Socialization-Schmocialization

(see picture above: socialization!)


Okay, as a homeschooling family, we get pretty tired of the "what about socialization?" question. Over and over I have heard it and so have many of my friends who choose to homeschool. In the book, "When You Rise Up"(metioned in an earlier blog post), R.C. Sproul, Jr. comes up with a great reply for this question. I only hope I remember it the next time someone brings it up.


He mentions that the Bible doesn't tell us how children are to be socialized, and-even further- God never commands that our children even be "socialized!" (and the Bible itself says that it equips us for every good work and that we are to raise our children in the admonition of the Lord) He will usually question the other person as to what they mean by socialization. He then guides the conversation by saying, "..Now, when you speak of socialization, you're talking about my child's ability to get along with others who are different. Is that it?" Usually he gets an affirmative response, and then goes on to list all the ways his children daily interact with everyone from adults to their special-needs sister, to "socializing" with the kids at church, to folks, etc...


"But that isn't really what people mean by socialization. What they want for my daughter Darby is to be hip to all the things other ten-year old girls are concerned about, like fashion labels, television shows, pop singers, and other essentials to the good life....But I have none of that concern. I raise my daughter, her sisters, and her brother to be free. Their identity is in Christ, not in pop culture...Oh, but how will she ever meet people where they are? How will she ever be able to relate to the world around her, if she doesn't know what's up with Harry Potter? And if she doesn't know that, how can she possibly win the lost? This whole drowning-ourselves-in-pop-culture-sludge argument should be wearing thin by now. What exactly do your children need to know in order to win the lost besides the Bible...?...All our children need to know about the lost is that they are lost. When they, in their lostness, yammer on and on about the latest boy band, all they need to know is that the latest boy band is not the answer." (pp. 136)


When I looked up the word "socialize" in the Webster's Dictionary, it says "to make friendly or sociable, to take part in social activities." Yes, my children take part in social activities. Yes, my children are friendly. And, they don't need a roomful of kids only their own age to find someone to socialize with. They have so much fun with our summer staff-who are college age. I've even had people tell me that they are surprised how much friendlier and outgoing my kids are than some kids who are in school. My oldest is more shy, but that is just who she is, and she would be that way in school or at home. No amount of "socialization" can change their God-given personalities. That's what makes them unique.


"And these words I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way and when you lie down, and when you rise..." Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

He's One!

My baby, Nehemiah, is one year old today! I don't know how it happened so quickly. All I can say is that we thank God every day for the blessings he brings our family. We wouldn't be complete without him! What a joy he is! :)

Happy Birthday, precious baby boy!

New Lyrics to an Old Hymn...

Our new Crossings camp CD is finished, and it's awesome! You can find out how to get yourself a copy by calling 1-502-491-7000, by the way! We listen to it all the time. The kids love it!

So, this morning, Lizze was singing "Jesus Paid It All." However, her lyrics were a bit different than the original ones. I laughed and laughed! It went:

Jesus paid it all

All because of sin

Sin had lost it's criminal

Hee-haw is white as snow!

For those of you "hymn-challenged, " the original lyrics are:

Jesus paid it all

All to Him I owe

Sin had left a crimson stain

He washed it white as snow

:) Have a great day!

Mud Pit

Here's this year's mud pit picture!(Left to Right:Eli, Lizzie, Autumn, Myra) (Eli and Autumn are our good friends and neighbors)

I told the kids I'd get in, but I didn't really get a chance this year with the baby. I DID get to ride horses and do the blob and the zip line in the lake, but I'll have to save the Tango Tower and the mud pit for next year. I'm not sure I'll ever get to the mountain bikes! :)

First Pool Experience Was Traumatic...

A Great Book

I just today finished reading a great book. It's called, "When you Rise Up" by R.C. Sproul, Jr. It's a book on homeschooling and why homeschool and gives defenses for homeschooling. Now, for those of you who don't homeschool, don't stop reading. Although this book provides biblical reasons for homeschooling, I think it would benefit all readers on raising Godly children.

I have to admit, I have been really discouraged lately with...life, maybe? I've been struggling with being a mom, with getting ready to homeschool, with the fall/winter season approaching-which seems to be my "depressed" time of the year, etc.. I was just needing some encouragement, so I picked up some books to encourage me. And, this book was just what I needed to pick me up and set my feet on solid ground again.

