Chandler on Sports Center

Giving

We tend to overlook those who society or, sadly even, the church deems unworthy. Those who may act a little different or talk a little different or may have "sinned" a little too much or are perhaps are too young, like children. Lest we begin to feel like this is new; it isn't It happened back in Jesus' time too, even by his beloved 12. He told them they must change & become as little children otherwise they'd never enter Heaven. He didn't mean childish behavior or mentality. He meant that the greatest take a humble status.

Children were the lowest members of society, a commodity, ones who were dependent on others for their very life. Definitely not in the "upper crust". Jesus wanted his 12 to stop and consider that they shouldn't think of themselves as first or the best. Paul tells us to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves". What?!? We don't like to think of others better than ourselves, but that is just what we should do. Sadly, we tend to build ourselves up by thinking we're just a little better than the next person, or proud that we haven't done this or that...so we've elevated to a certain level.

We have to humble ourselves, trusting not in our "worth" but His. Trusting not in our abilities, but His. Jesus was in the "very nature of God but He made himself nothing taking on the nature of a servant and was crucified on a cross", maybe our version of lethal injection or the electric chair...the punishment we give to the lowest in society. We are to be as humble as that. How tremendously would our lives change if we were? Giving of ourselves.

The future of any ministry isn't to see a life changed but to teach one how to make decisions that will change his life. The Kingdom of God reaches us at points and places where we least expect it. Isn't it ironic that those with seemingly nothing give the most? A giver embraces the heart of the lonely and touches the need of the sinner. It was a Giver who changed the outcome of our existence & soothed the pain of our greatest need. When was the last time I gave away something I felt I was entitled to? When have I given my best to those I was convinced deserved it the least?

God's Goodness

Sometimes in life, there are moments of overwhelming, deep-down joy. I am so very proud of my boys. Now granted they get on my nerves from time to time, especially when I'm overly exhausted but for the most part they are precious gifts. Time nor words will allow me to share all of the details here, but I provided them with real-life circumstances about difficult decisions that sometimes we have to make. They asked a few questions & then began to give me the reasons they would choose the decision they did. I was amazed at their depth in understanding & the way they made those decisions based upon Godly principles. They didn't choose the popular choice. They made decisions based upon loving others, being a candle in the darkness, & being willing to stand when everyone else around sits.

It is times like these that makes a parent realize that something they did was right. That the many, many trips to church, Bible studies, etc. was sinking in & that God has truly spoken into & over their lives with His Word & Promises. That God's Word is Living & Truth & that if we train up a child in the way he should go then he will not depart from it. Thanksgiving fills my heart as I consider God's impact on my boys! I am humbled that they seek Him, and that they are genuinely good. I pray that they continue on the path of righteousness, to grow in Him, & to love Him above all else. I am not sure that the words exist to express to them know how truly grateful I am that God allowed me to be their mom!

Happy Birthday Papa

We hope you have a great day!
We love you!

Big Dog

We found this huge dog! Of course the photo doesn't do it justice, but it's enormous. I told everyone it would be a great addition to the Jr. High Youth room at church. So we snagged it. Invariably someone spent some big money winning this guy at a fair, but for us...it was free! We decided it would be really funny to drop him off at Michelle's, the new Jr. High Youth leader's, & see what a commotion he caused. So we headed over there. Clay was in ninja mode & rolled across the yard, hiding behind trees & keeping low. Chandler toted the big guy & set him up at the door & rung the doorbell. Tom, the boys, Jason & LaCinda, & me were hiding in the bushes out of sight. They all came to the door...saying what is it? oh my goodness? It's huge! We gave ourselves away from laughing so hard. All of the little guys had to ride him & tackle him & had a great time playing with him. We think he'll be a really fun for the guys at church...until all of his stuffing falls out anyway!

Church Family!

Yesterday, we had 10 people join our local church.
Two of those 10 were Chandler & Clay as well as some great friends & family who really mean a lot to us.
We are very happy to have them in our church family!
God is Good!

Cabin Adventures

This weekend we made a trip to the cabin for several reasons. We needed to check on things, we needed to bring the trailer home so we could haul some wood back that we're getting to put a deck around the cabin, and to do a little work. So we set out to do just that. Graeson & my dad went up with us so we definitely had fun with Graeson to entertain us. The boys played in the pond, caught frogs, tadpoles, & butterflies. Graeson was so tired last night that he said, "Steppie, I've gotta go t' bed" Now imagine that in his little country voice.

He caught a little yellow butterfly, held on to it for a while & then let it go. It did fly off, so he was gentle with it. The 2 tiny frogs he caught however were not so lucky. They passed on. We did have a funeral & buried 'em under a log. Those poor little things either died from lack of oxygen or being squeezed to death in a chubby little hand but whichever...they're goners.

The boys threw rocks until I was sure we'd run out of rocks. Then eventually, slowly, and surely edged their way into the water. They caught walking sticks, bull frog tadpoles & frog eggs. At one point Graeson was all the way in the water up to his head. I thought I saw the dirty water go into Graeson's mouth. I said "Graeson, don't drink that water it's nasty." He said, "I not drinkin' it." A second time I thougth I saw him spit out water, so again say, "Graeson, don't drink that nasty water." He said in his country voice, "Steppie, I'm not drinkin' it, I jist washin' my mouff out!" Oh, well that makes all the difference in the world now doesn't it? I just laughed. I figured whatever bacteria was there...was in there now! I felt like Tantor in Tarzan...'Mommy are you sure this water is safe? Yes, honey. But what about bacteria?' Anyway, bacteria & all they played & played & had a wonderful time.

At one point Chandler & Clay had gotten out of the pond & Graeson was in there by himself. He got really quiet, & I could tell he was thinking. He said, (remember country voice) "Hey, Steppie, is a alligator gonna gi'me?" I said, "What?" He said, "Is a alligator gonna gitme?" I said..."oh no Graeson, there are no alligators in our pond!" I just laughed & laughed...I'm amazed at his thought process. I think he's been watching Animal Planet or something.

We did work some, Tom was able to use the box blade to smooth out some of the areas toward the creek. The picture above really needed a before & after. We moved lots of rocks (see picture above) & burned some downed trees. But didn't work too terribly hard. It was a wonderful couple of days up there. The weather was great & as always just a nice time away.