Mind-Renewing Monday

"I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive in spirit, and who trembles at My word."  Isaiah 66:2b

Celebrating the birth of Jesus!

Our most joyous times are when we take time to focus on the abundance of God's goodness, mercy, and loving kindness in our lives.  That is what the Thanksgiving season is all about.  We want our lives to reflect that same spirit of thankfulness each day - not just one day out of the year!

Our joy continues now as we enter the season of celebrating our Savior's birth!!  Wow - it makes my heart overflow with praise!

Several years ago, I received an excellent book, "The ADVENTure of Christmas - Helping Children Find Jesus in our Holiday Traditions" by Lisa Whelchel.  Since then, Jason and I have used the writings and activities in this book with the children during the Christmas season.

We started celebrating the season over the weekend by picking out our tree and decorating.  We all agree that this year's tree is the best one yet - I think we say that every year :)!  And, last night we focused our attention on the season of Advent.  The word "Advent" means, "to come," and it is referring to Jesus' coming to earth as a baby on Christmas Day.  We talked about what it means to prepare for Advent, and we focused on the reason for the celebrations and parties surrounding this holiday season.

 

Today, Emily Ann and I made an Advent Calendar of Kisses.  This is a fun way for us all to count down the days until Christmas.  Beginning on December 1, we'll exchange one kiss from one of the children (I'm sure there will be lots of arguing over who goes first) for a "chocolate kiss" from the Advent calendar as we count down the days!

Another Advent or "coming" that God has promised is Jesus' second coming.  As we celebrate Jesus' first arrival here on earth, it is a good time to look within to see if there are any areas that need cleaning up as we anticipate Jesus' second coming.  Praise God for His Christmas Gift to us - nothing will ever satisfy us more!


     

Mind-Renewing Monday

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.  Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense.  Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.  And regardless of what else you put on, wear love.  It's your basic, all-purpose garment.  Never be without it."  Colossians 3:12-14 (The Message) 

Mind-Renewing Monday...Thanksgiving Week

"I love You, Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."  Psalm 18:1-2

Mind-Renewing Monday

"Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."  1 Corinthians 15:58

Mind-Renewing Monday

"For we are His creation - created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them."  Ephesians 2:10

Mind-Renewing Monday

"My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,"  Philippians 3:10

Mind-Renewing Monday

"but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself."  Philippians 3:20-21 HCSB

Mind-Renewing Monday

"For I passed on to you as most important what I also received:
that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Mind-Renewing Monday - The Gospel

"But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!" Romans 5:8

Mind-Renewing Monday (on Wednesday)

Due to technical difficulties with the Internet and school schedules, we are just now getting our weekly verse up!  God's Word is powerful and it has been tremendously helpful to us to have it literally in front of our faces each week - in the car, at the sink, in our pockets, next to the computer, etc...  We are half way through the Fall semester.  Our faith continues to increase as we realize daily that "our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth" (Psalm 121.)

This week's verse...
"be careful not to forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery."  Deuteronomy 6:12 

Mind-Renewing Monday

"Suppose I speak in the languages of human beings and of angels.  If I don't have love, I am only a loud gong or a noisy cymbal."  1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV

Mind-Renewing Monday

"I trust in You with all my heart.  Don't let me wander away from Your commands.  I have hidden Your Word in my heart so that I won't sin against You."  Psalm 119:10-11 NIV

Celebrating Family

We spent Labor Day at the Wolff home on Lake Lanier.  Twenty of us came together to celebrate Jack's 75th birthday and Jack & Diane's 30th anniversary!  It was a special weekend for Jack & Diane (Pa-Pa & De-De) to spend with their children and all of their grandchildren - 10 blessings! 

The most precious part of the weekend was when everyone expressed their love and gratitude to Pa-Pa & De-De.  Listening to each one's heart felt expressions was just wonderful.  And, Pa-Pa & De-De's words of blessing over the family were even more special!

A few pics from our special weekend...

5th Grade Fun!

Jake recently completed his first culture project for 5th grade.  He chose the Mayan culture because he learned a lot about the Mayans during our mission trip to Guatemala last February.  We even visited the Mayan ruins on our last day.  He was able to research more about the culture, how they originated, historic data, and their core beliefs.  He put it all together on a tri-fold to present to his class, including real pictures from our time at the ruins, a hand drawn map, research information, and a time-line.  Jake was proud of his work and it paid off with good remarks from his teacher.

Jake is enjoying his 5th grade year - it is the beginning of a very social time in his life.  We are growing as parents in this area as well - growing pains are not always fun.  Prayers, please!  Jake has lots of questions - and sometimes we just don't want to go there...but, we must!  Again, prayers and wisdom needed!

