Zach at the pool

This is Zach (with Jordan waiting behind him) at a the pool at a State Park near us. It was great fun. I tried to get other pictures of the boys jumping and my camera batteries were almost dead, so couldn't "capture the moment."
I'm sure we'll go there again before the summer is over. 

Jordan with his catfish

This is the fisherman. He loves to fish. He will fish from the time he wakes up until we make him go to bed. He barely even stops to eat, and he only eats if he doesn't have to leave his fishing spot. I guess he could have worse interests. Right? 

Jordan and his catfish

 

Austin and his large mouth bass

 

Ready to go fishing?!!

 

Getting ready to camp--setting up the tent

 

3 Things Meme

I found this on many other blogs, a week or probably more than that actually, ago. I thought it'd be fun. I love to find out things about others, this is a neat way to find out stuff.

3 things that scare me:
losing my husband
someone hurting one of my children
My children not growing up to serve Christ

3 people who make me laugh:
Austin
Rob
Jordan and Zach

3 things I love:
My husband
My children
Jesus

3 things I hate:
When my house is messy (90% of the time)
Being sick (Mom's don't have time to be sick)
When one of my boys is sick

3 things I do not understand:
How people can hurt their own children
How people can hurt any child
Electronics (well some of them)


3 things on my desk:
Newspaper
Commentary on Philipians (3 of them actually---can you guess what Rob is preaching from
Sunday)
lotion
Cup of pens
My visor for work
a phone
an answering machine
a card of snaps
OH WAIT---it was only 3 things--SORRY!!

3 things I am doing right now:
blogging
laundry
(I can't do too much while I blog--hence why I haven't updated much lately)

3 things I want to do before I die:
To see my children faithfully serving Jesus Christ
To reconcile with my parents---long story
To see my family saved (i.e. my brothers, mother and father)

3 things I can do:
sew (even though I don't do it often)
bake
cross stich (again, haven't done that in a long while)

3 ways to describe my personality:
outgoing
cynical (I'm working on that)
Feisty

3 things I can't do:
play the piano
karate (why did I think of that--who knows)
go to bed early

3 things I think you should listen to:
God (be still and listen)
Your husband
Your pastor

3 things you should never listen to:
gossip (I'm working on that also--I'll be honest about that)
Humanistic philosophy
criticism of others

3 absolute favorite foods:
chicken
brownies
chocolate

3 beverages I drink regularly:
Diet Pepsi/Coke
Caffiene free Diet Pepsi/Coke
Water (occassionally----do you see a problem here)

3 shows I watched as a kid:
Brady Bunch
Mr. Rogers
Romper Room

3 things I really want to do:
Be a godly wife and mother
Be a witness for Jesus Christ
Be a more patient with my children and husband

I hope some of my blog friends will do this also. It is a little time consuming, but it is fun.
Enjoy! Have a great weekend.

Our life lately!

This is a long post. Get ready to read. I hope this is encouraging to someone out there.

Here is a link to a friend/fellow blogger, Heather. Heather always is so encouraging to me when I read her blog. At any rate, when she says "check this out", I generally check it out. I always get something from the item she recomends. Her post on this Bible study just intrigued me so much. It took a while for me to read, but I finally have read it. It was great, and the neatest thing is, I got something totally different out of it. It is something that was so revelant to our life right now. So check this out. Let me know how it affects you. Please!


On this she links to a Bible study that I finally got to read. It was so encouraging to me. Now, I will tell you why. Rob and I have in the last year and half or so come to a new understanding of the Gospel message. God through is sovereignty and grace has opened our eyes to the true message of salvation. It is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. Check out my testimony for more details of where I come from. My testimony is on April 18, 2006. (forgive me I don't know how to link like many others.)

Rob has been sharing his testimony at quit a few area churches here. He has been asked to return to a few. One in particular he has returned to a few times. Well, they are without a pastor and have been for a while. They asked him to considered being a pastoral canidate. Okay, how flattering. Right! Well, Rob has always wanted to be a paid pastor. Now let me explain what I mean. He had pastored for 8 years prior and never recieved any compensation. Therefore, he had to work a full time job in order to support our family. Now because of this he was not able to give 100% to anything, family, church or work. Get the picture. Okay, here is the deal, he was asked, and we didn't want to just jump on the opportunity because of convience, we really are wanting to be in the will of God with our ministry.

