Drew

Drew's Kindergarten teacher recently had a "muffins for mom" and "doughnuts with dad" event in the classroom.  Muffins for Mom was held back in May right around Mother's Day, and the Doughnuts with Dad event was the Friday before Father's Day.  Drew made a couple of pictures for Jason and I - we just had to share them...

The first picture below is me and the caption below reads, "My mom always says never to go to Wi-Fi unless she tells me to."  The second picture says, "The important thing about my mom is...she gives me good food." 

Observation #1...Drew has awesome handwriting!!  Don't you just love it?!  Second observation...I am good for two things - rules and food.  I wanted to be his hero, but apparently it's just not reality for Mama!

Let's move on to the pictures of Daddy...

Hooray...we have found the hero of the family!!  Drew writes, "My Dad always says I love you."  And, if you look closely, the picture shows a Bible in Jason's hand.  See picture below of a close-up to see the Bible.  Oh, it's just too precious!   

We just love our little Kindergartner!!  Can he just stay 6 years old forever?!  We're not ready for him to go to first grade! 

Is Your Glass Half Full or Half Empty???

We recently felt the need to have a family lesson on gratitude...every now and then we all just need to be reminded of how truly blessed we are.  Our kids sometimes get stuck in the "glass half-empty" attitude.  Several years back we were given an excellent pack of Biblical family devotions.  Sadly, we had not ever used them until yesterday.  Such a valuable resource right at our fingertips, and it had been stashed away in Emily Ann's play kitchen - guess she had found them and was using them for recipe cards!  I came across this particular one on gratitude and knew we all needed it.  At the end of this post, I have included the entire "recipe" for the devotion. 

  

Everything about this family devotion just went so well - guess it was simply perfect timing for each of us.  Jake, Drew, and Emily Ann really got the half full/half empty thing and we were able to have a meaningful discussion on our attitudes.  It was really cool that it was even simple enough for our four year old (Emily Ann) to get it. 

Part of the lesson was to draw a half-filled glass and write or draw pictures in the water portion of things you have and in the empty portion to draw/write out things you want or wish you had.  One of the funniest and "out of the mouths of babes" moments was hearing one of the things Drew put in his empty section - "mircy evry time."  Translation = mercy every time!!!  Oh, I just love him so!  In our home when you get in trouble, which for Drew - believe it or not - happens more often than he would like, you sometimes receive a mercy as your consequence.  This means that you do not get what you deserve - it gets forgotten and life goes back to being grand!  I just love how honest he was with this lesson.

And, oh, how I love that God's mercies are new every morning - He knew that we would all need a new day everyday! 

"Because of the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" Lamentations 3:22-23

Check out Drew's picture...the top section is the empty items that he wishes he had, and the bottom are things he has and is thankful for.

And, Jake's picture - he stole the "mercy every time" from Drew.  I would've stole that one too!!!

And, I helped Emily Ann write hers, with the exception that she did write the letter "E" for her name!  And, yes, she did say that she wished she had a baby sister in the family named Ashlyn!  Bless her!

"But godliness with contentment is a great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.  But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction."  1 Timothy 6:6-9

Boy do I know that I'll be re-learning this lesson for the rest of my days!  Thank you, King Jesus, that You are patient with me.

Here's the "Attitude of Gratitude" lesson we used:

1.  Fill a glass of water halfway and place it on the table in front of the children.

2.  Give each child an index card with the phrase, "The glass is half _______" written on it and ask them to complete the phrase.

3.  Once they've completed the phrase, go around and find out who wrote "full" and who wrote "empty" in the blank.

4.  Now give each child a piece of drawing paper and crayons.  Ask them to draw a large glass half full of water.  Ask them to spell the name or draw pictures of good things they already have (toys, books, family, food, clothes, etc.) in the portion of the glass WITH water.

5.  In the space WITHOUT water have them write or draw things they would like to have such as more money, a new toy, a vacation to Disney, a special kind of cereal, or whatever they can think of.

6.  Read 1 Timothy 6:6-9 and Philippians 4:11-12 and discuss why it is important that we learn to be content no matter what we do or don't have.  Then read Ephesians 5:20 and explain that the practice of expressing thanks is one way we make our life half-full instead of half-empty because it helps us focus on the blessings God has given rather than complain about the things we don't have.

7.  Wrap up your time by giving your children an index card and have them do a thanksgiving scavenger hunt by running all over the house and identifying as many things as they can in 10 minutes (or as long as you like) for which they are thankful.  Let them write a word or draw a picture to represent each blessing.

8.  Gather back together and have the children pray a brief prayer of thanks for each thing they wrote on their card.

9.  Memorize the jingle "I'll be content with what God sent!" 

One Year!

