Adventures in Parenting and Marriage

Winter crazies

2012-01-27T09:42:00.001-06:00

Been a few months of no writing in my blog, not sure if that’s just my laziness coming out, or just feel like what is the point no one is reading them anyway. The former is probably the only correct one, but since I have been very busy lately I will make an excuse since I can. Thanksgiving came and went well, busy months, the Holiday season! The kids keep me busy along with life in general.

In January I started my home daycare with my first two official daycare kids. We were ready for kids earlier, but figured we should wait till after Christmas. So it has been an even busier month since each day is full of many, many kids running around and having as much fun as possible.

Avery is doing very well in preschool. She always has a new story to tell us when she gets home, usually about the ‘other’ kids getting in trouble. Yesterday one of her little friends had given her a little card from Liberty tax services. It has a picture of lady liberty on it. Avery thought it was a coupon for a taxi ride to New York to see the Stature of Liberty. So cute! She has a very busy life in and out of school, as she is my little helper during the daycare hours as well.

Kenneth is walking around everywhere and getting into more trouble than all three kids combined. Not sure how to keep up with him, but we try. He does need a haircut though, right now his hairs just going everywhere. Aunt Diane says it looks like hes got a duck but in the back of his head. Hes a little flirt too, always smiling when he knows hes up to something.

Erin is crawling everywhere still, but she does a great job at pulling up on things now and standing while holding something. So that is good, just waiting to see her take those first steps still, but it will be some time. She is taking her time, and enjoying being a little princess.

I will try to keep in touch more with my blog, its just a lot of work these days between daycare and my work at Lowe’s. Life is crazy, but I guess that’s normal when you have three little ones to raise. Add to that two little daycare kids which are as sweet as they can be.

Life as we know it

2011-10-25T20:51:00.001-05:00

Dear blog! Yes its been a while since I bothered to move my mouse icon to the blog website and click on the add post button. Yes a lot has happened and continues to on a daily basis as we have small children and it comes with the territory. Still I should be journaling more anyway, but both the blog and the journal suffer on the end of my to do list and tend to get pushed to the to do later list. But tonight the house is going to bed early expect me who is not quite ready to close my eyes on end an enjoyable day.

Kenny may not agree today was too enjoyable for him. He started it by waking up in the car early this morning for an ear surgery for tubes. All of this went very well and he was pretty cranky and needy the remainder of the day. Still all in all not too bed. He does like to get into pretty much everything, although he understands the verbal commands such as no and come here, he also practices self will often in rebellion toward such words. Perhaps its just because he takes after his big sister, or he is just human! The toilet for one example seems to be the thing he likes to go off and explore, causing sheer closed door panic to all of us to make sure he cannot get into the bathroom. He is the one who likes to walk along and laugh, then fall down with a bump, followed by returning to his feet to follow through.

Erin smiles at everyone and always has the special way of making you feel warm inside with a glance. We call her our ‘care bear. ’ She is not walking yet or pulling all the way up, but she does make an attempt to get up on her knees from time to time. Mostly its army crawling which is sure to make her arms super strong… perhaps enough to wrestle toys away from her brother, Erin is strong willed as well.

Avery is doing very well in school which pleases her parents very much. The teacher, Mrs. Rumsey says shes top of the class in her letters and numbers, shapes and colors. She adores her brother and sister and enjoys playing more than anything else. She can be a bit of a distraction to the learning process in school though, in which she has to be separated from her friends. But I think its best as she is learning so much. Hard to believe she is really 5! Time just goes too fast.

Our lives are always super crazy but that is how life goes. We watched a movie called ‘Life as we know it’ today which was really good. A reminder that the way things turn out are the way they are meant to be and we should accept the Lord’s plan for us may not be the way we would have written the story. We also watched Transformers 3 which was an insane amount of graphics and would have been fun on the big screen. I didn’t like it as much as the first one though, it will always have a brilliance to it the other two wont.
Not much else to report at this given moment. I am ready to begin my Doodle Bug daycare but for now have yet to sign any new kids. So ill just enjoy the three I have for now and trust the Lord will in His time provide.

First steps for Kenny

2011-09-08T21:55:00.002-05:00

Our little boy is growing up way to fast! He is already taking his little steps now from one couch to another across the floor and not going down on his butt to rest! So he can actually make it just a little bit! Im so thrilled, though i still need to capture it on film. Seems like time just goes so fast and they dont stop for a minute to let daddy get his camera. Dont they know by know that daddy has to take pictures of everything! Its just that way.

Been a crazy few weeks as the school year has begun. Avery is enjoying her new life in PreK once again. Its good for her and shes making a lot of new friends which is good. I think this is the right place for her, and it gives me and the babies some time to run a few errands or rest in the morning. Or pick up the house which seems to be an endless chore these days, guess its how it works as mister stay at home dad. Really cannot believe its really been almost a year now. Been doing this since Nov 1st.

Erin is going in for a check up tommorow, with a doctor who might be able to give us some insights i hope. Shes just not into crawling yet, fine rolling over and going from side to side, sitting up perfect, just no attempt to make it across the floor. Has us a bit concerned. Her brother is making matters worse and i think she feels a bit lazy cause daddy takes her everywhere anyway. Spoiled much children.

My average week is not too average really, its crazy. I am either wrestling with Avery to get her to do something around the house, playing with all my kids, cleaning, or running errands. Its pretty fun but also a bit of work. Just makes me more and more tired as the days go on. Even now i best be getting some rest just so i dont start typiong gibberish.

Searching for fall

2011-08-16T16:56:00.002-05:00

We had it for a couple days last week; the perfect fall weather. But it lasted about as long as a freshly scooped ice cream cone in the sunshine. For a breif moment it was beautiful and then summer heat returned. We had rain followed once again by the heat all of us are very tired of by now. At least we were able to enjoy it while it was here with a couple walks outside in the babies new wagon. The birthday party went off really wonderful and was a whole lot of fun. Erin and Kenneth are now two of the most darling one year old babies around! Wow time goes so fast.

