Conviction. It is a regular part of my life. And honestly, I am glad I get convicted on a regular basis, because it means I am growing and learning. It, also, reminds me I am an every day sinner. I am the first to admit that on a daily basis I do things I'm not proud of, don't put priorities right, and have a little temper or frustration that shouldn't be there. But, God has His Word and people in this world to help us learn and convict us to do better and follow Him better.
Last weekend, we had the pleasure of being in Dalton at Grace Presbyterian for church. Randy Jackson preached a sermon on Acts 1:1-11. His points really got me thinking, and well, he hit a few things that got me running. Things that we REALLY need to EXAMINE ourselves as Christians and people. Don't stop reading now. I think this is important.
Churches are big on outreach (majority of them that is). It was the Great Commission that Jesus gave us. "Go to the ends of the earth and preach about Me." Randy asked a question to the church: "We outreach to prisons and different cultures but are we as a church ready for them to be a PART of our church?" Profound. A lot of us are okay with mission's trips to foreign countries, prison fellowship, and outreach to needy communities. But when the people we outreach to actually come to our church, how do we respond?
I am one quick to judge those that treat people differently but I am also one that doesn't treat people the same when it comes down to it. Funny thing, our preacher preached on judging this past Sunday (talk about conviction, again!). But I digress. I want us to truly examine ourselves. How would you feel if someone who was a convicted burglar came into your church home? He/She has served their time, repented of their doings, and accepted Christ and is a new believer. How do you treat them when they enter your comfort zone? How about a convicted child molester? How about a convicted murderer? How would you respond as they sat next to you in church? Do you greet them? Invite them to lunch? How would you respond if their children want to play with your children? How about if they wanted to join your small group? Would you isolate them because they are a convicted felon? I am one to think that yes, we quickly would. And it isn't what would you do, what do you do?
That brings to my next question. How are we any different in our Father's eyes than a convicted felon? Guess what? When they are redeemed through His grace, He doesn't see them any different. We are just as awful. Why then, do we feel like we can quickly judge and isolate those different then us? How is that enveloping the whole truth of the Gospel?
Sadly, I have seen how preconceived ideas can isolate the best people. For example, my step son has long hair (I am actually jealous of how pretty it is) and gauges in his ears. He has a single tattoo and loves loud music. He is quickly to be judged by others in a negative way. BUT, I can tell you that he is one of the sweetest, most caring and sensitive men I know. He is so kind and never fails to give me and his dad a hug when entering and leaving our home. He is the most appreciative for all we do. Yet, if I had judged him on appearance, I could lose a relationship with an amazing person who needs Jesus' love. So, what are you missing? What are you allowing your child to miss? How quickly we say "My child isn't going to play with that child, have you seen their parents? Do you know what they do?" It sickens me.
So, we have to look at ourselves. Are we too comfortable in our lives to daily reach out to others? Do we have the "too good" attitude to truly accept and love the prisoners and "different" people into our daily life? Are we "fake" acceptors? It's good from afar and being able to leave them at prison or their neighborhood but if they enter our daily life it is a different story? What do we teach our children to do? Accept everyone for their differences and teach them Jesus or judge those that aren't in our social circle/social class? Do you not make them go to youth group because of the different "culture" that is there?
I remember a song by DC Talk when I was growing up "The single most cause of atheism in the world today is Christians. Who accept Him with our mouths but deny him with our lives." Take action and get busy being friends outside your comfort circle. You will be blessed far more than expected and dreamed. We are called to do so. God calls us to and we need to accept this challenge. Be prepared to be blessed!
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Monday, March 9, 2015
8 Months
The boys are 8 months old today!!! It is really hard to believe and process. 2/3 of a year has just flown by and my tiny babies are no longer tiny! They are quite the pair.
People who had twins told me that if you make it past the first four months, you are good. Well, I hate to disagree with them, but it seems that it is harder with twins right now than it was back then! Yes, you are up every 3-4 hours, but it was on a rigid schedule you knew about and not craziness of times dependent if they wake up or not during the night. Also, back then, they just slept and ate and pooped and slept and really just laid there…..now they know what's going on and it is all too hard!
Both boys have started to get jealous of the other. If one is being held, the other immediately notices and more times than not acts out to get the same attention. If you put one down to go get the other, well, expect crying until that other baby is doing the exact same thing as he is. It's humorous at times but trying, too, as I am home with them without help a lot. Zach has noticed that Ayden has gotten noticed for coughing and just today has begun to fake cough to see if I will pay attention to him about it. It is actually quite cute and funny….he will "cough cough cough" then turn and smile big and laugh. He's a ham. They both are.
Both boys are becoming more mobile, as well. Ayden has surpassed Zachary (as we fully expected because he is the more active of the two). He is all over the place in his bed, during tummy time, while they sit on the floor to play, and in his jumparoo and exersaucer. He will definitely be keeping me busy! Zachary, for the most part, is content wherever you put him. He does role over in his bed but mostly stays put and only roles over when he wakes up. He continues to be the more talkative of the two. He starts when he wakes up and we hear "dada-dada" continuously. He is our early riser, as well. He doesn't stop talking all the days long!! Ayden isn't making his syllables yet, but he makes plenty of noise, too! It is funny to listen them talk back and forth and laugh at each other. They also like to steal toys from each other, back and forth. Neither seems to mind, yet.
