What I have to do to memorize scripture...

Well, I don't know about you, but becoming a parent has somehow erased 95% of my memory...never to return again. I have so much going on each day that it is a challenge for me to carve out some time to memorize the Word. But, that's not an excuse and I know that what I put in my brain will be the thing that comes out of my mouth and that will make their way to my heart. So, I had to find time to focus on a specific scripture so that I could get it through my foggy brain!

That's right...I memorize scripture while I am washing my hair! Well, that is about the only time in my day that I am uninterupted and it's pretty quiet. I decided that during that time I could focus on memorizing and meditating on that scripture and it would focus my mind on it for the rest of the day.

It is simply an index card in a zip top baggie...duct taped to the wall. I found that on that wall it didn't get very wet and the tape has been sticking for several days...which is how long I keep it up before move onto another verse.

My scripture for this week is found in Ephesians 4:

"I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient , bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Now, you don't have to memorize scripture in between shapoo and conditioner applications like I do, but you do need to take some time to do it! I share this little funny thing in my life to encourage you to be creative in your spiritual life. You'll find that there are moments in your day that can be changed from idle time to amazing times with God. I want each moment that I live here on earth to be lived to the glory of God. Now, I can say I am washing my hair to the glory of God (smile)!

Really, take some time today to devote yourself to writing God's Word on your mind and heart. Look at what the Bible says about what we put in our hearts and minds...

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. 1 Peter 4:11

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates" Deuteronomy 11:18-20

There are so many more that I could name...but you get the point. So, start today! Take one verse and place it somewhere you will come into contact with it throughout your day and begin memorizing God's Word. Our pastor at Noonday puts verses on sticky notes and puts them in the pocket of his slacks so that every time he puts his hands into his pockets he is reminded of his verse. Be creative...do what works for you...but do it! You'll be amazed that you DO have time and you CAN memorize God's Word and it WILL make a life difference!

Girls in the Word!

We have found a wonderful resource for our children! We are excited about this audio Bible that is word for word scripture with songs for memorizing strategically placed throughout the CD. I have a child who has dyslexia and attention challenges. She has amazing audio recall...but visually things are very cluttered for her. So, I was at my local Christian bookstore and found this resource.

Each morning we have a devotion time where we read the Bible verses together along with a daily verse to memorize or think on throughout the day. But, I want for my children to find way to read or listen to the Bible on their own each day. I love our time together in the Word, but I also want for them to be in the Word each day on their own...to develop a personal interaction time with God.

So, the girls have been listening to one chapter each evening in their beds (Anli is in Matthew and Virginia is in Mark) with headphones. Then, they have a journal where they either write or draw a response to what they have heard. This gives them exposure to responding to God's Word...not just listening or reading. We want them to be interacting with the Word.

We aren't really thrilled that it is only offered in the CEV Bible, but they use our favorite ESV version in the mornings to do our memorization and reading from...this listening Bible is a time for them to hear the counsel of God's Word instead of just a verse here and there. There are many other audio Bibles in lots of different versions, but this one was made with kids in mind with music and songs and pacing that is fit for kids 6-12.

I just wanted to share that even if you have children with learning challenges or attention struggles there are resources and ways to get them engaged at a young age in God's Word. But, don't let anything take the place of working WITH your child through God's Word. God commands us to TALK with them about it! And we can't be doing that if WE are not in His Word each day ourselves! So, take time to get alone with God and interact with Him yourself...you won't be able to contain it! Before long...your kids will want to be in it too! So, get creative with it and enjoy God and His Word!

As He Really Is...

We had a sick child this weekend, so we didn't go to church on Sunday. Though we weren't able to worship with the Noonday Family, God gave beautiful worship through His Word. Here are some verses that God challenged me with:

"And David was angry because the LORD had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza to this day. And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, "How can I bring the ark of God home to me?" So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite." 1 Chronicles 13:11-13


In this story, the Ark was being brought by David back from Kiraith-jearim. Yet on the way, because they had not obeyed the commands how the ark should be carried and transported, it almost fell from the cart. A man named Uzzah reached out to keep it from falling and he was killed. David was angry at God for this...and then became too afraid to allow the ark to come with him. He sent it away to the home of Obed-edom.

What happened here? Why was David angry with God when he was the one who didn't follow the guidelines for transporting the ark? Why was he afraid of God so much that he didn't even want the ark with him?

Well, I believe the answer lies in the fact that God acted in a way that was unexpected by David...and he got angry! It says earlier in verse 8 that "David and all Israel were rejoicing before God with all their might" but a few moments later David is burning with anger at God. He changed his tune pretty quick, don't you think?

