Individuality. God has made each and every one of us unique and different in our own way - there are no two alike. I often have to remind myself of this when it comes to Hope and Faith, our identical twins. Even though they look very much alike, they have their own personalities and even their own set of fingerprints!
Have you ever stopped to think how boring everyday life would be if we were all the same? If we all looked the same, talked the same, liked the same things, wouldn't you get tired of it all? God knew this and in his infinite wisdom decided to spice things up for us by creating us all different! (Shondra's translation!)
I hope you enjoy today, Thanksgiving Day...spend some time with your family, slow things down a bit and learn to relax. Depending on where you live, if you happen to see snowflakes today, I dare you to try and find 2 that are exactly alike!
Thursday
Tuesday
Thankful for another year of life...
How cheesy does that sound? :) I really am thankful for another year of life because we are not guaranteed a certain number of days or years here on earth. Every day God gives me to spend with my family and loved ones is an added blessing.
Sunday
Thankful for...
the wonderful weather today. After church this morning, I was able to get a few things done while the kids rode their bikes and played in the driveway.
Now if I could just get a few more things done before the snow flies on Thanksgiving!
Now if I could just get a few more things done before the snow flies on Thanksgiving!
Saturday
Thankful...
Today I am thankful for Noah's ability to memorize scripture, and participate in Bible Quizzing. So many times as a parent I can get caught up in the "competition" aspect of it, and lose sight of what really matters.
Noah spends at least 20 minutes each night studying his quiz questions, and memorizing them. He is on a team of 4 boys, 4 of them quiz at a time against another church. There are rankings/standings for them as individuals, and rankings/standings for them as a team also. Individually, your goal is to end up in the top 15 at the end of the 6 month season (out of roughly 80 some children). The top 15 are the ones that receive a plaque with their name and place standing engraved on it. Noah's 1st year he just missed the top 15, but received the "Top Gun" plaque, which he was thrilled about. Last year he placed 10th as an individual and his team was in the top 2 at the end of the season.
After the first quiz meet in October this past month, Noah was ranked 5th as an individual. We knew it would be hard to hold that position with 5 months of quizzing remaining and did not want to get caught up in the competitiveness of it. Now, don't get me wrong, the drive of competition is not a bad thing, but it can get in the way of what truly matters. Over the past month, I have come to realize that what is important is that Noah is "hiding God's word in his heart", something that he will be able to recall and lean on in years to come. And just in case I lose sight of that, God gently reminded me at today's quiz meet. Although Noah knows his "material", he did not do well at jumping today. If you are not a fast jumper, the 7 other children you are quizzing against are going to buzz in faster and be able to answer the question. I am 100% positive that Noah knew the answer to every question that was asked in his matches today...but he got the first jump on only a handful of questions out of the 80 that were asked.
Needless to say, he is going to go down in the standings. Does that hurt as a parent? Yes, it does. Do we let that define him as a quizzer and as a person? No, we do not. He is learning God's word, and can still recall what he has memorized in the past 2 years he has been in quizzing.
I am so proud of him for what he is doing, and Lord please help me not to lose sight of that.
Noah spends at least 20 minutes each night studying his quiz questions, and memorizing them. He is on a team of 4 boys, 4 of them quiz at a time against another church. There are rankings/standings for them as individuals, and rankings/standings for them as a team also. Individually, your goal is to end up in the top 15 at the end of the 6 month season (out of roughly 80 some children). The top 15 are the ones that receive a plaque with their name and place standing engraved on it. Noah's 1st year he just missed the top 15, but received the "Top Gun" plaque, which he was thrilled about. Last year he placed 10th as an individual and his team was in the top 2 at the end of the season.
After the first quiz meet in October this past month, Noah was ranked 5th as an individual. We knew it would be hard to hold that position with 5 months of quizzing remaining and did not want to get caught up in the competitiveness of it. Now, don't get me wrong, the drive of competition is not a bad thing, but it can get in the way of what truly matters. Over the past month, I have come to realize that what is important is that Noah is "hiding God's word in his heart", something that he will be able to recall and lean on in years to come. And just in case I lose sight of that, God gently reminded me at today's quiz meet. Although Noah knows his "material", he did not do well at jumping today. If you are not a fast jumper, the 7 other children you are quizzing against are going to buzz in faster and be able to answer the question. I am 100% positive that Noah knew the answer to every question that was asked in his matches today...but he got the first jump on only a handful of questions out of the 80 that were asked.
