Legacy

I want to leave a legacy.  I heard a sermon in which the pastor shared about his mother.  He remembered, as a young boy, waking up in the morning to his mother praying in the living room.  This was her ritual.  Every morning, she would pray with a blanket over her head (I'm assuming to prevent interruption).  What an amazing picture to stick with a young boy for life, his mother beginning her day with the Lord. 

I too want to pass down to my children my love for the Lord.  Now, I don't begin my day with a blanket over my head, but I hope my children have a similar picture of me when they are grown.  I hope they see my desire for the Lord.  I hope they see me growing every day to look more and more like Him.  And my greatest hope is that my devotion to the Lord will in turn stir their hearts to love Him in an even greater way. 

This mother left a legacy that produced in her son a heart to pastor.  I don't know what my legacy will be, but I do know that it must start with the Lord.  And hopefully, my life will touch three little girls who will grow up to become mighty women of God. 

Parenting

Back in November, our pastor took a survey on what parents believed were the five most important aspects of parenting.  I have been thinking about this for quite some time in an attempt to articulate what I believe those are.  After much thought I came to the conclusion that I can only think of three. :) 

All three center around one theme, "Time". 

1. Time with the Lord.

2. Time with my spouse.

3. Time with my children.  

I really believe that if we spend time with the Lord, making sure that He comes first in our lives, that we are hearing His voice and following His leading, then we will find that we will desire our husband more, enjoy being in his presence, and from that will flow the ability and energy to love and care for our children correctly. 

I am currently 32 years old.  In writing this I think it might be fun to look back when I am 52, with another 20 years of experience under my belt, and see if I still believe these to be true.  Will I look back and laugh out loud?  Will I have a few more points to add (like 4 &5)?  Whatever the case may be, I know for now it is good for me to articulate these. 

Sharing My Joy

 I just wanted to share a little of my joy.  These three pictures show our pantry, freezer and cleaning supplies.  Please take note, they are all full!!!!!  We have never gone hungry and the Lord has always provided for our needs.  This however, is the first time I have seen this much food in our house!  Thank you, Jesus, for your provision and blessing.  We are forever grateful!

P.S. Our deep freezer had been filled with milk jugs full of water, until this shopping trip as well.  Now it is filled with food! :) 

Hee, Hee, Hee, this makes me happy.

Zoie's Expressions

Around 9:00, after being in bed for an hour and a half, Zoie came downstairs stating that she was scared.  Daddy cuddled with her for a bit and then sent her back to bed.  As we headed to bed a while later, I went upstairs to check on the chicas.  There laid Zoie, with wide-awake eyes, and she declared, "Mama, this just isn't working!"   I guess I would have to agree with her.

God's Perfect Timing

When I began writing my blog I had a single purpose, to remember.  In 2011, I want to make sure my remembering includes the goodness of the Lord and how he is moving and working in our lives.  So, it is with excitement that I want to share about God's perfect timing!

Our first K.K. Live Show!

In December of last year, Seth began production of a talk show.  This was the second, in a series of shows he would be producing and it was a job that he said, "Was the best job he ever had."  This time around however, the show had a few more expenses and our budget was cut.  All of these expenses were coming out of our pay.  This was okay with us.  We knew God had plans and connections He was making.  It was still a privilege to be a part of the production.

On Monday the 3rd, we received the first half of the payment at 4:45 p.m.  We ran it to the bank and it was deposited before our mortgage came out later that day.  Perfect timing #1.

One of the 5 cameras used.

On Wedensday, we received a call that the show was canceled.  What?  We were shocked.  The income from this job was our provision for the month.  My husband however, remained hopeful that the Lord was up to something and on Thursday had a chance to speak with the publishing company employing us.  He asked if it would be possible for us to work off the sum of the check and to our delight and amazement they said yes!  Now instead of only getting a small portion of the check, we received the entire amount!  God provided in an even greater way than we could have imagined!

My husband, the producer

If the check would not have arrived on Monday, it would never have come at all.  Perfect timing #2.

