My "Pile of Stones"

This morning at church Pastor Scott delivered a message that really hit home. And I wanted to write it down so I would "remember" (especially since my plan it to make this blog into a book each year that can be out on our coffee table).

So that was the focus of this morning's message..."Remember!" The bulk of the lesson was from Joshua 4 where God wants the Israelites to put out 12 stones (one from each tribe of Israel) to commemorate their crossing of the River Jordan. God parted so they could cross, and He didn't want them to forget (which you assume would be a "duh, there is no way to forget that HUGE event" moment). God also tells them that the stones will cause their children to ask what they are for. That is a really important factor, considering when God parted the Red Sea for them before, they didn't pass on the amazing things God had done to their next generations...instead they modeled grumbling and complaining as they were wandering. They quickly forgot!

We see this so much in our world. We see it as politicians fall in and out of favor...sports stars, Hollywood stars are on top then forgotten. Clothes go in and out and electronics...It is what we love in the moment...our focus/must haves. But what was so big is quickly forgotten. The one hit wonders and the old MP3 players are a thing of yesterday.

It is our nature, we get fixed on something, then it is gone. How sad is that, that we do it with our Great God! When a national disaster hits or an attack on our country hits, we remember Him. When sickness strikes, we remember the One who can heal. We turn to Him. He carries us then we move on. I know you do it; I do it.

With that in mind, I wanted to put out a little pile of stones today. I have had many moments that I need to remember God's faithfulness, power and miraculous intervention. I want to give Him the glory, lest, in my pride, I might somehow try to take the credit. All is a gift of grace! Jesus has bestowed favor due to no amount of my good works. In fact, He bestows grace despite my sin and inability to accomplish any good works apart from His strength.

Here are some of the things I want to share with my future generation should they ask about my "pile of stones"
~God rescued me from a life of hopelessness and despair when I learned that He sent His Son to die on the cross for my sins. He demonstrated His love toward me. Rom 5:8
~God rescued me again in high school as I was slipping into a life where my flesh ruled and I looked for security, acceptance and worth in whatever boy I was dating. I learned that my worth is in Him and He has made me perfect in His sight.
~God graced me with a wonderful husband who also understood what it was like to be rescued from sin and despair and who loved me as Christ loves the church, willing even to give his life for me.
~God, in His wisdom, closed the door to the business that we had planned to buy. At the time we didn't understand. Looking back, we see how God protected us and opened the door to a wonderful life in the NW
~God answered my years of prayer to be a mommy when, after 4 years, He gave us Isaac (then Abigail). He used the timing of our children to bring a dear friend into my life that I wouldn't otherwise have known.
~God allowed us to adopt 3 children as embryos who will forever be part of our family, though we never got to hear their hearts beat or hear their first cry. (This is also a reminder to speak of God's faithfulness and goodness in situations where we still don't understand the "why"...yet cling to "Who"...Jesus Christ).
~God is still providing for us daily. It still blows us away that, in a time where my husband's industry is far from the top, we have actually been able to give more and I am still able to be at home with my kids.

Again, in all these things, it is tempting to try and take credit. "I was strong in that situation. I worked hard to earn that. I pulled myself up by my bootstraps. I did this or that to get pregnant." That is what leads us to forget! We start taking our eyes off Jesus. It is a recipe for disaster! Don't do it. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and remind me to do the same.

I just have to put all of Deut 8:11-20 in because it says so much:
“Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end— then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’
“And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. As the nations which the LORD destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your God."

If you are in that place where you are dry in your faith and feel like you have lost that passion for Jesus, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works" Rev 2:5. Thank Him for your pile of stones. Remember that from which you were rescued. Praise Him and live a life reflecting that. If you feel like God has never done anything for you that you could even talk about if someone asks, maybe He is still standing at your door and knocking. Maybe you need to let Him in.

What makes a great Saturday?

Okay, I just have to say that I think I am on a natural high from today...or it is from the unusual amount of sugar I ate (we will soon find out).

What makes this Saturday so wonderful?

*Started the day celebrating Elijah Springer's 3rd birthday at a really cool place called Out of this World Pizza (which was made even more awesome by the fact that I was able to save my friend the admission for my kids with the pass I checked out at the Hillsboro Main Library). I love free things...even if they are for someone else!
*Isaac's allergies are getting a bit better. With only a tablespoon of Zyrtec, he was able to eat 2 pieces of cheese pizza and the awesome monster truck cake that Aunt Christina made. It is great to have him be just one of the normal kids. It is such a praise that we thank God for!!!
*We had so much fun at the party place...twisty cars, rock climbing walls, inflatables, slides, and glow sticks!!!
*Alora and Isaac, the "Big Kids," had such a blast together. Isaac also had a very sweet big brother moment when he held Abigail on his lap when she was too scared to go down the slide.

