My sweet husband has sent me tulips twice in the past two weeks. He said he thought I needed a little bit of spring on these cold, gray days. He's right. :)
Lily is very grateful she has a big brother who makes her cool castle forts to nap in.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Mom and Joshie date
Yesterday Joshua and I went to the Maryland Science Center to attend a program on "creatures of the deep." Due to a misprint, we had the wrong day but decided to make the most of it anyway. Joshua and I do spend a lot of time just the two of us, but usually it's because we are running errands or going to pick up one of the big kids. Yesterday was a day just for Joshie.
We stayed at the museum for three hours and when I finally made him leave we walked around the Inner Harbor for a few minutes. I'm not quite sure what caused this exuberance:
The Science Center is great--I've posted pictures before of some of the fun things there are to do inside. Yesterday we spent most of the time in the "submarine" in the Kids Room, looking for sunken treasure under the sea, and in the dinosaur exhibit, practicing being paleontologists and gently brushing the sand off "fossils."
Joshua finally mustered the courage to lay on the bed of nails. He was amazed that he didn't get poked!
This is my favorite thing in the museum. This picture does NOT do it justice--in person that globe looks exactly like a real planet in front of you. And the amazing thing is that it changes! During the talk about the weather (which is what we were listening to) you can watch as real tropical storms form over the oceans. There are several recorded programs and depending upon when you are there, the globe may be the moon instead of the earth. And it looks exactly like the moon then! Sometimes there are museum employees giving talks and they can move and change the globe to fit whatever they are talking about. That thing is so cool!
We stayed at the museum for three hours and when I finally made him leave we walked around the Inner Harbor for a few minutes. I'm not quite sure what caused this exuberance:On our way home we stopped for a bit to eat at the place of Joshua's choosing. Welcome to Burger King. :)
We talked a little bit about "one day" when all the big kids are moved away and how we'll have to do lots more fun things together so we won't be too sad missing them. It was a sweet day with my sweet boy.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Driving days!
I am excited to announce that we have another driver in the house! Alyson passed her learner's permit test the first time and she can now officially and legally drive (with a supervising adult, of course)! She took driver's ed at the beginning of the month, aced her test, paid the fee and is one step closer to the feeling of freedom that flying down the road with the top down and her hair blowing can bring. :)
Congratulations Alyson!
On another driving-related note, Jarrett got his first flat tire today and, because he has a good father, was able to change it himself! Way to go!
Sacrificing for Lent
I was raised in a Southern Baptist church, and therefore had little knowledge or understanding of the season of Lent growing up. Since Dave and I were married and he joined the Army we have had the opportunity to attend non-denominational protestant chapel and experience many different traditions. Over the years I've grown attached to the idea of a Lenten sacrifice.
Easter has become such a shallow, secular holiday--often even for Christians--and I feel it must just break the Father's heart to see how we take for granted the extreme sacrifice He made for us out of love. Usually I find something I enjoy to give up for the 40 days of Lent, to remind me of what was done for me. It seems like such a small gesture, giving up computer games or chocolate or a television program, but it has usually served to keep Christ's death for my sins towards the front of my mind for the period leading up to Easter.
This year I decided to do something different. Rather than give something up, and knowing that I could never sacrifice enough to know what it felt like for Him, I've decided to commit myself to a deep and concentrated focus on Him for Lent. I've usually planned on having my "quiet time" and Bible study in the early morning hours, before the kids are awake. I am sorry to say, though, that many mornings I just haven't gotten around to it. Sometimes I get back to it at lunch or before bed but more often than not, it just never gets done. I am publicly committing myself right now to spending time with my Father each morning after Alyson leaves for school.
I have chosen this book as my accompaniment:
I've owned the book for years and have read it before but this year am using it as an in-depth look into just what Jesus Christ did for me, such an ungrateful child, 2000 years ago.
Here is an excerpt from today's reading:
To the casual observer the six hours are mundane...but to the handful of awestruck witnesses the most maddening of miracles is occurring. God is on a cross. the creator of the universe is being executed....And there is no one to save him, for he is sacrificing himself.
read Hebrews 12:2-13
Easter has become such a shallow, secular holiday--often even for Christians--and I feel it must just break the Father's heart to see how we take for granted the extreme sacrifice He made for us out of love. Usually I find something I enjoy to give up for the 40 days of Lent, to remind me of what was done for me. It seems like such a small gesture, giving up computer games or chocolate or a television program, but it has usually served to keep Christ's death for my sins towards the front of my mind for the period leading up to Easter.
