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!!!

Oh my heart!

Priceless in His Sight
5 Jul 2010
Ariel Allison Lawhon, She Reads Co-Director

"How priceless is Your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of Your wings." Psalm 36:7 (NIV)

Like many other Russian orphans, Masha was forced out of an orphanage at 15 and sent to a tech school – an underfunded holding tank for kids who learn how to lay brick or paint walls. One day, a group of professional looking, wealthy women came to the school and interviewed the girls for the best jobs in Russia. They were promised fancy clothes, expensive jewelry, and all the money they could hope for. Masha was chosen, and assumed her dreams had come true.

However, she quickly realized this dream had turned into an ugly nightmare.

She was taken to an apartment and beaten. In a matter of hours she would be entering the s*x trade. The life that loomed before her was one of forced prostitution.

This is a story that's repeated across the globe in staggering numbers. In Eastern Europe alone, 200,000 women and children are sold into slavery every year. Innocents shipped off to brothels, never reported missing and never rescued. The s*x trade is now a multi-billion dollar industry and the United States is one of the biggest consumers. I imagine Jesus weeping. We should as well.

Though some consider these women and children a commodity, something to be bought and sold, God sees their worth: priceless, cherished, beautiful. Our value as human beings is not calculated in assets or financial holdings, gender or age, or what we can bring on some shady black market auction block, but as image-bearers of God. Every human is priceless because we are formed by the hand of God for His glory, made for a purpose that was never meant to include slavery o r violation. We believe this. And we must put that faith into action.

The good news is that not every story ends in suffering. Masha, for one, escaped her terrible fate. As she waited in that apartment for a group of men to claim her, she remembered a ministry center sponsored by Children's HopeChest – an organization run by She Reads author Tom Davis. She remembered being cared for and shown the love of Christ there. Masha escaped the apartment and ran to the HopeChest Ministry Center in Kostroma where the staff immediately called the authorities and gave her protection.

Today she is safe, receiving an education, and has a future – because of the caring work of believers, believers just like you and me. There is hope for girls like Masha and there are tangible things that every believer in Christ can do to help those who are not as fortunate. Starting with prayer...

Dear Lord, would You have mercy on the countless victims who are locked a way, suffering the unspeakable? Comfort them. Redeem them. Be their hope and their ransom. But more than that, Jesus, would You show me what I can do to help? Show me how to be a voice for mercy and justice. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

She Reads author, Tom Davis, knows what it means to walk into the darkest places on earth and show mercy. His novel Priceless tells the gripping story of a young Russian girl swept into the s*x trade. The novel is this month's She Reads selection – visit the site to learn more about the novel and enter today's giveaway for coffee and a copy!

Priceless by Tom Davis

Consider sponsoring a child and help them be released from poverty through Compassion International – your sponsorship could keep them off the streets and safe from the slavery trade.

Too Small to Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most by Dr. Wess Stafford

Application Steps:
Visit Tom Davis's blog, www.sheispriceless.com to learn how you can help those trapped in the s*x slave industry.

Pray that God's mercy will extend to every victim of this horrible situation.

Give to ministries that rescue women and children from the s*x trade.

Sponsor orphans in need of shelter and protection.

Get educated on the realities of the s*x slave industry.

Be vigilant to watch for victims near you – it happens in every city in the United States.

Reflections:
Does my heart break over the things that break God's heart?

Power Verses:
Isaiah 43:1, "But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'" (NIV)


Zechariah 7:9, "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.'" (NIV)

This brings me to tears that so many young women and children are being taken advantage of, abused and mistreated. I know at times we like to play dumb and not see these things that are are so horrible happening in this world. But they most definitely are. We as believers in Christ cannot be silent anymore. We must look beyond ourselves and reach out to the hurting and the needy. One thing that will bring this home like no other (as hard as this is to imagine) picture this happening to your daughter. If you don't have a daughter then your niece or a dear friend's little girl. Oh the horror of what that would be like. I have such a hard time even going there in my mind thinking something like this could happen to Jaycee or my nieces. Also, to know what I would do to get them out of something like that. Literally, I would give my life to rescue them from that. Shouldn't we being do that for these girls? Shouldn't we be asking God how can I help rescue these girls from a life that has taken them to a feeling of utter worthlessness! Like us these girls were created in the image of God. Like us they need a Savior and Redeemer. Like us they need to be loved and restored and healed. We need to be Jesus' hands and feet to them. Pray for them and pray that God will show you what you can do to help these girls and how best to show them God's love for them. At the end of this devotional they have listed some items that can help you gain more understanding of what is happening in the s*x trade world. Also, you can google organizations that are specifically dedicated to helping these girls out. Be a voice for these girls that do not have one. Pray for them and I know our Heavenly Father will hear our prayers and answer them.