He tried to tell this congregation that he didn't feel ready to pastor so soon. They still pursued him. He was asked to preach there again. Then again they asked him to consider being a pastoral canidate. After this he had a 2 hour meeting to let them know where we stand doctrinally. We believe in the total sovereignty of God concerning absolutely EVERTHING, including salvation. That is not a doctrine that all Christian people want to accept. THis didn't change their mind. We went and he preached another time after this meeting with the elders/pastoral search committee. Immediately following the service he was called into the office and asked to be interim Pastor. He accepted. He figured, I've told them where I'm coming from, and he will preach it, and not be ashamed, and they still want him. He started his interim work last Sunday.

Okay, then I read this Bible study. How convicting. Here is the section that hit home to me.

First, let's come back to the Passover. You know the story -- how God called Moses, challenged him, and sent him back to Egypt. At first he was reluctant to go. There are wonderful lessons in all of these stories. Here, for example, when God said to Moses, "Moses, I want you to go down and deliver my people." Moses said to God, "Oh, Lord, I can't do that; I can't speak; I am not eloquent; I am not able to talk. I can't stand before Pharaoh." God didn't rebuke Moses for saying that. He wasn't angry because that was merely Moses' human inadequacy displaying itself. There is nothing wrong with that. We were made to be that way. God never holds us guilty for feeling inadequate when he asks us to do something.

But then God said to Moses, "I know you can't talk but here's what I will do. I'll be a tongue for you. I will speak through you. You go down to Egypt and I will be your tongue and I will speak through you." And Moses said, "Well, Lord, I think you had better get somebody else." Then it says, "The anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses." (Ex. 4:14) The first time Moses was saying, "I can't do this. I am just a man." And God says, "Yes, I know, I made you that way. But I will do it through you." When Moses, the second time, said, "Well, Lord, you had better get someone else," what he was really saying was, "Lord, I can't do this and I don't think you can do it either." When Moses challenged God like that, the anger of God was kindled against him. Now that is a good point to remember whenever God challenges you to do something.

He is never concerned when your initial reaction is to draw back. But after he has reminded you that he is with you to do this thing in you and through you and then you draw back, you have insulted God because you have said, "I don't think you can do it either."

God was calling us to do a work and we told him, "No we are not able." Then he asked us again, and we still told him "NO". Finally we answered the call that he was giving. He will give us the words to say, and the strength to say them, in order that these people may hear the true gospel message. He will use us to spread the gospel. Then, we started to question how will we survive financially. DUH!!!! God will provide all our needs, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and yes, even financially. Why do we question God?

This reminds me of a devotion I read the other day also.
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php?month=06&day=27&year=06
Again it was My Utmost for His Highest.

We put our common sense on the throne and then attach God’s name to it. We do lean to our own understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts.

Why, I ask do we continue to question the sovereignty of God? We are human, we are at constant war with ourselves. Sinner/Saint living in the same body. We have to be reminded to depend on God. I am so thankful for all the little reminders that God is sovereign and in control of all things in our lives. We just have to depend on him, not common sense. Even when we momentarily forget, he gives us a gentle reminder. God is so gracious, and faithful to forgive us for all our mistakes. I have to remind myself this also, God knows the ending from the begining. Isn't that an awesome revelation. He knows all things, and reveals to us what we can handle one day at a time.

Okay, I've rambled on enough. I sometimes do that, I just can't seem to get my thoughts out onto the paper (keyboard) the way I want them to sound. Keep us in your prayers. We are on a journey and God is in control.

Fried bologna and Ramen noodles

Gourmet meal. That is what I ate for lunch yesterday. I relived Rob's Bible College days. It was yummy though. It just thought it sounded good, and hadn't had it in forever. They boys love ramen noodles, Rob doesn't much care for either of the the foods listed above, needless to say we don't have them in the house often.

Just thought I'd share the crazy bit of info from the day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN

It is hard to believe you are 9 already. You've grown so much already. I look forward to your years ahead. You are a great kid. Lots of energy, but hey, that's just how God made you. You keep thst energy directed in a positive manner, and you'll do great things. So happy God chose me to be your Mom. Happy Birthday Austin.


***Notice the pink candles, his choice.
***Notice the race cars--my choice, it was so fitting, since "his motor runs"

Oh wreched man that I am!

I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also —Matthew 5:39

This verse reveals the humiliation of being a Christian. In the natural realm, if a person does not hit back, it is because he is a coward. But in the spiritual realm, it is the very evidence of the Son of God in him if he does not hit back. When you are insulted, you must not only not resent it, but you must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of God in your life. And you cannot imitate the nature of Jesus— it is either in you or it is not. A personal insult becomes an opportunity for a saint to reveal the incredible sweetness of the Lord Jesus.

