It's amazing how God uses children to remind us of simple truths. Tonight, I was reminded of something important by there being poop on my couch. Yes, as gross as that sounds, this blog was inspired by a toddler who didn't listen to Mommy, and ended up making things a little messy.
Instead of being at church, I'm at home with Owen tonight since he's not feeling well. I noticed that something was a bit stinky, so I did what anyone else would do, and I changed a diaper. At least, I attempted to change one. As much as I'd like for Owen to use the potty, he's not quite old enough, and/or not ready to be potty trained. We try to tell him, "don't poop in your diaper, poop goes in the potty," but so far that's only happened once, and I'm pretty sure that was a fluke. So we spend lots of time changing diapers, and we often have to remind Owen to lay still when we are changing his diaper, because being still isn't something he likes to do....EVER! Like most parents do, we do our best to warn our children to not do things that aren't good for them, or could hurt them, and teach them things that they need to know.
Owen is very fast, and unfortunately for me, at about 7 months pregnant, I am not. I had laid him down on the floor, and as soon as I got his diaper off, he got away and ran towards the couch on the other side of the room. I said, "Owen come back," but he decided to start climbing up on the couch, and tried to stand up on it. My instinct of course was then to say, "Owen get down", but as I run towards him, he sits down, which is how the couch got messy. I had tried to help him by changing him, but instead of letting me help him get out of a little mess, he got away from me, and made a bigger mess.
For those who weren't too grossed out by that, and continued reading, here's where God used this moment to remind me of His truth. Like a good parent, he tells us what we should and shouldn't do in His word. He has clearly laid out what he expects of us, what we should and shouldn't do and explains that there are consequences for when we don't obey His teachings.
Temptation sometimes catches us off guard. It takes our focus off of Him and what His word calls us to do. Not only does he set guidelines for us, but He takes it one step further. When He realizes something in our lives may be "a little stinky", or we're starting to get ourselves into trouble, we are often reminded of the truth. It may be the Holy Spirit reminding us, a friend who is bold enough to confront us when they notice the path we are taking, or it could be through our own reading of His word. Then, we have to make the choice. We can turn away from what little mess we have started making, and get back on the right path, or we can ignore Him, and delve further into the sin. If Owen had listened to me from the beginning, he would have laid still when I tried to help him with his diaper, but instead, he ran from me.
Before I changed him, I told him to lay still, he didn't listen. Then I tried to correct him before he made it to the couch, and again he ignored me, and proceeded to run away. By the time I had made my third attempt to stop him from what he was doing, we ended up with a big mess to clean up. Luckily for us, God doesn't given up on us when we start doing something we shouldn't be doing. He is patient with us, and allows us to make our own choices. Unfortunately sometimes we don't always make the best decisions, and that causes us to sin. He lovingly reminds us of why what we are doing is wrong, but then the choice is still ours. When we fail to heed his warnings, and proceed on our own, we have consequences to pay. Sometimes the longer we wait to correct our behavior, the worse our consequences are, yet even despite our disobedience, He still loves us. He still wants us to turn from sin, and back to Him. It's never too late. Regardless of how far we've gone, or how many times He has reminded us of His word, He will still accept us with open arms, and will help us get out of the "mess" we are in.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
The Greatest Gift
Wow, so apparently when you don't blog for a long time, it seems as though time has flown by, which it really has. My last blog included one of our first ultrasound pictures of Hudson, and since he's 4 now, I'd say that last entry is a little old. Since that blog post, we obviously had Hudson in February of 2011. That Fall, I started teaching and taught for almost two years at Costner Elementary School. We found out we were expecting our second child in October of 2013.
Fast forward to May 2014 and we moved from our home in Gastonia, North Carolina, to Roanoke, Virginia. It has been so evident that our move to Roanoke was orchestrated by God, and we have been amazed to see how he has worked in our lives here. Owen was born in June of 2014, just over a month after moving here. When we moved to Roanoke, we planned for me to stay home with the boys. I have loved this transition, and getting the extra time with them that I didn't have when Hudson was a baby. I decided to start nannying during the school year for teachers, and now while staying home with our kids, I have kept two little boys in our home (at separate times of course, I'm not completely crazy).
And then there were three......what? Yes, we found out we were expecting baby number three last November, and not to our surprise, it's another boy. People often ask what we're having, and when I say a boy, I get lots of interesting comments, with the most common being, "Wow, 3 boys, wow, you're going to have your hands full". Newsflash, my hands were full, long before then, but I politely smile, and say, "Yes, I think so". We cannot wait to welcome our son into our family in July.....the countdown has already begun.