But, David is not alone in his reaction to God. You see, we are a lot like David in our own lives. We are completely content to worship and rejoice in God as long as He plays by our rules and doesn't try to get out of the box that we have made for Him. We like a god who is safe, predictable, understandable, and does what we think is right. But, that is not God at all...it's a god we have made in our own image!

David then became afraid and sent the very symbol of God's presence away to another place to stay. He didn't want anything to do with God anymore. But, look at what happens to Obed-edom (the man whose home the ark came to rest)...

"And the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had" verse 14.

WOW! Look at the contrast here! David is left with anger and fear...while the household of Obed-edom is filled with the blessing of God. Seeking a god of our own making will only lead to anger and fear and disappointment. But, embracing the mystery of a HUGE, unexplainable, irresistible, powerful, just, sovereign, righteous God will always be blessed.

Look at your life today...are you seeking the God of the Bible or are you making a god that fits your lifestyle? Are you allowing God to be who He is...no matter what that may look like? Are you trying to put God in a box that you can wrap you mind around and tame? Embrace the mystery of God...get really comfortable with the words "I don't know!" Allow Him to be who He is and enjoy the God of the Bible!

David was a man after God's own heart, because eventually he found out that God is who He is and if we are going to live a life that is blessed we must be willing to give up those views of Him that are wrong! David didn't like what He saw of God...it didn't make sense to him...and he got angry departing from the presence of God. Is that how you are living today? If so, give up your own ideas and plunge deep into God's Word without reserve and embrace who He is. Let God be God today and hang on for the ride of a lifetime!

Happy 4th Birthday Julian...and YEAH TIGERS!

We are wishing Julian a wonderful "real" birthday today! We love you and can't wait to see you again really soon. Have a awesome day today!

We also are so thrilled with our Tigers last night! It was an awesome game...right down to the last second, literally! We hope all of you are having a great weekend and have a blessed Sabbath.

Ravings Of A Proud Aunt and Uncle!

We recently highlighted my nephew Julian in honor of his fourth birthday a few days ago. We are so excited to be an uncle, aunt, and cousins to 3 of the most adorable kids in the world! So, it would be a huge shame if we didn't give you all a glimpse at our other niece and nephew.

We are known to Emma and Parker as Uncle Bug and Aunt Franny...though their dad, Chris, likes to call me Old Aunt Franny! Here are some of the most recent photos that we received of our precious little niece Emma who just started preschool this year and her baby brother Parker. Aren't they just the cutest? We are a little biased, but who cares!

Friday Top Ten!

It has been inferred that I have somewhat of a "Pollyanna" syndrome (and that hasn't always been said as a good thing!) in my life. But, even in the harshest deserts...and trust me over the past few months I have been through some...God always shows me glimpses of what He is doing through and with those deserts.

That is called JOY! It's not anything that I can muster up and nothing that comes from Frances. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit given as a free gift of Jesus Christ. So, in honor of JOY...I wanted to begin my Friday Top Ten lists to show that no matter what we go through or where we are in our lives, God is at work and that's something to smile about...even though it annoys some people!

Top Ten Reasons I Love Living In An Apartment:

10. We don't have to mow our lawn or worry about yard work!

9. We don't have to do much of anything to the place...they won't even let us change our own light bulbs!

8. We have a sand volleyball court that doubles as the biggest sandbox we've ever had!

7. We have our own tennis courts that comes with free tennis lessons from a resident pro...and we need it too!

6. We now have an inside dog that wakes me at 6:15am each morning for my run.

5. We have a great open floor plan that we've never had before.

4. We have a pool that the girls love to swim in as much as they can before it gets too cold!

3. We have a jogging trail that the girls love to ride their bikes on every afternoon...while Jay and I walk and enjoy time to talk and exercise...Pacey loves the walk too!

2. It takes me about 30 minutes to clean this 1200 square foot place...so nice!

1. God has placed us with over 1,000 people within walking distance to share Jesus Christ's love with for the next year of our lives!!!!!

So, while many people would say that it is quite sad that we had to sell our wonderful house and move into a small apartment...we say NO WAY! We just love it...it is a transition, but a good one.

I hope that today you will begin your own list of the blessings in your life. Take something that might seem like a hard thing to others...or even yourself right now...and think of at least 10 ways God is blessing you through that situation. I bet you'll find out you are a little like Pollyanna too. I pray that it just means the Holy Spirit is growing some JOY in my life!!!

A verse I am chewing on this week...

"...the heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, were in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night." 1 Chronicles 9:33

I read this verse earlier this week and have been chewing on it all week long. I have been studying its meaning in the Hebrew as well to get a full idea of what was going on here in this verse. In this portion of 1 Chronicles 9, we are seeing a glimpse of the responsibilities of some of the different tribes.

