One Proud Mama!

As parents we all have those moments where we are just overwhelmed ...in a good way.  A few weeks ago, Adam and I had one of those moments.  It was Connor's 1st Grade Bible Presentation at our church.  We started the evening with a reception...



 and then pictures with Pastor Jeff...



Pastor Jeff and my sweet Connor

Now, based on Connor's reaction and his excitement upon receiving this Bible, one would think it was his very first Bible.  But, in fact it isn't - he has several that are "reader friendly" for his age.  After all he's only 6..but in a few short days he will be 7 (that's a TOTALLY separate blog).  According to Connor though...this is his first "Big Person" Bible - he's sure to tell his friends that it's his "HOLY BIBLE...you know...the same one that big people read."  Since receiving his Bible, he has read it daily at home and he's taken it to school in his backpack so that he can read it during their designated reading time.  I must tell you that this makes me "One Proud Mama!" 



It's tough waiting for something you're so excited to receive!!




Ahh! One Proud Mama!! Sweet Sweet BOY!

And trust me...I'm saving this blog...this moment...and I will remind him of it later in life.

For now, among many others, I cling to these verses:

"Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." ~Proverbs 22:6

"I have no greater joy that to hear that my children are walking in the truth." ~3 John 1:4

What scripture verses do you cling to daily?

See you next time!

~Kelly



A Teachable Moment

Have you ever had one? A “Teachable Moment"? 

            If you're a parent, chances are you've had plenty of them. Boy did we have one in our home tonight – and right at bedtime to boot!!  It almost turned into a philosophical discussion.  Those that know me well…you know I’m not good at those! That said…we’re a simple family with simple faith – we love Jesus and we know our need for a Savior – a life without HIM is a life without hope.  But truth be told…I can really over-analyze things and make them complicated.  I’m pretty sure it’s not one of the spiritual gifts talked about in 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4!!  That’s why I am ever so thankful “He’s still working on me.”

See this face…

It’s the face of an unhappy boy who didn’t get what he wanted tonight.  First it started with dinner.  He had to actually eat AT THE DINNER TABLE.  Most nights our “dinner table” is the coffee table in our living room (SHHHH…don’t tell my parents.) But not tonight, because Chicken Parmesan just isn’t a meal you eat in the living room.  My sweet little boy started being disrespectful, talking back, not using his manners (you can stop me anytime…but you get the point).  Needless to say, when he asked to watch one of his favorite shows after dinner, we said N-O! SOORRRRYYYY!! (okay that was for effect…but we did say “absolutely not” and then began to explain why he wasn’t getting what he wanted and that there were consequences for his actions).  After a few dramatic cries and attempts to still get what he wanted, he realized we were “sticking to our guns” on this one and not only did he not get to watch his show, but he had to go to bed immediately after dinner.  Difficult for us and difficult for him.

So…the teachable moment…FORGIVENESS

Ever had to say those words – “I’m sorry”?  It’s hard to do…very tough.  It means admitting to yourself and another person that YOU ARE WRONG.  Who in their right mind EVER likes to be wrong?  NO ONE…NADA…NUN-YA (that’s southern ya’ll). But as SOON as he said those words (real tears and all), we immediately said “We LOVE you always, and we forgive you.”  Friends…that’s what Jesus does for us and in God’s word, He tells us we are to do the same.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, FORGIVING (emphasis mine) each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” ~Ephesians 4:32

 Such a “not-so-fun night” had a sweet sweet ending.  Each of us said bedtime prayers and then we talked about how fun it was going to be when we get to Heaven.  Connor’s words…”Heaven is gonna be WAY FUNNER than this place”.  Grammar – not so good.  His Heart and love for Jesus – PRICELESS!!  Thank you Jesus that you aren’t finished with us yet and thank you for forgiving us when we totally mess things up.

Ahh...now THAT's more like it...

What’s been your most recent “teachable moment”? Can’t wait to hear!

See you next time!
~Kelly

Got Snow!? (cheesy I know!) ha!

Did you have snow this past week!?  We did  - and lots of it.  Northerners probably think we Southerners are CRRAAZY! But truth be told, we just aren't prepared for it like they are.  I heard that 49 out of our 50 states had snow on the ground last week.  That simply amazes me, and at the same time reminds me of God's power and majesty. 

"The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the earth.  They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.  It is the same with MY WORD (emphasis mine).  I send it out, and it always produces fruit.  It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it."

~Isaiah 55:10-11



This little guy was right outside my door.



As anyone would guess, this "arctic blast" brought lots of opportunities for sledding, snowboarding, snowball fights, hot cocoa, and more sledding...did I mention that there was lots of sledding?? LOTS!



Max and Charlie



Almost a PRO! - Kyle



Keller





There are so many more pictures I could load, but this gives a glimpse of the fun we had with all the snow that God gave us!  My guess is that you had snow like we did - so I hope you made the most of it and enjoyed it as much as we did!!  Now...for some retail therapy!! I'm just sayin'...

See you next time!!

~Kelly