An Emotional Baptism Video

Like most Christian parents, Scott and I have a strong desire to see our children follow Jesus' example in baptism.  With that said, we are overly cautious about pressuring our children into making this decision.  We want them to take this step out of obedience to God not because they were pressured or seeking the attention and excitement that accompanies baptism.

When Olivia informed us that she would like to be baptized, we were skeptical.  She, however, was insistent.  We participated in many deep lengthy conversations about her motives and her understanding of salvation.  She took her baptism class very seriously.  In fact, she spent days carrying around and studying her class booklet.  After making these observations, we were confident that she was serious and ready to be baptized.

There was just one gigantic obstacle.  She was terrified of taping the baptism video.  She would be asked to introduce herself and explain in one simple sentence why she was choosing to be baptized.  I caught her practicing with an actual video camera multiple times early in the week.  

Wednesday night was the big night.  She was incredibly emotional while waiting her turn.  In fact, I encouraged her (multiple times) to wait for a few more months.  She insisted.  When it was her turn, she walked into the green room and sat on the bench with the bright lights shining on her.  She fought back a river of tears.  Sweet Wyatt even suggested that she just have her picture taken and skip the video entirely.  She confidently shook her head and proclaimed, "I want to do the video!"

When you watch her testimony video, you may see a terrified little girl on the verge of tears.  You may hear trembling in her voice,  You may notice a fake forced smile at the end.  However, I see a Child of God determined to overcome a real fear in order to glorify her Creator and share with her church and family that she has made a real decision to forever serve her Savior.

I have never been more proud of you Olivia Grace.  In those few moments, you challenged me.  My prayer is that you will always be willing to overcome your fears in order to share what God has done for you.

Christmas at the Veteran's Hospital

Yesterday, Andrew and Olivia had the unique opportunity to sing Christmas carols with their school at the local Veteran's Hospital.  We were informed that we were not allowed to photograph the event.  With that said, I am certain that photos could not have even come close to capturing the depth of the memories that were created.

The children of this school are not strangers to the idea of veterans.  In fact, most of them pass by Jefferson Barrack's Cemetery at least twice each school day.  The graves of these brave service men and women are visible from their playground.  It is very common to see military vehicles drive by their school, and soldiers participating in physical training can often be spotted through the windows.

However, seeing men who have served this very nation that we call home in wheel chairs and being rushed in on stretchers pulled by paramedics was telling.  I watched their eyes as the "veterans" became more than unseen heroes.  They became real men and women who sacrificed.

I also watched as my two kiddos experienced first hand (and maybe for the first time) what it feels like to minister.  I am confident that their lives will never be the same.

They sang their little hearts out proclaiming the Good News of Jesus as men battled to breath and live.

I am so very thankful for this opportunity!

On Monday, I had the rare opportunity to grab a bite to eat while shopping alone.  Before eating, I bowed my head and said a simple prayer of thanks.  I really felt God leading me to just linger quietly for a few extra seconds in His presence.  Yes.  I thought that this was a little odd.  Several minutes later, I glanced up to discover three women sitting a few booths over staring at me with tears in their eyes.  One of the women stated, "That was beautiful!  I never see people do that anymore."  Of course, I was caught off guard and at a loss for words.  I am embarrassed to say that I just smiled and said, "thank you."  Why couldn't I have said something profound like..."The most beautiful thing is that a sinless man, God's very own Son, died on a cross so that I can be forgiven!"

Just a few thoughts:

-People are always watching.  They are watching while we manipulate rush hour traffic.  They are watching how we treat our spouses and children.  They are watching as we eat lunch alone.

-I am disappointed in the fact that this precious woman hasn't seen anyone pray over his/her meal in a long time.

-I am frustrated that I froze and didn't vocalize my faith.

-I am thankful that God uses me despite myself.

-I am praying for more opportunities to share His light, and I am already asking for the perfect words to speak.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 14

Do you ever have situations or circumstances happen in your life that bring back a vivid childhood memory?

This very thing happened to me yesterday.

Andrew had a mild case of poison ivy on his face, and it was spreading awfully close to his right eye.  It was obvious when he woke up yesterday morning that a doctor's visit was in order.

