Alyssa and John's Christmas Project

John and Alyssa worked for months on a cd for gifts this Christmas. This is just one of the songs they played:
Joy to the World

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Take Me to the Casbah

John swept me off my feet and whisked me away to the Morehead Inn for my birthday. (Thank you, Pat, Carey, Gail and Charlie, for taking care of the young'uns!) We had a wonderful time!

I'm a Singuh-Part 1 and Part 2

Matthew 28:19

It was our joy and blessing to baptize Alyssa this
Sunday morning...

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,"

Grateful

As Thanksgiving has come and gone, I am, again, grateful for my family. The holiday season does that to me.
In light of that gratefulness, my mind shifts to one of my family members who is not with us this holiday season, instead she has chosen to leave her father and mother and brother and sister for the sake of the kingdom (Luke 18:29).
Five months ago, my niece Katie, began an eleven-month missions trip with the World Race. Katie, presently stuck in Bangkok due to political protesting throughout the city, recently posted this video:

Orphans of the Storm from katie rowland on Vimeo.

As I have watched each of Katie's videos documenting her journey, I am ashamed of how self-focused I can be, living my comfortable suburban life while so much suffering is going on around me. I am too quick to forget the (approximate) 143 million orphans worldwide. These children will not be with family this holiday season, their lives have been shattered by tragedy.

Katie, thank you for the joy you are bringing these children in the midst of their sorrow, in particular for laying down your life in order to share the gospel with them that they may, someday, experience lasting joy with their Father in Heaven. You are bringing Him much glory as you continue to pour out your life for these people. Thank you for your example to all of us at home. We love you and miss you very much.
xoxo,
Aunt Juli

Praying for Our Children

I read this fabulous reminder this morning from Praying the Scriptures for Your Children by Jodie Berndt. (Thanks, Jamie!)

"Before I started writing this book, I polled more than one hundred mothers to see what they wanted most for their children. My informal surveys, tucked into our family's Christmas cards and randomly distributed to friends and neighbors, listed everything from health and safety to academic success and strong family ties. I asked folks to check their top five desires or prayer requests, and I eventually used this feedback to shape the book's table of contents.
On the survey I also included an "other" category, where folks could comment on the topics or add their own thoughts. My friend Troy Lee shared this story of how God answered her prayers for her children:

"Before each of my children was born I prayed that they would be first a Christian and second healthy. I prayed that as long as we would be allowed to enjoy our children on earth, it would be long enough for them to accept Christ as their Savior. In other words, please let them live to be saved- however old or however young.
This prayer has been answered for two of my children so far, but very significantly in Abner IV's life. You may know that he died at age seven and a half. Seven months prior to his unexpected death, Abner prayed with his father to accept Christ and was baptized the next week. God let him live long enough to be saved.
This is even more interesting as we found out exactly what Abner died of (it took nine weeks to determine). Endocardial fibroelastosis is very rare. We were told that Abner's case would be published in a medical journal because in the last forty years, only two other people in the world had ever lived past age one with this condition.
And I keep thinking, God let him live long enough to be saved. Praise Him!"

Isn't this an amazing story? Where others might see only pain and loss, Troy Lee recognized the hand of God and the answer to her prayers. But, you might ask, shouldn't she have asked God to make her children healthy-no matter what? And if she had, would she have been spared the anguish of losing a child?
I can't answer these questions, but I know that in placing her children's salvation at the top of her prayer list-and in praying for them even before they were born-Troy Lee demonstrated an incredible maturity and depth of insight. She recognized what so many of us miss: that a relationship with the Savior is more important than anything else. A child can be blessed with a healthy body, good grades, an outstanding character, a wealth of friends, and an athletic scholarship to the college of his or her choice-but without a relationship with Jesus, it all counts for nothing."

"Praying for your children's salvation is asking God to give them the only gift that lasts forever."

I'm Thankful For...

