Spiritual Craziness

I haven't written a post about my spiritual life lately, because in all honesty, it's been very scattered. With the physical demands of a newborn, coupled with my toddler and preschooler, I don't seem to have much time to spend with God. Now I know what they say, "the busier you are, the more you need God." However, when I am physically and mentally exhausted--from nightly feedings, dealing with toddler tantrums, and directing a preschooler who is known to wine and argue with his mommy on occasion--it's really hard to find quiet moments to focus on God's word and pray.

All that said, I want to share a few things that God has given me in random moments spent with Him. I have come unglued many times and needed God to hold me together. These are the nuggests of truth I have clinged to in the last several weeks. I pray they encourage you as well.

1. Revelation 4:8

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
"Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."

2. "How can anyone be arrogant when he stands beside the cross?"
--Carl Henry, evangelical theologian, from the book Humility, True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney

3. "All of us have inflated views of ourselves, especially in self-righteousness, until we have visited a place called calvary. It is there, at the foot of the cross, that we shrink to our true size."
--John Stott, also from Humility, True Greatness

4. "Tension is who I think I should be, relaxation is being who I really am." --Unknown

5. John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Way to Go, Erick!

This is dedicated to my awesome husband, Erick. I don't talk about him much, but he is a big part of my life, and I know God is leading us down a very specific path, for His glory.

Recently, Erick has been working three part-time jobs to continue doing what he loves and what God has called him to do, which is minister to college students. Well, some things happened, God blessed him, his ministry grew, people took notice...and now he doing what he loves full-time and was able to quit one of the jobs. God has given him the perfect job to utilize his talents and abilities. And he is so very happy doing it. Erick loves to hang out with college students, and help them to see how God can work in their lives. It's amazing to see the impact he is having on students. I'm so proud of him for working so hard and allowing God to use him, despite the stress and fatigue.

Erick is also an amazing father...giving so much to our boys and to me. I really do appreciate all he does for us, for how he loves us and takes care of us. He truely makes us all laugh! He's amazing with the grill (his hamburgers are the best I've ever tasted). And he is incredibly smart in so many ways, from computers to cars to arranging flowers (yes I said flower arranging). But the best moments are when I see him teaching our boys...whether he is teaching Jaden how to kick a soccer ball, or teaching Ethan how to pray. I'm so grateful, for so many reasons, that God chose to put Erick in my life!

Thank you Lord, for our amazing Erick!

Daddy and Baby Colton

Riding the rails

Daddy with his boys (notice Colton's smiling face!)

Wrestling with Daddy!

Answered Prayer for Jaden

Today was a good day for many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons was because Jaden had a simple prayer answered. He had swimming lessons scheduled for today, and there was a looming threat of storms all day. Well this afternoon, we prayed...Jaden prayed for God to hold off the rain so he could go to swimming lessons. The thunder loomed and then the rain came and then it all ended. And Jaden got to have his swimming lessons!

And it reminded me, and taught my son, that God cares about the little things in our lives, as well as the big things...and we can take them ALL to God in prayer, and we can trust Him for his provision.

"Thank you, God, for ending the rain so my son could attend his swimming lessons."

Ethan's 2nd Birthday!

Yummy cupcakes!

Ethan's new wheels...

We celebrated Ethan's birthday a litte late this year, due to Colton's arrival. However, my mom and dad were here to help out, and it was a fun little party to celebrate my baby's second birthday. Mema and Grandpa got him his first new, shiny red tricyle. And mommy and daddy got him some fun new toys as well, which Jaden insisted on "helping" him learn how to use. However, I think Ethan's favorite part of the celebration was the cupcakes. We are so thankful for Ethan and his fun-loving, curious spirit that he brings to our family. He always keeps us moving, and smiling!

Sweet Little Colton...

Here are some sweet pics of Colton in his first days with us. In the days to come, I hope to catch up on some posts. It's taken me a long time to get my routine down since Colton joined our lives. I've had to take time to recover, both mentally and physically, as well as spiritually. I'm happy to say that I'm gaining a lot of ground and hope to post more soon.

So for now, enjoy these fun pics of our sweet baby boy! Isn't he cute??

Look at those sweet baby feet!