The Lord has been showing me alot lately. I hate to admit it, but I realize that, at least lately, I have been seeing my children as a burden, a hindrance to doing what I want to be doing, and a distraction. I have so much to accomplish each day, and I realize I do (housework, cleaning, organizing, etc..) instead of spending time with my children. In essence, I am telling them that they are a burden and I am better off if they went out and played and left me alone. And, some days I even feel this! I know we all need time off, and there is nothing wrong with this. But, my bible says that my children are a blessing. "When we see spending time with them {our children} as a burden, rather than a joy, we see further evidence of how encultured we have become. Children, biblically speaking, are a blessing from God. And we ought to seek out time with blessings from God, not plot out ways to avoid them, or hand them over to others." (from "When You Rise Up)

I was convicted and encouraged and spurred on. I, literally, finished this book thinking how excited I am to start schooling/spending time with my kids again. Sometimes we all grow weary of parenting, especially when we homeschool and our kids are with us all the time, but God has strength for us. He who called us will equip us.

"We are called to obedience, and are not to take that sufficient grace for granted. The point isn't so much, 'Bear up under suffering,' as it is 'be obedient.' When we trust God in obedience, he gives the grace we so desperately need." (from the same book)

...more from this book later....

Jason and Melissa

This past Saturday I took pictures for the wedding of Jason and Melissa Midkiff. They are a wonderful, Christian couple who were a joy to work with. Here's a few of my favorites.

Above Rubies Article

Above Rubies Email
Devotional No. 178

PARENTS HAVE HONOR!

"Leviticus 19:3, "Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father... I am the Lord your God."
God has given honor to the status of parenthood. God is a Father and He wants His children fathered in the anointing of His fatherhood. God also has a maternal heart and He has ordained that mothers should mother with the anointing of His mother heart.
God gives many Scriptures to remind us of the honor He has placed upon parents.
Exodus 20:12, "Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land..."
Deuteronomy 5:16, "Honor thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee..."
So that we do not forget, this command is repeated in the New Testament in Matthew 15:4; 19:19; Mark 7:10; 10:19; Luke 18:20 and Ephesians 6:2-3.

I am always astounded by the Scripture mentioned at the beginning. Not only are children commanded to honor their parents, but to fear them. The word 'fear' that is used here is the same word that is used to 'fear' God. Do you also notice that the mother is mentioned first? Children often have a healthy respect for their father's authority but fail to honor their mother's authority. This is not God's intention. He wants children to have an awe and reverence for their mother too.

How can we experience this? I believe that we must be reminded of the truth that God has given honor to parents (including mothers) and because He has given us this honor, we must walk in the anointing of it. Perhaps you feel as though you have no honor. You feel a total failure. You feel overwhelmed. You feel you can't make it. You feel hopeless as a mother. It's certainly easy to feel like this, isn't it?

However, God doesn't see you like this. He has put honor upon you as a mother. The role of mother is a high status in God's eyes. In Ezekiel 19:10-11 it states that it is an exalted career. It is to be honored and revered. When you understand the honor that God has put upon you, you can begin to walk in it.

The other day I read a Scripture in Jeremiah 22:5 (Knox) that talked about God bringing judgment upon Israel because of their sin. "Disobey, the Lord says, and my own honor is engaged to make, of this place, a ruin." God was bound by His own honor to bring judgment because of their sin. Because God is holy, He had to judge them, or He would no longer be a God of honor. He has to honor who He is, a God of righteousness and holiness who cannot tolerate sin. Of course, He is also a merciful God who forgives and forgets the moment we repent.
We too, who parent in the likeness of God, must not give into disobedience and rebellion in our children. We must discipline, because of the honor we have as parents. We cannot fail the honor that has been given to us. It is our right for our children to obey us. Of course, as with God, forgiveness and mercy are coupled with judgment.

Each morning you wake, acknowledge the honor God has given to you as mother. See yourself with God's honor upon you and mother your children accordingly.

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

PRAYER:

"Lord, thank you for reminding me that you have given honor to me as a mother. Help me to walk in the anointing of this honor as I mother my children. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:
I will uphold the honor God has given to me. "

www.aboverubies.org

Camp is here... and a bit of Theology!

