then came kinship...

It’s been a while since i’ve blogged but i felt the need to dust off the good’ol laptop and get some thoughts on here. since kinship podcast is on hiatus i’d like to jump start my writing on here, at least until we begin season 2 sometime in september. 

starting kinship was a blessing. like i said on the podcast (episode 1), i have many thoughts and ideas that i needed to get out of my brain and i didn’t have a consistent platform to do so. then enters...signal the angelic music...kinship. 

the everyday talks i had with bethany, pam and kelly were deep, helpful, and biblical. then a light bulb went off! i thought, what if more people can hear us and get conversations going at their church?! i wanted more people at the table with us. chiming in. laughing. hearing me say dumb stuff. it wasn’t necessarily because i felt we had anything spectacular or unique to say but simply the fact that we were having these conversations. i also imagined other sisters in Christ, at different churches, in local churches, having these deep fulfilling conversations. so how could i bring all this together? signal angelic music again...kinship. i’m not saying our podcast is from heaven but i am saying that the vision i had was to spread the idea of local church love and that’s straight up from the Bible and heaven. can I get some dance music up in here (pumping my fist into the air). 

we’re on hiatus and brainstorming our next season as we maneuver kelly’s departure, baby tallada, and a few other things. we'll pray season 2 will be just as helpful or even more. 

Soli Deo Gloria.

conversations on racism

pj and i recently had a dinner date with a few couples. after we headed over to a coffee shop for some good conversations. our dear friends are those type of people you can talk about anything with, so i came with a loaded question.

"what are your thoughts when people say a black man is speaking white?"

the conversation lasted about 2 hours. it was such a fruitful back and forth exchange. a few take a ways that our friends preached.

these type of race questions need to be talked about in discipleship contexts.
how wonderful it would be for Christians of different ethnic backgrounds coming together to talk about presumptions, hurts, and inquiries. how can you truly understand your black friends fear of law enforcement if you don't know their story. you still might not understand but at least it gives you ears to hear. pray God makes you sensitive as you listen and agree or disagree. its ok if their is push back since we are all different and come with our own backgrounds. be loving as you push back. ask your friends to help you reiterate their positions as you chew on their story and scripture.

get out of your comfort zone.
if all you have are same ethnic group friends, or lack another ethnic group, then go make friends who don't look like you! this could sound a little weird in your mind. "Ok, so I need some Mexican friends." but yes, why not? loving all people allows you to grow in sensitivity toward them.

praise God for churches that are striving to understand our fellow brothers and sisters who have stories to tell.

mom

when i don't want to be mom today

there are days that being a mom is awesome. you feel like you got the hang of this motherhood, in fact you feel like the CEO! THEN there are days, weeks perhaps, that you can feel like you're gasping for air. the weight of the day-to-day gets overwhelming. simple meal plans feel like agony, refereeing the 10th fight makes you cringe. maybe i'm the only one with bad days....no, wait, I'm not.

this roller coaster happens often in our household. what can i do besides throw in the towel and give up? how can i make these ups and downs focused on Christ Jesus?

little humble ways that may help.

1. you can pray as you do things. pray as you cook. pray as you clean. pray as you run errands etc. pray out loud. have the kids pray for you. pray with them before you start the day. of course it would be ideal to wake up and pray for 30 minutes but in reality a mom of five, 10 years and younger, has a hard time doing much. instead of beating yourself up with the do's and don't s of the Christian faith, take grace and run with it.

2. communicate with your husband. when he comes through the door there are times he knows something is wrong. in our sinfulness he can feel our distance or anger. or see the teary eyes.  if we struggle with words, blurting out "i need a break!" is sufficient. a quick plan of action can be helpful. have your husband text people in order to set up a date night or plan a day he can watch the kids while you go out. try taking the initiative to set up a sisters-in-Christ hangout or simply being around refreshing company can provide an end goal for the week.

3. repent and go to the cross: if it's those type of days go, by God's grace, and ask God for forgiveness and humble yourself and ask the kids for forgiveness of specific sins you've committed against them. sorry is for non-sin issues. using biblical language helps them and us understand sin and God's loving mercy. speaking of the gospel in the midst of asking for forgiveness is helpful and necessary. 

