Can't we all just get along!?

4 kids - all different

Logical, independent, loyal, confident, social, competitive, sarcastic (teen)

Quirky, funny, impulsive, mature, talented, worried

Fierce, rowdy, bossy, clever, talkative

Easy-going, happy, affectionate, sneaky 

I love them individually! Raising them to value and except their differences. It's not easy, sometimes we all mix like oil and vinegar / fire and gasoline. This is what life is, learning to accept each others difference and work together... or not. If we don't fire ignites, and we feel the sting. Locked under the same room we fight, laugh, and make up daily. Praying for tomorrow to bring more perceiving, empathy, and acceptance!

I could dream for a 1000 years

I took a monkey to the zoo!

What a fun day volunteering at Sam's field trip to the zoo! I love seeing Sam around kids his own age, he is hilarious! Yes, very loud and at times immature, but also years above in intellect! It's also nice to witness how courteous and respectful he is to both adults and peers. Yes, I am a bit bias. However, even if he was not my child I would surely pick him to be in my group.  ;)
 
LOVE THIS GUY!!

Onward Christian Soldiers!

Confirmation Day 

What you believe in & why - 

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Also the words I speak in the Apostle and Nicene creeds. 

Why do I believe this? Because it was placed in my heart by the holy spirit as a baby. At that time I was claimed by Jesus as his own, and have felt it ever since. To have faith is to believe in something that you can see, hear or touch. "Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are things we can't see.." - Polar Express (favorite childhood movie). But God HAS touched my life, I have heard, seen, and felt His presence in my life. Once someone gives his heart to Jesus they can then see, hear and feel Him as well. 

Confirmation verse - 

Isaiah 41:10  - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I chose the verse because it will remind me that I have nothing to fear, God will always be there to lift me up. Just like in soccer when you are scrimmaging, it's smart to choose the best players first. God is my first choice, I want Him on my team in life. His mighty hand will lift me up and carry me through all obstacles I will face. 

A person in your life that has helped you (guided you) though faith - 

There are many people who I look up to in my faith. Pastor Eric, my youth leaders and friends at church, but my family is who I look up to the most. I sometimes hear my mom and dad read their daily devotional, pray before meals teaching my younger siblings how to pray as well. We always have talks in the car about what's going on in everyone's life, and God is always in those conversations. Whether it's trouble I'm having, or advice on how I can help a friend, they always talk through it with me and are always there for me. My mom and dad have taught through example and have shared with me how God's influence has pulled them through their tough times. 

A time when you felt close to God or a time when you had a prayer answered-

I've always felt closest to Jesus when I'm going through hard times and feel I have no one else I can or want to talk to. Last year was a very difficult time in my life when I wasn't sure what path my life was going to take. Having no control, I turned to God. He gave me comfort that everything would work out. Like in my confirmation verse I had to not fear because God was on our side. In the end he proved that He was there all along, and turned a bad situation into good. I am now in an even better place than I was before, proving to me God will always be by my side to get me in a better place even when I have no control. 

Life before Jesus.

What led you to be confirmed?

Now that you have Jesus - 

I've never known a life with out Jesus, however reading and learning about the bible has brought me closer to Him. I now know him on a deeper level, understanding that he is there in everything I do. Every Wednesday at confirmation class I learned more about Jesus, and what I am called to do. To be confirmed to me does not mean that I am done learning and growing, but instead confirms that I will be doing that for the rest of my life. Also being confirmed means I will now be a member of this church and the church all around the world. Being a member means I now have the responsibility to help our church grow and reach out to others who still need to be saved. Now that Jesus is in my life I never want to know a life without him, and I want as many others to know a life with him too.

How will you (or can you) share you faith with others-

I am now more confident that I will be able to share my faith with other people. I know that being a Christian means to live my life as an example of what it means to have God in my life. I feel one way I can help others is by being a good friend and listening, always looking for ways to show and share what God has done for me and what He can do for others. 

How can you serve others and/or serve the church-

I can be on the lookout for those in need, or a job that needs to be done. And when I see a need look inside myself at the gifts God has given me to see if I can help. I am great at math, maybe I can be the next church treasure #LOL. I'm a great soccer player, maybe I can start a team or referee. I'm really good at making friends, maybe I can be a friend to someone at school who doesn't have any. I can also use my time to feed the poor. 

Example of God's creation that has meaning to you. Why? -

God created me! He is the only one that knows me inside and out. My needs and wants, my past and future, my sin, and my heart. Even as I still grow and learn about myself, He knows me from before my birth to our life together in heaven.

Happy 7th Birthday Samuel!

All he wanted for his birthday was a tuxedo, silly Sam (picture of him in tux to follow). Every day his pint-sized brain grows smarter. Watch out this kid can either shoot you with his fast draw, make you his minion, talk your ear off, or kill you with kindness! He keeps me on my toes and makes me smile every day. I love you, Sam!