Sunday Reflections

Our church has started a new sermon series that has gotten me thinking. Since this is my blog, I'm going to use this as a place to reflect on some of the teachings. Readers can ignore my ramblings, or you can read and reflect with me. :)

Philippians 2: 1-13
(passage from "The Message" following entry)

The idea is to get in the mindset of being like Jesus. Love, be kind, thoughtful, don't gossip, be a good person. Such a simple thing to say, but often hard to do. I find that working with so many women, that it's easy to slip into catty chatter about people and situations. I am working daily on refocusing myself when negative situations come my way. I want to work toward being positive and helpful all the time. Loving those who are hard to love, and being kind to those who need it more than I may know. I haven't walked a mile in anyone's shoes but my own, and I am trying to remember not to judge, but to work at being "like Jesus."

From "The Message"
1-4If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
9-11Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.
12-13What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.

My Favorite Boys

Teamwork

This passage was mentioned at church last Sunday and has stuck with me.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. (New Living Translation)

I know for me, I have a hard time letting go of the control that I like to have on life. It's hard for me to give it all up and say that God can take care of it. I don't believe that God "makes" me do things, or that God does things FOR me. But, I do like this verse because it visualizes a collaboration between both people and God. I make decisions, I make plans, and God guides my steps as I go. Sometimes He might guide me in a different direction than I had originally planned, and sometimes, He guides me through and into a situation that I was hoping for.

An "F" Word

Luke had a conversation this afternoon with Grammy.

Luke: I got a Skittle at school today.
Grammy: That's neat. Why did you get a Skittle?
Luke: Because I said an "F" word.

For a split second Grammy was perplexed on why Luke would get a Skittle for saying THE "F" word, but then realized that they were listing words that began with "F" and Luke thought of a word, but not THAT word!!!

9 Months

Evan is 9 months old today!

Evan has learned a lot of new things this month. He is now using a sippy cup to drink small amounts of water (and, make a big amount of mess!), he is "cruising" along the furniture, and using his walking toy to walk across the room! We are really enjoying his playful personality right now, but we are also starting to notice his stubborn side a little more often, as well! Watch out! Evan has always had a mind of his own, and there seems to be no letting up as he gets older! We're going to have our hands full as we enter toddlerhood! It's a good thing he's so darn cute, because we melt at the sight of his sweet little grin and forget all of the things he's done to be a little stinker!

Fall Soccer

Luke has started fall soccer. He is doing pretty well so far. In his first game, he had 5 goals! The second game wasn't quite as successful, but I think the 90+ degree heat had something to do with the kids not wanting to play for very long.

Here are a few pictures of Luke in action.

Swimming Under Water

Not only can Luke now put his head under water (ask me again how surprised I am that he suddenly taught himself how to do this!?!?!).....

But, he also taught himself to swim under water this week! How did this happen so quickly! I had tried every trick in the book to try and get him to swim, splash, and go under water. But, Luke decided to take his own time and do things on his own. And, look what happens when he puts his mind to something!

More swimming...

Under Water

Luke FINALLY did it!

Luke learned how to put his head under water this weekend. We have been trying for several summers to get Luke to put his head under water. When he was 2 1/2, he would do it with no problems. He would jump in the water and go under without batting an eye. The next summer (last summer) he became a W-I-M-P and was scared to get water anywhere near his face. This summer, we've been trying to rationalize with him that it's not a big deal. Just close your eyes, and mouth, plug your nose and go!

Well, in his own time, Luke decides to finally go under water. On the "last weekend of summer" Luke realized that if he plugs his nose, closes his eyes and mouth and puts his head under, that he can go under water! HAVEN'T WE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR MONTHS NOW!?!?!

But, like with most of Luke's other developmental milestones, once he decides to do something, he does it with gusto! He went from putting his chin in the water, to putting his nose and chin, then eyes, then forehead, to holding his breath for up to 8 seconds under water. This progression took about 15 minutes. We've been working all summer in small steps, and Luke decides to do it and gets brave in 15 minutes.

Regardless of how we got to this point, at least we're here. Finally!