Needless to say, he is going to go down in the standings. Does that hurt as a parent? Yes, it does. Do we let that define him as a quizzer and as a person? No, we do not. He is learning God's word, and can still recall what he has memorized in the past 2 years he has been in quizzing.
I am so proud of him for what he is doing, and Lord please help me not to lose sight of that.
Isaiah 40:11
"He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young."
Even though my kids are getting older, this is still a favorite passage from the Bible of mine. It is a nice reminder that we are not alone in raising our children, that He is always with us.
Friday
Thankful for...
Days when no one is sick and everyone is where they should be!
Where has the week gone? I have missed a few days of being thankful for posts, but with good reasons!
Tuesday morning Hope said she didn't feel good, her throat, tummy and head hurt. I took her temp and it was barely 99, but decided to let her stay home anyway. Wise decision! The rest of the morning she ended up running a temp of 103 and was miserable. I had made an appointment for Wed. morning at 8:30, but by 3:30 Tuesday afternoon I decided we could not wait that long. I knew she had strep throat and wanted her to be tested so we would know for sure. As my husband likes to remind me, I am not a medical doctor, I just play one at home. But seriously, when your family has had strep as much as we have, you get really good at self-diagnosing it!
The Dr.'s office said they could work us in at 3:45, so off we went. On the way there, Hope was feeling more nauseous than earlier and wanted to have a plastic bag...just in case. So in we walk to the Dr.'s, plastic bag and all! Long story short? She was diagnosed with Strep Throat and was given a prescription for an antibiotic, and also received a shot to help with the nausea.
For some strange reason, I was told to keep her home from school for 48 hours (not our normal 24 hrs), so she ended up missing Tues-Wed-Thurs. Today was her first day back...which leads me to my thankful post!
Days when children are home sick, unexpected errands come up, or you are just plain busy...they happen all the time (at least in our house). You forget how nice it is to have a day with nothing planned, or just to have your day go as you originally planned it to.
My day today? I'm off to a Bible/Book study, picking up the girls from their friend's house, maybe putting up my parent's Christmas tree, and an evening relaxing with some Cook's Pizza! Noah has his second quiz meet tomorrow at Pleasanthill Missionary Church in Bronson, Michigan, so we will be gone most of the day (my brother is the pastor of that church, so we are hoping to visit with family also - no telling when we may get home).
Where has the week gone? I have missed a few days of being thankful for posts, but with good reasons!
Tuesday morning Hope said she didn't feel good, her throat, tummy and head hurt. I took her temp and it was barely 99, but decided to let her stay home anyway. Wise decision! The rest of the morning she ended up running a temp of 103 and was miserable. I had made an appointment for Wed. morning at 8:30, but by 3:30 Tuesday afternoon I decided we could not wait that long. I knew she had strep throat and wanted her to be tested so we would know for sure. As my husband likes to remind me, I am not a medical doctor, I just play one at home. But seriously, when your family has had strep as much as we have, you get really good at self-diagnosing it!
The Dr.'s office said they could work us in at 3:45, so off we went. On the way there, Hope was feeling more nauseous than earlier and wanted to have a plastic bag...just in case. So in we walk to the Dr.'s, plastic bag and all! Long story short? She was diagnosed with Strep Throat and was given a prescription for an antibiotic, and also received a shot to help with the nausea.
For some strange reason, I was told to keep her home from school for 48 hours (not our normal 24 hrs), so she ended up missing Tues-Wed-Thurs. Today was her first day back...which leads me to my thankful post!
Days when children are home sick, unexpected errands come up, or you are just plain busy...they happen all the time (at least in our house). You forget how nice it is to have a day with nothing planned, or just to have your day go as you originally planned it to.
My day today? I'm off to a Bible/Book study, picking up the girls from their friend's house, maybe putting up my parent's Christmas tree, and an evening relaxing with some Cook's Pizza! Noah has his second quiz meet tomorrow at Pleasanthill Missionary Church in Bronson, Michigan, so we will be gone most of the day (my brother is the pastor of that church, so we are hoping to visit with family also - no telling when we may get home).