The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is not, "Do your duty," but is, in effect, "Do what is not your duty." It is not your duty to go the second mile, or to turn the other cheek, but Jesus said that if we are His disciples, we will always do these things. We will not say, "Oh well, I just can’t do any more, and I’ve been so misrepresented and misunderstood." Every time I insist on having my own rights, I hurt the Son of God, while in fact I can prevent Jesus from being hurt if I will take the blow myself. That is the real meaning of filling "up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ . . ." ( Colossians 1:24 ). A disciple realizes that it is his Lord’s honor that is at stake in his life, not his own honor.

Never look for righteousness in the other person, but never cease to be righteous yourself. We are always looking for justice, yet the essence of the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is— Never look for justice, but never cease to give it.--
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php?month=07&day=14&year=06
*************************************************
I'll tell you what. I read these devotions from My Utmost for His Highest, and EVERY time I get convicted. This isn't a bad thing, I'm actually very thankful for these writings. They have helped me see so many things.

I've been having a situation at work. The new assistant manager and I just didn't hit it off very well. She is very sensitive, and seemed to take offensive to me, every time I tried to help her with anything. I honestly was not intending to offend her, but I was. I have worked at this store over 3 years (1 year before and now over 2 this time) and would just offer advice at times. I had gotten a bad attitude, and was not talking much to her at all. This of course did not help the situation either, and of course I knew I was wrong, but again, selfishness overruled and I just kept on. (Can you see a pattern--I struggle so much with selfishness and never realized it so much as in the last year or so) You know you are taught, don't let people walk all over you, even though you are a Christian you should not be a walking mat for everyone to walk all over. Then I read this. Wow, perfect timing. It was such a good reminder of our purpose, it is to bring glory to God, and leave God in control of EVERYTHING. I was trying so hard not to "take the blow" and in turn hurting Jesus himself. I was definately acting in the flesh, not the spirit. Well, I had decided that I would change my attitude (that decision was of course given by the Holy Spirit working in my life--I'm not trying to take credit for it), and I thought I had. Well, I didn't do one thing, I didn't apolgize to her. Today, things got a little ugly. Not really, but we had a discussion, and I'm thankful that it is over for now. I should have been trying to help build her self esteem somehow. I reassured her that I didn't want her job. Yes, I'd love to be an assistant manager someday, but I'm not in the business of "taking" someones job from them. I don't want her to loose her job just so I can get it. Well, I'm thankful that I think we accomplished much today. God is so faithful I'm so thankful for all lifes circumstances he uses to teach me things. I just have to be willing to do what God says.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the working of the Holy Spirit in my life. Help me never to grow "imune" to the gentle chastening from you. You are all powerful, and have the right and the power to do all things that you have willed. Help me Lord to be a vessel that brings glory to you in all my ways. All the glory and honor belongs to you. You suffered so much, why should I think I will never have to suffer at the hands our mouths of others. Forgive my for my selfish acts once more. Thank you once again for your gentle discipline. I give you all the glory and honor. Amen

Kids say and do the funniest things

On Sunday we were at New Liberty Congregational Christian church again. Rob was preaching again. Well, during church they had a junior church for kids 7 & under. I let Zach go. They made a craft. It was one of those foam sun visors, and it was decorated with the sticky foam shapes, the religous ones. Well, he took one of them, the one that looks like a banner with a cross cut out of it, off his visor and put it on his shirt, right on his chest, and with a puffed out chest, like a reall man.
He says this. "I'm a Pastor, I'm a Reforned Basket." I have to admit I chuckled.

I responded, "You mean a Reformed Baptist."

Zach then says, "Yes, that is what I said, a Reforned Basket."


Of course we laughed, and I helped him to say if properly. Reformed Baptist.

Kids sure a great.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New subject. Austin. Past story. I just thought of it while I was typing that one about Zach.

When Austin was 18-22 months old he had this thing that he wore RED socks every single day. Along with the red socks he wore red sandals. Now, it was winter, and the boy wore red socks and red sandals. Sometimes I'd try and trick him, and slip tan socks with his khaki pants, well, when he'd notice. He'd scream, "It's not right, It's not right." To which, we'd end up again with red socks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jordan was being put to bed (he was about 4), and of course he had much better things to do than go to bed. He got up and told us that he couldn't sleep because "my toenails are too big." "Um go back to bed, we'll deal with that problem in the am." That has to be the best bedtime excuse I've heard.

