It goes like this........

I have been meaning to post for some time now, but........... over the course of the past 10 days, we have been overwhelmed with all of the activities and moving into our new home. I am so thankful for the Lord's care, as I have been battling with low blood sugars every day. Keep that matter in your prayers. We are so thankful for the Lord's provision and his continued strength.

The boys are starting spring break this week, but they recently enjoyed the annual jog-a-thon at school. Thanks to Aunt Kari, Gramma, and Mamaw for sponsoring the boys! Wesley was involved in the spring concert at school. It was one of the best that I have ever seen!

I was so thankful for the missions conference at our church last week. Our family adopted the McKnight family about two years ago. Ever since, we pray daily for them. We send them packages and correspond regularly. It was fun to visit with them and take them out for dinner. There are some people whom you meet and just form an instant connection with---Christine was like that for me.

Before moving into the new house, we decided to paint the entire thing. Gary purchased a sprayer and paint went flying. You can see the results below :)

My "sweet" boy

I wanted to post Andrew's most recent pictures (Look at Andrew; he is 8!), and after reading my cousin, Ann-Marie's, exciting post about having a baby boy, I just wanted to cry. I remember when I was pregnant with Andrew, and we found out we were having a boy. I was disappointed! I already had a gorgeous son, and I really wanted a girl. You must know that God blessed us with Brooke several years later, but, at the time, I really wanted a girl. After delivering Andrew, we were riding home in the car, and I just cried. I had two precious gifts in the back seat, and they were both boys! I loved Wesley, but I still had plenty of heart left over to love Andrew. He was my cuddler :) As I look back now, I know he will always own a soft spot of his mother's heart. Sorry to all the other 8-year old boys in the world, but I live with the greatest!!!

Kids and the things they say

After a day of laundry, cleaning, and packing boxes, I was ready for a nice, hot, shower. Before getting into the shower, I told Brooke and Andrew to clean up the very messy playroom. While in the bathroom, I overheard the following conversation:

Brooke: "I wish I was mom."
Andrew: "No, mom has to do the dishes and clean the bathroom."
Brooke: "I wish I was dad."
Andrew: "No, dad is on the computer and has to talk on the phone alot. Besides, he gets real sweaty."
Brooke: "Well, I want to be a boy, then."

Needless, to say Brooke just didn't want to be Brooke right then if that involved picking up her toys. She hates picking up her toys!

Andrew was playing on the PS2 today, and created a basketball player in his NCAA game. He made a guy that was superior in dribbling, rebounding, speed, and defense. Andrew made him 7' 5". The funniest part was when I saw the name on the back of the jersey---"Stirgil." Now, if you know the Sturgills, none of us are close to 7'5". I asked Andrew what his first name was, and he said that he named the guy: "Briant Stirgil." Here is to one of his favorite cousins!!!!

The picture below is of Brooke's most recent happening. While at the boys open house at school on Thursday evening, Brooke lost her first tooth!

Our new home

After 15 offers and hundreds of houses, we have finally had an accepted offer, and a home that we are happy to move into! Our closing date is scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2009. The inspection was yesterday, and was pretty smooth. I am not posting pictures of the inside, because the people have much junk, and we are going to be doing some re-painting and re-flooring. The house, however, is in pretty good shape. It was built in 2001, and it is a one-story that contains 2105 square feet. It was nice to find a 4-bedroom home with family and living room and, for Gary, air-conditioning. Praise the Lord for his blessings. We know that this is the house he wants us in, and for whatever reasons, we are thankful to accept it!

Brooke, an example of child-like faith

Last night was a tender moment for me as a mother. We were driving on our way to the evening church service at Ventura Baptist Church. The three kids were all seated in the back seat. We all noticed the bright, setting sun in front of us; it was a beautiful scene. Wesley remarked, “Wow, that is so cool! I want God to come back right now and take us all to heaven.” There was a bit of a pause, and then Wesley continued….”Wait, not right now, because Brooke is not a Christian.” The boys know that there is only one way to heaven, and Brooke has never accepted Christ as her Savior. This is something that they have mentioned on several occasions….”I am glad our whole family is saved….except Brooke…..” and other such comments. It was not a personal attack against her; they just knew and wanted her to choose Christ as well.

Several days ago, I was talking with Brooke while she was taking her bath. She brought up the subject of becoming a Christian. I asked her if she believed God,why Christ died for her, and if she had ever sinned. She understood some parts better than others, and she believed, but she was also very distracted. Typical 5 year old mind---after a few minutes of discussion, she breaks the topic at hand with something as inconsequential as….”Here, can you wash my back?” or “Ducky is cold” or “I really like pink washcloths.” Such was the case this evening, with one exception----she had really paid attention and really comprehended. I let the matter rest and prayed that she would think about it and that God would work in her heart.

So, with this backdrop, the matter continues in the car. Brooke says, “I want to be a Christian….right now.” I don’t want to push my children into making prayers and claims that they do not understand, so I do not push this area. I remained quiet. Brooke continued, more seriously…”I want to be a Christian.” I told her, “Brooke you can talk to God anytime that you want.” Then I remained silent. The boys were not going to let this rest. Andrew said, “Brooke, you have to pray. Now fold your hands and close your eyes.” Oh, the beauty of the mechanics of prayer! Brooke did exactly as Andrew stated. He then said, “Dear God….” Brooke repeated, “Dear God…” Andrew said, “Come into my heart and save me.” Brooke said, “Come into….” “Wait,” Wesley exclaimed. Andrew looked at him knowing what was coming next: “I forgot the next part,” Andrew conceded. Wesley picked up….”Brooke, you have to believe God and that Jesus died for your sins. You have to tell him that you want to be a Christian and that you want to be saved. You have to ask him to forgive your sins.” I think he covered all the bases. Though driving, I am sure I can picture the looks on all of their faces. Brooke, after a moment’s hesitation, stated, “I prayed!” I asked her if she believed in God. “Yes,” she replied. "Does Jesus love you?" “Yes,” she knowingly answered. "Do you want to follow Christ?" “Yes!” she adamantly stated. I am not sure if she was expecting lightning or some earth shattering sign from God, but she was amazed at the simplicity of salvation. “Brooke,” I stated, “the Bible says that if you believe on Jesus, then you are saved. That is all that it takes.” "Am I a Christian right now?", she questioned, again, amazed at the simplicity of accepting Christ as Savior. “Yeah! Brooke is saved,” the boys were exclaiming in the backseat. “I am a Christian,” Brooke stated, the reality of her new-found faith settling in. With children, it is always hard to discern what is going on in their heart and mind vs. what is going on from the outward appearance. We arrived at church, and I was even more pleased. We got out of the car and Brooke stopped me before running off to her class…”Mom, remember the other day in the tub….. I’ve been thinking about that.” Off she went. Thank you, Lord, for childlike faith. Your word says to have faith like a child. It is good to see it in action in my children’s lives.