Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Sitting Up, Crawling and Learning to Share

My sweet Noah is moving way too fast for this mommy. As I have shared before, he is totally mobile now, crawling, sitting himself up, and going after whatever he sees. The word "no" has now become a word in his vocabulary. Not only is he mobile, he is now teaching his sister how to share her toys. Karis loves having Noah around, as long as he isn't messing up her toys or playing with them. She is having to learn that her toys are not hers, they are God's, which she tells me all the time except when Noah is trying to get them. I am enjoying seeing them interact. Karis really wants to teach Noah how to do things, she just wants him to leave her "creations" alone.
At six months old, aren't babies just supposed to be learning how to sit up? I am going to have to start baby proofing everything pretty soon, he is already crawling into the kitchen. I never really had to baby proof anything with Karis, she didn't get into things. I can't remember her opening cabinets or getting things in the bathroom, I think Noah is going to be my explorer!
What a blessing these two children are. I have learned so much from them, and God continues to show me His unending love as He gives me love, patience, and wisdom in raising these precious gifts from Him!
We are getting excited about our trip to Texas in just five more days!! I cannot wait to see everyone and let them meet Noah!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Recent Pics

Here are two recent pictures. Noah is sitting up pretty well, with help from the Boppy or a pillow behind him. Karis is having fun interacting with Noah now, she likes playing with anything he is playing with and reading him books! It is fun to watch them interact, especially when she tells Noah no for some reason. I have to constantly say, "is it kind to talk to your brother that way?" She usually says, "no, mommy, I'm sorry Noah."

Karis helping Noah sit up.

Noah decided that he would just sleep on Daddy while we were reading to Karis before bed. It must be nice to be able to sleep anywhere.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

JOY Part I

I have really been struggling the last few weeks in having joy in all situations and all during my day. I searched the Bible for verses with the word "joy" in them, and God pointed out some sins to me and encouraged me with His Word. Here are a few things I was reminded and learned about joy:
1. Joy comes from being in God's presence-
"in your presence there is fullness of joy" Ps. 16:11
"you make him glad with the joy of your presence" Ps. 21:6
2. Joy comes in the morning-
"but joy comes with the morning" Ps. 30:5
This really convicted me to get up earlier to have an unhurried time with the Lord before my children wake up. Lately, I have felt rushed in my time, and it causes me to already not be joyful because my time was interrupted. This also goes with point 1 because if I don't have an unhurried time with Him, than I am not resting in His presence.
3. God should be our "exceeding joy."
"to God of my exceeding joy" Ps. 43:4
4. Joy comes from praising God.
"Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous." Ps. 35:27
5. God's creation shows us joy.
"beautiful in elevation is the joy of the earth" Ps. 48:2
"you make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy." Ps. 65:8
"The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills girl themselves with joy" Ps. 65:12
6. God's Word should be the joy of my heart.
"Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart." Ps. 119:111

Wow, I was so reminded of how joyless I can be when things are not going the way I think they should be. Who am I question anything when even the creation sings for joy to the Lord! I am so much better than I deserve, thank you Lord for reminding me of my need to be in your presence all the time. I will not exude joy if I have not spent time with my Savior.