Night of worship...

Martie and I "Crashed a party" last Sunday night. We were going to visit our friend Rainey at the hospice center. He has been battling a frustrating disease called cancer for a while now. As we pulled up I told Martie there were probably going to be a lot of people because it was Sunday. As we walked into the main doors of the lobby we noticed people everywhere and lots of food. We were escorted to the nurses desk and asked if we were staying for the party. "Ummm, what party? We didn't know there was a party." Then we saw Rainey being pushed down to the party. We decided to stay just a bit and say hey.

I'm still not sure the details of the celebration. I just know that it was organized by one or two of the churches that Rainey plays music for and attends. The people there were so kind and begged us to eat and drink something. We spoke to several people. It was neat to see all the different people that Rainey and Laura have impacted in some way. God has used them in many areas.

Soon after everyone had food and talked for a bit, everyone gathered for worship. This was definitely the highlight of the evening. To see two people who have been through so much, worship their Lord together really does something to you. It causes you to worship. See, through the trials, through the sicknesses, God is still God. He is still in control and has a plan for everything. Rainey and Laura believe that and trust in that plan.

                                       

Martie and I both knew that it was ordained from God that we "Crashed the party." We not only got to visit with our friends, enjoy some food, but we got to worship. We worshipped with people we didn't know, we worshipped with people from other denominations, we worshipped the one and only true God who is worthy to be praised! Our friends Rainey and Laura still need our prayers. See, God is not finished with them yet. He still has a plan. We are praying for a miracle. In the end we will still thank God and trust in His plan.

But for that one night I got a taste, a small glimpse of heaven. Oh, till we worship face to face with our Savior, without sickness, without sin! Until then, come Lord Jesus, come!

Nope, not me....

Because it is that week of every month that I struggle with sin more than other times....

I did not wait until my kids were asking for breakfast before I got out of bed, I always get up before them and get my heart and attitude right before the Lord first.

I was NOT ill, ill, ill at anyone who looked at me this morning because I always, "Take every thought captive."

I did not scrub my kitchen first thing this morning, because I would never find THAT therapeutic.

I did however give all my boys haircuts this morning, but I did not grumble under my breath when my husband promised a water fight when we were finished. I always support fun and messy activities that support creativity.

Because I always get up before my children, I did not wait until 11:45 to get in the shower.

I got back in town from my mom's retreat on Sunday. I of course unpacked everything as soon as I returned. Therefore, I did not forget to put deoderent on today because it's not in it's "normal" place.

I also did not forget to put my contacts in today.

I was not rushing out the door to not be late to my CC Essentials training today. I always leave with plenty of time to arrive and be settled early. That is not when I realized I didn't have my contacts in.

I did not keep going anyways and decide to just swing by CVS and grab some deoderent. No way, I have a strict routine of getting ready.

I did not grab a Pepsi Max for lunch while at CVS. I made sure I had a well balanced lunch with my family before I darted out the door.

I AM NOT typing this as I'm sitting in my CC Essenitials training. I always pay close attention and find it very rude when people are distracted by things like silly blogs.

NOPE NOT ME!

Intolerable behaviors....

Our social worker came today for our last "Official" home visit. She looked through the house and talked with all the children. It was a very nice and encouraging visit. During the time here she asked a very good question that left me thinking,

"What behaviors would you say were intolerable?"

I don't think Martie and I fully understood what she was wanting at first. I said that we would expect all behaviors, while Martie said sexual abuse. Then she clarified. "What behaviors would we not accept in our home." To state it more bluntly, what behaviors would you send a child back for doing?

We both assured her that we expect the child/children that come into our home to have issues. (Physical, sexual, emotional..) Sin is sin. These children have lived with or been exposed to most of it. Most of them don't know what unconditional love is and they are going to push and test just to see if we "Pass the test." There will be a honeymoon period and then they/we will get comfortable. We will have to trust in the Lord EVERY STEP OF THE WAY! 

Some children that are in the system now have been known to be fire starters, abuse animals, play with their feces, abuse sexually... I strongly believe these and other behaviors are a reflection of what lies within the heart.  I am convinced the real problem is hidden there. Fortunately, we know the Great Physician, Jesus! He is a/the heart surgeon. 

There was a time in my own life where I did what was only pleasing in my own eyes, without concern for others. Boy, am I glad that Jesus tolerated my behaviors while preforming heart surgery on me. Did He like my decisions, was He happy with the way I was living my life? NO! But He was patient, loving, kind, compassionate, humble, and forgiving. He opened my eyes to my need for Him. He performed open heart surgery on me. He took my cold and hard heart and changed it into something much greater than I could ever imagine. 

Will parenting a child with a broken past and intolerable behaviors make me want to quit? Maybe. But I hope and pray that I ALWAYS remember the cross. I hope I never forget how much of my own sin that He took upon the cross. Then, just maybe, I'll be patient, loving, kind, compassionate, humble, and forgiving just as He. 

Memorial Day

The day we honor any man or woman who died during active military service. Thanks doesn't seem enough. You often seem to be forgotten. 

American Revolutionary War

1775-1783

25,000

War of 1812

1812-1815

~20,000

Mexican-American War

1846-1848

13,283

Civil War

1861-1865

~625,000

Spanish-America War

1898

2,446

World War 1

1917-1918

116,516

World War 2

1941-1945

405,399                         

Korean War                                   1950-1953          36,516

  Vietnam War                                1955-1975           58,209

Afghanistan (ongoing)

2001-

2,145(11/2012)

Iraq

2003-2011

4,486

Because of your sacrifice we have freedom! We live in a great country, because of your selfless acts. You have painted a beautiful picture of what Christ did for us, "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Again, I think we forget or we don't fully understand what our lives would be like without the fight. Without you I might not be able to:

• Vote
• Teach my children at home
• Worship the one and only True Living God.
• Work outside the home
• Obtain a great education
• Have anything I want at my fingertips
• Own a gun
• Own our house
• Defend myself in court
• Adopt
• Have medical options
• The freedom to say whatever I want, and you get the freedom to disagree.

