2014 Family vacation

On July 3rd we picked up Matthew from work and headed out for a two week vacation! The first week we stayed at my in-law's cabin at Detroit Lake. We celebrated the 4th of July with family and friends and then spent Sunday evening thru Thursday just the four of us. Lots of time was spent boating, playing in or around the lake, hiking, eating, shooting, napping, reading and just goofing off together. Isaac even got into some kid water ski's and was pulled by a rope through the grass. Maybe later this summer or next summer he will be out on the water cutting it up!

We came home Thursday as I had Bible study here at our place then on Friday we took the kids to Wings and Waves water park. Had a blast playing around the water park!!! Then on Saturday we headed to a rental house at Rockaway Beach. The boys sure do love playing in the sand. They could both spend all day on the beach if we let them. We did a couple hikes, eat some good seafood, clamming, got to visit with my college roommate, took the train from Rockaway to Girabaldi and just spend a lot of fun time playing in the sand. 

Sorry these pictures are all in random order but I haven't figured out how blogger uploads them yet :-) 

  

Austin's Dedication

On Sunday June 8th we had Austin dedicated to the Lord. For us it was a special day to thank the Lord for Austin. Our biggest desire for both our boys is that they will know the Lord personally and seek after Him with all their hearts!

Praying for Austin

His dedication gift from Papa and Grandma Jean

It is kind of funny that my last post regarding the happenings in our life was Isaac's dedication back in Sept, 2011. Guess we ended for a while on a good note and are starting up again on the same good note!

Technology Decrease

Today I was majorly convicted. Sometimes the Lord speaks softly and over a long period of time. Other times He speaks loudly and directly. Today was a loud and directly kind of day. Hans, our pastor, was preaching about Matthew 5:27-32. It wasn't the teaching on Adultery or Divorce that has me convicted. What I took away from the teaching was how I live my life as a disciple of Christ has everything to do with where my heart and mind are focused. Am I focusing my life on Christ? On being genuine with the people He created? Pouring my time, talents, treasures in things that will last for eternity?

My increased time on the computer all started back when Austin was born 9 months ago. I would browse the internet as I sat and nursed him. Half an hour x 7-8 feedings a day really adds up to a lot of time spent on the computer doesn't it! After a few months of constantly having the world at my finger tips I started to notice that even when I wasn't feeding him I would find a reason to search something or browse just to "take a break." 

It wasn't like I was spending all my time on the computer but I was THINKING about it quite a bit. What subject would I look up next, pin next, Facebook next, YouTube next, etc... Even getting on to quickly check something can turn into a total time suck. Check Facebook for messages and then 20 minutes later you are still on Facebook looking at posts.When I started thinking about what my mind and time is focused on, it was clear to me that I had really messed up my focus and priority.


So with all that being said, I really feel like the Lord is calling me to take a step back from Facebook in particular but also the computer in general and really focus on the relationships He has placed in front of me for this season of life. I will still look at my Facebook account on occasion and post here and there but for this season of life it is time for me to take a big step back and refocus. I have set time limits on how long I can be on the computer a day and only when the important things have been accomplished first. I want my boys to remember mommy focused on them, teaching them about the love Jesus has for them and be an example of how He wants us to live.

I will be posting photos on here instead of Facebook for the most part and updating you all on the things going on in our lives. God is so good and when we choose to live in obedience to Him there is freedom. I desire that freedom of time and mental energy that can so easily get trapped inside the computer screen!