Mind Renewing Monday

I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35


We can't become more loving just by trying harder. Identify one or two areas where you need help. Pray everyday for God to grow this kind of love in you and that others would see it.

Celebrating 7 Years With Our Drew

Yep, he's 7!  He's thrilled to get his first Red Ryder BB gun...with lots of targets!  Why am I (his mama) a tad bit nervous??? 

We celebrated his special day with a Pokemon pool party.  Drew loves trading Pokemon cards - not sure where this came from but he's got quite a collection.  He keeps them very organized in a binder :).

He invited a few of his friends (with siblings) for a total of 16 at his party!!  Fun times in the water!

One of his favorite gifts was from our sweet neighbor, Caitlyn.  She rides bikes with Drew and he told her he wanted 2 fish for his birthday....guess what she got him?!

Now we have "Goldie" and "Black Tail."  He must have a way with words!!

Other fun Drew news - he has lost three teeth since July!!

What a blessing and joy our second son and middle child is!  Happy 7th birthday Drew!

Mind-Renewing Monday

We're continuing with Philippians 2:5-7 for our Scripture memory this week:

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."  Philippians 2:5-7 ESV

Mind-Renewing Monday

Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important that yourselves.  Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.  Philippians 2:3-4

One Better

A couple of weeks ago I read a blog post on the Walking Worthy site entitled, "One Better."  Walking Worthy is the women's ministry blog site for Southeastern.  It is worth sharing:

Reblogged from (in)courage
Angie Smith ~ April 30, 2011

For the record, it was Todd’s fault.

I don’t even remember the specifics of our “disagreement,” but I am quite confident he was in the wrong. I don’t back down as readily as some of my “really good at being submissive” friends, and I recognize that it’s something I need to be better at doing.  For some strange reason, I seem to forget this factoid when I am knee-deep in self-righteous bickering and convinced that I am one witty comment away from victory.

But this particular night, I bit my tongue. I stepped on my pride momentarily and offered the kind of olive branch that was (sadly) uncharacteristic of me when I am mad (and also, right. Just in case you hadn’t picked up on that part).

I saw Todd’s face settle, assessing me in order to see if this was just a gimmick to lead up to my final blow, and it made me cringe. He knew that I could, and he was waiting because he assumed that I would.
But I didn’t.

I told him I was sorry and that I didn’t think it was his fault (that part was kind of a white lie. As previously stated I am convinced he was in the wrong. Carry on.)

As I looked at his face softening, I thought about the day I walked down a long aisle to get to him, knowing he was the only one I would ever love this way. And what in the world was I thinking right now? That somehow me proving how smart I was would change our marriage and make him look at me the way he did from the other end of the church?

So I stopped myself. I took a breath and apologized.

And in my head I heard the words, “You can do one better.”

And I did. In fact, I did more than one better because as soon as I started going I couldn’t stop. All I desired was to feel like I had built him up and swallowed my own ugly pride.

It turned out well, as you can imagine, and I walked away from it feeling like I had done the right thing.

I’m not saying it’s easy, but these two words have helped me make some really good and life-giving choices over the past several weeks…

One better.

I walk through the family room and notice a cup on the floor. I absentmindedly pick it up and start to walk to the sink.

One better, Ang.

So I go back, straighten the pillows, quickly gather the books scattered on the ground, and deposit the kids shoes in the shoe bin where they belong.

My friend calls to tell me about her business trip and all I can think is that I have deadlines that are crushing me and I don’t have time for the details. I catch myself, close the computer, and tell her I want to go on the porch so I can focus on what she’s saying.

It was just one better.

My daughter comes to me after having her feelings hurt, and I have a great talk with her. I mention Scripture I think will help her, I hug her, and I tell her I want to pray for her. It was good, but I knew I could just do one better.

I asked her if she wanted to go get a hot chocolate at the coffee shop down the road. We had a blast. When we got home, Todd had started making dinner and I told him I appreciated it.

And then I deliberately walked over to him, took his face in my hands, and told him what a good man he was.
It’s hard to do everything, but it isn’t hard to just do one better.

Make a note to yourself today and hang it where you will see it. As you walk through the day, instead of feeling like you can’t do it all, just remember-you don’t have to.

You will not believe the way these two little words start to shape your hours and your heart…so go ahead…do one better.

I dare you.

No wait, I DOUBLE dare you (see? It works for everything!).