We received a call from the author on Friday explaining her reasons for canceling the show, and her desire to continue working with Seth in the future.  Her call brought honor to my husband and dispelled any notions that he had performed poorly in his work.  This call came right before the weekend allowing Seth to fully enjoy the days ahead.  Perfect timing #3.

We serve an awesome God!  His timing is perfect.

2010-A Year to Remember

2010-A year most people are thankful to see come to an end, a year many people found themselves struggling with discouragement, doubt, fear, uncertainty, and a list of other unpleasant emotions. This last year has been a struggle, for us as well as so many, but through the struggle it has been amazing to watch the hand of the Lord move in our family!  This year we have gone months without work, we have seen our refrigerator bare, our tank empty, our car in disrepair, and a leg broken requiring surgery with no health insurance.  So, you may be wondering, where does God come into play?  Well, when our refrigerator was bare we had friends who brought food, took us out to dinner, invited us over for dinner, brought dinner to us, let us shop in their freezers, and took us to the grocery store.  I'm pretty sure there were a few yummy drinks at the coffee shop in there too!  When our tank was empty we had friends fill it, stuff money in pockets, and offer rides.  When our car was in disrepair we had friends offer to fix it, pay for repairs, and then two months later a Tahoe given to us by our grandfather, giving us two vehicles!  When the hospital bills started rolling in, they were almost instantly covered!  When Seth was unable to move, God provided work that could be done, solely on his computer.  And when there wasn't work?  Checks came in the mail, or from our church family.  Dollar bills appeared in our purses and pockets.  Gift cards to grocery stores slipped out of notes.  When we hadn't even a dollar to our name we were blessed with a trip to Hawaii, all expenses paid, which for 10 days allowed us to savor the goodness of the Lord and forget our struggles for a time.

Throughout this year I have watched God's mercy and grace being poured on our family and time and time again I have asked the Lord, "Why are you so good to us?"  The generosity of our friends and family has been remarkable and very humbling.  We are so undeserving.  We have watched as the Lord has carried us through this year and has brought us into a New Year full of promise, hope, and excitement for what He has in store for us.  We serve an awesome God and it is with gratitude in my heart that I say, Thank you, Papa, for 2010.  Thank you for showing us so clearly your goodness, your love, and your care.  Thank you, that in 2010 your promises rang true, "I will never leave you, or forsake you".

Happy New Year Everyone!  May you encounter the Bigness of the Lord this year in an awesome way!!

Christmas Togetherness 2010

 Our Christmas Highlights.  Now remember, we had the flu and so our days were spent resting in the comfort of our family's homes.  Not a lot of activities, but a lot of togetherness, and great gifts to boot!

 Band Beauties!  Kylia received a pink Fender electric guitar from her Auntie and Justin.  Zoie received a snare drum and cymbal.  Adalie is learning to play the piano and so we are now a complete band!  Be looking for the band "AKZ Girls" in the coming years.  They just need a little time to practice. :)

Tradition! Christmas morning isn't complete without yummy cinnamon rolls in the shape of a tree!

 You may be wondering why all the safety gear while roller skating?  Does this sports court look familiar?  About 6 months ago, this is the exact spot daddy broke his leg.  These skates were given by Auntie and Justin who were present at the time of the leg break and didn't want to repeat the incident.  I.E. we have helmet, wrist pads, elbow pads, and knee pads.  We couldn't find human safety bubbles, so these had to do. :) 

 Kylia had been asking for an American Girl, Just Like Me Doll the entire year.  Do you think she received it?  Way to go Grandma Sherri!  You put a look of utter amazement on my daughters face.

 Sherri's Restaurant on Christmas Eve, Eve.  Spending time with the ones we love, when everyone else is asleep and we still want to play.

 Seth's Christmas Gift?  A special date for the two of us. 

 

 Loving on our Aunt Kayla and Uncle Ben.  So glad we were able to spend a few days together.

This Christmas Kylia experienced the Nutcracker Ballet for the first time.  Dressing in our Christmas best, we had a girl's night out complete with Grandma, two Auntie's, Adalie, and me. 

We are so blessed to have a wonderful family to share Christmas with!