prep day: teaching them

God tells us in His word what He expects from us as parents. I remember studying all of what God says about what we are to do as parents before we had kids... it was overwhelming in a since and not in a since because i knew that He didn't leave us alone to do it all but instead provided us with Himself to help us.

In the Bible he didn't say what school you should send your children to, or what you should feed your kids, or even what diapers your baby should wear......

He just said He wants us to do these 5 main things:

1. Recognize they are GIFTS from God and SHOW them love (ways to show them love are below)

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. Psalm 127:3-5

Other verses pertaining to that: Psalm 119:73, Ephesians 6:4, Col 3:21, Psalm 128

2. Be an EXAMPLE for them to follow

                Those who fear the Lord are secure;  he will be a refuge for their children. Proverbs 14:26

Other verses pertaining to that: Prov. 20:7, Prov. 12:7, Romans 2:17-24

3. Tell them of HIM and HIS WONDERFUL DEEDS

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. Psalm 78:4

Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation. Joel 1:3

Other Verses pertaining to that: Psalm 22:30, 45:17, 71:18, 78:6-7, 102:18, 119:90, 145:4, Isaiah 34:19, Eph. 3:21

4.  Teach them HIS WORDS and through that Truth, Faith, and to be Wise.

           So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of Mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.   Deuteronomy 11:18-20

 Other verses pertaining to that: 2 Timothy 1:5, Prov. 27:11, Prov. 28:7, Prov. 24:3-4, Prov. 15:20, Prov. 13:1, Prov. 1:10. Psalm 144:12, Deut. 5:16, Titus 2:3-8, 2 John 1:1-4, Proverbs 30:11-14, Proverbs 23:15-16, 22-25, Proverbs 19:25-27, Proverbs 6:20-23, 3 John 1:4, Psalm 78:6, Duet. 4:10, 

5. DISCIPLINE or Correct your children. (which goes along with teaching them)

                Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6

               Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives. Proverbs 19:18

Other verses pertaining to that: Prov. 29:15,17, Prov. 22:15, Prov. 20:30, Prov. 17:21, 25, Prov. 15:5, Prov. 13:24, Proverbs 4:1, Ephesians 6:1-3, Col. 3:20, Proverbs 23:13-14, 1 Kings 1:5-10, Proverbs 29:21

If we can do these 5 main things then we are raising our kids God's way according to Him...being the parents we were created to be through His strength. We want to give our children goooooood gifts... that last through eternity and are pleasing in His eyes. God said all the other stuff is meaningless compared to this.

So last year i started teaching the boys His words, telling of His marvelous deeds, by the end of 2012 we will have read through every verse and passage in the bible (except for a few minor Adult rated stuff...no need to intro that at 4 years old).

I know my kiddos and so i usually rewrite/simplify the passage if need be to 4/5 year old understanding, do a game, art project, or hands on analogy to teach them God thoughts. And just so you know i am not that creative... God helps me every step of the way...without His help....i could not do it.

So for the next two days i will hermit myself and my goal is to prep for all their school for the next 4 months..... yeah i know ... in two days... well that would be supernatural... but since that is all i have i am going to hope for it.

Last semester we studied who God is, and this semester we will start off with "what God says He wants from us" and then go into "how God wants us to show His love to the world". Below is the first part of passages/verses we will be studying.

I am excited for my kiddos... but especially for me as the Word of God is like my food... it brings life to me.

God wants to be first in your life

A Promise of the Lord's Presence for the Israelites Exodus 23:20-33

The people of God put a calf of gold before Him Exodus 24:1-7, 32:1-33:6

God want to be first in all the Israelites lives Deuteronomy 4:15-40

Part of God's Commandments Deuteronomy 5:7-8

Warning to the Israelites Deuteronomy 13:1-4,18

Things lead Solomon away from God 1 Kings 11:1-13

Jeroboam worships false gods 1 Kings 12:21-13:6, 33-34

Asa tears down the false idols 1 Kings 15:9-22

Ahaziah seek other god's advice 2 Kings 1

You alone are God Psalm 86:8-10

The idols have ears but cannot hear Psalm 115:1-8,11,13 ; Psalm 135:13-18

The greed and the gods of God's chosen people Isaiah 3:1-15

Your idols are as empty as the wind Isaiah 41:21-29; 42:10-25

The idols that do not speak Isaiah 46:5-11

Idol worshipers Isaiah 57:3-13

Israel betrays God Jeremiah 2:1-13, 23-37

The Faithless Bride: Israel and Judah put others before God like a faithless bride Jeremiah 3

