A Captivating Challenge

 Some wonderful friends of ours lent us a documentary they own a few weeks ago. It took us 3 consecutive nights just to get through the whole thing because we were so exhausted we kept falling asleep. This seriously had NOTHING to do with the content of the documentary, because we both found it fascinating and convicting. It truly was because we were dog-tired and could not keep our eyelids opened!

Before Josh and I were married, we collected quite an assortment of video gaming paraphernalia. To our shame, I admit that by the time we were married, the two of us owned:

A PlayStation 2

An Original XBox

An XBox 360

A Nintendo 64

A Nintendo GameCube

An Original Gameboy

2 Nintendo DS Gameboys

Hundreds of Games

Dozens of Player's Guides/Manuals and Accessories

The Nintendo Wii came out during the first year we were married and we sat in line to buy one of those too. In fact, we sat in line many times to buy Nintendo Wii's because we found that if we were willing to sit for a few hours to get one, someone would be willing to pay us a few hundred dollars so that they didn't have to. That year we paid for all of our Christmas presents out of the profits from selling Nintendo Wii consoles!

Anyway, about two months ago I began to clean out underneath our entertainment unit because I needed some extra storage space. I was so appalled at how much money we had thrown away over the years! Easily thousands and thousands of dollars! What fools! Josh and I decided that we would keep the Wii, throw away the really outdated stuff, and sell the rest.

Thankfully, I was not successful in selling our video gaming collection. After watching Captivated, we were so convicted that we had been willing to sell these things that only serve to draw people's hearts away from God. We decided that if it wasn't good enough for us to use in our home, then it certainly was not anything we wanted to pass on to anyone else. 

This morning James and JoyAnna and I went through and took out all of the game discs from their cases. We separated them in case someone picked through the trash (which, believe it or not, there are several regulars who come through the neighborhood on Garbage Eve to see what treasures they might find) and carried them off. I placed the cases in a garbage bag. It was so full I could barely tie it shut! The game discs we threw in the kitchen garbage to be tied up in that bag and thrown away separately. 

Next I cleaned out my fridge. I found some expired jars of olives, pickles and creamy salad dressings tucked way in the back of the bottom shelf. And a bottle of Heinz ketchup that had been purchased accidentally, (I don't use Heinz because it has so much HFCS in it), and squirted that on top for good measure. There was even a third of a can of whipped cream that got thrown into the mix. Now, even if anyone should dig through to the bottom of the can, hopefully it's such a mess they would never dare haul away that junk. Next week I will throw away the consoles, being careful to place them at the very bottom of the can. We don't want to have an overflowing garbage can come Friday to draw any extra attention to what might be in there.

We had read about the golden calf that the Israelites were worshipping while Moses was on Mt. Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God just last night. So this morning, I explained how these video games can become like the golden calf and how Mama and Daddy don't want to have anything in our home anymore that does not help us to love and honor God more.

Two weeks ago, before we had watched Captivated, the Lord led us to clean out any DVD's that had any sort of suggestive or unholy language, images or plots. There really weren't many. But one or two favorite old movies got thrown away. Josh parted with Gone With The Wind and I parted with What About Bob.

I have to say that I have so much peace and such a sense of lightness now! It has made such a difference in the attitude of my heart. Even  the whole attitude of our home seems to have changed for the better as well!

I challenge you to watch and consider the challenges presented in Captivated! 

 

I think you will be very glad you did!

Here is ALL of the junk we got rid of today!

Cookout At The Park!

Aly and JoyAnna waiting for their ride...Pelican's waiting for their meal.

Erma and Erpa (Josh's parents) invited us
to the park for a cookout last Saturday.

 Josh and James went early so they could go fishing on Erpa's boat before the girls came along with the grub.

Aly and Kynlee were even there!

When we got there, Erma took Kynlee and Lydia to the park while the older kids went out for a boat ride with Erpa, Josh and me.

Brown Pelican

Anhinga drying it's wings.

We saw lots of birds!
There were mockingbirds, american crows, loggerhead shrikes, blue jays, seagulls, pelicans, anhingas, and what we think might have been terns?

