I've recently been reading through the book of Isaiah and have been really refreshed with some scripture that I know I've read before... but they seem so new to me as I read them this week. They have really reminded me of the characteristics of Jesus and filled me with joy and humilty:
1) Isaiah 11:1-5
"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord-
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears ...
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he wil slay the wicked.
Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist."
2) Isaiah 30:15
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it...
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!"
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
3/24/09 (b)
PRAISE THE LORD- HE IS GOOD
This morning I found out from a good friend of mine- for whose family we've been praying for over a year- that her dad moved back home yesterday. Her dad went through a difficult season of life about a year and a half ago, leaving their family and not knowing if that was where he was wanted to be anymore. Through many prayers, tears and counseling- God seems to have finally brought her dad to full circle and returned him home to the family that He created this man for.
I was so encouraged to hear this news as it seems as if many couples today are finalizing divorces and quickly giving up on the promises that they made to each other and God. It was so hard to believe that this situation was happening while it was happening and not easy to understand why God would take SO long to answer our prayers for this man to return to his home and family as husband and father; it doesn't matter now though- because God's timing is perfect.
So we may never know why this had to occur in their family's history, but we trust that God's plans will continue to prevail and that they are above and beyond our understanding- yet so much better than we, ourselves, can plan. Praise God for this answered prayer today and let it be a reminder to never cease praying for anything, no matter how long it takes or how hopeless it may seem.
This morning I found out from a good friend of mine- for whose family we've been praying for over a year- that her dad moved back home yesterday. Her dad went through a difficult season of life about a year and a half ago, leaving their family and not knowing if that was where he was wanted to be anymore. Through many prayers, tears and counseling- God seems to have finally brought her dad to full circle and returned him home to the family that He created this man for.
I was so encouraged to hear this news as it seems as if many couples today are finalizing divorces and quickly giving up on the promises that they made to each other and God. It was so hard to believe that this situation was happening while it was happening and not easy to understand why God would take SO long to answer our prayers for this man to return to his home and family as husband and father; it doesn't matter now though- because God's timing is perfect.
So we may never know why this had to occur in their family's history, but we trust that God's plans will continue to prevail and that they are above and beyond our understanding- yet so much better than we, ourselves, can plan. Praise God for this answered prayer today and let it be a reminder to never cease praying for anything, no matter how long it takes or how hopeless it may seem.
3/24/09
What a rainy couple of days... perfect for sleeping in; however, Parker doesn't think so :) Although the rain causes me to feel lazy, I have this little reminder to keep me busy. It's funny how the spring rains seem so new to me. Even though they are a bit dreary, it's kind of refreshing to have them around- knowing that warm, sunny days will soon follow.
It's only 7:00 and Parker is already taking his first nap of the day... oh to be a baby again! I probably shouldn't say it in fear of jinxing myself but... he's been on a streak lately of sleeping from about 8:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.- quite a change from a few weeks ago when we'd go to bed thinking "Okay, we probably have about three hours before we have to get up again." It's been a big treat for me lately to actually sleep through an entire sleep cycle. I wonder why I still feel tired? Part of me thinks that my body got so used to the lack of sleep, that now I'm getting too much sleep! I never thought I'd be able to say that again, ha!
It's only 7:00 and Parker is already taking his first nap of the day... oh to be a baby again! I probably shouldn't say it in fear of jinxing myself but... he's been on a streak lately of sleeping from about 8:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.- quite a change from a few weeks ago when we'd go to bed thinking "Okay, we probably have about three hours before we have to get up again." It's been a big treat for me lately to actually sleep through an entire sleep cycle. I wonder why I still feel tired? Part of me thinks that my body got so used to the lack of sleep, that now I'm getting too much sleep! I never thought I'd be able to say that again, ha!
Friday, March 20, 2009
3/20/09
Today I took the day off to deep clean the house and spend some extra time with Parker. Even though I have Saturdays off- I've reallized today what a huge difference even one more day off a week makes! I'm looking forward to my three day weekend.
