One way to teach how to tithe

I must first thank my brother, Aaron, for his contribution to the following post. As his family was visiting last week, Aaron shared the video above with Gary. It was actually late one evening when I was putting the kids to bed, that I heard some loud laughter coming from the living room. I came into the room to ask them to quiet down, when I saw this video that Aaron was sharing with Gary.

The next morning, Gary pulled it up on our big screen TV and had the kids watch it. I must admit, my children now fully understand the Biblical concept of tithe. Now, my kids frequently ask me to put the "tithe rap" on my computer screen. I took the following picture of them while they were finishing up their version of the tithe rap. While rap is not my favorite type of music, I had to laugh as they danced around the family room: "Walk it out....."

A family visit

We were so excited to have some family come visit us here in Southern CA. Since most of our family is in the mid-west, it is difficult for them to get out here (except my wonderful parents :) )Aaron, Linda and their 4 kids came out for a week. I think the kids were most excited about the plane trip, but we kept them busy for the week and had a great time. The slide show is a compilation of our visit with them. Thank you, Aaron and Linda, for coming out to see us! We sure do love you all. When we were in the car after leaving them, Wesley said, "I sure do miss my cousins!"

The love life of a 3 1/2 year old

I found the current edition of Aaron Sturgill as a child----his son, Ryan. This morning, at breakfast, Ryan informed me that he hates kissing. I told him that I was going to give Uncle Gary a very big kiss. He put the glove over his face.

Then, Ryan (age 3 1/2) informed me that he has a girlfriend. The following were various parts of our dialogue: "Her name is Bekah. She is 6 years old." He likes the mature, older ladies. "She is Alex's girlfriend." Wait, I thought she was your girlfriend. The glove went back over his face. "I don't have a girlfriend now." The crisis and love triangles that are formed at this young age. I told him I would be his girlfriend. "No, you kiss Uncle Gary." I guess he doesn't want their to be a rivalvry.

I do have many pictures from my brother and his family's visit, but this one just begged for its own post!

Wii love it!

Not being able to hold off until Christmas, Mamaw and Papaw Beard got an early Christmas present for the family. As you can see from the picture below, Gary set it up, and we tested it. Meanwhile, with blinds closed and back door locked, the kids played outside. :)


When we finally let them in the house (realistically, it was only 20 minutes), they were excited! Wesley and Andrew had decided to save their money to buy a Wii, but they knew it was going to take quite awhile to save up that much money. We bowled, golfed, shot hoops, shuffled, and played basketball and tennis most of the day. The kids and Gary went for an all-nighter.

When Gary and I woke up this morning, we saw that Wesley and Andrew had decided to share the couch---not a good idea for Andrew!

A hidden talent

Andrew had a play date with his best friend, Sean, a month ago. His mom just gave me a CD with some pictures of the two of them this past school year, and this video was included . I was surprised to see this hidden talent in Andrew. The boys wanted me to post it, so that Gramma could see how good Andrew was doing at his piano playing. Not bad, considering he has never had a lesson! (Note: Sean's brother, Blake, is the busy one in the video.)

Brooke gets promoted

Last fall, I wrote a post about our dilemma with Brooke's age and kindergarten. I found the comments and verbal advice from people very interesting. No matter what the outcome, we decided (and Brooke was ready) to do her kindergarten work and see how well she focused and comprehended.

Well, nearly 10 months later, we are proud to say that Brooke has completed her kindergarten work. She is reading and adding and saying her special blends like a pro. I must admit, that I struggled with teaching this young girl. She is a much more an "emotional" learner than her brothers ever were. Some days, Brooke would read quickly, and then the next day, she would say, "I don't want to" or "I don' know how to" or "Can you help me, PLEEEEASE!" Girls can sure be moody!! This past Sunday, Brooke was promoted to Junior Church since she will be going to first grade in the fall.

We will continue to work this summer in getting her ready for first grade. Though I debated over the issue of "should she be the youngest or the oldest in her class," I finally realized that it was not really MY choice to make. I thank God for a husband who is a great leader and a daughter who is a great learner and a group of friends who are a great support. I pray that Brooke continues to grow to be a godly, young lady who most importantly loves her Lord. Upon finishing kindergarten, Brooke was given a new Bible (a pink princess Bible). She hugged it and said, "Can I please read John 3:16 to you?" "Yes, Brooke," I replied. She opened to some page and said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son whoever should believe in Him should have everlasting life." I think that is a combination of KJV, NASB, ICB and Brooke Beard :)

End of an Era

It may not be the end of an era, but it was the end of the school year at Ventura Missionary School. I am not sure who was more excited this evening: me, that there was no homework to be done; or the boys, that they could stay up as late as they wanted and watch the Lakers.