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Winter Wonderland

Gathering Leaves

"Spades take up leaves
No better than spoons,
And bags full of leaves
Are light as balloons.
I make a great noise
Of rustling all day
Like rabbit and deer
Running away.
But the mountains I raise
Elude my embrace,
Flowing over my arms
And into my face.
I may load and unload
Again and again
Till I fill the whole shed,
And what have I then?
Next to nothing for weight,
And since they grew duller
From contact with earth,
Next to nothing for color.
Next to nothing for use.
But a crop is a crop,
And who's to say where
The harvest shall stop?"

-Robert Frost



*All photos courtesy of our wonderfully-talented Maggie Flanigan.

An Update on My Dad

A few of you may not know that my father is no longer living
with us.
Last week, John and I made the decision to place Dad into full- time care at a local assisted living facility. The establishment is actually located in our neighborhood, and is less than one mile from our home. Dad moved in on Monday.
My dad had taken several serious falls in our home since he moved in last April. As the falls became more frequent, (on the average of three times/week), it became very evident that it was not safe for him to continue to live here. Although this was a difficult decision to make, the Lord has made the transition smooth and quick for all of us.
Please continue to pray for my Dad, in particular that his relationship with the Lord would deepen in these last days/years of his life.
John and I have been amazed at the numerous people who have helped us throughout the last eight months. Beyond family, our church has been a regular source of encouragement, service, and means of grace to us during this season. Thank you all so much for your prayers, your council, and your care for Dad and our children. (Several families in our church rotated babysitting/eldercare in order for me and John to continue having "date nights" and to attend important meetings while Dad was living with us.)
We love you all and appreciate you more than you know.

Babyface

Seanna and Jack Morgan's baby shower at Carmel Country Club. (Doesn't he have the cutest little babyface?!)

Beautiful

Write Your Name on Her Heart

May Jesus write His name on her heart, with permanent ink.... like she just did on my wood floors.

Albert Mohler's Post

Americans head for the voting precincts today as the 2008 election is now at hand. Already, some 20 million citizens have voted through early voting options. Some expect a record turn-out for today's election. In any event, millions of citizens will participate in the first duty of freedom -- the freedom to vote.

There is so much at stake. We hear every election cycle that the stakes have never been higher. In one sense, this is usually also true. There is always the sense that there is more at stake this year than last, and, given the way issues unfold, that perception often seems validated by the times.

Christians face the responsibility to vote, not only as citizens, but as Christians who seek to honor and follow Christ in all things. But, beyond the vote, we also bear responsibility to pray for our nation.

First, we should pray that God will bless America with leaders better than we deserve. Democratic systems inevitably reflect the electorate's decisions, and these decisions reveal underlying worldviews. And, truth be told, all we can expect from democracy is the government we deserve. We must pray for a government and for leaders better than we deserve. May God grant us mercy as he reigns and rules over all things, including this election.

Second, we should pray that Americans will be motivated to fulfill the responsibilities of citizenship, yet also that we will be stripped of an unhealthy and idolatrous confidence in the power of government to save us. God has given us the gift of rulers and governments in order to restrain evil, uphold righteousness, and provide for civil order. No human ruler can save. No government official or office holder can heal the human heart, solve the sin problem, or accomplish final justice. These powers belong to God and God alone.

Third, we must pray that Americans will vote by conscience, not merely on the basis of celebrity or emotion. Christian citizens must vote to uphold righteousness and contend for righteous and just laws. But, at the same time, we must repent of moralism and the tacit assumption that better laws would produce better people.

Fourth, we must pray that Americans will vote to defend the least among us -- and especially those who have no vote. This starts, but does not end, with concern for the unborn and for the recovery of respect for the dignity and sanctity of every single human life at every stage of development, from conception until natural death.

Fifth, we should pray that God will prick the conscience of the nation on issues of morality, righteousness, and respect for marriage as the central institution of human civilization. So much ground appears to have been lost on these issues. We need to pray that much ground can be regained.

