Disneyland

A quick picture from our Disneyland trip this week. More to come soon...

Crossing the Jordan

Read this the other day and it really expresses my heart over the last six months (wish I could say longer but the truth is I was getting lazy and apathetic but I am re-energized). I've been reading in Joshua lately and absolutely loving it. I have been learning about being willing to be a leader by faith and being willing to go where God calls, even if that means crossing the Jordan into the unknown. I read about people who stayed on the other side of the Jordan and missed out on the Promised Land because it was too much work or too scary. I pray that I would have the courage to live this out every day, despite the sacrifices it entails:

Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering. I’ve made my choice; the verdict is in and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There is no turning back. I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes, with God’s people, on God’s planet, for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home waiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me”, character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasure. I know what matters most and I will give it all I’ve got. I will do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today. I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal; not on the sidelines or on those running by me. When times get tough and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m spirit-led, purpose-driven, and mission-focused so I can’t be bought. I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me. I am a radical in the original sense of the word: rooted in Christ, rooted in love, and rooted in his Word.

I hereby declare my supreme allegiance to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I say this: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer is yes! I’m ready. Anytime. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way that on that final day I’ll hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful one. Come on in and let the eternal party begin!”

Sharing

Big Boy Bed

James finally moved up to a "Big Boy Bed" last week. He is SOOO excited about it. He has been trying to convince everyone he talks to, to check out his new “Big Boy Bed” – whether it’s the cashier at the supermarket, or the mailman, or his Sunday School teacher, or a client stopping by to pick up her pictures (yes he invited her up to his room and she did like his new dinosaur cover). :) He wants everyone to check it out!!! It is fun to see his excitement about the whole thing - especially since the last several weeks he has been sleeping on the floor every night (or other places - see below) saying his bed isn't "comftyble." I have been frantically trying to find him a bed and finally found a great deal on Craigslist!

Here was James before the big boy bed - that's sad when the laundry basket is more comfortable than your toddler bed (funny thing is Haylie started sleeping on the floor when she was about James' age).

And here is his new pride and joy:

We got rid of the old dog theme so we changed out Haylie's decor as well:

Haylie loves her new bedding too :)

I actually really love that they share a room right now - they are best buds and have so much fun together!

Art Fun

Daddy and the kids made a little art project in the garage together. They loved it! The paint got a little out of control at the end but it was well worth it.

Like Mommies, like James

James made himself a little baby bjorn to carry his baby around in. Love their imagination and creativity.

FIVE

Haylie has been waiting a whole year for this day!! She finally turned five and had a roller skating party just like she had been wanting. Daddy tried to convince her to do a bowling party or something else but Haylie really had her mind set on skating. According to her she needed to practice and get better. She skated almost the whole time, even if it meant going round and round by herself.

Her preschool friends - Michael and Mia:

We are so proud of our sweet, wonderful little girl.

Worth

It is so important for little girls to know how much their Daddies love them. Daddy snuck off to the store and bought these flowers for Haylie on her birthday (before church) and it just about made me cry. She was very happy and surprised to have flowers just for her.

Powder Puff

Raider participated in Powder Puff again this year and his girlfriend Abby was on the football team. Wish I could post his half-time dance - it was great!

The kids had a good time playing their own football game on the sidelines with Mommy and Daddy:

Earlier that day, Raider had a friend paint his face for school spirit - it was #1 fan day and can you guess which team RAIDER was supporting?

Birthday Treats

For her birthday this year, Haylie chose to take chocolate donuts to school and share with her class:

Best Friends

Here are Haylie and her two best friends from school - Allie and Mackenzie, hanging out at McDonalds. :)

Women's Retreat

Our Bible Study girls got the opportunity to get away for a little mountain retreat at Hume Lake. It was a great weekend to relax and have girl talk, learn more about each other and deepen our relationships with God.

Theme of the week: "Live like it's real because it is!!" Hope we never forget!

It was so beautiful there!