Since switching from teaching to being a stay at home wife/mom/nannny/Pampered Chef lady, a lot has changed. Obviously one of those big things has been finances. We're so grateful for everything we have learned through the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University. It has helped us to budget our money carefully, pay off debt, and begin to experience financial freedom that we hadn't experienced in the past. If you haven't been through the class, it is highly recommended. Then on top of that, I have started couponing....let me just say I love it! I was already pretty frugal, but the amount of money we have saved has been incredible, and the FREE STUFF is my favorite part! Even Hudson calls himself "the coupon helper kid". I love the reward systems, the points, anything I can earn that allows me to get more stuff for FREE. Which finally brings me to my point, and where I got my inspiration for this blog yesterday morning.
Yesterday I was sitting in my car while Owen napped, eating my free Panera bagel and drinking my free Starbucks, and a thought strikes me. I love things that are free and get so excited over cashing in coupons for free items. The more items I get for free, the better. I love a good deal, and I love telling other people about them, and helping them to save money too. It's a weird thing to do it seems, but I've really enjoyed being able to do it for our family, and share it with our friends and family members.
Then here comes the moment of truth, the BEST FREE GIFT that I ever received happened on Good Friday many years ago; now that's something to really get excited about! Romans 5:8 says, "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners". He didn't ask for me to save up points, or turn in a voucher, or wait for me to be on my best behavior, he did it for me, before I ever even thought of Him. Now that is the greatest love ever shown.
Why is it so often we can't wait to share good news, of any kind, big or small with those around us, sometimes even strangers, yet it is so hard for us to share the good news of the Gospel? It's the one thing that is so incredible that we shouldn't be able to keep it to ourselves. Romans 6:23 says that, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord". I love that the New Living translation points out that it is a FREE GIFT. We didn't get it because it was our birthday, or Christmas, Easter, or another random holiday that we like to give/receive gifts on, we got it because He loved us! We didn't deserve this gift, and we definitely didn't earn it, yet he gave it to us anyways.
This was an aha moment for me yesterday, and not meant to be a condescending post in the least. I'm not writing to tell you, that all of you should be sharing about what Christ did for you more often, this is for me too. I too, am guilty of not telling others as often as I should about the amazing love of Christ. I hope writing this serves as a reminder for me, that the next time I get that free item, regardless of what it is, it pales in comparison to the FREE GIFT that I received when Christ died for me, so I could live with him. Now that is the beauty of this weekend. Taking time to reflect on what Christ did for us shouldn't be something we only focus on at Christmas and Easter, but every day throughout the year. It is the greatest gift that changed eternity.
Fast forward to May 2014 and we moved from our home in Gastonia, North Carolina, to Roanoke, Virginia. It has been so evident that our move to Roanoke was orchestrated by God, and we have been amazed to see how he has worked in our lives here. Owen was born in June of 2014, just over a month after moving here. When we moved to Roanoke, we planned for me to stay home with the boys. I have loved this transition, and getting the extra time with them that I didn't have when Hudson was a baby. I decided to start nannying during the school year for teachers, and now while staying home with our kids, I have kept two little boys in our home (at separate times of course, I'm not completely crazy).
And then there were three......what? Yes, we found out we were expecting baby number three last November, and not to our surprise, it's another boy. People often ask what we're having, and when I say a boy, I get lots of interesting comments, with the most common being, "Wow, 3 boys, wow, you're going to have your hands full". Newsflash, my hands were full, long before then, but I politely smile, and say, "Yes, I think so". We cannot wait to welcome our son into our family in July.....the countdown has already begun.
Since switching from teaching to being a stay at home wife/mom/nannny/Pampered Chef lady, a lot has changed. Obviously one of those big things has been finances. We're so grateful for everything we have learned through the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University. It has helped us to budget our money carefully, pay off debt, and begin to experience financial freedom that we hadn't experienced in the past. If you haven't been through the class, it is highly recommended. Then on top of that, I have started couponing....let me just say I love it! I was already pretty frugal, but the amount of money we have saved has been incredible, and the FREE STUFF is my favorite part! Even Hudson calls himself "the coupon helper kid". I love the reward systems, the points, anything I can earn that allows me to get more stuff for FREE. Which finally brings me to my point, and where I got my inspiration for this blog yesterday morning.