My parents were able to make a stop on their long road trip to spend a few days with us. The trip was for us anyway, but they have made good use of the miles by spending time with friends and family along the way. Always good to see them. The babies enjoyed grandma and grandpa spoiling them as well. Avery enjoys it as well when anyone from California comes to visit her! All of the friends and family at the party made the party what it was anyway. Went so fast though and then we celebrated my mother in laws 50th the following Saturday. Now here we are mid August and the next big thing is Avery starting school!!!!

New school, new teacher, preschool better be ready for her. Of course its public school this time so it will be a bigger class. But i know Avery, shes not much for sitting quietly in the background of life. She will be noticed and she will hopefully be ready to learn more! As for the twins they are going to be schooled by daddy daycare for now. Still unsure if I am going to go through with starting a home day care. Too many things have come up in opposition making it nearly more work then it would be worth. So i am letting the Lord guide me and await his leading.

My mother is getting ready to start her next Precept class in CA, this one on Philippians. And the Spirit has lead me to begin as well even though i cannot attend her class, i am going to keep studying from here alongside. I need to get back into Studying the Word, its been too long and even with all of lifes many distractions I must find time for the most important thing we can ever do, knowing HIM. So the adventure begins, not only with me turning 30 next month, but with searching out a new book of the Bible. And Avery going back to school this week too! So much ahead.

Summer time in full heat

2011-08-02T15:50:00.001-05:00

Whatever is preventing me from posting updates I may never know? Not so sure its plain laziness because I certainly am kept busy from sunrise to sunrise these days without a moment to rest. Okay I do sleep, but its random times and often interrupted by one or all of my children. It’s a beautiful thing to have such a big flock of children, even three, but still great. I enjoy each and every one of them.

Questions on my mind lately are what we will do when summer is finally over and Avery heads back into preschool! Of course it is only a morning class so there isn’t too much free time with just me and the twins. Kenneth is crawling everywhere and getting himself into trouble as much as possible. We have given him the theme song going along, “You can’t always get what you want!” Pretty much sums it up. Transitioning them both to sippy cups has been a challenge. Kenny loves his bottles, will wander around the house looking for them and crawl with them hanging in his mouth. Erin likes her bottles too, but she is more open to the sippy cup idea then her brother. Kenny likes to crawl all over Erin which causes conflict, but they both play well too, and laugh at each other. I think Erin is more of a people observer and just likes to watch what is going on. She does not like being left alone and since she cannot crawl we do a lot of baby carrying around here.

Avery has had a very busy summer, full of camps which were all mostly morning. A couple vacation bible school camps, princess and dance camps have kept her occupied. And of course the highlight was having her Aunt Diane here for a couple weeks. We ate up that time really fast from the fourth of July onward. It’s a little more boring when Avery is stuck at home with daddy and the siblings. We try to limit our tv time and focus as much on play as we can. This summer however has been breaking state records in heat since June. So its been pretty intense.

In a week we will celebrate the one year birthday of our darling twins! This Saturday is the big party though, we are looking forward to having family over and a lot of cake. Of course you get twice as much with twins too. Hopefully more clothes then toys since they already have a lot to play with here. Daddy still has not decided if he wants to start a daycare at home yet. If so he better get to work on those background checks. Guess its going to wait till after the party. Grandma and grandpa are coming in from CA on Thursday. They have been on the road for almost a week now visiting family and friends along the way. Pretty cool, reminds me of the road trip we took back in 2001. Time just goes so fast. Lots ahead and lots to do, so for now just got to keep cool!

Sizzling Summer

2011-06-30T07:42:00.003-05:00

"More than just babysitting thank you, i do this for a living.... they are may day job!" Seems i find myself saying these words a lot these days, usually right after someone says i have my hands full or asks is its two boys or girls. After i point out the girl is the one in the pink dress, I reiterate yes i do indeed have a lot to carry. Almost thrity pounds in the car seats a piece. So my arms should be getting stronger right? Well maybe they should be, guess it wouldnt hurt to do some push ups more often.

So my day to day activities are usally full of cleaning house, running errands, driving Miss Avery, and so forth. I may be changing poopie dipaers in resturant parking lots or under a shade tree at the nearest elementary school. Making bottles while waiting for a train so i can toss them back for the crying hungry babies. Every day is something new and exciting and wonderful.

Summer time just makes these a tad bit more hot than we would prefer. Still try not to let the triple digit degrees get to us too much. Must push through ac and all! The Lord is with us and walks with us. I love after a long day of daddy work, putting on some good music while i drive to my night and weekend job at Lowes. Its a job what can i say, the Lord wants us to do everything we do for His glory. So no matter how difficult things may get at times we just have to humble ourselves and submit before Him ourselves. He is with us.

Kenneth has been crawling just about everwhere he can get his little legs, which is everywhere in the house i will let him. I spend most of they day saying 'no kenny' or closing doors. Avery is a lot of help too. She loves her siblings, and gets to see a lot more of them during summer break. And yes we do watch a little Disney too so plenty of those theme songs get stuck in our heads too. When its too hot to go outside. Our above ground pool is a great set up for the times we do get out though! Babies are loving the water, which is great. Just means a larger pool somewhere in the future.

Erin sits and grins at you, smiles wide and just lets you know she knows something! Shes adorable. All three of them are adorable but how hard is that when you have the genetics of Holly thrown in there! Mommy is already beautiful. The kids like playing together, though sometimes Kenny can get a little wild and go after Erin's toys and bottles. We are working on the sharing aspects, not always easy.

Aunt Diane will be here for the fourth of July for a week. We are looking forward to having her here. Busy summer has only just begun. And before we know it Fall will be here! Time goes too fast, so many photos to take in the meantime.

Back to the changing table...

