Deuteronomy 6:5-9

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Christmas time and Convictions

I normally get really stressed out this time of year. 

Do we buy gifts or not?
Do we buy extended family gifts or not?
Where are we going when?
Money????
Christmas tree?
How can I keep the kids focused on the real reason we celebrate?
Should we just take a trip and avoid the whole holiday?
How can we make everyone happy?

I hope my kids don't see those catalogs. 
How can I teach my kids that it's not all about them?
Materialism...
Commercialism...
Consumerism...
We don't need more stuff...

*Deep breath* This is the first year in a long time that I can say that I don't feel stressed out. Yes, we're buying gifts. We're even buying gifts for extended family. For so long I have fought internally only to arrive back at square one. Several of my friends do different things for Christmas to keep the focus on Christ and off of self. I appreciate their thoughts and ideas. Each year I pray, I cry, I talk...

I have to confess, I naturally lean towards legalism. I love rules, laws, order... If someone tells me it should be so, then it needs to be just so. I've always struggled in the gray areas. I want Jesus himself to come down and tell me: "Don't let your kids watch T.V.", "Avoid all man designed holidays," "Dress like this," "Talk like this..." So when I don't hear from Jesus himself I start listening to others convictions and start putting them on myself. In reality this only makes me miserable. There are times where I have felt totally weighed down by my thoughts or "Rules" that I thought I should follow.

Galatians 5:1-4 "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace." 

Why do I love this "Yoke of slavery?" Why do I enjoy the chains of sin? Is my comfort in the works of my flesh or the grace of my God?

I have to confess, I have been to comfortable with my deeds and not my faith. Galatians 5:16-18 "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law."

Here I find myself, preaching the gospel to myself again. I cannot do anything to earn God's love for me. My "righteous" works are like filthy garments to Him. He is the potter and I am the clay. When and how did I get to the place in my life that I thought I actually had something to do with my salvation or my sanctification?

God made me! God loves me! Jesus (who is God) came to this earth (which He also created) to live a perfect life and then take the punishment that I deserve. He died a painful and horrible death so that I would not have to. Death was my consequence for every wrong thing I've ever done. He chose to take that for me! Three days after His death He was raised to life so that I could also be raised to life. By believing in Him, confessing and turning from the things in my life that do not please Him... I am saved! He is mine and I am His. I will one day live with Him forever. I am no longer a slave to sin. 

Yes, my struggle is still real. My sin just looks differently. God is teaching me so much about myself. It is painful but I know it is for my good. This Christmas we are celebrating! We are celebrating a risen Lord! I am going to seek Him and let the Spirit lead my convictions. 

Galatians 6:3-4 "For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another."

Monday, November 19, 2012

Thanksgiving Feast

Each year our CC group has a Thanksgiving Feast on the last week of the semester. We give the children the option of dressing up. They can wear the traditional Thanksgiving clothes or dress as any historical character.

This year Ethan, Andrew, and Tabitha were Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Sacagawea (Bird Woman). 


 For the costumes we were able to use their Indian costumes from last year. We just added a few things to give the explorer look.

For their classroom presentations the kids all told information about their character. After our feast all the children went to the front so the mom's could take pictures. Then they sang the CC timeline song.

We had an awesome day!







Saturday, November 17, 2012

Thank you Pinterest

 I love Pinterest. I wish all these marvelous ideas came to me naturally. I will happily confess that I'm not creative. So any outside sources are welcome in my home. The second problem is finding time to search out these perfect projects and then carry them out.

This is one project that I saw a while back and I actually followed through with it. This is our "Thankful tree." Besides thinking it looks great on my (still) bare walls, it has been so much fun for our little "Blessings." My kiddo's are begging to add things to our tree each day. It has been fun watching them think and tell me some of the things in which they are thankful.
This is one of my favorites. I'm talking about the "Mommy" leaf, not the "Candy Bars" leaf. ;)


Cousins was added twice, because 2 of my precious boys insisted they both put it on the tree. Oh, how they LOVE their cousins. 


 Yes, one of my children is especially thankful for guns. That same child is thankful for Jesus.
I am praying that the children remember these moments. I love making these memories with them. I am so blessed and THANKFUL that I get to stay home with them and be their teacher. This is getting me excited about our Jesse Tree.

