Wake Up America!

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:36

Today has been one of those days when I look around and I want to scream, “Wake up America!”  And then I feel frustrated, and overwhelmed because I know that it wouldn't matter. If I screamed the entire gospel of Jesus Christ, the majority of people would just call me crazy. Old fashioned because I still believe in holiness, close-minded because I believe every word of the bible, judgmental because I stand for what Jesus stands for and against what he stands against, insane because I believe in and put all of my trust in someone that I haven’t physically seen with my own two eyes.

And still even with this realization, here I go, “Wake up America!”  We’re not promised tomorrow. Tonight could be the last night you have to get your life right with your maker. We were put on this earth for a reason, not just to live a life pleasing to ourselves.  It’s not about “us” and until we realize that, we’ll never have a fulfilled life, or make heaven our eternal home.

End time prophecies are being fulfilled….our nation is in trouble. Babies are being murdered, sin is being promoted and praised, holiness is being mocked, television and Hollywood have become our idols. We go to church because it looks good. We talk about Jesus when it fits, but deny his power when it really matters. We care more about the cars we drive and the clothes we wear than the lost soul living down the road, or our own soul for that matter.  We get so excited about every new fad that comes our way that we’ll talk to a complete stranger about it, but we turn up our noses when those radical “Jesus lovers” want to talk about how excited they are about HIM. We put so much time and effort into making our flesh look good, but we just don’t have time to read our bibles or pray?  We spend money we don’t have to impress people who are also most likely spending money they don’t have, so that we can spend our lives working to pay it all off.  And the whole time our children are witnessing it all, learning it, sure to grow up and repeat it, because that’s what they know.  Another generation further away from the peace, joy and freedom that Christ brings.

And to think just some two hundred years ago this great nation was founded on Christian values and principles….. It’s time to wake up. “For he said, I have heard you in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored you: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”  2 Corinthians 6:2

Reflecting on a Decade

I’ll never forget the feelings of nervousness and disbelief I felt on May 1st 2003. I had given birth to our first son just two days before on April 29th. And now, our nurse was giving us discharge instructions and preparing to send us home. Her instrucions included care for me, follow up appointments, umbilical care, and several other things that would be helpful over the next couple of weeks, but then what? What about the next five, ten, fifteen years? When she cut our hospital bracelets off and sent us on our way, I remember thinking, and even saying to Jeremy, “They’re just going to let us go? Shouldn’t we get a how-to manual or something?” After all, I’d received more information and pamphlets with our new camera, than I did with this precious human life entrusted to us forever.


Owen Griffin at 4 days old.

That day must have been when my worry wart ways and over protectiveness kicked in as I sat in the backseat of our car with Owen, watching his every breath as he slept, and repeating over and over to Jeremy, “Can you believe he’s ours?”
After five days of being settled at home, I can remember so clearly looking at Owen, and feeling an overwhelming amount of sadness in realizing he was already a week old. Then it dawned on me that as quickly as a week had passed, so would a month and a year, and then five years and ten.

And it did…. last month Owen turned ten. Over the past decade, there have been many times I wish I had that how-to manual. I’m sure it would be tattered and torn by now. With highlighter in many sections including how to calm an infant who hates being strapped in a carseat. He would scream the entire car ride. The corners would be turned down on the pages explaining how to get your six month old nursing baby to take a bottle.  I never did figure that one out.

Owen's 10th Birthday

This morning Owen woke up and headed outside to let the chickens out of their coop like he does so willingly every morning. Then he came inside and asked if he could make his brother and sister chocolate chip muffins all by himself. I watched him pour the batter and the milk. Then I watched him help his little sister put foil liners in the muffin tin. When the muffins were ready, the kids sat down to eat, Owen reminded Ava that it was her turn to ask the blessing over the food, and I lost it. Yes, it hit me just like that. Even without a manual, that little newborn has grown into such an independent, caring, and helpful little guy. I stood there in tears thanking God for blessing us with Owen, and praying blessings over his next ten years…
Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  Psalm 127:3

Love Conquers All

I have to admit, these last few weeks I’ve felt discouraged, saddened, and frustrated. It seems like every time I turn around I hear about another couple separating or getting divorced. When I hear something like this, my heart literally aches. My mind wonders if anyone takes their marriage vows seriously anymore. Do couples realize what they’re actually saying when the words, “For better or for worse” come across their lips? Or is it just part of the script, words repeated out of tradition, with no real meaning behind them?

Twelve years ago, I said those words. I don’t think at the time I realized the magnitude of what I was saying. I just knew that I was in love, and naively thought that I would have a near perfect marriage, because God had given me what I felt was a near perfect man. A Christian man who loved me unconditionally. I was nineteen on our wedding day, and looking back, I realize just how immature I was concerning marriage. Are you ready for this? When I would hear someone say, “Marriage isn’t easy, it takes work.” I honestly remember thinking, “Not our marriage. We don’t have to work at it, because we love each other so much.”

