Crazy Love

I have never done a book review on our blog before, but I just finished reading an amazing book - possibly the most challenging & thought-provoking book I have ever read, outside the Bible of course. Crazy Love is written by Francis Chan, a Pastor from California. Many of you may have already read this book - if you haven't, I highly recommend it. But get ready to be uncomfortable & convicted! Crazy Love was one that was difficult to put down & it led me to thinking in ways I haven't thought in a long time. When Andy & I were in college we had an "ah-ha" moment one night when we were reading Chapter 10 in the book of John. Verse 27 says, "My sheep listen to my voice, I know them & they follow me." Andy & I felt empowered by that verse - living as a victorious Believer on a daily basis is as simple as listening for God's voice in every situation & then obeying what He tells you. For the next few months we both focused diligently on doing just that. During this time God led us to move to Oklahoma - we didn't have jobs lined up, any family here, or any other logical reason to move here, other than being obedient to the Lord. In Crazy Love, Francis Chan talks about being so in love with God that we do things out of the ordinary, out of our comfort zones, out of our comfortable American lifestyle. Just this morning I saw a family on Good Morning America - they are calling their mission "Crazy Love in Action." They traded their 4000 square foot house for an RV & are traveling the country with their 4 children, working in homeless missions. Sound crazy? To most people maybe, but not to this family - they said that what they receive by giving themselves away far out ways what they gave up. Since Andy & I have moved to Oklahoma, life has gotten busier & the distractions come daily to try & prevent us from hearing God's voice. But this book has flamed in me a desire to once again strive to hear from the Lord & obey him consistently, even when it doesn't make sense. On page 168 he says, "I wrote this book because much of our talk doesn't match our lives. We say things like,"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," & "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." Then we live & plan like we don't believe God even exists. We try to set our lives up so everything will be fine even if God doesn't come through. But true faith means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God's fidelity to His promises." To find out more about this book check out http://www.crazylovebook.com/.

Picture Time!

Halloween Dress Rehearsal

I am going to be a soccer player for Halloween! Last year a friend of ours brought me a Manchester United soccer uniform from England! Mommy got it out the other day to make sure it fits. Sure enough, it fits perfectly! I also have cool soccer shin guards & socks! I can't wait until Saturday!

Little Miss Smiley

Hi everyone! Mommy couldn't wait to post these pictures to show how happy I am! If I am awake, I am smiling! The last few mornings I have been waking up happy. Around 7 or 7:30 Mommy has been hearing sweet little coo's from my bed! When she walks in to get me I greet her with a beautiful smile! It makes her so happy! I am working on moving a little bit but I still haven't rolled over yet - I am content to just be where I am. But I am constantly moving my arms & legs - as you can see in the above photo, it is hard for Mommy to get a clear picture!

Go Texas!

Today we had fun cheering on our favorite team, the Texas Longhorns, as they played OU! We were excited that they won! And Kate loved wearing her cute burnt orange hairbow! Good thing she had the hairbow, because she was wearing one of my Texas outfits that doesn't fit anymore. It really wasn't very girlie, but the hairbow helped!

A Note from Mommy -

This morning I was wiping spit up off of Kate's face for the hundredth time. A thought crossed my mind about how my days currently consist of so many monotonous tasks - ones that never have a feeling of completion - Changing diapers, feeding Kate, helping Michael pick up toys, wiping noses, etc. You moms out there understand. It just goes on & on & on. But as I was contemplating all of these tasks, the Lord whispered something so sweet in my ear. "This blesses me." As I take care of my children, I am blessing the Lord. No one else may notice, but the Lord does. I may not get a promotion, a raise, or even a pat on the back. But the Lord promotes me & honors my work as a mom. He speaks over & over in His Word of how children are so valuable to him. Matthew 19:14 - Let the little children come to me..." Mark 10:16 - "And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them & blessed them." Moms, as we take care of our children each day, we must remember that this brings Him so much glory & pleasure. 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, do it all for the glory of God." And I am so thankful for all the daily ways He teaches me through my children & allows me to laugh - like the other morning when I was eating my cereal & a toy car landed in the bowl - As milk splashed everywhere I heard, "Uh-oh! Sorry Mommy!" I mean really, who can say they have ever had to share their cereal with a toy car, but a mom of young children? :)

I am 3 Months Old! Oct 2, 2009

On the 2nd I turned 3 months old! How time flies! I am growing & changing daily & starting to show a fun little personality! I am still content most of the time. I rarely cry except for obvious reasons & I am smiling more & more. I am sleeping & eating well. I love to play on my playmat & look in my mirror. I have decided that I want nothing to do with a pacifier. I also don't sleep in my car seat very well, but I am working on it & trying to get better. I have discovered my hands & love to chew on them. Mommy still gets some comments of how I look like Michael, but she & Daddy think I have my own look too. Mommy, Daddy & Michael are so thankful for me & I bring them so much joy!

Quite the Talker

I am just talking away these days. The other day I hurt my leg & went to Mommy. She hugged me & gave me a kiss - I looked up at her & said, "You're making me feel better!" I am quick to correct Mommy & Daddy - I don't really have an understanding of synonyms yet - so if Mommy says, "Move your car," I will say, "No, a pick-up truck, not a car." If she says, "Finish your crackers," I will say, "No, these are goldfish, not crackers." Mommy & Daddy have been trying to sing with me more. Depending on my mood, I like it. I love Jesus Loves Me, the ABC's, & the New Testament song. I am learning to sing along, although sometimes I don't want to hear singing & I will let them know, "No singing, I want to play cars." A humerous thing I said the other night revealed to Mommy that I am all boy - I tooted, then giggled & said, "I've got gas in my bottom." Mommy told me to say excuse me, so I said, "Excuse me gas."

Sweet Dreams

The other day I was sleeping later than usual & we had to be at MOPS, so Mommy came in to wake me up. She rarely gets sleeping pictures of me anymore, so she couldn't resist taking one of Bear & me sleeping all cuddled up :)

Kate's 3 Month Photos