Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Noah the fish

So, I decided to take some video proof of Noah's excitement with the rings. Unfortunately, I ran out of memory space (oops...should really take off some pictures) and it shut down right as he was really getting into it. Still, it definitely gives you a feel for his love of swimming.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Our little fish

Noah started swim lessons this week and he LOVES them. Fortunately, he is in a class with one of his closest friends, so that has helped him overcome any shyness he might have had. He has no problem putting his head under water. He is a wiggly fish, so eager to have turns and attempt what's being tried. At the end of each session, they get to dive for rings (the pool is only 2-3ft deep). Noah goes nuts and LOVES to get as many rings as he can. I'm so glad that he loves swimming.



Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Israelite

Heaven help me...please. I am being such an Israelite. I realized as I was whinyi...ahem...I mean talking to my mother-in-law today that I am very complainy lately.

We are tight this month because there is a gap between Dave's last paycheck from the AEC and the first from Purdue. It's fine...we've been budgeting and tightening the purse strings to brace for it. Yet, we've had some hiccups along the way.

Through some interesting circumstances, we had to pay off the remainder of Callie's arm bill in one lump sum. Gulp. Yet, God was faithful and there was almost the exact amount of money extra in Dave's last check from the AEC. Phew...thanks God.

Our oven broke last night. It was going to cost about $200 to fix. Ugh. I was depressed all day about it...not to mention it was not going to get fixed until Friday. I truly believe that God gave Dave the inspiration and the ability. He began looking at it, called some people, found the part, and fixed it all today. (The actual fixing of the igniter switch took all of ten minutes...with Noah's help) The cost was far less than the original estimate. Thank you Jesus.

In the midst of my funk and while I was vacuuming and whining to God about this not being the right time (as if there is ever a RIGHT time for your oven to go out), I realized, I am being an Israelite. I was so busy whining that I wasn't seeing God's provision that was right in front of me.

Instead of being thankful for what God has already done, I've been whining about wanting more. I'm ashamed to even admit to some of my whiny thoughts lately. Ugh. I realized how poor my attitude has been. It's as if the manna is sitting right in front of me, but I'm too busy whining that it's not a steak to even realize the miracle that it really is and to be thankful for all the things that God has given me. Freedom from my sins, an amazing family, a great church body, good friendships, a great house to live in, two vehicles to drive. We are richly blessed.

I have a feeling this time period for us is intended to make us more reliant on God and to trust Him with our finances. As much as I would love to say that I have submitted to this graciously, I feel instead I have been kicking and screaming. I know how much I don't like it when my kids do it, and I'm sure it's equally (if not more) repugnant for a grown woman to have a temper tantrum about not getting her way. I'm so glad God is merciful and gracious when He deals with us.

Lord, forgive me for my poor attitude and for not seeing your mercies and provision for what they are. Please change my heart and teach me to be content in you. Thank you for loving us even when we act ridiculous.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Stand Firm

These two words seem to be jumping out all over the bible for me lately. Tonight I was just reading in 2 Thessalonians and in verse 15 it says, "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold onto the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter." In my head, I picture a bunch of leaders who are going about their lives, telling others about Jesus, having lifegroups, praying for others and as they keep at it...satan creeps in and they begin to second guess themselves, start feeling isolated, begin to feel discouraged. I like how Paul says, "Stand Firm" in the word. Always go back to the basic teachings of the gospel. How refreshing it is to read God's word.

Lately, I've been dealing with a spiritual "funk" let's call it. I was definitely feeling some major opposition and it got to the point where I was feeling really confused, isolated, and discouraged. After talking to Tony, our pastor, and getting some very healing prayer, I feel like I am free from a lot of the "junk" that was following me around as well as free to really, truly read God's word in peace.

In doing so, I've been hit multiple times with this idea of "standing firm".

Moses telling the Israelites: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring today" -Exodus 14:13

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. -1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Referring to a believer in Christ named Epaphras, "He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured."- Colossians 4:12

Resist him (the devil), standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. - 2 Peter 5:9

I'm so encouraged as I read these verses. Jesus knew what we would face on this earth and the trials that we would bear...and yet we are still called to stand firm. That's my desire...to be able to stand firm, no matter what.

The picture I get is of our feet anchored to a rock with waves crashing over us...yet we remain standing...unshaken. I'm so glad that Jesus is the rock so that we CAN stand strong.

Lord, help me to continue to stand firm in you...to not be shaken or moved. I love you Jesus.

Referee

Today I have refereed:

Noah against the cats
Buzz against Marmaduke
Chester against the cats
Noah AND Chester against the cats
Noah against Callie
Callie against Noah
The cats against the tadpole
The cats against Chester
Chester against the geese

I'm calling it-I'm officially off duty.