This year I decided to do something different. Rather than give something up, and knowing that I could never sacrifice enough to know what it felt like for Him, I've decided to commit myself to a deep and concentrated focus on Him for Lent. I've usually planned on having my "quiet time" and Bible study in the early morning hours, before the kids are awake. I am sorry to say, though, that many mornings I just haven't gotten around to it. Sometimes I get back to it at lunch or before bed but more often than not, it just never gets done. I am publicly committing myself right now to spending time with my Father each morning after Alyson leaves for school.
I have chosen this book as my accompaniment:
I've owned the book for years and have read it before but this year am using it as an in-depth look into just what Jesus Christ did for me, such an ungrateful child, 2000 years ago.Here is an excerpt from today's reading:
To the casual observer the six hours are mundane...but to the handful of awestruck witnesses the most maddening of miracles is occurring. God is on a cross. the creator of the universe is being executed....And there is no one to save him, for he is sacrificing himself.
read Hebrews 12:2-13
He sacrificed himself for me--and for you. He loves us so much that he himself paid for each and every sin we have committed. He loves us even when we don't love him back. He did it even knowing how we would disappoint him. Unconditional love.
Are you making any sacrifices for Lent? Do you have any traditions leading up to Easter? Leave a comment-I'd love to hear them.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Taking Chance
Saturday night we watched the HBO film, Taking Chance-the story of a marine Lieutenant Colonel escorting the remains of a fallen marine across the country to his home. It is based on a true account and a letter written by LTC Strobl afterwards. Here is an excerpt:
Chance Phelps was wearing his Saint Christopher medal when he was killed on Good Friday. Eight days later, I handed the medallion to his mother. I didn’t know Chance before he died. Today, I miss him.
I actually have the entire letter saved and although it's too long to print here, if any of you want to read it, email me and I'll forward it to you. LTC Strobl was so moved by the extraordinary way he was treated along the way, the respect shown to the deceased, and just how many people he met that were genuinely touched by coming in contact with one of our nation's fallen heroes. Maintenance men who took off their hats as the casket passed, a flight attendant who hurriedly pressed a little cruicifix into the colonel's hand before tearing up and leaving, passengers who, once they realized what his mission was, told him how sorry they were.
Anyway, HBO made the film, starring Kevin Bacon. We got HBO for a month just so we could see it, and it was definitely worth it. My recommendation this week is for you to get HBO so you can see it, too. It's only $15/mo. which is less than you'd pay to see a movie at a theater. It'll touch you-and remind you of how precious our military are.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Breakfast Habits
Does anyone your family get into a "breakfast rut?" It seems like there is always someone here who is stuck on eating the same thing for breakfast day after day. For a long time it was Alyson, who ate Grape Nuts every morning for months. I have 2 pieces of turkey bacon nearly every day. And now Joshua has gotten into his own praxis. Scrambled eggs. Every morning this week he has asked for cheesy scrambled eggs. Today he is eating them with a slice of canadian bacon, cut-up fruit, and a glass of milk. Good thing the commissary sells those 18count cartons of eggs so cheaply because he's eaten almost a dozen himself this week!
I'm glad my children are all good eaters. And it is pretty easy when I know what they're going to want to eat every morning. :)
I'm glad my children are all good eaters. And it is pretty easy when I know what they're going to want to eat every morning. :)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Blog Advertisement
I have really enjoyed finding the blogs of friends lately. Our family has made the decision not to be a part of Facebook, and this is a fun way to stay connected with friends and family far away. I so enjoy reading what's on the minds of people I like. :)
I would like to mention the blog of a new friend of mine. It's called Purely His and I have the link to it over on the side bar. Sheri is a sweet homeschooling mother of 3 little ones. She has embraced the calling of being a helpmate to her husband, a role model to her two daughters, and a Christian mentor to her friends, and her blog is her current vehicle to share her thoughts on those matters, as well as little glimpses into their daily lives.
