Adventures in Our Home & Hearts: Blessed in Order to Be a Blessing

Giving God Glory

Tasting God's goodness in the midst of devastation - O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8 One of our good friends asked for prayer for missionaries (and also dear friends of theirs) in the Philippines when they prepared for Typhoon Haiyan to hit previously this month. It was a privilege to pray for this missionary family and a joy to hear how the Lord answered prayers and blessed them as they sought to take refuge in Him.

Here is what my friend shared about the missionaries ~ They survived the storm, 200 mph winds almost ripped their roof off and trees crashed all around them, but their 2 little daughters slept peacefully in their arms through the whole ordeal! They had a woman in labor come in to their clinic in the middle of the storm, and because of medical issues had to be transported to the hospital. One of their friends drove their clinic van to the hospital, was able to deliver the woman safely, and on the way back a tree crashed right on top of the van. His life was miraculously spared, and they are now in the process of clean up. They have made several trips to visit their patients in the the villages and hill tribes around them, and now are looking at the broader scope of the devastation.

Here is some of what the missionaries shared ~ Here in Puerto Galera the uprooted trees are being cut up, roads are being cleared, power lines fixed, roofs re-attached, and streets cleaned up. We have a badly smashed clinic vehicle wrapped in tarps outside our door, but not one life has been lost in the place, and we are beyond grateful. We are in awe.

The reminders of the storm are being cleared away and life is continuing... but a few small island away, far too close, entire cities have been wiped off the map. Thousands upon thousands of lives lost in the biggest storm to ever hit our planet. When we look at the map, and the trajectory of the storm, along with the islands that were hit the hardest, there is no explanation for why Mindoro island was not devastated. We are overwhelmed with thankful hearts, knowing that God's hand covered us, and so grateful for the huge number of people praying.

Our gratitude, however full, is mixed with grief-- with sorrowful hearts at the rest of our people down south whose lives have been shattered...

My friend mentioned that these missionaries had partners who planned a relief mission to Tacloban, a city where there was a huge need for help. The missionaries shared with people back in the U.S. that there was an opportunity to give to this relief mission. However, after only a short period of time, the missionaries told people to stop sending money because they had above and beyond what they financially needed.

Wow... How often does that happen?!? The Lord is good and often shows glimpses of His goodness for us to "taste" and experience, even in the midst of great sorrow and devastation.

What's on the Harrisons' Hearts

Blessed in Order to Be a Blessing - Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on the Lord's generosity and count our blessings. This year the Lord encouraged us to go beyond counting our blessings as a family to seeking to be a blessing. Genesis 12:2 - ... And I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing... The context of this verse is God's covenantal promise to Abraham to bless him with land, to make him into a great nation, and to enable him to be a great blessing to all people. Though the covenantal promise is specifically to Abraham, I believe the principle - that one of God's purposes in blessing His people is for us to be a blessing - is true for all believers. We are definitely to personally enjoy the Lord's blessings - ...as for every man to whom God has [blessed], He has also empowered him to [enjoy these blessings] and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19. However, I think I often miss out on an even greater depth of God's blessings when I do not move beyond only personally enjoying blessings to being a blessing - ...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Acts 20:35 As Wes and I sought to grow gratitude in the hearts of our sons extra intentionally this month, it was a joy to count our blessings and also to seek to be a blessing!

The Lord gave us ideas of being a blessing that we planned in advance such as preparing gifts for children through Samaritan's Purse's Operation Christmas Child, taking gifts and goodies to our neighbors, helping clean the childcare area at the YMCA, & serving at Crossfire Ministries. The Lord also showed us spontaneous opportunities He brought our way to be a blessing such as helping move a couch for a stranger as we were walking by his home, opening a door at the post office for someone whose hands were full of large boxes, blowing out sprinklers for a neighbor who had a pipe that was leaking water, & encouraging a friend (that had been encountering some challenging trials) through a Starbucks coffee & listening to her share.

Neighbors' gifts & goodies - Wes heard about these Names of God Adorenaments on Family Life Today and thought they would be a great gift to give to our neighbors for Thanksgiving, since people often decorate their Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving. There were 7 names of God ornaments, and I made a little booklet (from the book that had been included) to go with each name that also shared the gospel. Our neighbors enjoyed choosing which name of God ornament they wanted. :) We didn't have enough ornaments for all our neighbors, so Noah helped me make mini pumpkin chocolate chip muffins to give to the rest of our neighbors.

