Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Love It All


Then Peter said to them,
'Repent and let every one of you be baptized

in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins;
and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is to you and your children,
and to all are far off,
as many as the Lord our God will call."

~ Acts 2:38-39


What does it mean to repent? Repentance is an agreement with God that He is right, we are wrong, and a turning away from sin. Is there a marked turning away from sin in our lives? A growing in holiness?




Salvation is by faith alone in Jesus Christ.


"And faith alone in Jesus Christ is proceeded
and followed by repentance.
A turning away from sin.
A hatred for the things that God hates
and a love for the things that God loves.
A growing in holiness and a desire-
Not to be like Brittany Spears.
Not to be like the world.
And not to be like the great majority of
American Christians.

But to be like Jesus Christ."
~Paul Washer


Amen.

I was sharing God's faithfulness and transforming power on the phone with a dear friend recently who is an unbeliever. I was sharing with her that I cannot rightly imagine how poor and depraved our lives would be without the Lord.

I would not be the person I am. I would not love the things I love. It was God who transformed me. Before the Lord rescued me, I wasn't even a "kid person." I expected to put my children in Day Care and get back to work- I had goals after all. I didn't count on marriages lasting a life time. I had never seen it done. This is so unlike the world our children are experiencing. In truth, I didn't understand a great many mysteries. But GOD. He is rich in mercy.

This weekend I had the best time with my husband and my children. I love them so very much.


I absolutely love that our two year old mistakes glue sticks for chap stick. We confiscate it immediately, but there is nothing cuter that seeing a two year old say "Mama" with lips that stick a little.


I love the way our five year old sounds out words perfectly in slow motion and then says them in her own "little person" way: "R-U-N... Wun!" What could be more heartwarming than teaching a child?



I love that our 8 year old tells stories about "way back when she was 7 1/2..." and begs her Mama to jump on the trampoline with her.



I love our almost 11 year old still likes to play at the park, play tag with her Daddy and roll down grassy hills with her Mama.



I love our almost 13 year old loves to hang out with her family, cooking from scratch and tidying the kitchen. I also I love that she will pull out the concordance and write out Bible verses if Mama needs a little encouragement.



I love it all! And that is just God.



Blessings to you!




________________
Photos: Homemade Resurrection Eggs and eggs to hunt; Easter dinner- our family favorites. Steak (we all dislike ham- shhh... don't tell the Easter police), mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, corn and rolls.

P.S. Amanda- I think it was Amanda- I'm sorry. I lost your comment! About Jenness Park, actually Ted Jones is my brother-in-law. Are you attending the Spring Camp in a couple of weeks? If so, we'll see you there, Lord willing!

11 comments:

  1. What beautiful pictures, as always! Your blog continues to be a source of inspiration for me. Thank you!

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  2. When I've read your archives, I noted that once upon a time you mentioned an interview about "living in a camper" while building your home. My sweet husband and I are selling our home this spring, with hopes of purchasing a small acreage and building a home. We've been a bit mystified by the logistics...moving our children twice, renting, the wait while building, etc.
    I would love to hear your testimony about your "camper season." :)
    Blessings!

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  3. God's grace and mercy is truly amazing. He knows each of our hearts and humbles us when needed and always loves us. AMEN! Praise Him from whom all blessings flow.. Children I am finding more and more are incredible blessings and teach me so much about child-like faith and how My Heavenly Father sees me and wants me to obey. Hugs to you and your family! from our soon to be 4 GIRLS :-)
    Kelly K

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  4. I stumbled upon your blog a few weeks ago and I have enjoyed reading past quotes in my spare (haha) time. I have a 3 1/2 yr old daughter, a daughter who will be 2 at the end of the month and a 4 1/2 month old son. I often feel exhausted, overwhelmed and just plane crazy. I am encouraged to read your blog and your beautiful posts about loving your family, serving the Lord, and teaching your children at home. It gives me hope and encouragement. Thank you for sharing.

    P.S. I was especially encouraged to read how your 13 year old daughter write verses to encourage YOU! Wow....My goal in all my discipline and training NOW with my children, is that later, we will be reaping a reward similar to what you are. Children who love the Lord and His Word.

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  5. Lovely thoughts and so true. We are having the blessing of watching my brother be baptized and give his profession of faith this Sunday. Seeing the changes in his life has been so wonderful! Without Christ, he would have just kept floundering.

    I can't believe your littlest is two! Sweet!

    Lots of love,
    Sommer

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  6. Thank you ladies. I appreciate your sweet comments.

    Camper history? Could be fun! : )

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  7. Such a beautiful post Rebecca! I have missed you. :) Your girls are so precious. I can't believe how quickly Hayley and Lydia have grown!! All our little ones are growing up so quickly aren't they?
    I smiled at your comments about each of your girls. My Saraya also loves to do "little girl" things - I mean, she is only 7 but girls at 7 seem more like 12 these days. :( Sadly. And I can SO see her writing me out bible verses when I need encouragement - she already writes me notes to find, and it always snaps me back into shape fast!! :) Daughters are such blessings. And sons too. God is so good.
    xoxoxo

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  8. Best pictures ever! Love the Daddy and Daughter!

    He has risen indeed!

    Much love,
    Cathy Craig

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  9. Thank you sweet friends. Sorry I have been so quiet around here.

    The past few weeks we spent getting ready for Spring Homeschool Camp at Jenness Park. It was a lot of work, but a great week and we are home settling back in. Hope to write soon.


    Blessings to you!
    Rebecca

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  10. Hi Rebecca,
    Would you be able to share where you find such lovely dresses and skirts for your daughters. Did you sew them yourself? I sew myself, but sometimes it is helpful to be able to find a dress to purchase when I get behind....

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