When I was in the 4th grade (a really difficult year for me might I add), my brother and I both had a nasty encounter with poison ivy.  It would be an understatement to say that we are both highly allergic.  I had huge, nasty blisters between a lot of my fingers.  It was miserable!  Michael, my brother, had it on his face incredibly close to (if not in) his eyes.  My wonderful parents had to make an agonizing decision.  They could only afford to take one of us to see the doctor, and even then it was a financial stretch.

Side note:
A business decision left them in an overwhelming amount of debt.  In fact, they were encouraged by many to file bankruptcy.  They prayerfully decided to take the hard, usually untraveled road of climbing out of debt one hard earned dollar at a time.  Needless to say, money was extremely tight for several years.  I am happy to report that they have now been debt free for many, many years.

Even as a young child, I understood their decision to take Michael.  This is my earliest memory of sacrificing for the betterment of someone else.

As I look back, I am so very thankful for this opportunity.  It is one example of how God used an uncomfortable stiuation in my life to mold me into the person that I am today. 

I am thankful for my parents who faithfully took responsibility for their choices and debt.  They taught me the value of a dollar, the value of hard work, the value of personal sacrifice, and the burden of debt.

I am thankful that we had the money to take Andrew to the doctor.  If we hadn't, my parents (without a doubt) would have made it happen.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 13

I woke up this morning feeling incredibly bogged down by Satan's lies.  However, I was quickly reminded that God loves me just the way that I am.  My imperfections make me dependent upon His perfection.

I am so very thankful for God's unconditional, perfect love and His mind-blowing peace.

A while back I wrote a telling blog about this very topic.  Click here if interested in reading.

Tonight during our family devotion, O excitedly began describing Heaven.
She kept proclaiming, "Guess what? Guess what? And guess what else?"

Some of our favorite "In Heaven" quotes:

- "We won't have to brush our teeth."

- "We can have as much candy as we want."

- "We can have as many cats as we want, and they will have wings." (Have I mentioned her tendency to hoard random things?)

- "There will be lots (hundreds!) of chihuahuas "

- "You can have as many neighbors as you want."

- "Mom, me, and the girls will ride in Sweet and Sassy's pink limousine.  The boys will ride in a fire truck, and we will drive on streets made out of gold!"

Scott then asked her, "How do you know so much about Heaven?"  She responded, "I do read the Bible!"

Scott also asked the kiddos if they could define a parable.  Andrew answered, "A parable is an earthly story with a Heavenly meaning."  That sounds like a pretty good answer to me.

Andrew's Baptism Photos

It was a special day for a special boy!

Our Weekend in Review:

-We helped celebrate the birthdays of 2 super sweet young gals.  On Friday evening, Oli was in heaven with a cupcake bar at a "cupcake" party.  On Sunday afternoon, we celebrated at the Roller Rink.  Let's just say, roller skating does not come natural for A, but he is determined.  He did appear a little less giraffe-like on skates this time.

-My Saturday morning was spent with the absolute wonderful One_Elementary Team.  We spent three hours participating in team building activities.  I am blessed to serve with this creative, talented, compassionate, diverse group of men and women.

-My sweet Chicago friend, Sue, had a family wedding in St Louis on Saturday afternoon/evening.  She asked (begged :)) me to watch her adorable children on Saturday evening.  It was so fun watching Sue mother Jack and Anna.  I saw so much of her in them.  Of course, Sue and I managed to spend a little time catching up on life.  I treasure friendships that pick up right where they left off.  I even stayed up past midnight!  I must really love her!  She did make me a stack of super cute cards.

-Sunday's service at Crosspoint was one of my favorite services of all time.  However, it might have a little something to do with how proud I am of my guys.  Yesterday was family service, and the elementary students participated in the adult service.  The service started with Scott and One_Elementary leading the church in worship.  Scott followed by quoting a favorite scripture, using a Mike (dad) analogy, and prayer.  During worship, 12 children were baptized including my favorite boy, ANDREW!  He overcame his fear of crowds and proclaimed his commitment to follow Christ.  Needless to say, I was one proud momma.  The recorded video was precious.  Believe it or not, I didn't snap a single photo.  The team assured me that they will present me with a beautiful cd of the day.  You know...they better!