James and I think this is some kind of tern...Do you know what it is?

JoyAnna and Alyson with James at the helm!

Joy and Lydia swinging.

We had so much fun playing together at the park! They had this great pirate ship themed playground. We were surprised at how empty the park was for a Saturday afternoon. It was a nice, overcast afternoon so it wasn't too warm.

James climbing the rock wall.

 

 

 

Of course, Josh was encouraging everyone to climb the rock wall. James doesn't need too much encouragement. It's one of his favorite things to do! I think Josh is secretly hoping that I will let him take up rock climbing if he can get the kids into it too. Crazy man!

Ahoy, Lydia!

 Lydia was having so much fun climbing all over this thing! It is so bittersweet to see how quickly she is growing! Almost 18 months old already...where does the time go?!

Underneath the pirate ship there was a Scavenger Hunt game. Josh took the kids over while Erpa was cooking to find all of the symbols. There were two that they could not find...not even Josh! Finally, James found one and then Josh found the other. It was quite challenging and kept them busy for awhile.




We were able to use the grill at the pavilion nearby for dinner. We grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, I brought a homemade potato salad (Granny's famous recipe, of course!), there were some unnaturally large and super sweet strawberries as well as chips, pretzels and squished cupcakes. The cupcakes, though squished, were quite delicious! Really, everything was delicious.

Kynlee and Alyson resting before dinner.

The "babies" snacking on hotdog buns.

After dinner, we all cleaned up and Erpa left to wash the boat. The rest of us took a walk to the fishing pier. A little boy caught a little snapper while we were there. Fun!! And Daddy accidentally dropped James' sunglasses into the water. He wanted to go in and get them, but Erma and I asked him not to. Apparently, red sunglasses will attract large fish.

Peering over at the lost sunglasses.

JoyAnna giggling with Kynlee at the pier.

Then we all went home and slept well.

Heading home!

It Really Is Tough: Ramblings About Motherhood

Last Thursday, Josh and I brought the children to City Hall to apply for our Passports at 7:30 a.m. Then we dropped him off at work and were able to run some errands. By the time we made it to purgatory Walmart an hour and a half later, there had been enough small skirmishes in the backseat to be fairly discouraging. I was beginning to feel some frustration, as this was only the first stop of the day. What more "fun" did I have to look forward to?

As I was piling my crew into a shopping cart, an older gentleman came over and counted my children, "Three!". Then he encouraged me by saying, "No matter what anyone says, this is THE most important job anyone can ever have." I thanked him profusely. Then I praised my Father. He knew I needed a word of encouragement just then. A reminder that what I was doing was important; would have an impact on generations to come. 

But it was also a rebuke. Because I had been beginning to grumble in my heart about the trials of being a mom. Rather than thinking about how I could encourage my children to love Christ and honor Him, I was too busy wallowing in self pity. I wasn't thinking at all about the generations ahead of us that I could be impacting simply by loving, and blessing, and instructing these three little ones.

Sara Groves began singing "Generations" in my mind to me, "Remind me of this with every decision. Generations will reap what I sow. I can pass on a curse or a blessing to those I will never know..."

The Lord used this man to remind me that my focus had not been correct. I had been setting my eyes on negative things. I immediately thought of Philippians 4:8, which says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

And that verse brought me to think about the Proverbs 31 woman: "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels... her children rise up and called her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." 

Then I was able to better focus on the joys and blessings of being able to use ALL of my time and resources to minister to my family. It is a privilege that many American woman have cast off as if it were some dreaded burden to unbearable to even consider. For some, it is a privilege they long to have and yet are not able to.

How dare I complain in my heart! Is that the attitude that I want to model for my girls so that if the Lord blesses them with children, they have the very same complaining spirit? Certainly not!

And there I am, upon my knees again, crying out for new mercies and more grace.

And it is there that I hope to remain always.

(Please excuse the year-old photos...this year's haven't come in yet!)

