Amazing Testimony.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Next Up: Proof Texting
Last week while shopping at Target, Titus just about wore me out begging for this Transformer's blanket he saw. It started with some sweet asking that led to some ideas about how I could buy it and he would do lots of chores to pay me back and that quickly spiraled to whining and complaining about not getting it and how it would "take FOREVER to make that much money." I asked him if he was "whining and complaining," and reminded him of the convos we have been having about the pride in his heart coming out as greed and greed was coming out in his whining and complaining. Well, needless to say, this time "the talk" didn't do much. He literally bugged me about that blanket until I finally told him he lost the privilege to talk. (this is the worst of the worst punishments to Titus)
After we checked out at Target and were out the door I told him he was allowed to speak if he wished. He didn't really say much. I put our things in the trunk and buckled the boys in. As I got in the front and started the car, Titus said, " Mom, you have disobeyed God." To which I replied with a sunken heart, "Oh no, I have? Please tell me what I've done." Titus said, "You have said harmful things." I began to feel awful because I had gotten so flustered in Target I was thinking he had picked up on my annoyed tones. Titus continued, "The scriptures say,'Do not say harmful things but say what people need,' and you said I could not have that transformer blanket." I quickly replied, holding back my laughter, "Well son, sometimes the thing we need most is to be told NO."
That kid! Who knew at age four we would need to have a lesson on proof texting! ha ha!
---
I have probably already raved to you about the scripture memory CD's we use with the boys but just in case we haven't they are the Max Lucado "Hermie and Friends" cd's. Each CD is topical. We started with the Obedience one then the Fear one now we are on the one about being kind.
"Do not say harmful things but say what people need- words that will help others become stronger. That what you say will help those who listen to you." Eph. 4:29 NCV
Last week while shopping at Target, Titus just about wore me out begging for this Transformer's blanket he saw. It started with some sweet asking that led to some ideas about how I could buy it and he would do lots of chores to pay me back and that quickly spiraled to whining and complaining about not getting it and how it would "take FOREVER to make that much money." I asked him if he was "whining and complaining," and reminded him of the convos we have been having about the pride in his heart coming out as greed and greed was coming out in his whining and complaining. Well, needless to say, this time "the talk" didn't do much. He literally bugged me about that blanket until I finally told him he lost the privilege to talk. (this is the worst of the worst punishments to Titus)
After we checked out at Target and were out the door I told him he was allowed to speak if he wished. He didn't really say much. I put our things in the trunk and buckled the boys in. As I got in the front and started the car, Titus said, " Mom, you have disobeyed God." To which I replied with a sunken heart, "Oh no, I have? Please tell me what I've done." Titus said, "You have said harmful things." I began to feel awful because I had gotten so flustered in Target I was thinking he had picked up on my annoyed tones. Titus continued, "The scriptures say,'Do not say harmful things but say what people need,' and you said I could not have that transformer blanket." I quickly replied, holding back my laughter, "Well son, sometimes the thing we need most is to be told NO."
That kid! Who knew at age four we would need to have a lesson on proof texting! ha ha!
---
I have probably already raved to you about the scripture memory CD's we use with the boys but just in case we haven't they are the Max Lucado "Hermie and Friends" cd's. Each CD is topical. We started with the Obedience one then the Fear one now we are on the one about being kind.
"Do not say harmful things but say what people need- words that will help others become stronger. That what you say will help those who listen to you." Eph. 4:29 NCV
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Ella's 3rd Birthday Party
Titus' good friend Ella turned 3 last month but got the stomach bug on the day of her party. It was rescheduled for today and we had a blast! Janelle, Ella's mom, put on a great party. It was at a play place inside a church in Colleyville. It was My Little Pony theme...soooo cute. Here are some pics of all the fun! Happy Birthday Ella!!!
Titus' good friend Ella turned 3 last month but got the stomach bug on the day of her party. It was rescheduled for today and we had a blast! Janelle, Ella's mom, put on a great party. It was at a play place inside a church in Colleyville. It was My Little Pony theme...soooo cute. Here are some pics of all the fun! Happy Birthday Ella!!!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I Have This Friend
...who is a photo genius. She is amazing. The finest that DFW has to offer. If you love photography, need something photographed or just simply want to be inspired, check out my friend Julie Robles. Jules and Albie Photography is raw and honest, beautiful and inspiring.
Julie just got back from Honduras with our church and I am OBSESSED with her pictures. They are intriguing, real and full of life.
here is a sneak peek at her work but PLEASE don't miss her blog and website....she's amazing.
