Jesus... that's it.

So, I know I try to keep the major focus of this blog about my family and it's happenings, but I've got a little bursting in my heart that I've got to unload...

It's JESUS. That's it.... Without Jesus, there's nothing else.

I'm blessed right now to be in a women's study at my church right now that's all about the life of Jesus from the book of John. I'm also very blessed to be leading a Beth Moore study called Jesus, The One and Only, with a group of single moms and some college girls.

Each day as I study what should seem like familiar scriptures and stories I still find these fresh new revelations about the heart and character of Jesus. There is NO OTHER like him. He is it.

So as I journey through this life I admit that I find it really difficult to talk or think about anything else without Jesus being the point of reference. When trials come- He is my Rock. When needs arise- He is my Provision. When I am wounded- He is my Healer. When I'm confused- He is my Light. When I am worn out and thirsty- He is my Living Water. When I am needy and broken- he is The Lover of My Soul. When I don't know the best way- he is my Counselor. And he's soooooo much more. He is EVERYTHING.

When others ask - why do I do the things I do??? In a nutshell, it's Jesus. He influences and affects my whole life (and I pray that increases). Why have I been married for 19 years? Jesus. Why do I have 5 children and want more? Jesus Why do we homeschool? Jesus What do I want MOST out of everything in the world for my children? Jesus... That's it. He's it.

So I can't compartmentalize my life. There's not God, Family, Homeschool, Friends, Political views, Community service, etc... All of it begins with Jesus. That's it.

That's What Little Boys Are Made Of!

I am just marveling at how amazingly masculine God made little boys to be at such an early age! No one teaches little guys these things, yet how is it that before they talk they are making motor noises, pointing up to see the airplanes flying by, and nearly climbing out of their car seats to see tractors doing construction on the side of the road.

Joshua is 2 1/2 and Titus 9 months and they are SO DIFFERENT than little girls. Not only do they behave differently individually, but especially the way they interact with each other!!! They already wrestle and tumble all over each other. They LOVE to be near each other and light up when the other enters in to the room. Mmmmmm, the sweetness and joy of BROTHERS.

Now of course I've had a little boy before (Tay, not so "little" anymore) and I've definitely enjoyed (and been a little jealous of) my girls' sisterhood, but this is our first time to have boys back to back... And it is AMAZING! They are amazing. (tears)...

The day that baby Titus was delivered I was sitting in the bed snuggling him and just praising the Father for his health and the gift of him when I had a vision of sorts- of 2 little boys giggling and daring each other to jump off the top of a bunk bed! Aaaaahhhh! :0 And yet, it makes me smile... :)

I want to fully embrace, encourage and equip these little men for all of the masculine, conquering, adventures that God has put in their hearts. Life with them is going to be so exciting! (And it's probably a good thing that we have health insurance! ) ;)