Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The Secret Mission Part 2

The secret missions had been given and, oh, how fun it was. There was a lot of whispering, a lot of quiet running around, a lot of surprises and a lot of smiles. Smiles and love being shown... That was exactly what we were wanting with this project.

Who snuck in and made my bed?

Who got me this snack?

The anticipation for dinner time was growing and I had to keep reminding them not to ask who had them and to not give out little clues as to who they had. Somehow we made it to the dinner time without any information being given away. And then as we sat down for dinner the questions started pouring forth and, of course, the guesses. Some were right and some it took a little longer to guess correctly. It brought for more smiles and laughter...

It was wonderful for us to watch as everyone worked hard to quietly serve someone in the family. I think we will have to do this again... maybe monthly. Don't we all need to be challenged to serve those close to us sometimes? I know I do.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

A Secret Mission


The table has been set and decorated. We're being given a secret mission tonight. The names are in one bowl. And the missions are in another. A way to bless those we love...


We talk and laugh. Enjoying our meal together. Thankful to be surrounded by love. As the meal comes to end, smiles come across little faces. What are the bowls for? What's our mission? We explain and pass the bowls. Each hand pulling out a name and then their mission.


We clear the plates and get the dishes done. Already, I have an eager little one wanting to help with the dishes. For some, their mission has already started for others it is time to start thinking. Brainstorming. How will we get this done without being known. We've each been given a name and a mission. We'll try to fulfill our mission without being noticed. We have 24 hours.

Monday, April 12, 2010

We've started!


It's almost been a year since we first stepped onto this land. We had called the realtor the night before, hopeful and yet so afraid to hope. It had been our dream to live on land. To have some breathing room. A place for the boys to build and create. A place for the girls to run and dream. Could it actually be happening?

We came early that morning; my parents joined us. We walked around this piece of land and prayed... could the Lord really be opening a door? The dirt was bare and full of weeds. But that's not what we saw on that Spring morning. We saw the mountains and heard the birds sing. We saw a place for building and running. A place where some of our dreams could become reality.

But still it was just His will that we wanted.

So, we walked forward. Seeking Him. Praying. And leaving it in His hands. We've learned that it is He who knows best...

And here we are a year later. We are in that home that He provided. It was nothing short of a miracle. We have painted and our boxes are all unpacked. The pictures are on the walls and the pillows are on the couch. This is our home. And for now, there is no other place we would rather be.

Now that Spring is here, it is time. Time to pull weeds and move dirt. Time to build and create. And we've started!




Never mind the facts. They just did not care. It did not stop them. It was just pure joy to run and jump to dig and roll. And, yes (!!!!), it is COW MANURE that we are having so much fun in.


Wednesday, April 7, 2010

my heart's cry

... Our home is full of so much laughter because of these two little men. Oh, how I love them...


For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
One shall say, I am the LORD's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.
Isaiah 44: 3,5
***

Lord God, we draw near to You to claim the fulfillment of this promise on behalf of our beloved children. Lord, may they from their very youth have Your Spirit poured out upon them, that even in the simplicity of childhood they may say, I am the Lord's. Please fill us with Your Holy Spirit. May our home life and our parental influence be a channel through which the Spirit reaches each child. Help us to live in such a way that the life surrounding our children may be life in the Spirit. Gracious Lord, make it our one aim to train children for You alone.


Yes, it is our one aim to train our children for Him alone.

Lord, help us. We need You.

Monday, April 5, 2010

...from our first Sabbath celebration...




I’m forgiven because You were forsaken,
I’m accepted, You were condemned.
I am alive and well, Your spirit is within me,
Because You died and rose again.


Amazing love,
How can it be
That You, my King, should die for me?
Amazing love,
I know it’s true.
It’s my joy to honor You,
In all I do, I honor You.


I’m forgiven because You were forsaken,
I’m accepted, You were condemned.
I am alive and well, Your spirit is within me,
Because You died and rose again.


You are my King
Jesus You are my King


You are my King

Chris Tomlin
Amazing Love