Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Baptism
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Mark 16:16
When I met Jeff 16 years ago, we were both unbelievers. I had the advantage of knowing Christ, and being raised in a Christian home. Not that Jeff's home was bad in any way, he had two loving parents, but they simply did not practice the attendance of church on a regular basis. Before we were married, I remember my father at one point telling me that I needed to be the spiritual head of the family. I knew Jeff was my one and only, and I was prepared to take on that role to marry him. Fast forward 8 years, and God blessed us with a beautiful baby girl. At that time, I felt God nudging me back to church, and wanting to recommit to Him in my life. At this point, my marriage could have went one of two ways. Jeff could have told me, I am not going to church, I never have, and I do not ever want to. Or he could decide to attend with me. And I think we know, he picked the latter. We found Grace Gathering with many young families, and a pastor who Jeff could relate with on a personal level. We also met a couple who graciously took Jeff and I through a Seeking God bible study. At that point, I still was not sure where Jeff's heart was on accepting Christ. He struggled with waiting for that "a-ha" moment ... and when it never came, he wondered why? Then one Sunday he decided he didn't need that "a-ha" moment, and simply told God that he was His, and ready to do His work. Next, the natural realm of Christianity is baptism. Nope. Didn't want to. Didn't want to go in front of everybody. Didn't feel like he needed to. Knew scripture didn't mandate baptism. For awhile, I bugged (nagged?) him. I should know by now, that this is NOT the way to get Jeff to do something! You think I would have learned that with the marriage proposal! So for some time, several people in our house church, as well as me, have been praying for Jeff to take this next step of obedience to God. This morning - Valentine's Day - while I was dressing for church, Jeff casually mentioned to me, "If it makes any difference in what you wear today, you are baptizing me." Tears of joy and happiness. So Carlie, Lucy and I got to baptize Jeff today in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I am no longer the spiritual head of this household. If somebody would have told me that I would love my husband more today than the day we married, I would have laughed. But I do.
When I met Jeff 16 years ago, we were both unbelievers. I had the advantage of knowing Christ, and being raised in a Christian home. Not that Jeff's home was bad in any way, he had two loving parents, but they simply did not practice the attendance of church on a regular basis. Before we were married, I remember my father at one point telling me that I needed to be the spiritual head of the family. I knew Jeff was my one and only, and I was prepared to take on that role to marry him. Fast forward 8 years, and God blessed us with a beautiful baby girl. At that time, I felt God nudging me back to church, and wanting to recommit to Him in my life. At this point, my marriage could have went one of two ways. Jeff could have told me, I am not going to church, I never have, and I do not ever want to. Or he could decide to attend with me. And I think we know, he picked the latter. We found Grace Gathering with many young families, and a pastor who Jeff could relate with on a personal level. We also met a couple who graciously took Jeff and I through a Seeking God bible study. At that point, I still was not sure where Jeff's heart was on accepting Christ. He struggled with waiting for that "a-ha" moment ... and when it never came, he wondered why? Then one Sunday he decided he didn't need that "a-ha" moment, and simply told God that he was His, and ready to do His work. Next, the natural realm of Christianity is baptism. Nope. Didn't want to. Didn't want to go in front of everybody. Didn't feel like he needed to. Knew scripture didn't mandate baptism. For awhile, I bugged (nagged?) him. I should know by now, that this is NOT the way to get Jeff to do something! You think I would have learned that with the marriage proposal! So for some time, several people in our house church, as well as me, have been praying for Jeff to take this next step of obedience to God. This morning - Valentine's Day - while I was dressing for church, Jeff casually mentioned to me, "If it makes any difference in what you wear today, you are baptizing me." Tears of joy and happiness. So Carlie, Lucy and I got to baptize Jeff today in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I am no longer the spiritual head of this household. If somebody would have told me that I would love my husband more today than the day we married, I would have laughed. But I do.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Chucky Cheese Birthday
Birthdays at Central are quite the thing. Parents don't just "do" - they seem to "over do." We attended a party at Chucky Cheeses on Friday, and Martha Stewart couldn't have planned it better herself. Each child has a crown of ribbons and hearts, each child received a hand made draw string bag filled with goodies...not to mention each sibling that attended also got a gift! Then each parent was sent home with a chocolate and white frosted cake hearts. All for a seven year old birthday party! It was so fun to attend, and even Lucy got to enjoy the fun. I love seeing Carlie interact with her classmates, their giggles are so contagious. With such a small class, it is easy to know each child personally and each parent as well. I enjoy and appreciate that about Central. Perhaps it will come back and "bite me" someday. But I rather remain blissfully ignorant at this point.