2011-04-08T10:04:00.002-05:00

Arrived back in good old Oklahoma the day before last, and just now getting around to updating the blog. Seems like as soon as we got back we get thrust back into the crazy busy life that goes about with being a stay at home dad. Only wish i was blessed with a bit more organizational ability. Title of this blog is 'back to the changing table' which has a double meaning actually. First we are literally back to the house and back to our changing tables. The not so literal is the obvious level of constant change going on around here. Tommrow our twins will turn 8 months old! Hard to believe how fast the time goes, leaves us wishing we could just take some slower peeks back, freeze frame some of it, and perhaps delete a few moments. But mostly we just savor what we can each day. Because as Rapunzel says, 'THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER'. Why is that anyway, because today is today. There is no planning ahead, no reflecting on yesterday, just going ahead with now. Avery had a blast at her first adventure to Disneyland. She had no fear on any of the rollar coasters, and she did try them all. Splash mountian was closed and she was too short forIndiana Jones, but otherwise she pretty much did everything else with her arms up in the air screaming for excitment. Aunt Diane, mommy, and daddy enjoyed watching her little eyes light up with excitment. Not only did she enjoy the rides, she got to meet all her princesses. Cinderella, Sleeping beauty, Snow white, Tinkerbell, Rapunzel, Peter Pan, Mikey, Minnie, and enjoyed everything. Of course it took two hours to see Rapunzel, Avery was a tad bit shy, but it was a great visit. Disneyland is truly the land where dreams come true. Disney brought back many fond memories for me and Holly as well since we spent several great trips there when we were dating. Always a cherished place to have fun and forget all of the stresses in life.

Insanity of flying with children

2011-04-02T09:42:00.002-05:00

April 1st marked the first airport adventure for the little twinkies. We gathered all our luggage, which seems to have trippled since our last trip. Actually getting through the security was not nearly as bad as it could be usually, just helps to have two adults and Avery is old enough to pretty much get through on her own too. Erin enjoyed the new stroller we bought just for the occassion! I am so excited to be back in California for a few days, its so fresh and beautiful. Kenneth and Erin did not do well on the first flight which was the longest. Kenneth was happy as long as he was standing up on our knees. Erin was happier when she finally got a small nap. Avery was okay, but she is four right now so you can expect a little choas. Believe me we were all happy when we landed after the flight. Barely made our connection flight, though i think Holly would have rather skipped it and got a rental car for the rest of the trip. Second flight proved to be better and faster though so that was good. So now its time for a bit of family time and of course Disneyland adventure as well. Looking forward to just relaxing and not worrying about anything related to Oklahoma.... for the next few days anyway.

Spring cleaning meets Extreme Makeover meets clutter!

2011-03-29T21:58:00.001-05:00

Battling around the idea of replacing our kitchen cabinets is not a new idea, rather one which has been going on for the last five years. Since we moved in we knew something had to change eventually. So now we have begun the demolition process. Step one was to of course get some quotes and ideas for installation. Today we started tearing everything out, which of course leaves lots of bags and boxes of food and dishes all over the house. Just a little too much hoarding if you ask me. Should be great when its all done though, new kitchen and new floors sound great. Might help sell the house in the future too…. Avery is battling with the letters and recognizing various sounds of letters. This is the main thing we are going to be spending all summer working on I am sure. She does not want to fall behind during the summer, and since she is stuck home with daddy and the little ones, we have a lot to do. Onward! Kenneth is apparently allergic to orange or citric juice at least. We tried a new medley at dinner last night and poor little guy broke out in a rash of hives. He is okay now of course, but we need to watch this for future reference. He is doing better with sitting on his own now, still I wouldn’t go leaving him that way without a pillow to stop his fall. Miss Erin is being the same cute adorable little one she always has been since birth. Shes wiry but loves to look at you and be looked at in return. Big smiles from that kid all around…. We look forward to our upcoming trip to California to see the family and Disneyland! Cant wait, though I do not like the whole airline thing when traveling with small children.

Who moved my binki?

2011-03-23T22:07:00.001-05:00

Today I followed myself around with my quick snap camera, capturing a day in the life of our twins. It was special! Okay so the day pretty much was like any other, I mean when do I not taking pictures of my beautiful children? Even at seven months, Erin and Kenny know how to turn on the charm for flash photography.

Speaking of maturity, or at least a sense of desire I have to share this brief moment of the twins on the chair. I often put both of the babies on my easy chair, aka ‘daddy’s chair.’ Kenny had fallen asleep with his pacifier; Erin was eyeing it with want. She took her little hand and reached over and pulled it from his sleeping suck and got it into her mouth before I had the time to think of grabbing the camera! The one day I actually purposefully followed them with it too! Goodness it was cute.
Avery scored her first goal in soccer last Saturday. After a brief pep talk from daddy where I informed her to play well and make her Aunt’s proud. She got after the ball and made it into the goal, and people cheered around her. She did not even know she make the goal at first, she just went to mommy saying, ‘mommy I tried to make the goal.’ It was quite a proud moment. One of those moments you are glad to be a mommy and daddy. Love my kids so very much.

Now with spring in fully swing, I will ignore the lingering weather reports of potential freezes yet to come. We have even more work to do around the house and yard as well. Its easier to call in help for the yard though, since I cant really operate heavy machinery and watch the kids at the same time. So I will leave that to some professionals. Along with trying to remodel the kitchen and get new flooring as well. So much to do in this house, I mean we have been here five years now, which seems to have gone fast.
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As we gather closer to Easter I have been doing even more reflection on life and ministry. Seeking to be a Servant of His in every way I can, in whatever way He desires. As long as I make myself available, He will be able to use me. The hard part of keeping up without priorities and making sure we keep Him first. As a parent and husband I need to be the Spiritual head of this family. Once I learn to being leading and directing things, we will discover even more for what God has for our lives.

Way back into Spring

2011-03-11T15:22:00.002-06:00

Kenneth and Erin celebrated seven months two days ago. Really hard to believe time has really gone that fast. It does though, all the time. We look up and realize our children are not babies, and our babies are not as newborn as they once were. How exciting!