Introducing: Tea Cake

                                                                                                

Here is our Tea Cake! No, WE did not name him that...that was the name he came with. This was the photo that his previous owner sent me. I'm pretty sure it must be a baby picture, because he is much larger. He is 3 years old according to his pedigree papers. I believe his color is black. He is oh-so-soft and sweet. Unless he is agitated or anxious. Then he's kind of cranky. But, really, who wouldn't be?

Here he is with his box on our lanai.

When we picked him up from the previous owner's house, we saw that he was kept outdoors in a nice big hutch. He had a fenced in little area in the shade to run and play. They had made him a little wooden box to hide and rest in. He came with his brush, his box, and a pet carrier so we could bring him home.

About 15 minutes into our drive home, our sweet little Tea Cake decided to spray us with urine. Now, when I say "us", I really mean Josh. I had the carrier on my lap with the door facing Josh, who was driving. I got a little squirt on my forearm, but poor Josh really got soaked. This really endeared the rabbit to him. James, in the backseat, was even wondering how HE got wet! Oh boy...

Then we had to stop at Tractor Supply, where we spent nearly $100 on a cage and other miscellaneous rabbit supplies. This made Josh even more glad that we got a rabbit. When we finally made it home, it was past bedtime for everyone. And I had a soggy-bottomed bunny that needed some serious bathing. (I've heard you are not supposed to bathe them, but when they are D R I P P I N G with unpleasantness SOMETHING has to be done!)

Bunny Bonding

After the kids went to bed, I gave Tea Cake a quick little bath just to wash his feet and belly and whatever else was dirty. For the most part, he was pretty well behaved. I wrapped him in an old towel and brought him to my room where Josh was building the hutch kit. I dried off the bunny and snuggled him for a little bit. When the cage was built (which was quite an endeavor considering that it was missing pieces and the directions were very poorly written), Josh held Tea Cake so I could clear a spot in the laundry room for the cage.

The next morning I bunny-proofed the lanai and Josh took Tea Cake out for some fresh air. He really enjoys laying on the cold concrete floor. I've offered him romaine lettuce, cucumber, celery, carrots, apples, a few bites of banana and papaya. He greedily mowed down the lettuce, ate most of the carrot and didn't touch the other things. He has eaten some pellets and chewed on some Timothy Hay. I am thinking about building some sort of large table about 4" off the ground and growing some grasses and lettuces and herbs in it so he can graze while he is on the lanai. I had an idea to put down small gauged chicken wire just above the dirt so he can't dig in it and make a mess. Now that summer is coming he won't be able to spend much more than mornings and evenings out there anyway, so we will see.

 After Josh put the bunny down to let him run around, he hopped away and then just sat watching Josh. They sat there for a long time checking each other out. It was pretty cute. Then Tea Cake hopped over and sat at Josh's feet. Awww!!

We haven't let the kids have much contact with him yet. The family he came from had some wild children and I get the impression that they really frightened poor Tea Cake. He gets very anxious whenever the kids get too close. I will wait until he is completely comfortable with Josh and I and then slowly introduce James and JoyAnna.

He has nipped our clothes a couple of times to let us know when he has been handled enough. We just give him his space. We're still strangers to him. I'm not sure if that's right or not. He has tolerated some brushing from me, but usually after 5 minutes or so he has had enough.

This afternoon while the kids were napping I went out to sit next to him on the porch. He didn't get up and move away, which was nice. Maybe he's getting used to me? I sat petting him for a few minutes and then stopped. He moved closer to me so I would pet him more, it seemed. So I did. He asked so nicely! Then I stopped again and he got up, took several little hops toward me and licked my leg!! Then he scooted back again and watched to see what I did. He literally left a little bunny kiss mark on my skin! It was this little wet circle. So I scooped him up and snuggled him and told him what a sweet little bun he was! Then he hopped away. We're still getting to know each other, but it's nice to see that he wants our attention.