Angie is the proud wife of Todd Smith of Selah, and the blessed mommy to Abby, Ellie, Kate, Charlotte, and Audrey Caroline, who passed away the day she was born, April 7th, 2008. You can read more about Audrey's story in Angie's first book, "I Will Carry You" available at bookstores everywhere. Her greatest desire is to share her heart and love for the Lord. Angie holds a Master's Degree in Developmental Psychology, and loves to write about topics related to parenting and child development. She is grateful for the opportunity to share her heart here on (in)courage as well! Follow Angie on twitter as@angelac519.

Mind-Renewing Monday

Psalm 139:16-17
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

Jason & Brittany's Wedding

On July 30, 2011, Jason led his first wedding.  A few months ago, our neighbor's (Paul & Roxann Aiken) asked Jason to marry their son and daughter-in-law to be (Jason & Brittany.)  It has been a spiritually growing experience both for Jason and the wedding couple as he met with them numerous times for pre-marital counseling and wedding preparation. 

One of the areas of ministry that Jason and I feel most passionate about is marriages and families.  Over the past 14 months our faith has grown so much as we have seen the hand of God over our family throughout our time here in Wake Forest.  Being a part of Jason & Brittany's marriage covenant was another one of those God things.  He opened the door for us to spend some time in discipleship with a young couple.  We continue to be amazed at His grace in our lives.

Brittany posted pictures of the wedding on Facebook - we had a good laugh when she labeled each picture with Jason in it as, "preacher Jason!"  The children were even invited to be a part of the wedding by passing out bubbles.  Here's a few pics...

The first one is Jason, Brittany and her mother praying before the wedding.

   

Here comes the bride...

Brittany's parents bringing the ring.

Jason's parents bringing the ring.

In Jason's words, "Kiss your bride, boy!"

Ready to pass out bubbles...

 

Mind-Renewing Monday

We have learned through experience how important and powerful it is to stay in God's Word.  In an effort to help us continue in this, we have come up with "Mind-Renewing Mondays" based on Romans 12:1-2.  We remind ourselves daily that we do not have it all together, we are dependant on God, and we are in need of rescue.  It is so important for us to continue in our spiritual disciplines.

"Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Romans 12:1-2

Our plan is to post each Monday the Scripture that we will be memorizing for the week.  This will help us stay accountable to it, and it is our prayer that it would be an encouragement to all of you who keep up with us!

This week we're both going to memorize Psalm 27:4.

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple."  Psalm 27:4

Back to School for Mom...Praise God for E-mealz!

We prayed, applied, and I was accepted back in April into the RN program at Durham Tech C.C.!  I start school in two days, August 15...I'm nervous and excited all at the same time.  This is an awesome blessing for me - I was a pre-nursing student in my college days at FSU, however, I was not serious about school.  My grades proved that and I was told not to even waste my time applying to the nursing program.  I quickly changed majors and moved on.  15 years have now passed.  A couple of years ago, we decided for me to re-take Anatomy & Physiology II to try for nursing school again.  And then, we decided to answer the call into ministry and to move here for Jason to complete seminary!  The rest is history...

Fast forward one year...It was a great day in the Burgess house when I received my acceptance letter!  And, Durham Tech also accepted all of my pre-requisites from FSU & my recent Anatomy do-over class.  YES! 

This summer has been precious to me.  I have enjoyed every second with our family because I know our lives will now change with me in school.  We covet your prayers as we settle into a new schedule for all of us.

Not only have I enjoyed an awesome summer, but I have also been planning and organizing everything to go as smoothly as possible come August 15.  One of the things I have been most concerned about is meals.  I am amazed at how much food it takes to keep a family of 5 going.  It is so much less stressful for me to have a plan at dinner time.  I recently came upon E-mealz - hallelujah!!!   E-mealz was started by a couple of pastors wives who have felt the same way all of us feel in our busy lifestyles.  Basically, for $15 I will receive 90 healthy (for the most part), easy to make meals.  Now that's a Mama's (who is going back to school or working) dream come true! 

We have been following the meal planning now for a few weeks and we are loving the new recipes and variety.  The children have been helping me in the kitchen, and for the most part are enjoying trying new foods!

http://www.e-mealz.com/

 

Back to School!

School started back this past Monday - we now have a 5th and 1st grader in the house!  This will be the last time they are at the same school...gulp...unless they are ever at a K-12 grade school.  They were so excited to organize their back packs with supplies!  And, making lunches for them was fun the first day - I love the smell of new lunch boxes! 