In addition to her blog, Sheri is a published author! I am ordering her book entitled "How to Be a Super Model: A Guide to Inner Beauty," and am considering getting the supplemental study to use with the teenage girls in our church. I advise those of you with teenage and preteen girls to check it out!
I highly recommend her blog entry from February 13th on what serving her husband is to her. I encourage you to read it and check back frequently to see what else she has to share.
I would like to mention the blog of a new friend of mine. It's called Purely His and I have the link to it over on the side bar. Sheri is a sweet homeschooling mother of 3 little ones. She has embraced the calling of being a helpmate to her husband, a role model to her two daughters, and a Christian mentor to her friends, and her blog is her current vehicle to share her thoughts on those matters, as well as little glimpses into their daily lives.
In addition to her blog, Sheri is a published author! I am ordering her book entitled "How to Be a Super Model: A Guide to Inner Beauty," and am considering getting the supplemental study to use with the teenage girls in our church. I advise those of you with teenage and preteen girls to check it out!
I highly recommend her blog entry from February 13th on what serving her husband is to her. I encourage you to read it and check back frequently to see what else she has to share.
February Field Trip
Yesterday we went on a field trip to the Wolfgang Chocolate Factory in York, PA, with our homeschool group. The factory was started in the Wolfgang family's home in York back in the early 20th century. They built an addition in the adjacent vacant lot soon after and eventually expanded into 4 buildings total in the neighborhood. They made the decision not to move out of the neighborhood because so many of their employees were housewives who lived in the row houses right there and they didn't want to take away their jobs by moving outside of town. We got to tour each building and we literally walked from building, past a few houses, into another building, out the back door, through the alleys, etc. It is definitely a hometown business.
We had to wear hair nets on the tour which was especially exciting for the big boys. :) The little ones got a kick out of it, though! It was fun watching the machines pouring out the melted chocolate, dropping it into shapes, drizzling it over chocolate-peanut butter eggs, shaking out the centers and then filling the hole with cream, etc. I am so fascinated by the individuals who think to themselves, "we need to make a piece of equipment that will do _______," and then they invent it. Even the machine that spread the plastic wrap over the boxes, cut each piece with a heated blade, then shrink-wrapped it at high temps for a split second was just captivating.
We got a little treat bag of chocolates when we were done and then purchased SEVERAL samples from the goodie shop. We have definitely met our quota of sweets for the next few weeks!
We all went to lunch at a place called Eat'n Park after the chocolate factory. It is sort of like a Denney's. Let me just say, our group of 35, with 8 adults and the rest children (!), was enough to scare any experienced waitress! We were blessed with 2 sweet ladies who had infinite patience and great attitudes. They even brought giant cookies out at the end for all the children! I called to thank the manager when we got home and plan on following up with an email to their corporate office.
After lunch we went to Perrydell Farms-a nearby dairy farm. We got to pet the newborn calves, who are separated from their mothers at just one day old, and got to see the mamas being milked. They obviously look forward to the relief that milking brings because they were lined up at the door to get in while we were talking to the farmer. :)
We bought some milk right there at their little store and then headed home, through the snow, with all our goodies, just in time for AWANA. Whew!
It was a really nice day.
<
We had to wear hair nets on the tour which was especially exciting for the big boys. :) The little ones got a kick out of it, though! It was fun watching the machines pouring out the melted chocolate, dropping it into shapes, drizzling it over chocolate-peanut butter eggs, shaking out the centers and then filling the hole with cream, etc. I am so fascinated by the individuals who think to themselves, "we need to make a piece of equipment that will do _______," and then they invent it. Even the machine that spread the plastic wrap over the boxes, cut each piece with a heated blade, then shrink-wrapped it at high temps for a split second was just captivating.
We got a little treat bag of chocolates when we were done and then purchased SEVERAL samples from the goodie shop. We have definitely met our quota of sweets for the next few weeks!
We all went to lunch at a place called Eat'n Park after the chocolate factory. It is sort of like a Denney's. Let me just say, our group of 35, with 8 adults and the rest children (!), was enough to scare any experienced waitress! We were blessed with 2 sweet ladies who had infinite patience and great attitudes. They even brought giant cookies out at the end for all the children! I called to thank the manager when we got home and plan on following up with an email to their corporate office.
