Hippie Family

Here are some pictures of my neice and sister and brother in law from a 70's party they recently attended. I thought these were great and wanted to share!

I Would Gather Children

Some would gather money

Along the path of life,

Some would gather roses,

And rest from worldly strife;

But, I would gather children

From among the thorns of sin,

I would seek a golden curl,

And a freckled, toothless grin.

For money cannot enter

In that land of endless day,

And roses that are gathered

Soon will wilt along the way.

But, Oh, the laughing children,

As I cross the sunset sea,

And the gates swing wide to heaven

I can take them in with me.

-Unknown

Fun in Baby Brother's Swing

Eli's Christmas present has become the girls most favorite toy! Maybe this summer the girls will get some swings of their own and Eli won't have to share his! Won't he be so happy!

Expelled!

I want to write about a movie that has come out but may not be well known. Tonight I went with our church's youth group to see the movie Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed! I've been studying the book The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel with our youth D Groups on Sunday nights. Lee Strobel makes the case for Intelligent Design and how the beginnings of the universe and human beings can only point to an Intelligent Designer. Those of us that believe in God as the creator of the universe know that HE IS the Intelligent Designer. In this movie Ben Stein researched and discussed how and why well known scientists were losing their jobs and being ostracized from the educational realm because of their research in Intelligent Design. This led him to discover that while we are a "free" country and we are supposed to be "open" to ideas, the idea of teaching Intelligent Design in school is not being allowed! In fact, Intelligent Design is being Expelled in all arenas of science! If you have teenagers I would encourage you to watch this movie with them or before them and then discuss it with your youth. There were a few unnecessary words and graphic images that could have been left out. However, I think this movie made a valid effort to show where America is failing to allow scientists and students of science to truly explore all avenues of science. Something to ponder.

Die to Self

As I struggle daily with taking my focus off of myself and putting it on to Christ and his glory I realize I must change some things about myself and how I live my life. I don't know about you, but it is an ongoing battle against the flesh to die to self and live for Christ and I want Christ to win this battle and be glorified in my life. I believe the Lord led me to a series of challenging questions to help me refocus in this new season of my life. I would like to share them with you and maybe in the coming weeks I will share how these questions are changing my focus and my life. They came from Beauty From the Heart…

• Do you act out of obedience to Christ and a passion for His glory--or your own?
• How do you spend your time?
• How much of your time per day is spent chatting with friends (online, on the phone or in person)?
• How much of your time per day is spent daily in conversation with family members?
• How much of your time is spent daily speaking to God?
• How often do you meditate on the Cross? (Once a day? Once a week? Once a year?)
• Do you set time aside every day for prayer and Bible study?
• Do you try to faithfully obey God in public and at home?
• Do you ask God for the grace to help you obey consistently?
• What people, books, movies, etc. influence you the most?
• Do you read books, watch movies, or listen to music that does not encourage your walk with Christ? Do you think this is wise?
• Are your friends fellow Christians who are seeking after godliness? Or do they encourage you in gossip and ungodly thoughts?
• If so, do you also join in that gossip and allow those thoughts to dominate your mind?
• What are your main spheres of influence?
• What steps could you take to become a stronger influence of a Christ-like attitude to friends, siblings, neighbors, relatives, etc.?
• Do you actively serve in your community?
• When making decisions, do you consider how they affect others?

Where is Spring?

I found myself digging through the winter clothes tubs in the attic last night so my five year old wouldn't freeze during soccer practice. For her six o clock practice it was 50 degrees. Where did Spring go, I ask you? It is mid April for heavens sake!!! I packed up all our winter clothes weeks ago. Seriously, this is Georgia. It doesn't get this cold in April! Oh Spring, please come back to us!!!! I need to wear my flip flops to show off my pretty pink toes!!!!

Ups and Downs

Yesterday was difficult, I am just so glad it is over. Leigh Ann called it the neverending goodbye, and I felt that way as well. Today has been hard so far too. It feels like a grieving process. I know I won't stay sad forever, but for now it is just too fresh. I bought the kids some art projects and have a few fun things planned to break up the long week. On the good news front, we were able to join a swimming pool for the summer. I know the girls will be so excited! They love to swim!

My China Love

This most precious face is one I am going to miss greatly. I prayed for this baby to come home to her family for so long and feel like I am connected to her through those prayers. She keeps my spirits high when the adoption slow down gets me sad. She is all joy and blessings to those that know her. She has recently discovered that she wants Jeremiah to play "reach the sky" with her and he has loved that as well. After spending some time with her the other night Jeremiah asked me if it feels like our adoption will never happen. That it is so far off, almost inconceivable. Sometimes I do, but it is this precious reminder that keeps me going. I love you Sarah Joy and will continue praying for you as you grow!