The power of a song

I will never cease to be amazed at the working of the Lord in my children's hearts.  It's not that I don't believe that God can and will work in their hearts, it's just that the daily responsibility of dealing with bad attitudes, disobedience, and disrespect can make us all lose perspective at times.

The other night, as I prepared the children for bed, I was reminded once again about the amazing Sovereign power and grace of our Lord. Josiah had a particularly trying day. Earlier that week, he cashed in his piggy bank money and purchased a new Lego set online. It was expected to arrive that day, but morning passed into afternoon, afternoon into nighttime and no Lego set arrived. For a 4 year old who had already waited over a week, waiting an entire day and not receiving it when it was supposed to come was devastating.

This resulted in impatience and rudeness spilling out of Jo.  We easily saw it as a character building moment for him. He just saw it as disappointment and sadness.

Back to our bedtime routine, as Josiah waited for Abby and I to join him in the bed for our prayer time, I over heard him singing a song.

"All I know is that I'm not home yet. This is not where I belong."

The song by Building 429, Where I Belong.

Joining him, I asked him, "do you know what that song means?"  Almost instantly, Josiah's demeanor changed. With a joyful smile he responded, "Yes!! It means this is not our home but our real home is in Heaven with Jesus!! And we get to play with Jesus ALL day long!"

We then proceeded to have a 5 minute discussion about all the wonderful things about Heaven. Streets paved in gold. Thousands of toys and playing with Jesus all day. No worries of getting hit by cars on those gold-laden streets. Never having to go to bed. Living forever. No sadness. No fear. No monsters.

And right before my very eyes, my sourpuss changed. The Lord was doing an amazing work in his heart, and you could sense and feel all the frustration and strife from the day melting away. Not only that, but the Lord was using Josiah to minister to me. So often it's easy to lose perspective of our day and get caught up in all our troubles and trials. I was brought to tears when I paused for those 10 minutes with my son and really processed with him the wonder and glory of our true home in heaven.  It always puts everything into perspective to be reminded that where we are is only temporary, but we have an eternal home to look forward to.

So it all started with the power of a song. Those words the Lord used, not just to change Josiah's heart but also mine. What a good God we serve.

**the Lego set finally arrived!!

It's better to give than to receive

I will continually be amazed at the capacity for compassion and tenderness I see so often in children, especially those of a young age.  So many times, we as parents (Bryan & I, that is) breeze by each day, focusing on the duties in life rather than life itself.  Laundry, check. Dinner, check. PJ's on, check. Teeth brushed, check.  But ever so often comes a moment like today, where you know and sense the Holy Spirit working on the heart of your child. 

In the book of Acts, we learn that Jesus says "It is more blessed to give than to receive."  Today we got to see this principle come to life in the heart of Josiah.  When Bryan picked Josiah up from pre-K today, one of his classmates was distraught that he had missed his chance to purchase a book from the Scholastic book fair.  The rest of the day passed--mostly uneventful, though particularly trying for us.  Josiah was fighting most of the afternoon and discouraged because he felt like he just couldn't do anything right.  On days when we battle this discouragement in him, the day often ends heavy, with many tears and prayers that Josiah would truly know the love of Christ for him--not based on what he can do or based on his perfection, but just because He chooses to love Josiah. 

So this day was playing out like many others.  Us looking at the clock just waiting, and looking with relief, towards bedtime.  But to our surprise, tonight ended on a much different note.  Josiah explained to me what had happened during pick-up time at school.  How his little friend was sad because he had missed the book fair. 

And out of nowhere, Josiah asked, "Mommy, maybe we could give D one of our book fair books?  Well, I don't know.  I'm just thinking about it." 

Wanting it to come out a genuine place in his heart, I gently encouraged the idea, but was careful not to pressure. 

Five minutes later.  "Mommy, I have 4 books from the book fair, so I don't need them all.  I can give one of them away."  Yes, I said that was a great idea.  We immediately found his four books and he picked out which one to give.  Touched by his generous heart, I was still hesitant as to whether he would change his mind. 