After lunch we went to Perrydell Farms-a nearby dairy farm. We got to pet the newborn calves, who are separated from their mothers at just one day old, and got to see the mamas being milked. They obviously look forward to the relief that milking brings because they were lined up at the door to get in while we were talking to the farmer. :)
We bought some milk right there at their little store and then headed home, through the snow, with all our goodies, just in time for AWANA. Whew!
It was a really nice day.
<
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Valentines Day and traditions
We had a very nice Valentine's Day as I hope all of you did. Ours was very much like every other Valentine's Day because of the traditions we've carried on since, oh, about 1986. For those of you who haven't heard:
Every year since then Dave and I have made our own heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine's Day. As kids came along, they got included in the fun. Sometimes we cut the pepperonis into little hearts, sometimes we add other toppings, more often not. The tradition has kind of evolved over the years to making the entire day a "heart" day.
And so the tradition continues....A fun thing for me was that Jarrett made a heart-shaped pizza for his girlfriend, Chelsea, this year. :) Maybe he'll send me a picture to post, too.
That first Valentine's Day was great. Of course it was the 80's so everything was great. :) My best friend and I found a place that was making heart-shaped pizzas for the day and we ordered a couple for our paisley-wearing, bi-level sporting boyfriends. The pizzas came with a single, wilted red rose. My preppy boyfriend with the gorgeous smile gave me a little tan puppy with a puffy heart in its mouth. It was the beginning of it all.
Every year since then Dave and I have made our own heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine's Day. As kids came along, they got included in the fun. Sometimes we cut the pepperonis into little hearts, sometimes we add other toppings, more often not. The tradition has kind of evolved over the years to making the entire day a "heart" day.
We start off with heart-shaped pancakes. We have heart shaped cookies, frosted and written on to look like conversation hearts. Sometimes I cut sandwiches into hearts. Sometimes we have Baskin-Robbins "love potion 31" ice cream that has little raspberry-filled chocolate hearts in it. (that ice cream is a story of its own--including almost getting hit by lightning to get some one year!) But the pizzas are always on the menu.
This year we had the pizzas for lunch because Dave and I had planned to go out to dinner and a movie that evening. We enjoyed two large heart-shaped pizzas, a pretty little spinach and strawberry salad, sparkling red grape juice (another must-have), and chocolate fondue with strawberries, bananas, mangos, and pretzel sticks. It was yummy!
We ended up not going to dinner because we were so full from lunch!
We did go see the Curious Case of Benjamin Button that evening...my verdict is still out on that. It was.....good(?).....but I don't know why. It wasn't bad. The makeup was incredible.
And so the tradition continues....A fun thing for me was that Jarrett made a heart-shaped pizza for his girlfriend, Chelsea, this year. :) Maybe he'll send me a picture to post, too.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Another One Bites the Dust
This lump is Nick:
I woke him up this morning for school and when I went back down a little while later he was back asleep. I reprimanded him (gently, of course) and he said he felt terrible. He is coughing and his head is killing him. Took his temperature and, yep, he has joined the ranks of the infirm.
He's got plans for the weekend so I know he is hoping he'll snap out of this quickly. I hate to disappoint him, but if it's anything like the other sickies have, he's down for a while.
And on another note, Joshua is really complaining of leg pain this morning. His muscles and joints were achy while he was running a fever but his fever is gone now and his legs are still hurting. If you think about it, say a little prayer his legs will get to feeling better.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Friends
Now that all that basketball silliness is over (for a little while anyway), I have to tell you what sweet thing happened to me yesterday.
Our house has been running this flu thing around for the past few weeks. Dave has been sooooo sick with it. I feel terrible for him. He's achy, running a fever, coughing terribly--just miserable. Alyson had a few days where she was pretty wiped out, too. Dave had to go on a trip this week although he put it off a day because he was just too sick to fly at first. And two days ago Joshua came down with the same thing. He ran a temp of 102-103, cried all night that his head and his legs hurt, ended up with a tummy thing; it was so sad.