Monday, November 5, 2012

10 things I love about our CC group

In case you're unfamiliar with the acronym CC; it stands for Classical Conversations. Our Durham group meets on Monday's at Kings Park. Our younger children's curriculum is based around the Foundations program.

I left our group today with so much joy and thankfulness that I decided to write a top 10 list titled,

"Things I love about our CC group"

10. I have accountability each week.
9. My kids have great friends.
8. I love the flexibility and the structure of the curriculum. (Yes, you can have both)
7. A break in the week from being my kids only teacher.
6  Lunch and playtime.
5. Science experiments!
4. Art projects & tin whistle!
3. The families! We have REALLY great families!
2. Our tutors totally ROCK! They love the children, they are passionate about learning and teaching, and they love Jesus!

1. The moms! Seriously, I think I would join just for the fellowship. The mom's in our group love, serve, pray, and hold accountable like no other group of mom's I've ever met. They have taught me so much. I love our friendships. I don't feel like there is pressure or competition. We laugh often, cry some, and spur each other on. The mom's in our group show me Jesus!





Friday, November 2, 2012

Taylor

My Taylor.......

She'll be 15 in a few days. *sigh* I've been thinking or reflecting quite a bit about her 14 years 362 days of life. Wow! Where did the time go? Carissa went in Taylor's box of pictures tonight. She dumped out half the box. I had them all separated by date/age. So there I sat looking through years of pictures, re-separating them, and enjoying the memories.

The first years of her life went fast. I worked a lot and went to school. I wanted to do everything "right" for her. It was Taylor that God used to truly save me. I remember taking her to church on Sundays. She was always excited to go to, "The church that had donuts." (New Horizons)

I met Martie a month after Taylor turned 2. Although he was an answer to prayer, he was not where the Lord wanted him to be. (and neither was I) However God did something truly radical with two rebellious people. He caused us to fall in love with Jesus as we fell in love with each other. We were married when Taylor was 4. They also shared vows during our ceremony.

I started homeschooling Taylor in the 2nd grade. I didn't know how that was going to go and I was scared to death. However, the Lord had showed me clearly that I was to teach her. That first year we did everything I could think of. I wanted to check off every box, attend every field trip, and make lot's of friends.

Skipping ahead... Taylor is now in her 9th grade year! We have continued to teach her at home. God has blessed our obedience to Him. Don't get me wrong, it's been hard. Whenever you're with your children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, teaching them, correcting them.... it is going to be hard. We have seen the worst of each other, but hopefully we've both witnessed the Lord's work in all those moments.

Taylor is a beautiful young adult. She is independent, responsible, selfless...I have enjoyed watching her grow and become who God has designed her to be. She is artistic. Last year she taught herself how to play the guitar. She can draw. Her cooking/baking skills blow me out of the water. Did I mention she keeps me in line with fashion?

People tell me how lucky I am to have a "Helper." I always cringe with that word. Taylor is my daughter just like my other children. She is not (necessarily) my "Helper." The things she does for me and her siblings she enjoys and does so willingly. I try to protect her individuality. She has such a special bond with each of her brothers and sisters. (That could be a blog in itself)

God has used Taylor to teach me so many things like:
  1. Smile more
  2. Listen more
  3. Be spontaneous
  4. Make dessert (Just because)
  5. Rest
  6. Love Jesus
  7. Trust Jesus
  8. Forgive
  9. Have fun
  10. Laugh
  11. Sing 
  12. Try any recipe (at least once)
  13. Serve
  14. Talk, ask questions
  15. Pray
This will be a crazy month. She got her braces off yesterday. She'll be getting her driver's permit next week. We've planned out her High School path. As I type this Martie is researching law schools. She wants to eventually go to Law School. Taylor is focused and I know that she will and can do anything she puts her mind to. We are praying that the Lord will continue to direct her steps and that He will use her for His glory.

No matter what Taylor Alise will always be my baby girl. I am so proud of her and will continue to support her as she grows in her "Adult" life. I am so excited to celebrate her 15 years of life this month. I thank God for trusting me to be her momma.

Monday, October 15, 2012

To blog or not to blog...

