Giving God Glory
God is sovereign over flooding in our state of Colorado "doing great things which we cannot comprehend"... - Job 37:5 & 11-14 states, "God thunders with His voice wondrously, doing great things which we cannot comprehend...with moisture He loads the cloud; He disperses the cloud of His lightning. It changes direction, turning around by His guidance, that it may do whatever He commands it on the face of the inhabited earth. Whether for correction, or for His world, or for lovingkindness, He causes it to happen... stand and consider the wonders of God. Job 37:5, 11-14 Jerry Bridges shares a story in his book, Is God Really in Control?, that is similar to what many in Colorado have experienced recently. I think Bridges' perspective on God's sovereignty over natural disasters is very helpful. The following is from Bridges' chapter "God's Power Over Nature" ~It also encourages me to remember that all circumstances are from our God who is...One night while working on this chapter, I watched the evening news on television. One of the top stories was about several powerful tornadoes that swept across central Mississippi killing seven people, injuring at least 145 more, and leaving nearly 500 families homeless. As I watched the scenes of people sifting through the rubble of what had been their homes, my heart went out to them... Wouldn’t it be easier to just accept Rabbi Kushner’s statement that it is simply an act of nature-a morally blind nature that churns along following its own laws? Why bring God into chaos and suffering such as this?”But God brings Himself into these events. He said in Isaiah 45:7, “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.” God Himself accepts the responsibility, so to speak, of disasters. He does more than accept the responsibility; He actually claims it. In effect, God says, “I, and I alone, have the power and authority to bring about both prosperity and disaster, both weal and woe, both good and bad.”This is a difficult truth to accept as you watch people sift through the rubble of their homes or-more to the point-if you are the one sifting through the rubble of your home. . . We obviously do not understand why God creates disaster, or why He brings it to one town and not to another. We recognize, too, that just as God sends His sun and rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous, so He also sends the tornado, or the hurricane, or the earthquake on both. . . . God’s sovereignty over nature does not mean that Christians never encounter the tragedies of natural disasters. Experience and observation clearly teach otherwise.God’s sovereignty over nature does mean that, whatever we experience at the hand of the weather or forces of nature, all circumstances are under the watchful eye and sovereign control of our God.
*sovereign - 1 Timothy 6:15
*wise - Romans 11:33-36
*loving - 1 John 4:16
*good - Psalm 34:8
He works all things for good according to His great purposes (Romans 8:28-29), which we often cannot comprehend since He knows and sees far beyond what we do (Isaiah 55:8-9) and therefore knows what is best for His glory and our good.
What's on the Harrisons' Hearts
A Couple Fun Opportunities
Passion Preschool - Recently, a good friend asked if I would be interested in teaching two of her children - Colton (4) & Taryn (3) - a couple times a week for a few hours. After praying and pondering, Wes and I (Noah too when we told him) were all very excited about this opportunity! Josiah naps during our preschool time, so it is a beautiful fit for our whole family during this season. :)These are the passions that I desire to pass on to Noah, Colton, & Taryn:
Passion for...
~ Loving the Lord - Mark 12:29-30
~ Loving others - Mark 12:31
~ Loving & Living God's Word - Psalm 119, Psalm 1:2-3, Joshua 1:8 & James 1:22, 25
~ Living by the Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:16-26
~ Learning - 1 Corinthians 10:31
*incorporating Proverbs 1:7 - wisdom & knowledge begin with the fear of the LORD
*hands-on
*fun
*life skills emphasized
*age appropriate
*field trips! (at least one / month)
*saturation & integration of subjects through unit studies for a strong foundation & more effective / lasting learning
*encouraging God's giftings & callings for their lives- at this age incorporating a little extra on subjects / activities they enjoy
*students - faithful in doing their best in their work
*me - faithful in doing my best to provide excellence in education
Present Preschool Schedule:
P.E. ~ 11:00-11:15
Prepare Lunch ~ 11:15-11:30 (Noah, Colton, & Taryn help set the table & prepare our meal)
Lunch & Bible ~ 11:30-12:00
Math ~ 12:00-12:20
Reading/Writing ~ 12:20-12:40
Recess ~ 12:40-1:00
Music/Art ~ 1:00-1:20
Social Studies/Science ~ 1:20-1:40
Choice Time ~ 1:40-1:50
Snack & Read Aloud ~ 1:50-2:00
Having fun with some "creative hats" (strainers) while helping make spaghetti for lunch
Noah put his hat on Taryn so she could have a hat, since there were only 2 strainers. ;)
Tutoring - I have not tutored since last year when my student transitioned from a homeschooling/tutoring combination to public school (and she has been doing wonderfully). One of my neighbors recently asked me if I would tutor one of her children in reading. Again after praying and pondering, Wes and I were excited about this opportunity and said "yes." I work with Josh twice a week, and he has already been making some great progress. :)
My spunky student
Various Loved Ones - Continued prayer for wisdom and for Christ's strength and perspective as they are in the midst of various trials (James 1:2-5).