I'm happy to say, I followed through with my plan and actually got the house cleaned as planned today. Parker went to daycare this morning for a few hours so I could get things done- I must say, cleaning goes a lot faster when he's not around! The funny thing is, he slept the whole time he was at daycare- so it was pretty much pointless for him to be there. However, he seems to be pretty popular so I think his teachers were glad to see him today- the girls tell me that Parker is a big flirt and everyone's favorite. It makes me feel extra blessed and secure in taking him there, knowing that he is loved so much!
I picked him up at 11:30 a.m. and we visted Nana Sue at her office. Parker liked meeting her co-workers and seeing the big space that Nana spends her time in! We then went to NCMIC to show him off to my co-workers... He was a good boy the whole time and showed his sweet smile for everyone there.
Last night we met with our small group. We are doing the Truth Project DVD series, but decided to take a break from it at last night's meeting. We spent time sharing with each other what the Lord has been teaching each one of us, His challenges and encouragement that we need from one another. We then spent some extra time in prayer, split up by gender.
It was really cool to hear what's been on everyone's hearts and minds and connect more on a personal level- not that the Truth Project hasn't been good, but it was nice to have a change of pace and some real heart-to-heart conversations. It's safe to say that the biggest struggle that most of us are facing right now is busyness and feeling like we are not spending enough time in the Word and in prayer. It was amazing to hear that all of us were in the same boat. I know that God really used this time to deepen our walks with Him and remind us that He is in control.
Tonight we are going over to Taylor and Lindsay's for some hang time and pizza- I haven't seen Lindsay since I found out she was pregnant- about 2 months ago. I'm looking forward to seeing how much she's popped out!
I'm happy to say, I followed through with my plan and actually got the house cleaned as planned today. Parker went to daycare this morning for a few hours so I could get things done- I must say, cleaning goes a lot faster when he's not around! The funny thing is, he slept the whole time he was at daycare- so it was pretty much pointless for him to be there. However, he seems to be pretty popular so I think his teachers were glad to see him today- the girls tell me that Parker is a big flirt and everyone's favorite. It makes me feel extra blessed and secure in taking him there, knowing that he is loved so much!
I picked him up at 11:30 a.m. and we visted Nana Sue at her office. Parker liked meeting her co-workers and seeing the big space that Nana spends her time in! We then went to NCMIC to show him off to my co-workers... He was a good boy the whole time and showed his sweet smile for everyone there.
Last night we met with our small group. We are doing the Truth Project DVD series, but decided to take a break from it at last night's meeting. We spent time sharing with each other what the Lord has been teaching each one of us, His challenges and encouragement that we need from one another. We then spent some extra time in prayer, split up by gender.
It was really cool to hear what's been on everyone's hearts and minds and connect more on a personal level- not that the Truth Project hasn't been good, but it was nice to have a change of pace and some real heart-to-heart conversations. It's safe to say that the biggest struggle that most of us are facing right now is busyness and feeling like we are not spending enough time in the Word and in prayer. It was amazing to hear that all of us were in the same boat. I know that God really used this time to deepen our walks with Him and remind us that He is in control.
Tonight we are going over to Taylor and Lindsay's for some hang time and pizza- I haven't seen Lindsay since I found out she was pregnant- about 2 months ago. I'm looking forward to seeing how much she's popped out!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
3/17/09
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
This weekend, we learned that St. Patrick was a missionary to Ireland- who knew that the holiday typically known for it's green beer and luck of the Irish actually has something to do with God? I didn't. Interesting (and sad) how we've turned this day of celebrating St. Patrick's accomplishments (ultimately God's accomplishments) into a day of drunken festivities.
I picked Parker up from daycare today with his stroller- we went on a really long walk- longer than I had planned! I have blisters on my heels to prove it... It was a balmy 74 degrees today. At one point, I was walking past a house with a very large property and big trees; it was a little windy and I could hear the wind blowing through the trees- I felt like God was tickeling my heart and I was amazed at how a simple thing like this reminds me of God's awesomeness and how sometimes that is easy to forget after a cold winter stuck inside.
Ryan continues to stay VERY busy with work. He's really impressed me lately with how well he is handling this busy season. He has done a good job of balancing family and work by coming home for dinner on some nights for a couple hours and then going back to the office when Parker and I start to wind down for the evening. It means a lot to us to have him home during the time of night that we are most active. We look forward to May when work starts to slow down for him- but we are thankful for the work that God has provided both of us.