A friend and I were talking today. I mentioned that I stopped blogging. There are so many reasons. I don't think you would be interested at all to know the reasons, so I'll spare you. One thing she said stood out to me, "Blogging can be therapeutic." I agree. It is like journaling, except people are reading. Maybe I don't like the feeling of being vulnerable. I do however think it can be beneficial.

Blogging has allowed me to be open and honest. It has allowed the world to see how I live, my struggles, the joy, and ultimately my walk. So I come to the question, "To blog or not to blog?" I'll make no promises, but I think I'll give it another shot.

Here's quick update on our life:
We are in our 8th year of homeschooling. Taylor will be 15 in Nov. and she is in the 9th grade. Ethan will be 8 in Dec. and is in the 2nd grade. Andrew is 6 and in 1st grade. Tabitha is 4 and is doing PK work, although she would love to be doing K, 1st, or 2nd grade work. Carissa is 2 and she jumps from table to table during school. Seth is 9 months old and he still takes two naps a day (10-12 and 2-4).

I am still directing Classical Conversations of Durham. I love our community and am so blessed by the families that are involved. They hold me accountable, encourage me, and pray for me. The moms and children have taught me and showed me how to really love Jesus and walk with Him daily.

Martie is still the pastor at Parkwood Baptist Church. We've recently had many changes. We've adopted a new Constitution and new bylaws. God has continued to show us His goodness through this ministry. We are so thankful for the members at PBC. I am encouraged by their love for God, for one another, and their passion for spreading the gospel.

We are still pursuing adoption. We are currently waiting for the paperwork to be completed by Social Services. My love and passion for the fatherless has only increased during this process.I am more passionate about seeing the adoption and foster care system reformed. I pray that one day our churches will take back the responsibility for caring for these precious children.

That's a quick update, I'm sure I'll have a new update soon! Thanks for reading!

Monday, May 14, 2012

A mother's confession

A MOTHER'S CONFESSION!

I am not languishing. I am not deceived. I have a vision. I know who I am and who God created me to be. I know my purpose. I am walking in the perfect will of God.

I know it’s not easy, but I’ve counted the cost. My goal is set. How could my career be easy when I am influencing a nation for God, generations to come--and eternity? How can it be easy when I am destroying the... plans of the devil? Such is the power of my God-mandated career, the highest calling ever given to women—motherhood.

I have embraced my calling. I am not intimidated by my antagonists. I will not be moved. My heart is fixed. I may be hidden in my home, but look out world! I am sharpening my arrows. I am getting them ready to shoot forth and destroy the adversary. In the power and anointing of God, I am advancing God’s Kingdom. 

-Nancy Campbell (Above Rubies)

Monday, April 23, 2012

Homeschooling Free 3 day practicum

Come join our Classical Conversations communities of the Triangle region as they host this free 3-day practicum for families interested in classical education and learning how it can encourage and bless home schooling families.

Join us for timely conversations about timeless ideas. In our morning sessions, we will learn more about how to implement a classical, Christian education at home. We will delve into Latin and history . . . the whole story of the human endeavor. Morning sessions will include rich discussions and teaching practice. Afternoon facilitators will guide you through the challenge of homeschooling through high school. We will catch the high school vision as well as discussing practical matters like Latin, language, testing, and credits.

Camps will be offered for students ages 0-14 for a small fee.

Camps available -

Nursery (0–2 years)
Classical Conversations commits to providing quality nursery care for your infants and toddlers so you can enjoy your Parent Practicum. Before dropping off your child, please label all personal belongings. Parents are welcome to pick up and drop off infants as needed.
PLEASE BRING: Any needed baby items in a labeled bag and a bottle and/or cup with your child’s name clearly marked. A snack will be provided daily.

Play Camp (3–5 years)
Designed for preschool students, our play camps are a mixture of play, simple art activities, and memory work chanting. Your children will enjoy this time and may learn a few grammar pegs in the process!
PLEASE BRING: Any needed items in a labeled bag and a water bottle and/or cup with your child’s name clearly marked. A snack will be provided daily.

Geo-Drawing Camp (6–8 years)
During our popular Geo-Drawing Camp, your children will spend three days drawing and mastering the geography of the earth, including the major features and political boundaries of the continents.  Facilitators will teach the classical model and drawing skills in order to help your students complete their projects.  We use techniques from Mona Brooks Drawing with Children; your child is sure to love attending this camp!
STUDENTS SHOULD BRING:  Two good erasers, a ruler or straight edge, two pencils, and a daily snack with water bottle.

