That time already?

So, as usual, we watched a blog post from the Chaneys, and realized that Samuel might enjoy practicing the same skill. I didn't thiunk about it, nor did I realize that he could do it, but lo and behold, the boy will walk soon! Thanks big brother for your help, gentleness and compassion, how sweet. Time flies- thank you Jesus for all that you do and for bringing us this far. Enjoy!

My sweet friend. . .

Candace and I have been friends sice we moved to seminary. It's going on 5 years now (can you believe that?) We have had our babies together, come into parenting together, not slept through the night together, and then eventually slept through the night together. (Go Anna Grace!) We have laughed and cried and sought the Lord together and for this I am forever blessed. She blogged (is that a word?) recently and as I read it I was weeping. The Holy Spirit spoke so powerfully that I all think you should read it. Go down and on the left of our blog is our friends, click on the Chaney Family link. Look for the entry titled "Waiting Patiently" May the Lord use my friend Candace's heart to touch yours too.

Grandparents. . .

We had a visit from our grandparents this weekend! It is always one of the highlights of the month to get to see NaeNae and Papa on our own turf. Benjamin cannot get over showing off all his toys and for the first time, Samuel enjoyed someone besides Mommy! That's a bit dramatic, but for those of you who know my youngest, you will understand. Samuel had much fun with NaeNae and very little screaming was involved. I was proud (and asleep at the time). Nonetheless, it has of course gotten me to thinking. I have long treasured being raised in a believing home. I know that for many years, my parents prayed over me, my life, my husband, my, family, and most of all, my heart in the Lord. They sought to teach and guide me in kingdom principles, showing me that there is more to life than what I can see. That God is true in all circumstances, my own and ones far away and very different from my own. That worship is central to the heart of God and we encounter him with our hearts and voices on Sunday mornings, whether we always want to be there or not. I am so grateful for all of these. But as I sat and watched my children watch their Papa play and sing "Joy to the World" with them, all the lessons took on new meanings. When the Lord established families, he did so with more than one generation in mind. Though we laugh at it, NaeNae and Papa do more than spoil their grandsons. They impart to them and pray over them the realities of a God who loves them and wants to see them. They teach my sons about the light of the world. What more can a mother want?

To business or not to business-

I recently have been going through a bit of a dilemna with the Lord. I posted earlier about Lydia in Acts 16:14. She was a seller of purple, a worshipper of the Lord, and an insistent hostess who took care of people who preached the word. Anyway, as I have been seeking the Lord lately and his direction I have felt him calling my into a new kind of business. Now you must know, I am not a saleswoman. My brother, wonderful as he is, could sell a cross to an atheist. He's amazing a convincing people of things. I however, somehow missed that gift and for most of my life have been okay without it. This month things have changed. I have all of the sudden felt a push from the Lord to begin not one, but TWO network marketing businesses. You know the ones, where you have your friends over, guilt them into buying something that they really don't want and don't think they need, but feel obligated to buy since they came to the party and you are working so hard. Anyway, you can tell I haven't had such a great experience with it in my life.

"Lord, really? Are you sure that this is from you? It seems a bit crazy."

"Yes, my child. I want to give to my work on earth through you."

"Really?"

"Really. And if you are faithful in blessing those around you, I will bless you."

SO, here we are. This month I begin a quest to sell cosmetics (really good ones) and family tradition builders. I will bless the orphanage, the missionaries in east asia, the missionaries in Kansas City, and the poor all around me. Lord, help us all! Here we go. . . . .