Getting back on a school schedule is always refreshing.  I took them to school the first day knowing that Jake would NOT want me to take him to his classroom, but that I would be sneaking by his class to take a peek!  I was looking forward to walking Drew to his room, however, he told me very confidently that he did NOT want me going with him in his classroom!  Wow, we have grown up since Kindergarten.  My face must have seemed very sad because he changed his mind and said, "OK, I guess you can come"...I asked no questions and went right with him!  He also stopped me when I was packing his snack to remind me that his teacher only wants him to pack a healthy snack like fruit or veggies.  Wow again, pretty cool stuff for our little sweet tooth!  When I started going through the fridge with recommendations, he quickly came back with, "I'll just take a granola bar."  Fruit or veggie?????

The boys will be riding the bus most mornings and we will pick them up in the afternoons.  We tried it out on the second day of school.  I did not ride the bus to school as a child because the school I attended did not offer it.  Jason rode the bus right up to high school.  So, I have been a little anxious about the bus thing.  Two things that are helping me is that their bus only picks up for their elementary school and has just two stops after Jake & Drew get on before getting to school.  We met their bus driver the first day, Mr. Mitchell.  And, guess who got right on the bus with them??  I just had to meet Mr. Mitchell and check everything out!  So far, so good.  The boys have some funny stories and even asked if they could ride the bus home - are you kidding me?!

So, now Emily Ann and I have lots of girl time on our hands!  She went right to work and organized an all girls club in her room...guess who got invited?!  That would be one of her biggest fans...Me!  First she prepared tea for us in her "kitchen."  We sat and sipped our water tea from her tiny tea cups and talked about all sorts of girl stuff.  We even had a short Bible study and prayer...yep, her Mama had to find a way to have some spiritual time with her girl!  Later we played school in her room - notice all of the girls lined up...

And, we even had time to do some painting...  She wanted to paint the letter "H." 

School is back in for the Burgess household! 



Scripture Memory Ribbon & 2nd Place in Discus for the Burgess Boys!!

Runner's Camp ended many weeks ago, but I just remembered that I did not update our blog on how the boys did.  First of all, and most importantly, Drew was awarded a purple ribbon for Scripture memorization.  Each day the teams of campers met with their leaders for a 40 minute devotion.  I tried to pry information out of Drew everyday about what their devotions were about.  He'd always tell me he forgot, but near the end of the week he started reciting the Scripture verses they were going through!  My heart was so happy!

On Friday, the field competitions began! It was awesome to watch all of the campers compete.  Each child chose two field events to compete in that they had excelled at during the week.  Jake & Drew chose the same events - high jump and discus.

Here's Jake doing the high jump: 

Drew throwing the discus...

Taking 2nd place!

And Jake:

2nd Place!



Head Coverings & Apologies

Our pastor is preaching through 1 Corinthians.  Last Sunday he taught 1 Cor. 11:2-16.  The point of the message was the spiritual symbolism of a head covering for us ladies.  For married women, our head covering is our husband.  For some women that just brings out our rebellious spirit.  But for others, who have learned the protection and freedom in that, it is a wonderful thing.  How grateful I am to have a godly husband as my "head covering."

So...I was tested this week.  I guess I needed to not just hear this message but learn it through a real live field trip.  Bless my heart - I was indeed humbled by my selfish, ugly attitude.  I will spare the embarrassing details other than I had a very bad attitude toward a sales clerk because I did not understand the return policy.  As soon as I got into my car, I called Jason to rant.  I'm so embarrassed. :(  He put me in my place and I needed it.  It took me about 30 minutes of anger and frustration and arguing with God but I knew what I should do.  Would I do what a Christian lady who loves the Lord and loves her husband and his leadership should do???  Isn't asking God's forgiveness and admitting to Jason that he was right enough?  How. hard. it. would. be.  I want to be clear here that Jason did not tell me I should apologize - he just let me know that my attitude was wrong.

I drove back to the store and apologized face to face with the lady.  God was merciful because she happened to be outside - so my walk of shame did not have to enter the store.  Uggh...that was tough.  But necessary, and I felt much better.  Felt so much better that I began to think of anyone else I needed to apologize to - Seriously, God? 

I am tremendously grateful for Jason and for a church that teaches the truths of God's Word so well.  Cooperative worship is so necessary in my spiritual walk.  I need that weekly time for reflection and redirection to get my mind and heart in alignment with my Heavenly Father's will.

Your Name & Remembrance

Isaiah 26:8.  What does that passage mean?  We chose this as our family verse a few years back.  I was recently studying some other versions of this passage.  The English Standard Version says “In the path of your judgements, O Lord, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul.”  In order to fully grasp the original intent of the author, we must consider the context.  This particular section of Isaiah is what some scholars have called the oracles and woes against rebellious nations.  

