My Little Preacher Men

Over the past four to five months, the boys have adopted a small cabinet as their pulpit. Often they get their "preaching books" and stand behind the pulpit and preach away. This entails singing hymns, telling some sort of bible story (sometimes their own version, but they are trying) and prayer.

Sometimes they wear clothes...

sometimes they don't.Either way, it brings joy to my heart as they reflect upon what they have been learning. There are not many sweeter sounds than little voices singing worship to their God or saying prayers to the Almighty.
Sometimes they will get out their pretend bread and little cups to act out the communion service. They call it the bread and the blood...but they have the right idea. They try and talk about the bread being the body of Christ that was broken for us and the "blood" being Christ's blood that was shed for our sin. They always make sure that we all pretend to drink at the same time just like we do in church. I do not know what the Lord has in store for the future of my three little men, if they will be policemen, firemen, convertible drivers, or preachers, but I rest in knowing that they are children of God the Maker of heaven and earth. May their hearts continue to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Quote of the Week

Micah was in his room with his pretend tool kit sawing on his foot.
Mommy: "What are you fixing, Micah?"
Micah: "I am fixing myself!"

When I find that I need fixing, whether it is my body or soul, my first reaction is often to "fix myself". May the Lord give me wisdom to rest in the one who is my healer and redeemer.

Flying Kites

The boys loved watching the kites at the Tulip Festival. They had some very large kites and some trick kites that entertained the boys. Today I feel the grace of God upon my life, so blessed to have a wonderful family and community that surround us with love and a God that forgives and loves beyond all measure. When my heart is full like today, I feel as though I am as one of these kites soaring in the clouds, spinning and twirling. Yet I have days that I feel like that trick kite that sometimes nose dives right into the ground, struggling to catch the wind again. It is in those moments that I must turn to my God, my rest, my help in times of need. He will lift me up high enough to catch the wind again and soar with the clouds once again.

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;

He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, He who keeps Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;

the Lord is your shade on your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day,

nor the moon by night

The Lord will keep you from all evil

He will keep your life.

The Lord will keep

your going out and your coming in

from this time forth and forevermore.

Friends

Friends have always been such an important part of my life. Growing up I had some really special friends that I could run around the neighborhood with and play endless games. We caught bugs, spied on our sisters, played in sandboxes, built forts, and of course our favorites were the after dark games of kick the can or grey wolf. We had sleep overs outside under the stars even when we had to hide our faces inside our sleeping bags it was so cold.

It is fun knowing that the boys will always have each other to do these childhood adventures with, but there is something special about having friends too. The boys have acquired some very good friends in their earlier years already. Sora and Kira were born at the same hospital and stayed at the same NICU as the boys. We have enjoyed gathering with their family for play dates and the boys adore their baby brother Kei as well. They have also become very special friends with Isabel and her baby brother Isaac. Isabel goes to church with us and is a very independent and loving girl. These friends have been a blessing to us.



From Left to Right:
J, Sora, I, Kira, and M

The girls are so kind and well behaved when they come over. K and I really enjoy visiting with their mom and dad too.









From Left to Right:
I, J, Isabel, and M

The boys look forward to play dates with Isabel. She brings enthusiasm to everything she does.

Great Grandpa Turns 90!

We have just returned from a wonderful family celebration for the boys Great Grandpa! He is a youthful 90 as he lives with smiles and laughter. He loves his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with patience and genuineness. It was a busy afternoon with many children running around, but what a blessing it was to have the family together. It is this togetherness that seemed to be his favorite part of the day. When we were kids, we would gather for each birthday as a family. We would eat dinner, open presents, eat cake, play badminton or croquet in the back yard...however, as families grow, it seems natural to drift apart a bit as each sprouting family has its own schedules and agendas to attend to. Gathering all the families together becomes more and more difficult, but I was reminded how very special these memories are to me. Generations are a powerful thing. It made me wonder when I am 90....if the Lord keeps me around here that long...where will my children be? Will they live close or far away? How many children or grandchildren will they have? Life has so many mysteries. I am looking forward to the adventures that are ahead and where the road of life will take us.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa. We love you very much.

Obedience

K had the idea to make this visual for the boys to help them understand when we discipline them we are obeying God. It has been so helpful to have something for them to see that they can relate to. I am so blessed to have such a wise and thoughtful husband. :)

Changes

The word that seems to ring true to our lives lately is "change". We are changing, our home is changing, our relationships are changing, our children are changing. There was a time in my life when change was hard for me. I liked my life to be predictable and consistent, but I am now finding the joy of change. My life is in a constant state of adjusting whether it is for a new schedule for meals and naps or transitioning the drawers from size 18 month clothes to 24 month clothes. I am amazed that the little people that used to sleep so many hours a day are now talking constantly and running from room to room. I am amazed at how the Lord has designed toddlers to absorb so much information and knowledge in such a short amount of time. Everyday they are changing!! Most importantly, I pray that the greatest change will be in our hearts. May the good Lord sanctify us to be more like his son Jesus, changing us so that we will think of ourselves less and Him more. Lately the boys have been needing extra reminders to behave. As I hold the hand of my child and we walk into the bedroom to "talk" my heart often sinks not wanting to discipline this child that I love so dearly. But I am reminded that it is my privilege to train these kids in the way of the Lord, as their hearts are so young and moldable, this is the time. My heart rejoices as we pray together and we hug in reconciliation. I am often amazed at how the Lord seems to change the desire of their hearts and they are then quick to obey. Lately the boys have learned a new phrase, and what joy it brings to my soul, "Obey mommy-daddy." May the Lord of grace fall upon us that we will be constantly changing to conform to His will and be obedient children.