Eyes to see...

God has been showing me the value and importance of my family as of late. Not that I was one to really take for granted this gift because believe you-me I don't. But...He has just been revealing to me the nature and purpose of family. My role as a mother and Casey's role as a father. The clarity the Bible really has for us to grow and disciple our children. We are just cowards-aren't we? We just really don't want to do it the hard way. We want to believe that if we do what everyone else is doing than God will just have mercy on us and deliver our children from the pit.
Sorry if that is too crazy but I just see us shrinking back from our unbelievable call to be people committed to the Word. Do I really have so many other things that are more important than making sure that my children and I are following hard after him? When it is all said and done am I gonna really give a crap if my kids are famous musicians or doctors or whether they are TRUE Christians? What is the Redeemer and Restorer really doing in me and my kids and am I paying attention?
I want to change the world for Christ...maybe I can raise up 3 or more people who will do a more amazing job than even I am doing at reaching the kingdom and saving people!
I must be ready to 'Teach them (the scriptures) to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.' Deut 11:19
That is quite the committment I must make...I am finding as I try. Oh... the diligence required.

The New Year

Here are some pics of the kids in their new clothes from Uncle Jordan. Love that guy... He always comes up with something interesting for Christmas.

I have read a few things about what the new year will bring for people and I am excited to see what the Lord will do. It seems that people are seeking His face in a true way this year. I have no idea what the Lord will bring our way honestly. I am looking to the future with high hopes and no expectations. I am not sure if that is right or not but I am doing that nonetheless. I have several areas of my life in which I am looking forward to see what God does.

First, my husband and his art. Casey is attempting to go full time with his art and we believe that God is calling him to this. That now is the time for that endevor. We have no idea what it really looks like except for that things, for which he is getting paid, keep coming in. Praise God. He is good and if he cares for the sparrow how much more will he care for me?

Second, my family. Mostly my extended family. My grandmother just past and it seems that will be a rough transition for us all. Not to mention that I have not had a great realtionship with my Dad and so we will see what happens this year...if anything. But for our house we are serving the Lord and looking forward to loving on people as they enter our home. We are grateful to be a family of five! Loving having three kids and blessed by them each in their own way.

Third, homeschooling. This is something I haven't really spoken to yet on this blog but I am getting more and more assurance from the Lord that we are right where he wants us! Wow. That is amazing to be where you know you should. I am confident in this. It is a struggle and sometimes I don't fight the battle to keep going on days it just isn't. But I am blessed by doing this. I get to see my daughter love to learn and I get to see her face as she gets something or doesn't get it. I love to teach and am so grateful that I have decided to teach my daughter and not someone else's. Even though I don't always love it or think it's 'fun' I am so very glad to be home with my kids. I really never thought I would be here but sometimes following the call isn't what you think it is going to be. I am looking forward to the continued growth of my children from being discipled at home by us and in my own faith as I stretch it each day to 'train up in the way they should go'.

A friend of mine gave me a word to really think about in the my life and that was 'enjoy'. I really think I shall try to enjoy all parts of my life this year. Whatever may come at such a time as this...

Desperate...

I am trying to post new pics of the kids and stuff but I am having technical difficulties. Until then you will have to put up with mostly my words alone. However, if anyone knows how I can get my Mac to recognize my camera and download the pics I would be grateful. Technology has never been my favorite although I know enough to get by pretty well.
I will say this though...I don't know how people feel about this blog but I have sure enjoyed having it. There is something really great about it. Anyway, I am going to leave you with a couple of old photographs but good ones and a thought.

Is it possible to get people to see the ways they have hurt you without hurting them?