Broken-Down House by Paul David Tripp

I just finished the above title book yesterday morning. It was a great book! So many challenging things in it as well tools to step back and examine my own life and situations. It compares the world we live in to a broken-down house. I wanted to share the last few paragraphs of the book with you. I posted it in a note on Facebook yesterday so you may have already seen it. I thought for the ones who do not use Facebook I would share it here on the blog. Also, its easier to view our blog on my phone then it is to view notes on Facebook, so I wanted to have it to where I can read it whenever I need a reminder of the greatness of my Heavenly Father!!!!

"There is never a situation, location, or relationship that you enter alone. Your Lord is not away somewhere and he never sleeps. He never greets your calls with a busy signal. He is never too tired or too busy to respond. He will never mock your ignorance or weakness, and he does not cruelly throw your failure in your face. He will never threaten that he is at the end of his rope with you. He will not grow weary of your inconsistencies, bored with your ambivalence, or irritated when once again you fall short."



"His loving face will always be toward you and, because of the cross, you will never see the back of his head. He will meet your moment-by-moment needs- providing strength from his Spirit, wisdom from his Word, resources from the body of Christ, forgiveness that is your daily need, and deliverance from constant temptation. Even the trials he sends your way will supply what you need: the character to live for him more effectively. These are all evidences of his commitment to you, that you might be who you are supposed to be and do what he has created you to do."



"This is the God of grace who calls you to resist passivity and discouragement. He calls you to fight the urge to give in or give up. He calls you to live with perseverance now and to invest wholeheartedly in what is to come. He calls you to hold firmly to the same thing believed by all the saints who have gone before us: ' that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him' (Hebrews 11:6)."

Nana and Papa's visit!

Well, its been almost a month since Nana and Papa drove out our driveway heading back to Washington. We miss them dearly. The time we spent was not quite enough time at all. Really, I don't know if we could ever get enough time together where we were satisfied. Its such a blessing to have such incredible in-laws. God has truly blessed me way beyond what I ever thought possible for our relationship to be. I do not think of them as my in-laws that is the only way to communicate to others who they are, but they are so much more. I truly feel like their daughter. They love, support, and encourage me unconditionally. Nana is one of my dearest most precious friends. I really don't think words can express how much I admire, love, and care for this amazing woman. I am so grateful for her. Praying that this doesn't happen, but if something ever did our story would be "Ruth and Naomi". Obviously, there is some difference since I do already have children, but I think you understand.

Now, let's see if I can actually remember all the things we did while they were here. This time around they were just involved in all of our activities really. We didn't have much time to go off anywhere, but we still had a great time. They arrived on Tuesday September 14th. They got to rest for a bit and then we headed off for Jaycee's soccer practice. The next 2 days were spent at home with church on Wednesday night. Friday morning the kids and I headed South to Amy and Michael's wedding. Nana and Papa went to Wichita Falls, TX to shop. It was wonderful having them at Jaycee's first soccer game on Saturday. The rest of our Saturday we played at the house and watched football. Sunday we all went to church and then came home ate pizza, napped, and watched NASCAR. On Monday, Jackson spent the day with Papa, Byron worked, and us girls had a fun day together. We went to Duncan and made all the little fun, unique stores. Moms you know the ones that I am talking about the ones you NEVER take kids into. That was quite the treat for all of us. That was also Jaycee's first time to visit the library. She LOVED it. We came home with a huge stack of books for the kids. Tuesday was a home day with soccer thrown in that evening. Wednesday was church and Nana had a private viewing of the pre-school choir that Jaycee sings in at church. It was quite the treat for Nana. Thursday we went up to Oklahoma City to the Stockyards, had lunch at Cattlemen's, and then shopped. Friday we had our own movie night watching Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Byron and Papa went to Velma's high school football game. Saturday we had 2 soccer games. The kids then went home with my parents. Byron, Papa, Nana, and myself went to Smokin' Joes bbq and then to the Josh Turner concert. It was a great evening! Sunday was church and then we spent the rest of the day soaking up our time with Nana and Papa. I think it was close to 1:00 am before Nana and I went to bed. We knew it would be a while before we could sit and visit face to face, so we were getting in a very good one in hope that it would hold us over until we are able to do it again! (I am already in need of another one, though!)