Sixth, we should pray that God will protect these candidates and their families. They have been through an arduous ordeal and now face the deadline of the vote. They are physically exhausted and now face the judgment of the people. They are public figures, but they are also flesh and blood human beings, who are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, sons, and daughters. Their families have withstood much. We should pray for their marriages and their children. May God protect them.

Seventh, we should pray that the election is conducted with honor, civility, respect, and justice. We must pray that we do not face another round of litigation after an election. This brings democracy into disrepute. May there be a clear winner, not a contested result.

Eighth, we must pray that Americans will be prepared to accept the results of the election with respect and kindness. This will be no time for rancor, condemnations, and conspiracy theories. Instead, we must pray that God will settle the hearts of the people. May Christians be ready to respond with prayer, respect for office, and a gentle spirit. Others will be watching.

Ninth, we should pray that this election would lead to even greater opportunities to preach the Gospel, and that the freedom of the church will be respected, honored, and protected.

Tenth, we must pray for the church, praying that the church of the Lord Jesus Christ would be strengthened in the truth, grounded in the faith, and empowered for witness and ministry. May the church, the sign of the coming kingdom, be faithful to declare the Gospel -- knowing that this is the only message that will save.

May God grant us mercy and grace as we seek to fulfill our responsibilities as citizens -- and our responsibilities as Christians. This world is not our home, but we do bear responsibilities as followers of Christ as we are living here.

May God bless America, not because this nation deserves to be blessed, but because He is a God of grace and mercy. Oh God . . . save us from ourselves."

Amen! Read more from Mr. Mohler at www.AlbertMohler.com.

Alyssa's Business Letter

Alyssa learned how to write a business letter in English. Pretty amusing topic, don't ya think? : )

Dear Miss Hannah Holm,

I would really appreciate your help with all of these wild children.
We own an agency for adopting orphans. We have 22 boys and
24 girls. Although we have a maid, Miss Walker and I cannot handle all of these crazy children.

You would be a great help with preparing for the day, helping with school, and character training. If you are interested please call
704-875-0583. You will be paid $15 every hour you work from 7:30am to 8:30pm.

If you are unable to assist us could you refer someone else for the task?


Sincerely,
Alyssa Morrison

No Bad Apples

Drove up to Morganton, NC today for apple pickin'!

Stick 'Em Up, Cowboys

The kids got invited to a neighbor's birthday party yesterday. They enjoyed dressing up for the cowboy theme. (I'm so glad Noah hasn't outgrown this yet!)

What's Wrong with this Picture?

Life is hard, so we should always take some time to laugh. : ) (You may need to click on the picture to see what's going on.
I wish you could've heard the girls giggle!)

More Science Experiments

This past week we also learned about minerals, including crystals. We made salt crystals which turned out very tiny (almost microscopic!). Another project was to make rock candy.... but sugar crystals take a long time to form. (We've been waiting for over a week.)
In the meantime, I found some other crystals to make...using Borax! (I'm not sure what chemical in Borax is so reactive, we've used Borax to make slime before too. Powerful stuff.) These crystals formed overnight! It's always exciting to see such dramatic results in a short period of time.
Aren't they pretty?

Not for the Fainthearted

The kids are in the process of learning about simple animals, namely...worms.
After their lesson this afternoon, Alyssa, Emma, Abigail, and Julianna reluctantly gathered around while I dissected an earthworm.
I have to admit it definitely made me squirm! In fact, I'm still feeling a little nauseous! To top it off, our worms were a little small, too small to really examine their organs. It just looked 

like brown and white mush. Maybe my X-acto blade was too 

dull. Oh well, guess we have to do it again! (Yuk!)

Happy

Definition: in high spirits; satisfied
Synonyms: blessed, blest, blissful, blithe, can’t complain, captivated, cheerful, chipper, chirpy, content, contented, convivial, delighted, ecstatic, elated, exultant, flying high, gay, glad, gleeful, gratified, intoxicated, jolly, joyful, joyous, jubilant, laughing, light, lively, looking good, merry, mirthful, on cloud nine, overjoyed, peaceful, peppy, perky, playful, pleasant, pleased, sparkling, sunny, thrilled, tickled, tickled pink, up, upbeat, walking on air

(Gail, I'm so happy you're near!)

