| A little positive reinforcement to get me motivated to update my peeps. Man have I been slackin on the updates, thanks to those who don't slack and keep me informed about what's goin on in their lives, I really appreciate it. My wife is still the most beautiful women in the world and she is NOT pregnant. We had a little scare (if we could call it that), still just the three boys. One of us needs to get fixed (because we are broken?). My wife is still struggling with her faith and she is not really sure why. We ask for your ernest prayer for her to come to the realization of what stands between her and true saving faith in Christ alone. Sawyer is getting big and constantly trying to test if he is "The boss" or if Mom and Dad can truly dictate how his day will be spent. He is doing well on his catechism questions and he and I have embarked on memorizing Deuteronomy 6:4-9. I think it will be a good foundation for future teaching and memorizing of scripture. Then when he asks my why we need to know God's word, it will be written on his heart when I remind him that God said to, before I explain why God said to. Joshua, about two months ago or maybe a little more, started going through this stage of sensitivity. What I mean is that one day he was like "I'm little Mr. tough guy and there is nothing you can do about it" to "I'm little Mr. tough guy but don't rub me the wrong way or I'll just break down and I mean break down." He has also been waking up every night crying hysterically and 1/2 the time dad can't go anywhere near him or it just get's worse, but other times I get to hold my little Joshy and comfort him (I really do love those times, I would rather be woken up in the middle of the night to have that experience with him than to sleep through the night and never have it at all, such an intimate experience). He is also beginning to use much longer sentences and becoming clearer in his speech. Lucas doesn't talk to much, except for the occasional giggle. He is ridiculously cute, as all of our children are. He has acid reflux. We are going to start feeding him baby food, so he doesn't have as much liquid to deal with. We thickened his formula (less water (volume) same amount of formula). The pediatrician says it is just the calories he needs and we have been advised to get oils (sunflower, flax seed, and olive, for more calories) to put in his food and drink to extend times between feedings (which could be another cause of the acid reflux--over eating). He is getting big and looking healthy for the most part. I thank God for such an amazing family and the opportunity to love my wife as Christ loves the church and to raise my children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. We need your prayers and we are so thankful to all of you who lift us up in prayer, God bless you. As for me I have had a hard time getting into my "prayer closet". I wish that were not the case , but my leg really took me out for a while I'm trying to get back to some sort of schedule again. Tom really encouraged and blessed me the other day with the understanding that our fleshly infirmities will get in the way only if we let them. It is actually a time in which we can show God how truly we are devoted to Him and an opportunity to grow. I've read Job a couple of times and you would think I would get that, but if your not mentally and spiritually prepared at the start of the infirmity (as I was not) your chances of growth happening are slim to none. Next time I truly hope to take it head on, understanding that this is an attempt to weaken me spiritually and turn it into glory for God as Tom had. I also was encouraged by Gabe's prayer for me that enforced what I had already been applying was to "pray continuously". It is a blessing to be able to get on the computer and read weblogs and be able to pray for my brother and sisters right then and there. Or when someone just comes to mind to be able to pray for them too. I do need more ways to pour out at this point in my walk. I use to get a lot of those opportunities at elements, but those days are gone and now I do feel at times like the overflowing cup. I have attempted to talk to a couple of people (Michelle's side of the family), but no takers. I don't mean apologetically either, these are people who at one point were interested or are showing interest in the Christian faith at this time. The message on Sunday was a good one and it is always good to be reminded who your family really is. Next time I come across a command in the Word I will hopefully take that much more time to meditate and see how faithful I have been to that command. I liked when he said that the Bible was not a book that we read to get inspired, but that it was a guide to daily living. So simple yet so true. I sometimes read it to get inspired and not to hear a word from God as to how I need to be living. Well much love to all my brothers and sisters in Christ, sorry so long. "Our chief concern is with our faith--the problems of its growth, and the activities of its vigorous maturity. A faith that grasps and holds in its keeping the very thing it asks for, without wavering, doubt, or fear--that is the faith we need. Such faith in the process and practice of prayer is as a pearl of great price." E.M. Bounds "The Necessity of Prayer" |