Ayden has cut his first tooth, this month. It just popped up last Saturday out of no where. I figured that Zach was teething because he was drooling and gnawing on everything and low and behold Ayden got his tooth! Zach is still working on it, pretty hard core. And I think Ayden is cutting his second tooth, already.
They are both eating really well and Ayden is actually liking more foods (thank heavens!). Zach is a hoss. He loves his food. We are still trying to figure out if Ayden has food allergies. He continues to have some pretty bad eczema and we aren't sure the cause or what to do to make it better…..we have tried everything to no avail. He still is quite opinionated on food and will gag or cough to throw it up if he doesn't find it enjoyable.
They went swimming for the first time, too! They both loved it, which I thought for sure Zachary would be opinionated and cry! Ayden kicked all over the place and Zachary enjoyed relaxin in the water. He is quite laid back, like his Daddy. Which, to no ones' surprise, he is QUITE the Daddy's boy. He loves his Daddy and the world stops when he walks into the room and he gets the biggest grins! I am happy they love the water and am hoping they love the water at the beach in a few weeks!!!
I am home with them for another month and I am enjoying this time. It has flown by over the past few weeks. We have been busy but I have enjoyed traveling with Alan and spending time with family. We have a very busy next few weeks, so I know that they will fly by, too. I am still nervous about my new job, but have a peace over it. Working 12 days a month is going to be a blessing and I had a "God affirming" moment in the middle of the night the other night. SO, I am excited for this new journey, as well! We are in the process of deciding on a home for us and looking forward to the path God has for us. Looking forward to this next month and the advances the boys will make!
People who had twins told me that if you make it past the first four months, you are good. Well, I hate to disagree with them, but it seems that it is harder with twins right now than it was back then! Yes, you are up every 3-4 hours, but it was on a rigid schedule you knew about and not craziness of times dependent if they wake up or not during the night. Also, back then, they just slept and ate and pooped and slept and really just laid there…..now they know what's going on and it is all too hard!
Both boys have started to get jealous of the other. If one is being held, the other immediately notices and more times than not acts out to get the same attention. If you put one down to go get the other, well, expect crying until that other baby is doing the exact same thing as he is. It's humorous at times but trying, too, as I am home with them without help a lot. Zach has noticed that Ayden has gotten noticed for coughing and just today has begun to fake cough to see if I will pay attention to him about it. It is actually quite cute and funny….he will "cough cough cough" then turn and smile big and laugh. He's a ham. They both are.
Both boys are becoming more mobile, as well. Ayden has surpassed Zachary (as we fully expected because he is the more active of the two). He is all over the place in his bed, during tummy time, while they sit on the floor to play, and in his jumparoo and exersaucer. He will definitely be keeping me busy! Zachary, for the most part, is content wherever you put him. He does role over in his bed but mostly stays put and only roles over when he wakes up. He continues to be the more talkative of the two. He starts when he wakes up and we hear "dada-dada" continuously. He is our early riser, as well. He doesn't stop talking all the days long!! Ayden isn't making his syllables yet, but he makes plenty of noise, too! It is funny to listen them talk back and forth and laugh at each other. They also like to steal toys from each other, back and forth. Neither seems to mind, yet.
Ayden has cut his first tooth, this month. It just popped up last Saturday out of no where. I figured that Zach was teething because he was drooling and gnawing on everything and low and behold Ayden got his tooth! Zach is still working on it, pretty hard core. And I think Ayden is cutting his second tooth, already.
They are both eating really well and Ayden is actually liking more foods (thank heavens!). Zach is a hoss. He loves his food. We are still trying to figure out if Ayden has food allergies. He continues to have some pretty bad eczema and we aren't sure the cause or what to do to make it better…..we have tried everything to no avail. He still is quite opinionated on food and will gag or cough to throw it up if he doesn't find it enjoyable.
They went swimming for the first time, too! They both loved it, which I thought for sure Zachary would be opinionated and cry! Ayden kicked all over the place and Zachary enjoyed relaxin in the water. He is quite laid back, like his Daddy. Which, to no ones' surprise, he is QUITE the Daddy's boy. He loves his Daddy and the world stops when he walks into the room and he gets the biggest grins! I am happy they love the water and am hoping they love the water at the beach in a few weeks!!!
I am home with them for another month and I am enjoying this time. It has flown by over the past few weeks. We have been busy but I have enjoyed traveling with Alan and spending time with family. We have a very busy next few weeks, so I know that they will fly by, too. I am still nervous about my new job, but have a peace over it. Working 12 days a month is going to be a blessing and I had a "God affirming" moment in the middle of the night the other night. SO, I am excited for this new journey, as well! We are in the process of deciding on a home for us and looking forward to the path God has for us. Looking forward to this next month and the advances the boys will make!
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