Not a housewife! Gasp!

The following is an interesting article. Actually, interesting is an understatement. It's a short read; I'll wait.

http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2013/01/28/mens-and-womens-gender-ideologies-ideals-and-fallbacks/

Apalling, isn't it? The mighty Feminist Revolution determined to make womens' lives better has failed. Oh, the feminist revolution worked - all too well. But the "better" outcomes promised aren't exactly what they want to tell us. Yes, the feminist lies that our parents believed, bought into, and perpetuated into the hearts of their children have now resulted in this stunning research that claims "women would rather divorce than be a housewife!" Wow. Study upon study, research upon research (and this being secular) continues to uncover that the number of single mothers living in poverty today is at the highest EVER. But, according to this article, women believe it is better to be alone and poor, barely scraping by than to be married - especially to a guy who wants one of those demeaning, societal rejects called a housewife! Studies continue to purport that children are healthy and happier in two-parent (heterosexual) homes. Even if dad is a dead beat. Yep, it's true. The mighty influence of Dad can't be removed. Why? Because it is God ordained. So, even families where Dad isn't living up to his God given role are far surpassing the homes, in overall health and financial stability, where good ol' mom just wants to bring home the big bucks, put the kiddies in daycare, and certainly, gasp, will not be anyone's housewife.

It's easy to read articles like this and pick it all apart. To be saddened at the downward spiral of depravity that America is rejoicing in. Where is my responsibility in all this? Sadly, as Christians we try to repackage our lingo with more refreshing vocabulary. Gone are the words housewife - replaced with easier to swallow descriptors like: "stay at home mom" or "homemaker." If this study was conducted in our churches - would it look different? How would my ideals and fallbacks compare? Most Bible churches who say they are complementarian are practicing equalitarians. Is that true of mine? Is that true of me? Women, it's time to wake up and realize how many lies of feminism we have swallowed. Do you think you can do everything a man can do? Do you think you should? Are you raising your daughters and sons the same? Are masculinity and feminity just gender roles? Or do gender roles a result of being created male or female? What will be the next step now that we have made feminine to be masculine and masculine to be feminine? What is the next generation seeing and believing? What do my words and actions teach?

Let there be no mistake in my home - may my sons and daughters hear their mommy say constantly - THERE is NO JOB that PAYS ENOUGH to KEEP ME from being a HOUSEWIFE!

Joshua

I awoke around 3am in the morning of February 22, 1999. Since my due date was February 17th, I was thankful to feel some cramping. However, the pain wasn't anything compared to what I had experienced with Sarah's pitocin induced delivery and I was hestitant to wake anyone. Not having family close, we knew our sweet neighbors would come at our call, but I wanted to "be sure." Paul was a little more anxious to get to the hospital, so we woke up the neighbors and drove off to the hospital (less than a mile away at that time) around 4am.

The night nurse was wonderful. I remember so much about her - except her name. She made me feel so at ease and comfortable. I was worried I'd be sent home since my contractions weren't hard, but she didn't make me feel like an idiot or belittle my lack of experience. Around 4:15 she checked me and started to do something I noticed about nurses and my deliveries. She stayed super calm and casual and didn't seem rushed or hurried, but began to go into a mega mode of getting things prepped and ready in a very quick manner. Joshua David became the first Micu baby to not wait for a doctor that early Monday morning in 1999.  I just hope the doctor did buy that nurse at least a pizza:).

Our first son. What a moment I'll remember. Paul glowed. A perfect addition to our family and a little brother for Sarah Bear. By American standards, we were a happy little family. The perfect family. To quote Voddie Baucham "A boy for me and a girl for you, praise the Lord we're finally through!" Thankfully, that wasn't our attitude. We rejoiced that God allowed us to have a son, knowing that He makes no mistakes in bringing each child into the family He ordains. And, those He loves lack for nothing - if He chose to only bless us with girls (or boys) we would not be lacking for He gives His best to His children.

But, back to my son. Joshua David. It seemed he was just a little guy - and he was a little guy. Although he weighed in a few ounces bigger than his big sis (he was 16 lbs 13oz) he was a small little guy and quick! He still holds the family record as the youngest runner and climber. At ten months he got a reputation for being the only child EVER to climb over the wall in the nursery at Northwest Church. He can still scale a tree super quick today. We called him our coconut boy - he could climb up the palm trees and knock them down.

Josh loved candy. The Christmas before he turned two we found two legs sticking out from under Aunt Mini's Christmas tree - there was Josh, eating her girls' ginger bread houses. He especially loved the taste of mint. Josh continues to love candy. His friends and family know that and I was amazed at the sacks of gummy worms, peach rings, mints, candy bars, etc., that he received for his birthday.