Sunday afternoon I got a phone call from Mrs. Flowers. She was calling because a friend of hers was hoping to find a new home for one of her English Angora bucks. Mrs. Flowers recommended us! SO....we will go pick up 1 year old Dylan on Thursday! I'm told that he is a sweetie, he is completely house-broken (he uses a litter box like a cat), and has one limp ear. The limp ear is a disqualification if the kids were to ever show him, but that's not why we want these bunnies. They are great pets because of their docile personalities, so they are a good breed for introducing children to rabbits. Plus, I want to learn, and teach my children, the art of spinning.

After I wrote that (-----^) the kids woke up from their naps. I let James go out to visit Tea Cake first. He went very quietly and slowly and was able to sit very quietly down next to the bunny. Tea Cake sat while James stroked him and offered him a carrot. Then JoyAnna took a turn. Lydia was only allowed to look from the window and say "Hi!". Tea Cake was very sweet and much more relaxed while the kiddies were petting him. He didn't run away or hide and he never nipped them. We are really enjoying our first animal!

James offering a carrot.

JoyAnna hanging out with Tea Cake.

"HI!...HI!....HI!...."

Enjoying some porch time with the bunny.

Where Do Babies Come From?

Of course this question comes during dinner on a Tuesday night when Josh is at class and I am left to fend for myself.

James: "How do men kill fish to eat?"

Me: "They can't breathe when they are out of water and they just die."

James: "Oh."

Me: "Fish have gills, the don't have lungs like we do. They can only breathe underwater."

James: "Dolphins can't do that. Or whales."

Me: "No, they breathe air. They are mammals. Do you remember what mammals are?"

James: "No."

Me: "Mammals are animals that have live babies, they don't lay eggs. They give their babies milk.They have lungs and breathe air. They have hair on their bodies and are warm blooded."

James: "Where do baby dolphins come from?"

Me (TOTAL deer in headlights look, then Divine Inspiration): "They come from God, just like our babies do."

James: "I like this song!" (We were listening to some praise music during dinner.)

Me: "Phew!"

I am so glad that he is satisfied with the simple version for now. 

Why is this topic so scary for parents?

Our Exciting Saturday

It's no secret that the kids and I fell in love with Mrs. Flowers' bunnies. However, Josh wasn't quite so convinced. Sure, he thought they were cute. But he didn't see a real "use" for them. You can't eat them. They don't lay eggs or give milk fit for human consumption. Just fiber. And he's got his heart set on sheep when it comes to a fiber animal. Angora rabbits qualify as pets in his dictionary. And Josh doesn't "do" pets. Especially expensive ones. So we made a deal. If I could find an angora rabbit at a reasonable price (meaning, about the same as or less than the price of the average bunny), we could get it.

I put out an advertisement announcing that we were looking for a baby English Angora bunny. I heard back from someone in Orlando who had a mix. That won't work for 4-H, so I politely declined. Then I got an email from a lady in Bradenton. She said that her family was  moving and they had an adult English Angora buck they were going to have to find a new home for.

So we finally decided to bring the kids to Bradenton to visit Snooty, the oldest living manatee in captivity, at the South Florida Museum. After our visit, we would pick up our bunny. We were in for quite an exciting day!

Snooty's Feeding Time!

Two months ago we visited the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa. We decided to buy a membership because that would allow us to visit many other museums for free! Good deal! Apparently, we also get to visit Snooty for free!! I was really surprised about this because their website says that the South Florida Museum does not participate in that program and we would not get discounted admission. When we got there, I politely asked why they don't participate and the lady behind the counter explained that they do offer free admission to any members of MOSI! It only cost us $12 so that we could all go see the Planetarium shows.

We love Snooty!

After Snooty's feeding time where the keeper comes out to speak about manatees, we walked around and went down to the bottom of the tank so we could see the manatees swimming around. And we found 2 photo opportunities!

Swimming with Snooty!

 It was perfect, because JoyAnna had said at feeding time, "I wish I could go in there and swim with Snooty." They eagerly climbed up and stuck their faces in for me. (I love these things!)

Snooty!

Can you see James' head peeking over?

