I will boast about my weakness...

I have to share a little on our family time from yesterday. Yes, I said yesterday's family time. Today's reading was good, but God is really reminding me of yesterdays. So we're reading in 2 Corinthians 12. Paul was talking about someone, probably in the church that was a real "thorn in his flesh", actually he goes on to say a "messenger of Satan". He's complaining to God and asking Him to get rid of the thorn. He actually asks God three times.

Here is God's answer, vs. 9-10 "And He has said to me, " My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Then Paul responds, "most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong."

WOW! Do I have to say anything??? God is GREAT, and His grace is SUFFICIENT!

Family time

For those of you who have toddlers, you know "family time" can be interesting. Our family time is each morning before Martie heads off to work. We sit, sometimes sing, read the bible, discuss, and pray. There are some mornings where Martie just looks around and says, "is anyone listening"? I know that can be frustrating. However, most mornings everyone is pretty obedient. It is a time I think they have just become used to having.

Martie and I have also been talking about how sometimes it doesn't seem like the children are listening and then when you don't expect it they tell you something you've been reading. So this morning we were in 2 Corinthians 9. We were discussing vs. 6, where it talks about sowing and reaping. So we were explaining that reaping is the same as harvesting. (remember they love helping in the garden) My bright Ethan says, "like harvest moon". Ummmm, no. I'm not sure who harvest moon is, but I think it's a cartoon. Taylor just told me its a book we read. I don't remember.

Then we go to talk about the rest of the chapter. Picture this we are into this really great discussion about God providing, our obedience, our witness... Once again my ever so bright Ethan says, "the cat was chasing the mouse". WHAT!!!!! "Yep, just like on Tom and Jerry" We don't even get Tom and Jerry on our T.V. Where is he getting this stuff??? Well there is hope in the Lord. (and only He knows if Ethan got anything we were discussing)

I love ending in prayer. Daddy says, "who wants to pray". Everyday both boys raise their hands and say, "ME"!!! It's so cute. One of us follows after them in closing prayer. So that's a glimpse into how our days begin. I hope you are making just as many precious memories.

Keep praying...

Luke Johnston (19) is now at home with the Lord. Praise and Glory to Him. As we are sad and his family is mourning, I pray that we can reflect on God's goodness, knowing that He is sovereign. I pray that this situation will lead others to Christ. I pray that others may turn from their ways and begin to live their life totally sold out to the Maker of the Universe.

Please continue to pray for Luke's family. He has 3 younger siblings. His parents are amazing, and their love for the Lord shines. You can still read info. from his care page.

Pray....

This is the care page for Luke Johnston, the young man that I have asked several of you to pray for. The parents are faced with a terrible decision to make. Please pray that God would give them wisdom. We were at the lake with other people from our homeschool co-op when this incident happened.

Thanks for praying!!!

You will need to register using your email to view his page, but it's very easy.
http://www.carepages.com/carepages/153989/invitations/28642/7becc8feb0a0c381c58aa6beaf3b00800be42d04

Yesterday at the park

Martie had orientation yesterday at school. While he was in his "not so exciting" lectures, the kids and I went to the library, the park, and Walmart to get candy and soda. I think we had more fun than he did.

Later that afternoon we joined him for the reception to meet the Dr. Akin and the other professors. That was interesting, especially trying to keep a 2 and 3 year old still and on their best behavior.

I also discovered they have a Women's certificate program they offer, which is free to seminary wives. Get this, THEY OFFER CHILDCARE! Whoopee!!!! So, I jumped on this offer. Our Thursdays will soon be exhausting. We have our co-op from 9-3 and then we'll drive to W.F. for my "classes" from 7-9. I'm so excited. I wish Martie didn't have to work at night so he could spend that time with the children. If anyone knows a way for a family of six to get free health insurance let me know. Then Martie can quit good ol' UPS.

Happy 2nd B-Day Andrew!!!

Andrew Chase is officially 2 years old. (Aug. 2) I can't believe how fast two years goes by. It was also just two years ago that I stepped away from my career to stay at home with my children. I was working the night I had sweet Andrew. I didn't know that would be my last night "working". Staying home with all of our children has been such a blessing, and at the same time more work than I had ever experienced. I have also learned that this work is the most important work. Training my children up to love God and enjoy Him forever. (what a task?) It is a job I take very seriously. I fail daily, but with God's grace I press on.

With that said... I love my little Andrew. I often refer to him as my "little monkey". (I am quickly corrected by my handsome hubby) He has been the child that I have to truly look after, all the time. You'll never know where you might find Andrew. (in the toilet, in my cabinets with everything pulled out, sitting in my crock pot, on top of the counter eating Taylor's cake...) Yes my crock pot was off, it was sitting beside the cabinet waiting to be put away. Thank God for siblings who help keep an eye on this quick and curious little boy. Andrew's smile and laugh are contagious. He is so handsome, and is growing up so much. He's talking a lot more, even saying some sentences. He has also been the slowest at talking. I think his brother and sister do a lot of the talking for him.

I once heard Ethan introducing himself and Andrew to a little girl. He said, "hi my name is Ethan, and this is my brother Andrew, and he doesn't talk". Well I guess not, Ethan loves to answer for him. He is shy around new people. He loves mommy, but is definitely a daddy's boy. During VBS he stayed with daddy all the time. Through all the bible studies he sat on daddy's lap. Anything Martie is doing, you'll find Andrew two steps behind. (mowing grass, fixing stuff, teaching bible studies...)

Did I mention, I love my little Andrew!!!! Happy 2nd birthday buddy! Mommy, Daddy and your brother and sisters love you so much. I thank God for blessing me with such a sweet boy.

And lastly, "you're my favorite Andrew in the whole world"!