The Pathway

I love the writings of Roy Lessin.  In fact, I have one of his quotes framed and hanging next to my bathroom sink.  I knew I was in for a treat when I received an e-card from Craig's Grandma, and saw that Roy Lessin was the author.  I was so impressed by it, I just had to share.  I hope it speaks to you.  Enjoy!

The Pathway

One day, a follower of the Lord knelt before his Father in heaven.  With a prayer on his lips, peace in his spirit, and faith in his heart, he gazed into his Father's eyes.  He noticed that the Lord's eyes were clear and brilliant and sharply focused.  The follower turned in the direction that the Lord's eyes were focused.  Looking out, he saw a pathway.

The pathway was only visible for a few hundred yards and faded from view behind a small hill.  The follower also noticed other pathways close by.  Each of the other pathways were only visible for a short distance as they turned either to the right or left.

It was at this time that the Lord spoke to the follower.

     "If you ever wonder where the pathway is taking you, simply look down and you will notice my footsteps ahead of you and behind you.  ~ As you walk, you will notice other pathways close to yours.  Some pathways may get your attention, and draw your interest and curiosity.  They are pathways that I have chosen for others. ~ You may be attracted to these other pathways because of the flowers that border them, the trees that shade them, or the direction in which they are heading.  What you don't see is the depth of the valleys and the steepness of the mountains through which these pathways wind. ~  Those whom I have called to travel these other pathways will have My grace for the journey.  It is My perfect plan for them. ~  I do not want you to waste your time imagining what it might be like traveling down someone else's pathway.  If you did travel one of them you would not have My grace upon you, and the valleys and hills would be a burden to you and create a weariness within you. ~ The time and energy I give you will always be enough for each day's travel, and you will find My resting places along the way.  Give yourself completely to the pathway upon which My eyes are focused.  As you do, continue to look upon My face, for My smile will be upon you.  And never forget that everything is significant and is working together for the good that I have planned for you. ~  I know where the pathway is taking you.  I have already traveled it, and believe Me when I say that you could never imagine the incredible things that await you."

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.  

Psalm 16:11 

Author:  Roy Lessin

Brothers By Blood

I'm still working on that baptism video.  I really wanted to share this sweet picture I took beforehand though.  It is so great to know that not only are they brothers by blood relation, but also, they are Brothers by the Blood of Jesus.  Awesome!

Jumping in Where We Are

It is upon us.  That nasty stomach bug.  Ugh!  I detest stomach bugs.  I have to say, I think I handle them much better than my parents ever dreamed I would.  Now that I have kids, it's just different.  We are 3 and 5 now.  That is, 3 of us have (or have had) it since Friday, and 2 of us have not.  Anyone care to guess who's on which team, and who is in the trenches now?  LoL!  At least we're over the halfway mark!

Rather than worry about all the many pictures I've never shared here, or try to play catch up....I thought maybe I'd just jump in where I am.  Obviously.  Did you read the first paragraph?  I did want to mention though, that Josh and Andrew did end up getting baptized on January 2.  I was able to take a video and one of my goals is to figure out how to condense it enough to be able to upload it online.  Any tutors out there?  It's my understanding you have to have a program to convert it somehow?  I'm clueless.

We are into our second semester of school.  I am finally getting my head back in a place where I believe we can accomplish this.  I am well aware that I don't post here often, and what I do share is usually the positive.  Of course, that is always more fun, and I also believe that positive things are what we should focus on.  There is a balance though.  I wouldn't want to be guilty of giving anyone the idea that I "have it all together, all the time," and in turn make them feel like something is wrong with them.  Cause let me tell ya!  I do NOT have it all together, ever.  Yes, I have moments that are better than others.  Don't we all?

So all of that to say....  I have struggled with homeschooling lately.  I'm just going to say it.  It ain't easy.

Maintaining routines
Minimizing distractions
Being creative
Feeling behind
Wanting it to be so much fuller and richer than it is...
Figuring out how each learns
Spending extra time on the subjects that aren't as fun, and don't come as easy.
Feeling totally overwhelmed on all fronts.

I could go on, and in great detail...but you get the point.

With all of that said though, I still believe it is what I'm supposed to be doing.  Perhaps not for the reasons I once thought.  Well, maybe it is for those reasons.  But it's more than that.  

Just as much as it is for them....  It's for me.

I believe God wants to stretch me, and grow me through this season of parenthood.  In what ways?

One of the biggest ways, I think, is in trusting God.  I believe He wants to show me that He is the One in control.  He is the One who will redeem my mistakes, daily.  He is the One who will speak to the hearts of these boys, and grow them into His men. 

I am humbled to be a part of the journey.

Happy New Year

We're still alive and kicking. We had a great Thanksgiving and Christmas season and are looking forward to the potential 2011 holds. Hopefully, that will involve more blogging, but I'm not making any promises. :)

This year we made a conscience effort to teach the boys what Christmas is really all about by having an Advent devotion most evenings in the month of December.

We took turns lighting Advent candles and Craig would read some Scripture, then we'd discuss a couple of questions. At the end, and sometimes before we began, we'd ask one of the big boys to pray for us. It was astounding to listen to their prayers mature. It was evident each time, that they had truly heard what we had said. By the time Christmas came, we were sure that they knew what it was all about. JESUS, the gift GOD gave to the world. Not, what we get in the form of presents under the tree.

This truly was the best Christmas ever with our boys. Of course they enjoyed many gifts, but the best one of all came when Andrew told us he had prayed to accept Jesus into his heart and that he wanted to be baptized. Josh had accepted Jesus almost a year ago to the day as Andrew, but had not been ready to make it public, until now. They both went forward after a recent worship service at our church and will be joining by baptism possibly as soon as tomorrow night.

I have quite a few pictures I'd like to share of random events.  This short post has taken me quite a while to finish, due to interruptions, so I think I will end here for tonight and save those for another time.

Happy 2011 to all our Family and Friends!