We also went to the mall and ate a cookie and "talked". I'm still not sure what all of our conversation was about but she sure got a lot of chuckles out of it! We also rode the carousel...auntie Kelly was a little squeamish after that ride so we chose to play on the slide for a little bit! Boy, was that fun! We had to learn that you can't try to climb UP the slide when other kids are coming down, but thankfully that was not a long lesson!
Then, we went shopping for Baby Zach! Kate helped me pick out a cute outfit...she is a GREAT shopper!! After all that fun we headed to Wendy's for some fries and chicken nuggets!! What fun! We even got a little train engine in our meal! Boy was that exciting! Then, it was back home to Mommy and Daddy and baby who missed her very much! When we got home, she promptly sat down to more dinner...yogurt and steak! You would have thought I forgot to feed the child while we were out!!
All in all, we had a great time and it was some special time with Kate. I've been thinking about the roles I play in the lives of the children around me...especially, in the little lives of Kate and Zach. I pray that they will each become a woman and man of God and that they will honor Him in their lives and that I might influence them for the things that are good and upright in the eyes of God.
I've been thinking about King Jehosaphat lately and how he was a king who walked in the ways of God. But, he also aligned himself in battle on numerous occassions with King Ahab, who most certainly did not honor the Lord and did evil all the days of his life. Jehosaphat's son, Jehoram, had the example of a father who honored the Lord but also saw his father siding with Ahab. Jehoram ended up marrying Ahab's daughter and walked in the ways of Ahab, doing evil.
How did Jehosaphat's actions affect the decisions that his son made? If Jehosaphat had not aligned himself with Ahab, would his son have turned out differently? Would he have married a woman who honored the Lord and encouraged him to honor the Lord in his reign?
What about my actions? Am I walking in such a manner that I can be confident that if someone were to follow in my footsteps that they would also be walking in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus? Someone is always watching what we do...do my actions and responses reflect the Savior? Or do they reflect my own selfishness and desperately wicked heart? What sort of example am I leaving for others to follow?
"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. "
Philippians 3:12-14
8 comments:
very encouraging and convicting words, kelly. thank you!
it is amazing how much kids observe. i think we don't give them enough credit. we think they are too young to pick up on things, but they are not! they even sense our moods. i remember a mommy telling me once that she controls the mood in their house. anytime she is grumpy, the kids are grumpy. if she choses to be joyful, the kids are joyful. we do have a lot of influence on those younger than us (and older sometimes too)! it's a HUGE responsibility!
how are little zach and tanya doing? from the last time i saw kate, i gathered that she kept tanya on her feet A LOT! poor tanya... i bet she is pooped! that kid had energy! :o) i know kids are a joy, but from what i hear they are quite exhausting too.
Thank you for this. I have been thinking of how my actions effect people and the best witness is in our actions.
I love to see what the Lord is teaching you and your thoughts Kelbel!!!
Hebrews 12:1-2
Your words are so true, Brooke! I even find at work that my own mood/attitude really affects those that are around me! We can really influence so many just by our mood!
Zach and Tanya are doing well. Unfortunately, Zach likes to stay up at night and snooze during the day...A bit problematic, particularly when Kate is bounding around with limitless energy! One afternoon with Kate reminded me just how much energy that little girl has!! It's fun, but exhausting!! I can only imagine what it's like to keep up with her every day!
Thank you for your thoughts Kelly! You seem like such a great Aunt. I am sure Kate just adores you!
I can't imagine what Tanya is going through with two now. Austin was up a LOT at night too, but atleast I got to sleep during the day. I will be praying for her!
Good post, Kelly! I miss talking with you. Let's try to get together soon, okay?
Definitely, Rach! Just let me know what dates work for you. Generally weekends are probably best with my work schedule right now but let's chat and see what works! Praying for you!
Kelly, these are such good personal reflections concerning your walk. Good for all of us to exam our walk on a regular basis. Any of us can stumble at any time. We are not immune to the many contagious things around us but having the Spirit and the Word of God actively working in us (as we yeild to Him) we can with assurance be a testimony to those around us, family, friend or foe.
Press on dear friend. He is able to keep you from stumbling.
Saw Tanya's mom on Sunday. She tells me Zach is rolling over at 1 month. Sounds to me like he is trying to keep up with his sister. Say hi to them all from me!
Marti, Thank you for your words of encouragement. A lesson well learned is the one where we realize that we are capable of stumbling and NEVER immune. We must always guard against it.
Zach is growing so quickly and I'm sure he will do everything he can to keep up with his big sister!! I will certainly pass on your greetings to Tanya and the family!
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