Deacon Ordination

Mike is no longer a DIT (Deacon in Training). He's now a deacon. He's got an official certificate and everything. So, what does that really mean at Northland Baptist Church? At our church deacons are there to serve the families of the church - make sure their needs are being met if there's an illness or life's difficulties head their way. They contact their "families" often and help them get more involved. They also meet with the pastor, provide each other accountability, oh, and don't forget - they plan the Valentine's Day banquet. :-)

Before the service, each ordinee participated in a Q & A session attended and led by other ordained men. All leading up to this, Mike said he wasn't nervous. He'd always follow that up with the disclaimer, "I'm not a seminary student, you know." After it was all said and done, though, it sounded like it went fine.

During the service, each ordinee gave his testimony and then the other deacons laid hands upon the guys and prayed over them.

Funny thing...

The kids are suppose to have their chores done by Noon, especially unloading the dishwasher. If it's not done, then I can't load the dishwasher after lunch. It's just one of the many things that helps our day go smoother.

Well, Lesa hadn't gotten that done by lunch time, so after lunch she came down and sat on the couch. I told her she needed to go up and unload the dishwasher (mind you, this is the fourth time I had said it). She grabs her Bible and tells me she hasn't read her Bible today. I told her she needed to unload the dishwasher first, to which she replied, "Mom, what do you think God would want me to do more? Obey my parents or read my Bible?" Where do they come up with this????

Selah's 8th Birthday

Selah on the morning of her birthday - August 16th.

There are so many girls Selah's age at church, so her "friend" parties always turn into a big ordeal. This year came together perfectly, though, because we were able to reserve the cabana at our pool. The kids swam, and then they had cake and ice cream during the first adult swim. Then they swam again, and opened presents during the next adult swim. It was quite nice! Much better than a sleepover! :-)

Selah's party at the pool...

The Thunderbirds

So, as a bit of a spur of the moment this afternoon, we decided to go watch the "Thunderbirds" from the Mid-Western Seminary campus. There was an airshow at the downtown KC airport, and you can often catch parts of the show from the campus.

It was a warm day, beautiful and sunny, so we brought our lawnchairs, water bottles and cameras and hiked up the hill to watch. I was impressed, but I have to say, the kids - not so much. "It's hot!" "I'm bored," "I'm tired." or "I want to go inside" were just a few of the comments we heard. It was warm, and we DID have to wait longer than we expected for the show to start, but once it started I thought it was pretty cool. We were amazed at how fast the planes were going and how easily the pilots took them through rolls and dives and spins. I'm sure it was even more amazing for those who forked out the money to watch it from the downtown aiport...As you can tell by the pics, though, we had pretty good seats.

(Click on any of the photos for a better view.)

First Two Days of School

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name..."

I always think of that line from 'You've Got Mail' when this time of year rolls around. There's something to be said about a new school year. A new beginning. I always have high hopes for the new year. Lofty plans. A detailed schedule. Wonder how long it will take this year for that all to be thrown by the wayside?

We now we have our first two days of school under our belt, and I have to say it hasn't been too bad. Before my fellow homeschoolers roll their eyes and wish curses upon me, let me clarify that they have been HALF days. We're only doing Bible reading, Math, Language, Spelling and Handwriting. We're done before Noon!

Unfortunately, Selah woke up today with a fever and stomach ache, so she's "missing" her second day of school. She's actually sad about it (I can remember those days!) I hope that attitude stays with her. :)

Speaking of attitude...this has nothing to do with school, but I thought it was hilarious. So, Kira was pretending to feed her baby doll the other day.
While watching her, Adam asked, "Why do you want to feed the baby?" Lesa said, "If you had a baby, you'd need to feed it." In complete seriousness, Adam replied, "No I wouldn't. My wife would do that." LOL (after setting him straight, of course!)

We Are Blessed...

I was reminded today of how blessed we are to have such wonderful children's workers at our church. Without any prompting, Lesa got her Bible and devotion book and went to read her Bible this morning. The first thing I did was write a thank you to her Sunday School teacher for getting Lesa the devotional, and the second thing I did was thank God for the devotion of the many children's workers who prepare week after week. (I know, I really should have thanked God first...) (sigh)

Lesa and Selah recently had an awards ceremony for TeamKid, where the kids memorize Bible verses, hear Bible stories, play games and earn points as they're getting to know Jesus and grow in a relationship with Him. Adam is so excited because he now gets to be part of TeamKid!

Singing at the Awards Ceremony.

This was Selah's first year to be in TeamKid and she came in fourth place!

Lesa got a trophy for scoring the most points!

It's not a party unless there's pizza!

Kira's class...Junior TeamKid

Deanna Rose Farmstead

Deanna Rose
I can't remember the first time we went to Deanna Rose, a farmstead in Overland Park. I'm thinking at least five years ago. It's been so fun to see how it has grown over the years, very reminiscent of the children who visit it each year.

Look at this great looking group of kids...(thank you Grandma Meyer for the tie-dye shirts!)

Looking at the fishpond...

Feeding the goats...

Adam, being reflective...

Before we left for the farmstead, Selah insisted on bringing her piggy to get its picture with the pigs...(she only lost it once.)

One-room schoolhouse...man, I wish we had those desks in our schoolroom!

Many of us rode on the horse-drawn wagon. Did I get any picture of the horses? No. You'll just have to take my word for it...

Lynae, this picture is for you...

There's a lot more to do at the farmstead. Fishing, bottle-feeding baby goats, "mining" and pony rides to name a few. We have such a great time there. Why don't we go more often????

Living Hallelujah

The following song was sung today in our worship service and I wanted to share the words...if nothing else as a reminder for myself.

Living Hallelujah

Who am I? That You came to earth for me, to die on a tree?

Who are you? Son of man, Son of God. Yes, I believe it's true

More than words I bring to You

May all I say and may all I do be

Hallelujah, hallelujah

May everything about me be, Hallelujah to my King.

Hallelujah, hallelujah. May everything about me be hallelujah

All of me I surrender completely.

Take control. I want all of You, so I'm letting go

I am healed and I'm forgiven

I am free because I'm living

It's all so clear, it's all so clear. I was born to worship

Hallelujah, hallelujah
May everything about me be hallelujah.

Where has Summer gone?

We're gearing up for another year of school. I can't believe Kira will be starting Kindergarten! Adam will be doing 2nd grade; Selah, 3rd; and Lesa, 4th.

As the kids and I were driving somewhere in the van, I just listened to them talking to each other. It was one of those beautiful moments - everyone was getting along, being nice to each other, uplifting even. I took a mental picture of it, it was something I don't want to forget. I wish there was a way to freeze time, because I know too long before now they will be leaving for college or whatever else God has in store for them. Now I know why the song, Turn Around, always brought tears to my mom's eyes when I'd sing it at weddings.

Turn Around

Where are you going my little one, little one

Where are you going my baby, my own?

Where are you going my little one, little one

Where are you going my baby, my own

Turn around, and you're two,Turn around, and you're four

Turn around and you're a young girl, going out of the door.

Where are you going my little one, little one

Where are you going my baby, my own?

Little dirndls and petticoats, where have you gone?

Where have you gone?

Turn around, and you're tiny,

Turn around, and you're grown,

Turn around, and you're a young wife,with babes of your own.

***

We must treasure these moments.

Here's a few pics of the kids at the pool. We try to make it to the pool at least a couple times a week. It's already paid for, so we might as well, right? This year, Adam has shed the floaties. My boy is growing up!

Kira, ready?...

Go!

Selah.

Lesa.

Silly Lesa wearing a baby life jacket...

Adam - he is really swimming well!