...who is a photo genius. She is amazing. The finest that DFW has to offer. If you love photography, need something photographed or just simply want to be inspired, check out my friend Julie Robles. Jules and Albie Photography is raw and honest, beautiful and inspiring.
Julie just got back from Honduras with our church and I am OBSESSED with her pictures. They are intriguing, real and full of life.
here is a sneak peek at her work but PLEASE don't miss her blog and website....she's amazing.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
A Different Camp of Sorts
Our family spent the last 4 days attending our church's youth camp. Vernon was the camp speaker. When he was asked to speak I got SOO excited because, as most of you know, I would live at camp if I could....I LOVE camp. Where most people get tired as camp goes on, it just fuels my excitement and by the last day I am bummed about going home. I love it. As soon as Vernon accepted the offer to speak, I began dreaming of camp...the competitions, the team colors, the girls in my cabin and the Lord moving among us. I knew exactly who I would ask to watch the boys so I could be a counselor and invest in some sweet HS girls. When I was dreaming out loud about camp, Vernon goes, "Amber, we are are bringing the boys. I am away from them when I am in Sudan, I really would like for them to come with us. Peter already got us a room that fits us all." Sadly, my dreams were crushed in an instant. I knew at that point what my days at camp would consist of: changing diapers, running around outside, naps during the camp rec time, and NO listening to Vernon's preaching.
After some thinking I decided it was going to be so fun having the boys there....and it was! Camp this year was WAY different than any other camp I have gone to because I had 4 solid days, outside our normal home life to invest in our two boys....who will, sooner than I can imagine, be attending HS camp. When my perspective changed, my attitude followed and the Lord blessed us with amazing conversations and LOTS of fun with other kids and moms that were there!
The second to last evening, Titus, Justus and I were playing in a room with Krystal and Jenny and their little ones. Titus had been playing with his friend Ben's car a lot that evening and this evolved into him WANTING Ben's car. We have talked to Titus alot about the Pride in his heart called Greed. He knows that greed can lead to anger and rudeness towards whoever is standing in the way of him getting what he wants. Sooo...that evening when he was begging me for Ben's toy, I said, "Titus, I think I am hearing the greed in your heart." and he got angry and started to hit me...but stopped himself before he did full force. (he doesn't usually hit much so this was eye opening for him) I could tell he was blinded by the greed and had realized that it had progressed to anger....so I grab Justus and Titus and we went to our room for him to receive discipline.
In the room, I got Justus occupied and started talking to Titus about the pride of greed and how anger towards someone he loves is what came of it. This time he seemed to be following me. He got his discipline and I asked him if he was ready to go back and play. He said, "Not really. Mom, Why do I have greed in my heart?" So I told him that we are all born into sin and sin is what separates us from God. He said, "yeah, when you have sin in your heart it is like THIS between you and God" as he held up his hands forming a barrier between me and him. I told him he was right and told him again about the saving power of Jesus and how He came to rescue us from that sin and restore us to relationship with God. Titus then is his own 4 year old words summarized the gospel to me. He is getting it! God is moving in him and I am so excited to witness it! Please continue to pray with us for the Lord to call both our boys to Himself. What a Joy to be a mom.
I am so glad I went to camp and I am soo glad I took the boys!
Our family spent the last 4 days attending our church's youth camp. Vernon was the camp speaker. When he was asked to speak I got SOO excited because, as most of you know, I would live at camp if I could....I LOVE camp. Where most people get tired as camp goes on, it just fuels my excitement and by the last day I am bummed about going home. I love it. As soon as Vernon accepted the offer to speak, I began dreaming of camp...the competitions, the team colors, the girls in my cabin and the Lord moving among us. I knew exactly who I would ask to watch the boys so I could be a counselor and invest in some sweet HS girls. When I was dreaming out loud about camp, Vernon goes, "Amber, we are are bringing the boys. I am away from them when I am in Sudan, I really would like for them to come with us. Peter already got us a room that fits us all." Sadly, my dreams were crushed in an instant. I knew at that point what my days at camp would consist of: changing diapers, running around outside, naps during the camp rec time, and NO listening to Vernon's preaching.
After some thinking I decided it was going to be so fun having the boys there....and it was! Camp this year was WAY different than any other camp I have gone to because I had 4 solid days, outside our normal home life to invest in our two boys....who will, sooner than I can imagine, be attending HS camp. When my perspective changed, my attitude followed and the Lord blessed us with amazing conversations and LOTS of fun with other kids and moms that were there!