When he was little, other children seemed to cry at times when he was around - but we could never seem to catch him doing anything. He just had a look in his eye that was suspicious. He still carries that twinkle. He has an impish little grin and look that just seems to say "trouble." He was a contrarian before he could talk! Even now we laugh and joke that when we call him a contrarian he says "no I'm not!" As far as Winnie the Pooh characters, Josh was our Eeyore. His days were always "a little bit good and little bit bad." Josh is a very logical thinker and considers things deeply. He desires to understand deep theological truths and likes to be accurate. When he was little I was talking to him and Sarah about God being called Father by those who were His children. Sarah (typical first born compliant pleaser) said something about how she wanted God to be her Father. I asked Josh if he wanted God to be his Father too. Since he was only two I expected a nod or something. Instead, he said very clearly "Satan."  After my initial surprise, I smiled at him and told him he was quite right. Satan was his daddy (Ephesians - all are born children of wrath) and I was praying for him. I continue to pray for my son today, pleased by what I see God doing in his heart and life. Grace.

I wish I had his newborn pictures on our email, but I'll have to post some later. For now, these (from 2005 when Josh was 6 years old) will have to do. Enjoy as we have so enjoyed our son these past 14 years. May God use him greatly to further His kingdom and reflect His glory.

Brother! I'm pretty sure Josh (who would never dress up himself) had something to do with Jon's attire!

Josh loves babies. He still does. Here he is with our little Hannah Banana.

Easter 2005, with Gray Gray and Papa.

Such a handsome ring bearer! Miss Robin's wedding!

T-ball. Every boys dream.

Happy Birthday, Joshua! We love you!

Journals

Back in 1996 I read something about a mother who had kept journals on her kids (probably two!) and had passed the journals onto her kids when they left home - what a blessing and legacy it was to them. So, I went out and bought a nice journal and began to write to our first child. The pages were filled quickly and by the time Sarah arrived I think I had to start another journal! I held up pretty well until the 3rd pregnancy in 3 years. Then I realized that the unborn blessing would not receive writings until after they were born! I still attempted to catch their milestones, funny sayings/happenings, stories and jot them in their individual little books tucked away in my closet. By the time the 5th or 6th rolled around, I was only pulling down the journals to jote updates on their birthdays. Yep. Annual remarks. By the time I had number 8, I think I got his delivery recorded. . . at least partially. As of today, there is still no journal for baby number nine and she's pushing 11 months.

Worse stats than my blogging!  Well, I'm celebrating each child's birthday this year with writing down memories of their beginnings, who they currently are and what a blessing we consider them. So, that's what's happening with these birthday posts:).

Resources

Today, more than every, we have a plethora of resources at our fingertips. Overwhelmingly so. Great resources that point us to God and the Gospel. Good resources point us to the Word and the Living Word, Christ.

One such resource are some simple books entitled God's Girl and God's Guy by the DiMarcos. It also comes in a 365 day devotional. Sarah has been reading through the girls' devotional with Bekah and Hannah each evening (and the boys pair off). While the material is God exalting, I'm also thankful for the closeness the girls will develop as the read together snuggled in bed. Ok, the boys don't snuggle. . .but I'm praying for close bonds.

If you are looking for a gift, this would be best for for ages 10 and up. Hannah is 8 and I think she can profit from the wisdom, but might be better suited for a little older of a girl/guy. A good read with your son/daughter, as well. I like the devotional because it helps to develop the daily discipline of seeking Christ.

May the next generation be full of "God Girls" and "God Guys."

Youth Culture

It seems the focus on church grown youth culture has been front and center the past decade. Books like Voddie Baucham's Family Driven Faith and Scott Brown's family integrated ministries began some of the wake-up call to the modern evangelical church. Sometime this week, Tabletalk magazine arrived full of youth culture/ministry articles. In fact the quote in the Chew on This section is from the magazine (a quote by T. Ascol). Not long ago, Paul and a friend had sent the following article:

http://thegospelcoalition.orgs/blogs/justintaylor/2013/02/11/top-10-reasons-the-church-is-losing-our-youth/

Paul states frequently that our kids will be impressed by what we're impressed with . . .unfortunately our churches are filled with older generations who are not impressed with a great God. Is it any wonder the kids aren't?

Marriage. . .True Love

Valentine's Day. People seem to either love it or hate it. From depictions of poor Charlie Brown not receiving any Valentines in elementary school, to the young woman miserable without a special admirer, to the older married woman disappointed that her husband didn't plan anything significant; Valentine's Day can hold a myriad of emotion having little to do with feelings of love. That is, if Valentine's Day is about you.

The church leader who in 469 AD declared February 14th as a day for Christians to honor and remember the courageous life of Valentinus could never have imagined what the day has become and how most celebrating today will never give a second thought to this man martyred for the Gospel. Priest Valentinus continued to marry couples after Emperor Claudius banned marriage. I don't think Valentinus gave his life because he felt that marriage was moral or traditional or that girls' hearts would break to give up their "wedding day dreams." No, Valentinus understood the sanctity of marriage and that it is a mere earthly picture pointing us to the true Gospel, God's love for his Bride.