Booklet - Front * Middle with corresponding name * Back with gospel

Praises & Prayers

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).

Tache - Praise for her back surgery going well.

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. Also, prayer of James 1:5 for wisdom with this trial.

Our Family - Praise for the Lord giving peace in the waiting with praying about Wes' work - whether to stay in firefighting or pursue a new direction. Continued prayer of Psalm 32:8 for the Lord to make His will clear in His perfect timing. Update - The fire station where Wes works will be switching to a new schedule in January, so Wes wants to give this new schedule a shot before pursuing any other direction.

Wes - Praise for the Lord growing Wes through his studies and helping Wes to finish strong (his schooling is done, and he will officially graduate in the spring). 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 how the Lord is growing me in loving Jesus and greater intimacy with Him. Prayer of Ephesians 5:15-17 that the Lord would continue to give me wisdom with living out His priorities for me and also wisdom with witnessing opportunities He has been giving me at the YMCA.
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 growing Noah in honoring and obeying Wes and me. Prayer of Ephesians 4:32 that the Lord would grow Noah in being kind to his brother and our dogs since this can be challenging at times with having a lot of strong, "boy energy" and that Wes and I would have wisdom in directing Noah's energy but also holding him accountable with it.
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 self-control and also in communication. Continued prayer for the Lord to grow Josiah in his gross motor skills (ex. progressions involved with walking) in His perfect timing.

Marriage Memories

Having fun hanging out on a date night :)

Family Fun

Thanksgiving

Our Fam celebrating Thanksgiving at the firestation

Previously that morning Noah & I made some cinnamon rolls that the boys devoured!

We went out to the firestation in the afternoon to celebrate with Wes, his co-workers, & family of the fire fighters * Wes & the boys enjoying our delicious Thanksgiving meal - Noah just ate a sweet pickle & did not like it... ;)

After eating, Wes took the kids on a ride in the firetruck - the boys & me * Josiah snuggling * Noah was super excited & giddy as the lights flashed & sirens blared while we pretended to "rush to a call."

Noah with a couple friends he made (Zane & Noah) * Josiah was enamored with the lights & wanted to touch each one

Zane & Noah hanging out at the station * Noah & younger Noah kicking a ball back & forth while Josiah crawl-chased it

After we left the firestation, we stopped for a bit by Uncle Jim's & Aunt Jodi's to wish family a "Happy Thanksgiving"

Papa & Josiah playing cards * Josiah showing his "poker face"

Celebrating Wes' Birthday

Daddy & sons celebrating with some ice cream

We did all kinds of additional celebrating - shopping - which Wes really likes to do... seriously, eating out at Chick-Fil-A, checking out the new Bass Pro Shop, & making burritos at home.

Noah's card for Daddy - He wrote I love (heart) U & his name in a creative order

Josiah's card (with a little help from Mommy)

Various Memories

Daddy & sons

Daddy & Josiah snuggling * Kisses :)

Our first good snow of the winter - Daddy & Noah shoveling * Working hard * Josiah was not too sure if he liked the snow or not

Dozer is now officially bigger than Sierra & enjoys "smothering" her when they sleep

Noah News

Age - 4 years old

Cute Communication -

*One night Noah informs us, "I asked Josiah if he trusted in Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and he nodded his head yes." :)

*I had to test this (see above) out, so another night I asked Josiah, "Do you trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior?" Sure enough, Josiah nodded his head yes. Noah chimes in, "He says, 'Yeah.'" I talked with Noah about how time will tell if indeed Josiah understands what we are talking about. I thank the Lord that there is a glimpse that He may already be at work in Josiah's tender heart.

*The following occurred multiple times over the past month. Wes or me - "Noah, what are you doing?" Noah - "Nothing." A new aspect of parenting begins...

*Wes - "Noah, what do you want to be when you grow up?" Noah - "A firefighter like you, Daddy, or a cop, or a construction worker."

*Someone in our family... I won't say any names ;)... let out a bodily noise, and Noah exclaims, "Eeew! That stinks really bad because you drink too much coffee!"

Latest Likes

Preschool

Pretend play / role play dressing up

Wanting & asking for homework ;)

Making crafts

Wanting to wear shorts & tank top (no matter how cold the temps are)

Noah continues to enjoy creating with Legos & role playing with various costumes...

...and also playing with cars & trucks!