The picture above was taken after school this afternoon. As a comparison, I am also posting the picture from the first day of school last August (2008). It is not a great portrait to compare how they have grown, but they have both grown!

Andrew completed second grade. His teacher, Mrs. Campbell, loves Andrew! She always tells me what a kind soul he is. She loves how "Andrew always talks about his church and his family. He has such a kind heart." I am thankful for Andrew's testimony and for this special teacher.

Wesley finished fourth grade. Most parents and students comment how fourth grade is such a "tough academic year." I am proud of Wesley's academic accomplishments, though he does need some extra practice on his cursive. (What is it with males and their attitude toward cursive writing????) Mr. Rabinowitz was a great blessing to Wesley this year. It was fun for him to have a "guy" as a teacher. Better yet, a guy with a Harley :)


So, it is the end of an academic school year and the start of a welcome summer. Good work, Andrew and Wesley!!!!!!!!

Great great aunts

I must start by saying this post goes out as a big thank you to two great great aunts. They are not great-great aunts to my three kids, but they sure are great at being great aunts. Yes, that would be Aunt Juliet and Aunt Louise. They love to garage sale (and shop overall), and we received a special package this past week from their shopping efforts. Brooke was ecstatic. Of course, the girl loves clothes!

We all need the reminder

Life sometimes can become so hectic. With a family and friends and work and activities, it is any wonder any of us find time for peace and quiet. I have had some quiet moments this week, and it was a good reminder to me of the Lord's goodness. I recently finished Beth Moore's Bible Study on the book of Esther. What an amazing study! The subtitle is "It's tough being a woman!" (Amen to that, particularly on certain days.) As always, I walked away with more than I expected. I want to share some particularly powerful thoughts:

1. Self-preservation is a natural instinct. Sadly enough, we often "protect" ourselves right out of God's calling for us.
2. Our ego would rather be special than useful.
3. Once we are in Christ, Satan has no authority to destroy us, so he settles for the next best thing: threatening to destroy us.
4. You won't ever be perfect. If you are waiting for perfection to be able to minister to others, you will always be waiting.
5. Our strength is renewed when we wait upon God. If you are waiting on a person or an event, you will get frustrated.
6. Esther was called to a life of obedience, not called to "figure everything out."
7. Don't let the craving to do something great keep you from doing something good.

Each one of these statements can carry a powerful message. I hope maybe one of them "hits" you where you need it today.

On another topic, a few weeks ago, Gary and Wesley were camping on the islands with Wesley's school class. While they were gone, I picked up Andrew from school and had a low blood sugar problem. I remember pulling over to the side of the road. I told Andrew and Brooke: "We need to pray that someone will come help us." About an hour later and after an ambulance visit and some glucose, I was better. When we got back in the car, I hugged my kids and told them I was so proud of them and I was so sorry that I had scared them. Andrew said: "Mom, when you told us to pray, Brooke and me prayed, and the people came out of their house in like two seconds." My diabetes is a constant reminder to me of God's protection and how my life is not mine to control. It was good to see how a horrible situation like this could teach my kids that we are NEVER alone.

Over the past two weeks, I have seen God working in people and people trying to live outside of God. What a mess this world is in! Thank God for the constant reminders of His love. "There in the shelter of the Most High we find our significance and only satisfaction of our insatiable need to be noticed. There and there alone we are free to be neither depressed nor impressed with the capricious reactions of this carnal world. All will fall before God's throne. Blessed is he--and blessed is she---who does not have far to go."

Happy Mother's Day, Gramma!

Happy mothers day to my mother! I borrowed this idea from a friend, and we had fun answering the questions about my mom (their gramma).

How old is gramma?
Wesley: 58 (He is off to a very accurate start)
Andrew: 62
Brooke: 75

How tall is gramma?
Andrew: 1 million feet
Brooke: This tall (and she raised her hand and jumped)
Wesley: 5' 11"

What is gramma good at doing?
Wesley: Making kids happy
Andrew: (answered rather quickly) Making chocolate chip zucchini muffins
Brooke: Making french toast

What does gramma say to you?
Andrew: Let's go to the park.
Wesley: I love you (all three agreed on this one)
Brooke: Hi!

If gramma were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Andrew: Goofy
Brooke: Minnie Mouse
Wesley: Velma (on Scooby-doo)

What is gramma's favorite thing to do?
Wesley: Be with us
Andrew: Gardening
Brooke: Hug me

What do you want to tell gramma today?
Andrew: You rock!
Wesley: I love you.... and keep sending us gifts.
Brooke: I love you!

Who does gramma love most in the world?
All three answered at once: ME!!!