Thankfully, I’ve come to realize just what those people meant by “working at a marriage.” I’ve learned so much over the last twelve years. I’ve learned the importance of realizing and admitting when I’m wrong, and the importance of letting the little things go. I’ve learned that God gives me strength when my husband is weak, and vice versa, and the importance of lifting each other up in these times. I’ve realized that for a marriage to work and be all that it’s meant to be, it has to be rooted in Christ. Most importantly, I’ve realized that on July 15, 2000, I didn’t just get a new last name, and permission to live with my best friend. I made a promise before God. I became one with this man who I pledged to love unconditionally. I promised to stand by his side no matter what may come our way. It hasn’t always been easy, but the payoff of sticking it out and working through the tough times far outweighs the tough times themselves.

When we experience a trial or hard time in other areas of our lives; we acknowledge that in the end it will make us a stronger person. We take comfort in knowing that if we’ll just endure and have faith we’ll come out stronger on the other side. But when our marriage comes up against a hard time, we’re so quick to give up, or take the so called “easy way out”. Does God not call us to love others as Christ loves us? (John 13:34) He loved us so much that he suffered and died in an agonizing and humiliating way. This scripture speaks volumes to just how much we are to love others, especially our spouses! It’s easy to place blame on our spouse, and feel that we don’t deserve whatever it is we’re going through. But you see it’s not about what we deserve or don’t deserve. It’s not about who’s right and who’s wrong. It’s not about keeping score, or who has been worse. It’s about honoring our vows. It’s about loving our spouse when they’re unlovable. Why? Because we made a vow we would. It’s about making a decision to show love even when we don’t “feel” like it. Love is a choice.

The bible tells us that through marriage,a husband and wife become one flesh. (Mark 10:8) This isn’t just a physical thing made evident by a marriage license. It’s a spiritual joining by God, and no attorney or bill of divorcement can undo that. Today, couples give up on their marriages too soon. They don’t make every effort to save it. I know that God can restore even the most hopeless and broken marriages.

My hope and prayer is that someone considering divorce will read this blog, and have a change of heart. I pray they’ll realize that there is absolutely no truth to divorce being the easy way out. I hope they’ll seek God and give him complete and total control over their heart, spouse, and marriage. I hope they’ll learn to love their spouse unconditionally, and that their marriage comes out on the other side stronger and better than ever!

Happy Birthday Ava!

      



Pure sweetness....four days old.



Today my sweet Ava turns four!  I'll never forget the first time I saw her...and the pure joy I felt. She was just as beautiful as her two big brothers, and this time I got to take advantage of all that hair!  I remember our first few weeks home I kept referring to her as "bud" or "bubby", because I was just so use to talking to my boys. It took me a while, but I finally replaced it with "sweetie" or "princess".

Ava at her 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
birthday party.

      

I'm in awe at her imagination, wit, and independence.  She loves to dance, sing, draw, and help me bake, but is always willing to play ninja turtles or tag with her brothers. She's eager to pray when prayer is needed, and is constantly making up sweet little songs about Jesus. She can aggravate her brothers to no end, but still has them both wrapped around her little finger. She loves to sleep in, but refuses naps. She can be stubborn, especially when she's tired. She insist on helping Jeremy and me with whatever we're doing, rather it's mopping the floor or changing a flat tire. She's a quick learner, and very determined.  She can be in a room for five minutes and it looks like a tornado's hit. She's by far, messier than her two brothers combined.  Her favorite color is pink, but she's not afraid of bugs or dirt! She's our one-of-a-kind sweet girl, and I'm so excited to make today extra special for her. I love you Ava Grace, Happy Birthday!



                                                                      

My Heart's Desire

Let's forget about ourselves, magnify the Lord and worship him. Let's forget about ourselves, magnify the Lord and worship him. Let's forget about ourselves magnify the Lord and worship Christ the King. Worship him, Jesus Christ the Lord.

I remember singing this song as a little girl.... This morning I woke up with it on my heart. It was no surprise, since this is exactly what the Lord has been dealing with me about over the past two weeks. I can't help but wonder how many Christians, including myself, are so busy with everyday life, work, school, running the kids here and there, overplanning, watching television, checking facebook, and trying to please everyone around them, that before they know it, they haven't taken any time out of their day to worship him.

I can feel God working on me in such a huge way, and it's exciting! Things I once ignored or made excuses for, I'm fully embracing. I'm finally learning to give up things that I used to hold onto like a child clenching his favorite toy. It's just not worth it. We've all heard the saying, "Actions speak louder than words." We can take our children to church, teach them to pray, and tell them bible stories. We can even voice that Jesus is the most important thing in life. But if they don't see evidence of this, then what are we really teaching them? We're sending a mixed message, and raising a generation that will never know the grace, peace, joy and love that a relationship with Jesus offers.

I want my children to see their parents pray, worship, help the sick, poor and lost. I want them to see us put Jesus first, others second, and ourselves last. I want them to know that religion is not the same thing as having a heart to heart relationship with Jesus, and most importantly I want them to truly understand that this life is but a vapor, and before we know it every materialistic thing we've worked towards on this earth will be gone, and we'll be left facing our maker and eternity. 

