11/29/07
This week, I read an encouraging devotional in Morning and Evening, by C. H. Spurgeon.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Ecclesiastes 9:10
"Don't wait for large opportunities, or for a different kind of work, but do just the things we "find to do" day by day. But where is the might of Christians? It is not in ourselves, for we are perfect weakness. Our might lies in the Lord of Hosts. Then let's seek His help; let's proceed with prayer and faith, and when we have done what our "hand finds to do," let's wait upon the Lord for His blessing. What we do in this manner will be well done, and will not fail in its effect."
The Lord gave me a renewed vision for what He values. The work before me is caring for my husband, daughter and home. It is ironing clothes for Stephen to wear to work, bathing our little girl and preparing dinners. I am not to wait for large opportunities to serve or different work, but to do what God has ordained for me today.
I need the Lord's strength. Some days I am bored of monotony. Others, I am experiencing His joy at home. The words of Spurgeon reminded me that I need the Lord at all times, whether I realize it or not, to help me work heartily. I want to wholeheartedly serve Him at home, in serving my family. I so desire His blessing on our family.
11/27/07
As of this past week, Charis has met each of her living great-grandparents. One cannot help but see the deep love they all share for her. Charis was tired when we celebrated Thanksgiving at the Altrogge's, but whenever Nonnie said good-bye to her, Charis could not help but grin from ear to ear. My grandparents met her for the first time on Thanksgiving and could not help but well-up in tears as they parted with her. She brings joy to all who are close to her and is the recipient of abundant love from them.
Mark let the guys out early from work on Wednesday, and this is how our family spent the free time. In this video, Stephen is dancing with his little girl to the Klazz Brothers. They do classical songs with a Cuban twist. This is all cute and funny now, but someday I fear Charis will be embarassed of this video. Please excuse the quality, as it was taken with my camera. Thanks, Mark, for letting my hubby come home for some quality time with the fam. We enjoyed every minute of it.
11/24/07
The Altrogge's have returned from their vacation from the blogworld. Unfortunately, Stephen got a cold. Following that was Charis' cold, and mine as well. Illness can never strike just one family member. All must be miserable together:) We are on the mend though, slowly but surely. While she was sick, poor Charis also had to get her first shots (notice the neon bandages on her legs). We are grateful to God that we were all well enough to spend Thanksgiving with our families.
11/16/07
The hardest part about honoring my mom, is summing up how her pursuit of the Lord and friendship have influenced me, in one post.
As I am now a wife and mother, I can see with new eyes, how my mom pursues the Lord with all that is within her. Anyone who knows her, knows she possess the fruit of the Spirit, joy. The joy that pervades all that she does, speaks so loudly of the Gospel. She has cared for our family in the mundane, the trying times and the joys. Joy amidst trouble is surely from the Lord. She is always game for a good laugh, too. Proverbs 14:1 says, “A wise woman builds her house.” The ways that she has continually considered our family above her own interests, portrays wisdom that is pleasing to the Lord. What a blessing it is to observe her godly character as a wife and mother, and to some day, by God’s grace, cultivate the same.
I glean much wisdom from the hours she spends in conversation with me. The time of night (or morning) never hindered her from listening to my concerns. She knows me best. She know my strengths and weaknesses. I am best served by her hard questions, honest observations, encouragement, and bountiful grace and compassion. Even now that I do not live at home with her, I cherish the time we have together.
I love you, mom
Happy Birthday
11/15/07
Every girl has got to have that little black dress, right? Wrong. Charis has an issue with dresses. It could be that they are not warm fleece like all her sleepers, that for some reason she has to wear uncomfortable, patent leather shoes with them (serving no practical purpose) or that her bare legs are exposed to the cool, winter weather. The first picture I snapped in the split second she was smiling, and as you can see from the second, it was all downhill from there. We'll try again next Sunday. 11/13/07
Today is a big day in our family. RJ is turning the big 1-8!
RJ, I'm happy to call you brother-in-law, even if you just use me to obtain Mt. Dew.
Go Lebron! My fingers are crossed in hopes that you will get to meet him face to face at the big game.