Daily Devotionals

I highly recommend signing up for Proverbs31ministries daily devotionals. You will receive a daily devotional via email Monday-Friday. They are so good! Last week God used one of them to speak directly to my heart! Last week I was struggling with some things and trying to work them all out in my head. I am not going specific here with what I was struggling with, but these issues bring me to tears most days. But, I am learning that I need to take each day as it comes. Be thankful for each day I am given and to live that day glorifying God in all that I do. I can't worry about things that are out of my control. I can't fix everything. I can't make things happen. I am learning that I must be obedient to the things God is calling me to do. Each activity throughout the day, each thought I have, or crisis I encounter I must take it before God asking Him how I can glorify Him through them. I am learning, too that God is enough. As my mom in law shared with me the other day about a bible study she is going through at church is that God has given us the best gift ever, His son Jesus Christ. Through Jesus we have the ability to have a relationship with our Maker and Creator. There is not a more precious gift ever then that.

So here is the daily devotional of last week that God used to get my attention.


Is God Enough?
2 Jul 2010
Melissa Taylor

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

Is God enough? It's a question that my life circumstances force me to keep going back to. What I've concluded is that not only is God enough, but He has to be enough. I've also concluded that it takes effort on my part to keep myself aware of this.

As a young child, I didn't realize my need for God, but I did realize that I had a need that was not fulfilled. I was sexually abused when I was seven years old. My dad left our family when I was eleven. Both circumstances left me devastated, and I didn't understand how God could bring healing at that time. I spent many years trying to heal myself and make myself feel better. Nothing worked.

As I grew older and began to move from being a Christian who simply believed to a Christian who was actively involved with Jesus, my life began to change. Because I was having conversations with Him directly and reading His Word consistently, my life was challenged. I learned that when the hard knocks came, and they would, I needed to ask myself one question in order to move on. "Is God enough?"

When a friend betrays me, is God enough? When I need to forgive someone for something that seems unforgivable, is God enough?

When my child is having issues that are out of my control, is God enough? When my marriage is on the brink of destruction, is God enough?

When I am not forgiven by another person, is God enough?

When my mother is dying of cancer, is God enough?

When others don't recognize my value, is God enough?

When I am struggling professionally, is God enough?

When someone I love uses words to hurt me, is God enough?

When I am in debt and don't know how I'll pay my bills, is God enough?

When I am reminded of something I did in the past, is God enough?

When the world is in turmoil, is God enough?

When my health is declining, is God enough?

When I am let down and disappointed in my life, is God enough?

Just last night, I sat in my room crying. Here I was again asking, "Is God enough?" I opened a box full of personalized Bible verses that someone very special gave to me. I began reading them out loud to myself. Verse by verse, I began combating the thoughts that were paralyzing me with self doubt. What I discovered is the conclusion I always come to when I ask myself "Is God enough?" Yes He is.

I could lose everything in life. There's not anything I have here on earth that is guaranteed. If I lost it all though, I'd be okay because no one can take away my identity in Christ. Whether I live in a mansion on a hill or a shack in the swamp, I have my Jesus. Whether the world is for me or against me, I have my Jesus. When I am knocked down, I get on my knees and there I find my Jesus. His Word is planted deep in my heart and I believe it all.

When life becomes more than you think you can handle, don't quit. And certainly don't believe the lies you may be entertaining in your head. Instead, ask yourself, "Is God enough for me?" The answer could change everything.

Dear Lord, help me to realize that the secret to being content in all circumstances is You. Help me to be aware of Your presence in my life at all times. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


When I ask myself this question my answer is YES GOD IS ENOUGH!!! No matter what life throws at me I know that God is enough! I am learning to trust this truth more and more every day!!!