4. lay low. If you're like me, staying home is much more relaxing then running errands with five in tow. try to set up the week so there are days you are out for a bit and other days for recuperating. my kids are a mixed bag. some love staying home, others thrive off being out. try to be loving and do both for the sake of everyone's sanity. if laying low is not restful then setting play dates with refreshing friends can be another option. i have friends that can't stay home (for their own sanity) so they pursue play dates aggressively.

5. reading time. this looks different depending on the age group and sort of takes training (but don't start when you're overwhelmed!). even the little ones can look at books with pictures, that works too! for older kids reading time works great, older siblings can read to the younger ones. reading is a special time to mind travel. if things are getting too hectic call for a time out and have everyone read while you gather your sanity. maybe remind them if they have not read God's Word for the day, now is the time. encourage them and teach them to pray for a church family member from the church directory.

5b. for little ones, i suggest training in "sit down time." we've practiced this since my 10 year was little and it has saved me multiple times. as you begin training, start in very small increments. teach the child to sit down, without playing, without toys, without fidgeting. i know, whaaaaat? yes. it's amazing when it works by God's grace! set the timer (start at 1 minute), sit next to them as you watch and help them keep the rules. after the timer goes off, everyone celebrates! then you try it again the following day, and continue to increase the time gradually. i'm not 100% sure where I was taught this but it must have been from a book or a past church member.

6. phone a friend. whether you email, text or call, asking women to lift you up in prayer is crucial. i've group texted my sisters-in-Christ and called out for prayer because of a trial. share the details of your sin or temptations and call them to action--prayer. when you see them at church gatherings it's nice to hear their love and concern.

i've noticed my heart has a certain trajectory if i spend some time in reading God's word early in the morning. every situation differs as to when you can read but we must all agree it is necessary for life. brainstorm how that might look with your heart open to Christ in order to move closer to him.

being a mom is tough but SO lovely and rewarding. how you allow the Lord to run your household will comprehensively shape how you view children (perhaps another post).

lean on the commitment you've made with your church family in bearing each others burdens. being in a community of grace and not performance breaks chains. if you don't have a church environment like that i encourage you to ask God to make you the instigator. light the fire. praise the Father for his Son, Christ Jesus, who died for messed up mothers like us.

a great lesson

as america was at their edge of their seats, watching democracy unfold, lots of children were aware something big was happening.

 every presidential race is a great civics lesson and training in a biblical worldview.

 here are some small ways to help disciple your children through this important time, or for the next.

1. read and tell the children the different presidential candidates and their stances on key issues. try to break it down in simpler terms. ask questions like, "do you think God has something to say about this?"

2. talk about God and his Word. speak of His wisdom and what he says in his Word. read specific scripture that deals with government. we read Daniel 3 and sang burn us up by shane&shane, i felt it was very fitting.

2. watch videos that explain the voting process. our family watched bainpop videos. The kids love moby.

3. watch or watch highlights of the debates. talk about what is going on. talk about God and if the nominee is disagreeing with God's Word. talk about their character and what God has declared to be men and women of integrity.

4. refer back to history and the beginning of democracy. speak of empires that have risen and fallen. read scripture like Daniel 2:21
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding.

5. set up a mock voting booth at home where the kids can cast their vote and explain the process.

6. once the president has been declared, pray with your children for the country and for wisdom for the new president and his cabinet. pray that Christians will put their hope in Christ and not in this government or any other. remind them that God says to pray for those in government leadership
whether we agree or disagree with them we must pray for their salvation and leadership that we are under.

1 Timothy 2:1-3
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, ² for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. ³ This is good, and it pleases God our Savior.

Let's continue to pray for the church to go and declare Christ crucified.

 

 

taboo.

recent conversations and things ive read have me thinking more of death. obviously no one is truly foreign to it and others actually have seen the sting closer.

i've loosely followed this mans journey to death and it's had me praying for his family and just trying to be sensitive to the fact that we are not our own. his wife's words are so powerful. here's a review of his book.

i have no idea when my time or beloved family and friends have. i've tried visualizing all my family and friends with count down clocks above their heads and imagine being shocked at the differing times and "unexpected" deaths. our lovely niece is so near in my thoughts of death and life.

it's healthy to think about death in a way that sobers us from our individualism and brings us back to reality. it's not pretty but desperately needed.