But, the wording to me is so thought provoking here in this verse. Do you see the beauty in the wording? It says that they are free from other services...for they were on duty day and night! It does NOT say that they were free of service...to hang out, go fishing, read a magazine, shop, or talk on their cell phones! It says that they were free of the other services (that were ordained by God for others to perform)but they were on duty day and night.

What does that mean? Well, what I have been applying to my life today and all week is the fact that I must be willing to say "no" to some services so that I am free to do the work God has called me to do. Easier said than done in my life! But, it is my goal...to be in step with the Holy Spirit every day so that I am joining the vision God has for my life. I don't want to be constantly busying myself with "service" all the while ignoring the duty God has called me to day and night! I know that if I am breathing today that God has a plan for how He intends for me to use that time.

I don't know about you, but there are all kinds of service that I have either taken because I couldn't say no or I thought that if I didn't do it then no one would. This verse has rebuked, challenged, and encouraged me to stay in step with the Holy Spirit and only do those things that He has assigned me.

How will you know? Well, God's Word and the precious gift of the Holy Spirit are crucial in knowing and joining God. The more I find myself in His Word...the more I sense the leadership of the Holy Spirit in my daily activities. He gets into my business every single day...and though it's convicting and challenging...I love it!

How about you? Are there places of "service" that you are doing that you know aren't where God has you to be? Are you so busy with the other "services" that you are neglecting the duties that God desires you to be on task with day and night? If so, dig deep into His Word and release those things that are simply works of the flesh. We can do those things all day long...but if they are not unto the Lord...they are completely selfish.

This isn't a cop out to get around serving the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. It says in that verse that they were on duty day and night...they just knew what their duty was to the Lord. May that be the goal and pursuit of my life...to be serving my Lord day and night...not myself!

Expanders!

Yesterday we went to the orthodontist for Virginia (yes, I know it seems like she is seeing a lot of doctors this week!) because our dentist said that she had a class 3 under bite and cross bite. So, we went to see Dr. Jordan who came highly recommended by our friends. We found out that she has to have an expander to try to open up her bite and hopefully shift her jaw forward in the process.

She will have this for 6 months...and I have to learn to turn the expander 2 times a day for two weeks...yuck! But, hopefully this will fix the problem and we won't have to do anything else. If it doesn't she'll have to get a headgear to wear every night. Those of you who have had headgears know it's not the most fun thing to put on at night!

He also noticed that she has a speech issue due to her mouth problems. So, once that is fixed he believes she will need to go to speech classes to teach her how to make the sounds correctly again.

Keep us in prayer as Virginia does NOT want this in her mouth...she is really unsure and a little scared. Dr. Jordan was wonderful, but she's nervous. We have been praying with her about it and she knows that God is there for her to talk to about it. I can't imagine parenting without an amazing God!

We are attending Noonday...and loving it! One Sunday we were talking about parenting in our Life Change class. As I sat there and listened...I couldn't even imagine what parents do if they don't have a relationship with the ultimate Father. Each day I think about the fact that I am in charge of two HUMANS...not rabbits, not gerbils, not pet rocks...HUMANS! That blows my mind! God has placed two amazingly precious people in my home for me to care for each day. If I think about it too long...I would run far, far away convinced that God made a huge mistake.

But, I have a perfect Father that gently tells me what to do and how to parent these lovely girls. Without Him and His wisdom...I would be sunk...and so would they! I don't know how people take on the amazing task of parenting without God. It is beyond comprehension! I am so grateful today as we are making decisions about dental work, skin cancer, school work, dinner, what to watch on TV, etc. that God is guiding our family...not Jay and I. If you are a parent today...surrender your own agenda and get on board with God's. He knows just how to mold and direct those precious creatures called children in your home...He created them!! Enjoy the leadership of God in your home today...I know I am!

Update on Virginia Grace

Yesterday we were scheduled for an appointment with a pediatric surgeon to take off the mole on her back. We had gotten up and started school early so that we would have most of our work finished by the time we needed to leave. So, we got in the car and were about to turn onto I-575 when my car died! I mean we were turning at the light to get on the interstate and it shut off! The check engine light had come on the day before...but I didn't expect that!

So, I quickly turned around at the light and headed to our Ford dealership to get it fixed. So, we will have to reschedule the consultation until next Monday. But, I know that God has this in His plan...though we don't know why yesterday was not the day she should see her new doctor...we know that God has a purpose. Please continue to pray with us that she will feel comfort with this doctor and that they will be able to get all the cells.

