Merry Valentines Day?

I'm posting this so late, I can't say Merry Christmas! I guess there is enough red to call them Valentine's pictures!

more to come (if the computer cooperates)

In a stable

Reading over at "it's Almost Naptime" today.

Remembering that God is Good and God is Sovereign has seemed to be the THEME of our lives these past 4 years. . .

maybe it is the theme for all of life?

Especially on those days or in those seasons when we feel like we're living in a stable: uncomfortable, not expected, sometimes full of stinky cr*p.

Don't miss reading all about it here - In a stable

Sacrifice, Service, and the Savior

Although it seems like a lifetime ago, Jeff and I were BLESSED to spend 3 1/2 years living alongside some of the most amazing families when he was getting his MDIV at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.  A few of those good friends were just having their first babies (and our son was just turning 5) when it was time for us to pack up and head out on the next adventure God had for us.  Now, two of these precious mamas have a great blog encouraging families to intentionally disciple their children (raisingdeeproots).  

Recently, Kelli asked for friends to share some ways they intentionally encourage discipleship in their homes and I shared a few thoughts.  Be sure to go back and read her post too!

What I said about intentional discipleship:

I think you are right, it is the simple things.

the daily living 

and talking 

and praying.

consistency.

telling The Story and not “the stories.”   

Not, "Moses was good, so be good. . . Daniel trusted God so trust God" 

but instead, 

"See how GOD is at work, see what God did, see that GOD is trustworthy and good - You aren't good, so trust God!"

and time. 

you’ve got to have time 

to talk and share and laugh and pray . . . 

and 

you’ve got to BE together and not apart all day long living parallel yet separate lives

 (and yet, sadly, that is SO prevalent in our cultural “norm” of family life today:  mom and dad off to work, kids off to daycare, sports, and friends houses).

and

keeping the things that matter at the forefront 

rather than on the backburner.

easy now. 

easy when the kids are little,

and you are motivated,

and have great intentions and plans. 

hard to hold-fast to as they grow. 

 we have wept as we have watched SO many fall away and towards the things the world says matter. . . 

and they forget that 

discipleship won’t just happen when life becomes all about 

soccer, school, and success 

rather than 

sacrifice, service, and the Savior.

The Blame Game

This morning during our breakfast table bible study time while discussing how some people ask WHY God allows suffering, what part we play, etc. . .

Big Jo: "If we want to play the blame game with God, we will LOSE!"

insightful.

Speaking the Language

In parenting KFHP (Kids from Hard Places) one must learn to speak a new language. Here is a link to a wonderful list of "helps" if you are needing some language assistance! LOL!

http://www.onethankfulmom.com/adoption/my-learning-curve-speaking-the-language/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+onethankfulmom+%28A+Bushel+and+A+Peck%29

Do you know about the Holocaust?

*warning* there are some strong images in this film that may not be suitable for your young children.

Brothers

Want to burn this moment in my memory forever.  So thankful that these two are brothers through the blessing of adoption!