Thank you times a million. On this Memorial Day I will teach my children, I will pray, and I will praise God for our military, our government, our freedoms, and my family!

Spontaneous, Spectacular, Saturday

Martie was working today and Taylor wasn't home. That left me and the kiddos alone for this beautiful Saturday. We started the morning off at Tabitha's 9:00 am T-ball game. We all cheered on our star and enjoyed the honeysuckles surrounding the ballfield.

It was far too nice to go straight home. After a rainy week and lots of indoor time, I decided to find something for us to do. Strawberries!!! Yes!!! Perfect!!! When you have 6 kids you learn fast that you can't plan as much as you would like. Some things are better when they're spontaneous. I only told the children to stay buckled while I ran in the house to grab the camera and some baskets. We were then off to Jean's Berry Patch. By the time we arrived they had guessed where we were going. Unfortunately, we pulled in to park only to discover the strawberries were "sold out." At a berry patch that just means picked through for the day.

I immediately asked the children if they wanted to go on an adventure. (That means I have nothing else planned) They were disappointed about the berry patch, but excited to see what lie ahead. Being so near Jordan Lake, I decided a hike was in store. I drove to the nearest and only gas station and picked up lunch. (Potato chips, peanut butter crackers, cheese crackers, and drinks)

We then pulled off the side of the road onto a gravel path. This led straight to the water where there was a pier and several fishermen. This was a familiar spot, meaning I'd been there once. The girlscout in me came alive. I used one of the baskets I'd brought for strawberries and packed our "lunch", drinks, our small first aid kit, a couple diapers and wipes, and my bible.

Then we set off toward the woods. I loved seeing Ethan step up when daddy wasn't around. He was trooper. We took turns taking care of Seth and holding the basket.

 We hiked and talked and hiked... We found a great spot to stop and eat. 

Healthy lunch!

 After eating the kids and I found a perfect spot to sit in the sun, play with the water, and in some dirt. That's when I decided it was a perfect time to read God's Word to them. I read Psalm 104. The chapter starts off saying, "Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great..."It goes on to talk about creation and how the Lord cares over all His works. I asked the kids to look around and tell me some things they see that God created. We continued by praising Him and singing a bit.

 During our hike we only had to face 7 ticks (that I could find so far) and one snake! I only screamed (out loud and really loud) at the first tick that I saw (crawling on me). By the 7th I had complete dominion over those little blood suckers, crushing their little heads with anything I could find. (bottle cap, rock, and even my nail) EEEEKKKKK!!! Did I ever mention how much I despise ticks. They are certainly left from the plagues. I never saw the snake for myself. But I totally believe Ethan. I don't recall ever seeing him that scared. I lined the children up, went ahead of them, and we walked briskly on the trail, watching our every step.

At the end of our hike we went around and said what was our favorite part of the day. Mine of course, was spending this precious and priceless time with my children. In the end, ticks and all, I sing with the Psalmist:

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, Praise the Lord!" Psalm 104:35

Tabitha Ruth is finally 5!!!

Tabitha has been counting the days until her birthday. We are so excited to celebrate the day with her!

The day we found out we were having another girl, everyone was so excited. (Especially Taylor) I remember buying a pink balloon and picking the other kids up from the Trunicks house after Martie and I found out. Tabitha brought our family to 2 boys and 2 girls.

Tabitha was/is our only thumb sucker. (Although she said when she's five she won't do it anymore) She was the easiest and fastest to potty train. Independent, fast learner, eager in everything, beautiful, helpful, loving, kind, funny, clumsy (I hate to give her the label, but she just can't help it)... Those are just a few adjectives to describe our princess.

Tabitha is all girl. She wants to do very girly things like fix her hair, paint her nails, and get dressed up. Then before you blink she's in the mud with the boys or on the ball field hitting balls and running bases.  Her brothers are her best buddies. She IS "Taylor's girl." I imagine they will be life long best friends. Carissa looks up to her and wants to copy everything she does. Tabitha is so helpful with Seth. He loves to give her hugs and kisses.

Mommy and Daddy love you princess! You are a blessing to us. Always remember, "You are fearfully and wonderfully made!"

Happy 5th Birthday!!!!

Mud day, Fun day!

It was a beautiful Spring morning. Everyone was in a fantastic mood. Mommy decided the time had come for haircuts. All the children obeyed and looked nice and neat with their cool new styles. Mommy and the children enjoyed the sunshine while eating breakfast on the deck. Soon after, each child got all cleaned up with a bath. 

As the school day was about to begin, a turtle was discovered! (The second turtle in 2 weeks)

 This led to a photo shoot by the family photographer, Daddy.

 Together everyone set the turtle free in the creek and then enjoyed lunch together. 

While Mommy was cleaning up from lunch, the children decided to check on the turtle. 

 They built their new friend, Buddy, a fort. The walls were perfect for a small reptile such as he or she. 

 So caring, loving, and gentle were these sweet children. 

 But somehow, caring for the tutle turned into this...

 and this...

 aaaand this......

 That's okay, Mommy fixed all the problems by this....

 and this.....

 aaaaand this.....

Needless to say, the formal studies of the day didn't get completed. However, we learned that turtles like to swim, mud can look like war paint, you can create shaving cream by spitting on your muddy legs and rubbing it in, rain boots make good buckets, sometimes your allowed to get undressed outside,  paying for mud treatments is overrated, and lastly mom's can be cool!