January 3, 2016

Last night ended with family devotions and prayer time.  The Oldest Princess threw around a word that she thinks she may use as her theme.  But she still is not completely sure, so will wait to declare it.  

The words, "It's raining inside!" were proclaimed by The Youngest Princess, as I frantically mopped up water, while The Young Prince showered in happy oblivion above.  But we quickly brought the problem to his attention, and he now knows the importance of making sure the shower curtain is completely on the inside of the tub at all times when the shower is running.  Or else, it WILL rain inside.

After the water was all cleaned up, the youngest princess and I cuddled up to read our nightly chapter of Mandie.  I looked last night, and I think we are actually on book 31.  That's a lot of books folks! But I would not trade one second of the precious time we have spent reading and experiencing adventures together.  We have even been to Europe and back!  They really are great books for young girls.

I had a pretty bad headache, so when we finished our chapter, The Youngest Princess headed off to her own bed.  I promptly fell asleep.  I did not even wake up when My Prince finished studying and came to bed.

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This morning, we got up and began getting ready for church, just like any other Sunday morning.  My Prince always wakes up earlier than the rest of us to study more before he has to preach.  While we were getting ready, I asked the Youngest Princess why she picked the word BELIEVE.  She wasn't sure why at first.  I kind of explained to her why I picked the words I picked.  She said, "Well, I guess that I picked BELIEVE, because I want people to believe in Jesus."  Can't argue with that.  I helped her to understand that she needed to seek ways each and every day of this year to help people believe in Jesus.  She understood.  I am excited to see what God does through my sweet little girl this year.  

Our Sunday School lesson today was about how we should work if we are able, and that we should help to take care of those who are poor.  One of our class members shared that when he is out and someone comes to him asking him for money, he tells them that he will help them, but first it will cost them something.  He said they always look at him funny, and then he tells them that they have to allow him to tell them about Jesus first.  Kind of his way of explaining to people why he helps them, and also a way to let them hear the Gospel when they may not hear it any other way.  I thought that was a wonderful idea!  Maybe you think so too.  Let's put it into action the next time someone asks us for money or for help.  GLORIFY and GROW!

Then, I had the 2-4 year olds Children's Church class.  The Young Prince was supposed to help me, but he switched out with his sister, so The Oldest Princess was my helper instead.  It probably worked out for the best, because that age group LOVES The Young Prince, but they LOVE to play with him, more than listen to and obey him.  

The lesson for the little ones was about the lame man at the temple who asked Peter and John for money (catching a theme here?).  Peter replies that he doesn't have any silver or gold, but he will give the man what he does have, the power to heal in Jesus' name, and Peter proceeds to heal the lame man in the name of Jesus.  I loved teaching them the story and watching them learn the Bible verse.  They are so sweet!

After the lesson we colored, and then made windsocks from our coloring pictures.  Well mostly the Oldest Princess and I made windsocks, while refereeing arguments over toys, keeping kids out of the toy box, wiping noses, tying shoes, playing ball, talking about how Jesus wants us to be kind, and finding lost tractors.  It was a fun filled, active, crazy hour.  I've discovered that that room is way too small for seven children of that age and two adults.  Kids that age need space.  Lots of space.

After church was over, The Youngest Princess came asking if she could go home with one of her friends for the afternoon.  I told her that she could.  Then the rest of the family went and ate lunch. As we were leaving the restaurant, I opened my fortune cookie to eat on the way home.  My fortune, which I put absolutely no stock in, said something about me being involved in many humanitarian projects.  We all thought it was funny after my Sunday School lesson, and the Children's Church lesson.  On top of that, I have finished the book, Raising a Modern Day Joseph (did I mention that I highly recommend it for parents and people who work with children and youth in the church?), and have started a new book called More or Less, and it's topic is about...giving, of course!  So I am thinking God was sending me a message, or two or three or four today about giving to others.  Maybe God thinks I need to GROW in that area of my life.

We came home and I got started studying and preparing for my Bible Skills, Drills, and Thrills class that I teach on Sunday nights.  We have missed several weeks due to special things happening on Sunday night, so I feel like we need to spend a lot of time reviewing the verses the kids have already learned, as well as learning new verses.  So I prepared several review games. My Prince rested for a few minutes and then went back to the church to study.  The oldest two were resting as well, so the house was really quiet.  After studying for my class, I spent some time doing my personal study as well.

Soon it was time to head back to church.  I did some more work/study getting ready for my Bible Drills class.  Then the kids were there.  I think they enjoyed the review games, but I know we definitely need some more review time.  Because we are nowhere near where we need to be at this point.  Competition time approaches quickly.  Tonight as well, we had two new students, which is wonderful, but also hard when it comes to Bible Drills, because we have already learned 15 verses and 7 key passages, and it is hard for kids to jump in in the middle and catch up.  I definitely think that both of them can do it, it will just take a lot of work.

After church we went to eat, and fellowship with a few friends.  It was nice, because I feel like we have been so busy over the holidays that we have not been able to spend time with these friends for a while.  It was nice to be able to catch up a little.  Plus while we were there we saw some old friends that we don't get to see much anymore, so that was a bonus.

We came home, and read Proverbs chapter 3 together.  We talked about having wisdom and discretion, and how they can keep you out of trouble and help you to lay your head on your pillow at night with a clear conscience and sleep well.  The Oldest Princess decided to stick with the word she has been tossing around: TRUST.  A great word for her Senior year I think.  The verdict is still out on the Young Prince's word.  We had family prayer and then it was time...

The kids picked out their outfits for (as much as I hate to say it) school tomorrow.  And began to get ready for bed.  Now it is my turn to pick out my outfit for tomorrow, and read some Mandie with my girl.  Until tomorrow...