Growing and on the Move

Gavin is on the move. He has been doing an army crawl for about two months. Now, he has graduated to a full "normal" crawl. He is pulling up and trying to keep up with his brother.

While I was posting this blog I received a phone call from my very best friend, Chanda. Her dad has been diagnosed with cancer. It is in his lung, spleen, and in the pelvic region. Chanda and I grew up at each other's houses. We went on vacations together and for all practical purposes her home was my second home. My heart is broken for their family right now. For me, this situation is close to my heart as I lost my dad almost 2 years ago. Please pray for their family. I was all prepared to do an update on my own, but I just couldn't find the words in light of the news. I must say at this present moment my family is blessed to be healthy. Every day that we wake up in health is a day of blessing. Today I am reminded of this truth even more.

Reflections

This semester I am taking a precepts class by Kay Author. It is an intensive study of some of the old testament. We have studied 2 Kings, Obadiah, and Joel. I have attempted to study parts of the old testament before and would end up feeling ignorant and discouraged. This experience began the same way, but is ending up completely different. God has opened my eyes to see his word and the old testament in a new way.

1 Peter 4:17 says "For it is time for judgement to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?" All through the old testament we see examples of God's people turning from the Lord. God, being the merciful God that he is, gives his people chance after chance to repent. When his people continue to ignore God he eventually pours out judgement or curses on them. Are we so different today? Are we spared judgement? No, 1 Peter 4:7 makes that clear. It is a matter of time. If we continue in disobedience towards God we will experience his judgement. I have wondered many times before taking this study how the old testament relates to me today. I have found it to be completely relevant. I am learning to have a new respect and fear of the Lord. As for myself, I have been thinking of God's blessings in my life and about his judgement. The Lord, ever so clearly, reminded me today that he is a holy God and his word says in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 "For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life." In my own life there are things that grieve the heart of the Lord that are just everyday events for me. Sometimes it is the things I may laugh at, the tv shows I watch(which I so fondly dubbed "guilty pleasures"), my shopping addiction, or my lack of patience with my 2 year old. You get my drift. It is so easy to look at the world around us and to think I'm doing okay. Revelation 3: 15-16 says" I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." The Lord desires more than us being "okay" or the status quo. He desires us to be holy. To live lives that that honor Christ and point people to him.

Gavin is growing so fast. He will be 9 months on Monday. I think I am getting really sentimental with the kids. Gavin pulled up for the first time this week in his crib then he did it again at our friends house last night. He has been doing an army crawl for about 2 months and yesterday he crawled traditionally for the first time. Lots of first in our house lately. We took Miles for his first go kart ride and he loved it. We are working to spend more time doing kid friendly activities on Gerald's day off. We have been having a lot of fun together. One great thing about living in Fort Myers is all the things they have around here to do with the kids. Every weekend we are seeking out new places to go. We are trying to take advantage of the "kids getting in for free under 3" because Miles will 3 in 2 months. I have to admit I am liking living here more and more. Most of you know it has been a bit of a struggle for me, but over the past few months I have made more connections with people here. It has truly been a blessing!

Shell Factory

We spent the day with our friends George and Jody at Shell Factory. Miles enjoyed the petting zoo, playground, and lunch out. You will see below the picture where he is covering his ears. The birds were a little loud and scary. Miles loved riding the camel!