Well, here we are again..in another camp season. It started yesterday and has gone so smoothly so far! The preceding days leading up to camp this year were so different from last. Last year was craziness and last minute details...this year was like, "oh, it's here already?" Always, at the beginning of camp, I look around and think, "man, this is such an awesome place for my kids to grow up at. How cool would it be to grow up here?" And, then I look around at all our awesome young staff and am so thankful for these Godly examples for my little ones of following after God. I just think that my kids look up to them so much and these are the kind of young adults I hope for my children to emulate one day. So, it's all good!

I must tell you that I started my systematic theology book, and it was not what I expected. By started, I mean I read the first chapter on "what is systematic theology?" I really, honestly, was expecting it to be slow and, dare I say-possibly "boring"? (I'm sorry Shane) But, I love the way Grudem presents this material. He presents it with life and charisma. He's serious and excited about doctrine, and he easily gets you on track to be excited about it, too.

So, what is "systematic theology?" It is studying what the Bible, as a whole, teaches us about any given topic. It's taking a subject and studying all the passages in the Bible on that subject and them summarizing ALL of them to find out what we believe on that given topic and relating it to the present day. As a matter of face, Grudem strongly believes that life application must occur while studying systematic theology or you are not studying it properly. He says, "all doctrines should be seen in terms of their practical value for living the Christian life."

I have heard the argument that we do not need to study "doctrine" ("what the whole bible teaches us today about some particular topic") or "theology"...that we only need to study the Bible. I do believe that most people who say this do not understand that studying doctrine IS studying the Bible. Men like Grudem have gone through the scriptures, taken them as a whole, and laid them out for us. Point blank, that's a lot of work, and I'm glad it's already been done for me, laid out "carefully organized by topic"! Furthermore, I like how he points out that most of use systematic-theological statements without even knowing it. "..Every time a Christian says something about what the whole Bible says, he or she is in a sense doing 'systematic theology'.."

I guess what I loved the most about this chapter was that I could "feel" his passion for making doctrine easily accessible and understandable for all people. He spoke about theology with an excitement I haven't seen much. At the end of this chapter, I had a hard time putting the book down..I just wanted to learn more! Not at all how I thought it would be.

"..Studying systematic theology will help us grow more as Christians. The more we know about God, about his Word, about his relationships to the world and mankind, the better we will trust him, the more fully we will praise him, and the more readily we will obey him."

"The study of theology is not merely an intellectual or mental exercise. It is a study of the living God and of the wonders of all his works in creation and redemption. We cannot study this subject as if our hearts and lives are uninvolved! We must love all that God is, all that he says, and all that he does...Our response to the study of the theology of Scripture should be that of the Psalmist who said, 'How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!' In the study of the teachings of God's word, it should not surprise us if we often find our hearts spontaneously breaking forth in expressions of praise and delight like those of the psalmist..." Not what I expected from the first chapter of my systematic theology book!!! But, even now, as I write it, it stirs my heart for more....

"The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart." Psalm 19:8

My Son

What can I even say? Is he not just the cutest thing? :)

Sorry it's been so long...

For those of you out there dying to read another blog post from me....I apologize! To all my loyal fans and friends I send out a "hello!" Life has been crazy...you know, 3 kids, homeschooling, 3 photography sessions in 2 weeks, editing on a 7-year old computer, 3 kids, 1 sexy husband, housework, bills, shopping.....just life! :) So, I have a minute...thougt I'd just say hi and that I'm still alive. If you are one of the many people that have called me lately or are awaiting a call, just know I'm trying to catch up...I'm about 2 weeks behind in life right now. Hang in there!

What's new? Well, we got a new computer! Yea! It's great! But, we don't have any pictures or email addresses transferred over yet, so we have to get to that. But, my photo editing should go a lot quicker now.

Hey-I've lost 21.6 pounds since January 1! Yea! That makes me about 10 pounds less than when I got pregnant! yea! I'm still working, though. Just thought I'd share! I'm pretty happy!

Other than that...I still haven't gotten to my Bible Doctrines book. I keep planning to...just gotta do it. I've been studying up on the Proverbs 31 woman for our women's study coming soon. It looks like I'll be leading that class, which I'm very excited about. She has been one I've studied for several years. God just shows you more and more everytime you study her. I don't feel qualified to teach her because I feel like I am so like her yet, but I love learning about her. Pray for me as I prepare for that.