Those who put anything before God are foolish Jeremiah 10:1-16

Idols are ridiculous Hosea 4:11-13a

Israel goes to everyone but God 7:9-10,13b-16b, 14:8

Lifeless Idols Habakkuk 2:18-20

Lost without a shepherd Zechariah 10:1-3

Love God first Matthew 10:34-39

God wants to be first (what must I do? Sell everything) Luke 18:17-30

Anyone who sacrifices to any god other than the LORD must be destroyed. Exodus 22:20

They are like spiritual prostitutes, committing adultery against me by sacrificing to their gods. Exodus 34:15

Do not make idols or set up carved images to be worshiped in your land. I, the LORD, am your God. Leviticus 26:1

So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone.  But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:14-15

Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.  I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods. Psalm 16:4

You must never have a foreign god; you must not bow down before a false god. Psalm 81:9

If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison. Your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.  Luke 14:26

 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 2 Corinthians 11:3

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. 1 John 5:21

God wants your love

Picture of Jesus and his relationship with the Church (his bride) Psalm 45, Isaiah 61:10

I earnestly search for God Psalm 63:1-8

Joy in His presence Psalm 65

With all my heart Psalm 108:1-5

God asks a question Isaiah 50:2-3

Gods says, "Here I am" Isaiah 65:1-5

Description of a restored relationship Jeremiah 31:1-14

With Faith we are like a Tree Ezekiel 15

We are like God's bride Ezekiel 16

God draws people to Himself Jonah 1:1-16

Passion for God Matthew 3:1-15

Actions speak louder than words (Pharisee claim they were born into God's family) Matthew 3:8-10

Showing Christ's love to all Matthew 5:13-16

Acknowledge God Matthew 10:34-39

I want you not your sacrifices or traditions Matthew 12:1-8

We are Jesus' family Matthew 12:46-50

Make God your center Matthew 16:24-26

To love God is the greatest commandment Matthew 22:34-40

Give sacrificially to Jesus Matthew 26:6-13

Jesus is with you through the trial Mark 6:45-56

The most important thing in life Mark 12:28-34

be genuine in your love for God Mark 12:38-40

Are you a sheep that knows the Shepard's voice - The Good Shepard John 10:1-42

The only way to know the father is through the son John 14:1-7

Simon's heart was not after God but power Acts 8:9-24

Lydia accepts the truth of Jesus and opened her Home Acts 16:11-15, 40

We are his children through Jesus Romans 8:15-30, Galatians 4:1-7

Prayer that we might understand this great love Ephesians 3:14-21

Love God by doing what pleases Him Ephesians 5:1-14

Love God not the world 1 John 2:15-17

We are His children who belong to Him 1 John 3:1-10

"Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant.

 24 So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:23-24"

"This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach.  It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’ No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster.  For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways."" Deuteronomy 30:11-16a"

I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions. Psalm 119:55

I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn. Psalm 130:6

 For your Creator will be your husband! Isaiah 54:5 Look at wedding pictures and talk about how people who follow Jesus are His bride and He will come soon etc. 

Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring. Hosea 6:3

I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.  I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17

My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Matthew 11:27

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:23

You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence. Acts 2:28 (Psalm 16:8-11)

The person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. 1 Corinthians 8:3

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5

 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.  In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3

And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. 1 John 2:28

And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. 1 John 5:20

We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19

God wants to be your friend

Noah, God's only friend on earth Genesis 6:5-9:17

God talked with His friend Moses Exodus 33:8-23, 34:33-35, Numbers 12:1-8, Deuteronomy 34:10-12

Hezekiah Seeks God/Hezekiah's 3 Tests 2 Kings 18:1 - 20:10, 2 Chronicles 32, Isaiah 36,37, 38,39