Won't You Be My Love by Mercy Me

When you fall asleep tonight
In your warm and cozy room
Know that I'm awake
And I've got no shelter and no food

[Pre-Chorus 1:]
I am not alone
My friends are broke and lost
Looking for someone to lead them to my cross
I need your help, I need your help

[Chorus 1:]
Won't you be My voice calling
Won't you be My hands healing
Won't you be My feet walking into a broken world
Won't you be My chain-breaker
Won't you be My peacemaker
Won't you be My hope and joy
Won't you be My Love

[Verse 2:]
The other side of the world
She is just a few days old
A helpless little girl
With no family of her own

[Pre-Chorus 2:]
She is not to blame for the journey she is on
Her life is no mistake
Won't you lead her to My cross?

[Chorus 1:]
Won't you be My voice calling
Won't you be My hands healing
Won't you be My feet walking into a broken world
Won't you be My chain-breaker
Won't you be My peacemaker
Won't you be My hope and joy
Won't you be My Love

[Bridge:]
To those I call My own
To those I've set aside
As spotless without blame
The chosen ones My bride

[Chorus 2:]
We will be Your voice calling
We will be Your hands healing
We will be Your feet walking into a broken world
We will be Your chain-breaker
We will be Your peacemaker
We will be Your hope and joy
We will be Your love

I don't have much time to fully share all that my heart is saying at this moment. We are about to head out the door for our 3rd day of Vacation Bible School. As I was getting ready this morning, I was listening to Mercy Me's new cd The Generous Mr.Lovewell. This was my first time of listening to it and this song came on. I couldn't finish putting on my make-up for the tears streaming down my face. Lord, help me and help all the followers of You be Your voice calling, Your hands healing, Your feet walking, Your chain-breaker, Your peacemaker, Your hope and joy and Your love to the world around us. This will look different in each of our lives, but remember this don't let your surroundings, your family, your friends, your community, your culture stop you from being the hands and feet of Jesus. Pursue Him daily and live a life changed for the glory of God.

Show me what it means by Meredith Andrews

You don't want my perfection
All You ask of me
Is that I show up broken at Your feet
You don't want my religion
You are looking for devotion
That is more than just routine

So show me what it means

To take up my cross
And count it all as lost
All for the sake
Of knowing You
To love my enemies
And care for those in need
Show me what it means
To follow You

Have I become like the Pharisee?
Passing by the needy
While I'm speaking Jesus on my lips
Will I walk with You on raging seas?
Or will I turn away
When You want more than what I want to give

So show me what it means
What it means

To take up my cross
And count it all as lost
All for the sake
Of knowing You
To love my enemies
And care for those in need
Show me what it means
To follow You

To love as You love
And live as You lived
To never give up
On giving You my life
To love as You love
And live as You lived
To find out what it means
To be alive
To be alive

To take up my cross
And count it all as lost
All for the sake
Of knowing You
To love my enemies
And care for those in need
Show me what it means
To follow You

If you have never heard of or listened to Meredith Andrews I highly recommend that you do. Her songs are amazing. The lyrics will convict you and challenge you. Lately her 2 albums are all I listen to. I usually end up in tears at the end of each song. My heart so longs to have a deeper love for my King and Savior. My heart so longs to live passionately for my King. My heart so longs to live the way Jesus Christ did on this earth. My heart so longs to live the kind of faith that says God you are truly all I need that nothing else matters. I so desperately want to have this kind of faith and love for my King. I know its a process. That God is working in me transforming me to be the image bearer that He created me to be. As I mentioned in yesterday's post God has used several books to change our hearts. Here are a list of these books. As you read them be ready for the Holy Spirit to began a work in your heart. Its challenging, its convicting, but oh how wonderful it is to have God's peace, love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness at work in your life! I know we are just at the beginning stages of it. We battle everyday with surrendering our will to our Heavenly Father's will, but oh its so worth it. God's love truly is better than life!!!

Crazy Love and Forgotten God by Francis Chan
Radical by David Platt
Adopted for Life by Russell Moore
Don't Waste your Life by John Piper

"Only one life, 'Twill soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last."