 |
I LOVE this picture. Celebration and one stellar Daddy in action.
This past spring Jeb decided to ask Jesus Christ to come into his life and then this past week he took the plunge to make the decision public. For a decently shy guy who does NOT like others looking at him he was super brave, and we were so proud of him. You can tell from some of the looks on his face that he was really nervous, but I gave him lots of opportunities to wait and never wavered on getting in that water! We were so thankful lots of family and friends could be there with us for this special time! Our church really knows how to throw a party and my kids were thrilled with the petting zoo. Baptism is indeed party-worthy! Also, if you ever thought spiritual warfare did not exist I am here to say –it does. There have been so many opportunities this past week in his life for spiritual growth and discussion that I am weary from battle this morning. I am so happy that he has chosen to embrace our faith as his own and I pray that he will never, ever walk away and choose something different than obedience to Christ and God’s word. I know that his life will be filled with blessing (not easy or always happy or perfect) and that he will have the abundant life God had planned for him from the start if he will follow God’s wisdom as he goes through life. Isaiah 33:6: He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. |
 |
| Caleb loves Mr. Jeremy. He really thinks Jeremy needs a son..and he wants to be that man! ha! |
Soccer! The boy is obsessed with soccer. When he is not playing a game, he is thinking about it or talking about it, OR we are playing the backyard or he is kicking around stuffed animals or anything he can in the house. Though he is MUCH smaller than many of the other kids on his team he is a scrappy little guy out on the field. He does not give up on getting that ball and with his agility really does a great job moving the ball down the field! After his games, he is so pumped up that it takes us a while to gear him down. J thinks it is really funny to watch because he never really got stoked about sports, but his Mama remembers well how revved up I used to be after a softball game or a tennis match! We have been able to go to two University soccer games this year and he really enjoys watching the college guys boot that ball. Not only does Jeb have fun, but the kids on his team are just precious. He has had the best coach and teammates the past couple years. I am so thankful! In another note, J and I had to coach the team one day while the coach was away and boy was that fun and stressful! I had no idea how exhausting that it was to remember where you’ve let who play, how long this one has been on the bench, encourage them like crazy, and not make any parents mad!
 |
| Caleb. Always happy. |
Yes, I have almost finished an entire book while waiting in carpool lines! I have been re-reading/reviewing The Five Love Languages of Children by Chapman and Campbell.
From Amazon: Does your child speak a different language? Sometimes they wager for your attention, and other times they ignore you completely. Sometimes they are filled with gratitude and affection, and other times they seem totally indifferent. Attitude. Behavior. Development. Everything depends on the love relationship between you and your child. When children feel loved, they do their best. But how can you make sure your child feels loved? …And your love language may be totally different from that of your child. While you are doing all you can to show your child love, he may be hearing it as something completely opposite. Discover your child's primary language and learn what you can do to effectively convey unconditional feelings of respect, affection, and commitment that will resonate in your child's emotions and behavior.
Well, I really thought that Jeb’s language was Quality Time (QT-like mine). However, I found quickly that after reading the chapter on Physical Touch (PT) that I really think it was more of that. He says that PT people love to wrestle/play sports with you, etc., b/c that involves physical contact and proximity…hummm…well, I started thinking about how he loves to get in my lap when he is upset, to snuggle more than Cay, etc., and so I started applying more of this (which does NOT come totally natural to me) and so I have really noticed that we are closer and that taking him in my arms can solve an attitude problem in no time!
Cay on the other hand was easy to nail. He is a Words of Affirmation kid! (WA). If you don’t give him some WA when he has done something great, he will ask for it! I also have a nephew who loves me to say words to confirm that he does the coolest tricks! They live for praise! He even when so far as to ask J and I what we tell our students about him!!!! I laughed my head off on that one! He has even said before, “why are you proud of me?” I have really had to work on not giving superficial “good jobs” but really looking for ways to specifically praise him for Godly character traits during his day. For one, this man loves to help/serve.
I am sure their languages may change over the years and I am sure they have more than one and I am sure that ALL kids really lavish with a bit of all of the love languages…still, I think it has benefitted our relationship to be aware of these. It does not matter how much YOU love your child, if they don’t FEEL loved and accepted, well, it is no good. Just hoping to bear some fruit with them and develop a healthy long-term relationship…I need you God!
John 15:4-5
The Message (MSG)
4"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
5-8"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
