Charge, Encourage, and Strengthen...

Deuteronomy 3:28 "But charge Joshua, and encourage him, strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see."



In my daily reading, the Lord showed this verse to me and it really convicted me. Three keywords are in this verse: charge, encourage, and strengthen. This really convicted me as a mom because this is what I am to do with all my children. Everyday, I am charging them to obey like Ephesians 6:1. I sound like a broken record sometimes because I'm always saying, "choose to obey" to the kids. Even as small as Bobby is, I quote Ephesians 6:1 to him because I want it to be hidden in his heart. But, the Lord showed me that charging them isn't enough! I must encourage my children daily...Paul talks about edification over and over in his epistles and that's what I'm to do too. As weary as I may get some days, I must continually encourage each of my children. They need to know that Ted and I are their biggest fans. They need to know that we believe in them to obey. The Lord showed me that by us encouraging them, then it will automatically strengthen them. It's a domino effect. Throughout the days now, those three words are being played again and again in my head to remind me of my responsibility as a Mommy.

I am so thankful for a Lord who can always show me through His Word areas that I need to shore up on. Thank you, Lord! I want to please Him and bring glory to Him in every area, even in being the best Mommy I can.

Family Pics!

I know it's been well...FOREVER since I've posted anything! It's been a crazy month...my husband having a bike accident, putting our dog to sleep, and getting a new puppy. But today I want to share with you our new family pictures.

My cousin and his wife are in town from Denver, CO this week. We've been having so much fun swimming and visiting of course. I asked Stephanie, who is a photographer, if she would take some family pics for us. I was expecting like maybe one good picture because I have 3 kids under the age of 4 and frankly one who doesn't like her picture taken. Let me tell you, I have come home in tears before after trying to get my daughter's picture taken. We always go for their milestone pics, and the Target photographer can never get her to smile. I have had the photographer smile and say, "oh we remember you! You won't smile for us!" Which after hearing this time after time I came home and shed a few tears out of frustration and having my feelings hurt.

Today it was a beautiful sunny day up until the time we were to take our pics. We hurried over to the park and it was thundering the whole time. Again, I was thinking oh boy, this isn't going to go well. Was I surprised!!!! Steph does amazing work! We got SO many awesome shots! I want to share just a few with you, and if you want to see more...check out my facebook page!




Party of 5!!



My sweet first born!!


I LOVE this of my little girl!!


Isn't he so sweet! I could kiss those cheeks ALL day!!!

I hope you enjoy looking at them. I also hope you all have a great weekend! I will post more often...really I will :)