Holland Weekend

A few weeks ago we had an opportunity to go to the Netherlands . We saw the cities of Amsterdam and Haarlem and enjoyed the history and architecture. We took a canal tour and did lots of walking, too. The weather was kind of an odd mix of rain, sun, clouds, and hail alternating throughout our weekend there. We also visited the flower fields in the surrounding countryside. I LOVED the bright colorful fields. Maybe when I grow up, I'll be a tulip farmer...God has created such a bright array of colors and textures in nature. How cool!

On the Pot

A couple weeks ago we bought a little potty for Nat. For a couple months, he's been informing us about when he's peeing or pooping in his diaper and soon after that he requests a"diaper change..." So, we thought maybe it was time for potty training. But we are totally inexperienced with this process! How do you go from an awareness of the diaper status to a desire to sit on that little pot? Any experienced Mamas and Papas please respond!

Anyhow, he was worried at first about his skin touching the potty and would only sit on it fully clothed. Now he's less worried and we try to practice on it everyday 1 or 2 times. Last week he actually peed in the little potty! Now he sits there in the buff (so cute) and stares down into the potty waiting for something to happen. He doesn't seem to remember the same stuff that goes on in the diaper could happen in the potty.

But we aren't too worried. He's still just a little guy. And he looks so precious there on his potty....thinking and contemplating and hoping. Check out these pictures!

Pretending

Nathaniel has a growing imagination these days. He remembers most everything we see, read, or discuss (except this one particular direction: "don't touch those buttons..."). Sometimes he reenacts animals or people from a story or situation we've recently encountered. Here's a few photos of our funny little boy pretending to be Baby Moses, a turtle, and to drive Daddy's VW. Enjoy!

Ladies' Retreat

This past weekend I was away at retreat for the women of our church (and other IBC churches). It was so precious to have this time away to reflect and worship. I am so thankful that Tom is more than capable to care for Nathaniel for a couple days so I could get away!

I ask that you would pray for the ladies who attended, especially from our church. There is so much to do and to pray for in the coming months of transition at our church! It is easy to become discouraged when the work is so great and the workers so few. But, this retreat was such a nice refreshment for my spirit and body! I am trying to get my head around all the details I learned this weekend from the word of God, and how God wants me to use this for His kingdom and His good pleasure.

I definitely felt an urge within my soul to know more confidently the doctrines which I claim to believe. As it says in 1 Pet. 3:15-16 ...But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience.... The more I read, the more certain I am that God is sovereign over all my days, all my choices, the faith and even the desire to turn to Him are according to His sovereign will. What a gift. What a privilege to be a part of God's plan! I must know this more fully and explain myself more clearly.

I pray that I will live each day a little more joyfully (how about a smile on my face?!). I hope to serve my family and my church with pure motives (for Christ, in love, not out of obligation). I want God's wisdom to teach my sons to be leaders and to have the knowledge of God's word hidden in their hearts. I pray that Tom and I will both desire to pray more and seek God's word more - alone and together. How does the time just slip away each day?

Well, that's all for now. If you read this, please pray for our family and our church today!

The Blessing

A few days ago we were riding in the car and I sneezed. From the backseat I heard a sweet little voice saying to me..."Bless you, Mommy."

Oh, indeed it is a blessing to teach and love him every day. What a precious privilege to be a Mommy!

Bella Italia