Well, some Jehovah's Witnesses came to my door last week. I just stood there in my pj's with the baby on my arm wishing Shane were there. He's so good with them and with Mormons. He always knows just what to say. I, on the other hand, found myself stumbling over my, "I'm sorry I can't take your literature. I don't believe the same way you do." What does that mean? What do we believe differently? I mean, I know there are differences, but I realized I didn't know what they were enough to invite these ladies in. When I shut the door, and they drove away, I broke down in tears. "Lord, I want to know what I know. I want to be prepared in season and out of season. I want to have an answer for the hope that lies within me." So, I prayed, asked God for forgiveness, and talked to my friend Monica later. We made a goal to study up on Jehovah's Witnesses, and on the person of Christ, and on Justification by Faith, so that we can be prepared. She's already started working on it. I've just been trying to take care of the homestead. But, it's another goal I hope to get going on this week. There are those that would say, "just love Jesus. That's all you need. You don't need to study any of this. Jesus didn't." Well, folks, Jesus wrote it all. He also said that I am to have an answer for the hope that lies within me. I don't want to know so that I can duke it out with the next JW's that come to my door, but rather, again, I know it was God just giving me a chance to see the need for knowing doctrine. It was a hard lesson, but a loving exhortation from the Lord.

Well, besides all that, we pulled off Lizzie's 5th birthday party on Saturday. She had a pirate party. Yes, my precious baby girl wanted a pirate party. It was the least planned party we've ever had, last minute...and probably the best! We had a few friends over and had a pinata anc a cake and bubbles...what more do you need? :) She is a precious girl, and we wish she didn't have to grow up. She's just a lot of fun! When I asked her what food she would like to have at her birthday party, she said, "deer heart." Really. That child is her father in short form! They love deer heart steaks...which really aren't as bad as they sound, but I just can't get over the "heart" part. Needless to say, we ended up having hot dogs. She hasn't learned yet that deer heart is socially unacceptable! :) Hey, we live in the country, folks.

On that note, I will sign off for now! :)

Ever Had One of Those Days?

Okay, I LOVE this picture of Nehemiah! It just cracks me up everytime I see it. It's just so cute and so real! Any suggestions as to a title for it?

What I'm Reading

Okay, so I finally got the systematic theology book yesterday. I was in Louisville and got all inspired, and bought it. It looks a little daunting, but I hear it's not! I'm more of a reader of women's issues and I love fiction! So, it's a big step for me. Of course, Shane came home, saw it, and said, "You can keep it in my library." I respectfully told him no! It's my systematic theology book-he has plenty of his own. But, I was honored he'd want my new book for his library. Most of my books couldn't force their way in! :-)

The book is entitled, "Bible Doctrine", and it's by Wayne Grudem. It covers: The Doctrine of the word of God, The Doctrine of God, The Doctrine of Man, The Doctrine of Christ, The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption, The Doctrine of the church, The Doctrine of the Future.

Sound like light reading, eh? I know. I'll let you know how it goes! I'm excited and afraid that I won't understand it, even though it's the "systematic theology for dummies" book! :) However, luckily I am married to a walking systematic theology book, so I'm sure I won't be left in the dark on an issue I may not be able to grasp.

Look for more exciting posts on my theology journey to come..... Anyone want to join me? :)

How To Have Peace

Well, I haven't posted in awhile, kind of because I've been in a "funk." I hate to admit it, but I'm a pretty honest person. Too honest? Maybe sometimes. I suppose I've always had the opinion that once you get to know me you'll see the real me, anyways, so why not just come out with it up front! Is that wise? I dunno, but it's who I am.

I have had a bit of a whiny, jealous, depressed, "blah" couple weeks-minus a few days here and there. I've been trying to figure out why, now that I'm pretty over it...and that darn (sorry for the "Christian cussing") word keeps coming back to me-CONTENTMENT. Aagh! There it is again. It keeps attacking me when I'm not looking for it! And, one verse keeps coming to me over and over...