Kids are great, the definately keep us on our toes

Conviction

As a saint of God, my attitude toward sorrow and difficulty should not be to ask that they be prevented, but to ask that God protect me so that I may remain what He created me to be, in spite of all my fires of sorrow. Our Lord received Himself, accepting His position and realizing His purpose, in the midst of the fire of sorrow. He was saved not from the hour, but out of the hour.

We say that there ought to be no sorrow, but there is sorrow, and we have to accept and receive ourselves in its fires. If we try to evade sorrow, refusing to deal with it, we are foolish. Sorrow is one of the biggest facts in life, and there is no use in saying it should not be. Sin, sorrow, and suffering are, and it is not for us to say that God has made a mistake in allowing them.

Sorrow removes a great deal of a person’s shallowness, but it does not always make that person better. Suffering either gives me to myself or it destroys me. You cannot find or receive yourself through success, because you lose your head over pride. And you cannot receive yourself through the monotony of your daily life, because you give in to complaining. The only way to find yourself is in the fires of sorrow. Why it should be this way is immaterial. The fact is that it is true in the Scriptures and in human experience. You can always recognize who has been through the fires of sorrow and received himself, and you know that you can go to him in your moment of trouble and find that he has plenty of time for you. But if a person has not been through the fires of sorrow, he is apt to be contemptuous, having no respect or time for you, only turning you away. If you will receive yourself in the fires of sorrow, God will make you nourishment for other people.--
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php?month=06&day=25&year=06


This was a devotional I read while we were camping last weekend. It was so convicting to me. We've been struggling with Austin lately. It was affecting me more than it should have. I was begining to be grumpy, and just plain negative. I was not liking the affect it was having on me. One day Austin started crying because he felt like noone liked him and that he drove everyone crazy. Well, he does, but that is besides the point. He is such a likable kid, everyone likes Austin. Okay, when he was upset, I had absolutely no compassion for him. That is horrible, but I was being selfish--again--and was just feeling worn out from him that day. I finally talked to him and he went to bed. Well, of course it is our human sinful nature to feel sorry for ourselves at times like this. Why me? Well, I was there. Then I read this devotional. It told me all the things I knew already, but was failing to life by at the time. I'm so thankful that the Holy Spirit continues to teach me things each day, even though sometimes it is the same thing over and over, he never gives up. It is my prayer that I will bring glory to God in all things, even through, or should I say especially through the sorrows of this life.

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my selfish attitudes. Help me to remain what you created me to be in spite of all lifes sorrows and sufferings. It is my desire to glorify you in all I do. Thank you for your gentle guiding when I am falling into to my selfish ways. You alone are holy and worthy of my praise. Amen.

My husband

I have to say I have the best husband in the world. Okay, at least I think so. You can have your own opinion.

Rob lost his job in April. Therefore, he's been home with the boys this summer. He isn't looking too awfully hard to find a job until school goes back in the fall, actually our boys will go back August 24. Okay, he has done so much with the boys, I can't believe it. He camps out in the backyard, goes fishing, and just does fun boy stuff with them. They are having the time of their lives. This has been a great time of bonding for Rob and the boys. He even came home yesterday, after a long day of fishing, and said, "If I accomplish nothing else this summer, I am getting to know my boys much better." Also, he is so thankful for this time, you see, in the past he pastored a church and worked a full time secular job (because he didn't derive income from the church) and for his job he was on call all the time. There was not alot of fun time for us as a family. Rob was always preocuppied with his studies or his job. See why this job loss is such a blessing. We most definately feel it is the smiling providence of God for the time.

This week I am working 3rd shift to cover for someone that is on vacation. I worked Sunday night, and then Monday Rob took to boys to a state park and fished with them all day, I literally mean all day. I was able to sleep from 6:40-5:30. WOW!!!! It was great. Then I worked Monday night and he did the same yesterday, I didn't sleep near as long, but I sure got my sleep in. I worked again last night, 3 more nights to go.

Well, I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate my dear husband. He does so much for our family. He is not content for us to just maintian, but he strives to make us a better family each and every day. I couldn't imagine life without him. My boys and I are so blessed to have him.

Austin update

Austin went to the doctor last week. He is being referred to a child physciatrist in Indy through the Riley Children's hospital. I'm pretty glad about this. He is going to have a medication evaluation done. We couldn't get in until October. He will continue to go to this doctor/counselor for now. He is going to be taught some anger management skills. The doctor said that the reason for the "blackouts" and hitting his head on the wall and other things that he does while he is angry is because when you get angry your body produces adrenaline, and you have to release it somehow, that is all he can think to do. Therefore he is going to teach him some other ways to deal with it. We've tried, but you know how it is, sometimes it just needs to be coming from someone other than parents. Also, he said it sounds as if the medication he is on is wearing off in the afternoon. DUH!! I've been saying that for over a year.