Monday
Upward's Basketball and Cheerleading
This past Saturday was evaluation day for Upward's Basketball and Cheerleading at our church. Noah has played before, but this was the girl's first experience with the program this year.
Both Hope and Faith have been talking about Cheerleading, and what friends from school would be joining. When we arrived at the church on Saturday, they had to get fitted for their cheer outfits, and then learn a few cheers while the parents sat in a meeting. The cheer coach's are former cheerleader's/coaches, and their assistant's are middle school/high school cheerleader's that were handpicked for their position. This is the first year our church is doing the cheerleading part of Upward's, and everyone seems to be very excited for it.
Now I on the other hand...Well, lets just say my one and only experience with cheering was in 5th grade for one year. My sport was swimming...give me a pool, goggles, and a swim cap and I am very much at home. I watched the cheerleader's from afar at football and basketball games in high school, and know that the "sport" can be a difficult one for the girls that are involved with it. I am hoping that my girls will enjoy it while they are young, and try other sports as they get older until they find the one that fits them.
Noah had no problem going through his basketball evaluation, he did the drills that were asked of him and is looking forward to the season starting in January. His biggest thing is wondering who is going to be on his team this year!
Both Hope and Faith have been talking about Cheerleading, and what friends from school would be joining. When we arrived at the church on Saturday, they had to get fitted for their cheer outfits, and then learn a few cheers while the parents sat in a meeting. The cheer coach's are former cheerleader's/coaches, and their assistant's are middle school/high school cheerleader's that were handpicked for their position. This is the first year our church is doing the cheerleading part of Upward's, and everyone seems to be very excited for it.
Now I on the other hand...Well, lets just say my one and only experience with cheering was in 5th grade for one year. My sport was swimming...give me a pool, goggles, and a swim cap and I am very much at home. I watched the cheerleader's from afar at football and basketball games in high school, and know that the "sport" can be a difficult one for the girls that are involved with it. I am hoping that my girls will enjoy it while they are young, and try other sports as they get older until they find the one that fits them.
Noah had no problem going through his basketball evaluation, he did the drills that were asked of him and is looking forward to the season starting in January. His biggest thing is wondering who is going to be on his team this year!
Thankful for Seasons...
I am very thankful for Indiana's changing seasons. I love fall and summer, with winter and spring to follow! Even though there are times when I am in a particular season that I may be grumbling about it, I love them all!
Years ago when I lived in Florida as a Nanny, I realized how much I missed seeing the changing weather. While growing up in Indiana, I never gave the season much thought. The old saying is true, You never realize what you have until it is gone!
Years ago when I lived in Florida as a Nanny, I realized how much I missed seeing the changing weather. While growing up in Indiana, I never gave the season much thought. The old saying is true, You never realize what you have until it is gone!
Saturday
Thankful for...
Today's technology. Even though today's technology can be overwhelming and often cause more headaches, I am thankful for computer's and cell phone's. If used properly, they can help make life a little easier...
Friday
Thankful for...
The weekend! Sometimes I just really look forward to the weekend, when everyone is home and we are just hanging out. It's a nice break in our schedule, and we can usually get some things done around the house!
Wednesday
Thankful for the stars...
This morning I was driving home in the dark and I noticed the stars. Yes, they are always there, but rarely do I notice them. Sometimes I get so caught up in the busyness of life that unless I stop what I am doing and be intentional about something, so many things can pass me by.
As I was looking at the stars I was reminded of a song by Chris Tomlin, "Indescribable". This is a line from that song: "You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name, You are amazing God".
Just to think that God placed all those stars in the sky in the exact place they are is truly amazing. Had He not put them in place, and they were just randomly scattered, what would have happened without the star of Bethlehem? That star was also place right were it needed to be for that very special occasion.
If you have the time, listen through the first song on my play list and marvel in God's wonder.
As I was looking at the stars I was reminded of a song by Chris Tomlin, "Indescribable". This is a line from that song: "You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name, You are amazing God".
Just to think that God placed all those stars in the sky in the exact place they are is truly amazing. Had He not put them in place, and they were just randomly scattered, what would have happened without the star of Bethlehem? That star was also place right were it needed to be for that very special occasion.
If you have the time, listen through the first song on my play list and marvel in God's wonder.
Tuesday
Thankful for Music...