Death, where is your victory?
Death, where is your sting?
⁵⁶ Now the sting of death is sin,
and the power of sin is the law.
⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ!

1 corinthians 15:55-57

Now I further saw that between them and the gate was a River, but there was no bridge so that pilgrims might cross over; moreover, the River was very deep. So Christian and Hopeful were shocked at such a sight; but the men escorting them declared, “You must pass through this River or else you cannot arrive at the gate of the City. Then the pilgrims asked if there was any other way to the gate.The  Shining Ones answered, “Yes, but no one else has been permitted to travel that way since the foundation of the world except Enoch and Elijah; and no others will be allowed until the sounding of the last trumpet.” Then the pilgrims began to despair in their minds, and especially Christian; they looked this way and that way, but no alternative route could be found by which they could avoid the River.Then they asked the men if the water was all of the same depth. They replied “No,” but could offer no further help other than the comment, “You shall find it deeper or shallower according to your trust in the King of the place.

-From Pilgrim's Progress

by John Bunyan

Woman Lust

it's no surprise that the new erotic film 50 shades of grey was released during valentine's day. before it hit the big screen it was already invading the hearts and minds of women with it's printed book.

there's been a lot of talk about how christians should think about the film and the message it's trying to convey-- never think any movie is just a movie, it's always trying to convey a message. the film is a form of art, and it's a mirror to what the culture is really thinking, what art tends to do.

i watched the trailer out of "curiosity" and found myself shocked and interested in the plot. why? i think it was girl lust! i wasn't necessarily thinking of intercourse or sexual images but it certainly could have gone there, but i was more intrigued by the male character and how they portrayed him--handsome, winsome, authoritative, passionate, AND desires the female counter part to the nth-degree. which is exactly what they were going for--women can be drawn to this type of male figure....fiction or non.

It's interesting how women's lust can be left unnoticed because it almost seems to hurt no one. false. it hurts people. it hurts the woman's own soul. i've seen this countless times and it's destroyed families. it's a force not to be triffled with. the outworkings of women's lust versus men's lust can be like night and day but the heart issues are identical. men tend to be more visually stimulated, that's why the porn industry has taken hold of our men's hearts. lots to say about mens lust but i'd like to focus on women.

we women tend to be emotionally stimulated. before a woman commits the actual sexual sin of adultery, chances are she's already had an emotional attachment. why? women love to be desired, to be wanted, this is a good thing BUT in the covenant of marriage, not outside its boarders. if the woman is the object of a man's lustful mind and heart, this can be very emotionally satisfying for her. i wrote this post 3 years ago to warn dating christians the dangers of lust before marriage and what it can look like after marriage. it's pretty scary stuff if not addressed.

I recently was talking to a young man who's dating a gal and i was asking questions about their lust. as you might like to think, you probably would assume he'd slowly be walking away! nope. he pulled up a chair and was intrigued, especially when i came to the girl lust part. he had no idea! he had no idea that when guys lust after the girl it feeds her lust of being wanted--like she's some kind of sex god! it sounds ridiculous but very true. he was shocked, i saw light bulbs going off in his head. i reminded him that even the way a girl dresses can be used to get a lustful reaction from the guy by the short skirt she's wearing, or the midriff shirt she's flaunting. i know this because i was there in my younger days :(

another thing about lust is that it wants to hide. it wants to stay in its shame infested closet. when i watched the trailer i felt ashamed that i was interested in the plot and felt a desire to be in the character's shoes. soon after i talked to my husband about it. he was helpful, supportive and asked good heart questions. i knew he knew what battling with lust feels like. he battles with it like all men/most men do. he does not shy away from confession and wanting to kill sin in his life. my husband is amazing. i really can't express in words the love and every endearing emotion under the sun i have for him. he's helped me to be open, not lie and hide sin, no matter how ugly the truth can seem. truth is the best medicine.

my lovely husband asked "what did you observe that you wanted?" but the question that was most helpful that my lovely asked was, "what do you really want?" my reply, "my husband to love the Lord with all his heart. to love his wife and make much of her and point her to Jesus. a father who leads his children and loves them. a man of integrity. a man who dates his wife and studies her. a man who serves others and points them to Christ."

it's funny but i just described my lovely husband :) he is what i really want, not some fabricated, hollywood, fictional character! even if the 50 shades of grey character was real, he'd sure need a lot of counseling! no thanks.