He is doing better the last few days. I think alot of it has to do with the fact that Rob or I are with the boys constantly, so we can watch for the signs that he needs to be removed from the situation before it "explodes".

Please help us continue to pray for him. Thanks in advance.

Who wouldn't love this kid?

Here we are sitting in the beach chairs at the water park, I look over and there is Austin with my glasses on. Crazy kid. He is such a character. Can't you see why we love him so much, and are trying to help him? 

Austin Update

Ausin has an appointment tomorrow in the am. I guess we have to go to a counselor first, you know the insuarnce route. We've done this before. He will work with our doctor in helping Austin. Evidently, if he does not feel he can help, or Austin needs more specialized help, he will refer us to Riley Childrens Hospital in Indy. We are hoping that this will be the case. We've been this route before, and it does help somewhat, but I think he really needs more specialized help.

Something we are also going to check into when he goes to his regular doctor on Tuesday, is having them check his blood sugar. Rob and I, being slowed down on vacation, started to notice something. Austin doesn't eat much at a time, however, he seems to need to eat more often than any of us. His moods/temper seem to be magnified when it has been a while since he'd eaten. He doesn't always remember to eat either, because he is so hyper. We made a conscience effort to stop all activities at normal eating times, and we'd all eat together, so that Austin could eat. He is so extremely hyper, if we did not all stop, he couldn't just eat alone. Therefore, while on vacation (and since we've been home) we stopped to eat more often than usual. We didn't always eat much, but just to help the boy slow down. We noticed that things didn't bother him as much when he has some food in in system. Therefore, we are going to just ask our doctor to check his sugar, if it is normal, that will be great. We will just still have to remind him to eat. I hope that makes sense, I sometimes, have a hard time verbalizing my thoughts.

We've also considered, through advice of others, about preservetives, and food dye, contributing to moods. Before we conquer that area we are going to work on just making him eat more and making healthy snacks available, like cheese, and peanut butter, and believe me it is hard to find much the boy likes. I'm thankful that God has put people in our lives to give us advice or just thoughts to ponder (thanks Heather for the reminder of the food dyes) and help us remember things we've heard before. You know I don't take credit as being a "good" parent to realize the eating thing, I just really thank God that he shows us things, and makes us aware.

Just please help us pray for some answers with Austin

Jordan and Angel

Not a vacation picture, but isn't it great. The dog in our house is extremely spoiled. She loves to be held. She is usually found in someones lap, or in the window in the sun. What a rough life. 

Multitasking

 

Austin and Zach on the jungle racer

see the big funnel to the left, we went of that slide also, wow, it was pretty wild. It was a long, twisty enclosed slide, then all of the sudden you were in the funnel, the out the end. UGH!!! I definately did alot of screaming on these rides. 

Zach at the Voyage--3rd largest roller coaster in the world

 

Jordan's bluegill---check out the size

 

Austin and Zach at the beach

 

Jordan with the turtle he caught fishing

 

Austin helping with the tent

 

The Boys at Holiday World

Here are a few pic of the boys from vacation. I didn't really take many, I am always afraid I'll loose my camera when we are in busy places like this.

We had a great vacation. We spent 2 nights at Monroe Lake around Bloomington Indiana. It was a nice park. They boys, well Jordan, enjoyed the fishing and swimming at the beach. I have to admit, I really don't care for the beach. Reason, I don't like the feel of the sand on my feet, I feel dirty. Call me crazy, but that is just me. They boys love it though. We spent most of the day Saturday at the beach with Austin and Zach, while Jordan fished.

We ended up getting a new tent on Sunday. About 10pm Saturday night we had a horrible thunderstorm, well, our tent didn't hold up. It was getting old, and it just poured water through the rain fly, we all slept on wet beds. UGH!!! So, Sunday before we set up in at Lake Rudolph in Santa Claus, we bought a new tent. It was great. The boys tent held up great in the rainstorm. Evidently, there were 40-60 mile an hour winds during the storm, that is what made it so rough. It was kind of sweet, during the storm, as we are all sitting in our tent waiting for the storm to blow over, Austin says, "I think we should start saying Psalm 23" and proceeded to start reciting it. The other 2 joined in. Austin also said, "I think we should really concentrate on verse 4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil,for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
How wonderful to know that our boys are "hiding" the word in their heart. It was so encouraging to me.