Autumn - Praise for the Lord's wonderful provision of a new job for her as a receptionist at a law firm right next to Dad's work.
Tache - Continued prayer of James 1:5 for wisdom for the doctors to determine how to help her back heal.
Tami - Continued prayers for the Lord to give my dad and other loved ones His perspective and that God would heal Tami, but ultimately that His will would be done. Prayer of Galatians 5:22-23 that the fruit of the Spirit would abound in Dad's & Tami's lives during this trial.
Our Family - We thank the Lord for the fun opportunities He has brought our way of teaching Noah and a couple other children for our Passion Preschool and tutoring a neighborhood friend.
Wes - Praise for the Lord answering prayer to work out logistics so that Wes could complete his last quarter of school and finish his Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies in November. Please pray for the Lord to impact Wes' heart (and not just his mind) and grow him in applying what he is learning (James 1:22). Continued prayer for Wes to continue to be a strong light and witness for Christ at work in the midst of a very spiritually dark environment and also for spiritual protection (Ephesians 6:10-20).
Christina - Praise for the Lord answering prayer by giving me wisdom and discernment with priorities with the season the Lord has given us with the new opportunities through teaching preschool & tutoring. Please pray Galatians 5:16 that I would walk by the Spirit and not my flesh.
Noah - God would graciously save him at a young age and lead him to walk with the Lord all of his days, if that be the Lord's will. Praise for the Lord being at work in Noah in giving him a love for His Word and a joy for singing Scripture spontaneously. Continued prayer of Ephesians 6:1-3 that the Lord would grow Noah in honoring and obeying Wes and me right away and not arguing (whether defiantly or subtly).
Josiah - God would graciously save him at a young age and lead him to walk with the Lord all of his days, if that be the Lord's will. Praise for the Lord growing Josiah in communicating in ways that honor Him (ex. attempting to communicate with words/sounds rather than screaming when he wants something) - Josiah has grown significantly in this over the past month! Please pray Galatians 5:22-23 for the Holy Spirit to be at work in Josiah in growing him in self-control, especially when he doesn't get what he wants. Continued prayer for the Lord to grow Josiah in his gross motor skills (ex. progressions involved with walking) in His perfect timing.
Noah - God would graciously save him at a young age and lead him to walk with the Lord all of his days, if that be the Lord's will. Praise for the Lord being at work in Noah in giving him a love for His Word and a joy for singing Scripture spontaneously. Continued prayer of Ephesians 6:1-3 that the Lord would grow Noah in honoring and obeying Wes and me right away and not arguing (whether defiantly or subtly).
Josiah - God would graciously save him at a young age and lead him to walk with the Lord all of his days, if that be the Lord's will. Praise for the Lord growing Josiah in communicating in ways that honor Him (ex. attempting to communicate with words/sounds rather than screaming when he wants something) - Josiah has grown significantly in this over the past month! Please pray Galatians 5:22-23 for the Holy Spirit to be at work in Josiah in growing him in self-control, especially when he doesn't get what he wants. Continued prayer for the Lord to grow Josiah in his gross motor skills (ex. progressions involved with walking) in His perfect timing.
Marriage Memories
Double Date Bike Ride with our friends - Rodney & Jenn - on the Santa Fe Trail
We enjoyed some great fellowship while the guys rode together - a little ahead ;) - and the girls rode together. We ended our 20 mile ride downtown at Il Vicino for lunch.
Family Fun
Our fam having fun at the Brunswick Zone (with Papa & Nana)
Focus on the Family's Patriot Day
We enjoyed some fun as a family at Focus on the Family's Patriot Day celebration. The boys had a great time romping around in the downstairs play area, and Wes & I took turns getting some great deals with the Patriot Day sale at the bookstore.