*After the party was over, we went to a free open house at the Hillsboro airport. It was so cool! Abigail painted a pumpkin purple, the kids sat in a helicopter, they flew an airplane simulator, got their faces painted, and came home with a bag full free stuff (pens, stickers, tattoos, toy airplanes, cookies, candy, and even a bell for Abigail's bike). I was happy because I was able to have a sugar free caramel latte...did I mention that it was all free?!?!?

*Oh, the day is not over! I made $22 selling a few of the kids toys on Craigslist. Yes, it's true...I made money today. I got free stuff and made a net profit today.

*What is left? I get to look forward to a movie night with my hubby. At the recommendation of a friend, are going to see The Young Victoria. No folks, we did not even spend $1 at Red Box for this flick. I checked it out from the library. Did I mention that I love things FREE?!?!?

Just some thoughts and moments

As I have been reading through the book of Mark, I am reminded of the disciples' lack of faith even though they were right there with Jesus. In Chapter 6 the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 men from just 5 loaves and 2 fish reminds me of how God can do much with little. The fact that there are more left-overs than there were to start with after all were fed and satisfied is even more humbling...God does not need anything from us to provide. When Jesus had initially told His disciples to give the people something to eat, essentially their response was "Do you know how much money it would cost to feed all these people?!?" In the beginning, they didn't think about the fact that the One who made all things and holds them in the palm of His hand doesn't need our money to make it happen. After they saw what He had done, one would assume they would get it.
They did not.

Not long after, there was a crowd of 4000 men that Jesus felt compassion for and wanted to feed. The disciples' reaction was much the same. Though they had witnessed what had done, they wondered how He was going to provide for this crowd. They didn't get it; it didn't sink in. Mark 8:17,18 says, "But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, 'Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?'" The disciples were looking to circumstance rather than God's character, authority and power.

Before I leave it there, I am reminded that I am just like them! How many times have I seen God do amazing things in my life, yet not trusted Him to provide when another circumstance (or even a similar one) arises again? Far too many to count, honestly. I am one one with eyes and ears who need to be reminded to see and hear what God says in His Word and to trust Him. His character has not changed. He is still good. He is still God.

With that said, God has provided in surprising ways for our family. Though the housing market is providing less for our family than in years past, Chris has recently taken a side job getting paid to photograph models/homes. He is saving the company money because he is not charging as much as their previous photographer while he is able to supplement our family income. In addition, he is able to do something he really loves (he was a professional photographer for 7 years when we lived in California). We know that it is God's handiwork. We faithfully praise Him and strive to serve Him all the more. Trusting Him makes it easy to give and be generous when we know that none of what we have has been "earned," rather received as a gift from the One who can feed the multitudes with just a few loaves and fish.
Some recent moments that we want to remember:
*Sipping homemade soy vanilla steamers on a rainy night with the fire on
*Seeing the landscapers hit rocks with hammers, humbled by how hard they are working for (assuming) minimum wage
*Watching Isaac push his friend, Johnny, toward a girl named Jessie in their Cubbie class...both laughing and being dorky as neither one is brave enough to say "Hi"
*Papa freely spending a whole day with Isaac building an HO gauge electric train...then Isaac excitedly putting the phone up to the track when we called...so we could hear the sound of the train that they built together
*Abigail saying that she is excited to get bigger so she can, one day, ring the doorbell (of all the things)
*Having a well needed "Mommy Date Night" with Christina on a day when I needed it most...amazed that we have been friends for nearly 20 years...so thankful she lives in Oregon too
*Listening to Isaac and Abigail sing songs together, pretend to be flying like Peter Pan, playing "Disneyland," and Isaac trying his very best to make Abigail love trains as much as he does (it won't happen...but he sure tries)
*The kids cracking up as they took silly pics of themselves on the computer

Isaac gets to use a knife...

This year, we let Isaac use a knife and help carve the pumpkin. Isaac, still on a dog fix, wanted a dog pumpkin. Abigail picked Blue's Clues. Both kids were grossed out by the pumpkin insides. Isaac was dry heaving from the smell and Abigail was scared of it. They finally got over it and dug in.

The best part of the whole thing was Isaac's excitement. He was outside with Daddy in the evening, admiring their work. Isaac stopped two separate neighbors as they came home to ask them to come and see his pumpkins. He stopped a person walking a dog to point out the dog in his pumpkin. The best moment was when he started yelling and waving his arms at Chris motioning him to move. "Daddy, Daddy! Move over so the car (driving by) can see our pumpkins!" Chris was cracking up.

Sorry about the outfit. I was trying on my costume and forgot to take it off.

Pumpkin Patch with Daddy

Last year Daddy missed the pumpkin patch because we went on a Saturday when he was working. This year we took the kids back to Lakeview Farms because it has a paddle boat ride and a train ride to get to and from the pumpkins. In the gift shop we found little candy men. The kids are holding them and trying to make their best "scary candy man" face.