We enjoyed staying at Lake Rudolph. It was kind of funny though. Santa is such a big thing there. Our boys don't "believe" in Santa, but it was a fun place to be. They have a post office. Can you imagine the mail they get at Christmas. Rob said he'd heard that there a a few ladies that volunteer at Christmas to answer the Santa letters they get. They wasn't much else in the town, except for the theme park, the campground, a small grocery, 1 gas station, and a few other small town things.

We went swimming alot at the pool at the campground. Austin got to mini golf, it was free at the campground. Jordan fished. We ended up spending 2 entire days at the theme park. We spent one of the days at the water park, and the second day part of the day was spent at the normal part and the other part at the water park. It was a great time. This park is so "family friendly" I couldn't believe it. Actually the enitre area was family friendly. We ate lunch both days in the park, because the cost was so reasonable. We spent less than $20 each day for lunch, now that is about McDonalds price for this family. They boys loved it. Jordan offered to pay for his ticket the second day, and the other 2 forfieted their allowance for the next 2 weeks to go a second day, so Rob and I only had to pay for 2 1/2 of the second day tickets. Great kids.

Me, Rob and Zach rode all three of the big rollercoasters. Austin rode 2, and Jordan rode 1. He said it just upsets his stomach too much. Zach rode the 3rd largest roller coaster in the world. Okay, let me give you my roller coaster story. I DONT do roller coasters, well I never did before. I rode all 3 they had. I think 2 things concerning this. #1) I have assuarnce of my salvation, IF I die, I know where I'm going, and #2) I think growing up I had so much underlying fear that I just couldn't handle any more. I thank God for the peace I now have in my life.

Well, we really enjoyed the time away, but, I'm always thankful to be home. The boys had a good time, not too many incidents. We did have to drive home through many rainstorms throughout the entire ride. We made it home safely. We were definately given travel mercies by the Lord. He is so faithful. I enjoyed being in the outdoors and enjoying all of God's wonderful creation. Okay, I'll be honest I didn't enjoy the spiders or the mesquitoes (sp).

Thoughts to ponder for the day (okay, I've been pondering)

Last night I hear the tail end (like 5 minutes) of an interview withKirk Franklin. He cracks me up, he is so, well, Kirk Franklin. Okay this is something he said. Now this is not a direct quote, because I definately don't do direct quotes very well, unless I have read them and can copy them. It went something like this. "We as Christians go around trying so hard to be like Christ, why don't we just give up and die." Okay, I was like what in the world, then he clarified his statement and it made so much sense. He went on to say, "we just need to die out to our own will, give God the keys and let him do the work in our life--he alone through the Holy Spirit will make us more Christ like." Okay, now maybe that didn't mean so much to anyone else, but it definately did to me. I thought alot of that today. God is sovereign and in control at all times, we just need to realize that and let him, quit trying to control everything ourselves. We all try to "work" so hard, and do good things in our own power, and we just run in circles, but if we'd just "die" to our will, God would do the good works through us.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Teaching
us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)
I thought alot of that today. Actually, I've been thinking alot of the sovereignty of God latelty. I've been thinking every decision that I've made, everything I've done, God really did it. Even the faith I had in Christ to come to salvation came from God alone. I just didn't realize it. He has ordered my steps. He knows the end from the begining, that includes the end of my life, from the begining of my life. Even though I don't see it at times, God is working everything in my life together for his glory (you know hind sight is 20/20). Isn't that what we were created for, God's glory?! That is our purpose in life, to glorify God. Wow!! Something else I've been thinking on is this. Our pastors wife, in sunday school class says this all the time, God as the right, the wisdom, and the power to do his holy will. That just sums it all up for me. Nothing happens without God causing it. That means good and bad. My prayer is that I would bring glory to Christ, but I know that I can not accomplish that in my own will, only through the work of the Holy Spirit in my life can I accomplish it. Okay, I hope that I've expressed myself in some sort of clear way, I sometimes have a hard time getting my thoughts from my head to the paper.

Have a blessed day, and remember we serve a great BIG GOD!!!!!
Talk GOD BIG!!!

Romans 8:28-29 (ESV)
28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for
good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to
the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among
many brothers.

Austin

Here is my Austin. He is great. He has a magnetic personality. He is a people pleaser. Everyone loves him. He is extremely smart, and a quick learner. Photographic memory. Knows all the right answers. Everyone loves him. He's been chosen for the gifted and talented class next year. Just look at him, he's adorable too. (okay, maybe I'm a bit bias)

Problem! He is ADHD. Extremely hyper. NO EXXAGERATION! He literally will climb the walls if you don't stop him. He can harldy write because he can't slow down long enough to do it. When he does write, he can't always read it later. He is on medication, and it helps somewhat. However, I just don't think it is the right med, so we went to the doctor yesterday, and he said "we should increase the dose", because we told him it seems to wear off in the late afternoon, early evenng. Okay, so now we've gone from 60mg in the am to 40mg in the am and pm.