The second to last evening, Titus, Justus and I were playing in a room with Krystal and Jenny and their little ones. Titus had been playing with his friend Ben's car a lot that evening and this evolved into him WANTING Ben's car. We have talked to Titus alot about the Pride in his heart called Greed. He knows that greed can lead to anger and rudeness towards whoever is standing in the way of him getting what he wants. Sooo...that evening when he was begging me for Ben's toy, I said, "Titus, I think I am hearing the greed in your heart." and he got angry and started to hit me...but stopped himself before he did full force. (he doesn't usually hit much so this was eye opening for him) I could tell he was blinded by the greed and had realized that it had progressed to anger....so I grab Justus and Titus and we went to our room for him to receive discipline.
In the room, I got Justus occupied and started talking to Titus about the pride of greed and how anger towards someone he loves is what came of it. This time he seemed to be following me. He got his discipline and I asked him if he was ready to go back and play. He said, "Not really. Mom, Why do I have greed in my heart?" So I told him that we are all born into sin and sin is what separates us from God. He said, "yeah, when you have sin in your heart it is like THIS between you and God" as he held up his hands forming a barrier between me and him. I told him he was right and told him again about the saving power of Jesus and how He came to rescue us from that sin and restore us to relationship with God. Titus then is his own 4 year old words summarized the gospel to me. He is getting it! God is moving in him and I am so excited to witness it! Please continue to pray with us for the Lord to call both our boys to Himself. What a Joy to be a mom.
I am so glad I went to camp and I am soo glad I took the boys!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Saint Patrick's Day
I find it interesting how holidays evolve sometimes so far from what they originally were celebrated for that the original meaning is scarcely known. Like Valentine's, Saint Patrick's Day is a holiday that, if you asked the general American public, few would have the correct answer.
So here I am again writing about a holiday, but instead of boring you with all the factual background, dorky stuff that I love, I thought you would enjoy this....its the best summation of St. Patrick's Day I have found.
oh, and American's, do the Irish a favor and when you shorten Patrick don't use Patty...that's a women's name....very offensive to them. Its Paddy. St. Paddy's day if you will. Thanks! Have a great day...and wear a little green!
I find it interesting how holidays evolve sometimes so far from what they originally were celebrated for that the original meaning is scarcely known. Like Valentine's, Saint Patrick's Day is a holiday that, if you asked the general American public, few would have the correct answer.
So here I am again writing about a holiday, but instead of boring you with all the factual background, dorky stuff that I love, I thought you would enjoy this....its the best summation of St. Patrick's Day I have found.
oh, and American's, do the Irish a favor and when you shorten Patrick don't use Patty...that's a women's name....very offensive to them. Its Paddy. St. Paddy's day if you will. Thanks! Have a great day...and wear a little green!
Friday, March 13, 2009
3.14
"Pi or π is a mathematical constant whose value is the ratio of any circle's circumference to its diameter in Euclidean space; this is the same value as the ratio of a circle's area to the square of its radius. It is approximately equal to 3.14159 in the usual decimal notation (see the table for its representation in some other bases). π is one of the most important mathematical and physical constants: many formulae from mathematics, science, and engineering involve π.[1]
"Pi or π is a mathematical constant whose value is the ratio of any circle's circumference to its diameter in Euclidean space; this is the same value as the ratio of a circle's area to the square of its radius. It is approximately equal to 3.14159 in the usual decimal notation (see the table for its representation in some other bases). π is one of the most important mathematical and physical constants: many formulae from mathematics, science, and engineering involve π.[1]
π is an irrational number, which means that its value cannot be expressed exactly as a fraction m/n, where m and n are integers. Consequently, its decimal representation never ends or repeats. It is also a transcendental number, which means that no finite sequence of algebraic operations on integers (powers, roots, sums, etc.) can be equal to its value; proving this was a late achievement in mathematical history and a significant result of 19th century German mathematics. Throughout the history of mathematics, there has been much effort to determine π more accurately and to understand its nature; fascination with the number has even carried over into non-mathematical culture." from wikipedia
enjoy your pi day.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Some More Titus
Yall...if you haven't been following Vernon's blog, he has been putting up things Titus say that impact him. This latest one is so great. Jump over there and read it and while your there leave him some comments!
Yall...if you haven't been following Vernon's blog, he has been putting up things Titus say that impact him. This latest one is so great. Jump over there and read it and while your there leave him some comments!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
If I had...
a choir to lead...THIS is what we would sing.
and dont think its done at 3min 54sec because the best is yet to come....
warning: your hands will probably be lifted.
go ahead and memorize the chorus because we will be singing it in Heaven.
disclaimer: yes this song was written by a certain artist that i have a phobia of...but it is not sung by him so not to worry. and I might be less phobic after THIS performance....i'm just sayin....dont hate.
a choir to lead...THIS is what we would sing.
and dont think its done at 3min 54sec because the best is yet to come....
warning: your hands will probably be lifted.
go ahead and memorize the chorus because we will be singing it in Heaven.
disclaimer: yes this song was written by a certain artist that i have a phobia of...but it is not sung by him so not to worry. and I might be less phobic after THIS performance....i'm just sayin....dont hate.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Ask and You Shall Receive
After a long awaited request...Danny Dyer now has a blog....don't miss it!
