Friday, April 10, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Our family is going to get BIGGER, but right now. . . it's three.
She is kicking really hard right now. I wonder what she's doing in there? Is she comfy? Am I eating all the right things that will help her be healthy? How will July 8th change our family?I have so many questions as this week I'm 27 weeks pregnant. What an amazing gift. God has entrusted us with our soon-to-be 5 year old son and soon a little girl. Quinn will be five this week. I sometimes write letters to our son who can't even read yet. Hopefully, he'll enjoy them when he's older, Just tonight I ran across a letter I wrote and saved for him when he was 2.
January 13, 2007
Dearest Quinn,
It’s late and I’m thinking of you. You woke me up tonight crying in your sleep. Oh, to know what you dream. . . Tonight is the first night I realized your getting older. I laugh when I think of you dressed in your warrior costume running around the house like a brave little man with his sword in hand. Tonight, while I watched you sleep, you looked to be three or four years older, not two years old. Looking at your closed eyes I could imagine what it would be like talking over dinner about your science project that’s due soon. . .Or the camp you want to go to this summer with your friends. . .Or the girlfriend you want to bring home for dinner tomorrow night.
Dearest Quinn,
It’s late and I’m thinking of you. You woke me up tonight crying in your sleep. Oh, to know what you dream. . . Tonight is the first night I realized your getting older. I laugh when I think of you dressed in your warrior costume running around the house like a brave little man with his sword in hand. Tonight, while I watched you sleep, you looked to be three or four years older, not two years old. Looking at your closed eyes I could imagine what it would be like talking over dinner about your science project that’s due soon. . .Or the camp you want to go to this summer with your friends. . .Or the girlfriend you want to bring home for dinner tomorrow night.
Never mind your earlier temper tantrums that had, you hollering because it was time for bed. Nor the kicking and screaming when book time was over. Now you lay near and complacent snuggled up by my side.
Your little hand wrapped around my index finger so perfectly and so sweetly it brought me to tears. I love you so. It humbles me to think that God chose your father and me to be a part of your life and us in yours. I feel completely unworthy. God has big plans for you my Mighty Quinn. I’m so excited to be a part. I love you forever and always. . .unconditionally. Mommy
1 Corinthians 13:4-8“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
Saturday, March 28, 2009
At DJJ With Bill Glass Ministries
Having had a little time to digest a packed weekend with Bill Glass Prision Ministries...I'd like to share a few things. Over 400 volunteers went to correctional facilities all over South Carolina to share the Gospel. My group went to the Department of Juvenille Justice.
I had the chance to talk with some of the kids individually and in smaller groups. It was interesting to me how many of them already had knowledge of the gospel. They had grown up in or around the church. Yet they still ended up at DJJ. They answered the questions the "right" way and many had said the sinner's prayer more than once before. I think this may have played into the fact that I did not lead anyone into one of those dramatic conversion experiences you hear about.
And yet...sometimes we're not there to havest. There's no question in my mind that what I was able to do was plant seeds. When I look back at my own experience in becoming a follower of Christ, I remember countless conversations over a number of years that in hindsight I can see planted seeds and tilled the ground. I dont' know anything about farming so I hope that metaphor made sense! :) Honestly what seemed to be the most powerful thing to do was listen to the kids -- and pray with them. Some of them are already in Bible studies. It was a great chance to affirm that they were spending their time well.
We went in on two separate days. There was one kid I talked to on both days. On the second day he shared with me that he had struggled with anger and had had an incident just that morning. He knew he was wrong - actually realized while the altercation was going on. And he regretted it. Another guy - who had kind of a tough exterior - came to me and showed the the autographs he had gotten of two of the guest speakers. He had a huge smile on his face as he showed me what they had written. Underneath it all there was still a childlikness. I could see that God is at work at DJJ through these kids.
But here's the challenge. There are some amazing people who work with kids behind bars. But not enough of them. One of the greatest tragedies is when a kid gets out of DJJ and goes home to a dysfunctional family, bad influences in the neighborhood, and no support system. Even though its tough at DJJ, the kids are actually nurtured in a way. They are learning artwork, writing and craftmanship. And some of them are very talented. Take a tour sometime and see their work! They are getting a high school education and having their values challenged. Some of them are even learning God's Word. But when they get out, all of that disappears. The DJJ folks tell me one of the things the kids need most is mentors. Someone to build a long term relationship with a kid. To encourage, challenge, and build up. I'm just taking a shot in the dark here - but if you think God may be leading you to be a mentor, I just happen to have a link for you right here.
I had the chance to talk with some of the kids individually and in smaller groups. It was interesting to me how many of them already had knowledge of the gospel. They had grown up in or around the church. Yet they still ended up at DJJ. They answered the questions the "right" way and many had said the sinner's prayer more than once before. I think this may have played into the fact that I did not lead anyone into one of those dramatic conversion experiences you hear about.
And yet...sometimes we're not there to havest. There's no question in my mind that what I was able to do was plant seeds. When I look back at my own experience in becoming a follower of Christ, I remember countless conversations over a number of years that in hindsight I can see planted seeds and tilled the ground. I dont' know anything about farming so I hope that metaphor made sense! :) Honestly what seemed to be the most powerful thing to do was listen to the kids -- and pray with them. Some of them are already in Bible studies. It was a great chance to affirm that they were spending their time well.
We went in on two separate days. There was one kid I talked to on both days. On the second day he shared with me that he had struggled with anger and had had an incident just that morning. He knew he was wrong - actually realized while the altercation was going on. And he regretted it. Another guy - who had kind of a tough exterior - came to me and showed the the autographs he had gotten of two of the guest speakers. He had a huge smile on his face as he showed me what they had written. Underneath it all there was still a childlikness. I could see that God is at work at DJJ through these kids.
But here's the challenge. There are some amazing people who work with kids behind bars. But not enough of them. One of the greatest tragedies is when a kid gets out of DJJ and goes home to a dysfunctional family, bad influences in the neighborhood, and no support system. Even though its tough at DJJ, the kids are actually nurtured in a way. They are learning artwork, writing and craftmanship. And some of them are very talented. Take a tour sometime and see their work! They are getting a high school education and having their values challenged. Some of them are even learning God's Word. But when they get out, all of that disappears. The DJJ folks tell me one of the things the kids need most is mentors. Someone to build a long term relationship with a kid. To encourage, challenge, and build up. I'm just taking a shot in the dark here - but if you think God may be leading you to be a mentor, I just happen to have a link for you right here.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Brandon Heath Video
We talked about Brandon's amazing video for his song Give Me Your Eyes. Click here to see it.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Mercy Me/Casting Crowns Weight Loss Challenge
A lot of us think about our weight this time of year. Being a music star doesn't make you immune. I thought you'd enjoy this video featuring Bart Millard from MercyMe and Mark Hall from Casting Crowns. Click here.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
I'm Watching You Dad
I thought you might like this video I found on God Tube. Just imagine your own son or daughter talking to you. When you listen, just don't be anywhere you wouldn't mind people seeing you cry! Hugs. ~AmyFriday, November 14, 2008
Hug Your Kids A Little Tighter
I can't imagine what it must of felt like at the time. Check this video out. I can't imagine the relief. What a great reminder to be thankful for every moment God has given us with those we love!
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