He had to miss the little Valentine's Day party he was invited to yesterday but I took his valentines over there and picked up his for him. While I was there, my sweet friend Angela, who hosted the party, told me that she was bringing me dinner last night because she knew I had been dealing with sick people for quite a while and she knew I was alone this week. She also said she would pick up Alyson and take her to AWANA (Alyson is a Cubbies leader) and bring her home for me. To top it all off, she gave me a present of two jumbo strawberries on sticks, dipped in chocolate, rolled in nuts, and drizzled with caramel-just for me!
This was such a sweet and selfless thing to do. Angela has two little ones of her own and her husband has a commute that doesn't get him home before 7 or 8 at night. I felt a little guilty because, after all, I'm not the one who is sick, but the fact that I haven't been able to get to the commissary with sick Joshie and the idea of not having to think of what to make for the kids for dinner absolutely made my day.
Yesterday afternoon I gave Joshua a bath and laid him down for a nap (which he never takes). While he slept, I drank some coffee, read a book, and delightfully ate my strawberries.
Then later she brought over such a delicious dinner the kids kept saying it was like eating at a restaurant! There was dessert, too!
Thank you, Angela, for such a sweet gesture. You refreshed my spirits. :)
Our house has been running this flu thing around for the past few weeks. Dave has been sooooo sick with it. I feel terrible for him. He's achy, running a fever, coughing terribly--just miserable. Alyson had a few days where she was pretty wiped out, too. Dave had to go on a trip this week although he put it off a day because he was just too sick to fly at first. And two days ago Joshua came down with the same thing. He ran a temp of 102-103, cried all night that his head and his legs hurt, ended up with a tummy thing; it was so sad.
He had to miss the little Valentine's Day party he was invited to yesterday but I took his valentines over there and picked up his for him. While I was there, my sweet friend Angela, who hosted the party, told me that she was bringing me dinner last night because she knew I had been dealing with sick people for quite a while and she knew I was alone this week. She also said she would pick up Alyson and take her to AWANA (Alyson is a Cubbies leader) and bring her home for me. To top it all off, she gave me a present of two jumbo strawberries on sticks, dipped in chocolate, rolled in nuts, and drizzled with caramel-just for me!
This was such a sweet and selfless thing to do. Angela has two little ones of her own and her husband has a commute that doesn't get him home before 7 or 8 at night. I felt a little guilty because, after all, I'm not the one who is sick, but the fact that I haven't been able to get to the commissary with sick Joshie and the idea of not having to think of what to make for the kids for dinner absolutely made my day.
Yesterday afternoon I gave Joshua a bath and laid him down for a nap (which he never takes). While he slept, I drank some coffee, read a book, and delightfully ate my strawberries.
Then later she brought over such a delicious dinner the kids kept saying it was like eating at a restaurant! There was dessert, too!
Thank you, Angela, for such a sweet gesture. You refreshed my spirits. :)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
4-0 in Cameron
I just read somewhere that they ought to rename it "Hansbrough Indoor Stadium."
Aaaaah, what a night.
Thank you for asking, Joshua is feeling better tonight. All he needed was a little lullaby of "Heels beat Duke again" to lull him to sleep. I bet we'll all sleep like babies tonight. And maybe those nasty little Duke fans who've been in their tents for two months will get cleaned up and back to their dorms! :)
A Sight You'll See Tonight
in case you aren't aware (as I'm sure you're not, Mrs. Graham) the Duke fans started sleeping outside in tents in what's called Krzyzewskiville back in January. Rain, snow, cold, dirty.
Aaaah, I so hope it wasn't worth it.
Photo(s) of the Day
Just so you know what's at stake:
typical Duke behavior
Result of flagrant Duke foul
Respected man of integrity(and no bad language)/angry, sneaky man w/ a foul mouth
Let's go boys!!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Aloha Danna and Papa!
Have a warm, wonderful, relaxing trip!
Send us lots of photos!! You here------------------------------->
We love you!
Photo of the Day
GO HEELS!!!
(if you are inclined to leave a message saying your hero is Coach K, you better watch out. Joshua said, "you wanna piece of me??")(ahem, Mrs. Graham.......)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Cool Science Kits for kids!
Even after homeschooling for 10 years, I still happen across some neat, new materials that get me excited!