-After all of that....we passed out cold on the couch!

Grace

Grace.  

Grace is something that this type A personality struggles to fully grasp.  

Something undeserved, yet freely given with love?!?  

Andrew's consequence for an attitude of disobedience was a loss of electric time.  

However, we had already promised Olivia that we would watch "Mr. Popper's Penguins".  

Scott encouraged me to offer Andrew grace (great idea, but not something that I would have come up with on my own).  

Andrew's expression of appreciation and thankfulness truly helped me to understand it better.  

My prayer is that he will always accept and freely give grace.

God I thank you for your ultimate example of grace. 

I, with much rejoicing, accept it!

We did have a dance party at the end.  

This is something that stretches my comfort level, but I want my kiddos to remember their momma dancing (and I have photos to prove it!)

Are you offering and accepting grace?

Head Injury- Take 2!

Two weeks ago, Olivia fell off her bed in the middle of the night and hit her eye on the corner of a wooden chair. It looked awful, and it was INCREDIBLY painful. She was extremely self-conscious about her injury so I didn't even take a photo.

On Sunday, we were visiting Michael, Brooke, and Abigail. Olivia suffered a hammock injury (so not kidding). She was hit square on the nose with a large board. I am amazed at God's protection!

I was really concerned about swelling, bruising, and her self-esteem, but God took care of all of that. I often forget that He loves her even more than I do!

(Day 1)

(Day 3)

I am so thankful for my God and my Olivia!

A Lesson in Integrity

Summer was spelled sommer. Andrew instantly said, "Mom, I will tell Mrs. K in the morning. I don't deserve a 100." He returned home with his spelling test and this special note.

Andrew, I am so very proud of your integrity. Love ya Bubba!

Philippians 2:14-15

"Do Everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" We have been encouraged to live a life without complaining. Our church has been given a 30 day challenge to change our "complaining" ways. Yesterday, we were at Sam's Club, and the lines were incredibly long. You started to complain, and I lovingly reminded you of this verse and our challenge. You responded, "Okay, I won't say it, but you know that I am thinking it!" I am certain that you learned to complain by following my example. I am dedicated to changing this ungodly behavior.

It could be a long, difficult process (for both of us)!

Princess Warrior

Don't let this sweet photo fool you....Olivia you are becoming quite a warrior for the Kingdom of God.

A few months ago, we had a discussion about the fact that not all people love God.

This came as quite a surprise to you and Andrew and ultimately led to a conversation about those in our lives who may not have accepted Jesus as Lord.

You were VERY concerned about one of the boys in our neighborhood, and I knew that you would initiate a conversation. A few afternoons ago, you were creating masterpieces on the patio with "G".

After a few minutes of quiet, you asked, "G, do you love Jesus? Because if you don't, you will go to hail. If you love Jesus, you go to heaven. The devil tries to trick us!" "G" quickly responded with a "yes." Then you asked, "What about your family? Do they love Jesus?"

I was so very proud of you and thankful that I had the opportunity to witness your love for Christ and "G".

When you came in, I told you how very proud I was of you for sharing God's love.

You responded, "No worries Mom! He loves Jesus!"

I pray that you always stand up for the Truth!

Word Of Encouragement

Andrew and Olivia,

I think that it is okay to experience brief moments of questioning your faith.

Questioning leads to certainty and ultimately increased faith.

Two weeks ago, I had a questioning moment.

It was a dreary Wednesday, and I was Grumpy (with an uppercase G). I couldn't pinpoint my unusual feeling of dread and unhappiness, but I started to acknowledge Satan's deceptive, life-stealing lies. In fact, at one point in the morning, I prayed,

"God if you really care for me, send a word of encouragement my way."

Full of self-pity, I casually traipsed to the mailbox where I quickly discovered this note which was written on Monday.

The author will remain anonymous because it was truly inspired by God.

God knew exactly how I would be feeling on Wednesday and loved me even on Monday.

Maybe one day you will read this post and be reminded of God's amazing love for you.

I pray that you will always take the time to encourage ordinary people who are trying to participate in extraordinary things.

YOUR WORDS MATTER! USE THEM FOR GOOD! Mom