In just a few days (June 11) we will celebrate our one year anniversary of seminary life here at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  No doubt, this past year has been a time of growing in our faith.  Following God's leading has not been the easiest route, but it has been freeing, refreshing, and a good thing for our marriage and family.  And, life at Southeastern is a great adventure!!  We recently attended a seminary bar-b-cue...a few pics...

Jake and Drew got to "duke it out" on the wrestling mat...we so need one of these at home! 

Praise You, Father!

Prayer- Am I yearning for Him, or do I just need to feel better about myself?

Most believers want a more consistent, deeper prayer life.  Many look for a perfect formula...how should we pray, how long, how often, is morning the best time of day?  I've asked all of these questions, and many more. 

I just began reading Philip Yancey's book, "Prayer - Does It Make Any Difference?"  He writes, "I write about prayer as a pilgrim, not an expert.  I have the same questions that occur to almost everyone at some point.  Is God listening?  Why should God care about me?  If God knows everything, what's the point of prayer?  Why do answers to prayer seem so inconsistent, even capricious?  Does a person with many praying friends stand a better chance of physical healing than one who also has cancer but with only a few people praying for her?  Why does God sometimes seem close and sometimes faraway?  Does prayer change God or change me?" 

As I seek to know God, to understand His heart, and to love Him with all of my heart, I am continually amazed that He gives us the privilege and gift of prayer.  I love His character - how He wants us to come to Him, but He does not tell us how often.  He wants us - it's about relationship.  Jesus prayed.  Jesus taught us how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13.)  He also gave a stern warning to NOT be like the hypocrites, those who love to pray publicly (Matthew 6:5-8.)  

I do not want my prayer life to be a checklist - "got that done, now off to the next thing."  Neither does God, and He sees my heart.  Am I yearning for Him, or do I just need to feel better about myself?  Do I really believe that He hears me, more importantly, am I listening with my ears and heart? 

I do not believe that quiet times of prayer with our Creator should be out of guilt - that is not of God.  However, as a mother of three young children, sometimes I'm doing good just to get my teeth brushed in the mornings!  Yet growing in anything - closer to our spouse, exercise, relationships, education - all require discipline.  Yancey writes, "...I have come to see prayer as a privilege, not a duty.  Like all good things, prayer requires some discipline.  Yet I believe that life with God should seem more like friendship than duty.  Prayer includes moments of ecstasy and also dullness, mindless distraction and acute concentration, flashes of joy and bouts of irritation.  In other words, prayer has features in common with all relationships that matter."

I recently read an excerpt from an interview that Greta Van Susteran had with Billy Graham on December 20, 2010.  He was 92 years old - here's the question and his answer:

VAN SUSTERAN: If you were to do things over again, would you do it differently?

GRAHAM: Yes. I would study more. I would pray more, travel less, take less speaking engagements. I took too many of them in too many places around the world. If I had it to do over again, I'd spend more time in meditation and prayer and just telling the Lord how much I love him and adore him and looking forward the time we're going to spend together for eternity.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/on-the-record/transcript/rev-billy-graham-reflects-his-life-ministry-and-special-relationship-bush-family#ixzz1NrUrDDN7

And, just today I read Beth Moore's latest blog entry...what was it on????  Prayer, of course.  God knows He has to hit me upside the head most of the time!!

http://blog.lproof.org/2011/05/so-how-do-you-balance-your-prayer-life.html

On this journey of faith, I have been very specific with God in my prayers that I want to know and experience Him and His plans for my life to the fullest extent possible this side of heaven.  I certainly did not come up with those prayers on my own...I know myself too well...anything good that comes out of me is from the Lord.  I know that with every ounce of my being because my heart is deceptive above all things and so prone to wander.  Soooooo...if God has changed me in such a way that I desire to know Him more, then one of the most important aspects of this journey is my prayer life. 

 

 

Highlights from our visit with Pa-pa & De-de!

Last week we had a wonderful visit with Pa-pa & De-de.  They stayed with us for 6 days...we kept them busy!!!  Between baseball season for the boys and Emily Ann's ballet recital, there was not much time for relaxation.

Highlights from our visit...

Thursday we drove over to Vollmer Farms to pick fresh strawberries and collards.  Pa-pa cooks the best collards ever!  YUMMY!

On Friday, Emily Ann and I took De-de for lunch and tea at the Olde English Tea Room in downtown Wake Forest.  Emily Ann loved dressing up with the gloves and pearls!

Drew played tee-ball Friday evening...he LOVES playing ball!

Emily Ann's first ballet recital was such a joy!

Jake played ball Saturday afternoon - it was supposed to be a double header, however, the second game was rained out...YAY, we could relax a little!!