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

There is a definite progression here if we break this verse apart...I will have PERFECT peace when my mind is stayed on the Lord and when I am trusting in Him. So, when I don't have peace, what could that mean? Precisely, you smart friends of mine (all 2 of you who read my blog! )....when I don't have peace, could it mean that my mind is NOT stayed on the Lord and I am NOT trusting Him? I think so. I can probably trace all my "crises" (is that how it's spelled?) back to not trusting the Lord, and looking to something other than Him to fulfill me.

Man, after all these years of being saved, after all the times God has been faithful...why do I continue to not trust Him? Why do I look elsewhere for my fulfillment? You know, "if I owned my own home, I would be so happy?" It's true...or so I can convince myself! Why? Do I really ever own anything? Isn't it all God's, anyways? So, why do I buy into the world's thoughts? Why do I battle with discontentment and jealousies? Because my mind is not stayed upon the Lord. Oh, God, forgive me. Have mercy upon me..again!

And, He does. He's been GENTLY reminding me of this verse..over and over. His kindness leads me to repentance. He is gracious and loving, because he knows I am made of dust. You know why He chose you and I, don't you? "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty....that NO flesh should glory in His presence." (1 Cor. 1:27-28) There's your encouragement for the day! But, no, it really is...He chose me because I was weak and foolish, so that He could get the glory. He knows who I am, He knows my heart, whether I tell you the truth of what's in it or not. But, then He gets the glory for anything good that comes out of my life.

When God has called you, He wants all of you. All these times of showing me my heart are a growing process for me. I see my heart for what it is. I know there's so much in there I hold on to.

I will have perfect peace when my mind is stayed on Him because I trust Him. God, help me to trust you. You have never proven yourself to be anything other than trustworthy. Keep my mind on you, keep my eyes fixed on you.

One more favorite verse: " Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way." Psalm 119:37....worthless things. How much time do I spend thinking of worthless things instead of keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus? Too much.

How to be content and have peace? Trust God with everything. Keep your mind stayed on Him. Simple as that! :-)

"For Instruction In Righteousness"

I suppose this is a sort of "book review." I purchased the book, "For Instruction In Righteousness" some time ago, but had one of my first chances to use it yesterday. Well, I'm sure it was not my first chance, but I suppose the Lord brought it to my mind, and I just had to share.

The book comes from www.doorposts.net. It is a book that has topically arranged chapters for the "parent in need," as I call myself! It's a quick bibilical reference to subjects such as: Disobedience, Pride, Arguing/Complaining, Shifting blame, Fear, Laziness, Immodesty, Rules for borrowers, Hitting/Biting/Kicking, Unkind Speech, and so on. The chapters are laid out by general information and biblical commandments about each sin, what happens (or should happen) to the person involved in that sin, what that sin is likened to, stories that illustrate the consequences of that sin, and the blessings of those who do the opposite of the sin (i.e..obeying vs. disobeying), stories that illustrate the blessings, and then verses to memorize. They use only scripture for reference, but give practical ideas as how to make the scriptures real to your children.

One example is Selfishness. One verse that gives general information on this sin is Eph. 4:28, which talks about working so you can give to others. The practical advice for this verse is to have children purchase gifts for others from their own earnings.

What happens or should happen to the selfish person? Provervs 28:27 says "He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses." A practical suggestion to apply this verse would be to deny the child the privilege of playing, or deny them thier toys for a time, etc...

On the other hand, one of the blessings of generosity is found in Matthew 23:11, which says, "'But the greatest among you shall be your servant." In this book they encourage you to exalt the generous, unselfish child, to give him a special "honor-the-servant" party, and have the rest of the family serve him for a day.

I have just given you a taste of what this book is about. It doesn't come cheap ($30 spiral-bound), but it is definitely worth your money. These parents came up with this book as a reference for their own family, and we can reap from their hard work! I would recommend any of their books, actually. What a blessing to have God's word at our fingertips to use wisely in situations with our children.

Contentment

Paul said, "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in." (Philippians 4:11)

Now, if Kari were writing this today, it would read: "Well, sometimes I think I am content, until I start watching too many HGTV shows. I feel content, but then those darn NutriSlim commercials come on TV, and I realize I am not shaped like a pencil like those women. I want to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself in...if only God would put me where I want to be...yes, then I COULD be content." Sadly to say, this is the truth of my heart. I long for contentment, but I can get so caught up in the affairs of this world, so "entagled" is what Paul calls it, isn't it? I feel God is speaking to me about contentment...now, it's not the first time, and I'm sad to say it probably won't be the last. But, I want to keep hearing from Him in this area.

