Remembrance and Celebration - Day 4

Matthew 27:3-10 - The betrayal of Jesus can be a hard subject to discuss with children. However, it is a good teaching opportunity on seeking true forgiveness. It is normal for a person to "feel sorry" after they have been "caught" doing something wrong, but most often this a "sorry" that they did not get away with what they had done or that their actions did not end up benefiting them. Most of the time the feeling of being sorry is not true regret or repentance over actions or attitudes. It says in the book of Matthew that Judas "felt remorse". Judas is quoted as even going so far as to say, "I have sinned". However, he never sought forgiveness. Tonight, as a family, we decided to write down areas in our lives in which have betrayed or sinned against God and had not yet asked for forgiveness. After, we each made our own list, we prayed individually; colored over our sins with red and then cut out a cross with the paper. I am so thankful that because of the shed blood of Christ our hearts and lives are made clean. "What can wash away my sin - Nothing but the blood of Jesus!" AT

Remembrance and Celebration - Day 3

Matthew 26:17-28 - Today we are reading and discussing the Passover and the Last Supper that Christ had with His disciples. What a powerful time as Christ clearly laid out for them what the coming days were to look like. I wonder how many times I hear the Lord speaking but I am just not listening to what He is really saying. I wish that I had the faith of Samuel to simply say, "Speak Lord for your servant is listening". (1Sam.3:10) Most of the times I confess I say, "speak Lord because I need an answer, and I have to move on to the next thing in my day in 15 minutes." I know I need to be diligent to carve out time in my morning to simply be quiet before the Lord and listen. I need to be spending more time in simply worshiping God for who He is and for all that He has done. I know in times past that it has been easier for me to hear and understand the voice of the Lord because I have been continuously cultivating a heart of thankfulness and contentment. May it be that this season of Remembrance and Celebration bring me back to simply being quiet before the Lord and reflecting on His goodness! Today, we used playdough to "recreate" our idea of what the Last Supper might have looked like. As we did this, we discussed Scripture's instructions that were given to us to continue remembering Christ's sacrifice through "The Lord's Supper"/Communion. Blessings to you today as you get in a listening posture before the Lord. AT

Remembrance and Celebration - Day 2

Worshiping Jesus - John 12:2-8 - I am humbly reminded today of my place in the Kingdom. I am a worthless slave deserving of eternal death. Sometimes, I confess, I do not approach God Almighty with that posture. I proudly step forward because of the freedom HE gave me, and I forget my place as a bond-servant. The scriptures we are reflecting on as a family today tells us of the story of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Mary took a pound of costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus. She cleansed His feet with her hair, and the house was filled with fragrance. This act of worship occurred 6 days before Passover. After living in a culture where people do not bathe everyday, I imagine that it is highly possible that Mary's hair still smelled of the fragrant perfume at the time of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. What a powerful reminder of time spent at the feet of Jesus. For our lesson today with the kids, we decided to have them smell colognes. There are many studies in psychology concerning smell and memory recall. It is our prayer today that we always remember to approach the throne of grace in humble worship and thanksgiving. It may be that certain smells remind us to get in a posture of worship - the morning air, the smell of coffee, a fresh rain - whatever the reminder - may we be a people that fall at the feet of Jesus. AT

Remembrance and Celebration - Day 1

Over the next twelve days, our family will be doing an "advent-like" countdown calendar. Each evening we will be discussing the events leading up to the resurrection of Christ and its significance. Today is day 1. We are celebrating Christ as King - Matthew 21:1-11 Christ is the king and ruler of all of the heavens and earth. The Bible records that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people began laying down their coats as well as branches from trees. As they were doing this, they were shouting: "Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!" God is and has always been sovereign. We praise Him and thank Him today for choosing to come to earth, living a perfect life without sin and showing us how to be servant leaders. The kids enjoyed making leaves and branches this evening. We waved them as Matt read from scripture and as we sang praises to the King of Kings. Blessed Is His Who Comes In The Name of the Lord!! AT

Happy St. Patrick's Day

In the past, St. Patrick's Day was just a day that I tried to remember to wear green...no one wants to be pinched all day long! However, last year in our homeschool history curriculum, we studied a little bit of the life of Magonus Sucatus Patricius. We were really moved by his heart for the unreached and his "down to earth" ability to meet people where they were to share Christ. I just assumed that St. Patrick was Irish...that shows you how much I paid attention in school! St. Patrick was British. He was taken as a slave to Ireland when he was a youth. He learned to trust God during that time, and several years after his escape, he returned to Ireland to share truth. One of his most famous ways of sharing was by using a clover. The shamrock was sacred to the Duird people, so St. Patrick used it to explain the trinity and the gift of salvation. Today, in our family, we are using the "holiday" to remember those around the world and those that have gone before us in sharing the good news. A big pinch to everyone not wearing green while reading this - find someone today that needs to hear good news!

AT

Pictures: The kids made 3D clovers and practiced sharing the gospel. I also found green chocolate covered almonds at a little hole in the wall market - LOVE IT!

The Layering of The Father

In a day & age when everyone's focus is on taking off a few "layers", I say it's high time I put on a few more....No, I am not saying that I am too thin! I could stand to drop a few layers in the fat department for sure, but in the spiritual growth department the Father knows I stand in great need. Recently, some friends of ours came through town and gave the kids "Nesting Dolls". Nesting dolls are the cute wooden toy that has a tiny doll inside of layers of larger and larger dolls. William & Grace have enjoyed playing with them and hiding different surprises in the center. Today, I was reminded of how the Father grows His children. In the beginning, we are the tiny doll. It might be that the only truth we know about God is that He desires a relationship with us, and that He has made a way through Jesus Christ. As time passes, and we spend time developing our relationship, the Father is generous to layer us more and more with Himself. I am so thankful for the precious love that the Father delights in pouring over us in nourishment.

Spending Time At His Feet,
AT

Over a Month

Wow, it has been over a month since I updated this blog, and unfortunatley, I do not have anything exciting or inspirational to say or report today either. Matt & I are taking language classes a little over an hour commute (one way) from our home. This has made for a crazy schedule. I am just keeping my head above water right now trying to still homeschool the kids, do my own homework, house work, etc. We have also been struggling with head colds/ear, nose, throat infections. We think that the real issues are allergies. Whatever it is, it has made for a long 6 weeks. SOO, the bottom line is I am weary...okay, well, that is all the excuses.

There are exciting things happening all around us, and we would love to share them with you. If you would like to be a part of our monthly e-mail list or quarterly snail mail list, please email us. Also, Matt & I are both on Facebook. I am afraid it is too easy to post one or two things and neglect the blog. I'll work harder, and I am sure things will go "back to normal" (if there is such a thing) when we are done with the class in April.

William has wanted me to record a video of his "connects" creation. I guess this would be a good time to post. Enjoy! AT