Perfect Parenting

As a friend and I were talking about the ways we ourselves handled situations, or shall I say mishandled situations, we joked that years from now our children will be in therapy for that memory we planted. Or maybe it will be those long days where my patience was thin and my words were too harsh. Perhaps the times I should have used gentle encouragement instead of tough love or the other way around...... those times could be scarring as well. We love our children so much and yet we still fall short.



I am thankful that my husband and I do have a place to go for wisdom in our parenting. Straight to God through His Word, and through prayer. I am even more thankful that my children have a perfect parent, God. He promises to be with us every day and through our weaknesses His glory is shone.



Dear God,

You are our Father, the all knowing and all powerful parent. You discipline those You love and it is always fair and just. I thank you for Your Word which we can gain wisdom and encouragement during these parenting years! May Chuck and I rely on You as we travel this journey together with You and our children, teaching them to rely on You as well.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.


"Above all things have a fervent love for one another, for, "love will cover a multitude of sins."
1 Peter 4:8

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness ans patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Colossians 3:12-14

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long."
Psalm 25-4-5

"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Hiking Crabtree Falls

Oh here we go hiking along, God gave us a beautiful day to admire His splendor!











Little Miss B was planning to reach her first summit with out riding in Daddy's back pack! We did bring the back pack just in case!

This hike gave us lots of chances to look at the falls, as we went up.... we'd switch back to the falls again and again!

Every view of the falls was beautiful!

There were lots of fun rocks to climb on!

Still hiking on......

We are studying the book of Joshua in the Bible each evening. Last night we learned that the Israelites needed to cross a flooded Jordan river to get to Jericho. At God's instruction the Levite priests went first, stepped into the river, and immediately the flow stopped and they were able to walk to the center of the river on dry land. Then the whole nation of Israelites crossed, as the water was held back by God. God also instructed them to pick out 12 stones (one for each tribe) from the river, and to build a memorial so that the people would look at these 12 stones and remember the awesome power of God and His faithfulness to His people.

Still climbing.........

There is a cave about half way up. Beth asked if she could wake up the bear that lived there!

The boys patiently waiting for us to come out of the cave......

Sam sipping his water!

Still going strong!

Taking a break!

The falls are beautiful the whole way up, so it is a great hike even if you do not go the two miles to the top!

Climbing on......

Almost to the top!

Silly picture along the way!

Way to balance Sam!

Here we are at the top!!!!!!!!

Cooling our feet in the creek!

Toby made it too!

Three little hikers!

Rhododendron in bloom!

Toby and Chuck on the way back down!

I'm not sure what this pretty little flower is called..Chuck called it Tinker Bells!

View from a switch back!

We met this family along our way down with three small ones. All of whom could benefit from seat to ride in on hikes. We gave them our back pack that has served us well for nine years, with three children! A rite of passage day for Beth and for Chuck and I!

Memorial Day

My oldest son went to a birthday party over this holiday weekend for a good friend of his from church. He was delighted as the invitation read: "You have been drafted!" ....for basic training.....there would be obstacle courses, combat with the enemy and birthday celebrations! Army men birthday! Little boys dream party!

Instead of bringing a gift the boys are asked to bring items to pack in a care package to send to a platoon that is being deployed to Afghanistan. These 6 soldiers are in a very remote area, have 110 v power, but have no running water, and are all living in a small plywood area, 8x10 in size. The boys were each asked to write a letter to these men and participated in packing the care package.

Here is Josh's letter:

Dear Soldier,

Thank you for protecting our country.

You keep us safe.

You are a hero.

I want to be in the Air Force when I grow up.

I am a Cub Scout.

I like to swim.

I play the electric guitar.

I wish you good luck.

May God be with you.

Your friend,

Josh

As I go through my days enjoying a luxurious lifestyle (especially compared to the living conditions of these soldiers who are protecting all of us), I will keep them, and their families, in my prayers not just on this Memorial Day but every day.

Dear God,

As we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for our protection and freedom, may we remember you taught us there is no greater love than to lay one's life down for one's friends. May the families of those who have lost loved ones, while in the service of our country find peace and comfort in knowing they have followed in Jesus foot steps.

May you surround our troops with loving protection. Grant them courage and trust in You for each task they face. Also provide strength, peace, and provisions for their families while they are away. Lord please be with our country's leaders. May they rely on Your guidance as they make decisions that affect the lives of so many. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

John 15:12-13

"This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friend."

The Last Bell Ringing Until Fall

Today was Beth's last day of Three year old preschool. She has grown up so much this year! On her first day she was carried into the school by the teacher, and though she did not cry, I did upon leaving the parking lot! She confidently walks into the school arm in arm with her friend and talks to her teachers and peers! We are so thankful to God and to those who have helped her on her way!

We enjoyed a delightful ocean themed program where all the children sang and danced! She will miss coming over the summer, and will be looking forward to fall. I am thankful that she loves to learn and look forward to a great summer!

Fun At Camp...The Place To Be

This past weekend we went to a camp reunion. My husband and I both went to this camp all though our childhoods, and worked there during college. Our groups of friends, times there, and memories, are all different, yet our love for this place is the same. We wanted our children to experience some of the magic we found there as children and to catch up with friends.




We had a wonderful time hiking, exploring, learning about plant life, canoeing, laughing, singing and dancing....(Josh- not so much enjoyment on the dancing portion). It was fun to see folks we'd not seen for 17(+) years and watch them enjoy camp just as much as they did long ago! All of the children, not just ours, had a blast! They were all friends within moments, and it seems the magic of camp has once again been passed to another generation!

We hugged tightly the man who was director during most of our childhood and all of our times as counsellors. This man taught us much about God, and showed by example, Christ like service to others with enthusiasm! We hugged his dear wife, who lightened our camp time with songs and dance! Dances and songs we still perform for VBS and at home with our own kids. They have touched our lives and helped us on our journey more than they will ever realize. When ever we are asked who was a mentor to us in our faith, Chuck always speaks of his Dad and this camp director. I am thankful Chuck was able to see him and that our director was able to see amazing man, Chuck has become!

Bamboo forest on the way to where the Wild things are!!!!

On to the Rock slide for an extremely cool dip in the creek!

Josh, Sam, and Beth's new friend "M" going very quickly down the rock slide!

We had a very short canoeing time due to thunder. (note the longer faces below)

Beth dancing with her very own Prince Charming!

Many thanks to all for a great time!