Avery joined soccer for the Spring, so far it is not going as well as we would like. She seems to be very self focused and does not get the whole team work principle. Also she needs to work on following directions from the coach more. So now that it is warming up in the afternoon, the babies and me need to get out more to help her get focused on her game.

There was two weeks full of a snow blizzard last month, we hope now winter is gone and Spring is really on the way. This only makes for a lot more work in the retail world, so my nights and weekends are pretty full. I have never worked harder in my life, but it is truly worth it to keep the babies out of the daycare system. Just have no clue what I will do when they are all in school. Maybe I will just leave that to the Lord, He knows.

Our new laptop screen should be here soon to replace the one which got stepped on. Guess no one can be blamed for such damage when we leave the computer on the floor anyway. We are a very portable family, most of our time is spent by and near the couch. Which reminds me, we have a couch for sale, we need a new one.

Right now the next step is a remodel of the kitchen and floor in preparation to sell this beautiful home of ours and get something bigger. Our little family is only getting bigger for this one. But the Lord knows once again, so we leave all of these things in His hands.

At home Parenting, Rule One

2011-01-27T13:39:00.000-06:00

Rules, laws, commandments, statutes to obey and follow surround our daily lives. Even among the crowd of stay at home parents who make it their career to raise the children every day of the week. Daycares exist for the purpose to have someone else watch over our kids during the day so we can see to raising enough money to send them to college and then some. Those that choose to keep their kids at home must sacrifice a great deal and allow for a single income home and one parent laying down the ground rules for the children. Parents however must also learn to live by a set of rules as well.

My first rule is the one I am disobeying while typing this, here laying on the couch with my pajamas on in the middle of the afternoon. Now before you judge, all stay at home parents do this from time to time, if not too often. The problem is once you make the choice in the morning not to get dressed, you will not get there. Rule number one is then, “Get Dressed!” If for no other reason when you go out to get the mail, the guy in the truck doesn’t give you the look of either envy or pride thinking he has a job and you don’t. “Come inside buddy, I’ll show you a job.”

Wake up for the day ready to get things done, to accomplish much, and most importantly enjoy it thoroughly. You have a great responsibility ahead of you, so you might want to be ready for anything. My second rule ties right into this one because it is to “Get Devotional!” Putting God first in the day is as important as taking that shower and choosing a good outfit. But more on rule two later… Your children will be looking up to you, how you look is important. Not in a superficial way of course, but in a way which will lead them to live healthy respectful lives.

Winter

2011-01-18T11:10:00.000-06:00

Winter is one of those words which brings to mind the dark chilly cold of blistering weather. Oklahoma knows how to perform a decent season, complete with the frost bite, the slippery icy roads, and an occasional snow drift. Preferably if it is going to snow, in we would much have good healthy snow man building piles in our front yard so we can have a good reason to call in sick. So far this season has just been cold, a little bit of ice, but mostly just enough to make you hope spring will come early.

Something about the cold air makes you want to cuddle up more against a warm fire, read a good electronic book, or just grab some coco. But most of all be thankful to not be working outside. My children are however getting a slice of too much indoors, especially the four year old Miss Avery who knows what playing in the grass and feeling the cool wind on your face can do to your energy. My babies have yet to really get out much, so we are all looking forward to warmer weather. But for now its still January.

Developmentally our little ones are still working to improve, slowly, but getting there. I mean they are only five months old, younger really if they had been born closer to due dates. Who is to say when a baby is due, its not like the Lord got them out early. He had a plan all along for them to come in the heat of August for a valid reason! Still watching them grow is a fascinating process. Kenneth is getting good at rolling from tummy to back, which makes it hard to keep him on his tummy. Erin is working at getting her head held up, so shes got to work on it some more.
We have noticed since our babies have been home, rather than in daycare, we go through a lot less diapers and wipes then we did with Avery. Seemed like we were buying more with her, then with the twins, not sure how its possible though. Since she had more diaper rash, you almost get the feeling they shared diapers and wipes among all the children. Kind of wish I had kept track, but numbers really wouldn’t amount to much and serve no purpose other than to say, hey you guys are ripping us off here.

Anyway its good to have the babies in a better environment to avoid the nasty bugs floating around. Hopefully they do not get them in the Spring when we do plan to get out of this house more. For now we are pretty much stuck here, since its winter outside. I think we all look forward to warmer weather.

Psalm 74:12-23

2011-01-09T22:44:00.001-06:00

Psalm 74:12-23

You think you have troubles and hardship in your lifetime, and still none compare to what the Lord has already done in history for His people. Our Bible if nothing else serves as a huge red flag of hope for those drowning in a sea of difficult circumstances. Look at every person in the Scripture and see how the Lord’s deliverance is always the focus. Men and women of both ordinary and noble blood, both rich and poor, all had faith in God Most High and in His Word of Truth.

Remember the well mentioned in the Bible. Really should be plural because there are several wells referenced in both New and Old Testaments. God always seems to deal with people at a well, perhaps because it’s the source of water and water is necessary for life. This well I speak of now is the one Jesus drank from when speaking with the Samaritan woman. She there has knowledge of the ancestors of Israel, and knows of God’s great deeds. She knew Messiah was coming, and Jesus declared Himself to her in that time as the One whom she was seeking. See our God is one who wants us to remember, for in our memories we find truth and hope that does not disappoint.

God will not forget the cry of the helpless, nor the voice of the haughty before the throne. He will have victory for He has conquered all things. He is the one in control of the sunrise, the seasons, the borders of the earth. He who is Creator and sustainer, is also the author and finisher of our faith. So remember what the Lord has done, what He is going to do, and what He is doing now with you. Go to the wellspring of living water which is His Word, in there you will have life abundantly.

Psalm 74:1-11

2011-01-06T08:33:00.000-06:00

Psalm 74
A Contemplation[a] of Asaph.
O God, why have You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture? Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old, The tribe of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed— This Mount Zion where You have dwelt. Lift up Your feet to the perpetual desolations. The enemy has damaged everything in the sanctuary. Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place; They set up their banners for signs. They seem like men who lift up Axes among the thick trees. And now they break down its carved work, all at once, With axes and hammers. They have set fire to Your sanctuary; They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name to the ground. They said in their hearts, “Let us destroy them altogether.” They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land. We do not see our signs; There is no longer any prophet; Nor is there any among us who knows how long. O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever? Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand? Take it out of Your bosom and destroy them.

Psalm 74:1-11

Our God is a great victorious general of war. From the very beginning he is the one who had set out with a curse against the prince of sin and the darkness which blinded Adam and Eve. He is not a defensive God, though He does defend His children. He is always on the offenses working ahead of the enemies schemes, to mold everything according to His perfect plan, even when it came to the destruction of His own Temple.

Psalm 74 is a prophetic picture of two separate times when Israel’s enemies plundered the city and destroyed the Temple. In 167 B.C Antiochus Ephiphanes profaned the temple and placed an image of Jupiter in the holy place. This is the called the Adomination of Desolation (Daniel 8,9). In A.D 70 the Roman official Titus leveled the temple to the ground as Jesus predicted in Luke 21. During the Great Tribulation there will be a final Abomination of Desolation in the holy place. This indicates there will again be a Temple standing in Israel where God’s people will sacrifice and worship. Your adversary is real, he hates you because you are loved by God. Darkness will always be on the attack in your life, but be not afraid He is your shield. God is already been at war with the one at war with your soul. Jesus defeated death and showed He had power over life by rising from the grave. He stands now at the right hand of God not only praying for you but constantly at work battling against the one who is called the destroyer. Be not afraid, He who lives within you is the victorious warrior.

Lazarus

2011-01-05T16:27:00.002-06:00

No amount of heat blazing off the hot desert sun could stop him from racing with his message. Perhaps not the youth he once was, but still a man of compassion and always full of eagerness to help. This was going to be a difficult message to bring, it wasn’t one of happiness, one of joy, but one of grief and full of fear. Mary had seemed sure the messenger would not be needed, but Martha insisted. When the man got to the clearing where the rabbi sat among his friends, he was both weary and relived.

“I need to see Jesus!” the man exclaimed. “Yes my dear boy, as do all of us. But come I will take you to the Master.” Philip one of the twelve disciples brought the exhausted fellow to deliver his message to Jesus. “Lord, Lord. Master. “ The servant paused for breath. “Martha and Mary the sisters of Lazarus of Bethany have sent me. Saying to me, Lord, the one whom you love is sick.”

Jesus stood up among the disciples, they too broke from their casual relaxation to see what their Master was going to say. He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

The servant seemed surprised by the response of Jesus. It appeared as usual Jesus spoke with certainty, as if he knew every word he ever spoke was true and would come to pass. It calmed his own racing heart, still beating rapidly from his journey.

As the hour was already late the servant understood why Jesus did not seem quick to get everyone moving toward Bethany. Certainty it would be best to travel at an early start with a full day ahead. But when the Master returned to the camp after his morning prayer, rather than preparing a departure speech, he began to preach. All day the messages coming from Jesus were honey to his soul, water to his parched throat. Still the young man could not stop thinking of Mary and Martha, what of the sisters.

Lazarus was indeed a man Jesus loved, Mary and Martha as well. He stayed in their home with his disciples as often as he was in Bethany. It was just a short trip to Jerusalem from their which made it easier to attend festivals and speak in the Temple. It was bothering the young man still. Why wait? If your loved ones are sick, shouldn’t you rush to their side? Still Jesus waited two whole days. Finally he turned to the disciples. “Let us go to Judea again.” Peter stunned by the announcement responded, “Teacher, the Jews have made it public knowledge of their desire to stone you. And you want go back there?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” Looking around at the faces of those whom he loved, he said, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” Andrew said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” The mood on Jesus’ face changed. It became a determination mixed with sadness. Jesus turned his face toward Bethany and with a heavy heart told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.” Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” They each packed up what little they had, knowing walking into Judea was dangerous for all of them.

Jesus sent the messenger ahead to let Martha know they were coming. Mary had shut herself in the house and remained. As he and the disciples arrived outside of town, Martha came out to meet him. With tears in her eyes she through her arms around Jesus and buried her face in his shoulder. “Rabbi…Rabbi…” was all she could say. The disciples all felt deep sadness. Lazarus was a great friend, one of those who you always enjoyed being in their company. It was difficult now, for even while they mourned the enemies of Jesus were watching closely every move he made.

Martha began to collect herself enough to speak. Jesus met her eyes and spoke quietly over her. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Her longing eyes remained in his and then drifted off to a distant cloud. Her mind was reflecting back to last time Jesus visited her home.

Jesus and the disciples had been traveling around from village to village talking about the Kingdom of Heaven and teaching various parables. It was during this time, being weary from his journey, he and the twelve stayed with Martha and her family. As soon as she heard Jesus was staying he quickly prepared a large meal for the thirteen hungry travelers along to enjoy. Lazarus always laughed she carried about with her recipes and orders to the servants. Her sister Mary, remained sitting at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. She had been so distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Finally out of not so very humble tiredness she came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered full of compassion in his eyes, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Now it was in this moment, after her brother had been in the tomb for four days, she felt like there was nothing more she could do. Martha was always so quick to be the busy hard working woman in the home, always picking up after her brother and sister; now she could do nothing. Nothing but listen. There was nothing else but to trust in her Lord. She didn’t need a parable or teaching, she was living right in the middle of one.
From the wilds of her weary heart Jesus brought her back to present saying, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Peter, Philip, and the other disciples and servants all listened quietly far enough to give them space but close enough to hear the powerful words. Martha left and returned to the house to find Mary. She did not know why Mary had not come out of the house to greet Jesus, surely she knew He had come. She find her sister knelling by her bed.

“The Teacher has come and is calling for you.”Mary hearing the words of her sister rose quickly to find Jesus. Many of the women who were mourning with Mary saw her leave the house and followed assuming she was heading to the tomb. Mary ran through the streets of Bethany out the gate and found the place where Jesus and the disciples were gathered. She didn’t stop running until she fell at his feet weeping. She grabbed hold of the ground and cried out, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus gently gathered her up into his arms being troubled in spirit. “Where have you laid him?” The servants who followed Mary said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”

Jesus wept.

Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”

Jesus arrived at the place where the body of Lazarus was buried. It was common for many of the higher class in those days to have tombs made from a cave and a large stone laid upon the opening. Many countrymen, leaders from Jerusalem, and disciples of Jesus were gathered together. Jesus groaned when He approached the tomb. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!”

Silence for a moment fell among all who were watching. Did they hear Jesus correctly? Did this teacher from Nazareth just cry out for the rising of the dead? In the next moment it was not the stench of death filling the air but the gasps of amazement. For out of the tomb bound hand and foot with graveclothes walked Lazarus, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. The man who had been dead for four days was now alive. The Lord Jesus had risen this man from the dead.

Jesus looking at the people standing around said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” Martha and Mary joined their brother in cheers and tears of celebration. The Lord Jesus is the author if life, and has power over death. This same thing which made them glad, also troubled the religious leadership greatly. They feared a man who could raise the dead. How could such a man ever be defeated.

--- Many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.

And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

(as told by David Bowlby)

Welcome to 2011

2011-01-01T23:47:00.001-06:00

Fifteen minutes is all it would take to enter into the blogosphere and relate the daily events. A few moments of my day, of my week, of my month, time goes so fast it feels as if each day is a bandaid being ripped from my life. One moment its there, the next you are staring wide eyed into a new year. Hardly believe my own lack of posts in the past month, December was pretty full, but then the hardest things in life rarely find themselves time to be written.

Forget not the wisdom of the ages, of those who have passed. Remember the great things, the memories you share, the kindness the honesty the true. Good. Holly’s grandfather passed away this morning of the 18th of December. We knew the time was coming, yet all too soon and we miss him now. This past summer seemed like such a major struggle for us while Holly was on bedrest, we had to take Avery out of Daycare since we simply could not afford the expense.

Holly’s stepmom and her Granny helped so graciously during those months. I am thankful now even in the midst of the struggles we were having, Avery was getting precious memories with her grandfather before he passed. Jesus knew. Jesus always knows and plans everything even the most painful things to bring good.

We thank the Lord for His blessings, even though they were difficult to overcome… and still are. Each new day as they say… begin each new day with the praise of the Lord on your lips. Even every new year. I know now in the quiet of the living room with the twins sleeping and Avery perched on my shoulder, it’s the beginning of the day we should be giving to the Lord. For in those moments before the chaos of the day, He speaks and we can hear. Now after the long first day of 2011 all I can think on is how many things I could have done differently, how I could have responded better to those around me clamoring for my attention. Some drawing irritation, some causing desperation, each and every one seemingly to test every new years resolution I may have started.

My car radio blessed me this morning as I headed off to work. Brandon Heath was singing, “Hes no finished with me yet!” Perfect song for a new year, for a realization struggles would remain, but the Lord would remain even stronger. I cannot sum up the month of December any more than I could the whole year. My dad came in for a few weeks, followed by my sister, both very helpful and much missed now. As we approach the new year, even as we approach the end of day one, we can be thankful the Lord has blessed each new morning with mercy for the day ahead. So blessed are we for a God who renews us, and loves us still despite our qualifications.

Cold winter, warm reminder

2010-12-02T22:53:00.000-06:00

Remember the rooster crowing in the morning right after Peter denied knowing the Lord Jesus? He was standing away from the fire and ignoring the crowds attempt to include him as a follower, then just as prophesied the rooster crowed. Thus began a dark period for Peter as he spent the days following in the darkest coldest period of his life.

Here in Oklahoma the rooster or Thanksgiving day turkey came and the whole state got cold. You could not even guess it was winter till then. Maybe the Peter illustration was a bit much, but it was on my mind to describe the feeling of going directly into the cold. I mean how could Peter, how could any of us deny His presence in our lives. This time of year more than any is all about celebrating Jesus the Messiah. Lights go up, trees get decorated. It is all about the Lord God coming into this world to be one of us, a man, so he could live and die for us all.

Each week drawing us closer and closer to Christmas reminds me evermore of God’s unending love. Its not about how many presents we buy or get, how much candy fills our stocking, or how big a house we have to share with family. Love and only love is what this season teaches. I praise and thank the Lord for all He has taught me this past year about trusting in Him more, coming to Him in our need but not leaving Him out in the cold when He needs us. Okay He doesn’t need anything, but He wants us. More so He came so He could serve, and show us how to serve. He came so He could pay the price for our sins.

My heart may not always be working as fast as my brain. The flesh seems to have control over one or the other. In the end I pray my spirit will always win. Of course the more we feed the one, the stronger it gets and the harder the other side will fight. So command yourself every day to read the Word of God with all readiness of mind and do as the Scriptures teach us, not rules and regulations, but commands to love God and serve and love people.

Reading through my blog or journal for this past year has proven insightful. Even if I neglect the pen and page, I can still type my heart and experience. We all should have such, in order to remember. Remembering is what He wants us to do, this is why the Word of God is a treasure. It’s a reminder of what He has already done. From Adam to Paul we see extraordinary lives playing out the message of His plan for man. He loves us and this is the season to make that love known to all people.

A little Wicked

2010-11-28T05:29:00.001-06:00

Three weeks and things finally got a little Wicked… the musical that is. But that was last night, so lets not skip ahead too fast. It has been a quick week, the week of feasting and family fun. My dad flew in Monday and will be here for three weeks to help around the house and help with the babies. Erin and Kenneth, and of course Avery love having grandpa here.