Making All Things New
After a long awaited request...Danny Dyer now has a blog....don't miss it!
Making All Things New
Monday, March 09, 2009
Support a Brother.
My brother, Andrew, organized an event to raise money for the American Red Cross. He is a teacher at Central High School in St. Joseph, MO. At Central, my brother is also a sponsor for a group called "Sports Ducks." Basically its a bunch of students who like to talk about sports. He has asked the Sports Ducks to be a part of this event. On March 27th from 1pm to 1am they will be shooting free throws. 12 hours worth of free throws! The event is called "Shoot for A Cause."
Please think about a supporting them. HERE is the link to read more and give a donation!
His girlfriend Diana also organized an event with their Church small group. HERE is her link.
All donations go to the American Red Cross. The donations will go towards all kinds of things like helping a family recover from a house fire, provide a local military family help with Armed Forces Emergency Services, or making first aid and CPR available to everyone in the community. Please consider giving! Thanks!
My brother, Andrew, organized an event to raise money for the American Red Cross. He is a teacher at Central High School in St. Joseph, MO. At Central, my brother is also a sponsor for a group called "Sports Ducks." Basically its a bunch of students who like to talk about sports. He has asked the Sports Ducks to be a part of this event. On March 27th from 1pm to 1am they will be shooting free throws. 12 hours worth of free throws! The event is called "Shoot for A Cause."
Please think about a supporting them. HERE is the link to read more and give a donation!
His girlfriend Diana also organized an event with their Church small group. HERE is her link.
All donations go to the American Red Cross. The donations will go towards all kinds of things like helping a family recover from a house fire, provide a local military family help with Armed Forces Emergency Services, or making first aid and CPR available to everyone in the community. Please consider giving! Thanks!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Text Convo
sarah barnes: Hey I got a new camera lens and I want to play with it....Can I borrow a kid sometime?
me: Oh my goodness YES! anytime. (although i love taking pics of the boys, it is nice when someone else wants to!)
sarah barnes: ummm...how about nowish?
me: Awesome! We are in the back yard.
Result
.JPG)
She will probably be embarased that I linked this but HERE is her Shutterfly site.
sarah barnes: Hey I got a new camera lens and I want to play with it....Can I borrow a kid sometime?
me: Oh my goodness YES! anytime. (although i love taking pics of the boys, it is nice when someone else wants to!)
sarah barnes: ummm...how about nowish?
me: Awesome! We are in the back yard.
Result
.JPG)
She will probably be embarased that I linked this but HERE is her Shutterfly site.
Sharing the Love
This post is dedicated to linking you to some things I have wanted to for a while. Each of them, at one point, were going to be separate post that never came to fruition. This is not exhaustive but a good start.
Jelly Telly
If you are a mom of a pre-schooler or young elementary student you NEED to know about this website. It was started by Phil Visher the original founder of Veggie Tales. It is a web-based media site that plays all kinds of commercial free shows. All are full of good theology and fun bible memory for the kids...and its hysterical. Its fun to watch with Titus. He LOVES it.
In order for them to not go in debt it does cost but its only $3 a month. They have a free trial month....give it a try! CLICK HERE
GIRL TALK
I am not obsessed I promise, although I know I quote them all the time, but next up is The GIRL TALK BLOG. It is full of encouragement and challenges. For the last two or three years it has been a constant source of help for me as I stay home with my boys.
I am linking this particular series for all my Single Readers. This has been an awesome series dedicated to single women. PLEASE don't miss this. It is soooo good and don't think just because you are not single you wont benefit. Its soo good. Here are the links to each individual post:
I know many of you ride this name off because of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye," but I must say if that is the case, please reconsider. If you are having trouble reconsidering please READ THIS. I have really enjoyed his blogs and sermons. They are insightful and full of Truth. He has a humble pastor's heart and it is so refreshing. Last year I listened to him speak on homeschooling , public or private schooling and how it was dividing the church because people were so opinionated about their decision being the "right one." I thought it was a great picture of the pastor he has become. Watch it HERE.
SUDAN
So much is going on in Sudan right now and many of you have expressed some worry and wonder about the orphans and the orphanage. I am going to save this for a separate post but wanted to let you know we are thankful for all of you who are praying. So far things are not directly effecting EPC and the orphanages. Please continue to pray...I will have Vernon write an update and I will post it. Thanks!