Today Rob took the boys fishing. They were great until; Jordan got in Austins way. See he is fine as long as long as no one "gets in his way" (that doesn't always mean literally). Rob said he'd gone to the restroom, they were fine. He comes out and Jordan and Austin are attacking each other. Evidently Austin wanted a hook and Jordan wouldn't give him one immediately, and Austin just snapped. He hit Jordan, and of course Jordan hit back. Needless to say the outing was over immediately. Rob said as soon as they got in the car Austin sincerely apologized to Jordan for "flipping out and hitting Jordan". Of course they all slept the ride home.

Okay, when they pick me up from work, one of them (not Austin) try to tell me the story (which I'd already heard from Rob on the phone) and I tried to stop the conversation as to not "restart" the battle. Well, Austin says very, very sincerely "Mom, it's okay. It was my fault. I did hit Jordan for no reason." Well, I say to him, "that is wonderful that you can admit you were wrong and not get upset right now." He proceeds with this. "I just can't help it, sometimes things just go black, and I don't know what I'm doing." That absolutely broke my heart. The poor child has a problem, and I can just imagine that while he is flipping out, he knows it is wrong, and just can't stop until it plays itself out.

Okay, the reason for the long story is this. Please help us pray for this. Our doctor is trying to get us into a specialist to have some test run on Austin. However, we've tried before and insurance denied the work, therefore we didn't get it done. Also at the time he was doing somewhat better, so we didn't pursue it. He really needs some specialized help. Our pediatrician has done all he is comfortable doing without further tests. I also know that God can take care of this problem with a miracle, however, I also believe that God has given us a child like this for a reason. We would have never, ever, in a million years understood what it was like to raise a child like this without having one ourselves. I believe that God in all his sovereignty has given us Austin to help others some day.

Now, again let me tell you he is the greatest kid. I wouldn't trade him for anything. Please also pray for us as parents to be a help to him.

Well, I've way exceeded my limit for the day. It is late, and I work in the am. I am thanking you in advance for your prayers. You all are great. 

John 21:15-19

Tonight when we were having our family devotions we FINALLY finished John. Rob and I were so touched by the following passage:

15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do
you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
16He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him,
"Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."
17He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you
know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.
18Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and
another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go."
19(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying
this he said to him, "Follow me." (John 21:15-19)


This was said to Peter. The one who denied Christ 3 times. WOW!!! The forgiveness that Jesus has for us is so amazing. It just really hit me tonight when Rob read that scripture. Even after he denied Christ, he still gave him a command. God is so faithful, even when we are unfaithful. How many times do we fail to "glorify God" with our actions, and he still calls us his children? I just can't even express why I was so touched by this scripture tonight, but I was.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We've also just started a devotional book called. "Training hearts, teaching minds. A family devotion based on the shorter catechism." It seems like it will be good. We are excited about this. The boys are looking forward to it also. It will helps us teach them (and ourselves) questions and answers concerning Biblical doctrines. It fives a question, an answer and supporting scriptures. I'll let you know how it goes.

This weeks question is this. "What is mans primary purpose?"

A. To glorify God and enjoy him forever.

Check it out if you are interested.
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=523927&event=WL&item_code=WW#curr

It's been a while since I've posted. Life is extremely busy. I have been working full time, the boys are out of school, and of course it is summer.

They boys are sure enjoying Rob being home with them. He takes them fishing, fixes them big breakfasts (steak and eggs yesterday), and other fun stuff. They are not going to want him to go back to work that is for sure. It is good for them to have some time with Rob, he's always been so busy between the church and work, and now he doesn't have either of those things. Now, I know he'll go back to work eventually, however, we feel this is definately "the smiling providence of God" that he is off right now. He needs this time with the boys. Jordan is at such a crucial time in his life, and it is important for him to have good relationship with his parents. Of course the others also.

