If this does not make you cry.... Operation Christmas Child

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The Lejla Allison Story from Jeff Douglas on Vimeo.

Except ye be converted, and become as little children...

A friend of mine told me about her precious 8 year old boy who loves and adores babies wherever he goes. Through this election, his parents decided he was old enough for them to explain the issue of abortion when it came up. The day after the election, he asked first thing, "Who won?" She found her son just sobbing as she told him it was Obama. How precious is the mind of a child whom all he could think about were all the babies that might have to die. That's love.

I remember when I was little and we watched a movie that showed Jesus having to die on the cross. I think it was a 2 or 3 night movie. The last night, I remember going to bed and just crying wondering how someone so innocent had to die. I was just so upset. I remember asking mom to be sure the movie was right. I could not believe it. I was so broken.

The mind of a child~ we should learn from them.

Matthew 18:1-4
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying , Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him , and set him in the midst of them,
And said , Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted , and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

17 kids and counting - personal encouragement

I was blessed today to get to speak with Michelle Duggar, the mother of the 17 children on the TV show "17 Kids and Counting" found on the learning channel, TLC. In case you are not familiar, they are expecting their 18th child, home school, and are on a reality show. I got to share with her how her parenting techniques have so encouraged me and her children's comments and stand on certain issues have been a great influence on my kids. From watching the show, I was amazed at her sweet soft voice that approached the children that were needing instruction. Her children even shared how she is always that way, which made me wonder, "How does she do it?" I mean I try! I have even confessed to my children that I was wrong for yelling and how I want to change. I even thought of ways they could help keep me accountable. A couple times I shared with them an idea of getting a "NO YELL BELL" that my children were to go ring if I ever yelled, but we never got around to trying it. Actually after speaking with Michelle, I think I am going to try her method. First she so encouraged me by saying she too used to yell and was convicted that needed to change. She too started asking her children to hold her accountable but in a different way than my bell idea. She asked her children that if she ever yelled that they would come lay a gentle hand on her and remind her gently of her desire not to yell. She said sometimes when they did it at first that their little touch was like hot coals on her, but through time she got past the yelling and no longer deals with it. She made another major change by changing her yell to a whisper. She would remember the verse, "A soft answer turns away wrath." She still does it and does not have to fight the yelling anymore. Well, I am encouraged that I might be able to actually change. I am encouraged that all these things we need to work through are a process. I am glad I was on the right track of asking forgiveness and seeking accountability from my kids. Hey, there is a chance my kids may actually be able to report of me in the sweet way her kids of her. Thanks to Michelle for taking time to minister to me!

More FL fun

Our co-op friends from FL met us in Alachua while we were in town. We also got to see the Griffins, but I forgot to take a picture while they were there. I am hoping they send a picture of their family to show Scott how much the kids have grown!

The Bakers shared their awesome seats for N13, my brother Jason and PapaSteve to go to the Gator game. This picture is from their seats in the front row, not zoomed in! They were lovin it!



PapaSteve took N13 and D12 fishing one morning on Black Creek.

While we were there, we also did not get a picture at my Uncle Mike's Bday party that was at Aunt Betty's. I hope they send me one. I took my camera in, but never used it. It was good to see them too!

Time was too short! A6 got a BB in his ear. Thanks to N3! We spent a day at the urgent care center, then the ER downtown, then the ENT the next day all to still have that BB in his ear. One good thing came out of it. I got to see Glen and Debbie in the ER with their son! He had strep. When we go to Jacksonville, we try to get in visits with friends. I was going to have to miss seeing them this time unless she could make it to the bowling party. We only got to see my twin neice and nephew for about an hour at the party, so I was dissappointed with how little time we had there. But thanks Jason and Amy for staying until we got there so I could see them! The ER visit made our visit with mom's side of the family so short. Oh well. Next time!
N13 and I had such a short visit for Scott's side of the family. We get to spend time with them in a few weeks, so that is something to look forward to. The younger 4 boys got to stay a whole week and had a blast playing with their cousins and playing in a fort they keep talking about.

D12's B-day and FL pictures

Birthday party bowling and at Grandma and Papa Steve's in FL

We celebrated Nanny's 75th birthday along with Sarah and D12's birthday at Beverly's. We know D12 is not 11 and we think Sarah, my uncle Burt's wife, is not 45. Actually, D12 was technically still 11 here, so that works. Scott's daddy and my Nanny were born on the exact same day! Happy Birthday to Papa too. They are both celebrating the big 75!

The boys acted like they never saw the beach before. Well, 2 of them may not have and M8 did not seem to remember. We were not going to go swimming, but somehow we did. Well, they did while I prayed. They had a blast and we will definately allot for more time next time.