Who can be God's friend? Psalm 15

Who can dwell with God? Psalm 24:3-10

Like a loin cloth cling to God Jeremiah 13:1-11

Through Jesus we can be friends with God Romans 5:9-10

For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face. Psalm 11:7

 The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! Psalm 14:2-3

I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people. My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you. Psalm 17:4-5

O Lord, I give my life to you. Psalm 25:1

The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. Psalm 25:14

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8

I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth! Psalm 116:9

Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the Lord. These gates lead to the presence of the Lord, and the godly enter there. Psalm 118:19-20

I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Psalm 142:2-3a

Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord. Psalm 44:15b

God wants us to worship Him

Where it began Genesis 4:25-26

Pour out your best to Jesus (woman perfume Jesus feet) Mark 14:1-9

Doesn't matter where just in Spirit and in Truth Luke 4:19-24

Taking time to celebrate God Exodus 23:14-17

The Israelites give back to God Exodus 35:4-29, 36:4-7

The Israelites set aside a vacation to celebrate God, Feast of Tabernacles Deuteronomy 16: 13-17, Leviticus 23:33-42 (Among the many guidelines God gave the Israelites one of them was to have this Vacation Party), Nehemiah 8:13-18

A Call to remember God's goodness Deuteronomy 8

Israelites Celebrate the Passover Deuteronomy 16:1-8

Moses' Remembrance Song Deuteronomy 32:1-47

David is not Ashamed to Praise 2 Samuel 6:16-23

David's Thank you song 1 Samuel 22

Solomon gives thanks to God 1 Kings 8:22-66

David appointed worshipers of music 1 Chronicles 6:31-33, 25:6-8

When the Israelites Praised God Ezra 3:10-13, Nehemiah 9

Give thanks with singing Nehemiah 12:27-43

David thanks God for rescuing and healing him Psalm 30

Worship with music Psalm 33:1-5

I awake with Praise Psalm 57:5,7-11

Parties for God Psalm 81:1-3

Come let us sing Psalm 95

Enter His gates with Thanksgiving Psalm 100

Israelites remember and thank God Psalm 105

Praise Him at night Psalm 134

Everything that has breath praise the Lord Psalm 150

Praise God even though Habakkuk 3:17-19

Wise men recognize Jesus Matthew 2:1-12

Giving thanks for His miracles Luke 17:11-19

Remember what Christ did through the Lord's Supper 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

Worship looks like this 1 Timothy

"But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren." Deuteronomy 4:9

 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;  I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.  Psalm 9:1-2

(Thank God with beilivers) I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.[b] I will praise you among your assembled people. I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you.Psalm 22:22, 25

I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells. Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord. Psalm 27:6-8,12

I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you;  I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies. Psalm 54:6-7

But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy. Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord rejoice in his presence! Psalm 68:3-4

I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord’s name for saving me. Psalm 116:13

Praise his name with dancing. Psalm 149:3a

He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. John 3:31

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28

True Follower of Jesus/God looks like

Take up your cross and follow me Mark 8:34-38, Luke 9:23-26

Follow me fully and immedately Luke 9:57-62

Be a ready servant waiting for the Master's return Luke 12:35-48

The Narrow Gate Luke 13:22-30

Don't make excuses or you will miss out on Him Luke 14:15-24

You must put God above all else Luke 14:25-35

The father that forgave  (Prodigal Son) Luke 15:11-32

Come first to serve… unlike this world Luke 22:24-28

How to become Children of God John 1:10-13

The followers of Jesus John 1:35-51

Unless a kernal of wheat dies John 12:23-26

Keep seeking God

Jehu doesn't stay faithful 2 Kings 9 and 10

When I am discouraged I will still seek God Psalm 42: 4-8, 11

I am humbled Psalm 131

The ready watchman Isaiah 21:5-12

The men did whatever it took to get to Jesus (paralazed) Luke 5:17-26

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice, the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1

 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

 As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. Psalm 42:1-2a

The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy . Psalm 69:32-33a

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!” Psalm 70:4

 Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them. No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind! Proverbs 25:2-3

psst.... pray for me... a lot to do in a little time. :) 

insert happy dance here

Well our Christmas celebration has ended... though we will celebrate God's great love all year...here are some of my favorite memories of December 2011...