If you haven't heard, we are coming to Washington in December. We are road tripping!!!! We are leaving out early December 17th with plans to arrive in Washington on December 18th in the evening. We will leave Washington on December 30th. We are only 7 1/2 weeks away from departure! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hitched!

On September 17,2010 my sister married Michael Bailey! It was a great day for the wedding! A little on the warm and humid side, but we all survived. They got married in Weatherford, TX, Michael's hometown. The kids and I drove down early on Friday morning so Jaycee could be part of all the fun girlie activities.(Byron came down later with my Uncle Johnny and Aunt Retha). Jaycee got her hair all done up as well as got her finger and toe nails painted professionally! The down time between the appointments and the wedding we spent at Ma and Pa's hotel room. The wedding was simple, but beautiful! As you will see in the pictures for any of you that were at our wedding or have seen pictures, yes, my sis and I have great choices in colors. We both had black and hot pink for our wedding colors! We are gals that love black and well, hot pink looks really good with black. Jaycee and Michael's niece, Sophie, were the flower girls and Jackson was the ring bearer.Kiley and Keely were bridesmaids and Michael's 2 brothers were his groomsmen. I wasn't sure that Jackson would go along with the whole idea of being the ring bearer, but he did great! The ring bearer pillow become his "security blanket" for the evening. You couldn't get that thing away from him. He stood at the front for a few minutes then found his way to my dad's lap for the remainder of the ceremony. Everything went well.Keely read a very sweet poem that she had written herself. It made everyone a little teary-eyed. The reception was great! They had amazing food, cake, and ice cream! I am very happy that my sister found love and I hope that her and Michael have a great marriage! He's a wonderful addition to our family!!!

Little hope...

that I will ever get caught up on this blog. I do have so many stories to share with friends and family about what is going on in the lives of the Lohrer family. Every day passes without me posting anything. I really think I am going to just dedicate one night a week to staying up super late and hammering out these posts. I also want to blog because I don't want to forget these days with my children. I don't want to forget the early stages of their lives and the early stages of parenthood. I don't want to forget the everyday moments. I want us to be able to reflect and see God's grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness poured out on us. I want our kids to be able to have something tangible to share with their kids. I am going to get this blog caught up. I didn't say it was hopeless. So be on the look out for posts on Nana and Papa's visit, my sister's wedding, Jaycee's soccer season, the pumpkin patch trip, and the work that God has been doing in our hearts!!! Don't give up on me yet!!!

Life is busy!

I truly have wanted to post so much on the blog, but I have failed miserably. I keep thinking I will have time to do a detailed individual post, but let's face it, its not going to happen anytime soon.

Here is the update on the Lohrer Household.

A good friend of mine says this a lot, "Parenthood is not for the faint of heart." I absolutely agree! Its by far the most challenging, yet rewarding job ever! I love every minute of it. Until you become a parent you will never understand what truly being a parent is all about. I have a whole new appreciation for my parents. My understanding of God's grace has immensely increased. I am humbled that God has chosen me to be a mom, especially the mom to Jaycee and Jackson. I am so thankful that His grace has been sufficient through the early years of parenthood. I know His grace will be sufficient through the rest as well. I can't imagine tackling parenthood without God being my Rock, Shield, Strong Tower, and Strength. I can't imagine going through this journey without my amazingly wonderful and loving husband. Also, the support of our great families and friends.


Jaycee is growing every second of the day. I can't wait for us to hit Fall weather. She is down to very few Summer clothes that still actually fit. As of a month ago, she is 44 in tall and weighs 46 lbs. We are homeschooling Jaycee for Kindergarten. We are LOVING it!!! We just weren't ready to send her to school. Kindergarten in Oklahoma is all day everyday! We just weren't ready to venture down that road. She is also playing soccer for the first time! Byron is the coach. He is doing an amazing job with the girls. Their first game will be this coming Saturday. There are 6 girls total on the team. They play 3 on 3. Its going to be the cutest thing ever watching these girls run around on the soccer field. Jaycee will also be a Flower Girl in my sister's wedding this Friday night. So we have one busy weekend ahead of us. Jaycee is going to love being a Flower Girl. On Friday she will have her first trip to a Salon for her hair to be all done up and also to have a manicure and pedicure. Besides all of Jaycee's activities she is becoming quite the little girl. She is sweet and compassionate. She is kind and loving. She welcomes everyone with a great big beautiful smile. She is the best big sister. She is Daddy's little girl. She is Momma's little princess. She loves Jesus. She loves to sing. She loves to draw, color, and make cards for people. She loves to tell stories. She is an animal lover. Our world was greatly changed when Jaycee entered our world and we are forever grateful for the gift God has given us in Jaycee Ann.

