A Blessing from the Lord

A month ago today, something really amazing happened in our family: the baby came! Her name is Gladys Rose (but we call her Addy). She was 5 lbs and 2 oz when she was born. Like Lily (the one just above her in line) she came a month early, so she was extremely small. She came by C-section at 5:57 am on June 12, 2014.
We are (and were) all very excited that she is here. It is an amazing thing every time a new baby comes into our lives. We have a lot of kids, and as the oldest, I remember when most of them were born. (The only ones I don’t remember are the triplets and Elijah.) I am always very excited when God gift us with a new little one to love, to hold, to cuddle, and – yes – to spoil. To me, the gift of a child is one of the most precious things God can give next to salvation, and I treasure every one that is brought into our home. Addy is the sweetest little baby I have ever seen (although, I do say that about all of them). She loves to cuddle. Seriously. Most of the time, she won’t sleep in her bouncy seat because she just wants to be held. She won’t sleep in her crib- only by Mom’s side.

The best pic I could get. I stole it off my family's blog.... 

More will come later.

Addy brings much joy, but to me- and I know to my parents- she brings reminders that this won’t last long. She is a baby now, but only for a year or so. then she’ll be a squirmy toddler, first crawling, then running around, yelling, learning to talk, and before we know it, she’ll be a ‘big girl’ not a little baby. I know that I think about this often. How she is our last until one of us kids grows up and gets married. (A scary thought!) I find myself hogging her as much as possible, trying to hang on to every bit of this I can. I think my siblings are probably getting tired of it.
I say all this to say that God gives many great gifts to us, but they don’t last forever. Eventually it will be gone, and all we will have left is memories. My Mom knows this and she is taking truckloads of pictures so she’ll have as many reminders as possible of her children. But as I was saying, I have a tendency to take things for granted. Lots of people do. I tend to just forget that I may not have ‘this’ forever. We should be thankful for what we have now, and make the best of it because we don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Think about Job, in the Bible. He was extremely blessed, but all it took was probably a few weeks and everything was torn away from him. His children, his riches, his health. His friends were convinced he had done something horribly wrong, and his wife suggested he ‘curse God and die’. In the end, God increased all of the riches he had had before, and restored his blessing, and Job’s faith had been tested and proved, but that’s not the point. The point is that it could happen to any of us. My Mom always told me as a little kid, “Don’t take it for granted, Keona. One day you might not have it any more.” She and I have been telling my siblings the same thing about Addy. “One day she’ll be grown up, and you’ll wish you had taken this chance to hold her. You can go play outside any time.”
God wants us to enjoy the blessings He gives us, but he also doesn't want us to get used to ‘a life of luxury’ or having things that could cause us to put our trust in something else, or to think that we don’t need Him any more. If we just keep expecting to get stuff from God and never give anything back, what kind of relationship is that? Or if we start depending on the riches He may have given us instead of trusting in Him? I find that little Addy is a wonderful picture of that. Right now, everything is perfect. We are enjoying our lovely, cuddly little baby, and it would be easy to forget that God gave this to us. We have to remember that He gave this to us to enjoy, but not to put our trust in. We are to put our trust in Him.
Okay, now that I've shared that, I just want to let you know that my Mom wrote a blog post about Addy's birth on our family blog, and you can read that for more details.

Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us and has been excited along with us as we anticipated her birth!

A Little Lesson in Faith

I spent most of last night laying in my bed reading. When I did get up, it was to go across the hall to switch the laundry over. To get there, I had to walk by Jed and Elijah’s room. (You probably already know that Jed and Elijah are my little brothers). Anyways, something made me stop short in my exhausted-zombie-like stride down the hallway. Their light was already off, and I heard Jed say, “Oh! Elijah! We forgot to pray!” I thought, Aw, that’s so cute. So I decided to stay to listen for a little while.

What I heard next made me want to cry it touched me so much, captured my attention so that I stayed there, concealed behind their doorframe.