Writing: Student Intensive B
Writing Camp facilitators will use materials from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). Children will have an excellent time honing their writing skills and learning new writing techniques. These intensive camps cover more structures and styles as students improve their writing and prepare for more advanced writing assignments. (Bring your favorite thesaurus.)
REQUIRED RESOURCES: IEW’s Student Intensive Notebook B (available at the onesite practicum bookstore or from the online CC bookstore:  http://www.classicalconversationsbooks.com/iewstwo1.html
STUDENTS SHOULD BRING:  pencils, paper, daily snack with water bottle
  Teen helpers are also needed.  If your teen is too old for our academic camps, we would love to have him or her help out.  Just register under teen helper and we will be in touch.

Please note that we plan our staffing needs according to registrations in order to provide a safe, structured learning atmosphere for our students. You may cancel your registration up to one month before the event and receive a full refund. Should you not be able to attend for any reason after that time, your registration is transferable to another practicum this summer, but is not refundable.

https://www.classicalconversations.com/3-day-practicums/icalrepeatdetail/2012/05/14/12075/27/durham-nc-3-day-practicum

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Six?????

Yep, six.

Did you plan or want six?
Sure.

How do you do it all?
Grace.

You're home all day by yourself with all six?
Yep.

What are their names and ages?
Taylor 14
Ethan 7
Andrew 5
Tabitha 3
Carissa 19 months
Seth 7 weeks

You homeschool?
Yep.

How?
Grace.

You must be exhausted.
Better you than me.
Good luck...

Okay, so seriously I've had more comments and questions than I've ever had about the size of our family lately. I didn't realize how "strange" we appear. People stare, they comment, they ask questions... Martie doesn't mind it, he enjoys it, sometimes I see him smiling as if he were saying, "Look at us." I would rather be invisible. As I've gotten older I don't really like attention. However I know Martie's response is the correct one. We are blessed. God has chosen to give us six beautiful and healthy children. He has trusted us to raise and teach them to love and fear Him. What an awesome responsibility and privilege.

I know it's strange. We live in a culture where we are taught daily children are a burden. They get in the way of what we want to do. They cost too much. They're a lot of work. We can't do it. I can tell you God has always provided for us whether it be in strength, finances, wisdom...

I know most people ask questions and stare because they're curious. Well I want to seriously answer some of the questions we get asked.
  1. Is it much different with six? The biggest difference (I think) was from two children to three children. After that there's been no big changes. (except with laundry)
  2. How do you do it all day by yourself? I said earlier, "Grace." Well, that is true. God gives me what I need each day. 
  3. What does a typical day look like? Well there is an "Ideal" day and a "Typical" day. Ideal is what I have scheduled. Seriously I can give anyone a chart, a schedule, and a list. (just ask my family) Getting up early myself, spending an hour or so in the Word and prayer. Getting the children up, chores, school, lunch, nap, gym, dinner, family bible, baths, and bed. Now for the typical day (which is the ideal (or scheduled) day with my sin sprinkled throughout) Me waking up late because of middle of the night feedings, tell the kids to do their chores, sit down to eat breakfast and read the word (quickly while again telling the kids to do their chores), me getting everyone else breakfast, shower, again reminding the children to please finish their chores, Martie leaves, I have a little panic, then I remind Andrew that I'm going to set the timer if he can not stay focused and finish his chores, then I wake up Taylor who says, "5 more minutes, pleeeeease." I huff and walk away, change Carissa and get her dressed, eventually we start school (way later then I wanted to), stop at 12:00 to eat lunch with Martie, afternoon is spent finishing school, cleaning, laundry, and starting dinner. We eat around 6 and the kids go to bed at 8.  So I like to say it's organized chaos. I/we are definitely a work in progress.
  4. Do all the kids get along? Yes. I mean they are brothers and sisters. They do argue or fight over things. But overall my kids are each others best friends. 
  5. Do the kids pair up with each other? Depends on the day and/or mood of each child. Carissa usually goes between following me around and hanging out with the middle three. (Ethan, Andrew, and Tabitha) Taylor and Tabitha have a very special bond, so do Ethan and Andrew, Tabitha and Andrew play really well together, and they all love Seth, Carissa makes us all laugh... So I guess the answer is no. They don't "pair up" with each other. They all play well with the others.
  6. Aren't you exhausted? Well the definition of exhausted is, "Completely drained of one's physical or mental resources; completely used up." So no, I am NOT exhausted. Sure I'm tired, but the Lord fills me. I could never be completely used up, because He equips me to do the work that He has called me to do. 
  7. You are superwoman! This is not a question, but people say this to be often. I am NOT superwoman. I just handle the work that God has given me. He is the one that is Super and I need Him daily. (minute by minute) If you don't believe me reread number 4. I fail (too often). I have to ask my kids to forgive me. (too often) I have to ask my husband to forgive me. (too often) But there is grace, sweet sweet grace. I thank the Lord for His grace and mercy that He continues to lavish upon me.
Yep, six.
...and we're adopting...praying and waiting to see how the Lord continues to use us. I am going to try to embrace the stares, the comments and questions. I am blessed and I am proud to have my six beautiful and healthy babies.

