T-H-I-N-K

So this has been quite helpful for our family lately. I read it in a devotional from by Greg Laurie

"Before you speak, THINK. Is what I'm about to say..."

True

Helpful

Inspiring

Necessary

Kind

Now you might say...of course! that's all common sense.

I don't lie. That's one thing I don't do......But how often have I maybe lowered the price I paid for that dress by "just the taxes" so it's not as bad when I tell my hubby.

OR... said "GOOD!' when asked "how are you today?" When the truth is "I am barely hanging on!"

But not just "true" my friend...It must be coupled with "HELPFUL" Lots of things are true, but not always helpful..."you just went over your calorie count for the day!"

I can count....thank you.

Then my biggest struggle...Inspiring. It's one thing to correct my children's behavior or share a struggle I see in my spouse. But it's key to inspire then to go beyond what is the now. To what God wants to be. The difference between dictating people and developing strength and character. One way just insults or criticizes but the other encourages and solidifies that I am "for" them and support them.

Which brings us humbly to Necessary. Why we think it's imperative we are heard on every flaw,I don't know! Lord help us!

It's possible it depends on the person at hand. Is what I'm saying needed for them to grow? Or am I seeking to make life easier just for me? "possible."~ I'm laying down nothing definite. I can tell ou I looked up the definition: being essential, indispensable, or requisite

And Kind....kindness matters. The Word says it's His kindness that leads to repentance. A gentle answer can can turn away wrath. That it can build a safe harbor for the wounded. Nothing troubles me more than to think I might not seem like a sincere, safe place to go when everything in their world is wrong.

Oh what Grace, which covers a multitude of sin. Thank you Lord that it is Your goodness that holds me to you, not mine!

10 Years and Counting

God has shown to be true, faithful and still willing to perform miracles! We celebrated our 10 year anniversary. We were married and with in a few short months destroyed all that was sacred in our marriage. With pride, selfishness, unforgiving, hurtful words, record of wrongs, expectations, demands, cold shoulders, and hateful thought patterns. Our marital vital signs were basically flat lined! So "what happened?" you ask. Jesus Christ. We went to marriage counseling at our church and they had a sneaky policy. They made us go through the Word of God and look at ourselves. THEN apply what it said to each other. The same power that raised Lazarus from the dead, was doing the same thing 2000 years later. I used to pride myself in how much I "loved" my husband. which somehow led to a dead marriage. But when I read God's definition of love, not proud, doesn't hold a record of wrong, seeks not it's own, patient and kind, covers a multitude of sin, hopes all things, endures all things, never fails. I was broken. His kindness compared to mine, it did lead to repentance. I no longer wanted to fix a marriage, I wanted to know Jesus outside a "Sunday school class". I wanted new life. We have learned God's love is perfect... when we are not. It won't fail... when we do. For this is real love, not that we loved God first but while we yet sinners he sent His son to die for us and take away our sins. We can love each other first because God has shown us to offer forgiveness for wrongs, and grace for the moment, until the next moment. One of my favorite songs from Sonic Flood proclaims:

What can I say?What can I do?

What can I bring to offer You?

There is no gold

No precious pearl

Nothing on earth that compares to You

Lord here I stand with empty hands

I will exalt the one who lifted me

Out of the miry clay to heights of eagles wings

Words cannot express

All I know is this

You've changed me

You've changed me!

I can remember how I used to be

I was so bound but now I'm free

I will exalt the one who lifted me

I've never known a father like You

A love that is strong

Gentle and true

You draw me close

Just like a child

Safe in Your arms

There is no doubt

This is my place

This is my way!

So here we are made new, and walking it out. Day to day. Experiencing the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. To die to ourselves for the benefit of others. And doing so by the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no way to love that way out side of God's grace and power. There just isn't. I never cared about anyone other than myself until I was reborn. If you don't have this kind of love in your heart like I thought I did but really didn't. All you have to do is ask for Jesus to be your Lord and Savior with His forgiveness. It will be given. God has no favorites and make no mistake, you were on His heart on that cross. If you have never felt this kind of love by anyone. Know that God does. He showed how much He loved you in His Son. You are loved with a perfect love, it never fails, and it's just waiting to cover every sin. And you too will be changed!