Getting Ready for Porn

porn has really been on my mind. not in a perverted way, but because we're preparing. there's a battle for our children's minds and souls. our kids are getting older and are being exposed to a whole lot of images, verbiage, and ideas that are contrary to what we are trying to teach them. the question is no longer--- will Rock, Key, Story and City see porn? in reality, it's when will they see porn? and it's our job to help them prepare for it.

since it's been on our radar, it's been a blessing to come across great articles, blog posts, books and videos. these have been helpful in preparing us and our kids. porn is a serious problem. it can destroy marriages and families. don't let the culture fool as they try to normalize it.

there's things we've implemented in our home culture in preparation for future conversations about sex. we have not discussed "sex" yet, but we are trying to set things in place so when we get there, there won't be a huge chasm of information. we've included things that have helped PJ and I fight sin and good habits we've tried to set in our home.

here are a few (links provided)....

we've taught our kids about immodesty and modesty. our kids are now sensitive to immodesty. they turn away from inappropriate billboards, entertainment, and even people we come across. they try to politely ask us if what they were wearing was "modest." they'll even correct me at home or when we're out!

an audio interview mentioned teaching children that "naked is private." we really like this concept. since we have one 1 boy and 3 girls, it's obvious that we need to set boundaries, especially when they start feeling uncomfortable around each other. we're still on a learning curve since they're still small and don't see anything wrong or inappropriate yet. the concept is helpful with respecting nakedness. clothing nakedness should be done in private. sexual images like what is seen in movies and especially porn, should make us feel uncomfortable for them and us. drawing lines early is important (with modesty) so when a naked woman is seen, it's clear they need to look away. we've taught them to not look at people naked, and if they come across it, they are to close the laptop or whatever device (or say "no thanks" to the friend who is showing them an image) and tell us immediately! this also helps in teaching them about molestation and that no family or friend should ask to see them naked or show them anything improper.

i came across this article/video and it was helpful to hear a mother address nakedness. we have introduced "naked is private" but i'm also a breast-feeding mom that doesn't cover up when my kids are around. i've concluded that i want them to understand that breast are not to inappropriately flaunt but to nourish children with. as they grow older we'll have to have appropriate conversations about the God-given anatomy of humans and the beauty of sex, but for now, breasts are not to be flaunted. at the same time i don't mind my son or daughters seeing me change and ask about my mommy anatomy. they're kids and have questions and it gives me an opportunity to tell them about the beauty of motherhood and what a real life body looks like. i want them to understand reality and the lies that the media portrays. thighs can be flabby, butts jiggle, tummies do have scars on them! so we will teach both.... "naked is private but if you have questions please come here to us and ask ALL the questions you want, even if it makes mommy and daddy uncomfortable" :)

with our son, i feel different then i do with our girls, maybe it's because of their obvious gender difference or maybe because i know the battle for his mind is fierce. it worries me at times. with Rock, i know he'll come across something sexually that is really enticing. the question is when. it breaks my heart to think of these things but i can't ignore it! praise God PJ is honest about what a man struggles with. PJ and Rock will have plenty of hard, honest, gracious conversations about what guys struggle with. this dad and son openness will be vital in helping Rock fight the temptation to lust. us girls will have similar hard conversations but honest. this accountability will be extremely helpful in preparing our kids and growing them when they fall.

knowing the culture of your home is vital. in other words, what could be lust triggers for someone in your household? internet, movies, music videos, instagram, blogs? we've never allowed barbies in our home because of their fully exposed bodies but a family member gave our girls princess barbies that were a little more modest, but this week Rock asked if his sister's barbies could be banned from our home. he said they were distracting. we agreed. it reminded me that our family fighting lust needs to be exactly that--we need to help each other fight sin and in this case, lust.

confession is so freeing. our church has been a blessing in having a community of grace and not performance. that must be the same in our homes. that means when we sin, we can't hide it because in order to be truly free from sin we need to run from it and ask others to help and keep us accountable. when this healthy habit is implemented, we can feel free to confess our sins, no matter how ugly, because we'll be accepted no matter what and forgiveness is open and free. another important aspect to confession-- for those listening to confession-- you shouldn't be shocked as if you or they didn't know what we are capable of. being in the ministry with pj, going on 10 years, we've seen it all. our hearts are burdened by the sin we and others commit, but it's so refreshing to let whomever we are counseling know there is hope in Christ Jesus! we must give that same hope to our children. they aren't perfect, they'll commit "shocking" sins but we must be ready to point them to the ONE that covers ALL our sins.

