Spring

My little grubby's playing outside. It's been perfect weather for sitting outside with the littler ones watching them play.

We only get one chance.

Life took a turn this past week, one that has left us shaken and with broken hearts.

Two things became very real once again to Chris and I this week. #1 Heaven and Hell are a true reality #2 our babies grow so fast we need to be joyful mothers of many children because it could be over in an instant!

On Saturday afternoon I received a phone call that nobody ever wants to get. My cousin his fiancé and her father were tragically killed in a car accident. They left behind a 7 year old daughter and 4 month old son.

http://www.theprovince.com/Chetwynd+family+devastated+highway+tragedy/1416957/story.html

As far as I know my cousin was not saved, I think that alone is the most painful reality of his death. Over the week being with family and talking about him over the past 29 years I couldn't help but think how short and precious our time mothering our children is. It could be over so fast. It's amazing how when real life comes knocking at your door how much you die to yourself again. My sweet children understand death and have walked that road with us in the past.

Sometimes we can get so caught up in the daily grind of mothering we forget to enjoy and savour our children's sweetness. Or even just running your fingers through there soft hair. Stopping what you think is so important and just being in the moment with them.

I'm sure my Aunt would love one more day to be with him, to go back and snuggle a little longer.

If you could remember us in prayer, death is always a difficult time. Being 38.5 weeks pregnant also makes for more difficult days. Sadly this is the second time I have had to walk such a painful road while due with a new baby.

Happy 10th Birthday Austin

Wowza 10 years old! Gosh 10 years went by fast. I just glanced at the clock and noticed that you would have just been born. What a birth that was. I was so young and so excited to become a mommy.

You are an amazing kid. Your heart just shines, your passion for the Lord is contagious. It amazes me how you hunger and thirst for His word. It brings conviction in my life!

At 10 you already have such Godly character, I love that I can trust you to make the right choices. God knew what he was doing when he made you my first born, you are such a awesome example to your younger siblings.

I am so privileged to love and care for you, and watch you grow into a young man. I have NO doubt that God has amazing plans for your life.

Happy Birthday Austin we love you so much!

Praying for our Children

That they will have a real born again experience and come to know God personally. (John 3:3)

That they will have soft, tender hearts to hear the voice of the Lord and that they will walk humbly before Him. ((Isaiah 57:15; 66:2; 1 Peter 5:5-6)

That they will love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. (Mark 12:50)

That God will pour out His Holy Spirit upon them. (Isaiah 44:3-4)

That they will love the Word of God, love to pray, and love to fellowship with the saints. (1 Peter 2:2; Psalm 55:17; Hebrews 10:25)

That they will love righteousness and hate evil. (Psalm 97:10; 101:3; Amos 5:15; John 17:15-16; Romans 12:9)

That they will hate lies and deception and seek after truth. (Psalm 51:6; 119:30; 163; Proverbs 12:22; 13:5; 19:9)

That they will stand up for truth and never compromise; that they will stand and keep on standing against all opposition. (Ephesians 6:13-14)

That they will hate the spirit of this world, but instead, bring God's love and salvation to the needy in this world. (John 17:18; Philippians 2:15; 1 John 2:15-17)

That they will understand true justice and have discernment regarding good and evil, the holy and the profane. (Leviticus 10:10; Isaiah 59:14-15; Jeremiah 15:19; Ezekiel 22:26)

That they will seek God with all their hearts. (Psalm 27:8; 105:4; 119:2; Proverbs 28:5; Zephaniah 2:3)

That their whole spirit, soul and body will be kept pure and blameless unto the coming of the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

That God will give them godly wives and husbands. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

That they will love and embrace children and establish godly homes. (Psalm 27 and 28: Malachi 2:15)

That God will keep them from accident, harm, sickness and danger, and all enemy attack. Psalm 91)

Getting Ready

With only a few weeks left, I am planning to do one major thing a day to get the house ready. Today was the oven, It's amazing how bad it is when you go to clean it yet you don't notice it everyday while cooking.
Tomorrow is the linen closet. I have so many old stained toddler bed sheets that never get used and just take up room so that will all be de-cluttered and tidy.

*Friday - 2 kitchen cupboards, de-cluttered, washed, and re-organized.
* Saturday - With Chris's help I need to move a few things around in our bedroom and bring up the change table.

That's all I can think of for now. Of course their are the daily chores of running after a toddler who loves to dump anything she gets her hands on.

Sunday

Rachael relaxing with Daddy on Sunday Afternoon.

The girls dresser that got re-painted and some new handles.

Baby Legs

One who truly loves considers how to bless the beloved rather than looking for how the beloved can bless them. Selfish human nature wants to receive before it gives, or it gives with a selfish view to what blessing it may receive in return. How corrupt our sinful nature is with selfishness, even in the hidden parts of our being.The Lord Jesus loves with no strings attached. He loves untainted by selfishness. He wholeheartedly wants the best for you, and He delights to bless you.Significant progress in your relationship with Him occurs when you become primarily concerned about blessing him. When your desire is ruled by a longing to know His heart, and what you can do for Him rather than what He can do for you, you then enter into a new dimension of relationship. Although it is not wrong to ask your gracious Lord for what you need, if you love Him, you will want to know His heart and how you can bless Him. In the Gospel accounts very few came to give to the Lord Jesus without asking for anything in return. These seemed to touch His heart in a special way. And you can also.