Our Canine Family Members
These two (Sierra - left & Dozer - right) have quickly become the same size & the best of friends. :)
Playing together - wrestling * tug-of-war over a toy
Noah News
Age - 4 years old
Cute Communication -
*Wes & Noah were playing in the basement one evening, & Noah says to Wes in the midst of building a fort, "Let's be kind to each other." This was wonderful to hear that what I've been teaching Noah lately is impacting him & overflowing from his heart. :) - (Ephesians 4:32).
*We told Noah that he could play basketball this winter, so one day at the YMCA...
Noah - "When do I get to play winter basketball?"
Wes - "In January."
N - "I don't know if I will be tall enough to make a basket." ;)
*We've added a "twist" to the usual farewell of our bedtime routine. When Wes and I used to leave his bedroom, we would say to Noah, "I love you!" & he would say, "I love you too!" One night Noah said, "I love you one hundred!" The "twist" began... So, now when we leave we try to top each other. For example, we'll say, "I love you one thousand (or one billion, trillion, zillion, etc.)" Then Noah will try to top us by saying a bigger number such as, "I love you one trillion." One night Noah responds, "I love you more than numbers can count!" Precious! :)
*Wes & Noah were trying to find a toy under our couch...
Wes - "Noah, you need to lift up the couch."
Noah - "I can't."
W - "Why not?"
N - "I'm not strong enough."
W - "Why not?
N - "See...(pointing to his upper arm)...these are kid muscles, so they're not as strong as your muscles."
*One day during preschool, we were in the basement while the kids were playing during recess. In the midst of playing with Colton and Taryn, Noah (dressed up in a doctor's outfit while standing on top of a slide) belts out a song he made up on the spot about how God loves us, we're sinners, Jesus Christ died for us & rose from the dead, and more. It was beautiful music to my ears!
Latest Likes
Preschool
Fast cars - he can spot & name a Mustang from "a mile away" ;)
Slug bug game
Water balloons
Cruising along the banister in our home (with supervision)
Having fun playing with Dozer
Noah enjoys cruising along our banister (we make sure he asks one of us to "spot" him)
1st time swinging with Daddy & didn't last long * Having fun swinging away!
Change in swinging ~ For over 4 years, Noah has not been a fan of swinging, but that has recently changed! I think seeing the neighborhood boys swinging is what did it. ;)
A 1st of riding his scooter up Dublin hill - The hill * At the top * Cruising down
*Video - Noah doing some "push ups" ;) while on our run/scooter ride
Josiah Joys
Age - 15 months old
1sts - coloring, bounce house, eating an apple (peel off) on his own, balancing on his knees, climbing up stairs (with a little support), getting his foot stuck in crib slats
New Words -
Nuhnah = Noah
Nah = no :(
Teeth - 8 (4 top & 4 bottom)
Latest Likes
Pointing at everything & making a noise as if to ask "What is that?"
Balls
Crayons - coloring & putting in his mouth
Crawling in & out of rooms & shutting the door
Climbing up & down slides, stairs, & Noah's bed
Enjoying eating an apple on his own * Opening & closing doors
1st time in a bounce house & had a blast! * Josiah enjoys pointing at everything
Josiah likes snuggling with Sierra
Gross Motor Skills Progress - Climbing stairs * Balancing on his knees * Climbing up & down Noah's bed
We thank the Lord that Josiah is continuing to grow, develop, and make progress with his gross motor skills. It has been a big blessing to work with our wonderful physical therapist from The Resource Exchange.
*Video - Josiah climbing stairs ~ he cruises at first, gets stuck, & then perseveres to the top :)
Having fun in Josiah's crib
Playing a pretend game at the park (something about the wood chips being money & throwing them down the slide)
Noah giving Josiah a back-rub as they watch "Super Readers" cartoon * Crawling around together in the kitchen
*Video - Bros crawling, making zerbert noises, & laughing :)
Homeschool Highlights
This month we did multiple "mini Science units" on water, air, & light.