tied with confession is being keenly aware that hiding sin is detrimental in anyones life. lying is always a lose-lose situation. God kindly cautions us by saying, "be sure your sin will catch up with you."
we've made sure our kids understand that lying is a HUGE deal. when they've lied in the past they get double the discipline. why? we've wanted to teach them that lying or hiding sin leads to a more hurt and pain. i'm constantly reminding our kids to be a person of integrity, sometimes being that person is hard but far more rewarding in the eyes of the Lord. this teaching goes against the grain in our souls but God is patient with us and teaches us....the same has to be done with our children.


Also helpful,
porn proofing your home.
Getting ready to talk about sex, early.
this book for daughters has been helpful.
this book for sons...PJ is currently reading it.

Friday Smile

my grandma passed away two weeks ago...it hurts. the family is doing ok. my mom is well, just sad from time to time. it's interesting how death can really make you think. some choose to ignore it...but you can't. death is certain and what you do with your life gives it purpose. it reminds me of this poem by C.T Studd

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

this young woman's story is heartbreaking. i know many are applauding her but my heart aches for the reality that our culture is about death in an unhealthy way. this is not only about a woman dying, but about millions of babies that have died and will die. "we certainly come to understand is that when the sanctity of human life is compromised at one end-of-life spectrum in particular prenatal life, the unborn life, it inevitably becomes discounted at the other end as well." well put Albert Mohler (full article here)... if death becomes a thing you choose, who's to say it's wrong or right when someone wants to take a pill to end their life because they're depressed over a relationship ending? a bankruptcy? a job loss? things can begin to look messy here...

this amazing woman has wise words to depart to Brittany Maynard. she prays our prayer for Brittany too.

our friend wrote a sweet song called "last days," that deals with death. we can't wait till we can buy it on itunes! we're excited for their upcoming performance!

so happy for this guys success and how he's shinning for Jesus Christ! can't forget about our other guy who is a blessing to us! get his album! 

Friday Smile

recently pj and i have been really thinking of this. i'd like to do a blog post on ways we are preparing, not just for our boy, but our girls too. this article has been helpful too. "immodesty" is a word we taught our kids, and they use it often to describe improper attire. the kids constantly use it.

recent tragedies have to make us rethink things. i think suspending judgement until all the evidence is out, is most helpful, and wise. rethink with humility, truth and justice. this is an article to help digest one of the underlying issue.

i recently just got a runner's injury! I'm so sad. but i'm on the hunt for a new pair of rocking, running shoes! never even heard of these.

i had no idea there was an als ice bucket challenge! what a great way to raise awareness and funds. rock, my son, was challenged by his cousin, he took it on like a trooper. this one is a fail though.

beacause of our biblical convictions on stem cell research, an alternate way to donate to als, here, here and here.

i'm dying to try this place! my friend did their logo and other paper goods. i heart the letter "c" tier, so creative.

our blender broke last month and i was on the hunt for a new one. the vitamix crossed my mind several times but couldn't get over the price tag! i know, 7 year warranty. research brought me to this one and we purchased it! with a 4 year extended warranty. it works like a charm. pj calls it my new car ;)

why didn't i ever think of this. a friend posted this link on her fb, thankfully i saw it.

Hard Week BUT...

Last week was tough. PJ was gone for a conference. I was sick while watching the kids. And even when PJ returned, it still was tense.  I couldn't help just feeling overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with parenting. Overwhelmed with ministry. Overwhelmed with relationships. Just overwhelmed.

I felt thin but thank God for his mercy that strengthened my soul. It's funny how sickness can really be a spiritual purging. Comfort, physical comfort, can be quite a foe.

I'm thankful for these times. The hard times. I know it's hard to praise the Lord Jesus during the trials. Thankful for God breaking through and allowing me see Jesus. Without him, life would be unbearable!

My soul is now strengthened-- Realizing how small I am and how BIG God is is refreshing. Leave it to the importance of the historical resurrection story, to open my eyes.