Parker really likes his toes this week; he also likes anything in his mouth. He's also starting to sleep better- a gift from Heaven! Last night, he actually fell asleep at 7:30 and I had to wake him up at 8:45 to give him a bath... he ended up falling asleep twice while I was giving him a bath and once while I was putting his pajamas on; he must have had a big day with friends at daycare!
This weekend, we learned that St. Patrick was a missionary to Ireland- who knew that the holiday typically known for it's green beer and luck of the Irish actually has something to do with God? I didn't. Interesting (and sad) how we've turned this day of celebrating St. Patrick's accomplishments (ultimately God's accomplishments) into a day of drunken festivities.
I picked Parker up from daycare today with his stroller- we went on a really long walk- longer than I had planned! I have blisters on my heels to prove it... It was a balmy 74 degrees today. At one point, I was walking past a house with a very large property and big trees; it was a little windy and I could hear the wind blowing through the trees- I felt like God was tickeling my heart and I was amazed at how a simple thing like this reminds me of God's awesomeness and how sometimes that is easy to forget after a cold winter stuck inside.
Ryan continues to stay VERY busy with work. He's really impressed me lately with how well he is handling this busy season. He has done a good job of balancing family and work by coming home for dinner on some nights for a couple hours and then going back to the office when Parker and I start to wind down for the evening. It means a lot to us to have him home during the time of night that we are most active. We look forward to May when work starts to slow down for him- but we are thankful for the work that God has provided both of us.
Parker really likes his toes this week; he also likes anything in his mouth. He's also starting to sleep better- a gift from Heaven! Last night, he actually fell asleep at 7:30 and I had to wake him up at 8:45 to give him a bath... he ended up falling asleep twice while I was giving him a bath and once while I was putting his pajamas on; he must have had a big day with friends at daycare!
Monday, March 16, 2009
03/16/09
Today marks that day that we try to get more organized in documenting our busy family life, mostly because of our recent addition, Parker. He's going through so many changes right now- we can hardly keep track! Hopefully this blog spot will help...
Parker had a busy weekend with family! He got to spend all morning last Saturday with Nana Sue and then Papa and Nana Boone along with Uncles Caleb and Michael, and Auntie Jaclyn came over for the afternoon. Great-Grandma Kempers and Kathy came too! Everyone was excited to share this big weekend with Parker- his dedication weekend.
Parker's dedication took place on Sunday at Johnston E. Free Church. Ryan read Matthew 5:14-16 during the service to remind us all and encourage us to be "Spiritual Lights" (the meaning of Parker's name). Ryan did a great job reading and it was a very special event in Parker's young life. Great-Grandma and Grandpa Boone as well as cousins Brian and Kate joined us for the service.
The family then celebrated at Papa and Nana Anthony's house with lots of food, fun and laughter! The whole clan was there- including Uncle Todd, Aunt Tara and cousins Taylor, Tommy, Trevor and TJ. We had a great time and were so thankful to be surrounded by loving family who was happy to celebrate with us! We pray that we will help Parker grow up into a bright Sprirtual Light for the Lord and that we will also be Spritual Lights to everyone we meet.
Parker had a busy weekend with family! He got to spend all morning last Saturday with Nana Sue and then Papa and Nana Boone along with Uncles Caleb and Michael, and Auntie Jaclyn came over for the afternoon. Great-Grandma Kempers and Kathy came too! Everyone was excited to share this big weekend with Parker- his dedication weekend.
Parker's dedication took place on Sunday at Johnston E. Free Church. Ryan read Matthew 5:14-16 during the service to remind us all and encourage us to be "Spiritual Lights" (the meaning of Parker's name). Ryan did a great job reading and it was a very special event in Parker's young life. Great-Grandma and Grandpa Boone as well as cousins Brian and Kate joined us for the service.
The family then celebrated at Papa and Nana Anthony's house with lots of food, fun and laughter! The whole clan was there- including Uncle Todd, Aunt Tara and cousins Taylor, Tommy, Trevor and TJ. We had a great time and were so thankful to be surrounded by loving family who was happy to celebrate with us! We pray that we will help Parker grow up into a bright Sprirtual Light for the Lord and that we will also be Spritual Lights to everyone we meet.
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