Elijah's Gift for Jesus:

Elijah picked out a couple things in the GPPD Gift Catalog for Jesus since Jesus is happy when we show others His love by taking care of those in desperate need, but he also wanted to make a "big" picture of our family and Jesus together. He wanted me to draw and he said he would do the coloring so he told me exactly what he wanted to draw: "Jesus in the middle, me holding onto Jesus, Jesus holding daddy's hand - because daddy would like that, draw each of us a heart right here mommy....(ect.)" So precious. And such a beautiful picture of how Jesus loves us. (p.s. i think Joanthan's purple face really adds some pizzaz to it... he he)

Christmas Morning Party for Jesus:

Nothing replaces the awe of my four year old and his giddiness over our "celebration" (as Elijah called it). He loved every moment of it. He loved gathering the gifts for Jesus on our scavenger hunt.. he loved playing in the ballons... all of it... and all "for Jesus, mommy! Because He is God."

Advent:

Because of our adamant Elijah.. we didn't miss one day of our Christmas Countdown! It made Christmas all month long for us. They were giddy to get all their goodies out of the calendar and spend time as a family reading the story and praying together.

God providing for the orphans:

A week before Christmas we were $9,000 short in providing a gift (shoes for the year, outfit for the year, basic toiletries, candy, and a simple toy) for 300 orphans in India. due to the great number of unsponsored orphans that we still have. So we decided to ask on facebook and pray and see what would happen. We were overwhelmed each night as we looked at how many people gave to help these precious children. 2 days after Christmas we had all of the money!!!

Thank you to those who joined us and stood up for the unsponsored orphan children. I was in tears when Jonathan shared with me some of those who gave, so many friends - 

some from long ago, and family. Thank you!

God providing for the Community Center in Jordan:

For over 6 years our GPPD Associaties in Jordan (who work to help refugees in desperate situtations) have been raising funds to purchase a facility. A couple months ago the building that they have been renting for more than 10 years became available. At thanksgiving our associates needed $75,000 to complete the purchase of that building. It seemed impossible. But we knew if God willed it... it would come to be. On December 21st we still lacked $50,000, it was then that a church from up north committed to match $25,000 if we could get all of it by the deadline given from the owners of the building (Dec 31st). We rejoiced and then we prayed. That was just 10 days away. Overwhelmed Jonathan and i watched... by December 28th just 7 days later all of the money was provided. Insert HAPPY DANCE here!!! 

I am learning each day more and more that God keeps His promises... that He does care for the poor and those in need, and that if we are willing we can be apart of His marvelous plan to rescue and love the helpless and hopeless around the world and right here.

7 days till Christmas...

.. and all i can think about is this ...

click here to join us: http://www.gpartners.org/index.cfm/pageid/2209/index.html

our Christmas traditions

Today we walked into the library and Elijah gasped and shouted "a Christmas tree" and "presents for Jesus!!" .....it made me smile from the inside out.

here are a few of our little family's Christmas Traditions...i love being a mommy... and i love the awe my children have for Jesus... i pray that won't ever fade. There giddiness makes me giddy too! Follow the links for more details...

Tradition # 1 : Advent - Every night before bed the children run to the advent Calendar. The pockets we have stuffed with...

a Nations Doll ordainment and card that tells a little story about the people the Doll represents,

a little scroll ordainment with verse references that tell of the purpose of Christmas,

A piece to a nativity scene,

and a Christmas cookie or treat!

While the kids are getting the goodies out of the pocket we are lighting the candles on our advent log.

The we cozy up near the tree and read the Bible story, eat our goodies and pray for the people that the Nations doll represents. Then the kids hang the ordainments on the tree and we help them to blow out the candles..

except for last night i forgot that last part.... and well ...due to the smell of a fresh log fire..remembered it and.... we had to go to the store for more candles today.

advent calendars and nation doll ordainments

Tradition #2: We read books and watch videos that remind us of the purpose of Christmas. If you have any additions that might be good for our collection please let us know!

more books ideas

Tradition #3: Make Christmas Cookies Every Week

sugar cookies

Christmas layer cookie that you can use to describe the purpose of Christmas like this.

and more...