On Sunday, we worshipped together at North Wake followed by lunch at the Fork's Restaurant.

Pa-pa & De-de left early Monday morning - we're sure it took them a few days to recover from our fast-paced lifestyle with three BUSY children. 

It was a wonderful visit!!!

Easter & Baptism Part II: Annelise's Testimony

Annelise Marie’s Baptism Choice

I first invited Jesus into my heart when I was eight. I remember, eyes tightly shut, white knuckles clasped in prayer, repeating that I knew that Jesus died on the Cross for my sins and that through a relationship with him, I would experience new life. Then, innocently, I would look up at the heavens and wait for the lighting bolts to come flying into my life and a booming voice to tell me what to do. As this did not happen I assumed that I must not have been doing it "right" or that I wasn't "good" enough yet.

As time went on I continued to pray that prayer and opened myself up to the true meaning behind the words. By the time I was a young adult I had committed this to my heart and experienced a growing passion and interest in living a Christ led life. This past Christmas I was overwhelmed with the message about a God shaped hole in my life. Immediately that resonated with me and I saw how I had shoved just about every worldly achievement or material into that hole and always came up empty.

Being fairly self aware, I noticed this quiet ache in the very pit of my being that came on at the most surprising times. I would be enjoying time with friends and family or working toward a future that I thought would fulfill me and there it was again. This Christmas I knew that ache was Jesus knocking on the walls I'd built in my heart offering to fulfill my life with his purpose.

Not surprisingly every last one of my insecurities came up and over powered the quiet knock. I was afraid of what other people would think if I even checked the little box on the worship guide and put it in the offering bucket. I was afraid that people, especially my loving Christ filled family, would think, just like when I was eight, that I wasn't doing it "right" I wasn't "good" enough yet. I knew I'd continue to make mistakes and I resigned myself to "oh well you can make that choice once your done making mistakes". I realized that thought process made no sense but its amazing how persuasive insecurities can be.

That night I stayed up for hours trying to figure out why I couldn't just check the stinking box and put the paper in the bucket!  I began drafting a letter to the church and during the course of working through that letter, I wrote and rewrote my letter until it said I'm ready to be baptized in front of my church and family.  This time when I asked Jesus into my heart it started with I am not going to do everything right but I know YOU already did everything right for me. I just want to put my trust and faith and life in your hands and do my best to live for you everyday for the rest of my life.

This time I didn't wait for fireworks or my life to flip upside down overnight. I just wholly trusted that He would  be there with me. Amazingly once I gave up on the action figure hero of Jesus and just focused on loving and trusting upward, my life truly has been transformed.  I have been given strength and direction and support from every tool in His toolbox. Pain and guilt I hadn't even realize was still cutting me has  now been healed. I have been empowered to make the right choices in my life and am amazed daily as I step back and watch His plan for me unfold.

I am going to be baptized in front of my church and family, and what would have once seemed like an enormous pressure, now feels like an enormous gift and honor. I want to thank each of you for allowing me to enjoy and be encouraged by your use of God's gifts and unique talents that have been given to you. Nothing is more inspiring or humbling. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Written by: Annelise Manns

Easter Celebration & A Special Baptism

We celebrated Easter weekend with Corky, Tammy, & Annelise in Charlotte.  Lots of family gathered in their home - Patsy (Tammy's mom), Buddy (Patsy's brother), and Will (Annelise's boyfriend.)  On Sunday, Will's parents joined us for the day as we celebrated Annelise's baptism.  Since moving 12 hours from home, it has been a blessing to us to have Corky & Tammy just a few hours away.  We've been able to share Thanksgiving and Easter with them and they have always been so welcoming and wonderful.  They were also so gracious to us throughout our move to Wake Forest, having us in their home and driving over to help unpack our HUGE moving truck!  They are one of the many ways that the Lord has shown His favor and provision in our lives since stepping out in faith and moving here. As always, it was a special time together.  On Saturday, some of their friends and children came over for a delicious lunch...  And then the fun egg hunt... Tammy began the hunt with a special story teaching the children the best part of Easter! Jake, Drew, and Emily Ann quickly made friends with the children from Corky & Tammy's small group and the fun began! Easter Sunday was so special.  The best part was our time together before we went to worship.  Tender moments were shared as Annelise shared her testimony.  Powerful.  We will post her testimony soon!

Listening to Annelise share how Christ has worked in her life prepared our hearts to worship our Risen Savior.  Glory.

Annelise was baptized during the worship service.  I was reminded of my own baptism on Easter Sunday 1997.  Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision one has made to accept Christ's free gift of salvation.  We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of Annelise's special day! 

Following the worship service, we all gathered for a DELICIOUS meal back at Corky & Tammy's home. 

Precious Memories!