Noah's 1st game of Twister - at the YMCA while Wes & I were working out together

Noah enjoyed celebrating a friend's 3rd birthday - This photo contains some priceless expressions. I'll just comment on Noah... having fun being his spunky self with his shades on! ;)

*Video - Our spunky Noah (excited about having apple, banana, & peanut butter shake for breakfast - which he created) sharing his enthusiasm about his breakfast with our dogs, who were not quite sure what to do...

Josiah Joys

Age - 17 months

1sts - walking with support of a toddler walker

Teeth - still holding at 8 (4 top & bottom)

New Words / Signs

Josiah starting signing "more" & "all done" (he picked these up from somewhere & our physical therapist encouraged us to go with it), so now he is signing:

yes - head nod

no - head shake

all done

drink

Latest Likes

Being held! :)

Bubbles

Balloons

Pointing to his hair - indicating that it is too long & that he wants a haircut ;)

Nodding his head "yes" & "no" - it's amazing how much communication can occur with using yes & no questions!

Josiah has moved from the high chair into a booster seat * Pulling on Daddy to pick him up

Josiah makes this motion (to say "Eeewww...excuse me!") when someone makes a "bodily noise"

Enjoying eating an apple with the skin on * Having fun climbing on & in the dishwasher

Physical Therapy Update - Josiah continues to make some wonderful progress and is walking on his own with the support of this walker. * Working on cruising from one object to another

*Video - Josiah walking with support of the walker

Bro Bonding

Playing together in the sand box - Noah in shorts & a t-shirt & Josiah bundled up ;)

Noah stylin' Josiah's hair with a baby spoon. I think it was very relaxing for Josiah since Josiah was quiet for a long time. :)

Little bro wanting to be like big bro ;) - Noah on the left & Josiah on the right

Homeschool ~ & Preschool ~ Highlights -

This month we did a History unit study on The First Thanksgiving.

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

History Unit: The First Thanksgiving

We enjoyed dressing up as Native Americans, role-playing being pilgrims sailing over on the Mayflower, eating a Thanksgiving meal similar to the one the Native Americans & pilgrims ate, doing related crafts, and reading books & watching a slideshow video about the first Thanksgiving. We also discussed many times all that we are thankful for that the Lord has blessed us with, and our field trip was serving at Crossfire Ministries with the purpose of being a blessing since we are so greatly blessed (Genesis 12:2).

Click on this link for a Thanksgiving slideshow video Noah & I enjoyed - The First Thanksgiving Story

Native American Noah * Sitting Bull (Colton), Squanto (Noah), Dancing Flower (Saylor), & Pocahontas (Taryn)

Views of the "Mayflower"

Eating soup & crackers for lunch as we "sailed to America from England"

Some of the things Noah, Colton, Taryn, & Saylor thank Jesus for

We enjoyed singing "Give Thanks to the Lord for He is Good" song called "Forever" by Chris Tomlin

Noah's "thankful turkey" - they each made their own turkey & we discussed the verse:

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good... Psalm 118:29

"Be thankful note" made at AWANA

Noah is writing his name now. :) This was in a book he gave to a friend he is thankful for as a gift for his friend's birthday.

Field Trip

It worked out for only Noah, Josiah, & me to go on this field trip. It was a joy to serve Jesus by serving at Crossfire Ministries. It was my first time serving in this kind of ministry setting with both Noah & Josiah. They did an excellent job! I was the one who had a few refining moments...just needing to adjust some personal expectations along the way. ;) Our project was to roll out sugar cookies (from pre-made dough), cut them, bake them, & decorate. These cookies are for handing out at Crossfire Ministries' Christmas outreach event that will be coming up in the next few weeks.

Josiah enjoying snuggling & supervising in the baby carrier * Noah having fun decorating the cookies :)

The frosting was not cooperating so we ended up sprinkling with red & green sugar sprinkles

Leslie, founder of Crossfire Ministries, gave Noah permission to make & eat a cookie - Noah went to town on the sprinkles! ;)

Life Skill: Learning how to blow out sprinklers

Wes explaining how & why to blow out sprinklers

Watching the sprinklers "blow"

And of course playing in them a little too! ;)

Other Life Skills

Watering trees * Shoveling snow

ABEFC's Homeschool Group Gingerbread House Fun & Fellowship

Children played games & then listened to a story while the moms talked & set up the candy craft activity

Gingerbread House Decorating

Memorable Moment of the Month

One Sunday after church, we came home to several of the boys in our neighborhood pulling each other around on their sleds on our street. Of course Noah & Josiah wanted to join them! It was very entertaining, & everyone had a lot of fun! :)