"Contentment is wanting what you already have." (from Thriving on One Income)

"Entire books have been written on the subject [of living frugally], but I think it can be boiled down to two key behaviors: staying home and practicing contentment. Leaving the house costs money and discontentment costs you more than just money." (from www.humblemusings.com)

Missing Shane

I told Lizzie this morning that I missed Shane (he's in Seattle at the Acts 29 Resurgence Conference) and she said, "Me, too, mommy....I miss his beautiful face!" :)

Holding Fast to Sound Doctrine

I am coming to the realization that there is more and more out there to pull us away from truth. From blogging with Emergent church seekers to hearing too many women "love" Joyce Meyers, I am feeling God prodding my heart in the area of "knowing what I know." What I mean is that I lean alot on Shane for answers. Someone asks me something and I say, "I don't know, I'll ask Shane." Although that is one role my husband should play, as head of our household-and a role I highly respect him in-I am feeling that I need to search these things for myself. Not to come up with a different conclusion, but maybe to have an answer more often. I'm not sure if I have enough brain left, after three children, for this venture, but I think God is stirring my heart to study a Systematic Theology book. I have really felt it heavy on my heart this past week. I want to have an answer for why I believe what I believe. Oh, will Shaney be excited (all of you feel free to call him 'Shaney')! He's been wanting me to study this book for some time, but I just haven't been ready. I'd tell you the name of the book, but I can't even remember it! ( I suppose it doesn't look like I'm off to a good start, but at least I'm honest about it!) I'll keep you updated on this.....

A Blessing Journal

blogging from Indiana....

So, I am reading this book entitled, "Thriving on One Income" by Kimberly Eddy. I am always looking for more encouragement in the area of budgeting and finances. It's been a great book so far-I am on chapter10. Chapter 8 is entitled, "The Blessing Journal." At the beginning of the chapter, she quotes Psalm 145:2-5:

"Every day I will bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation will praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works."

In this chapter, she talks about how when she saw this commandment in scripture, she wondered how she could ever obey since they were-at the time-just "barely scraping by." Inspired by a project her daughter's Sunday school class did, she decided to start a blessings journal. In it she would write down each blessing she received from God and every thing she was thankful for. She says, in her book, "I have learned that my husband may get payed on Thursdays, but my God provides for me everyday." She did this to not only to look back on "what the Lord hath done" on her down days, but also to help her to see all of God's provisions every day!

Well, she has inspired me. I want to share some financial blessings God gave us this past week. I'd love to hear from you, too! ......

1. He gave us 2 tubs of clothes for Nehemiah in size 18 months-which just "happened to be the size we needed for him!

2. He provided for our daughter to go to the Puzzle Dome with a friend who's parents said they wanted to pay since they invited her!

3. We had got a gift card for Christmas to a restaurant, which went out of business before we could use the card. So, the company reimbursed our money and we used it Sunday when we went to eat with some friends from church.

4. Someone gave me a gift card for my birthday to a clothing store!

5. On Saturday, I found a brand new pair of jeans with the labels on them (old navy) for only $8 at a consignment shop, where I also got my daughter a Laura Ashley easter dress for $6!

6. My parents paid for dinner for the girls and I tonight at their church.

7. The Lord provided a hotel room and a car rental free for my husband while in Seattle.

And, I'm sure there are more...but my brain is only so big with three kids!;) It's so good to remember what the Lord has done. He is bigger than our paychecks or our budgets.

"Do you have food and clothing? Thank Him. That's all He says we TRULY need, and yet He provides us with so much more, doesn't He?"

Pursuing Christ

This is a great article by John Piper on counting everything but Christ loss (link here). I was encouraged and know you will be, too:

".. my conclusion is that what Paul is pursuing in Philippians 3:12 is ultimately Christ himself. And the most essential practical strategy of this pursuit is to count Christ himself as supremely valuable (“because of the surpassing worth”) and to count everything but Christ as worthless by comparison... "