Monday, March 9, 2009

Survival...

Words of truth that are sustaining me in this roller coaster of a season in our journey of parenting:

Proverbs 19:18
"Discipline your son, for there is hope;"

Proverbs 15:1
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Proverbs 13:24
"Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him."

Proverbs 23:13-14
"Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you stike him with the rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Shoel."

Many days lately I have been temped toward despair and discouragement in the area of discipling and correcting our two older boys. Some mornings I wake up to one of them already needing correcting and I honestly want to roll over and cry and pray the bed will swallow me up. Alas, it doesn't happen and I must face the day and all that it holds: the good, the bad, and the ugly! However, last week the Lord kindly reminded me of these words of wisdom from the book of Proverbs and my mind has returned to them throughout the past few days. Though my efforts may seem futile and often times flawed by my own sin nature, I can take God at his Word...there is hope, discipline IS love, and "he who called you is faithful; He will surely do it!" (1 Thess. 5:24
Thank you Lord for your Word, and the life and hope it brings to a weary soul like me! What a gift of grace it is and I am grateful...oh, and also for this sweet little face (shown below) that greets me each morning! Such a kindness and grace when everyone else is screaming or disobeying or both!

Asher bright and early (and hungry) one morning...seriously this
was his face when he popped up to see me once I came in his room!
Love it! Had to capture it with a pic!

Happy Belated Birthday Love!

Saturday was Rob's 32nd birthday! We celebrated by going out to dinner with a big group of friends! But now I wanted to take a moment of your time and tell you why I celebrate Rob everyday!...
Rob, you are my dream come true! A loving husband, caring father, and truest friend I've ever had! I celebrate you on, not just your birthday, but everyday, because of who God created you to be! He created you a man who thirsts for God's Word, and it is contagious! He created you a man who longs for others all across this globe to know Jesus and the salvation he offers through the glorious gospel...again, it is contagious! And he created you a man who genuinely loves and cares for others. He made you a man who loves humor and smiles and laughs more often than most people...thank you! And God also created you as one who cherished his wife, as Christ loves and cherishes the church, and selfishly, I am probably most grateful for that!
Robbie, I celebrate the life God has give you, but more importantly, I celebrate and give glory to the One who gave you life and made you who you are today!
Basically Rob, your life points me (and so many others) back to Jesus...and I am grateful!

Monday, February 23, 2009

the "draft results...



Well, the "draft" results are in and it seems Samuel has been chosen to play on the Athletics t-ball team!!! His practices start on Wednesday and then games start on April 4th! They will be sporting green jerseys and white pants along with a green and yellow cap! So, if you want look like a fan, go out and purchase some Athletics gear yourself! ;)

Also, please pray for him as he will be entering a new "phase" and we want him to make new friends and enjoy himself! Pray also for Rob and I to be patient with him as he adjusts and to make new friends as well among the other parents! And may the Lord be evident in our lives and family as we interact with those around us at the practices and games!

Go Athletics!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

love day!

happy valentine's day!
love, asher