Bryan and I explained to him how this was a great way to show the love of Christ to his friend.  "Yes!" Josiah exclaimed.  "Because Jesus loves me.  And you love me. And I love D!"

Josiah immediately put the book in his backpack for school the next day.  Grinning from ear to ear, you could clearly see the Holy Spirit's work on his heart.  Josiah was tasting that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.  "I'm so happy!" he exclaimed.

And aren't Josiah's words so fitting for us all.  God loves us. Jesus loves us. And it's that love that enables us to love others.

Happy Anniversary to Bryan: Promising to always "Fall Forward"

Today Bryan and I celebrate 7 years of marriage.  It's amazing how quickly these 7 years have passed by.  Along the way, we've had our fair share of challenges but also many victories as we've learned to work together as a team.  Today I thank God for a man that still chooses me, in spite of the reality of who I am in my ugliest moments.  A man who promises to stand by his commitment, regardless of how he may feel on any given day.  A man who still cherishes me, calls me his beautiful bride, and esteems me for the God-given value he sees inside of me.

I recently read a book called Sacred Marriage, by Gary Thomas.  Below is an excerpt about what it means to "fall forward" in our marriage.  I love this illustration about what it means to fall toward our spouse.

"Many years ago, I and a few close friends celebrated our high school graduation by hiking on Mount Rainier.  Before I attempted to jump a fast-moving creek, one of my friends advised me, "Just make sure you fall forward."  The advice was well heeded.  Even if I didn't make the jump, as long as I kept my momentum going forward, I wouldn't be swept into the stream.

The advice has stayed with me down through the years, as I believe that Christian marriage is also about learning to fall forward.  Obstacles arise, anger flares up, and weariness dulls our feelings and our senses.  When this happens the spiritually immature respond by pulling back, becoming more distant from their spouse, or even seeking to start over with somebody "more exciting."  Yet maturity is reached by continuing to more forward past the pain and apathy. Falls are inevitable.  We can't control that, but we can control the direction in which we fall--toward or away from our spouse."

Thank God that we choose daily to fall forward.  Bryan, thank you for always standing by my side and choosing to fall forward!  Happy anniversary, honey, to the man I love and my best friend!  Thank you for making life fun, exciting, and challenging at times (which is needed for my stubborn-self!).  I really don't think I had any idea 7 years ago how exactly perfect you are for me when I said "I do."  I have never regretted that decision, and I too choose you still today!  I'm excited for many more years to come!  Here's to a lifetime of falling forward with you!

February 2013 Blizzard

We had our first big snowstorm of the year!  Even though Jo is feeling a little under the weather, he insisted that we venture out.  And this was Abby's first real time playing in the glorious snow.  I have to admit that I LOVE it when it snows this much in the city.  NYC becomes dazzling--white, glistenting, and beautiful.  The cold hardly bothers you when its so beautiful outside!

All bundled up and ready to go!

 



Looking south down Manhattan Avenue in our neighborhood

 



Glistening trees, snow covered cars--what's not to love!

 



Walking to Morningside Park

 



Beautiful sky--in awe of the glory of God's creation!

 



Daddy lifting Abby's little body over the snow mounds

 



Jo buried himself in the snow

 



Abby holding her own--walking through at least 10 inches of snow!

 



Abby thoroughly enjoying herself

 



Sitting on a snow mound in Morningside Park

 

Letting go of expectations....

Today was just one of those days.  A day where everything seemed like an uphill battle. 

It started out seemingly normal, except for some mild crankiness from our oldest.  Crankiness turned into whining (Oh! How I deplore whining!).  Whining into crying.  Crying into rudeness, talking back, and a general mean-spirit.  This resulted in Josiah spending much of the morning sitting in the corner, sulking, and waiting for his heart to change.  All this before Daddy whisked out the door for a full day of meetings. 