Recently, Joshua and I found out about the Young Scientist Club. It's a subscription-based program that sends the materials for science experiments directly to your home. Every kit has a theme and there are lots of supplementary resources online to encourage more exploration of the topics. This morning we've been doing lots of experimentation on the 5 senses--it goes along perfectly with our A Beka Science program!
For those of you with young children (recommend ages: 5-12), you can find out more about the program here:
http://www.theyoungscientistsclub.com/about.html
The program is great for homeschoolers and "regular" schoolers alike. Since all the materials for the experiments come together there is no searching for that last item you need.
from the website:
Each kit contains several science experiments and takes, on average, one hour to two hours to complete (with some long-term projects such as growing bacteria and measuring rainfall). The kits cover topics ranging from batteries and fossils to the human body and volcanoes. In each kit you receive all the materials needed for the experiments except for common recyclable and household products (i.e., plastic bottles, jars, baking soda, vinegar, etc.). In addition, each kit contains instructions for the parents and special instruction for the children (given by the character, Celsius the Science Bug) that are simple enough to encourage even young children to write down their observations, measurements, and conclusions. We strongly believe that children learn more when different parts of their brains are simultaneously active during science experiments.
We love science around here and I fully believe in the idea that during the early elementary years, science should be engaging and and fun-to spark their curiosity for further exploration. These kits fit the bill!
Recently, Joshua and I found out about the Young Scientist Club. It's a subscription-based program that sends the materials for science experiments directly to your home. Every kit has a theme and there are lots of supplementary resources online to encourage more exploration of the topics. This morning we've been doing lots of experimentation on the 5 senses--it goes along perfectly with our A Beka Science program!
For those of you with young children (recommend ages: 5-12), you can find out more about the program here:
http://www.theyoungscientistsclub.com/about.html
The program is great for homeschoolers and "regular" schoolers alike. Since all the materials for the experiments come together there is no searching for that last item you need.
from the website:
Each kit contains several science experiments and takes, on average, one hour to two hours to complete (with some long-term projects such as growing bacteria and measuring rainfall). The kits cover topics ranging from batteries and fossils to the human body and volcanoes. In each kit you receive all the materials needed for the experiments except for common recyclable and household products (i.e., plastic bottles, jars, baking soda, vinegar, etc.). In addition, each kit contains instructions for the parents and special instruction for the children (given by the character, Celsius the Science Bug) that are simple enough to encourage even young children to write down their observations, measurements, and conclusions. We strongly believe that children learn more when different parts of their brains are simultaneously active during science experiments.
We love science around here and I fully believe in the idea that during the early elementary years, science should be engaging and and fun-to spark their curiosity for further exploration. These kits fit the bill!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Achievers' Outing
On Wednesday Joshua was presented with the Achievers' Award at AWANA, for excellent attendance and saying at least 12 sections in his book this last quarter. AWANA, for those of you who are unfamiliar, is a program at church for children. They learn Bible verses, play games, and have a short lesson each week. They earn little "jewels" to place on their vests for completing sections and attendance and there are special awards at the end of the year for those who've completed an entire book. He really loves it.
The clubbers who received the award got to go out for pizza and bowling today and Joshua had a blast! Some of his good friends also won the award and they spent just as much time goofing off as they did bowling.
An extra special treat was that the bowling alley was having a "Safety Day" so the kids got to learn all about fire safety and got a tour of every last inch of a fire engine.
Bowling, pizza, buddies, and firetrucks. That's a pretty awesome day for a 5-year old.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Free breakfast at Denny's
So I heard this morning that Denny's restaurants across the country were offering free Grand Slam breakfasts today from 6-2. We had already had breakfast by the time I heard it but thought it would be fun to go there for lunch. The boys shouted, "hooray!" and I called Dave to see if he wanted to meet us. Then I called around to see which Denny's would be the best choice. Not ONE of the three Denny's within driving distance of us had waits less than an hour and a half!
Are you kidding me?? An hour and a half wait for a $5 breakfast? No thank you! I am SO not a wait-in-long-lines kind of person. That's why I never get in on the great deals the day after Thanksgiving. My time is worth more than 5 bucks, I'll tell you that! An hour and a half is longer than our lunch break!
So we stayed home and I made them breakfast for lunch. :)
With hardly any wait at all.....