We remind our kids that Easter is not about a bunny, candy or eggs. But it's about a real person, the Son of God, who took the place of our sin, died on the cross, and rose on the 3rd day. His rising (his resurrection) proved to the world-- it showed that his death was the only God accepted sacrifice that could take away sin. Only a sinless, God-Man, Jesus Christ, could bear all sin and the punishment of the world. No other sacrifice or good deeds could do such a thing. Only Jesus' death. So that is why Easter is such a big deal! As one of my favorite hymns sings:

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.

Legacy in Chi-Town

Forgotten memories in my camera! My camera's shutter jammed in Chicago :( Since it's out of warranty, I went back to my Best Buy technician roots and repaired it myself last night. Hopefully we can start taking pictures again around this house.

This July we were extremely blessed with a speaking engagement for PJ in Chicago at the Legacy Conference! The Legacy Conference coordinator, and friend, invited PJ to teach a workshop about The Glory of God and the Local Church. City and I went along for the ride. I was extremely blessed watching the "hip-hop" culture get invaded with: Christ exalting rap concerts, gospel preaching, and edifying workshops. My highlight was being able to have several dinners with just urban workers/missionaries throughout the States! I really felt at home and I didn't feel like a crazy lady for, moving to the city, raising my kids in urban Los Angeles, and living out the gospel here!

On the last day Sunday, we attended their church gathering in our friend's neighborhood (they're actually a network of house churches but gathered together after the conference). It felt homey again--in a "rough neighborhood," but people from all walks of life gathered to worship Christ The King.

Chicago is a beautiful place. This was my second time, and each time, I get treated with something terrific...This time, Frontera Grill and Yolk. Two great places to eat at, if you're ever in the area. Love. Love. Love. Craving them both now!

The 22 Rules Of This House

1. We obey God.
2. We love, honor and pray for one another.
3. We tell the truth.
4. We consider one another's interests ahead of our own.
5. We speak quietly and respectfully with one another.
6. We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.
7. When someone needs correction, we correct him in love.
8. When someone is sorry, we accept their apology. 
9. When someone asks for forgiveness, we forgive them. ***
10. When someone is sad, we comfort him.
11. When someone is happy, we rejoice with him.
12. When we have something nice to share, we share it.
13. When we have work to do, we do it without complaining.
14. We take good care of everything that God has given us.
15. We do not create unnecessary work for others.
16. When we open something, we close it.
17. When we take something out, we put it away.
18. When we turn something on, we turn it off.
19. When we make a mess, we clean it up.
20. When we do not know what to do, we ask.
21. When we go out, we act just as if we were in this house.
22. When we disobey or forget any of the 21 Rules of This House, we accept the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

My Lovely found this helpful list, which in a nutshell explains the way we try to conduct our home, by God's grace! Living as a family is not easy and requires communication and healthy boundaries, right?  A great list to have! We have it printed and in our kitchen. I'd like to write Bible verses to coincide with each boundary, as a reminder to myself, PJ and the kids, that God loves us and wants us to be happy in Him and it's clear through his Word.

It's originally from here by Gregg Harris (Joshua Harris' father). 

***Number 9 was added because we make a big emphasis on using biblical language when we sin against each other. Sorry's are for mistakes, and asking for forgiveness, is for sin.  

Seven. But As Long As I'm Living My Baby You'll Be...

Words can't describe any parents love for their children. It's really a reflection, in a small percentage, of the love our Heavenly Father has for his children. As I reflect on this little man's seven years and ponder his future, I can't help feeling happy, sad, excited, small, big, and ever other feeling...

Why happy? Because Rock has changed my life! He's made me want to be a better mom, wife, and most importantly follower of Christ.

Why sad? Because I can't slow down time. He's maturing and growing so quickly (as all kids do!) and I  sometimes want to freeze time.

Why excited? Because I can't wait to see what he'll become! I read John Piper say that we Christians should have children that will be good world changers for God's kingdom. That always encourages me as a parent of four and why it's beneficial to society--because we want to impact the world in a great way, and Rock is a great kid, that Lord willing, can be used to change the world!

