most of you know, we’re in the process of relocating. Zion Bible College, where my husband and I are in ministry, has been blessed by the gift of a new campus. Consequently, as a family, the 5 of us – and the Zion family, we’re in transition.

My oldest daughter, Anna, is the only one of our kids who is old enough to understand the ramifications of what is commencing. And, understandably, she’s having a bit of a tough time.

 

Heaving a big sigh…

My middle daughter was the source of a lightbulb moment for me the other day. We were in the house and she was bee-bopping around playing by herself when I heard her heave a great, big, obviously overdone sigh. I stopped what I was doing and asked, “what was that sigh for?” Her response [with much animation]: “This is the sigh school. I’m teaching you how to sigh BIG.” I stood and looked at her for a minute, then asked, “Why would I want to sigh like that?” To which she responded, “Well, that’s how you sigh, momma.” Hmmmm –

 

Check out my Slide Show! (Show 2)

 

Family Vacation (yeah right!!)

It’s not as if parents all over the world don’t already know this…but I feel the need to declare that the notion of “family vacation” is, in fact, a false (and maybe even nasty) rumor! So obviously, I’ve got pretty strong feelings regarding this for a reason: my husband and I made an attempt to take our family away for a couple nights. “It’ll be nice to get away,” we said. “We’ll enjoy the change of pace,” we thought. “It’s good for your health to take some time off,” right??? Now that we’re (finally) back home, I say HA!

 

Loving my husband

I don’t think I’ve posted too much about my husband. Probably because he’s the silent (well, quiet) but steady type – a trait I love about him, and have come to just expect. He’s consistent, predictable, wise, and good.

Anyway, we were recently asked to handle the pre-marital counseling for a young couple getting married this summer. Our first reaction was to say, “Us?!?!” After getting over the initial shock (mostly that we were actually old enough to do it), we decided to go for it.

 

Being a mom

Can I just declare that I love my kids and I love being a mom! Do you ever look at your kids and find yourself randomly tearing up and feeling emotional about them? Today has been such a good day with my kids.

 

Raising Christian Families (Deut. 6:6-7)-When you lie down and when you get up

Anyone else been feeling a little crazy lately? Man alive…I’m positive I’m meeting myself as I’m going a different direction these days. But it’s all good, so I can’t complain, really.

I wanted to finish up with my posts regarding raising Christian families according to Deuteronomy 6:6-7. The last part of these verses say to talk about God when you lie down and when you get up. And what does this mean? Well, just exactly what it says. Bedtime and morning time are two of the best opportunities in each day to place your focus upon Christ. 

 

Raising Christian Families (Deut. 6:6-7) – Intro

My husband and I had the opportunity to speak to a group of couples this weekend about personalities in marriage and tips for raising Christian families. It was a really fun time as couples realized their differences, and similarities (which is sometimes the more challenging part) and learned how to coordinate those traits to better their marriage. After that I shared with them the Godly mandate found in Deuteronomy 6:6-7:

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.