Psalm 90:16-17 "Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your majesty to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands; yes confirm the work of our hands."

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Top ten things I've learned about being a consignor...

  1. Don't wait until the week of the "Sale" to start organizing your goods.
  2. You must have a friend who is willing to show you the ropes and even take some of your things home to tag because you (ugghh) waited until the week of.
  3. Get all the supplies you need ahead of time instead of sending your husband on a wild goose chase the ummm week of. (zip ties, hangers, safety pins...)
  4. Did I mention you really should plan ahead so your kids don't get a week off from school because you decided to do a consignment sale. 
  5. Have a place that you are going to organize and tag so you're not moving ALL the clothes from room to room depending on the guests that are stopping by. 
  6. Make sure your not hosting small groups at your house the week of the consignment sale.
  7. Make sure all the clothes (even maternity) are separated by size and keep those sizes together with a rubber band when preparing to take your things to the sale. This also keeps you from looking like a fool when you have your clothes all laid out on the floor when you get there. 
  8. Take pictures of the experience during the week so you can laugh later. Now I don't have any evidence of my adventure.
  9. Make sure you don't need to use that changing table for a while as it will be your make do desk. 
  10. When dropping your items off, try to take everything the first drop off time. Never and I mean NEVER wait until the very last drop off time and run in like a crazy person 30 minutes before they close and 30 minutes before your nursing baby is ready to eat. This is not enjoyable for anyone involved. 
Oh, I have one more important one:
    11. Make sure you plan out your weeks worth of meals so you're not having to eat out every night which means any money you may make at the consignment sale was already spent on going out to eat almost every night.

Let's just say this has been a learning experience. Now all I can say is, "Show me the money!" Happy consigning!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Classical Conversations

Many of you know that our family has been involved with Classical Conversations for several years. I wanted to let you know what that really means. I also wanted to give you some information about our group if you are interested.

"Classical Conversations is a nationwide network of classical, Christian communities providing academic programs, events, and services to local home school communities, parents, and educators." Classical Conversations of Durham meets once a week, on Thursdays at Braggtown Baptist Church, and provides a committed Christian community of structure and support, along with great fellowship for the students and parents.  Each of our programs utilizes the classical tools of learning and emphasizes life-long learning skills. We believe that education finds its purpose and culmination in knowing God and making Him known, and we believe that parents are the primary educators of their children.

Each week the children learn new memory work including a history sentence, time line, Latin, English grammar, Science fact, Math, and Geography. There is also a time of fine arts which include 6 weeks of drawing, 6 weeks of music theory and tin whistle, 6 weeks of great artists and projects, and another 6 weeks learning about some composers and the orchestra. Lastly the children participate in 24 weeks of science projects.

Our group is hosting an open house Thursday, March 8th. During this time the parents and children are welcome to attend and spend the day with us. We are having an information meeting Tuesday, March 13th at 7 pm. This is a time when the parents come to learn more about the program and ask any questions they might have. If you are interested you can email me at ccofdurham@gmail.com.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Introducing Mr. Seth Alexander Mangum

Family picture before meeting our sweet Seth.


Introducing Mr. Seth Alexander
7 lbs. 14 oz.
18 1/2" long
Born at 8:04 am on January 5, 2012



The kiddo's meeting their brother for the first time.
 

