Beyond Bringing Up Boys

The guys (big and little) really love the high school football scene which we didn't have at Whitefield. So usually I have Friday night to myself and Seth. Seth is in bed and so tonight it is you and I, my friends. I'm a little afraid that what I am going to say next may be a little like President Bush standing under a big sign "Mission Accomplished." HOWEVER, I believe that this week is a week that I'll look back on as a turn around week--with regard to our move. (To my friends in Kentucky, you can still feel the love, because I'll still miss you.) I met Bernadette yesterday at church for Bible Study as I promised that I would. My Beth Moore study is superior in content but this is the social outlet I need. I was amazed at how nice, really nice I was treated. Tonight at dinner, David mentioned that maybe tommorow morning after Samuel's basketball evaluation we could go to North Carolina (He's longing for a little more color). Quickly I said, "...

What a wonderful birthday! The guys treated me like a queen. David took his first hour/ only planning period and took me Chick-Fil-A for some yummy little chicken thingys (I can't remember what they are called). Then I got to choose Outback for dinner. I really do like Outback but, I'll admit some of my choosing had alot to do with two little voices saying, "Mommy, choose Outback pleeease!" I saved the gifts I received in the mail until after dinner so we could all enjoy them together. David's parents sent me the Taste of Home 2007 annual edition. I am so excited to use it. My mom sent a big box of several things that I will enjoy using in my kitchen. There was also some boxes of gummies in there that were eaten quickly (and not by me). The boys got me some Bath and Body products and David wrote me the most beautiful poem. I think I'll share it in another post. I am incredibly blessed to have a family who loves me!

I plan to post pictures of my special day later today but in the meantime... Is there anyone brave enough to answer IF you trick or treat with your children and if you do NOT, do you plan alternative activities? If you do, what kind? I know that this is very controversial among Christians and since this is "Crosswalk" and I would like to bring up some cultural issues in our walk with Christ and how other Christian families face them. Remember you can post anonymously but just please be kind :-)

Another oldie...but placed here today, October 17, with purpose. I actually wrote this in April in the midst of anxiety about our impending move. But today I am placing it here for a different reason. April, 2007 You’re old enough to know better." I inwardly despised this phrase growing up but strangely, I find comfort in it now. Tonight I posted a comment on a friend’s blog and said, "He giveth more grace." It was sincere and not intended to be glib. I have experienced His grace and so I can comment with personal testimony. I’m old enough to know. Lately in my Streams of the Desert devotional, I read "When thou passest through the waters…they shall not overflow thee." (Is 43:2) "God does not open paths for us in advance of our coming. He does not promise help before help is needed. He does not remove obstacles out of our way before we reach them. Yet we are on the edge of our need, God’s hand is stretched out. …I forget this and worry about the difficulti...

I was thinking that this blog might be a fitting one to bring over today after the post on Sunday. Please don't misinterpret me. I am not trying to compare myself to Hagar as a "victim," but rather that as God met Hagar's need--He sees me too--and is using others like Bernadette to meet my needs. Feb. 4, 2007 I am trying to read the Bible through this year. I’ve come across the Biblical account of Hagar and have been moved by how relevant this ancient story remains. To me, it seems that Hagar was a victim. A servant to Sarai, whose very name meant "contentious," Hagar became pregnant with Abram’s child…and it was Sarai’s idea. When Hagar became pregnant she used her pregnancy to taunt infertile Sarai (sounds like a soap opera!) and Sarai treated her badly. So badly, in fact, that Hagar ran away. While Hagar was in the desert, the Bible says that an angel of God appeared to her. The angel told Hagar to go back and submit to Sarai and that her (Hagar’s) descen...

Partly my blog is to keep in touch with family and friends—both old and new—but also it is to be honest about my walk with Christ and who I am (or not) in Him. It isn’t always easy to be transparent. Sometimes, I would rather hide behind "cloaks of righteousness," where wounds are not exposed or sin to be criticized. Frankly I did that for years and I didn’t help anyone. And I am most encouraged in my journey by those who are open and willing to be honest about their journey too. Sundays have been the hardest day of the week for me since our move to Georgia. ( Sundays are hard period. Of course, maybe this just happens in my home, but try as I may, Sunday mornings are not always peace filled ). And I went to church this morning with attitude. The ugly truth is I do not want to go to the church that my husband has chosen. I cannot find fault, if you will, with anything to speak of. The music is praise directed and there is little to no mention of the worship team being Castin...