I was off work on Tuesday and Wednesday. We decided to go camping after I got off work on Monday afternoon. We had a great time. On Tuesday the little alarm clocks that we have, (i.e. Jordan, Austin, and Zach) were up bright and early (6:30am). Rob got up with them and took them fishing, he let me sleep, bless his heart. What a great guy! Jordan ended up fishing from about 7 am until almost 8 pm, only stopping for lunch because we made him. He so enjoyed his day. The little ones fished for a couple of hours, and them we took them to the beach. I'll tell you what, the beach is a wonderful place for kids. It is the best of both worlds, you can get dirty and wet all at the same time. Too much fun for them. We spent about 4 hours at the beach with them. Jordan was fishing just down from the beach, so we could see him during this time. At one point, I saw a car that had driven down into the grassy area where he was fishing, and I sent Rob over to check on him, because I just get a little freaked out at stuff like that. At any rate, Rob went over and talked to the man that had started fishing there, he was a nice guy. His name was Daniel Boone Story. Funny huh!

We are getting ready for our vacation. The boys are getting excited. We are going to Santa Claus Indiana. We will be camping at a campground down there, and spending a day at Holiday World theme park and Splashin Safari water park (there connected--one ticket). We've been to the park before. It is a great place. The drinks are free. Now, anyone with a big family would appreciate that. All the fountain drinks you can drink in a day for free. It sure beats the "I'm thirsty" complaints all day, and the $5 for a 12oz. cup. Austin has a count down going on. It is paper rings that he tears one off of each day until we leave. Funny! I just walked in his room and he has another count down, to his birthday. He has it taped as high as he could get it on the wall, it drapes over his bed and hits the floor. His birthday isn't until July 21.

Wiped out kids from camping

Peaceful ride!!! Even the dog slept.

Jordan and Mr. Daniel Boone Story

This is Jordan and Daniel Boone Story. We met this man while we were camping, and actually while Jordan was fishing. Evidently this man comes to this park and fishes about 3 days a week, takes what he catches and fillets the fish and fries them for the residence at a retirement home near there. It was quit amusing to hear him talk about "the old folks", being that he himself is 65. This was a great experience for Jordan. The fish on his stringer he sent home with Mr. Story to use for the lunch he'd be fixing the next day. Great learning experience. Mr. Story talked of how much he enjoyed doing things for others, and since God had blessed him with good health right now he'd do things for those less fortunate. This will be something Jordan will always remember.

Jordan and his catfish. This boys loves to fish. He fished while we were camping from about 7 am until 7 pm, only stopping to eat because we forced him to eat. Below is one of my favorite camping pictures. Jordan helping his little brother Zach learn to fish. It was fun to see him talking to him and showing him the "tricks".

Sumo Zach

I would almost venture a guess that you didn't realize the many uses of a Wal-Mart bag.

Here is my Zach. He is fascinated by sumo wrestlers. This is his costume he made the other day. Notice the paper beard taped on his face. Crazy kid.

Jordan

Jordan and his cake. We just did a little "family" celebration that day. The funny part of the second picture is that I put the candles that relight themselves, and didn't even know it. That was quit a chuckle for the boys.

Happy 12th Birthday Jordan

 

This day in history 1994 (part 4)

*early moning the Dr. started the pitocin to try and get labor going better

*Got an epidural soon after the pitocin

*finally making progress, started dilating

*1PM Dr checked, started to swell--they started talking c-section

*3PM More progress--wait some more

*5PM--more swelling--definate c-section

*6:02 PM--Welcome Robert Jordan Myers
9lbs 70z and 21 1/2 inches

The first thing the doctors said, was, "Wow! we underestimated the size of this baby."
DUH!!! I had joked with my doctor the enitre pregnancy that he was going to be big, and wow, was he ever. That was the reason for the swelling in my cervix, he was so big, that his weight was causing me to swell, and of course unless you fully dilate you can not deliver naturally. Also, he was turned face up. He was finally here. He was a beautiful baby.

As you can tell, the long days in the hospital and all the stuff didn't scare me from having more children. 2 more after this one.

This day in history (part 3)

*early morning 3rd gel treatment

*lunch time--4th treatment

*evening--5th treatment

7:00 p.m. contractions started

9:30 p.m. heavy contractions--going to have a baby soon

Still no baby yet

This day in history 1994 Part 2

Okay, here is the BIG Melissa the day I went into the hospital to deliver my first baby.

*8:30 am had an ultra sound to see how big the baby is. They say he'll be no bigger than
8 lbs.

*Checked into OB/ICU and they started trying to induce my labor. First teatment of a p.gel to try and get my cervix to efface.

*hung out in the hospital all day (what fun)

*5:30 pm--2cnd treatment and they were going to send me home to let me be at home for early labor

*Dr. decided to keep me overnight because I was for sure going to have a baby that night.
(we'll see about that)

*Still no baby as promised--see more tomorrow