My boys



Daddy giving Seth his first bath.



 Cleaned up, fed, wide awake, and happy to be here!

We have so much to be thankful for this morning. Our family has been struggling with sinus infections for the last month. The week before surgery Martie started getting worse. Last Sunday he went to urgent care to get meds. The day before we came to the hospital I was already having some early labor symptoms and Martie was terribly sick. The antibiotics made him sick and he was not getting any relief. Needless to say we were frustrated at the timing. We asked many people to pray for us, and God was faithful to answer those requests. The next morning we both woke up and felt great! Martie didn't have any sinus pressure and the other symptoms were completely gone! Truly a miracle. 

Everything went great with surgery. We've had wonderful nurses. Seth was/is completely healthy. He didn't require any extra oxygen, lights, or anything. It was perfect. He rode with me in the bed back to our room, and he nursed like a champ. I am healing well, just dealing with the normal post surgery symptoms.

Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us.




Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Last 24 hours... my thoughts

Well this time tomorrow I will be holding our new son.

God is good!

Not only because He has blessed us with another child. He is good in all things! This baby is just another reason I praise Him. There are a million emotions running through me right now. (anticipation, excitement, joy, sadness...) I want to truly enjoy these last 24 hours with my baby safe inside me. What comfort it brings me to feel those kicks and turns. Sure I've done my share of complaining this pregnancy. It is not easy. Oh, but the blessing. It's amazing how quickly you forget all the bad or uncomfortable moments.

God is good!

I don't always understand why God does the things He does. Why did He bless me with 6 children? Why are there women that can't have babies? Why are there women who have difficulty staying pregnant? I don't know. It breaks my heart to think of those friends. BUT, I don't question God. His plans, His purposes are perfect. I know that He is the creator of life, and only He is in control of opening and closing the womb. That brings me peace.

God is good!

I have a lot of anxiety about tomorrow. This will be my 5th C-section. Those details are for a later blog. I hate surgery. However, God has used my deliveries to show me that I am NOT in control. I can honestly say when I'm in surgery it's the one time in my life that I feel completely helpless. I don't have anything to do with anything going on. I am completely in the hands of others. For someone who struggles with control issues (sin) this is very difficult. Most women would blame Eve about now, however I can relate to her struggles (sin). Who am I to say that I would not have fed the fruit to my husband? Whatever happens tomorrow morning, no matter the complications or lack of complications...

God is good!

I will miss this feeling. Yep, all those things I've complained about, I'll miss them. The first time you see that precious baby on the ultrasound, the heart beating, the flutters, when you can see hands, toes, a face on the ultrasound, the forceful kicks that keep you up... I am always amazed to see the different stages of pregnancy. It brings true meaning to the verse: Psalm 139:13-14 "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.  I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works..."

God You are good!!! (and my soul knows it well)

When I became a Christian (in my 20's), God completely changed my view on children. I no longer believe the world's lies that children are a nuisance, they hold you back from your own hopes/dreams, you can't have more than 2 or 3, you have to have super powers to have more than 2 or 3... God has given us each one of our children to raise for His glory. My children are not "my" children. He has loaned them to me for a very important purpose. He enables me to teach them, to train them, to love them... He uses them to sanctify me. My "hopes/dreams" are different now. I am thankful that my life doesn't stop here on this earth, this is merely the race. My reward is Jesus, my eternity is with Him! Then I will rest, I will worship, I will truly live!  "I'll stand by what I said and I'll say it again, I don't want to raise successful children. Because --- raising God-honoring adults who will set the world on fire for Christ is just so much more rewarding." -Lysa TerKeurst I love that quote, and I believe it! I know that's strange, but if my kids grow up to become famous, rich, successful but don't know Christ then I have failed. I pray that whatever path my children pursue they realize that is their ministry. God has them where they are for a reason. I pray my children love Jesus more than anything in this world. I hope they too can ignore what the world tells them and do crazy, radical things for God.

I know this post is very random and does not flow in thought. But remember, I am having a baby tomorrow. Today I can still use that as an excuse for being totally random. ;-)

Today I am going to enjoy these last hours of bringing another little blessing into this world. Tomorrow I am going to pray for everything I need to raise another Mangum baby for His glory.

Psalm 94:19 "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul."

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And  He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the LORD.