Thanks to those of you who have emailed and called to follow up on her. We know that you are praying and that she is covered! We are so grateful to those who join with us in this journey of faith. Speaking of faith...here is a verse that I came across in my time with God this morning.

"So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the LORD in that he did not keep the command of the LORD, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the LORD." 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

WOW! That really hit me hard...Saul died for his breach of faith. And we know that he broke faith with the Lord by not following His commands and for not seeking guidance from the Lord instead of other ways and people. I took some time today to see what my faith looks like. I know that each day I rebel against the commands of the Lord...and I seek guidance all the time from lots of other places other than God. I started to ask God how those two things reflected my faith walk.

By faith we believe that God's ways are better and more wonderful than the ways of this world. So, if we truly believe that God is more precious than anything on this earth...then why wouldn't we desire, above all else, to follow His every word? Not that we ever fully accomplish the task of keeping every command...but that our full desire in this life is to do all that He commands. But, our heart will only desire Him above the things of the world if we have faith that He is who He says He is.

By faith we seek the guidance of God before and above all other. If we truly believe that God is all knowing and all wise...and that He is the author and finisher of our faith...then we would run day and night to Him (through His Word and prayer) to seek His guidance.

So, today I am looking very critically at my faith walk. What do I really believe? Of course I would say that I believe that God is better than life! Of course I would say that I believe God's ways are the best ways! Of course I would say that God is all wise! But, what does my faith walk say about what I believe?

Do I run after the things of this world...like money, things, popularity, position, etc? Do I follow God's commands because I truly believe that He is the most precious thing in life or do I go through the motions just because I should? Do I run to God day and night with those things that worry, bother, anger, frustrate, irritate, or confuse me or do I pick up the phone and call a friend and ask their advice? What I really believe and what my faith is found in is what I will live out every day.

Take some time today to examine your faith walk. What do you really believe? That is what guides your daily activities. Saul died because he had a breach of faith in God. God is concerned about who we are inside and where our faith lies.

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Have a blessed day!

Happy 4th Birthday Julian!

Yesterday we traveled to my family's home in Alabama to celebrate my nephew's 4th birthday! We had so much fun getting ready for the party and making the cake. The girls and I wanted to make the cake instead of simply buying a cake for him. Julian loves trains...so we got online and started researching the cake that we wanted to make for him.

It was a bit interesting at times...but overall it was pretty easy and LOTS of fun! Anli was in charge of the "coal" car that was made from Whoppers glued together with icing. Virginia did the M&M car...just because who doesn't like a train car filled with M&Ms coming to your house? And Jay was in charge of the "wood" car made from Twix bars. I was in charge of the engine and caboose. I must say that the engine was...interesting to make. It was the most challenging part...mainly because it involved cooking part of the cake in a soup can...I know!

We packed up and headed to see the family with dog, presents, and large cake in tow. We had to blast the air conditioner in the back so the icing didn't melt...poor Pacey was back there smelling this wonderful cake and getting blasted with cold air! Fun was had by all and we had to come home that night so that we could visit Noonday again this morning.

Anli made a Thomas and Friends pillow for Julian all by herself! She puts me to shame! She used a real needle and thread to make a wonderfully soft pillow that went along with our train theme. He loved it! She is so crafty and creative...always wanting to make something personal for people...what a gift!

We listened to the awesome Auburn game on the way home! Go Tigers! We were so proud of them and excited to hear them put points on the board early and follow through until the end.

We had quite a day yesterday and it was so much fun that we were tired and ready for bed when we got home. I took this precious photo of my tired Anli this morning. She is getting so big, but she is still my beautiful little girl! I had to share this photo!

We hope your game day was great and that you were able to enjoy the wonderful weather! I can't wait to share my Sabbath Reflections with you tomorrow. I was challenged by the Word this morning and I pray you were too! Rest in the Lord and His goodness today...

My Favorite Place!

Well, since we have moved into this 1200 square foot apartment from our 3,000 square foot house...it's been hard for me to find a place to call my own where I can be with the Lord! Now, with everyone sharing every room together all the time...and with a dog that follows me around all day...I was wandering around each day trying to find a quiet spot. Even though I get up early to run and be with God, there are still precious few places to be alone!

But, then as I was organizing our large master bedroom closet...an old phrase ran through my mind! I had found my spot... a good old fashioned "prayer closet"! It has an outlet in it so that I can have a little lamp and it has just the coziest spot for me to hide away for a few moments to study and pray...with a cup of hot tea, of course! It's truly my "prayer closet"!

I thought that I was so clever until the other day when I was right in the middle of a rich prayer time...when a little black nose sniffed in the door I had not closed tightly enough...oh well! It's simply a little place to retreat for time with my father.

