A little peer pressure:)

So, a couple of friends and I are trying to spur each other on in Christ, and one of the ways we are doing this is by memorizing scripture together. The hard part for me is that there are literally 50-100 verses I want to memorize. So, where do I start? Ot or NT? Having other people to suggest scripture and JUST DO IT really helps. We know that all scripture is God-breathed and useful for many things in our lives. We also know we are commanded to hide the word in our hearts.

Consider this an invitation to join in on the fun. For the next few weeks, I will be memorizing Philippians 2:1-18. If you aren't already actively memorizing scripture, come along for the ride. Once I started, I became addicted. God's word is alive and it gives me life as the Spirit divinely helps me recall scripture at the perfect moments. Hope you take me up on it:)

As for the pictures above, my dear friend and co-table leader at MOPS has a beautiful little girl, Lauren who turned 2 on December 18th. Since Annabelle's birthday is December 15th, she thought of the brilliant idea of having a mini b-day party for the two of them. Aren't they cute? Davis and Sader, Annabelle's cousins stopped by to join in on the fun as well. Exciting. Ava had a good time too. Thank you Ilka for supplying the Princess Party hats, necklaces, cupcakes and adorable kids! Happy Birthday girls:)

Just Hoping Someone Can Relate!

"Why can't she just obey!"

I often find myself, and I mean very often, being impatient while disciplining Annabelle, which then results in disciplining with anger or harshness. Of course, this then leads to Annabelle portraying the same "bratty" attitude I have just shown her. When I could be calm and patiently be firm with her, instead, I throw a temper tantrum, adult style. I have become more and more embarrassed of this attitude, and I know it is not becoming of a child of God or daughter of God. But I find myself, like most of us, experiencing what Paul did.

In Romans 7, Paul says, "For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate...For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is presnt in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me."

Yes, Amen brother, but now what!? Do I just go on sinning and teaching my child poor habits? Well, thank God for Romans 8:) Beginning in Romans 8:11, Paul says, "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." I know that the Spirit will guide me and help me in my weakness.

Plus, how long did it take me to learn to sing "Jingle Bells", tie my shoe, learn the alphabet or memorize a Bible Verse? It takes a long time and it takes major repetition. And since when have I mastered obedience? Ha! I need to renew my spirit daily, setting my mind on the things of the Spirit! Be praying for me....So, the next time she disobeys or is impolite, rude or selfish, I need to take a deep breath and remember I am TRAINING her, OH and training myself! However, this is much easier said than done.

Thanksgiving