The chapter begins with “In that day the song will be sung in the Land of Judah.”  Isaiah is speaking of a coming day of victory for the righteous.  Verse 7 says “you make level the way of the righteous.”  Then verse 9 says “My soul yearns for you in the night.” So the two verses surrounding verse 8 speak of God’s provision for the righteous, and a yearning from the one who follows Him.  It’s interesting how verse 8 speaks of God’s judgement.  The NIV uses the word “laws.”  It is in God’s judgments/laws that we walk in the path of.  Now why is this important?  What would our children be like if they had no boundaries?  You have heard it said that children yearn for structure and boundaries.  God’s instruction for us, his judgments and decrees, are for our benefit.  

The word path gives the connotation that we are behind Him, following Him.  “We wait for you” means we are patient for His instruction. Isn’t it the times when we pursue and live outside His decrees that we get into the most trouble?  When we jump ahead and live as if it is “all about me and what I want” is when we can be the most miserable.  This can be simple and subtle actions in our lives.  For example, Ephesians 5:28 says “husbands should love their wives as their own body.”  Easy enough right?  Not if I am not in the path of his laws.  It’s interesting how much smoother my marriage goes when I put Alicia ahead of me.  Our relationship has more joy, meaning, and oneness when I wait for Him.  This is so indicative of not just our marriages but our lives in general.

Those of us who claim to be followers of Christ have been redeemed for His name and remembrance. When we make Him famous is when we find the most meaning and substance in life.  Is the desire for His renown, as the NIV puts it, the longing of your soul?  Don’t you want Him to make level the way you should go?

Runner's Camp: God at Work

Runner's Camp is just awesome! We're having a great week...hard to believe tomorrow is our last day.  The children have enjoyed being physically challenged each day through running and various field events - discus, javelin, high jump, long jump, pole-vault, and the hurtles.  The weather has been amazingly nice...it helps to have water activities in the mix!  Most of all, I have SO enjoyed helping.  I LOVE the ability to spy keep an eye on my little ones ;) 

I am helping with snacks and hydration - which is a VERY important job with 300 children running around outside for 4 hours!!  We also man the first aid tent.  Guess who our first patient was both Day 1 AND Day 2...Jake.  I was so glad to be there to doctor his wounds, but so surprised!  He basically peeled off his elbow on day 1 and his knee on day 2...all within the first 30 minutes of camp.  Wow.   

One of things I have loved most about the week is the amount of people giving their time and talents to make Runner's Camp so awesome.  Gifted athletes have traveled hundreds of miles to work with the kids.  Teenagers are always around to help - it is obviously a cool place for the youth to be!  The unity among believers is amazing to see...so many of the volunteers are from other churches and denominations in our area.  It has been a blessing to observe all of this and get to be a part of God's work this week.  This is the second Runner's Camp held this summer.  Both camps filled to the max with a total of over 500 kids being ministered to.  There is talk of three camps for next summer.

The picture below is of Drew's group (6 yr old boys) with his coaches.

And, Jake...he wouldn't let me take any pictures of his wounded knee and elbow.

The gals...Jenn, Sarah Beth, me, and Lisa.  Gonna miss them next week!

The two pictures below are during worship.  The athletes who have come to help this week are sharing a short testimony with the kids.  I have seen them stop to pray together for the kids.

And, Emmie is even loving wearing a t-shirt...as long as she has the bows with it and I tie the side in a knot!  Whatever it takes!  Thank you, Jesus, for ways to help a girl feel feminine in a t-shirt!!

Runner's Camp...Here We Come!!!!

Tomorrow we will begin Runner's Camp!  This will be the boys second year and Emmie starts mini-camp (the version of Runner's Camp for children under 6 whose parents help.)  One of the first things the boys did after we moved here last summer was a week of Runner's Camp.  They absolutely LOVED it and I was secretly hoping to one day get to help - so...guess who's helping this year????  YAY for me!! 

Runner's Camp is a VBS type program with a focus on track and field.  To learn more go to: http://www.runnerscamp.org/

Our church began this ministry many years ago, and it has grown every year.  This year over 500 children ages 6 - 12 will learn about Jesus and be physically challenged everyday.  Runner's Camp is now also held in Boston, Thailand and Africa to reach children around the world.

About a month ago we all got new running shoes to break-in before the big week.  The only member of our family to complain was Emily Ann.  Apparently, cute light-up Dora sneakers are not nearly as cool as twinkle toe bling-bling skechers.  She cried the whole way home...wowsa.  She has worn the Dora sneakers a few times and seems a wee bit more excited about them.  Not sure how tomorrow morning will go?!

Please pray for our week.  Pray that every child attending camp who has not heard the Gospel will be responsive and will accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Pray for all of the volunteers giving of their time and talents this week.  Pray for a breeze or two!!

A few pictures from last year: