Worship with Sadie

This last weekend, Sadie and I were in church singing.  It was a week like any other.  I have her stand on the chairs so she can see the worship leader and the words on the screen.  She loves to sing, so normally she is belting out whatever song is being sung.  Usually I put my arm around her so I can make sure she is safe, but this past week she put her sweet little arms around my neck. 

We sang the first couple worship songs and then moved into the old hymn, "I Surrender All."  I'm not sure the last time we have sung that song at our campus, but Sadie picked up on the chorus ever so quickly.  Her sweet voice softly sung the melody and as we sung, God brought me back to a moment that took place about 7 years ago.  Eric and I had been married a couple of years and we were wanting a baby, but were having difficulty conceiving and then once we would become pregnant, my body had difficulties staying pregnant. In this particular moment, I was sitting at our kitchen table in our very first home.  It was early in the morning before I needed to be at work and I had my Bible open, but wasn't reading it.  Instead I was resting on it and crying.  I was in a moment where I was struggling with life as I thought it should be and surrendering life at the feet of Christ.  It was a very raw time in my life.

As we continued to sing, I was overcome with the blessings God has given me in our children.  He indeed heard my cries.  I was thankful, but I was also challenged.... to keep that hand open.  To not hold to tightly.  To surrender my life... their lives... Eric's life to Christ daily.  We are His first.  He is capable of the ins and outs of each of our lives.  He is trustworthy.

Back to School Count Down!

We count down events around here based on how many sleeps we have until the big day.  School is just 8 sleeps away!  Today I made a count down chain to help us get ready for the 1st day of School!  

Count Down!

Every night we will tear off a piece of the chain.  I have put a verse on the back of each one for us to read and talk about how it relates to school.  Here are the verses I am using, if you'd like to do the same!

• 8 - Psalm 56:3 - When I'm afraid I will trust in God.
• 7 - Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times.
• 6 - Romans 15:13a - May God fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him.
• 5 - Psalm 73:22 - I am always with you.  You hold me by your right hand.
• 4 - Philippians 2:14 - Do everything without complaining or grumbling.
• 3 - Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything.  Pray about everything and the peace of God will guard your hearts.
• 2 - Philippians 4:8 - Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.
• 1 - Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.

Note: Many of theses verses are NIV or ESV... If you see one that doesn't line up with that, it's a KF (Kristen Franklin) summary to better help our little ones with some of the wordiness or terminology.  :)

Romans 15:13a

I've still been working on memorizing two verses of scripture every month.  I think so far I have memorized 12 since January, which means I've missed a couple here and there... but I'm rejoicing over the words I've memorized and am so excited when they come to mind in different circumstances.

I recently shared that I've been teaching Sadie Psalm 56:3 as she prepares for school - "When I'm afraid I will trust in God."

Truth be told, as I've been teaching her those words and reviewing them with her, I have been desperately praying that God would help me to trust Him with her.  It's so hard for me to start new seasons of life in parenting (really anything new freaks me out), but I'm constantly reminded that He knows our children's deepest needs before we ever get a glimpse of them.  The last few days I have been working on memorizing Romans 15:13a - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him."


God has proven faithful time and time again and more than trustworthy.  It is my prayer that in this new season, called Kindergarten, that He would indeed fill me with joy and  peace as I trust in Him with Sadie.

Prayer

Last week I mentioned that Sadie is struggling with separation anxiety.  This is new territory for us.  Neither one of our children did the "normal" separation anxiety around the age of 18 months.  As long as they were with someone they loved and trusted, they were always happy to go wherever without Eric or me.

I did the separation anxiety bit at about the same time in my development.  It lasted into the 9th week of Kindergarten.  My teacher gave me an award for coming to school for the first time without crying and needing to be peeled off of whomever was delivering me for the day.  I remember those days vividly.  They may be some of my first memories, actually.  Exhausting.  For everyone.

This is probably one of the most difficult times I've had in my 4 years of parenting (I sound so seasoned, don't I??!!).  I can't fix it.  There seems to be nothing I can do to ease the pain...  I've tried.  It's one of those seasons, when you have to sit back, do the hard things and pray - pray - pray.

I'm learning that there are times in your children's lives when you will have no other choice but to pray them through.  Yes... you can encourage them and support them... but you have to release them to let the ONE who is more capable handle them, love them and strengthen them.  I know that God is going to use this in Sadie's life for His good.  I think it may even be part of her journey that draws her to Himself.   Praying for Sadie and sitting back to do the hard stuff - wait & trust.

Scripture Memory

I am a little slow at getting here on this Monday (and didn't have the chance to blog yesterday)... I was able to spend today with my friends again. This is a rarity... twice in one month... lately we've been on the 3-4 times a year plan. Super blessed.

Anyway, in my last post I said that I would post the scripture that I am memorizing or have memorized this month and I also wanted to show you how I keep track of what I memorize. Sometimes if you can see what others are doing, it's just inspiring to get out there and do the same thing!

A few years ago I began using spiral notepads for memory.
I like that everything stays together in one place instead of having notes here and there with random verses... but sometimes you just need a change... so this time around, Eric shared one of his Moleskines with me. Isn't that a weird name for a little black notebook?
Anyway... I like it, and it makes me happy and motivated to pull it out and review my verses. Here's what I memorized at the top of the month...

James 1:17NIV
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
(I actually chose this verse to memorize around Christmas... doesn't it sound all festive with gifts and lights?! ;)

And the new one I'm working on...
Psalm 90:17NIV
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.
(God's favor upon our family and ministry has been something I've been praying over us for the last 6-8 months... I also like that this verse adds for the Lord to establish our work - to show us what to do!!!)

Hope this is encouragement for you to grab your Bible and begin the journey... or continue the journey of hiding God's Word in your heart... His Word is living and active and will never come back void.

Been thinking on this a couple weeks...

1 Kings 3:9 (Message)

"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?"

A word from one of my favs....

"Dear one: You have not gotten this far in your journey with God without his footprints planted all over your path and without his fingerprints all over all the doorknobs to every season. You have not arrived accidentally in your present place on the map of your holy land. You have an amazing ride with God, whether or not you realize it."

-Beth Moore, Believing God

Quote worth the repeat

"Waiting on anything in a world that constantly urges us to hurry is one of the hardest disciplines of going deep with God. First, it's hard because it requires patience. Second, it's hard because there are so many noises and pseudo-urgencies that seem to drown out God's voice in our lives. And third, it's hard because, if we're honest, we're probably waiting on something or someone else to bring us the "desires" of our hearts."
-Maggie & Duffy Robbins, Enjoy the Silence

CrossPoint Salina in the News!

This article was featured on the Front Page of The Salina Journal last week! Very exciting!

What God can do in a year...

Since Eric and I have been married, we have found great significance in the timing of 12 months. In every big decision we have made, God has taken us through a year long journey to get where we are going... becoming parents (that one was a 12 month wait + 41 week pregnancy), finding a home in Augusta, waiting for an answer to the question "where next" when we knew God was calling us somewhere new, and the year long journey to this new city as we've waited for God to tie up all of our loose ends! By looking at this list, it would appear that we have spent 4/7 years of our marriage waiting on the Lord... kind of humorous, actually. It is with great joy that I announce today, that God has completely delivered us, yet again, to a new milestone on our journey called life!

Exactly a year ago today, we loaded up trucks and made a trip to a new city to start a satellite church off of a church in Hutchison, KS. Everything was getting ready to change... Eric's job, pay, home, friends... everything familiar would be completely different. Scary for a girl that loves consistency, routine, and predictability.

When we were called to this ministry, we were confident that this was were we were to be, but there were a lot of unknowns to this move... Would I need to work? Where would we live? How would we get insurance? What would our new roles look like??? God has been more than faithful to us. He's continued to allow me to stay home (apart for subbing some Monday's), He's provided us a way to receive insurance in January. AND just this month, He's provided us a home that is perfect for ministry. As far as our roles go... well, we are still learning what that looks like! ;)

As I look back on the fear and uncertainty that came with moving here, I'm so thankful that He pushed us to step into the unknown. That He didn't allow us to become comfortable and complacent with where we were or with what we were doing. That he stretched us to trust Him even more than we ever thought imaginable.

I must admit, 12 months seems SO long when your heart is already pointing you in a new direction... yet I am finding that our times of waiting have been vital in becoming who God has created us to be. If your are in a season of waiting, hold fast. The tedious days are worth the incredible blessing!

"My soul, waits in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold;
I shall not be shaken."
Psalm 62:5-6 (emphasis mine)

Celebrating our days in this great place! Looking forward to what God's up to next!

Relationship Goals

Goal of parent/child relationship: for child to move from dependence to independence.

Goal of relationship with Christ: for each individual to move from independence to dependence.

Blankey

Cole fell asleep in the car today while we were out running errands. Transitioning him from the car to the crib is always a bit tricky. He usually wakes up and then cries when he figures out that we are putting him back down to sleep longer (a 10 minute car nap is not the real deal in my books).

Today was no different. Eric unbuckled Cole from his car seat and tried to get him to snuggle in as he carried him inside. He took him upstairs and laid him down where he began crying. By the time Sadie and I made it in the door I could hear him calling for his "bankie"... which is obviously blankey. Eric grabbed the blanket off the floor and ran it to him. Cole let out one good last cry and then a peaceful sigh as Eric covered him with his fleecy blanket.

As Eric was sharing this event with me, I thought about how nice it would be to have a blankey that calmed me and protected me in my distress. The second that thought popped into my mind, I felt the Lord replacing it with... "Oh, sister... I am your calm, peace and protection. Trust me when you are afraid and uncertain. Cole will only use his blanket for a season and then I too will be his calm."

The Lord truly longs to be our peace. I pray that I would trust Him to wrap me tightly with His arms when times are tough and I'm feeling insecure.

_________________________________________________

As I was thinking about all this later this afternoon, I was reminded of this song that I listened to repeatedly in college... I think it speaks to who God is to when we are worn out and feel like life is completely out of control!
I Am by Jill Phillips

Journaling with Sadie

I love to journal. I try to spend a portion of every day writing something. Writing helps me make sense of life. It makes me sane. It gives me a chance to go back, reread and see the incredible things that God has done in my life. It causes me to be more thankful.

I usually do a majority of my writing during rest time. Rest time is a beautiful time at our house. Everyone is quiet for an hour. Ahhh.... peace. While Cole naps upstairs, Sadie stakes out the chair and a half with books and a blankey while I claim the sofa with my Bible, books and journal.

Recently Sadie has become interested in my rest time routine and has wanted to read her Bible, too. She's also wanted to journal. It's one of those moments in life when you jump on the opportunity to teach... here's what we worked on. :) Obviously I do not draw pictures in my journal on a daily basis (maybe I should, it's quite colorful)... but a preschooler gets to start with the wonderful world of drawings and simple sentences.

I modeled for her things I was thankful for...

When I was done, she told me I forgot something and quickly grabbed a brown crayon. Do you see what she added??? CHOCOLATE. Does that girl know me or what??!!

Next, I had her write her own page and I wrote the words she said next to each illustration. Last, we looked up a Bible verse about God's greatness.

Psalm 145:2 - "Great is the Lord and most worth of praise his greatness no one can fathom."

Easy peasy... but it's made an impact.... she keeps wanting to go back and reread and enjoy her journaling... and hopefully having a thankful heart as she does.

Our Baby Girl is FOUR!

Sweet Sadie Noel, born July 21, 2006 at 8:37AM. I will never forget the moments we rejoiced over her birth that day... bliss.


Sadie's 1st Birthday!

Sadie turns 2!

Happy 3rd Birthday...

And when you are FOUR... you party in your princess gear!


Praying that you grow in "wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52) We love you!

I can't hold them forever...

Thoughts from my journal this month...

It's a hot morning, but have found a beautiful place under a shade tree to sit, write and reflect as I watch Sadie and Cole play together. That's good stuff. Thank you Jesus for their precious lives. For their love of life and sense of discovery. Thank you for Sadie's incredible imagination and Cole's love for sifting through rocks, dirt and sand. I look at them daily and am completely amazed with how wonderfully you have made them.

Some days I wish they would freeze at the age they are right now. Any more it seems that although the days are sometimes long, the months fly by. Some days I feel like if they stayed three and one forever that MAYBE I could protect them with every ounce of my being. As a mommy it breaks my heart to think that in the days ahead there will be times they are scared, hurt, confused, teased and wounded. Protect them, Lord, as they grow. When these days come, give them strength to trust you and walk with you. Help me, as their mommy to trust YOU with their precious lives and understand that the trials they will see could very well be what deepens their faith.

Give them sweet days, Lord Jesus, and as they continue to grow, give me whatever it takes to release them into your power and protection.

Preparing for the Coming of the King...

Sadie's prayer last week...
"God thank you for our beds. Thank you for my family. Thank you for our church. And most of all, thank you for Santa Clause. Amen."

When your child begins praying at night thanking God for Santa Clause and not Jesus, it's a good time to refocus the reason for this beautiful season! We began an ABC advent on December 1st, but it's never too late to start now and count down the days to the coming of our King!

I found the ABC advent idea online, but have rewritten it and added scriptures to fit our family's needs. Thought I would post it for those of you who are interested...

Eric made this awesome advent candle holder for our kitchen table!!! I love it... someone from our small group said that it looks like a menorah on steroids. Couldn't help but laugh....


Anyway...
Before we start Advent at night Sadie and Cole have to pick up their toys. Sadie will quickly pick up her toys to do Advent! I LOVE THAT! There's something about children and the idea that we are going to light candles for them to blow out that is incredibly exciting. After toys are picked up, we turn off the lights and light a new candle and the previous candles that have already been lit. As we light the candles, we review what we have learned so far and what each candle stands for. I am amazed at what Sadie is remembering and how well she is telling the story of Christmas herself. Last night we tried something new and sang Silent Night before we blew out the candles. Short and simple, but teaching the truth of this season.

