Lips Anyone?

Lips Anyone? Both of my kids have some extra ones for you! Hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day!
Maybe this will brighten your Friday!

Gospel-Powered Parenting Part II

I finished Gospel-Powered Parenting, by William P. Farley last week. I have been thinking about how much this book has encouraged, convicted, and spurred me on in my relationship with God, my husband, and my children. The only justice I can do to the book is to give you some more quotes that impacted me.

"Those who fear God discipline their children, they teach them, they set a godly example for them, and they lavish love on them." (p. 103)

"The most important example that parents possess is their marriage." (p. 106)

"God created the most intimate human relationship, marriage, to speak of the intimacy of his relationship with his church." (p. 110)

"The message that our marriage preaches either repels or attracts our children." (p.111)

"So our attempts to live the gospel expose our failings, which in turn amplifies our humility, which in turn makes us attractive to our children. The gospel is the good news that our children do not need perfect examples. They need humble examples." (p.119)

"Temper tantrums, arguing, and failure to accept correction are the result of plain old-fashioned sin." (p.149)

He gives very practical advice on how to discipline with eight steps to use, which are very helpful. Farley gives examples of teaching opportunities and how to respond to your children with the gospel.

This book draws the gospel into our daily lives, which is what the Bible says we are to do. I am thankful for the book, but most of all, I am thankful for the gospel that continues to give me the grace to discipline, train, love, and shepherd my children's hearts. I will end with this quote that encompasses the whole book.

"Your children need to watch you continually shedding your guilt and fear at the cross." (p.219).

Thank you Jesus, for saving me and allowing me access to the cross through your sacrifice on the cross. Oh that Karis and Noah would see their need for YOU!

Snow Day

The last week of January brought snow, ice, and three full days of being home bound. It was fun to be together for so long and everyone enjoyed the snow, except Noah. He has some kind of phobia with his hands and doesn't like gloves. Here are some pictures of our three days of fun!

This is actually Sunday and Monday. It was strange to be home of a Sunday morning, especially with Justin. We had a fun time worshipping the Lord together and then sliding down the hill at the park down the road. On Monday, I went to the grocery store and Justin took the kids out for some snowman making. Noah was all about the snow on that day.

Saturday the snow was hard like ice and it was hard to play in. We did have fun sliding down our steep driveway though.

Karis 5th Birthday!

Karis started out her birthday with waffles and bacon and opening her first gift, Toy Story 2. We then did what she requested for the day: to stay home ALL day! I am not sure if that means that mommy goes out too much or if she is just her daddy made over, a homebody.

After watching her new movie, we played, ate lunch, played some more, napped, then ate dinner, all the while, I was making her cake. For dinner she requested: pork chops, mac and cheese, and broccoli. After dinner, we opened presents while my parents watched via skype and then had cake.

Karis was very excited about all her presents, especially about her Fancy Nancy doll. She plays with it everyday! It was a fun time with the family of enjoying each other. On Sunday, her actual birthday, we went to lunch with Edwin and Nancy, Karis' request. It was fun to chat with them. I think Karis was a little confused on Sunday because every time someone told her happy birthday, she said her birthday was yesterday. We opened presents and did cake on Saturday. I realized we have always opened her presents on her actual birthday!