I love to sing, dance, read, and talk about the Lord with my kids all day long (since we are together ALL the time), but like I love a good date night with my man...I love a quiet place just to focus only on God and His goodness.

What about you? Do you have a favorite place to be with God? Have you found that time where you get alone and just bask in His presence? Do you make special time for your relationship with your Beloved? I pray today that though you may not be snuggled in a closet...that you will find that place and time with the Lord that will fill you to overflowing! If you don't...what are you waiting for...you've got a closet don't you!

Wonderful Week of Friends!

This week we have had a wonderful time hanging out with friends! We are now attending a different church from many of our friends, but that hasn't stopped us from enjoying lots of play dates since we have been here. They have come to visit, see the apartment, and enjoy spending some time at the park.

One thing we were discussing tonight with friends we had over for dinner, was how nice it is to really spend time together now. Before we were so spoiled that we saw each other every Sunday and Wednesday night...but we didn't really get to spend quality time together. We might live in the same neighborhood, but we didn't make a point to really just spend time together talking. It's not convenient anymore, but we are spending some very rich time with those we love the most!

Here are a few photos of the fun we've been having with friends this week...and next week looks to be just as fun! What a great God...who not only fills to overflowing with Himself and His love...but goes beyond that to bless us with folks that we can hug, touch, play, and talk to! He just amazes me!

Our Crazy Apartment Dog!

Many of you have asked about how Pacey, our beagle, is adjusting to apartment life. We were a little nervous about bringing Pacey to the new place because for the past 2 years he has had free roam in our acre lot chasing rabbits, squirrels, and playing with other dogs in our neighborhood. But, he has loved being an inside dog and having so much attention all day long. He is like a different dog...quite mellow and loves to sleep!

We did have to do a pretty big makeover on him before he could be an inside dog! He was really dirty, scruffy, and shed a lot! So we took him one afternoon to a fun little shop called "That Dirty Dog". We were able to have a great time washing him in the HUGE spa tubs that they have and we also gave him a special treatment called the "furminator"! Sounds a little scary, but it is like a huge vacuum that sucks his hair...ending shedding problems for up to 2 months. Sign us up!

But, over all he has had a great time and so have we. And for those of you who know my husband...the answer is yes, Jay loves having Pacey here and they are now big buddies. He even takes him on his last walk of the evening! Amazing, I know!

He and I run every morning about 1 1/2 miles and we really enjoy getting out and starting our day with some good exercise...otherwise this will happen. We caught some footage of our crazy apartment dog...

Getting ready for Fall!

Yesterday we were able to stop by the Wal-mart and pick out some pie pumpkins for decorating. We all love fall and the hint of coolness got us excited about the fun that fall brings. So, we brought them home...and any of you who know my husband...know that we can't carve them....we must decorate them instead. So, we had a great time together incorporating our learning about color in art class this week with a welcome to fall project.

We will be making our annual trip to Berry Patch Farms in the coming weeks, but we just couldn't wait or pass by those cute little pumpkins! Here are a few photos of our fun. Take time today to enjoy those in your family. They may not live with you, but you can still make a phone call, a cute hand - made card, or make a spontaneous visit to see them. We are grateful every day that God chose to place us with this special family. We have a blast together and want to make the most of every opportunity we have with them. We know they will be gone before we know it!

We also all headed over to Woodstock FBC park again to enjoy the wonderful fall weather. Jay and the girls raced to the top of the cable jungle gym...really cool thing...but high for me! We enjoyed getting out together and playing hard. We all took turns racing each other to the top...Jay caught me on video but you won't dare see that!

Hope you are getting out and enjoying this fall season. The sun is shining and the breeze is wonderful. Take a few moments with God in the midst of His creation...it calls out to Him...won't you join in too!

I've also included a photo of the girls for crazy hair night at Awana! It was a blast!

We may have found our family!!!

OK, today was a wonderful Sabbath worshipping with the family at Noonday Baptist Church. We have visited many churches over the past 3 months, but this one really blessed us today. We had a great Life Change Group (SS class) this morning with couples who were exactly our age with the same age children and it was a wonderful time of fellowship and sharing together. We met lots of new couples and were embraced quickly...they were really groovy people that were just those kind that you want to get to know better!

Then, we went to the service (one of three that they have) and they began with amazing worship through song followed by worship through the reading of God's Word...and followed by worship through teaching and exhortation from the pastor. They are not a big church...about the size or our previous church...but they keep the sanctuary intimate and they offer three different times for services. We then went to the pastor's reception to meet him and his sweet family. They are about our age and have two little ones. We instantly bonded with them and he invited Jay to lunch this week to get to know him better. There were so many first time visitors that they ran out of "gifts"! They are really growing and are a loving group!