Copon for Carlie's Petacear or Manacear
Am I raising "high maintenance" girls? Perhaps. The girls were playing the other day, and I when I was cleaning up, I came across this "Copon" that Carlie's prepared. I love her effort for spelling and it made me smile. I look forward to the days of getting a coffee with my girls and having a "mani and pedi"!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Doing The Right Thing Is Hard
This week we had to teach Carlie that doing the right thing is hard. Hard as in crying. Hard as in butterflies in the stomach. Hard as in it is what God would want us to do. Ugh. Carlie took (asked for) a scrunchy from - all people - her teacher. She was so proud of this scrunchy, wore it around all night until Jeff finally noticed it. Once he confronted her with where she got this scrunchy, she informed him that Mrs. White "gave it to her." Upon further examination, it wasn't given without first being asked for. I know this isn't a major infraction in the life of a child, but Jeff and I both decided it was a time to teach a lesson in life. We explained to Carlie that you cannot simply "ask people" for things you want. It doesn't work that way. Do you go up to your friends and say, "I like her shirt, can I have it?" Where does that entitlement come from? If somebody first offers to give you something - different story altogether. Jeff and I came to the conclusion that she needed to give the scrunchy back to Mrs. White, and apologize for asking for if in the first place. Whew. Lots of tears and tummy aches that night. She laid upstairs and stewed for over an hour. My heart hurt for her! I struggled...was it really that big of a deal? But I knew I didn't want to raise a child who asks for things and expects to receive them!
The next morning we go into the classroom early. I was just as nervous as she was. Several times I almost told her, "let's just forget it." She was a brave little angel and apologized and immediately burst into tears hugging me. Well...I did my best to hold back the tears, but I definitely had some moist eyes. Even poor Mrs. White had moist eyes! I explained to Mrs. White the situation and that Carlie was not aware that she shouldn't ask for things that aren't hers. Mrs. White understood, but I think her heart hurt for Carlie as much as mine.
I am proud of Carlie. Doing the right thing is hard. Unfortunately, I know she has many more stomach aches ahead of her...and ahead for me as well. *sigh* Lord, I pray that I am alert when you send me those little lessons in my child's life. Help me to teach them Your way, and teach them that Your way isn't always the easy way, but it is THE way.
The next morning we go into the classroom early. I was just as nervous as she was. Several times I almost told her, "let's just forget it." She was a brave little angel and apologized and immediately burst into tears hugging me. Well...I did my best to hold back the tears, but I definitely had some moist eyes. Even poor Mrs. White had moist eyes! I explained to Mrs. White the situation and that Carlie was not aware that she shouldn't ask for things that aren't hers. Mrs. White understood, but I think her heart hurt for Carlie as much as mine.
I am proud of Carlie. Doing the right thing is hard. Unfortunately, I know she has many more stomach aches ahead of her...and ahead for me as well. *sigh* Lord, I pray that I am alert when you send me those little lessons in my child's life. Help me to teach them Your way, and teach them that Your way isn't always the easy way, but it is THE way.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Another Busy Weekend
We are off and running...again! Friday night we met Grandma and Grandpa for dinner at Applebee's. That was a treat for our Friday night. We normally come home from dance and spend Friday nights with a frozen Digiorno pizza.
Saturday we went to Carlie's Upward basketball game. In just two games, the girl is getting better! She still seems to really like it too (I know, I know...its only been two games..), but I love her enjoying herself so much. Directly after basketball started out trip down to Indy. As soon as we reached I69, and saw the long line of tail lights, we knew this trip wasn't going to be easy. What we thought was an accident, was actually two state troopers slowing down both lanes of traffic for an over sized semi. 40 mph. On I69. And when you have kids, what is the first thing they say once they get onto a highway? "I have to go to the bathroom...." So off the highway we jump, potty break and then we decided to take 3 down to beat the semi - it worked!! It only put us about 1/2 an hour behind schedule.
We picked up Lacey and Caden, and off to the Children's Museum. Lacey had the ultimate family package hook up, which turned out to be such a blessing. To say this place was busy - would have been a complete understatement. It was a mad house! We made it to the dinosaur exhibit and Barbie exhibit, met up with the Fancher's for a quick hello, and then we decided we'd try a trip another time. Lacey guaranteed us it wasn't always this busy. Oh my - it was BUSY! Although the girls enjoyed the Barbie exhibit... Caden, not so much.
Back to Lacey & Jerome's where a house full of people were waiting with food (of course, we are Ringger's aren't we?) All the kids played for hours and hours, while the adults laughed, played Wii..oh yeah, and there was a Colts game on too! We finally decided to hit the bed at around 11:30p..I can't remember the last time I almost saw midnight. I am getting old! Sunday morning came and the house was full of sickies. Caden who had been running a low temp on Saturday, woke up with a higher temp on Sunday. Carlie woke up with a temp. Caden was coughing, Ginger was coughing, Eli was coughing....ugh. I hope Lacey sanitized everything after we left. We made it to Exit 88 before I heard it. The cough. The one every parent knows...the cough that comes before the vomit. Good thing she didn't have much in her stomach, but Carlie ended up getting sick in the van on the way home. She is still running a temp, but I can't chance giving her Tylenol because she might get sick...ahhh...the vicious cycle. Well, looks like no work for me tomorrow. I so hope Stella and Millie stay well!! Sorry sisters!
