12/31/10 - Happy 2011

Here's to a new year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

12/22/10 -God's Will

Lately I've had this thought over and over: The safest place to be is in God's will.

Often I think I have some type of control over the safety of my kids or my husband. Or I believe I am safe if I go here or do this. But really there's only one place I am safe: in God's will!

I have a couple of friends leaving for the mission field in South Africa. As they leave, knowing they are in God's will, I know they will be safe. Being in His will isn't a guarantee of a pain-free life, but it a guarantee of a peace-filled life!

As you have questions about emotional purity, future relationships, or guarding your heart, the safest place for you is in God's will. Learning what His will is and following that is where you'll be the safest!

So yes, being in God's will is the safest place!

12/21/10 - Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS

God has continued to bless us with his GRACE, for which we are so undeserving!

Rest: We were able to take two vacations (one mini) up to the Dells. Vacations are a perfect time to bond as a family, and we were able to make some memories to last a life time!

Academics: This year we continued home schooling and have been able to enjoy watching the boys grow in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

Couponing: This year can be characterized by a year that we learned the art of “super couponing”. It’s been a fun way to save money!

Every day life is pretty basic. Often at the store when people see we have three boys we hear, “You have your hands full.” Yes, we do, but we wouldn’t want it any other way!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,

John, Heather, Miles, Luke & Clark

(our Christmas card and letter this year)

12/17/10 - Not so "Merry" Christmas

This time of year there's joyful songs to be played, parties to be attended, gifts to be given, and family to visit, but do you feel this Christmas is not such a "Merry" Christmas?

There are people with deep pain and sorrow this holiday. I think about those who've lost loved ones, who have fractured family relationship, with dashed expectations, and those who have physical pain that plagues them daily.

Smile at a stranger for me and wish them Merry Christmas, you may just be the bright spot of their holiday season!

I am praying for those of you who aren't having such a "Merry" Christmas!

12/13/10 - Time off Facebook

A few weeks ago my husband challenged me to stay off Facebook on Sundays. I am so glad that he did, because I took up his challenge!

Being off Facebook before church, and then afterwards (I do check after the boys go to bed, but am off all day) I have found that I am calmer. Satan was using Facebook to get me upset, annoyed, frustrated, or just unsettled, so I'd go to worship with a heart unprepared to meet with God.

Being off Facebook on Sundays I have found more peace and calm in my heart. My heart is also more prepared for worship. It's been a great tool in giving Sundays to the Lord!

Satan uses a lot of things to take our attention off worship, he's on extra alert on Sundays. What about you, do you find yourself being distracted on Sunday mornings? Are you more likely to be mad at your parents? Your roommate? Your husband? Your wife? Your kids? Do things agitate you more quickly on Sundays before church?

Please share ways you honor God on Sundays!

12/08/10 - Grace that Trains

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age Titus 2:11-12

God grace in our lives is not just the unmerited favor in which we have eternal life, but God's grace trains us to say "no" to ungodliness and worldly passions! With the power of grace in our life we can be self-controlled and live in a God honoring way in this current culture.

It's through God's grace we have the training to live our lives with the message we proclaim.

I am so thankful for God's grace, in so many ways!

12/02/10 - Christmas

As the Christmas holiday is upon us what are some ways that you're trying to stay focused on the meaning of Christmas? What are you doing to remove some of the outside "clutter" and noise of this busy world and staying focused on Christ?

12/01/10 - Lying

Do you lie?

Maybe your first response is, "No, I tell the truth."

But ask yourself:

• Do I ever exaggerate the truth?
• When sharing a story do I paint myself in a better light?
• When sharing a story do I paint another person in a worse light?
• When filling out forms (taxes, documents, etc) do I always share the correct information?
• When talking to my parents do I always tell them the things they need to know before make a decision, or do I leave out details in order to get my way?
• Have I ever covered up part of the story out of shame or guilt?
• Have I ever told someone, "Sure I got this or that done!" when you really didn't but plan on getting it done?
• When talking to my mate do I share thing that he or she should know about?

We must be intentional about speaking the truth in all areas of our lives. We must strive towards total honesty with those around us.