Jackson is almost 3 1/2 years old which totally doesn't seem possible. Time has flown by with him joining our family. He is 39 in tall and weighs 36 lbs. This little guy is full of life! He keeps us on our toes at all times. He will test the waters at all times. God has given him a big personality! Once he is comfortable he let's it shine! He will do anything to get his sister to laugh, and that is his greatest joy. He adores his big sis. He would be lost without her. He is also growing up on us. His tantrums are becoming few and far between. He is still our strong-willed child, but he is starting to understand the consequences for his actions. He is all boy! He plays with cars all day everyday. He loves to be with Byron or my dad. If we are ever down around my grandparents' house and Byron and my dad are working I guarantee Jackson is right there with them. He is also into building his own pumping units. He loves when he is able to make the rounds with Byron. He really is becoming a Daddy's boy. I knew the day would come and I am thankful. He has an incredible daddy! There isn't any man better suited to teach Jackson how to grow up and become a man, husband, and father than Byron. Jackson loves all things with wheels and the bigger and louder something is the better. He plays hard and sleeps hard. He has stolen our heart a million times over. We are so thankful for the gift God has given us in Jackson Alan.

Tomorrow Andy and Marilee arrive! We are so excited! Its been a little over 5 months since we have seen each other! Extremely way too long in my books! We are thankful that they will be here for almost 2 weeks. Since they are driving down maybe we can convince them to extend their stay! In the next few weeks, I am sure I will have lots of posts to share with you if I can find the time!

Promotion Sunday!

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted in a month! I have thought many times about posting, but never sat down and took the time put my thoughts on the computer screen. At times, I so wished I had, but at other times so thankful I didn't.

This past Sunday, August 15th, we had Promotion Sunday at church. The kids moved up in their classes. Both kids did a fabulous job in transitioning. Jaycee, I didn't have any doubts that she wouldn't make the change in joy and excitement. Now, Jackson I was a little concerned, but had been preparing him for about 2 weeks that change was coming. Well, he did fabulous! Thank you, Jesus! Maturity in my little guy is definitely growing. He had a great time in his new class. Bonus, is that one of his Sunday School teachers is one of our really good friends. John is Chloe's dad which is Jaycee's best friend. So Jackson is quite comfortable being around John. Also, Jackson is getting to experience new things in class. During extended session, which means we are in "big church", he gets to watch a puppet show now. He thought that was way cool and he was able to sit by his sis during the show! Also, on Wednesdays he is a part of Preschool Choir. Now, we will have both kids on stage when we have the kids' choirs sing for the church. WOW! How fast my babies are growing! Jaycee is now in the class that is the oldest in the Preschool Department. Next year she will move upstairs to Children's Church and a GA's group. Oh my heart! I praise God for the awesome teachers and staff that we have at church that pour God's love into our children lives. As parents, we are training our children in the ways of the Lord and its a huge blessing knowing that at church you are getting that support from so many others that not only have a heart for children, but a heart for God.

Here are a few pics from Sunday morning before we left for church!

Memorizing Scripture!

No, I am not receiving anything for promoting this awesome new album, but its amazing!!! The Rizers are a part of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. You can find them by going to the right side of my blog under the websites I love to read and click on Mark Driscoll. It will take you to the Resurgence website that has an icon for The Rizers. They have taken scriptures and put it to music. Its aimed towards kids, but it won't hurt us adults a bit. As Psalm 119:11 says, " I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" we all need scripture in our hearts. I noticed today on the Resurgence website they had a blog about memorizing scripture and how to get it started in your own home. I am also working on a scripture memory box. I am still trying to find the best way to organize it. I am trying to decide how I want to break things down into sections. Anyways, I look forward to when the kids are high schoolers and our scripture box is wore out because it has been used so much. As we memorize scriptures as a family I know that God will strengthen our walk with Him and strengthen our family bond as well. So I encourage you to get started today planting the seeds of God's word in your childrens' hearts so when they grow older they will not depart from it! Also, that your own faith in God will grow!!! What an awesome mighty God we serve!!!