Tradition #4: Christmas Gifts for Him Instead of buying gifts for each other on Jesus' Birthday we spend the month giving Jesus gifts that we know He would like. Like Elijah's list: "being nice my brother", "giving food to somebody that need food", "spending time with God", last year he even painted a picture for Him and we always look through this catalog and let the kids choose a gift to give in Jesus' honor.

Tradition #5: Read through our Christmas Coffee Table Books

Tradition #6: Kiss under the Mistletoe

Tradition #7: Have a Jesus Birthday Cake and party on Christmas day at my mom and dad's home and with my sister's family. Sweet times!

Tradition #8: And on Christmas Morning throw a royal Party for Jesus with a star treasure hunt for the "wise men", dancing, singing, finishing the Jesus story, and simply Celebrating Him because He is worthy.

Tradition #9: We always start the month off with going to a Christmas Parade with my parents and nieces and nephews.

Tradition #10: We always go to some live nativity together. This year we are going here.

Tradition #11: We celebrate Christmas with family. One of my favorite times is the Christmas Eve Candlelight service with Jonathan parents and our family and going to Edith's afterwards for yummy goodies and fellowship.

Tradition #12: Christmas Day Breakfast at my Grandmas with my whole fam. Great Maw Maw and Great Paw Paw cousins, aunts and uncles!

Tradition #13: Oh and i forgot... hunting for the Christmas Tree and decorating it together....we usually get ours right after thanksgiving to have it ready for advent.

We Celebrate the miracle of Jesus all month long...it is a great time to remember and teach our children. Of course we can celebrate Him everyday but this is a special time to remember the details of God's amazing plan through Jesus' birth. It is truly "a wonder-full time of year"....

Let each generation tell its children of Your mighty acts; let them proclaim Your power. Psalm 145:4

jealous King

Our God is jealous... and rightfully so.

He doesn't just want to be first in our lives He wants to be the only.

The only one that holds our adoration, the only one we worship and promote, the only one we praise and talk about, the only source, our only center, our only celebration.

He wants us to not only take a back seat to Him but to give Him the car completely.

That is probably why He is not that popular with most, even people that call themselves "Christians".

Naturally because of our sinful hearts we want to be first, we want to be in control, we want to worship whatever we wish, celebrate whatever we want, live like we want. Like a selfish, stubborn 2 year old... we act out....rebel against Him.

But the truth is, we are just the created not the creator, He is God and whatever choice we have has been allowed/given by Him.

God is love. He is the Creator and He knows how His created will find the most joy this life has to offer. In Him.

He is Love. His plan has been to bring us back to Himself...where we can have the peace He created. Therefore He did the unthinkable.... He came as the lowliest in the lowliest of setting so that we all would know we are loved and accepted as is...so that we would see love in action. No "god", nothing you would put before Him has this kind of love or is this kind of love.

He is worthy of being our only focus our only celebration.

Two great Christmas Children's book about such simple yet profound beauty...

and

A great video

Colossians 1:19-20

¹⁹ For God in all his fullness

was pleased to live in Christ,

²⁰ and through him God reconciled

everything to himself.

He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth

by means of Christ’s blood on the cross

Friday Night Movie

Movies/T.V. teach you stuff... what you watch changes the way you think and bleeds into your actions...there is no denying that. And for my little impressionable ones... it really molds them. So finding movies that teach my kiddos and me God's thoughts and that keep their attention and mine is hard. Tonight in search for something "good" to watch...something that feed us truth and God's thoughts ...we discovered this version of Pilgrims Progress on youtube.

The kids were glued the whole time. Elijah was really into it and asked a lot of good questions and made a lot of good comments. For me the animation was pretty lame... but my kiddos are at the age where that really doesn't matter.

Warning: There are some spooky parts. If you have ever read the original Pilgrims Progress you know the parts i am speaking of. It didn't bother my kiddos, though... know you have been warned.