Selfish People

There's only one word to express how I felt tonight as I drove home from a get-together with some old church friends......Frustrated! Not what you were expecting? Me either.  My frustration stemmed from two particular people there. They were being selfish, needy, clingy, and were both terrible about interrupting me every time I would try to have a conversation with someone! The worst part..... when I left things didn't get any better, because those two people were in the back seat of my van the whole way home! Yep, you guessed it, those two people were my youngest two children.

I had been looking forward to tonight for several weeks. Getting to talk to people who I had gone to church with as a little girl, getting to listen to them sing gospel music and just enjoy every one's company. But instead, I was poked at every few minutes, "Mommy, come play shadow tag with me" "Mommy, I want another hot dog." Mommy, hold this for me", "Mommy, I need to go pee." You get the picture. I'm sure my patience was running thin quicker than usual because I was tired, and Jeremy wasn't there to ease the burden of two of them coming at me at once.

After about two hours, I finally decided it was time to leave.  I loaded them up in the van only to realize that Jameson had left one of his drawings inside. I went back to get it, but couldn't find it.  I knew, of course, this would mean whining on the way home. Sadly, I was right.

My thoughts on the way home...."Why did I even bother going?" "Surely, no one else's kids are THIS clingy and whiny." "Why again, do I home school, and subject myself to being with my children 24/7?"
The kids grew quiet in the backseat, and I could tell they were drifting off. I knew I was in desperate need of some Jesus time, and I just began to pray and cry, and pray some more.

And then, like it always does, it hit me. It was me, not my kids. I was the one being selfish. I wanted to have my time to talk and catch up without interruption. My kids saw hot dogs and smores, and a fire, and of course wanted some. They only knew a few people there, and so of course they would cling to me, I'm their safe place. Looking back on the night, they really weren't that demanding, at least not for a 3 and 6 year old. I started to reflect on the night. It was good to see everyone, some that I hadn't seen in more than 10 years. I got to talk to a sweet young mom and hold her precious baby boy. Her husband is in Afghanistan right now serving our country. She shared with me what it is like having to live so far away from the one you love. I started to pray for her and her little family. It wasn't long before the frustration was gone and replaced with thankfulness.

I pulled into our driveway, and got the kids inside to get them ready for bed. Jameson asked if I would help him brush his teeth, because he was just too tired. I said sure, and he replied, "Mom, I'm so lucky I have you for a Mom." If only he knew.... I'm the lucky one:)

The Ups and Downs of Homeschooling

This week is spring break for our family, which means I finally get some time to update everyone on our homeschooling adventure. Things have been busy to say the least!
The first two weeks of our journey were absolutely blissful. Everything went according to plan. I was organized, ahead of schedule, full of excitement and creative ideas. I was even able to keep my house "mostly" clean, while homeschooling, working one day a week, and caring for Jameson after his surgery.
Somewhere during our third week, things changed. They got hard. Nothing I couldn't handle, but we definitely weren't in that blissful place anymore. I was falling behind on my charting at work, and didn't have time to even think about my Thirty-one business! I felt overwhelmed, and began to lose patience with Owen during school. Heck, who am I kidding! I began to lose patience with all three of my kids, and my husband most of the time. I had so many "irons in the fire" as they say, and felt like each area of my life was getting just enough of my time that it didn't completely fall apart.
There were still good days when I felt like I had it all together, but then just like that, I'd be back to being behind and overwhelmed. I knew something had to change, and deep down, I knew that something was me!
I was putting so much time and effort into things that just really didn't matter, that it was leaving me exhausted and unable to put 100% into the things that did. The first thing I did was cut down on the number of visits I did for the health department each week. I had started out with six families which made for a really long work day. I gave up three, cutting my work day and my stress in half.
Next, I finally stopped stressing about keeping a clean and organized house! Yep, we've been living in filthy chaos the past two months. (Okay, not really, but compared to before.......you know what I mean)
Finally, I've had to learn how to "go with the flow" so to speak. This has been the hardest change to make, but also the most rewarding. I was getting so caught up in getting through my lesson plans, that I was forgetting about all of the reasons I was excited about homeschooling in the first place! If Owen is on a roll in science, I won't stop him, just because my schedule says it's time to start math. If this means we dedicate half a day to learning about the solar system or sharks, then that's just what we'll do.
At first we were doing spelling four days a week, and then having a test Friday morning before I went to work. Why? Because that's what the lesson plan said, of course! Never mind the fact that Owen has always been a great speller. He can see a word one time, and never forget how to spell it, and yet I was spending 20 minutes a day going over words that he knew the first day! Talk about wasting time. Now we do our spelling three mornings a week in the van while I'm taking Jameson to preschool.
I have to say my favorite part of homeschooling is being able to teach from a christian-based curriculum. We've spent weeks learning about all the aspects of physical health in health class. Last week we finished up our last chapter, which was all about spiritual health. The curriculum enforced what Jeremy and I had already been teaching the kids. We must pray and read the word everyday to grow spiritually, and that this directly impacts our mental and physical health. I love the fact that everything he is being taught, has scripture and Godly principles placed throughout it!
I'm still working on getting out of the "traditional school" mindset, and replacing it with what works for Owen, and our family. And I'm finding that the more I can do that, the more Owen learns, and the happier we both are in the process!