The value of art

My son Brandon—who is now 6(!)—has realized the value of art. Meaning that you can make cool stuff with with a little artistic ability and creativity!

Last fall, he couldn't have cared less about crafts. But more recently, it's like he can't get enough! Here's our latest project:


Paper bag puppets! We had a blast creating them and then making up puppet shows! With art/crafts you can make glasses, cell phones, appliances, and much much more. Ah, the satisfaction of making it yourself. What could be better? :)

Funny quip

Yesterday we had a playdate. The boys were watching a movie when Brandon got up and announced, "Both my legs fell asleep!"

So, today we were having a training session when I asked Brandon, "What should you do when Momma asks you to do something?" (The answer is to say ok, Mom and then obey.) His reply, the standard "I don’t know." We've been over and over this. So I begin again, "Brandon, this is a simple question..." when he interjects, "But my head fell asleep!"

My Dad

Happy Father's Day (tomorrow), Daddy! Thank you for all the good, moral, sensible, and fun things you've taught me through the years.


I love you!

Soccer boy

Brandon has been attending High Power soccer camp this week! It's sort of like VBS (vacation bible school) in that it meets 9am-12noon for a week, except that it's a soccer theme coupled with the Good News... hence the "High Power." :)


It's been a challenge for Brandon, but a great experience in perseverence and bravery as his introverted personality has had to face a crowd of new [albeit friendly!] faces. He did cry one morning, but the rest of the days he "bucked up" and did it without turning back! I'm very proud of him!



Just look at him go! *sigh* My little boy is growing up!

Cool dudes

New shades for the boys...



Funny and cute!

Becoming royalty

This past weekend I scribbled this profound thought on my bulletin from Pastor Brent's message:

Think about Catherine Middleton. What did she do to become royalty? She married Prince William, and voila!—she is a member of the royal family. In just the same way, when you accepted Christ you were brought right into the Family—you became royalty, God's heir, His child!

I take great comfort in that! I wasn't born of royal blood, and I have performed no great deed other than placing my faith in Jesus, but now I am royalty! Beloved child of THE King of Kings!

Sowing and Reaping

I have a love/hate relationship with the computer.

The computer is not inherently bad. It is a wonderful tool for keeping in touch with friends and family! BUT, it very often distracts from relationships at home—spouse and children—the most important ones. After the kids go to bed, I confess we often fall into the bad habit of heading for the computer instead of spending time together... which really isn't much different than the channel surfing we tend to look down upon. Doesn't do much for relationship-building, I can tell you that!

This is where I see the "sowing and reaping" principle, as written in Galatians 6:7—for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap (NASB). Therefore, as it pertains to a person's marriage or children, my conclusion is this: if you sow sparingly, you will reap sparingly. If you sow generously, you will reap generously.

My exhortation (to myself and anyone else who's listening): INVEST! Invest in your marriage relationship! Spend time together! Think good thoughts of one another! Do kind things for each other! And invest your life into your children... your interest, your time, your heart! I can't think of anything more worthy of investing ourselves in than relationships—the soul is the only thing that lasts for all eternity!