Yesterday I was sitting in my car while Owen napped, eating my free Panera bagel and drinking my free Starbucks, and a thought strikes me. I love things that are free and get so excited over cashing in coupons for free items. The more items I get for free, the better. I love a good deal, and I love telling other people about them, and helping them to save money too. It's a weird thing to do it seems, but I've really enjoyed being able to do it for our family, and share it with our friends and family members.
Then here comes the moment of truth, the BEST FREE GIFT that I ever received happened on Good Friday many years ago; now that's something to really get excited about! Romans 5:8 says, "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners". He didn't ask for me to save up points, or turn in a voucher, or wait for me to be on my best behavior, he did it for me, before I ever even thought of Him. Now that is the greatest love ever shown.
Why is it so often we can't wait to share good news, of any kind, big or small with those around us, sometimes even strangers, yet it is so hard for us to share the good news of the Gospel? It's the one thing that is so incredible that we shouldn't be able to keep it to ourselves. Romans 6:23 says that, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord". I love that the New Living translation points out that it is a FREE GIFT. We didn't get it because it was our birthday, or Christmas, Easter, or another random holiday that we like to give/receive gifts on, we got it because He loved us! We didn't deserve this gift, and we definitely didn't earn it, yet he gave it to us anyways.
This was an aha moment for me yesterday, and not meant to be a condescending post in the least. I'm not writing to tell you, that all of you should be sharing about what Christ did for you more often, this is for me too. I too, am guilty of not telling others as often as I should about the amazing love of Christ. I hope writing this serves as a reminder for me, that the next time I get that free item, regardless of what it is, it pales in comparison to the FREE GIFT that I received when Christ died for me, so I could live with him. Now that is the beauty of this weekend. Taking time to reflect on what Christ did for us shouldn't be something we only focus on at Christmas and Easter, but every day throughout the year. It is the greatest gift that changed eternity.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Our Little Blessing
Psalm 139:13-17
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Life in North Carolina
It's been a while since I had a chance to blog, but we have been so busy. We love living in North Carolina. We've been here a little over a month now, and are really enjoying getting to know the area and people in our church. We are blessed to be a part of a great church family here in Gastonia.
Last month we were able to go to Indiana and direct a senior high camp for Yellow Creek Lake Ministries. It was an amazing week and God really moved in the lives of the students and staff there. Last year Darren and I attended YCL Camp and really enjoyed it, and we were so fortunate to be a part of YCL camp again this year.
My parents and sister were here for a few days last weekend. My mom, Kailyn and I had a fun time shopping. My family was able to go with us to church on Sunday morning, and meet some of the people from our congregation. We had a great cookout after church for everyone, and there were games, balloon animals, and face painting. It was a lot of fun.
Next week we're taking some of our students to youth camp, and we're really looking forward to it. It'll be a great week of getting to know one another better, and learning more about God. Pray that we will have a good time of fellowship and growth while we are there.
That's about all for now. Have a blessed day!
Love,
Courtney
Last month we were able to go to Indiana and direct a senior high camp for Yellow Creek Lake Ministries. It was an amazing week and God really moved in the lives of the students and staff there. Last year Darren and I attended YCL Camp and really enjoyed it, and we were so fortunate to be a part of YCL camp again this year.
My parents and sister were here for a few days last weekend. My mom, Kailyn and I had a fun time shopping. My family was able to go with us to church on Sunday morning, and meet some of the people from our congregation. We had a great cookout after church for everyone, and there were games, balloon animals, and face painting. It was a lot of fun.
Next week we're taking some of our students to youth camp, and we're really looking forward to it. It'll be a great week of getting to know one another better, and learning more about God. Pray that we will have a good time of fellowship and growth while we are there.
That's about all for now. Have a blessed day!
Love,
Courtney
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Time to Relax
I am finally finished with my undergraduate degree!!!! I finished Student Teaching and my online portfolio. My oral defense of my portfolio received an Outstanding Rating, and I was very glad that I finished the semester on a good note.
Graduation weekend went by so quickly. We were so glad that both of our families were here to celebrate with us. Friday was the Education Commissioning service, along with Baccalaureate. Saturday morning was graduation followed by a wonderful lunch with our family. On Sunday our church did a special presentation for the graduates including entertaining pictures from our childhood. Of course our parents willingly gave up embarrassing pictures of us without our knowledge. The weekend was very eventful and enjoyable, however, it was nice to catch a breather after it was over.