Our girls were invited to Awana tonight...and they went and had a blast! It was crazy hair night and they were excited to meet new friends and get back into Awana. The cool part for us, as parents, was the church does not plan any other classes or events during Awana so that the church body can support the ministry there. So, Jay and I were on a "date night" for the 2 hours that they were there. We almost didn't know what to do with ourselves...but never fear we found a Starbucks and had a few moments together to sip on some lattes!

We are hopeful that God has planned this to be our home...but we are still needing to go to the new visitors class, visit some more, and pray fervently! But, we are ready to be in a family and enjoy the fellowship! Thanks to those who lift us up...continue to bring this before the Lord. We want to be where He is guiding us...in His timing.

Thanks also to those who have let us know you are praying for Virginia and our family while we await surgery and the results. We know that melanoma is aggressive and we are praying if that is what Virginia has...that during this time we have to wait it won't grow or spread. Thanks for your emails and calls on her behalf...you don't know how encouraging that has been.

Debt Free!

Today marks the long awaited day that we are finally debt free! I mean really debt free. We don't have a house payment, car payment, credit cards, loans...we are completely debt free! We are very grateful to God that He has shifted His money into our account to continue to loosen the strings here in the United States. We want to stay completely movable and debt free so that we are ready to go anywhere anytime He asks us to! What a true blessing from our generous heavenly Father. We have done nothing to earn this money...it's all His and we just want to be obedient.

We have worked towards this end for many years, but now finally we sat together as we sent off the last payment on our car and other minor debts and thanked God alone for this miracle. He has provided and we are grateful.

We pray that your weekend is wonderful and you are enjoying God through your family time and your rest. Enjoy a true Sabbath tomorrow...and every day!

Atypical Nebus, Fish, Playgrounds, and Milkshakes...huh?

Last month at Virginia's well visit with our pediatrition, we mentioned a small black spot that showed up very suddenly on her back. We showed it to her and she thought it would be a good idea to get it checked by a dermatologist. So, last week we were able to get into see Dr. Alex Gross and he did a biopsy that day and told us that it had some positive things (like defined boundries and it was symetrical) but the color was of great concern to him. He did the biopsy and sent the results off and then we waited...

Well, this morning we got the phone call that it was atypical and that she was being refered to a pediatric plastic surgeon to have it completely excised. They said it doesn't always come back as cancer, but the odds are quite great that it will. So, we have another appointment for September 24th to see a pediatric surgeon in Atlanta.

I had several things to blog about today...but well, this one kind of takes priority. We know God's hand is on this and that He is in complete control. We ask you to join us in prayer as we wait to be seen and for the surgery itself. Thanks for your continued support in our journey!

On a lighter note, many of you know that our family nights are the highlight of our week! Well we had two this week! On Tuesday night we went to PetSmart and added 7 new member to the Worthington household. We had promised the girls that when we moved into the apartment we would get some fish for their room. So, we went and decided on some beautiful guppies and a beta (or budda as the girls call them!). It was fun looking and learning about all the kids of fish and what they need and how to take care of them. Virginia had been learning about God creating the animals this week in school so it was a fun field trip together. They have been a really pretty addition to their room!

Yesterday was National Chocolate Milkshake Day (our school informs us of fun national holidays!). Well, this was one holiday that we were going to celebrate for family night! So, we loaded up after a huge homecooked dinner together and went to get our chocolate milkshakes! It was a blast and we drank every last little bit...and some people think homework for school can't be fun! We also visited First Baptist Woodstock's playground that is located across the street from our apartment...we could walk if 92 wasn't such a busy road! We had a great day and enjoyed the cooler weather for a change...though the rain came at the end of our time!

We pray that you will have a wonderful weekend! We will be cheering our Tigers on to victory...we hope! Have a great game day tomorrow and a blessed Sabbath!

School Days...

Well, we are off and running! School began for us on Monday and we were so grateful that God allowed us to be settled into an apartment by the time school rolled around! He has been confirming and leading every step of the way...we are so blessed!

Monday was a little crazy since we are starting an online accredited private school called the Morningstar Academy. It is a multimedia (interactive games, movies, CDs, workbooks, etc.) academy that is a nationally accredited private school. That means that you can receive a diploma from this school instead of the standard GED that many home school students receive. It also means that they use Abeka curriculum (quite challenging we are finding!) and they monitor all attendance, grades, assignments and issue a portfolio of your work at the end of the year should you need to enter a traditional school.

It is a wonderful school, but I had to learn my way around the technology world on Monday! I spent a lot of time bouncing from on laptop to another trying to get the girls to the sites they needed to be working on. But, by today...we are doing much better and we were able to move smoothly through! The girls love it and they don't even feel like they are doing school!