I am one of those people that really appreciates and is spoken to through music. I am especially thankful for Worship Music. Driving home this morning, I was listening to the radio singing along, and for once, it wasn't kid music! So many times I catch myself singing to the kids Cd's even when they are not along! It's actually not that bad...they like Toby Mac and other christian artists like we do.
Monday
Thankful for quiet mornings...
It doesn't always happen, in fact, it is a rare occasion. I love waking up in the morning before the kids and having a few moments to myself to collect my thoughts for the day. You can actually sit and listen to the clock ticking! Who knew during the day that the clock made that sound?
Our kids have always been early risers, so some mornings unless I am up at the crack of dawn, they are usually coming in our room and waking us up. I have been getting up at 4:30/4:45 this past week to exercise with a friend, so usually when I get home the kids are up anyway. Although I enjoy the quiet in my van driving to her house, it's just not the same as quiet in my house! Thank-you God for quiet mornings!
Our kids have always been early risers, so some mornings unless I am up at the crack of dawn, they are usually coming in our room and waking us up. I have been getting up at 4:30/4:45 this past week to exercise with a friend, so usually when I get home the kids are up anyway. Although I enjoy the quiet in my van driving to her house, it's just not the same as quiet in my house! Thank-you God for quiet mornings!
Sunday
Thankful for a Day of Rest!
Today I am thankful for a day of rest! After a busy week, a morning of church and a relaxing day was just what we needed! The kids and I spent some time out on a lake with my dad and his boat. The kids enjoyed the ride, the faster the better! But not me, and definitely not when the boat was "bumping" or "going up in the air". Noah informed me I was a "party pooper"! He thinks he is hilarious!!
Saturday
Thankful for my Health...
I am very thankful for my health, the ability I have to get work done and move throughout my day. So many times people complain about having to do this, or having to do that. I know I am guilty myself, especially right now with so much to be done outside.
I remind myself often that God gave me this body for a reason, and no matter how unhappy I may be with it at times, it is fully functional and capable of doing so much more than I often ask of it.
I remind myself often that God gave me this body for a reason, and no matter how unhappy I may be with it at times, it is fully functional and capable of doing so much more than I often ask of it.
Friday
Thankful for the freedom...
I am thankful that we have the freedom to own/read a Bible, to participate in group studies, and to attend a church. So many Christians in other Countries do not have this freedom...I think of how many Bible's we have in our house (12+), and the fact that some people only have one Bible in their house that they need to keep hidden.
We take for granted that Sunday mornings we can get up and go worship at the church of our choice (and there are many to choose from), while some Christians have to meet in the dark in their houses or basements.
Today I started a new Bible/Book Study with some old and new friends. (I am also part of another study with a different friend) There are so many Christian study groups to choose from, it's almost like finding a church...all you have to do is look around the corner, or ask a friend.
I am thankful for the freedom of religion, and know that some day in the future this may change. I hope it is not in my children's lifetime, but know it will affect some family members in generations to come.
We take for granted that Sunday mornings we can get up and go worship at the church of our choice (and there are many to choose from), while some Christians have to meet in the dark in their houses or basements.
Today I started a new Bible/Book Study with some old and new friends. (I am also part of another study with a different friend) There are so many Christian study groups to choose from, it's almost like finding a church...all you have to do is look around the corner, or ask a friend.
I am thankful for the freedom of religion, and know that some day in the future this may change. I hope it is not in my children's lifetime, but know it will affect some family members in generations to come.
Thursday
Thankful for friends...
Today I am reminded of how God has blessed me with such good friends. Friends are a unique relationship...some may come and some may go, but some are with you for a lifetime. As with family, God did not intend us to do life alone...
Wednesday
I'm Thankful for My Parents...
Parents are a wonderful gift God gave us! I'm sure for some, growing up it didn't always seem that way. But God knew what he was doing when he created families, we were not meant to do life alone.
I am so thankful for my Mom...She is such a strong, caring, and loving person. Growing up, and even now, she was always doing for her family, for others. She is such an excellent caretaker, and can always be depended upon if you need anything.
They say opposites attract, and in a way I guess that's true, but my Dad and Mom have a lot of the same qualities. I guess that's why I turned out so great! :)
I am so thankful for my Dad...He is very dependable, and also a loving person. He could also be called a caretaker, but in a manly way! If there is ever a need by a family member, he is always there to help.