We had two wonderful days with NOTHING to do before May Term started, and it was amazing. Darren and I got to hang out with friends and experience a few peaceful days before classes started. After a hectic semester with student teaching and Darren's class and work schedule, it was nice for us to be able to relax.
Darren started his May Term class today which will finish up on the 25th of this month. Then we'll leave that night to make our trip to Gastonia. We are so excited to start this new journey together. Darren and I will be working with youth and young adults at our new church, and we are anxious to get started. We're also excited about moving into our new place in North Carolina. We started packing up things in boxes today, and I will be glad when we are finished packing and then unpacking once we arrive. I made a countdown for us to count down the days until we move. Only 19 more days until we move, and in 20 days we'll be at our new home in Gastonia.
I took a break from packing earlier to make triple chocolate fudge brownies, and they are delicious! I think it's time for bed, after I finish my midnight snack.
* Courtney
Graduation weekend went by so quickly. We were so glad that both of our families were here to celebrate with us. Friday was the Education Commissioning service, along with Baccalaureate. Saturday morning was graduation followed by a wonderful lunch with our family. On Sunday our church did a special presentation for the graduates including entertaining pictures from our childhood. Of course our parents willingly gave up embarrassing pictures of us without our knowledge. The weekend was very eventful and enjoyable, however, it was nice to catch a breather after it was over.
We had two wonderful days with NOTHING to do before May Term started, and it was amazing. Darren and I got to hang out with friends and experience a few peaceful days before classes started. After a hectic semester with student teaching and Darren's class and work schedule, it was nice for us to be able to relax.
Darren started his May Term class today which will finish up on the 25th of this month. Then we'll leave that night to make our trip to Gastonia. We are so excited to start this new journey together. Darren and I will be working with youth and young adults at our new church, and we are anxious to get started. We're also excited about moving into our new place in North Carolina. We started packing up things in boxes today, and I will be glad when we are finished packing and then unpacking once we arrive. I made a countdown for us to count down the days until we move. Only 19 more days until we move, and in 20 days we'll be at our new home in Gastonia.
I took a break from packing earlier to make triple chocolate fudge brownies, and they are delicious! I think it's time for bed, after I finish my midnight snack.
* Courtney
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Busy, Busy, As Can Be
I am required to have a blog for Student Teaching that I have to post on daily. I have been enjoying my blog so far, so I thought it would be fun to set up a blog for Darren and I. I probably won't write on it much during this semester since I am so busy, but I hope I will have time after graduation to blog more.
We are 83 days away from graduation. Hopefully it will go by quickly. This semester I am doing Student Teaching in Elwood, Indiana in a 3rd grade classroom. It's a lot of hard work, but I am really enjoying it so far. I have great students, and a wonderful teacher. I'm learning a lot, and I'm excited to see how the rest of the semester will go with my students. I will be teaching all day everyday until mid-April. Darren has been really busy with school and work this semester.
We've been married for 6 months on the 8th, and couldn't be happier. We are really anxious to see where God will take us after graduation. We know that as long as we continue to seek God for wisdom, he will continue to bless us in the years to come.
There is a ridiculous amount of snow outside, and I am hoping for warmer weather soon. Darren loves the snow, but I only like it if I can stay inside, drink hot chocolate and look outside at the pretty snow. I am not a fan of it if I have to go outside in this mess. It makes it especially hard to get my cart on wheels full of books back and forth to school everyday. I should probably get back to my lesson plans now. Try to stay warm!
We are 83 days away from graduation. Hopefully it will go by quickly. This semester I am doing Student Teaching in Elwood, Indiana in a 3rd grade classroom. It's a lot of hard work, but I am really enjoying it so far. I have great students, and a wonderful teacher. I'm learning a lot, and I'm excited to see how the rest of the semester will go with my students. I will be teaching all day everyday until mid-April. Darren has been really busy with school and work this semester.
We've been married for 6 months on the 8th, and couldn't be happier. We are really anxious to see where God will take us after graduation. We know that as long as we continue to seek God for wisdom, he will continue to bless us in the years to come.
There is a ridiculous amount of snow outside, and I am hoping for warmer weather soon. Darren loves the snow, but I only like it if I can stay inside, drink hot chocolate and look outside at the pretty snow. I am not a fan of it if I have to go outside in this mess. It makes it especially hard to get my cart on wheels full of books back and forth to school everyday. I should probably get back to my lesson plans now. Try to stay warm!
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