With Jed quietly repeating after him, Elijah said, '”Dear God, thank you for this day….” I don’t remember everything he said, but the quiet simplicity of the prayer stirred my heart. Quietly, he prayed that they would have good dreams, that God would keep them safe. Then, they prayed for Collin Blachar, who’s having dangerous leg surgery; then, they prayed for our friends’ mom, who’s having her cancer treated. Then, they said thank you for mom and dad, Keona, Charity, Eve, Prayer, Ella, Lily. Please keep mom and the baby safe. Then, Elijah said, “Amen.” Again followed by Jed, and I realized they would realize I was listening if I stayed here, and so I went on my way.

As I folded laundry I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Elijah’s clear, but timid voice; then Jed’s quiet, sweet one. If you had of been there, you would’ve heard such faith behind their words. I thought, If only I could have faith like that. They’re just kids, ten and seven, how can they trust in their prayers that much when even I can’t?! I’ve been saved, known Christ longer than both of them together!

Last night, God challenged my faith. He compared it to that of a little child. I realized that I could to trust Him, need to trust Him, so much more.

I think that so many of us need this lesson, and I thought I’d share it with you.

Merry Christmas, from Somiya B.

I know that this is a little bit late, but my friend sent me a poem that she wrote for Christmas, and I thought it was amazing. So i asked her if I could post it here, and I just got her reply today, so here it is:

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,

People drank mountain dew; even the mouse.

 

Stockings were placed by the chimney with care,

And tomorrow presents would soon be there.

 

Guests were arriving. Soon everyone came in,

And relatives greeted each other with a grin....

 

The meal was lade out; it soon was all gone,

As the light of the tree continuously shone.

 

Dessert was laid out; it didn't really last,

Like vultures we ate it all up quite fast.

 

Presents were opened; wrappings littered the floor,

And the littlest cousins were looking fore MORE!

 

The night went on; soon all went home,

Except for uncle George who lives in Rome...

 

Uncle George went, and stayed at the new hotel,

And on his way, on the ice, he slipped and fell....

 

(But he is okay, so ignore him at this time....

He deserved it anyway for committing a crime.)

Back at the house the children were asleep,

Dreaming about toys, they didn't make a peep.

 

The rest of the story, you know quite well,

How Santa came with a sleigh covered in bells.

 

But that is not how this story ends,

Christmas is about Jesus; the closest of friends.

So now every Christmas, remember, my friend...

Jesus Christ will love YOU to the very end.

He came to this earth to die for you and me,

Was simply a child; grew, then died on a tree.

He loves you all, and He really is the reason,

Love and joy of this Christmas season.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to Somiya!

Why We Have This Holiday....

It’s almost Christmas time! We are all so excited! At least I am! (I even changed the background for this blog!) There are the typical Christmas traditions: give and get gifts, turkey dinner, maybe a family gathering. In my family Christmas is a time of joy. We sing; we hurry to do our shopping before the December rush (always a failure!) we laugh; we guess what our gifts will be.   

Almost everyone loves Christmas, but so many people forget why we have it.

We have Christmas because, a long time ago in a town called Bethlehem, a bay was born of a virgin and lain in a manger, and that baby was God’s Son- Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, the Saviour of men.

We celebrate His birth by this holiday.

We give gifts to remember the gift that God gave to man on that night in Bethlehem. Even though our gifts to one another can hardly compare to the one He gave to us, each time you open a present, remember that God also gave His only begotten Son to you.

He gave us this because of our sin. At some point in your life you have done something wrong. Jesus’ blood is the only thing that can save you from this. He alone can take you to Heaven. Just as your parents will hand you that gift to unwrap, God holds out His redemption and says “Here, take it.” All we have to do is ask Him for it, and you have an eternity secured in Heaven.

So this Christmas, and every day, let’s thank God for that gift, and remember what He has done for us.