Love is...

sharing.
Every morning Lauren greets Grandpa when he sits down for breakfast...and then she steals his bacon. This morning she "borrowed" his walker as well. ; )
We're glad Grandpa is so generous.
(Unfortunately the photo is blurry. Lauren absconded with the victuals before I could take another picture.)

Zumba!

Sleepyhead in the Hallway

Lauren has been climbing out of her crib lately.
The other day she climbed out four times. This is where
I found her when I went upstairs...

I'm a Great Aunt (Again) ; )

I had another grandnephew born last night! Jack Calvin was born to Cal and Seanna Morgan via c-section weighing 8lbs 4oz. Everyone is doing well. (I can't wait to see him!)

Love Thursday...

Love is... cousins.

Abigail wrote Julianna this beautiful card today. It reads, "We love you we have fun with you cute little girl you are my favrit cousin in the hole world."
Isn't that sweet?

The Mighty Jungle

Can You Count How Many?

Looks like Cousin Soup with a few neighbors thrown in. : ) (There was actually another one in there, but he had just stepped out.)

Introducing the Walkers

They're here!

You'll be seeing a lot of them around, so thought I'd make proper introductions. ; ) Those of you at CrossWay, make sure you come say, "Hello!" this Sunday! (I think I need to pinch myself!)

Life Is but a Dream...

For the rest of the story, click here: Dreams Do Come True

Wordless Wednesday

Jaws

John's out fishing with the boys this weekend. : )

More Adventures in Boone

Spencer spent the last three days with Uncle Mike, Aunt Lisa,
and Maggie in Boone. On the day after he arrived, we received
a phone call from Maggie...up in a tree. 
Apparently, Lisa, Mags, and Spence went for a hike through a pasture. Little did they know the pasture was frequented not only by several cows, but also by their rather large mate. As the curious cattle came to check out their visitors, the hikers headed up an apple tree where they remained for about 15 minutes until the bovines departed.
Later, I spoke to Spencer on the phone. When asked about the adventure, Spencer replied, "Mom, it's not funny! It was really scary!" : )

Twizzlers or Peppermints?

Alyssa's been working on a short compare-contrast
essay this week.

I thought she did a great job. : )

Line 'Em Up

Last week, the kids learned about assembly lines. After their lesson, they all lined up to build candy cars. Everyone had a little job to complete. Alyssa attached the steering shafts and back "trunks", Noah did the steering wheels and front "bumpers", Spencer applied the wheels, and  Julianna added the seats.
What fabulous mechanics they'd make some day! (Well, except for the one that wanted to build hers "all by herself", but we resolved that little dilemma.) ; )

Froggy Baby

The Latest Tricks

Look Who I Found in the Pantry...

Busted.

The Conclusion of Noah's Birthday

It feels like Noah's birthday was a two-week event! First celebrating as a family, then hosting a pool party, and finally his trip to Carowinds with his buddy, Chris. Here are a few clips...

Growing Up

Noah's birthday was quite different this year than it has been in the past. For one thing, Noah decided he didn't care to have a "themed" birthday party. Although it was important to him to have his best buddies over to celebrate, and to do something special with just one of them at a later date.
On Sunday, we'll have a pool/pizza party to which five of his friends have been invited. (I may drum up goody bags... kids like candy no matter how old they get!). For the following Sunday, he has asked to bring Christopher with him to Carowinds. (Originally, he wanted to go to a Panthers' game with Chris, but didn't want to wait for the first home game.)
Rather than a specially shaped and decorated cake, Noah told me he would like a chocolate raspberry cheesecake instead. (How's that for particular?)
For Noah's birthday gifts, he requested very specific things:
A pair of Vans, (deja vu!); a sports jacket; two Webkinz with clothing; and....drumroll...two rats. (I know, "ew".)
Noah also asked to shop for his gifts himself. So, yesterday he went on a shopping spree with his Daddy.