Outside of  aquarium is what seems to me to be a VERY old, and very tiny, Spanish Mission-style Catholic Church. The kids did not recognize it as a church. I thought the pews would give it away, but since we've been part of a small house church for over a year perhaps they don't remember pews? Then, I suppose, James got the idea because he stepped up into the "pulpit" area and began preaching.

James, JoyAnna and Lydia posing with the Snooty statue.

 We really had a nice time. The planetarium show was so enjoyable. James even remembered some information about stars and supernovas - and that was pretty cool to hear him reminding us about it on the way home.

And this was THE FIRST time we have ever had a child under the age of 2 go through an entire planetarium show without screaming and needing to be removed!

We were warned that there was a point in the show that might be a little startling and we had prepared the kids (mostly JoyAnna) for it.

This was one of their favorite parts!

After the show, she looked at us and said, "I wasn't scared because I knew God was 'pretecting' me!" It never ceases to amaze me when I see how God is proving Himself to be real in our children's lives. We share the Gospel with them, and we do our best to live it out, all the while being completely dependent upon His grace. But He is doing the work that we cannot do as their parents. Which is, by His Spirit, moving in their hearts and minds.








They had a boat that the kids were allowed to sit in! They didn't want to get out and finish going through the museum! It was so much fun to watch the three of them pretending to be out in a boat. The water was rough that day; they were having trouble keeping from capsizing.

Unfortunately, at the other end of this room there is a canoe sitting on the ground. My children, who had just enjoyed the other boat so very much, jumped right in before we read the TINY sign that read, "Please Do Not Sit In Canoe. Thanks." Whoops!


There is an exhibit in the museum of Franklinite, a fluorescent mineral found in Franklin, New Jersey...VERY close to where I grew up! I can still remember taking a field trip to the very mine that harvested these minerals when I was in elementary school. This mineral is very neat because under normal lighting conditions it doesn't really look any different than any other rock. But when you put a black light on it, it turns bright green.

We left the museum, enjoyed some delicious cheeseburgers at Five Guys Burgers & Fries, and then went to pick up our sweet bunny... Stay tuned for THAT story!

Beavers (Re) Unite!

James & JoyAnna at ECHO Global Farm

Grandpa Beaver came to town! Josh picked him up from the airport on Friday, March 15th and dropped him off at Mumpsie and Pop Pop's house. Then on Saturday, they all went to ECHO Global Farm for their annual Farm Day. I stayed home with Lydia because I was sick, but it sounded like everyone had a good time.
Grandpa Beaver came to stay at our house on Monday when I was feeling a little better. It took Lydia a little while to warm up to him, but after she did they were best buddies! She laughed and played and giggled and wrestled and snuggled with her Gpa B!

My window man fixing the screens

James practicing his reading

James enjoyed practicing his reading with Grandpa. We took lots of walks around the neighborhood. We even began pressing flowers for our Wildflower Binder. We collected a sample of every wildflower from around our neighborhood on our walks, brought them home and pressed them in newspapers. (Josh's theology shelf has been emptied because those were the ones we used as our weight!) They should be dry next week and ready to put in a binder.

Lydia and her buddy, Gpa B!

The kids had such a good time playing with Grandpa Beaver! They read books, played cards, wrestled, we took lots of walks, played board games... And it was so nice to be able to watch him interact with his grandchildren. It brought back so many wonderful memories of him playing with my brothers and sister and me.

Reading with Grandpa Beaver

Go Fish!

 I dropped Josh off at work one day and we took Grandpa Beaver to Sanibel Island. We visited Ding Darling and then enjoyed a picnic at the beach.

You had to match the correct head to the correct body and the correct feet.

At Ding Darling the kids had fun touching different animal hides, "building" birds and hiking. I was so pleased when they were telling me the names of different birds they have been learning about. At the Build A Bird station, they were able to correctly identify every bird except for the Roseate Spoonbill. The first time they saw a Roseate Spoonbill was only a few weeks earlier, so it was understandable they couldn't remember the name. But today when I showed JoyAnna the picture she said, "There is the Roseate Spoon Duck!" Pretty close!

