Blessed. . .

I've been wanting to sit down and write this for awhile. . .

As though being married to a Filipino and having seven children wasn't enough to teach me flexibility and surrendering "control" . . .Paul being called as the Young Adult and Young Families Pastor has kept our home at a constant hum of activity! All I can say is. . .we are so BLESSED! Over the years we've had those young adults (the Miss Robins, Miss Amys, Mr. Joes, Mr. Nates. . .can't begin to list them all) who have impacted our lives and those who continue to impact us today. It is such a joy to see many off in other parts of the country, in foreign lands, others married and starting families of their own, and even some ministering with us today! I hesitate to put shots because I am lacking so many of you . . . Miss Charlotte spending a year doing art lessons with us. . .so many of the guys here swimming and playing. . .all you who have eaten around our table. . .Miss Tamara cleaning. . .

Also, a HUGE thank you for the Nano thing. I was very surprised. It meant the world to me when you honored Paul last January, but this Nano thing is really cool, too! Do you like my goofy self taking my own photo?! 2008- the year of the Blog; 2009- mastering my new Nano, 2010 - Facebook?? no promises. . .:)

Again, thank you Young Adults! We love you!

Playing Favorites. . .

Paul has been preaching through James and we've spent the last few weeks on James Chapter 2. While this section is dealing primarily with the partiality and favoritism shown to those of different social standings, Paul challenged us (me) greatly on the idea of favoritism shown in social capital, as well. Ouch. He briefly eluded to favoritism displayed in families and the challenges that creates. . .here's something on that:

Playing Favorites

10/15/2008

There is a question that I am often posed, but which still takes me a little by surprise, “do you have a favorite?” For years I have answered with my self-perceived humorous wit, “absolutely – the baby!” The joke being, of course, that in our home there is always a baby and a new one on the way within a year of the last one! So, for the past 11 years there has always been a favorite and everyone has been the favorite! As I type this out I now realize that what made perfect sense in my mind is probably why people left with a puzzled look. (But, no joke, the “baby” frequently is the parental favorite.) I am always thankful for this question, however, because it causes me to examine myself, my actions and how my children perceive my love and attention. I find myself asking them “do you think Mommy or Daddy has a ‘favorite’?” While some of you may find this reaction odd, it is very real to me. You see, the sin of favoritism has been a generational sin in my extended family – at least three generations strong and I have vowed (with utter dependency upon the Holy Spirit) to break sins’ hold in my own family. Thus, this question regarding “favorites” is welcomed. I am grateful that God’s power through Christ has allowed our family to be free, thus far, of this heinous, but “respectable” sin. While subtle, this sin wrecks havoc in homes and families (Just check out Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Joseph, etc. in Genesis!). I have lived as one “not favored” and I have been married to one who has received “unwanted favor” and it is ugly all the way around. Sin is never pretty. The consequences are always painful. Hurt is real. But, His grace is greater. And it is by that grace, through that grace, and in that grace that He grants me the ability to love each of my seven precious children individually and look each one in their eyes and express my love and know that they know that they are loved and enjoyed. Each one uniquely created and sculpted by the hands of God Most High. While this sin may not have a foothold my life, I do ask my children as their perceptions are real and valuable. I suppose I hope they will all respond as Hannah did the other day when I asked, “Hannah, who do you think is Mommy’s favorite?” Without hesitation, she answered “me.” Yes, my loves, you are all my favorites!! (We have a sweet children’s book on our shelf entitled: You are all my Favorites by Sam McBratney, I recommend cuddling up and reading it together. . .) My children are indeed ALL precious gifts to be enjoyed from a most gracious Father.

Tribute to my Man

Still the same hunk of a man I married 193 months ago today! Paul, the romantic, keeps track of our months married. . .I like to think it's for romantic purposes, at least! Isn't he cute?

Snow Days

We brought in the New Year with the Micu Clan up at a snow park. It was a very enjoyable day with the sun shining warmly and lots of cousins to sled with and aunties to hold little ones as they nap.

Uncle Gads even made a steaming hot cauldron of Riscaldo to warm our inners cooked on a camp stove.

Sarah and her poor glasses. . .last year the screw popped out and Mom, amazingly, spotted her lense on a vast hill of snow - shimmering in the sun. This year, a snowball flying with sweet aim managed to break her glasses. Next year I am going to look into goggles!


Naomi and Hannah just loved the snow. They would just lay on their bellies and fly down the hill!

Last Year's Lapbooks. . .

Wrapping up the year with our Christmas lapbooks which we didn't have them neatly laid out with the grandparents were here. . .

Resolved. . .

Inspired by the young man, Jonathan Edwards, here are a few resolutions I aspire to daily (written following the 2007 RESOLVED conference). . .

1. to daily spend time in the Word, however short a time, and resolve to meditate on the Truth therein.
2. to preach the Gospel to myself daily.
3. to speak only of myself when asked, and then, only to attribute all glories and blessings to God.
4. to pray more earnestly for my husband and children, especially in regard to salvation and that which is of the spiritual realm.
5. to speak always of Christ and Him crucified to my children and others.
6. to demonstrate kindness to all men.
7. to busy at home, never idle, either in thought, word, or deed.
8. to never forsake the assembly of the saints.
9. to think, speak, and see the best in all men.
10. in all conversation, to point to Christ, His redeeming work and our need for such a Redeemer.
11. to joyfully delight in the duties God grants me, especially those of the mundane nature.
12. to place myself last, in serving of self, one's needs, position, in order to daily remember that other shall be valued higher than self.
13. to not grumble, fret, whine, or complain, and if so, to quicken to confession and repentance.
14. to consider all monies as God's, and to therefore spend His resources with great trepidation and wisdom.
15. to live with death before me, prepared in all ways to depart at His bidding.
16. to at no time indulge the appetites of the flesh that they might be crucified and victory in Christ enjoyed.
17. to train my children in the fear of the Lord in order that they might train their children (and so forth) unto the next generation.
18. to consider no task too great or too lowly, as Christ gives both strength and humbleness of Spirit.
19. to not seek the "approval of man" but only that of my God.
20. to daily delight and marvel in Christ, my treasure!

New Year's Swim

Getting ready for our annual Polar Bear swim. We started the tradition when we moved in four years ago. Or, should I say, the kids enjoy the tradition?!?


Jonathan leads the way with a flying leap. . . Warming up after the 49 degree water.
The warmer polar bear swim! Sarah said it was "burning" after the cold pool!