Year in Review

Our year in review.

It has been a LONG year.  Obviously more so emotionally than in actual time.  I'm thankful for the end of this year.  I'm thankful for my children who keep me insanely busy.  I'm thankful that we are in our house after an 8 month long delay in necessary renovations to the house we moved to.  I'm thankful that God never changes and that He has a plan and purpose for our lives.  I'm thankful for the house of

            prayer that I get to be a part of!

I look forward to 2011 (and spring!  is it too soon to be anxious for?). 

Eliya has grown and changed so much this year.  She absorbs information and ideas so quickly.  She has been going to Awanas, a Bible program for kids at a local church, and has memorized many verses.  She is social and funny and a lot of fun.  She loves her brother and although impatient with him at times; she is the first to his side when he cries or gets hurt.  He often goes to her when he is crying!  She loves singing, dancing, and drawing.  She is READY to learn how to read!

Simeon is such a joy.  He is still small enough to snuggle and I'm hoping it doesn't change anytime soon.  He talks up a storm and LOVES his sister.  He asks for her and about her any time she isn't with us.  He potty trained well and quickly (although he still wears diapers to bed).  He loves to pray for dinner and likes to thank God for each specific thing on his plate.  He also likes to thank God for suckers occasionally. 

   Thanks for keeping in touch with our family through the blog.  Hoping that your holidays are sweet this year and that you are drawn nearer to the heart of God!

With love,

Jennifer, Eliya and Simeon

Sensitive Hearing

I rarely get to sleep later than 7am. Usually, my son is up pretty early and greets me if I don’t set the alarm. My aunt spent the night with us this past Tuesday night and offered to wake up with the kids in the morning. This usually doesn’t work because I still hear them. The kid’s rooms are downstairs, and my room is in an open loft upstairs, so it doesn’t take much. In an effort to take advantage of her offer, I slept with ear plugs in. Somewhere around 3am, I found myself at the top of the stairs with Eliya at the bottom. I asked her what she was doing and she told me she had to go potty. Of course the bathroom is right next to her room, but I suppose ascending the stairs to tell me first makes perfect sense to an almost 4 year old at 3 o’clock in the morning. I helped her to the potty and back to bed, and then I returned to my bed… ear plugs still in.


I lay there wondering at the fact that I didn’t even have a cognitive thought of hearing a child and choosing to get out of the bed. My first memory is being awake at the top of the stairs knowing I heard one of my children. It’s amazing that God has wired mothers like that. My effortless, less than conscious response to the faintest sound of my child is automatic and responsive. I immediately asked my Father to make my spirit that sensitive to His voice. I long for my spiritual ears and eyes to be so set on the One who sits enthroned in heaven. Samuel’s response to the Lord was “speak Lord, for your servant is listening”1 Sam 3: 9-10. Even now Lord, I ask that you would awaken my spirit to Yours! Speak Lord…and help me to listen!

Life is like a mortar and pestle

I got to go to parts of the Glory of Intercession conference last weekend at IHOP Atlanta. As I mentioned in the previous post, my heart was heavy and I wasn’t “feeling it”. I went anyway because besides knowing I needed it, I had already paid. The first service in, Corey Russell was talking about how we have to get our minds set on heavenly things.

A rather repulsive experience.

If dirty diapers gross you out, read no further.  I just had to post this most horrifying experience on the "Mom blog".  If one's misfortune brings you delight...enjoy.

Too Rich Not to Post

Hearing the voice of God

I was just pondering hearing God's voice.  I am in a season of pressing in to hear His voice more clearly.  I am also currently reading Rees Howells Intercessor.  This man is an example of one who emptied himself so utterly.  In doing so, he made room for the Spirit of God to dwell in him and work through him in amazing ways.  Once when a young Christian asked him how he knew God's voice, he said "Can't you tell your mother's voice from any other?...well I know His voice just like that."  Jn 10:4 says as a shepherd, he walks before them and the sheep follow Him because they know His voice.  Mt 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied"!  More "food" for thought:  Isa 55:1, Isa 55:2, Jn 4:14

Father,  thank you for a desire to hear your voice.  Thank you for giving me hunger for more of you!  Help me to only take on what You want me to take on so there is room for being still before You.  Help me to talk less and listen more when I'm with You.  From the place of intimacy, give me the words that sustain the weary one (Isa 50:4).  You are so good and I am so grateful for your grace and mercy in my life.  In Jesus' name.