In light of this holiday, I recommend using resources such as those provided by the Voice of the Martyrs.

What I especially enjoy about this series is the way the book ends - pointing us to those still in bonds today for the Gospel. We are so blessed with tools to teach the next generation that Valentine's Day is so much more that hearts, stuffed animals and candy. Around this earth there continues to be those martyred today for the Gospel. In America, we see that Valentine's Day without the Gospel has resulted in a generation that views marriage as optional. The Gospel is not optional. Marriage displays that Gospel to the unbelieving world. Those who scorn marriage, scorn Christ. Those who think marriage doesn't matter, fail to see the Gospel as relevant to their life here and now. Valentinus' death is worthy to teach to our children because God is worthy of all our devotion. Teaching the sanctity of marriage today is vital for the right understanding of the Gospel.

With that,  have a blessed Valentine's Day!

Naomi

February 6 marks the first birthday of the year for the Micu family. Naomi Deborah was supposed to arrive at the end of January back in 2006, but decided to wait until the Monday following the Super Bowl. It was a crazy day at the hospital when I arrived with many women lined up for inductions. I actually put my name on the epidural list that day - unfortunately the anesthesiologist arrived about an hour after Naomi arrived. . . She was the "bigger butter baby" weighing in at mere 7lbs. 15 oz., but making her the biggest of the Micu babies. She still holds the title by a few ounces over Joey:). I think the extra ounces were in her cheeks. We called her the butter baby not because Mama ate butter, but we would find her on the table eating butter! Not just at our home, but she'd help herself to any butter she could find. She still loves butter.

Here's her mug shot:



The Micu 6, Valentine's Day 2006

I can't believe it's been seven years already! Naomi was nicknamed "The Beast" for a reason. She was prone to major temper tantrums (the on the floor, kicking and screaming kind). She was known to bite and pull hair. She was as big as Hannah and plowed her down. She was very strong and very coordinated. Thankfully, by God's grace, over the years of maturity and discipline (lots of discipline) she has become as her name - "pleasant and friendly."  She is a kind and gentle girl who learns quickly and teaches herself many interesting things. I expect that she might be the most like her Daddy, who read through the encyclopedia set when he was seven. Naomi is like that. After teaching herself to read at 4, she started teaching herself Tagalog!

The Beast, Halloween 2007
She looks like trouble!

She looked so much like her big cousin, Miriam when she was little. Here's the two cousins at Thanksgiving 2012:

This year was a special birthday for Naomi - her first birthday party. She chose the infamous Chuckie Cheese, a favorite of all. It is really sweet to watch our little girl enjoy herself with friends and her special day.

We're not sure who the little dude to the left is! Just jumped in the photo:)

A special day for a special girl. . .2/3 down, 1/3 to go!

Catching Up

For the unanswered questions. . .

Yes, the llama brothers are gone! Thus reducing some hours spent roaming acres and allowing productivity in other areas. :)

Yes, I got some "good" sleep later in the week. All seemed "back to normal" until Miriam woke up very fussy Sunday morning. I find babies get sick a lot on Sundays and that is a day I really miss not being with other believers. Makes me yearn for Heaven!

Bathroom is still in process. . .

Sarah is practicing her driving....

Joey continues to look and act like Josh 12 years ago - ever have kid de ja vu?  Weird.

Night Watches

I find myself awake and alert and it's unwanted. I want to be sleeping. My kids are sleeping. My husband is sleeping. He's sleeping so soundly that I doubt he'll even remember my attempts to awaken him at 3am to tell him I can't sleep. What a wife. If he were to do that to me I'd become like that badger in the old SuperBowl car commercial. Ferocious! But there I was, lying awake for an hour. Wanting to sleep and wondering why I am plagued with the family gene of my mom (she never sleeps!) and vaguely recalling studying this in abnormal psych. After diagnosing myself, again, I decided to give in and get up.

The psalmist refers to this time as the "night watches." Over the years it has become a sweet time of fellowship with Christ. I'm saddened that I often would rather be sleeping and share that time at another hour. . . but God is good and does good. The Bible reassures the insomniac that He brings sleep to those He loves, so I know sleep will come. For now I will be content to pray and seek Him in the wee hours of morning. The temptations will come later, when irritability and fatigue come knocking. But His grace will prove sufficient then, too.

Snow Trip

Snow trip. Last year there just wasn't much snow, so this year we decided it was time to head to the snow again. While it was a fun day, once again I was reminded why I am glad I do not live in the snow! I love being a Californian - what a state! A couple hours to the beach, less time to the snow. . . this state literally has it all. (Despite the liberalism and crazies, who seem to be popping up in every state....)

Miriam is always busting out huge smiles, while big brother Joey perfers the more stoic smile (it's the German in him:)). He really enjoyed his time in the snow but it would be fun to catch a smile on that boy's face.

We were also blessed to hang out with the Jr. High ministry (you know Joshie loved that).