With the Christmas season in full swing I finally got the lights up on the house and decorations pretty much everywhere. We thought this year a live Christmas tree would be best so we went down to the tree farm and picked out a beautiful tall full tree to enjoy. After strapping it to the roof of the car and hoping for no squirrels, we headed home to get lights. Now we have a tree all ready for decorations and presents. Hard to believe the season is really upon us, after the crazy year we have had.

Since it seems like I am always busy at work and going to and fro it was good to get out with the wife last night and go see a Broadway musical. Wicked. We have seen it twice before, and this was not the best of the three times, the singers were out of sync and the sound mixing might be blamed the most. Some of the key actors were not good at all. But it’s a beloved musical for Holly and I, so we enjoyed it anyway. Love the tale, but feel sorry for anyone who that was their first time seeing the film. It has such good themes.

Really hate when I have the writing bug but cannot think of what to write. Its one of those itches you just can never seem to reach. Then someone else seems to be reaching it better than you, so you don’t even bother to try. Another week is about to begin, more house work to do, some major league spring cleaning in December!

Closing in on Thanksgiving

2010-11-21T05:45:00.002-06:00

Been another busy week for parenting and marriage. Life always does seem to get extra crazy this time of year. For one thing, standing in line idle in the car waiting to pick up and drop off my kid. Avery loves school, gets excited about going and hanging out with her friends. I am glad she is happy to go. Her teacher is teaching her letters and numbers, and how to cut things. We know about the cutting things as there are mysterious piles of paper showing up around the house in odd locations. She has gotten a new hobby apparently, shredding paper! Back to the lines for a moment, daddy fell asleep in the line waiting to pick Avery up this week. No one bothered to honk they just went around me! Guess they figured i needed the nap.

Trying to maintain a busy household and keeping the part time evening and weekend job does prove difficult on family. Somehow i need to manage family time along side juggling with work. My goal right now while i have time at home is to organize the house better. I would very much like to get rid of a lot of junk we do not need and never use. So much clutter and no real reason as to any of it. We have to look at what we need, not what we want or think we might use someday. My dad will be here Monday for a few weeks so he can give me a hand with a lot of the chores around here. Then i can try to figure out what i am going to do with the rest of my time.... chase after my children!

Kenneth and Erin are growing well. Kenny is our little chunker, he likes to eat all the time. Actually they both do, and will chew their hands till we get them something. Not sure if they think thats going to work. They look more alike now too, yet have polar personailities. Kenneth is laid back and wimpers, while Erin is loud and vocal. They both talk like little birds. Erin if our little bird. Avery loves to help when she can, but still wants to be separate and do her own thing sometimes, which is good. Mommy and daddy have their hands full for sure.

After two weeks of the stay at home daddy thing, i have to say i do not know how so many do this for a job. Its a lot of work and my babies arent even up and crawling around yet. So i am sure its going to get even crazier. The Lord is good though, continues to be faithful and showing us He will be there to meet each need when it comes. His timing is perfect and we will trust him to lead us to whatever form of ministry he has for us ahead.

We look forward to Thanksgiving, and to decorating for Christmas. So much to do, and not enough time for anything. Thats how it works!

Week one down!

2010-11-13T23:02:00.000-06:00

Diapers need to be changed, bottle nipples need to be sterilized, so much to remember and so much to be done. Still we juggle from one end of the house to the other. From flipping peanut butter sandwiches into school lunch pails, to tossing wet diapers across the room making full court shots to the waste basket. Parenthood is full of craziness. Love every moment of it and cherish every second of being a parent and having children.

Monday started off wishing my wife well as she went back to the workforce after being on bed rest and maternity leave since March. None of us were happy about the event, and I was left standing in the driveway after waving goodbye, thinking to myself, what did I get myself into? True the Lord did lead us down this path, and it made the most sense for me to be the choice to stay at home, but it does not make it any easier. Staying at home with the kids is work, possibly the hardest job I have yet to attempt.

Three days out of the week Avery, who is now four, goes to her preschool to learn and grow. While she is at school it makes it that much easier for daddy to balance the twins and their schedule. Avery loves her school. I have to begin a habit of routine which is kind of new for me, as it requires self discipline. I am my own boss as it is, and stand to be responsible for my own duties. No one is looking over my shoulder, but everything I set out to do, still must be done. My goal is to make it easier for my wife when she comes from a busy day and I head off to my evening and weekend job.

Keeping things tidy around the house is simple with the babies being pretty much non mobile, and when Avery is not wreaking havoc every turn. The real challenge is shopping for food, which I am going to have to work on as it’s a necessity for the family to eat. Even as the babies get older they need more. Last time we managed into the store for cupcakes and water, Avery helped push the buggy while I had the stroller. So it wasn’t too bad. Not sure if it’s easier this way or another just yet.

Giving everything to the Lord is key to the stay at home life. I have spent eight months preparing for this role, but it doesn’t seem to matter because things do not always go perfect. For two years before I married Holly I read over 15 books on the subject of marriage; still I find myself rereading them because I know there are so many areas I have I need work. Same will be true as we progress into this stay at home role. Everything for Christ and His glory, is rule number one. Rule two is do not attempt everything in a day. If something cannot get done, do not push so hard you run weary. This is my first week, there is a long road of learning ahead as I lean on trusting God for every moment.

Stay at home husband life has begun

2010-11-04T00:24:00.003-05:00

Clearly been too long since i have had a spare minute to do anything other than take in a deep breath. Since the babies came home it seems the entire house has been turned upside down and I am thinking to myself, was it this crazy with Avery. It could have been, but I think having twice as many diapers to change, and twice as many mouths to feed is adding up to more than we ever expected. But as a Father to three of the worlds most amazing and beautiful children, I would not trade it for anything. Part of my motivation to be a stay at home dad in the first place.