Merry Christmas, I wish everyone joy this December, and in the New Year that is so near.

Romans 5:8:  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16:  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1Timothy 1:15:  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 

The First Actual Lesson

In this world, there are and were many gods. I’m sure thousands, if not tens of thousands could be named. We could list several named after planets, and there are many in the Bible too. Then there are lots of others we all know; but some that people don’t list are money, possessions, fame, and self. We might not necessarily bow down and pray to these things, but when they occupy the place in our heart that is supposed to belong to God. When it becomes the thing that drives us and occupies our time, it becomes our god.

 

  Yes, we've all heard it in sermons, and I know it can get tiring, but it is good to be reminded to examine our hearts, to remember who is supposed to hold that throne. I’m not saying I’m perfect in this area- I most certainly am not, but I decided that if I have problems with this, others must too.

  We've all heard the phrases “Look out for #1!”. If you are that “#1” then there’s a problem. Christ is to be in that place. If you have taken this, you have usurped God’s throne and are attempting at something hopeless.  He alone knows how to run your life. He knows the twists and turns that lie ahead, and he knows how to navigate them. He is also the Prince of Peace, and if he is not in control you will never have true joy or peace. He alone can give that.

 

  If you are saved, then you are His. He bought you with His own precious blood, and He wants to help you through your life, but, just as you can’t drive a car when someone else is at the wheel, He can control the paths you take in your life unless you turn over the controls.

  We can receive His instruction from His Book, the Bible. I admit, I don’t spend nearly enough time in His Word, but once, a Pastor said he had found an acrostic for the word ‘Bible’.

Basic
Instructions
Before
Leaving
Earth

How true this is!

We really can’t run our lives on our own. We really need God’s help. You will still struggle- this is a step of faith- but I promise that if you hand over the keys to God, you may not be completely trouble-free, but you will find joy and peace.

The Summer Essays

  

I mentioned in the previous post that if people wanted to send in a short story about their summer, they could, then I would post it online. So here are the summer sum-ups of Somiya B., Hope C., Charity P., and also my own.

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MY VERY FAST- BUT STILL VERY AWESOME SUMMER

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     This past summer has gone by very fast for me. It definitely was a different summer, but different isn't always bad. I got to start out the summer with an amazing trip to Canada's Wonderland with some of my closest friends. From going on the Leviathan six times in a row, to posing for every roller coaster pic, to watching my friend drown her hot dog in ketchup; my friends and I made some awesome memories that I know we will never forget! My family and I got to rent a cottage this year. Although it wasn't what we expected, we still found ways to have fun; like renting a motor boat, going into town, and reading- ALOT!

     Another highlight of my summer was camping at Camp YES. I always enjoy Camp, and have fun every year. I have many, many, many memories from my one week at camp, and I could write many essays on just my one week! This years Camp YES was also fun because I made SO many new friends this year! The week before school started, I got to do one more AWESOME thing. My sister and I invited four of our friends over for a movie marathon. From nine o'clock in the morning to ten o’clock at night, we watched the extended versions. That's a lot of movies, laughs, interruptions, and triplets falling off couches;)

Although my summer went by way to fast, God still allowed me to have tons of fun!

By Somiya B.

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My Amazing Summer 

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Early this summer, I went to Wonderland for grade eight graduation. It was for Robert, Somiya, Jamie, Sandy, and me. They are all now high schoolers from Faithway, as well as close friends. It was so much fun!!!!!!! We rode the Leviathan eight times, and the Behemoth seven. We rode just about every other ride in the park, too! (Minus kiddie-land of course!) Two of my favourites were Psyclone and Riptide. Jamie stood in front of Thrill Burger restraint, and declared, “This is my favourite ride!”

 

My friends and I at Canada’s Wonderland outside

of the Leviathan after riding it seven times!