But, never fear...they ARE in school! On Tuesday Anli was learning about the electromagnetic spectrum, prisms, refraction, wavelength, frequency, pigment, and more! I was a little surprised that this was just the first week!!! We'll be busy that's for sure...and I am learning too...it's been a while since I have thought about the electromagnetic spectrum!

We are loving the pace and the freedom of home school...with the accountability and support of those who know what they are doing. This offers us both and we can take this anywhere we want to go...even Africa!

We pray that your school year is off to a great start too. We are thankful that God gives so many different places and ways for our children to learn and grow. Every child and family is different and I am so glad we have a God who meets our individual needs in so many creative ways. Enjoy your school year and may God be glorified in our lives today!

Sabbath Reflections...

"You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, 'Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the LORD, sanctify you." Exodus 31:13 ESV

This verse blows me away! For the past 3 months, God has been teaching me about Sabbath. He has been bringing the conviction on my life that I am not living a life of Sabbath. Yes, I said a life of Sabbath...not simply one day as a Sabbath.

These verses in the Old Testament are a command from the LORD for His chosen people to keep the Sabbath above ALL else in their lives. It was not a suggestion or a friendly reminder...it was a command that above ALL we keep the Sabbath. But, why? Why was this so important to God? Why did He take so much time to talk to His people about keeping the Sabbath set a part?

I believe that answer for them...and for us today...lies in the rest of the verse. The LORD tells them that keeping this Sabbath would be a sign between them and the LORD for the generation that HE is the one who sanctifies us. WOW! Keeping the Sabbath was not only for that generation to see and know that the LORD was the one who saved and sanctified them...it was for their generations to come! Sounds pretty important to me!

Jesus said it another way in the book of Mark:

And he said to them, "Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?" And he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."

He says here that the Sabbath was made for man...not man for the Sabbath. This time was set a part is for us to reflect and to worship God alone. It was made as a sign between God and ourselves so that we will know what is important in life. We focus on Him and we rest in Him...enjoying the fellowship of the one who saves and sets us a part.

It is not our money, our friends, our husbands, our children, our jobs, our ministries, our churches, our pastors, our houses, our cars, our looks or our fame that sets us a part. It is our covenant with the LORD of the Sabbath! The Sabbath was made for us...to know the LORD our God!

That is why I believe today that we must be about living a life of Sabbath. And I will tell you truthfully...I have not been doing that. God always tends to get in my business every day and give me a reality check! My life of rest in the God who is my everything...is a sign for generations to come to know what it is that sets me a part. That is convicting!

What will my children, my family, my friends, my church family, and those yet to come say sets me a part in this life. It will be the thing that has my focus, my time, my money, my passion, and my trust. Many times I must admit that is not God but the things I listed earlier. But, God is after my rest...and I'm not talking about a good Sunday nap time either. He wants my focus and my attention. Not only for myself and what that means for my own life each day, but as a testimony of faith for generations to come.

I have been deeply convicted about living a life of Sabbath committed daily to rest in God alone. I don't want to simply have a day that I run through church and rush around like a crazy person getting dressed and out the door. I don't want my Sabbath to simply be one day of the week that I enter a building, though it is vital to my walk to fellowship with believers. But Sabbath, I am learning, is about our lives....our very soul's desire. I am praying that this will be my lifelong pursuit...to live a Sabbath life! Won't you join me?

Pictures as promised!

Well, I know it has been a few days since I have blogged, but we have been busy unpacking and getting life settled here in our apartment. Today began our online homeschool academy and we wanted to be as close to finished with the unpacking as possible so we could focus on school.

We had a great day of school and the girls love their classes, the interactive games and software, and most importantly...their new computers. This academy is strictly an online academy for grading, attendence, and testing. It was imperative that they both have a computer of their own to accomodate the amount of time the would need to be online and doing their work. Thankfully, through the sale of most of our furniture and things on craigslist we were able to purchase base models from Dell! What a blessing!

Well, here are just a few photos of our new place. There are still things to do...but overall we just LOVE it! The floorplan works so well for us...nice and open. We love that we have a sunroom for school and crafts...and work. Jay is just happy his massage chair and big screen have made is safely! He is in heaven! Pacey wanted to be in almost every photo...he is so digging being an apartment dog...and not one accident yet!

Tomorrow I will share some of my sabbath reflections from our time with fellow believers at New Life Baptist church...and then on Wednesday I will give an update on school and how it is going! So, look for those and as always we pray that you are swimming in God's grace today...enjoy!

We're Here!