First Day of Preschool

A is for Apple. That was the focus for our very first preschool time. With all the formal settings that Isaac is in (Cubbies, church, Tuesday morning during LBS) where he does group activities, crafts, memorization work and social interaction, I figured it would be fun to keep him home this last year before he goes off to Kindergarten. My friend Bethany agrees, so we are doing a little preschool co-op.

We had a calendar time, writing practice, finger painting, a dancing game that involved color and shape recognition, story time, another apple craft and a trip to the apple farm. At the apple farm, we bought 6 or 7 different types of apples, had a taste testing during lunch, and discovered the "star" inside the apple when you cut it the other direction. The day finished with feeding the horses (one of which bit my shirt), seeing the pigs and goats, playing in a hay maze and jumping in the giant apple bounce house. I'd say it was a good day!

And then we met...

I was debating on whether or not to add this to the family post, but I had to make this its own entry because it was such a big deal! After just informing my half-brother earlier this year that I was the older sister that he never knew about, we actually met. I met Justin, his wife Gosia and my baby nephew, Charlie.

At first, I was nervous. I couldn't talk; I talked too much. Then, there was this moment that it just felt normal. We were in the kitchen and felt at home. Chris said it felt like he had been in their house 100 times...it was so comfortable, and Justin and Gosia were so nice and easy to get along with. I knew that I would be overjoyed to meet the brother I have loved for years (without even knowing), but I was glad to know that I also have a sister-in-law that is so wonderful. I have a sweet stop for little Charlie too...he has a great smile.

Highlights:
*"Do you have any weapons?!?!"
*California Railroad Museum
*BBQ with Great Grandpa John and Aunt Terri (and snuggling on the hammock with my son)
*Seeing Charlie climb all over Isaac
*Gosia reading to Abigail while Justin built play mat creations with Isaac
*Really hugging my brother for the first time and not letting go
*Seeing their family just as they are
*Laughing so loud that Chris was almost crying as he "tired" to play a video game with Justin
*Justin carrying Isaac on his shoulders for a long walk to the turntable in old Folsom
*Having my dad unexpectedly come to the door (who doesn't know that Justin knows)...yikes.
*Seeing their fantastic costume making skills

I am so happy that this has gone as well as it has. I am so happy to have a brother & more family that is so easy to love. It is better than I ever could have imagined.

Oh, how dare I forget...Isaac's favorite part of the ENTIRE trip...the dog, Chowder. He could not get enough of that dog. He said he liked him better than the rides as Disneyland and all the trains he saw. If Isaac was not allergic to dog saliva, we might have just taken Chowder and thrown him in the van when no one was looking. :)

Cali Family 2010

We saw family in Cali, some that we have not seen in years!

Grandma Denise, Grandpa Craig, and Great Grandma Bonnie highlights:
*Talking, BBQing, swimming (Isaac officially learned to swim in their pool), having Isaac help Grandpa at the recycling center (as he talked and talked about garden railroads) and just being together

Uncle Kevin (Chris' brother):
*Rattlers BBQ lunch, seeing his office, getting ice cream and having "brother bonding time"

Grandpa Rick and Nona Linda:
*Running around with flashlights, the three generations of guys going to garage sales to find videos for the long car ride home, sitting at the kitchen table with Linda talking and eating crackers

Uncle Ray (Amber's uncle) and cousin Stanley:
*The kids just LOVED them so easily. Ray colored them pictures and carried them on his shoulders. He cracked them up, took them to see trains in Old Sac, and played penny games with Abigail. It was fun to see my cousin as a man (it has been 10 years since being together...before he was just a boy)

Uncle Ed and Tia MiMi (Amber's uncle and aunt):
*Wild turkeys, playing haunted house with Isaac in their sun porch for over an hour while Abigail napped, yummy curry, and feeding the ducks. I slept with the kids in a queen bed. I thought it would be plenty of room, but the kids could not possible get any closer to me without climbing on top of me...I was a kid sandwich!

Last but not least, I have to give a special shout out to Gramma DeeDee, my mom. After 10 days of vacation, Chris flew back to work. The next day, Gramma flew in and did the next 5 days of the trip with us (which included many hours of driving and more potty stops that we could count). She was AMAZING!!!! I don't know what I would do without her. The kids love her and Abigail's best and favorite naps are always with Gramma. One of my favorite moments on the drive back was listening to Little House on the Prairie on CD book. As Wilder described getting tired and letting out a big yawn as Pa played the fiddle, my mom and I yawned together right on cue. We are both easily influenced that way. I love you so much, Mom!!!

***Back home, Chris lived the bachelor life with Papa. Papa fed him ribs, beer and ice cream. The only thing Chris missed out on was snuggling and foot rubs. Papa spoils my hubby!