 

For the last week of June, my family and I rented a cottage. It was so much fun! We had a sandy beachfront right in the backyard! I caught a sunfish from the dock, too! Our Great Dane, Justus, webbed feet and all, hates water with a passion. My dad had to throw him in the lake. The first time, he came out faster than he went in!

It was my first year in the 13-15 group at camp! I had a blast!

Two weeks later, I went as a worker in the 10-12 group. I served tables, cleaned bathrooms, and got a lot more free time than a camper! The other server girls were Michaella, Sarah #1, Sarah#2, Margaret, and Casey. I got to work in the Tuck shop, too! The only bad part was having to clean the boys’ shower house, along with getting ‘bleached’ by a certain person….

The last week before school, the triplets and I went to our friends' house to have a movie marathon. We had so much fun! Then we got to sleep over! Halfway through our third movie, their Mom read a text my mom had sent her out loud….

Klara and Vanessa, two of the camp’s kitchen staff had thought it would be funny if they left six frogs in the worker girls’ bedroom. Two dried-up, dead frogs had just fallen out of my pillowcase…. Thanks Klara! This definitely means war. To be continued next year at camp!

Then, two days after our sleepover, my Mom surprised us, and we met the Browns at the park! Somiya and I just sat on top of the jungle gym and talked the whole time. Way more fun than going down slides!

Wow, I can’t wait to see what next summer is like after this amazing summer?! God has blessed me so much!

By Keona P.

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My summer was very fast-moving and was finished in no time. But this summer, as fast as it came and went, it was probably one of the best summers ever! On our vacation in July to the Maritimes, we visited our family. That was one of the best parts of the trip! I enjoyed camping on the Cabot Trail, and swimming at the beach, and having lots of adventures. I'm thankful that God made family, because my summer would have been so boring without them. 

A few times this summer, my whole family went up to the cottage and we all had a great time swimming, sitting around a campfire, eating s'mores, and going on boat rides. 

I'm pretty sure this is the best summer ever... but who knows? Maybe next year will be even better!

By Hope C.

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This Summer

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I enjoyed playing baseball with my Dad at the park, it was fun. I was a back-catcher, and got an injury on my nose. Then we went to MacDonald’s! Yum!

On the last week of June, we went to the cottage. When we got there, it was seven thirty pm!

Dad and I went fishing. Our line broke three times! The third time, we had almost caught a large-mouth bass!

Before the cottage, we went to my Aunt Patsy’s and went swimming in her pool.then we did a butterfly release, and the butterflies crawled on my fingers. June was busy!

In July was my birthday. Grandma took me to the CN Tower. The elevator was so scary! Then, at the top, it was awesome! After that, we went to great grandpa’s. we met Jughead, Auntie Karen’s cat. We got home at one o’clock am!Then I woke up at four-thirty am the next morning!

We went to a swamp, Jeddy caught some frogs. I made a big bunch of wildflowers.

In August, I went to camp. I made a new friend. Her name’s Rheanna.

I went to the park and learned how to play basketball. I wasn’t very good.

I have had a very fun summer! Even without getting to ride my bike a lot! :P

THE END

By Charity P.

Back to School!

It’s back to school time! I know, some people wouldn’t put an exclamation point after that….

Oh, well! This past summer, I’m sure, was fun. I know mine was! I did some pretty awesome things, and met some pretty awesome people. I had a blast!

Maybe your summer was quiet, but there were little things that you want to remember? Maybe you did things that were impossible to forget? Let’s remember the summer of 2013! If you type it out and send it to me, I will post a blog of everyone’s summer memories.

Don’t feel obliged to do it, but I’m writing mine! Don’t worry about it being a certain length either, just try to keep it under five minutes long.

I think that this will help us to remember how God has blessed us so much this past summer, and I think we can share those experiences of God’s greatness with others.

Now on to a new adventure: school! Keep your chin up, and remember that God loves you and wants to help you. Have a good attitude, and try hard, and you will prevail.