And by this the world will know you are my disciples, when you love one another.

~Jesus, Son of God and Savior offered to all

Grace (undeserved gift) and peace (a state of mutual harmony) to you!

Happy Birthday Super-Jones!

We had a great time at the birthday party. 3 is the perfect age to watch open presents. There were screams, ripping and jumping. He still goes through all his cards and reads them over and over. Papa Smith came to visit Monday, and was shown ever birthday card! Thank you everyone for coming and sending gifts. The next morning we woke up to Super -Jones. (he put Super man and Indiana Jones together).

Ya, that's our son polishing off the cake with the knife.

you like that?

That's my Super-Jones!

A day with Dad

Eric playing racket ball: no one seemed to be able to capture his face for any photos. He's just that fast! In fact most shots were a suprise!

Here we have Ethan suited up for flag foot ball.

AKA "Unstopable"

Daddy just grappled a worhty aponent. Mom had to turn away for a couple tough moves or holds...painful that I know. Ethan was equally concerned. Yet only one of us walked away wanting to "do" what daddy does.

Here is a good friend we've known since Hawaii. I used to watch his little boy before we had our first baby. A small Marine Corp family has been born.

We love you all and are looking forward to seeing youl soon!

Happy toddlers make happy moms

I have just watched a video by Dr. Karp. Called the happiest toddler on the block. Putting the crazy stuff aside, this toddler technique is incredible and one part was so convicting. I checked it out at the library. Everything is good but the part where he says to meet them where they are at in the "emotional jungle" Even if it means you throw a fit on the floor with them. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm not so much. But connecting with them showing you understand they are sad, mad or scared, is the goal. Every time I have used his method of communicating with Ethan; when he shouts or gets upset with the other kids, I intervene and he's calm even if he doesn't get what he wants. He just wants to know he's been heard. Thus the confidence we want all our children to have. He talked about not using distractions to calm your child. Like when they are crying and you say "look at that! you want this? Have a cookie! " Or even try to make them laugh. He says "that will ultimately tell your child I don't really care about your problem or feelings. And doesn't install a healthy way to deal with emotions." OUCH! He does have wisdom. Proverbs says

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength ~Prov.17:22

Singing cheerful songs to a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as stealing some one's jacket in cold weather or rubbing salt in a wound. ~Proverbs 25:20

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.
~Proverbs 15:13

Laughter can conceal a heavy heart; when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
~Proverbs 14:13

Basically it's not nice to try to change their hearts or moods before you share understanding and concern for their troubles.

There is nothing wrong with trying to give them a different option or cheer them up after you calm them down, but every human needs to know they are really understood and cared about. That's where the true trust and friendship begins. Even with Christ. Knowing He listens even when I'm irrational, completely wrong, or selfish, He's there. To comfort, listen, and correct, redirect, and change my outlook and I can see my own countenance lifted out of despair. He gives three basic steps to communicate with the toddlers, but you will want to watch it, not read it on my email.

Happiest Toddler on the Block

And a child shall lead them

I was having a pretty intense day. You know when you really never stop praying. I was wiping off the table praying to the Lord for comfort, peace, and His truth to speak to me. Then walks in our daughter. Without hesitation she says, "Mom, did you know that God is in this room? right now?" And onward smiling..."Do you believe He's here?" "He is!" I could have fell over. Who knew her words could be so timely and so encouraging. You never know who might be going through what. And our words can bring healing, light, and a tender truth. I would pose the same question to all reading. Do you know God is right there with you? Do you believe? Fear not, fret not, The "I am" is there. He cares for you and He will carry you.

Our love to you all