Thanks Mom and Dad!
I am so thankful for my Mom...She is such a strong, caring, and loving person. Growing up, and even now, she was always doing for her family, for others. She is such an excellent caretaker, and can always be depended upon if you need anything.
They say opposites attract, and in a way I guess that's true, but my Dad and Mom have a lot of the same qualities. I guess that's why I turned out so great! :)
I am so thankful for my Dad...He is very dependable, and also a loving person. He could also be called a caretaker, but in a manly way! If there is ever a need by a family member, he is always there to help.
Thanks Mom and Dad!
Tuesday
I'm Thankful for my immediate family...
So many times your immediate family can get overlooked in the thankfulness department. Parents get busy with the day to day raising of the children; Disciplining them, and teaching them right from wrong. We need to make sure we are taking the time to be thankful for what God has entrusted to us (our children) and letting them know what they mean to us. (The same can be said of our spouses!)
Noah - I am so thankful that he is our "firstborn"...He is responsible, loving, kind, considerate, and always looks out for his sister's when they are away from home. He is the protective older brother at the playground and on the bus.
Hope - I am so thankful that she is our "middle" child...She is responsible, loving, and ever the caretaker of her sister. She has a love for animals and a heart for those that are hurting.
Faith - I am so thankful that she is the "baby" of the family...She is responsible, yet fun-loving and carefree, and usually warms right up to kids and makes friends easily. She also likes to make sure everyone is included in the fun.
Matt - I am so thankful that he is the "provider" of the family...It can never be said that he is not dedicated to his work. He found something he loves doing, and it just so happens he gets paid doing it.
Noah - I am so thankful that he is our "firstborn"...He is responsible, loving, kind, considerate, and always looks out for his sister's when they are away from home. He is the protective older brother at the playground and on the bus.
Hope - I am so thankful that she is our "middle" child...She is responsible, loving, and ever the caretaker of her sister. She has a love for animals and a heart for those that are hurting.
Faith - I am so thankful that she is the "baby" of the family...She is responsible, yet fun-loving and carefree, and usually warms right up to kids and makes friends easily. She also likes to make sure everyone is included in the fun.
Matt - I am so thankful that he is the "provider" of the family...It can never be said that he is not dedicated to his work. He found something he loves doing, and it just so happens he gets paid doing it.
Monday
Thanksgiving...
November is the month of Thanksgiving, giving thanks for all that you have. A friend's blog has inspired me to do a daily blog of what I am thankful for this month. So often in the busyness of our day to day activities, we forget how truly blessed we are.
So today, my first day, I am Thankful for the love of my Heavenly Father. He loves us like no other; When we are down and out and don't deserve His love, He is always there for us. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and those times when it seems that He is no longer near? We need to take a close look and see who really was the one that distanced themselves from the other. It was not God backing away from us, it was us backing away from Him.
So today, my first day, I am Thankful for the love of my Heavenly Father. He loves us like no other; When we are down and out and don't deserve His love, He is always there for us. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and those times when it seems that He is no longer near? We need to take a close look and see who really was the one that distanced themselves from the other. It was not God backing away from us, it was us backing away from Him.
Where has the year went...
As I am sitting here looking at all the leaves on the ground, I am amazed that it is already November 1st. Time just seems to fly by, and there is soo much yet to be done around here.
After conference's at both Wa-Nee and Goshen schools this past week, everyone was in need of a little R and R. With a long weekend and the time change, they were able to get a few extra hours of sleep!
Matt and the kids just finished Fall Break this past weekend (the above mentioned long weekend), and we were finally able to paint our living room walls! We have been saying the past couple years that we were going to do them, but we just never made them a priority. I had chosen the color Macadamia some time ago, and what a wonderful color it is! Now, if I could just do something about those leaves...
After conference's at both Wa-Nee and Goshen schools this past week, everyone was in need of a little R and R. With a long weekend and the time change, they were able to get a few extra hours of sleep!
Matt and the kids just finished Fall Break this past weekend (the above mentioned long weekend), and we were finally able to paint our living room walls! We have been saying the past couple years that we were going to do them, but we just never made them a priority. I had chosen the color Macadamia some time ago, and what a wonderful color it is! Now, if I could just do something about those leaves...
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