My co-workers may not have understood fully what quitting was really meaning to me. I tried to explain even if it meant our budget belt would tighten a bit, I had to do what I had to do. Years ago a teacher had me and some other students draw the kind of car which portrayed who we were. While other kids my age were drawing sports cars, i drew a mini-van. I knew family had to come first, it always had and always will in my mind and life. So last Friday when i finished out my last day of two and a half years of material handling service, I was at total peace. It helped the Lord already had my night and weekend job ready.

Doughnuts were brought in by me for my last day. I had to bring them since I had been eating everyone elses generosity for two years. I hope they all appreacited how much I appreaciated them.... at least most of them. Either way. I did before i left have a nice sit down chat with the CEO which was both educational and encouraging. His best advice for me on being successful in life is to find a problem and then become part of the solution.

For this past week Holly and I have been trying to get into a set routine on baby raising, along wiht rushing Avery to and from school. The week is hardly over and it feels like its been pretty good. The only hard part is my part time job which does take away two hard working hands when babies need to be held. We are pushing ahead for the Lord is with us. He is guiding every step. Our three darling children are proving to teach us something new every day. Thankful and wonderfully blessed we are.

Psalm 67

2010-10-24T07:51:00.000-05:00

Psalm 67
To the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song.
1 God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us, Selah 2 That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. Selah 5 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 6 Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. 7 God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him. Psalm 67

God shall make His ways known through His people. Every story in the Bible is centered on individuals for a reason. God uses people to get His most important messages communicated. Prophets proclaimed judgments, and missionaries brought messages of hope and truth, but real people throughout the Word show us who God is and what He does in our lives.

May God be merciful to us and bless us for the reason that His ways may be known to the world. Praise and worship belong to Him because of the great and marvelous things He does in our lives. Never is it about you or me, but His glory. The testimony of a life changed is far more powerful and effective than historical events and statistics. Souls given over to Him reveal His good work.

You are the masterpiece of the Lord. Your story and the work the Lord does in your life is what will change people. It is good to have knowledge and increased understanding in the facts and truth of the Word of God. We all need a foundation in which to place our faith. Even more the faith in shoes walking around showing God’s love and power. God did not stop after the days of Paul, using people. He uses them today, men and women of ordinary backgrounds to do extraordinary things in order that others will see and glorify God.

Change is here

2010-10-24T07:24:00.002-05:00

Crunching leaves, the sweet smell of rain, cool evenings are here as a sure sign of fall. We look ahead to winter with not so eager anticipation, but are happily done with the heat of summer. Into October and half way through the month now we enjoy needing the light jackets and still some warmer days wearing shorts. This is also the month of Avery's birthday, our twins are two months old, and of course Halloween is right around the corner.

Avery turned 4 last Tuesday and her party was a grand success. Neither myself or my amazing wife desire to have the party at our house again however as the house and even the massive backyard do not have acreage enough for the attendes. Still the Tinkerbell theme and jump house we borrowed made for our little girls happiest birthday celebration as of yet. Guest list included three grandma's, two great grandma's, one great granddaddy, all her aunts save my sisters in CA, and a few small friends. My mom has been out these last three weeks as well which not only gives Avery someone else to play with but also major help with the babies.

Baby Erin is now past 8 pounds and her growing brother is up to 9.7 pounds. Growing fast as they should be but not quite sleeping through every night. We have a chart in the kitchen next to the feeding station, so we can keep track of when they eat, how much the eat, and what kind of diaper they leave behind. This helps because its hard to remember who ate what and when. Big sister Avery is a big fan of her little brother and sister. She helps out so much and enjoys being proud of both of them.

For Avery's actual birthday we went to the Zoo for a few hours which went pretty well. Its easy to take the babies out at this time since they are pretty portable. I love my little family of five and am greatly blessed the Lord has given us so much, all undeserved. He is always there with us. Even more than His grace and mercy, I love His presence daily in my life. Moment by moment He is here. The more we realize this truth, the more joy we will have. He makes Himself known to those who diligently seek Him.

Even with all the change having occured thus far, we have much ahead in these days. The Lord provided me with a good night and weekend job to work part time during the hours my wife and I can trade off on baby duty. Going to make personal time togther even more cherished then it is now, but we will manage. The Lord knows what we each need and gives us help in our weakness.
Working two jobs the last two weeks has not been easy, but only one more to go then I will be a house husband by day. My two and a half years in the Material handling world will come to an end peacefully. I have had a good time, enjoyed the job, but eagerly look forward to task ahead.

Our future is only clear in the eyes of the Lord. His eyes are the ones which matter. We do not need to know tommrow, we are not promised anything other than He will be with us always. Through all trials, struggles, and fears He is there to watch over us. So He will guide us and give us mercy. In the weeks ahead I hope to update more, we will see how things go and hopefully settle down from all the chaos of this past year.

Psalm 66:16-20

2010-09-30T04:32:00.000-05:00

Come and hear, all you who fear God, And I will declare what He has done for my soul. I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear. But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!

Psalm 66:16-20

Not too long ago the popular form of distance communication was a radio allowing only one person to talk at a time. You had to get out what you wanted to say and wait for the response of the other party. With the world changing so much, the invention of cell phones, emails, texts, we do not have as much a problem with lag time in conversation. It seems sometimes we are still living in the past because we will not quit making noise so we can just listen.

God wants us to be silent before Him, for He is both Holy and He wants to speak into our hearts. We have cried out with our hearts to Him, we have sought His face in the sanctuary. When we have not done these things we will soon notice we are missed. Too often the loudest and most troubling disturbance in our conversations with God is our own heart. We are the ones full of so much pride we lose sight of His Glory. We are so selfish we do not hear who He wants us to pray for. Our own sins in our own hearts cause too much interruption. And He is ever patient.

You are the workmanship of Jesus. He has made you and is forming you more and more so every day. Every trial, every circumstance, nothing comes your way without His command. Through His hands your life is filtered. Blessed is God who does listen to our prayers. Begin such prayers with the words of a humble heart, asking if there be anything in our lives hindering us from a fresh encounter, the Lord remove such problems. Come and hear.