2 Years Today
A Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
Teaching Children To Think
Currently I am reading Sally Clarkson’s Mission of Motherhood (this is one of those books I would buy for all new mothers if I could). She shared a story about how her family loves to talk, debate and discuss issues. This sounds a lot like our family. Since I am one of those peace-loving people that usually feels uncomfortable in a strong discussion, I have been trying to encourage myself to allow for these strong debates that naturally occur in our family. Here is what Clarkson says:
“This story (told in the past few paragraphs) depicts our everyday lives – opinions stated, issues debated, topics taught and learned, questions asked, books and experts quoted, and heartfelt convictions passionately shared while washing dishes, eating meals, or sitting around the living room drinking tea. And even tough they may occasionally get out of hand, these discussions, perhaps more than any other family activity have shaped our children’s lives for the better.
Why are such discussions important?…They teach our children to think about Jesus – and to think biblically about every aspect of their lives! They are part of an ongoing process of sharpening minds, focusing thoughts, and allowing biblical truth to shape our mental processes as well as fill our hearts.” Clarkson, S. (2003). The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child’s Heart of Eternity. WaterBrook. p. 100.
I am thankful for a family where we all allow each other to grow, learn and be challenged – even if that means sometimes the peace is disrupted for awhile.
Teams going to Moldova and Albania
Last year, we gathered the YWAM Bible school staff from all over Europe in Kristiansand, Norway. We prayed together about what should be a focus for us in the future, and one of the things that came out was…outreach! This is very exciting because it is what Ben and I originally went into international work for. We wanted to help people in the churches learn to read and study God’s word for themselves specifically using a very easy method called the ‘inductive method.’ Well, it is still what is on our hearts, and seeing this focus come out of our gathering in Norway was really encouraging. The results? At this moment, two outreach teams are being trained and sent to Moldova and Albania. Angela had the chance to do some teaching over zoom on how to preach in inductive (also know as expository) sermon with the group on Tuesday. They are excited and ready to get going! This will be the first time that a Bible teaching team from the YWAM courses will go to Moldova! Our coworker Sonya is leading the team, so pray for good team dynamics, local opportunities, and future relationships.
Kai’s loving heart
Every night when I read to my kids (yes I still do that!) Kai is quick to thank me afterwards, telling me that he appreciates that I spend time with him and that he loves to just be together!
I am grateful for this, because this year as he is in 6th grade, it means that he is really starting to grow up. He is playing sports this year, he was in the musical Aladdin as well (and did a great job!), he is learning the alto-saxophone and continues piano. My baby is growing up (as he should!) and this mom is so proud! I’m thankful though that his loving, tender heart is still the same and that he isn’t afraid to show it.
Jay is in love
With whom? Actually, not in love with anyone- he just is in love with life! He finds joy everyday in so many things – in the musical Aladdin he was in a few months ago, in playing the piano (and the trumpet and the guitar…), in playing volleyball (and basketball and soccer…) in reading (learning, debating, discovering), in having friends over, in working out, in… Just about everything in life brings him joy and he is a super awesome person to be around and hang out with!
ICSB – National Honors Society
Cassie had to apply to be a part of this group of kids who have a high GPA, show leadership ability, and have integrity and character. It is a group of kids who make a difference in their school and who have the right to add this as a part of their accomplishments on their resume and application forms for university. We are so proud of her and have enjoyed watching her volunteer in different ways and lead projects throughout the year.