Here's what we are learning as we worship together and scriptures to go with each letter:
A- Angel came to visit Mary (Luke 1:26-31)
B- Baby Jesus (Luke 1:31)
C- City of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6)
D- Donkey (The Bible does not state exactly how Mary got to Bethlehem, just that she went with Joseph - Luke 2:1-5. It is possible that they used a donkey as a mode of transportation. Good opportunity to talk about the distance they traveled and the possibilities of how they might have gotten there.)
E- Everlasting - Share about God's power and relate it to the season. (Psalm 90:2)
F- Family - As your family we want to teach you about the truth of Jesus. (Deut. 6:5-9)
G- Gift (John 3:16)
H- Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35-37)
I- Inn (Luke 2:7)
J- Joy ( Luke 1:39-45)
K- King (John 18:37)
L- Lamb (John 1:29)
M- Multitude of Angels (Luke 2:13)
N- Name of Jesus (Matthew 1:23 & Phil. 2:9)
O- Obey - Mary and Joseph obeyed Jesus (Matthew 1:24-25)
P- Perfect - Jesus is without flaw.
Q- Quiet time (Psalm 46:10)
R- Rejoice (Luke 1:14)
S- Sins - Jesus was born to save us from our sins. (Matthew 1:21)
T- Twinkling Star (Matthew 2:2)
U- Unto Us a Child is Born (Luke 2:11)
V and W - Visit from Worshiping Wise Men (Matthew 2:7-12)
X - is for Christ (2 Peter 3:18)
Y- Jesus will be a blessing to YOU! (Ephesians 1:3-14)
Z- ZZZZZ - We can rest in knowing that Jesus is Alive! (Psalm 91:1)

Happy Adventing and Merry Christmas!

God's Plan is so Simple...

James 4:7 - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

A few weeks ago I went to a preview of To Save a Life. It's a movie (based off a true story) that's to be released in January 2010. To Save a Life deals with many issues in teen culture... bullying, suicide, cutting, drinking, drugs, relationships, teen pregnancy... the list could go on and on.

I left with all this running through my mind reflecting on how naive (dingy or clueless... whichever word you prefer) I was in high school... there were things out there going on, but I know I was unaware of the severity or even the vastness... and things have changed drastically in the 10 years I have been removed from high school. As I get older and work with students in ministry (and prepare to raise teenagers), I fear being disconnected to culture. I fear being unable to relate to what students are going through and being able to help meet their needs. I want to be able to understand where they're at so I can help them and point them to the One who provides all healing and redemption.

As I was processing all this, I was thinking about the issue of cutting. A huge issue among teens and young adults right now. It's hard for me to wrap my brain around how someone could want to cut. As I was pondering this, God gave me a picture of what my sinful habit of worry does to my mind and causes just as much damage... worry makes me feel like I have momentary control over whatever circumstance I'm dealing with, leaving a scar on my mind. Cutting is simply the same... a reaction to what's going on in the mind that allows someone to feel in control... leaving a more visible scar for others to see. My sin is "hidden" theirs is more "visible"... both are wrong and need to be laid before the feet of the Healer and the One who has control over our lives.

I can't help be be amazed at the simplicity of God's plan for us. It seems like we try to make such God's incredible gift so complex... it doesn't have to be. God made us for one need... the need for Him. If we can learn to submit our minds to him (day by day, moment by moment), we are going to find that he puts a desire in us to be obedient to him... and as we submit, we will see our fleshly desires and habitsdissipate... we find freedom from worry, alcoholism, drug addictions, cutting etc. Is the submission thing always easy??? Absolutely not... it takes persistence... eyes to His Word, ears to his calling... but I cannot think of a safer place to be when my world seems out of control than in the arms of Christ.

God, you created us with a need for you... help us to not do life alone... help us to submit to you and set our minds on you alone.

Romans 12:2 - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Colossians 3:2 - Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

1 John 4:9

Know what thrills my soul???

Listening to Miss Sadie play in the living room and then spout off, "1st John 4:9."

Curious as to if she could match the reference to the verse I asked her what it said and she replied... "God loves us and sent his only son Jesus."

Praying for her today that she would learn to love the Lord with all her heart, soul and mind. He is truly our only hope and salvation.

Sing it girl...

Tonight Sadie and I were singing as Cole was dancing (his newest acquired skill... it's soooo cute!)... the tune went something like this... you may recognize it...

"Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah, CRAZY, the Lord!"

Yes, Sadie, sometimes the Lord's plans seem a little crazy... but they are always the best... and when you can't trace His hand, trust His heart, dear girl.