Well, yesterday was a crazy moving day! We had gotten rid of so much stuff...but there was still a lot to move. We had a great set of movers and they worked super hard considering that we are on the 3rd floor! But, all is moved in and we are getting close to having most of them unpacked. I am like the unpacking fool. I hate to live out of boxes, so I'd rather work really hard for 2-3 days than live among boxes for a week.

We had one catastrophe yesterday. One of the men moving us, split his head open on the ramp that comes down from the truck. He was lifting it up to push it back into the truck and it stuck...but his momentum caused his head to hit the ramp. He was rushed to the hospital and had 9 stitches. I wasn't there, but I know how awful it must have been.

The girls are loving their new room. We are able to paint here and we put a soft yellow on the walls to match their quilts. They love the bunk beds and the new bedding. We wanted this place to be special for them. Thankfully, with 2 pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, and golf...there's nothing not to like! I'll be posting photos soon!

Thanks for all those who have called to check on us and the housewarming gifts we have received. Thanks for all your support during this time of transition. We are truly blessed. I am including a clip from GodTube that my friend Susan sent me...hang with it until the middle because it is very powerful. I was crying...be thankful for the love of Jesus Christ!

SOLD!

Today we closed on our house and as of 11:40am we have sold our home! We had about the fastest closing in history lasting only 20 minutes and then we were headed out the door with the biggest check we have ever held in our lives! We laughed that we need to frame the deposit slip with this total in our checking account...probably the only time in history we will have such a balance!

We left there and headed to the apartments we are renting and everything went so smoothly there and we got our keys and began loading a few things over there tonight. The movers come tomorrow morning at 7:30am and we will be spending the night in our new place tomorrow night!

God has been amazing through this entire 2 weeks...yes the entire thing has happened in 14 days from beginning to end without one hitch. That doesn't happen very often and we are so grateful to God that He has made our path straight and allowed this to be so smooth...grace.

I just want to thank those of you who have invited our children over to play while all their toys were packed up and they were living amidst chaos. You'll never know how much that meant to us. Thank you to those who have called, come by, sent cards, and have helped us pack up and sort. You have been amazing friends in the messy times...those are the ones that you know love you...when you are knee deep in junk!

We will be out of pocket without internet for a day or so while we switch over. It may be as early as tomorrow that we have internet...but it may be a few days...we don't know. But, we'll be posting again to let you know how things are going in the new place and show you some photos too! But, better yet...come by and visit if you can!

The American Dream...gone really, really bad!

By now most of you know that we are moving TOMORROW! Well, we have been packing, sorting, selling, and donating everything we have accumulated over the past 3 years. Now, you don't quite realize how much stuff you have...until you go through it and have to move it. But, when we got everything ready for the donation truck today...it kind of made me sick to see how much junk we have.

My friend Amanda came up to visit amidst the chaos of and helped us with the sorting and packing. It was so fun to get to visit and just hang out together. We all had a good laugh while looking at the pile the donation truck is being blessed with today. They have no idea what they are in for when the come to our house in a few hours.

All of this packing (all the while realizing that we may be headed overseas for 3 years next January) has made me do some real reflection on living what the world calls the "American Dream". God has been doing some cool things in my life through this move and I wanted to share those with you...

I was getting my hair cut on Friday night and they were really behind. So, I was sitting there with my hair dripping drinking a glass of water, when a hairdresser came up to talk to me...and to keep me company while I waited. She and I started talking about how I wanted a short haircut that is easy to manage...since we may be in a country that doesn't really do Toni and Guy haircuts!

So, we started talking about contentment. She looked at me and said, "I have been thinking a lot about being content and have asked almost everyone I know how to be really content...what do you think?" Talk about an entrance! Right there I was able to share the Gospel with her...dripping wet head and all. It was amazing and thrilling to have a time to share with her. We both agreed at the end of the conversation that it was God who pushed the time schedule back...so they would be late and I would have about 10 minutes to share the Gospel...not only with her but to my actual hairdresser. Neither prayed right there...but I knew when I left that they knew how to be content in this crazy, affluent, over indulging, never satisfied culture that we live in called America.

What about you today? Does you life look like my garage? Do you have as much "stuff" in your life? I'm not talking about how big your house is or what kind of gadgets you have lying around...I'm talking about your spiritual life. Are you content? Would you be content if tomorrow you lost your job, house, ministry, etc.? In the past 2 months we have "lost" what many would say is important by world's standards. But, we are content in Christ! He has blessed us more than we could ever have thought to pray and ask! Yes, we are convicted by the amount of junk that we seem to acquire on this earth and we are praying that God will allow us to live like the aliens His Word tells us that we are here. We want to store up treasures in heaven...won't you join us?