Monday, February 2, 2009
Renewal
Last night on the way home from a Super Bowl party, the song Great Adventure, by Steven Curtis Chapman, came on the radio. We were cracking up as we remembered waaaaayy back in 1991 at Fort Benning. Our good friend, Rhonda, organized a "Christian aerobics" class and about 10 ladies showed up to do aerobics to Christian music. We had this ridiculous routine where we were all in a big circle doing this "pony" skip-thing around and around. "saddle up your hoooorses, we got a trail to blaze....."
Thank goodness there was no Youtube then!!!
Today I headed out on my recently restarted lunchtime run/walk and decided to listen to Steven's Declaration CD on my iPod. It's one of my favorites and has such great praise music. His words always really speak to me and knowing how his family has dealt with that horrible tragedy last year his total relience on God just means even more.
I ended up listening to the song "This Day" a couple of times. Here are some of the words:
Yesterday the sky was bright and clear
I could see the sun and I could hear the song
Faith flowed like a river free and deep and grace was not so hard to be believed
But that was yesterday
And what was close enough to touch
Now seems a world away
So what about this day
This day all His mercies are new
This day every promise is true
Father, help me to believe
Give me faith I need to know You
Who knows what tomorrow's light will bring
Tears to cry or maybe songs to sing out loud
But only God can see that far away
And He made us for living day by day
'Cause He wants us to see
That the God that He's been every day of history
Is who He is this day
What that says to me is that no matter how much our own lives change, we can know for certain that One thing will not change. God does not change. Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever." He knew us before we were formed in the womb. He knows the number of our days. Nothing surprises Him. We may face trials. We may face uncertainty. We may face sorrow. But God will not leave us. He has promised us that. And his promises do not fail.
Another encouragement I hear in that song is that no matter how many times I've failed- failed Him, failed my family, failed myself, He will forgive me. His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.
Every morning I start out with such a great plan. Great hopes and a determination to be the best wife and mother I can be. And every day I fail in some way. Some days sooner and bigger than others. But what I know is this: God forgives me. Every day I have a new chance to accept His grace and be fully dependent upon Him for the tools I need to be what He wants me to be. I don't have to try to do it on my own, and I don't have to hate myself because of my failures. I am renewed in Him. Loved and treasured and saved by Him.
I hope that each of you knows His saving grace and finds comfort in the knowledge that He loves you and forgives you and carries you no matter what the situation.
Thank goodness there was no Youtube then!!!
Today I headed out on my recently restarted lunchtime run/walk and decided to listen to Steven's Declaration CD on my iPod. It's one of my favorites and has such great praise music. His words always really speak to me and knowing how his family has dealt with that horrible tragedy last year his total relience on God just means even more.
I ended up listening to the song "This Day" a couple of times. Here are some of the words:
Yesterday the sky was bright and clear
I could see the sun and I could hear the song
Faith flowed like a river free and deep and grace was not so hard to be believed
But that was yesterday
And what was close enough to touch
Now seems a world away
So what about this day
This day all His mercies are new
This day every promise is true
Father, help me to believe
Give me faith I need to know You
Who knows what tomorrow's light will bring
Tears to cry or maybe songs to sing out loud
But only God can see that far away
And He made us for living day by day
'Cause He wants us to see
That the God that He's been every day of history
Is who He is this day
What that says to me is that no matter how much our own lives change, we can know for certain that One thing will not change. God does not change. Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever." He knew us before we were formed in the womb. He knows the number of our days. Nothing surprises Him. We may face trials. We may face uncertainty. We may face sorrow. But God will not leave us. He has promised us that. And his promises do not fail.
Another encouragement I hear in that song is that no matter how many times I've failed- failed Him, failed my family, failed myself, He will forgive me. His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.
Every morning I start out with such a great plan. Great hopes and a determination to be the best wife and mother I can be. And every day I fail in some way. Some days sooner and bigger than others. But what I know is this: God forgives me. Every day I have a new chance to accept His grace and be fully dependent upon Him for the tools I need to be what He wants me to be. I don't have to try to do it on my own, and I don't have to hate myself because of my failures. I am renewed in Him. Loved and treasured and saved by Him.
I hope that each of you knows His saving grace and finds comfort in the knowledge that He loves you and forgives you and carries you no matter what the situation.
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