Yes, my baby is growing up. We have seen Noah maturing in many areas of his life this year:

Noah has become a more grateful young man. Last night, Noah came out of his room at eleven o'clock. Our conversation went like this:
Noah: "Mom, I have to get my Mossflower book, if that's ok."
Me: "It's too late, Noah, you need to go to sleep."
Noah: "Ok." (He turns to leave.)
Noah: "Mom? Thank you so much for everything today. I've been so blessed."

John mentioned Noah stated his gratefulness for each of his birthday purchases several times yesterday, as well as the time spent gathering them. Noah's thankfulness has become more of a regular occurrence.
Secondly, Noah is a deeply caring person. He regularly watches out and expresses concern for his grandpa. He often jumps up to help Grandpa, to move things out of his way or get things for him, and he lets me know if Grandpa needs any help.
Noah has also grown in sentimentality. Grandma Bett-Bett annually has had each of the children spend the night in celebration of their birthdays. Last year, Bett thought Noah had "outgrown" this tradition, so Noah didn't go. Well, Noah has expressed many times his desire to be with Bett-Bett since then. Pleasantly surprised, Bett will be having him over sometime in the next couple of weeks.
I have also seen an increased diligence in Noah with his schoolwork. He has not complained about his assignments at all, and has even mentioned enjoying his work several times in the last couple of weeks. For a homeschool mom, this is a BIG deal.

Most importantly, we have seen an increased maturity in Noah's relationship with the Lord. A few months ago Noah responded to an altar call at the Rebelution conference by Alex & Brett Harris. Although this was his third time expressing a desire to the Lord to be a Christian, we have seen a more sober awareness of the truth of the Gospel, and his knowledge of doctrine continues to be defined and embraced. He has read several difficult books on spiritual truth including: Do Hard Things, How Can I Be Sure I'm a Christian, Humility, Gospel for Real Life, Living a Cross Centered Life, and is currently reading Morning and Evening for his daily devotions.
The fruit we have seen in Noah's life this year gives me much hope and excitement for the upcoming teen years. What a privilege and joy we have in seeing our children grow.

Twelve Years Ago

Time flies.

Happiness

Thank you, Patsy and David, for spending time with us.
We love you!

A Family Affair

Hosted a little family pool party on August 31st.

Gone To Carolina In My Mind

We were in the mountains all last week. Did ya'll miss me? ; )

Dreams Do Come True

Ever since John and I have been married I have dreamed of having my sister as a neighbor. My sister, Gail, and her family have lived in Florida for the last four years. However, in the kindness of God, He has not only enabled her husband, Charlie,
to be transferred to Charlotte, but also to buy the house just two doors down from us!
Gail sent me the words to this "classic" Mr. Rogers' song last week. Our new theme song. Will you sing along with me?:

"It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?

It's a neighborly day in this beautiful world,
A neighborly day for a beauty,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?

I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you,
I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So let's make the most of this beautiful day,
Since we're together, we might as well say,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won't you be my neighbor?

Won't you please,
Won't you please,
Please won't you be my neighbor?"

Gail, Charlie, Emma, Abigail, James and Benjamin will be moving on Sept. 30th. Please pray for a smooth transition for them all!

For Miss Jamie...

Sorry you've not been feeling well.
We love you!

Gets Me Every Time

Forgetting I'm called to serve, John sent me this sweet, piercing reminder by none other than Spurgeon himself:

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

"This is what thou art here for. Thou art here for a certain purpose. Suppose, now, the duty which lies against our door to be a very disagreeable one. A sad thing that any duty should be disagreeable to the man who has been saved by Christ, but so it is.

There are some duties, which while we are nothing but poor flesh and blood will always be less agreeable than certain others; yet, mark you, though the duties seem to you to be degrading and disagreeable, contrary to your taste, yet the exhortation hath it, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." Whether
it be the visitation of the poorest of the poor or the teaching of the most ignorant, whether the hewing of wood or the drawing of water, the very lowest work in the Lord's house, if thy hand findeth it to
do it.