Brief History on Pilgrims Progress: written by John Bunyan and published in February, 1678. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious English literature,has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print. Bunyan began his work while in the Bedfordshire county gaol for violations of the Conventicle Act, which prohibited the holding of religious services outside the auspices of the established Church of England. Early Bunyan scholars like John Brown believed The Pilgrim's Progress was begun in Bunyan's second shorter imprisonment for six months in 1675.

Celebrate Him!

Christmas and Easter tie as my favorite celebrations of the year. The pure miracle of Jesus, God coming as man to fulfill a purpose only He could fulfill all motivated by His pure character of Love.... it is overwhelming.

The Greatest of all.... immeasurable by humans... coming in the simplest form ....as a new born babe. It leaves me in wonder and awe.

Yesterday we hung stars, sea shells, holly branches....white for purity, and hints of red for the purpose of Jesus. We set out all of the books and movies that remind us of the miracle. Made plans for our feasting and some Christmas cookies. Played the music. All for preparation as we begin our celebration this week for a month long party revolving around the King!

I was lost in wonder … as I saw how giddy my 4 year old was when he noticed I had put up the stable where “Jesus was born”. Simply beautiful. The whole picture. His face… the miracle… our King.

As some of you know i am not much of a Santa fan... on the other hand from my understanding Saint Nicholas was a remarkable Christ follower that God worked through to show HIS great love to so many people. But the modern day Santa ... revolts me a little... to put it bluntly....maybe it is not Santa...maybe it is the materialism that surrounds the character..or the eccessive spending on needless things for the already overwhelming blessed society in his name.

I don't know why it sickness me so... maybe it is just because i am not a fan of anything that attempts to steal man's eyes away from their Amazing Creator God and His real miracles or a child's eyes for that matter. He is worthy of ALL of our attention this celebration season.

So my top ten reasons why we celebrate Jesus and stick Santa ....ummm.... well.... where he belongs. :I

#1 Jesus is real! Santa is pretend!

#2 Jesus existed before man was created! Santa was created by man.

#3 Jesus gives you Himself, all you need! Santa gives you stuff you don't need.

#4 Jesus' gift last forever (even after you die). Santa gifts are only temporary.

#5 Jesus fulfills all your needs and wants. Santa leaves you wanting more.

#6 Jesus provokes selflessness. Santa provokes selfishness.

#7 Jesus gives you true lasting JOY. Santa gives you only passing happiness.

#8 Jesus' miracles are real. Santa miracles aren't real.

#9 Jesus is truth. Santa is a lie.

#10 Jesus is worthy of our attention, affection, and awe. Santa... well.... "he" is not.

So i don't ask my kids what they "want for Christmas?" the very question makes no since. We already received all we could ever want or need on that Christmas long ago.

Psalm 23:1 "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

I ask them how they would like to show God's love this Christmas to the world. And what things would they would like to do that would bring pleasure to their Creator God.

This all may sound crazy to some... I hope not to offend you Santa lovers out there... but this season exists to remind us to give Jesus the honor due and He is worthy of all!

(our advent log that we light every night in December during our reading of the purpose of Jesus)

a name for baby girl...

Jonathan and I heard the story of her namesake about a year ago and it really impacted us and challenged our faith.

The name for the little one in my womb is: Perpetua Faith Grooms

Perpetua means "forever". The Perpetua we named her after was a young noblewoman that lived in Carthage, Tunisia around 200 A.D. She came to first hear about Jesus through her servants. She believed and became a Christian. At the time (like in many countries today) people who followed Jesus “Christians” were persecuted. She was 22 years old and a nursing mother when the government took her and several from her church to prison. They took her child away and threatened to kill her but she would still not deny that Christ was really God and worship the idols worshiped by the majority at the time. Because of that she was martyred for her faith.



This woman's faith stood strong and her persecution actually became her joy and drew her closer to God than ever before. She was faithful to the end of her earthly life. Powerful story…. And some how we just can’t keep her story out of our minds……..we pray that we can have that kind of faith and our children as well.

Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:38-39


Here is a 25/30 min cartoon documentary on her, where we first really heard her story…

Oh how sad... the videos were taken off youtube... so if your local and you want to view her story you can just borrow our copy or order your own at..

http://www.torchlighters.org/episodes/index.php?episode=perpetua 

we have all the toarchlighter series and it is a great resource of true stories that will impact you and your children greatly

Here are more details about the namesake… Perpetua

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpetua_and_Felicity


and a great novel i have been reading.. Perpetua by Amy Rachel Peterson

A Christmas Advent that reminds us...

...of the why behind the Almighty King coming to earth as a baby in a manger: Love.

A God appointed group of friends and impoverished ladies from India worked hard to created 5 sets. Here is a link to my original post and the family tradition that puts everything into perspective each Christmas for us. Below are details on how you can order one. ONLY 2 left!

100% of your donation goes toward impoverished ladies receiving a sewing machine and the training needed to give them a means to help their families survive.

What if...

What if Jesus was my point of reference for everything... every thought, every action, every moment...

big or small...

what if ...with every breath i would recognize my Creator in my limited human ability.

what if..

crazy about Jesus

There are a many things that God has been showing me over the last few years about myself, about Him, about His view of the world. Many times it is opposite of what my culture (both Christian and non) says is truth or is the way to live walk through life. I find myself wondering if i am crazy or if just maybe this is truth that he has been showing me.... and i need to walk in it even if it seems crazy to my culture.

Every time i listen to this guy that has been walking with God.. i am encouraged and reminded that i am not crazy... that i just need to walk forward in truth and obedience.

Check out illbehonest.com for more of his sharing of God's thoughts.

put your hand in the hand that stilled the water

This is the tune i woke up with in my heart this morning.. Elijah and i were singing it and i youtubed to get the rest of lyrics...

makes me smile on the inside ... we so desperately need Jesus!

what if we....

i am fasting from the blogging and facebook world for a while unless it is GPPD related. So i leave you with this video to ponder and inspire.

baby love

i am passed the half way mark now. i feel this little surprise gift from God swirling around in me all of the time. over all i am feeling great....like the with the boys no nausea, morning sickness, or any of the other popular pregnancy woes.

Deeply... my heart has been aching a lot since we got the news that we had to put the adoption on hold while pregnant. At first i thought it was just pregnancy hormones along with the greif from postponing our adoption. i have been really seeking God to see why my heart aches so.... it is not like they said we can never adopt. Yet at times i find myself in pieces over all of it.

He has been showing me that all of these feeling encompasses much. i have wanted to go somewhere in the world and show His love to people who are in desperate need since i was a little girl. God loves and values everyone not just the people in our reach... all people need to see God's endless love for them. i rejoice in opportunities to show love here...but there is something that i think He put in my heart for the people/children that are out of reach of anyone to show them His great love.

i think a part of the excitement over adopting was that if i could not go and show love to many children in desperate need. i would get to show love to at least one fatherless child that needed to see the endless love that God gives them and how He adores and values them.

When this opportunity was taken away... i felt lost... heartbroken. i still don't know what God is up to but i am seeking Him fervently.

Something that He has been revealing to me (it is a simple lesson that i seem to have to relearn a lot) ... He doesn't need me to do anything. He has a plan to rescue the fatherless. As i put Him first and am in communion with Him then i will know what and how He wants me involved in His plan. He will do the rescuing... i just loving follow and obey and enjoy the experience of communion with Him.

i know there is so much of me that i need to surrender to confess and to run away from...so much ugly sin... i know He will show me day by day how to fully walk and dwell in Him. i wish it would happen quickly but God doesn't work on our time schedule and my sin is too much to overcome in a day or a lifetime for that matter.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

God is Powerful

do we really fear God today? i have been asking myself that question a lot recently... and as i was teaching this part [God is Powerful] of the "God is" study these past two weeks i realized that often i forget how powerful the almighty God is....sometimes i even live like or speak like He is not the creator God who has and is the most powerful being in the universe... how could i lose sight of such an obvious truth... i think those are the times when my prideful self is focused on me..and somehow i think i am big... which all seems ridiculous now when i am looking at truth.... looking at God.

Below is just a few of glimpses of what we did. Each day we read God's word particularly passages about His all powerfulness and did an activity or art project that reenforced the passages.