This post is dedicated to linking you to some things I have wanted to for a while. Each of them, at one point, were going to be separate post that never came to fruition. This is not exhaustive but a good start.
Jelly Telly
If you are a mom of a pre-schooler or young elementary student you NEED to know about this website. It was started by Phil Visher the original founder of Veggie Tales. It is a web-based media site that plays all kinds of commercial free shows. All are full of good theology and fun bible memory for the kids...and its hysterical. Its fun to watch with Titus. He LOVES it.
In order for them to not go in debt it does cost but its only $3 a month. They have a free trial month....give it a try! CLICK HERE
GIRL TALK
I am not obsessed I promise, although I know I quote them all the time, but next up is The GIRL TALK BLOG. It is full of encouragement and challenges. For the last two or three years it has been a constant source of help for me as I stay home with my boys.
I am linking this particular series for all my Single Readers. This has been an awesome series dedicated to single women. PLEASE don't miss this. It is soooo good and don't think just because you are not single you wont benefit. Its soo good. Here are the links to each individual post:
Pursue Undivided Devotion
Become a Theologian
Help the Men
Choose Friends Carefully
Nurture Children
Prepare For An Important Career
Josh HarrisI know many of you ride this name off because of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye," but I must say if that is the case, please reconsider. If you are having trouble reconsidering please READ THIS. I have really enjoyed his blogs and sermons. They are insightful and full of Truth. He has a humble pastor's heart and it is so refreshing. Last year I listened to him speak on homeschooling , public or private schooling and how it was dividing the church because people were so opinionated about their decision being the "right one." I thought it was a great picture of the pastor he has become. Watch it HERE.
SUDAN
So much is going on in Sudan right now and many of you have expressed some worry and wonder about the orphans and the orphanage. I am going to save this for a separate post but wanted to let you know we are thankful for all of you who are praying. So far things are not directly effecting EPC and the orphanages. Please continue to pray...I will have Vernon write an update and I will post it. Thanks!
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Music That Saves Lives.
Admittedly this is a bit of a shameless plug. I have this fear that their might be someone out there that has not heard of CompassionArt. CompassionArt is a group of 12 songwriter who got together for a retreat to write music that will in turn generate money for those in poverty around the world. I normally don't get into the whole "buy this and some money will go to the poor people" slogans. My general response is, "don't spend $100 on jeans so $1.00 will go towards poverty, just give $100, I am sure you have plenty of jeans."
But in this case, since it is music/art, I take back my cynicism and recommend you buy this album and support this cause. The songwriters on this project are 12 of the most esteemed writers in our generation of Christian Music: Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Paul Baloche and Chris Tomlin to name a few. This is a unique compilation from upbeat proclamations to slow and thought provoking songs. To be totally honest, most of the songs are "not my style," in fact I would describe this album as "very different," but i think that is why I love it so. It is a beautiful combinations of worship leaders from all over the world mixing there musical styles and standing together on Truth for justice.
It is the home of my personal fav song at this moment : King of Wonders by Matt Redman.
Here is a short video of it coming together...so good:
and i must admit: i got goose bumps during this video when i saw Matt Readman, Tim Hughes and Steven Curtis Chapman all playing their guitars and singing in that room full of those artist...amazing...could you imagine?
Admittedly this is a bit of a shameless plug. I have this fear that their might be someone out there that has not heard of CompassionArt. CompassionArt is a group of 12 songwriter who got together for a retreat to write music that will in turn generate money for those in poverty around the world. I normally don't get into the whole "buy this and some money will go to the poor people" slogans. My general response is, "don't spend $100 on jeans so $1.00 will go towards poverty, just give $100, I am sure you have plenty of jeans."
But in this case, since it is music/art, I take back my cynicism and recommend you buy this album and support this cause. The songwriters on this project are 12 of the most esteemed writers in our generation of Christian Music: Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Paul Baloche and Chris Tomlin to name a few. This is a unique compilation from upbeat proclamations to slow and thought provoking songs. To be totally honest, most of the songs are "not my style," in fact I would describe this album as "very different," but i think that is why I love it so. It is a beautiful combinations of worship leaders from all over the world mixing there musical styles and standing together on Truth for justice.
It is the home of my personal fav song at this moment : King of Wonders by Matt Redman.
Here is a short video of it coming together...so good:
and i must admit: i got goose bumps during this video when i saw Matt Readman, Tim Hughes and Steven Curtis Chapman all playing their guitars and singing in that room full of those artist...amazing...could you imagine?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