Why small? Because I know I am sinful and have sinned against him and his siblings and by God's grace, majority of the time, I ask for forgiveness for failing God and failing him. Without God's kindness on me and him, I would not be a mom that fears God. That's beneficial to everyone because that means mommy and abba answer to someone, we don't, and can't, act like we have full authority (as if we can't ever be wrong) but we must remember we are sinners that can mess up and sin against our own children. Also, I feel small because Rock is not ultimately mine. I don't own him. God can take Rock any moment and sometimes that sobers me. He was loaned to PJ and myself for bringing him up in the admonition of the Lord...What an honor!

Why big? Because PJ and I am molding him to be a man of integrity. Not a small task. We have a big part to play in Rock's life and we can help mold him to be a world changer!

Our friend Heather gave Rock a book called "I Love You Forever" and I cried when I read it to him! (I think I cried a handful of times!). The mother in the book, sings a cute little song to her son...

I love you forever

I like you for always

As long as I'm living

My baby you'll be.

MLK Day!

School Time today was low key but still very informative and educational.  I talked about racism in America and the impact Martin Luther King had to a great cause. We listened to his I have a dream speech as we crafted up a poster of different color handprints to represent various ethnicities. 

I asked them why we were making different color hand prints and then they broke out into song "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red, yellow, black, and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world!" I was happy to see them tie God's love to all people and things of "politics" to real life moral issues= Christian worldview :)

Election 2012

As I was preparing to vote, the kids asked if they could. I explained the process and the legal age to. I read my friend's Ruby post, on her mock election, and I knew I had to jack her idea and do the same thing! It was a great teaching moment and we brushed up on Rock's Presidential memorization (all 44 of them!) from last year. 

The kids had so much fun and were excited to see PJ and I vote at the polls near our home (we walked in our mail in ballots). We let Rock stay up and talked to him about the outcome and what that means for us as a Nation. We talked about how to pray for our President and how he can, Lord willing, vote when he is 18years old. He was still a little upset he couldn't take his ballot into the polls so it can be counted :)

Dr. Albert Mohler had great insights (near the end of his podcast) on how to speak to our children in light of a Christian worldview. 

 

 

The kids made their very own "Rock the Vote" buttons. Whatever happened to that?

Denver's Dark Night...

I can't fathom why someone would want to do what a 24-year-old man did, on morning of July 20th. Everything in me sees him as a monster. What went wrong with this man? 

I'm glad God gripped my heart this morning, as I spoke to my son, Rock. He asked, "Why did he do it mom?" My first words that came to my mind was, sin. I explained that Holmes is a sinner who got gripped by his evil desires, just as James speaks of. 

It kills me to think of unsuspecting couples, going to watch a movie, (just like PJ and I did at the mid-night showing) and some bringing their family and friends along, (just like PJ and I almost brought Rock to go with us, but we decided not to). It makes me emotional.

There was an article about forgiveness that PJ shared with me a few years ago, that was so insightful. I'll have to update with the link.

The article basically shed light on our human condition when we don't forgive. The reason we don't forgive or "can't" forgive a person(s) when they wrong us, is because we perceive them, in that act, as not being human or see them as a monster, and then we elevate ourselves far above them. Interesting. There two things at work there: 1) We condemn them and 2) We make ourselves god-like.

I have unimaginable sin and if I had all my thoughts on a screen for my friends and family to see, they'd be disguised and horrified at what evil lurks in my heart. Holmes is terribly evil for what he did. At the same time, I know he is a sinner who needs a Savior to free him from his monsters, his evil thoughts, his evil desires. As families have to move forward and figure out ways to cope, I hope and pray they come to only place that answers the awful questions they feel and are asking...Calvary. The place where Christ died to save sinners like me and you. We all fall short of our own standards and most importantly God's. God is infinitely holy and demands our full allegiance, but because we have bought Satan's lie, that we are better off without God and we make better Kings, we are cast away from our Creator because of our treason. But...But...He sent someone, He sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our treason,  IF we would repent of our sinfulness/treason, and believe in Christ's perfect life, death and resurrection! There's still hope at the cross of Christ. At the cross, evil and injustice are paid for fully and God's kindness makes way for new life for those who truly love him. 

I love Albert Mohler insights here...

Encouraged at what Christian Bale did...

A dose of fresh air in the mist of chaos: a beautiful baby born, what a blessing!

The twelve victims: they had faces and stories...

Real heros...