Cousin shot! Obviously this was taken before we knew all the sickie virus lurking in their bodies.
I had to post the video of the night. The canoeing game on Wii Resorts was the hit of the party. I was the ultimate champion, I might add :) Well, I only had to win once, and then I simply refused to play anybody again. But as you can tell, we had everything into it!! I just laugh watching them, and Carlie cheering in the background!!
Saturday we went to Carlie's Upward basketball game. In just two games, the girl is getting better! She still seems to really like it too (I know, I know...its only been two games..), but I love her enjoying herself so much. Directly after basketball started out trip down to Indy. As soon as we reached I69, and saw the long line of tail lights, we knew this trip wasn't going to be easy. What we thought was an accident, was actually two state troopers slowing down both lanes of traffic for an over sized semi. 40 mph. On I69. And when you have kids, what is the first thing they say once they get onto a highway? "I have to go to the bathroom...." So off the highway we jump, potty break and then we decided to take 3 down to beat the semi - it worked!! It only put us about 1/2 an hour behind schedule.
We picked up Lacey and Caden, and off to the Children's Museum. Lacey had the ultimate family package hook up, which turned out to be such a blessing. To say this place was busy - would have been a complete understatement. It was a mad house! We made it to the dinosaur exhibit and Barbie exhibit, met up with the Fancher's for a quick hello, and then we decided we'd try a trip another time. Lacey guaranteed us it wasn't always this busy. Oh my - it was BUSY! Although the girls enjoyed the Barbie exhibit... Caden, not so much.
Back to Lacey & Jerome's where a house full of people were waiting with food (of course, we are Ringger's aren't we?) All the kids played for hours and hours, while the adults laughed, played Wii..oh yeah, and there was a Colts game on too! We finally decided to hit the bed at around 11:30p..I can't remember the last time I almost saw midnight. I am getting old! Sunday morning came and the house was full of sickies. Caden who had been running a low temp on Saturday, woke up with a higher temp on Sunday. Carlie woke up with a temp. Caden was coughing, Ginger was coughing, Eli was coughing....ugh. I hope Lacey sanitized everything after we left. We made it to Exit 88 before I heard it. The cough. The one every parent knows...the cough that comes before the vomit. Good thing she didn't have much in her stomach, but Carlie ended up getting sick in the van on the way home. She is still running a temp, but I can't chance giving her Tylenol because she might get sick...ahhh...the vicious cycle. Well, looks like no work for me tomorrow. I so hope Stella and Millie stay well!! Sorry sisters!
Cousin shot! Obviously this was taken before we knew all the sickie virus lurking in their bodies.
I had to post the video of the night. The canoeing game on Wii Resorts was the hit of the party. I was the ultimate champion, I might add :) Well, I only had to win once, and then I simply refused to play anybody again. But as you can tell, we had everything into it!! I just laugh watching them, and Carlie cheering in the background!!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
First Upward Basketball Game
New adventure for us - BASKETBALL! Jeff and I decided that we would like our girls to at least "try" all sports. At this age, you just never know where their talents and interests lay (although I have a pretty good idea...). Carlie had her first Upward Basketball game today. To say it was great to watch, funny and just downright comical is just a few ways I would describe 10 girls playing basketball. I am just happy that the referee's are not particular with traveling, fouling, stealing, and well, pretty much all other rules of basketball.
I also think that if Carlie does decide to pursue basketball in the future, that I need a much better camera. I took dozens of pictures this morning, only to a few turn out. Basketball is a fast sport, and my camera shutter speed did not keep up. This picture above is Carlie right after she made a basketball, looking at me (which she did every time she tried to shoot) and giving me a thumbs up. My heart swells with pride with this little blessing God has given to me. This short video will give you a "snapshot" of what we watched. Hopefully you can see Carlie attempting to rebound the basketball, only to get it stolen away from her (or perhaps you'd call it lost?) 1 game down, 7 to go.
hed
On a side note (but funny note, because I am her mom)...Carlie took a rebound right in the face. It was on the other side of the court, and I knew it got her right in the nose. She ran the whole court smiling and laughing, straight towards me. Right off the court (while the game was still going on) she ran into my arms and started weeping. She tried so hard to put up a brave front. "Need to keep those arms up," I told her. Really? Me? Giving basketball advice? I guess if she picks this sport, we'll learn, now won't we?
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