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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Happy 9th Birthday!

"Your days will be many, and years will be added to your life." (Proverbs 9:11)
Nine years ago, God blessed us beyond words with a beautiful, healthy baby boy.  Curtis has grown into such a fine young man.  He is serious, yet funny.  He enjoys sports, but he prefers crafty things (origami and magic tricks) and electronics.  He loves to give me hugs and kisses and he is a great brother (especially to his little sister).  Most importantly, he expresses his love for Jesus through his words and deeds. He is so special to us and we are truly thankful to God for entrusting him into our care.  Happy 9th birthday, Curty.  





Monday, July 29, 2013

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? – Romans 8:31-35


She packed her suitcase.  She excitedly went through the registration process.  We ran in the rain to her cabin and said our "good-byes".  Another year at Camp Shalom.  I am so thankful for a local Christian camp where she is able to meet new friends, have lots of fun, spend a whole week with her cousin, and deepen her relationship with her Lord.  

I'm excited about this year's theme at Camp Shalom.  
This summary is taken from their website:

RE
Definition: a prefix, occurring originally from Latin, used with a theme of “again” or “again and again.”
Aren’t we all in need of second chances? Aren’t we all in need of God’s presence in our lives? Aren’t we all in need of God’s grace, not just once, but again and again? Our God is pursuing us again and again.
This year at Camp Shalom we are going to be focusing on a new “RE” word everyday to teach campers about the Gospel.
Repair: The world is in need of repair after our fall into sin.
Rescue: God has a rescue mission under way to repair the world from sin.
Redeem: Redeem means to “buy back.” God is rescuing our world that is in need of repair by sending a Redeemer to “buy us back” out of sin.
Renew: After God has rescued us out of the world that is in need of repair by sending a redeemer, he doesn’t just leave us there but is renewing us day by day.
Respond: Now that we know God has rescued us out of the world that is in need of repair by sending a redeemer and is renewing us how will we respond.
The campers will be memorizing Romans 8:31-35
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? – Romans 8:31-35


Everfound - Never Beyond Repair Lyrics

You’ve done what you promised that you’d never do
Your innocence gone and your fears coming true
How did you end up like this, feeling so lost?

Like your life is in pieces too broken to fix
And chains got you tied to a weight you can’t lift
But the biggest mistake that you made
Isn’t too big

[Chorus]
You’re not beyond repair
Grace meets you anywhere
And the mess of your heart
Is where love’s gonna start
Cause you are, never beyond repair
You’re never beyond repair

For all of your pain there’s a father who hurts
For all of your hurt there’s a healer who works
You’re never too far from his reach
So just believe, just believe

[Chorus]
You’re not beyond repair
Grace meets you anywhere
And the mess of your heart
Is where love’s gonna start
Cause you are, never beyond repair
Never beyond repair

The moment you gave up
He gave up his life for you
The savior is able,
His forgiveness is the proof

You’re not beyond repair
Grace meets you anywhere
And the mess of your heart
Is where love’s gonna start
Cause you are, never beyond repair
You’re never beyond repair

[Chorus]
You’re not beyond repair
Grace meets you anywhere
And the mess of your heart
Is where love’s gonna start
Cause you are, never beyond repair
You’re never beyond repair
Never beyond repair,
You’re never beyond repair.

Continuing to give thanks...
#3721- #3758

-I am never beyond repair and that God's grace meets me anywhere
-God's grace is bigger than my sins
-God's rescue mission
-God's redemption plan
-God is renewing me every day


-her confidence and security
-still wanting hugs and kisses from her mom
-Christian camp

-her excitement and independence

-spending a whole week with her cousin/friend



 -how her face lit up when she caught her first fish (a whopper)

 -how they were eager as well to catch a fish

 -relaxing at the beach
 -having LOTS of fun with cousins/family/friends

 -how he just loves to do every sport with his cousins

 -his excitement to try out his early birthday present

 -playmates at the beach

 -young and old having fun together

 -an AWESOME big brother; getting down to her level and playing with her in the sand



 -enjoying sports, even in the extreme heat


-common interests

-a kind uncle/cousin who drove his boat for hours, until every child had a turn behind the boat

-LOVING the beach
-being able to walk to the beach and cool off

 -eating corn on the cob outside while camping

 -another willing boat driver

 -Beppe's treat
 -willing to share his ice cream
 -spending our final night together with Beppe and the whole family

 -enjoying a bit of time with the six of us

 -enjoying the fruition of her hard work in the garden

 -eagerly preparing for her new room

 -his excitement as he shares his latest magic trick

 -picking "flowers" for members of her family

 -"family" breakfast
 -summer slumber parties

 -the opportunity to build a room for Nicole and her excitement as we watch the developments of it

-family bike rides


Monday, July 8, 2013

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand"  (Psalm 37:24).
"for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again"  (Proverbs 24:16)

Lessons learned...
Sometimes we learn the hard way.
Sometimes we have to make mistakes in order to learn from them.
Sometimes we are told, "We all make mistakes" or "I told you so".
Sometimes we just keep messing up and don't learn from our sinful ways or sinful thoughts.

Always God is faithful and just.
Always God keeps His promises.
Always God lifts us up when we fall.
Always God is trying to teach us how to live, but is always loving and forgiving and He never gives up on us.

Continuing to give thanks...
#3702-#3720

-that God never says, "I told you so", but instead, "It'll be ok. I'll help you get through this."
-God's willingness to forgive us when we confess our sins
-that He never gives up on us
-that God gave me a Godly husband to help me become more like Him
-lessons that are learned from my MANY mistakes

-how she loves pretend play
-how she takes such good care of her babies  and how God is nurturing her motherly instincts already!

-how he (most of the time) willingly allows her to follow him and do things with him
-how he teachers her the finer things in life

-an eager helper

-brothers- such willing helpers!

-a nice clean van

-sleeping pets

-my little monkey

-smiles that warm my heart

-celebrating my awesome mom's upcoming birthday


-family photos


-cooling off
-older cousins who take care of their younger cousins