Click on this link if interested in the FREE preschool skills/benchmarks that I use - Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence of Skills
Click on this link for a corresponding preschool book that I use - Core Knowledge: What Your Preschooler Needs to Know
Science: Unit study on water - Noah was super excited about the water balloons & enjoyed helping me make them :)
One day for preschool, I had Noah, Colton, & Taryn wear swimsuits, & we did all our learning involving water ~ God created water (Bible - Genesis 1), water obstacle course (P.E.), counting water balloons (Math), painting with watercolors (Art), making Mac & Cheese for lunch with boiling water (Life skill), exploring the 3 different forms of water (Science), writing with water (Writing), & water balloon fight (Recess).
The diagram for our water obstacle course - using a variety of motor skills - in our backyard :)
We learned about the different forms of water (solid, liquid, & gas), & the Lord gave us a great hands-on teachable moment with hail He sent us.
Science: Unit study on light - One day for preschool, I covered our basement windows with black construction paper to make the basement extra dark to help create a memorable learning experience about light. * Noah, Colton, & Taryn used various headlamps, lanterns (battery-powered), & flashlights to see during preschool. * Having fun playing during recess with their lantern & headlamps
Social Studies: Celebrating Constitution Day - We enjoyed learning about the Constitution & discussed how the Constitution is a document with rules for our country similar to how God gives us rules in the Bible & how we have rules in our home. We also talked about how God is in charge of our governmental leaders like President Obama, & we are to obey our government's rules unless the government's rules would cause us to disobey God's rules & sin. (Psalm 22:28 & Romans 13:1-7, & Acts 5:29)
A Couple Catchy Constitution Links We Enjoyed:
School House Rock - The Preamble (Song)
The Preamble of the Constitution - Lego Style :) - You may want to preview "Lego violence" before showing kiddos. Fyi - Wes thinks this video is funny & entertaining. ;)
A Couple Catchy Constitution Links We Enjoyed:
School House Rock - The Preamble (Song)
The Preamble of the Constitution - Lego Style :) - You may want to preview "Lego violence" before showing kiddos. Fyi - Wes thinks this video is funny & entertaining. ;)
Life Skill: Taking care of & being a good steward of our bodies (Noah's 1st official cleaning at the dentist) - All ready to go * Noah was excited to get a gum-ball afterwards ~ a little ironic to have this available at a dental office ;) * Big cheek from his big gum-ball
Life Skills: Helping care for & be a good steward of our home by pulling weeds - Wes, Noah, & I were pulling weeds in front of our home, & Noah had a couple fun finds - moth & worm. We had enjoyed talking about God's unique creation.
Josiah's 1st "homeschool experience" :) - Josiah started coloring while Noah & I were coloring a constitution activity, so his "academic journey" has begun. ;)
Sick sons - Josiah not feeling so good... * Wes loving on Noah - notice the "special bowl" just in case by Wes :( * Sound asleep in Daddy's arms
During one week this month, both our boys got sick at separate times with fever variations. Josiah got it first for a couple days with temps up to 103 degrees, but he did not have any other major symptoms that we could tell. Then Noah got a bad bug after Josiah was better, and Noah had stomach pains, vomiting, and temps over 104 degrees at times. We thank the Lord for helping our boys heal!
More Memories
Celebrating "Big Jake's" Birthday
We enjoyed celebrating one of our neighborhood friend's 10th birthday
Boys having fun in the bounce house * Noah had a great time going down the slide
Josiah had fun playing with a variety of boys in the bounce house :)
Male Bonding ~ Boys Outing
Noah's 1st time bowling - David Blankenship giving some pointers :)
Wes takes the boys in his T&T AWANA group out for some fun once a year, & this year Noah got to join them for bowling, games, & pizza at the Brunswick Zone.
Belated Birthday Celebration
We enjoyed a belated birthday celebration (for my birthday) with Dad & Tami. I requested to go to the Brunswick Zone since Wes & Noah had fun stories to tell about it from their time with Wes' AWANA boys. We had a great time together! :)
Playing some games - Noah beat Papa in this race... I think Wes' determination had something to do with it. ;)
Josiah wanted to ride too :) * Nana & Josiah
Shooting some hoops * NBA star in the making ;) * Bros playing skee-ball
Celebrating My Sis' Big 3-OH!
Noah & Auntie Wendy - Josiah was already in bed
We are grateful for the 3 decades of life the Lord has blessed Wendy with and for all the ways the Lord has blessed us through her. Wendy ~ We appreciate your love for the Lord and others, your desire to glorify God in all that you do, and the way you take a very intentional interest in others' lives and seek to express Christ's love in tangible ways them. We love you!
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