Christ Jesus might say to us, "Oh, you don't like teaching the poor;
it is beneath your dignity; then let your commander-in-chief do it; he can teach the poor, he can wash the feet of the saints, he can visit the sick and afflicted—he came from heaven to do this, and he will set you the example."

Surely we should each be ashamed of ourselves, and declare from this time forward whatever it is, be it great or little, if it comes to our hand, and if God will but give us help and give us grace, we will do it with all our might."

Oh me.

Build-A-Bear

Lauren had her
first Build-A-Bear experience with her birthmom and family last week. She made a kittycat. I wasn't sure if Bidgie would be old enough to participate in stuffing and fluffing whatever animal she chose, but she did a great job! She even went around for a second try after the first time!

Thank you, Jamie
and Scott, for a memorable time together. So grateful we got to see you!

You Are My Lovesong

I love you, Boogs! Happy Birthday!

(Some things never change, eh?) ; )

Nakey Bidgie...

When Lauren decides she wants to go in the pool, she immediately strips down to get her swimsuit on. Today Lauren went streaking upstairs in search of her bathingsuit and stayed
up there for several minutes. When I went to investigate I found her... naked, sitting on her bed, doing a puzzle. She explained,
"I doin' puzzles, Mama!" (Guess she got a little distracted). ; )

1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

Guess who's swimming?

I stand amazed.

You Are My Sunshine

Julianna spent three days at her Uncle Mike and Aunt Lisa's house last week. She had a wonderful time walking Maggie's little dog, picking blackberries, hiking, working on crafts, getting icecream, splashing in the creek, and tubing.
Thank you for having her, Mike and Lisa!

Although Julianna's not my only sunshine, I'm sure these pictures will make you happy if your "skies are grey". : )
(Thanks for the pictures, Mags!)

Drum-roll, Please....

It's finished! (Well... sort-of... a couple minor touch-ups remain, but this is what it truly will look like.)

Dad's room is done also. I'll post pictures later, it's not quite as exciting as the pool, though.

; )

So when are you coming over?!

Summer Sunshine

My Brother-in-Law

Please pray for my brother-in-law, Stuart. Last night Stuart had a heart attack. Thankfully he is doing well, but I can't help but grieve for this precious man's health. Stuart is one of the most fun-loving men in our family. My kids love him, and rightfully so. We all do. Married to John's sister with two grown sons, I'm sure they all need your prayers.
This definitely comes under the "Life is Hard" category, and we appreciate your prayers.

*Update: Stuart received four shunts in his heart, but thankfully did not need any bi-pass surgery. He's recovering well. Thanks for your prayers!

Heaven Bound...

"Christians often want to die when they have any trouble. Ask them why, and they tell you, "because we would be with the Lord." We fear it is not so much because they are longing to be with the Lord as because they desire to get rid of their troubles." -C.H. Spurgeon

No, I'm not depressed (or suicidal!). We are not going through any MAJOR trials right now, but I definitely can relate to this quote by my favorite dead guy.
I remember especially feeling this way after my Mother passed away. I came to the stark realization that Life is Hard. Losing people you love the most will do that to you. When I am faced with difficult situations: mortifying sin, dying to myself, watching loved ones struggle, seeing the results of this fallen world... I cannot help but look forward to heaven. Can anyone relate?
I'm challenged by this reminder to take a deeper look at my motives.
Lord, help us to love you more!

Lauren's Shenanigans

Upon returning
home from the
gym this afternoon, John informed me Lauren had learned
a new trick.
Like The Gibson Crew, we are in the process of potty-training.
Every time Lauren goes "potty" she
gets a couple M&Ms. Lauren likes M&Ms.
A lot.
Apparently, while I was out today, Lauren got a cup of water, poured it in her potty and exclaimed, "I did it, Daddy! I get treat!"