Alas, the heart did change, though the sulkiness somehow remained.  Expectation #1:  A true heart change results in a happy, easy to care for child.  WRONG!  While Josiah did repent for his bad attitude, his sulkiness remained.  Thankfully, in this moment during the day, I did indeed listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  I asked.  I dug.  I nudged.  And I finally uncovered what his little spirit was wrestling with.  He missed his Grandma & Granddaddy from North Carolina.  He had to say goodbye to them on Sunday as we traveled back to NY.  And to him, saying goodbye meant "I'll never see you again." 

Its moments like this today where God is teaching me a valuable lesson.  My life isn't about my agenda.  It isn't about my expectations.  It isn't really about me at all.  But its about learning to live sacrificially.  Learning to love sacrificially.  Did I have other plans for this morning?  YOU BET!  Did I really want to deal with a difficult child most of the day?  DEFINITELY NOT!  Do I like being inconvenienced?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!  But it's not about me.  It's not about living for myself, but demonstrating God's love to my children.  So here's to letting go of my own expectations.  Letting go of my own ideas on how the day should go (which can often be unrealistic).  Letting go of what I think is the necessary agenda, and letting God's agenda play out instead. 

Abby, Jojo, and Granddaddy

Abby & Grandma

 

Jojo and his two cousins, Shaina & Lea

So long October, hello November

Wow, has it really been over a month since we last posted?  Much has happened in that short period of time.  October always proves to be one of the busiest months of the year for us.  Two birthdays in our immediate family (Josiah turned 4, Bryan turned 36), 3 birthdays in our extended family (Mama Scott, Lisha-Bryan's sister, and Joshua-our nephew), 5 doctor appointments scheduled for just this month for our family, and then of course, Hurricane Sandy. 

This has by far been one of the most memorable Octobers for us in years--and that is probably the case for most in the Northeast.  Seeing the devastation from Hurricane Sandy has been heartbreaking.  We've seen Josiah even respond to the weight of this storm & its aftermath.  And we are so thankful that in the midst of it all, God is our hope forever and always; He is the rock that makes all our footings firm!

October also represents a milestone for me in that my first baby..... really isn't a baby anymore.  Josiah IS officially, officially a big boy.  Not only is his independence growing day by day, but in 10 months he will begin kindergarten.  Wow.  Makes me treasure my days at home with him all the more.

Well, finally our birthday post to our sweet son Josiah!  Josiah, you continue to amaze us everyday with your generous heart, your fierce competitive spirit, and your love for games, knowledge, and fun.  Happy birthday (well, on October 11th) to our baby boy!

As part of his birthday celebration, Josiah and I went to Eleni's Bakery--a nut-free bakery in NYC!  Josiah LOVED these fancy cookies from the Upper East Side.  Delish!

  

One of our close college friends spent the day with us on Josiah's birthday!  He loved all the extra attention from Christine--and the awesome dinosaurs! We love you Christine!

 And of course, Grandma Kim wanted to make sure we got Abby her own gift as well--a baby doll stroller! (and its a good thing we did!  As we found out on Bryan's birthday, Abigail threw a fierce fit when she was not allowed to open Bryan's gift!)

 Josiah excited to receive his lego sets from Mommy & Daddy.

 

 Big boy put together his ambulance with very little help from me! Way to go!

 Preparing for Josiah's birthday party a couple of days later.

 Our sweet guy with his German Chocolate birthday cake! YUM!

His birthday buddies--Aiden & Samuel.

Thanks to all our family and friends for making Josiah feel so loved & blessed during his birthday week!

Well, so long for now...and happy election day!

Some recent videos of Abby

Here are some recent videos of Abby.  It seems like there is always more to video when your kids are younger versus older--sorry Jo!  I've been meaning to upload these since last month--you know how that goes.  Well, better late than never!

Here's one of Abby singing.  She LOVES to sing!  She has even begun singing along with the worship songs we play in the car.

Here she was last month singing her ABCs. 

 

 Here's a cute one of her jumping--attempting too that is!  She can actually get both feet off the ground now!

 

And lastly, Abby talking.  Sorry to bore all you non-family members out there with so many videos of our kids! =)