 We took a hike and Grandpa scooped an ant lion out of it's hole to show the kids. Everyone liked that! The path leads you through some marshy woods where there are lots and lots of mangroves growing. We saw some fiddler crabs there.

I took this picture for Josh. This is where he thinks iced tea comes from.

Further down the trail we saw a huge spider in a web between two trees. We also saw a Coot and some other bird we didn't recognize. I took a picture so we could identify it at home. We still need to do that...Hey, thanks for reminding me!  :)

GIANT spider at Ding Darling (It was about 3" long)

The water was COLD at the beach. Lydia cried when a wave washed up around her feet. And JoyAnna cried when a wave knocked her down and nearly washed her out to sea. Poor girls! James had a blast finding shells and digging in the sand. So did the girls after they got over their trauma. We saw two different types of seagulls. Your average seagulls that frequent the McDonalds parking lot, and then some other ones with a black head. We should look those up too.


One night we took a walk together. Whenever I walk, I always bring along my big hiking stick. We have panther, coyotes, and bear here so I like to have SOMETHING to protect us with just in case we meet one of them. My dad didn't understand why I brought a hiking stick to walk around our neighborhood and laughed at how silly it looked. (I did manage to point out several other people during the week walking with big sticks around the neighborhood as well, so it's not just me!) When I told him about the animals that have been spotted in the area, he was skeptical. That night, about ten minutes after we all went to bed, we heard the coyotes howling outside. They were closer than they have ever been to our house. I ran to make sure Grandpa Beaver heard and he asked, "Are they in your backyard?!" We went outside to see if we could figure out where they were, but I think the sound of the door opening scared them away. We didn't hear them howling for a while, and when we did they were further away. I was so glad that he got to hear them! (And not just so I could say, "I told you so!")

The first Saturday my dad was here, our Iris in the pond garden was blooming. I was so looking forward to showing him. By the time he got to our house on Monday, the bloom had died. So I was very excited when we had three blooms at once preparing to open the night before he left. I hoped that they would be open for him in the morning before he left so he could see them. They weren't. So, Grandpa Beaver...this is what they looked like the day AFTER you left. Sorry you missed them!

The Final Easter Reflection: Calling

Calling

Oh, carry thy burden no longer,

The weight of they sin and thy grief,

But go unto One who is stronger,

And know He can give thee relief.

More gentle than dew-drops in falling,

His voice to the sad and opprest;

The weary and sin-sick He's calling,-

Is calling to peace and to rest.

Why wilt thou still linger and languish,

Why starve on the husks of the field,

When Jesus can heal all thine anguish,

And bread in abundance can  yield?

There's pardon for all they transgressing,

And grace that can cleanse thee within,

And treasures of love and of blessing,

Instead of the bondage of sin.

Oh, come to the One that is yearning

Thy Saviour and portion to be;

The heart that awaits thy returning

Once bled for thy sin on the tree.

To know Him is life everlasting,

To lose Him is death evermore!

And wisdom would bid thee be hasting,

While mercy keeps open the door. 

-Robert Marshall Offord

Easter Reflections: The Risen Lord

The Risen Lord

 Lo, a risen Lord we sing;

Alleluia!

Once He died, love's offering,

Alleluia!

See Him death's dark terrors brave,

Dying, dying souls to save,

Us to rescue from the grave!

Alleluia!

Short within the tomb His stay,

Alleluia!

Death no more can hold it's prey,

Alleluia!

Lo, He bled to meet our need,

Rose His precious blood to plead,

Still for us doth intercede!

Alleluia!

His the death, but ours the life,

Alleluia!

Ours the victory, His the strife,

Alleluia!

Now by all the griefs He bore,

Now by all the shame He wore,

We are His forevermore!

Alleluia!

Lo, a risen life we bring,

Alleluia!

This our love's glad offering,

Alleluia! 

Souls redeemed and hearts renewed,

Wills to His sweet will subdued,

These shall speak our gratitude,

Alleluia!

-Robert Marshall Offord