Iron Sharpens Iron

As mentioned last week, we had 3 extra kids stay with us for the week. What an incredible time we had last week with 8 kids in the house. Now, I know what most of you are thinking - "you guys are CRAZY!" But, can I tell you how calm and peaceful a household can be when you have 8 well-trained kids. Conflicts were minimal, fun was had, lots of laughter was shared. It was like eating with the Waltons every night for dinner (and you can't imagine how quickly the kitchen was cleaned up after.) Now, I'm still finding Nerf darts all over the house from the incredible Nerf Gun War. We'll eventually get them off of all the high window ledges.

The kids wrapped up their music camp with their program on Friday night and then an encore performance on Sunday morning for children's church. They were awesome.

Becky is so ready to have a 14 year old girl after having Ashley last week. I did have to correct her and say "not just any 14 yr old girl, but one who has been raised with Biblical principles like Ashley".

So, Ashley, if your reading this and ever want to run away from home, you have a home with us. And, please bring Morgan and Leighton too.

Mike and Jodi K, the incredible parents of Ashley, Morgan, and Leighton came for the weekend with their other 2 kids - which just added to the fun. I think the 4 of us talked non-stop (which isn't really hard for Mike and Becky - but I do think Jodi and I will say our mouths might be tired from the talking).

As usual, Mike and Jodi encouraged us on our parenting. They are truly an "iron sharpens iron" couple in our lives and helped us see areas we need to work on.

And as usual, one of them makes a comment that just stops me in my tracks and makes me think. As we were talking late one night, Jodi stated "God can never take you farther than the last place you told him no."

I reflect back on my life and realize I have told God "NO" a lot. No - I can't do that; No - I can't forgive that person; No - I won't talk to that person; No - I won't confess that sin; No - I don't want what YOU have provided.

And then I look at the life of Jonah and realize I'm such a Jonah at times - running away, hiding, and believing I can escape God's plan. I still have to learn that God wants my obedience, not my defiance; God wants my submission, not my selfishness; God wants the best for me, not what I want for me; God wants my YES, not my NO.

Can you imagine how you could turn the world upside down if you just stopped saying NO? Can you imagine where God could take you if we said YES?

(Sigh)

Yes, Lord . . . Yes!