BIBLE STUDY: Luke 5: 1-11 (Jesus make's Simons boat overflow with fish), Mark 6:30-34 (Jesus feeding thousands of people with just few fish)

ART PROJECT: THE BIG CATCH

You will need: white coffee fliters, markers, water, paint brushes, aluminum foil, glue stick, and paper clips - to make fishing pole you will need a magnet tied to a string tied to a stick.

Flatten coffee filter, color with marker randomly with different colors. Paint water onto filter and watch the colors spread as it absorbs water. Let dry. When dry cut out in the shape of a fish. With a marker mark the eye. Glue scraps of aluminium as shinny scales. Attach paper clip and throw in basket. Have the children fish in one place with out fish and then talk about how Jesus showed his power to Simon by making fish were they seemed to be no fish.

SNACK: Make a Berry Blue Jell-O in a clear glass bowl. Refrigerate for an hour. push some swedish fish in the bowl. Yummy and fun.

(we even had a guest join us for this fun!)

ART PROJECT: Bean Art (God sending fire on the alter - based on our Bible study on 1 Kings 18:1-40)

You will need: small paint brush, pencil, board (card board, etc), a variety of beans (different color – I even used rice), ruler or straight edge.

1. Start by drawing the simple picture in pencil on your board. Number were you want a color/bean (number-by-color).

2. "Paint" a thin layer of glue in one area of your pattern, and sprinkle the area with colorful beans. Use a single color in each area.

3. Use the ruler to clean up the edges of the beans before moving on to the next area.

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 until the board is covered. Let dry for a few hours.

now this next one was Jeriah's... it is a sun... no theme... just something simpler for the two year old... and yes we had a lot of beans to sweep up afterwards!

BIBLE STUDY: GOD OPENS THE RED SEA Exodus 14-15:21

ACTIVITY:

Parting Water

To help your child understand how powerful God is, fill a bucket with water. Try to part the water. Try with other things (sticks, etc). Have child put their hands in the water to see if they can part it. Once it becomes clear that the water cannot be parted, talk to your children about how only God had the power to part the Red Sea. Thank God for being so powerful. (i snagged this idea from some random sunday school material online... sorry i don't have the original source to list) verse: Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27

ACTIVITY: God is powerful

You will need: a large magnet, plastic (see through) container with lid, lots of random metal that fits in container (paper clips, nails, screws, etc.)

Put metal in container and close lid tightly. Talk about the magnet (we even read books about how they work). And have them test the power of the magnet by placing it on the container and watching the stuff stick. Discuss how God made the the stuff that makes up a magnet and that He is all powerful. verse: Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all other gods. Psalm 96:4

ART PROJECT: Mountian melt like wax (based on our Bible study on Psalm 29 and 97)

You will need: crayons with paper removed, grader, 2 10x10 inch wax papers, 2 hand towels, iron (hot - keep out of reach of the children), ruler or straight edge, marker, tape, and one sheet of construction paper.

We read Psalm 29, then you tubed how crayons are made - to watch wax melt, we you tubed volcanoes (mountains melting), thunder and lightening, hurricanes, and tornadoes as well to show what the verses were describing. We talked about how powerful God is.

Place one hand towel on table. Make sure iron is on but out of reach of children. Place one wax paper on the hand towel. With the grader shave different color crayons on to the wax paper. When covered at least half way, with a ruler make the shape of a mountain or triangle. Place other wax paper on top then place hand towel on top of that. Press hot iron firmly over the hand towel checking to see if crayon shaving have melted. Once complete, cut a matching mountain shaped hole in construction paper and tape wax paper to back side and write the verse: Psalm 97:5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.

(sorry no picture... still hanging in our window will try to get a picture)

One of the songs we sang....

MY GOD IS SO BIG

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty

There's nothing my God cannot do

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty

There's nothing my God cannot do

He made the trees

He made the seas

He made the elephants too

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty

There's nothing my God cannot do

I will leave you with this... after 2 weeks of studying the power of God and watching the hurricanes swirl up trees with Elijah on youtube... this song stands out in my heart... and i am left overwhelmed by my AMAZING POWERFUL GOD!!!

Lord, help me to be in awe of you constantly!