Reflecting; 2007

2007. A year of joy, of sorrow and of hope for a better tomorrow.

The year started with the birth of our precious Sammy. We, like most parents had no idea what to expect with a second child. I believe that this lack of knowledge is God's way of keeping the world populated.
Although our lives have been a little busier with yet another XY chromosome in the house, our cup is truly running over.
Now we must guide these little ones.

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

However, in July, my uncle Luis lost his battle with cancer. He was the only other singer in the family and was always such an inspiration to me. He was an amazing man who loved his family more than anything and is missed so much.

In Matthew 11:28 Jesus said "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

He was only 54, but God sees the bigger picture. He knows our hearts and is preparing a place for us. A place that is greater than we can even conceive or imagine

And to all of you who have lost loved ones this year... Psalm 23
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."

This year I have learned to be faithful no matter what the circumstance. Here we are in the last few moments of 2007 and all I can pray is that God uses me to do His will in 2008. At church this weekend we learned that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

What can I do to further His kingdom?

Matthew 6:6

Finally Scott is home. He was gone all of last week. Although we did fine, it is definitely a lot nicer when he is around.

Last week as I laid in bed after the boys had gone to sleep, I prayed a quick prayer and thought, "Oh Lord - I guess when your kids our little you don't get a lot of quiet prayer time...right?"

As the week progressed I felt a tug at my heart. I thought a lot about the boys and their future, especially their future in Christ.

Another night passed and I laid in bed with the boys only this time they were wide awake. I held them close and said outloud, "Thank you Lord for these precious boys." A little while later I watched as Charlie held Sammy, probably a little tighter than he should, and he said, "Thank you God for my brother!"
All of a sudden it hit me. Their future in Christ will come naturally as they witness my present in Christ.

I started my prayer list this morning. I prayed for their future, but I also prayed for my example.

The most incredible thing is what happened after my prayer. I opened an old devotional that I had from years ago and found the message for November 12. Here is what I found...

"When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your father, who is unseen. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6

Although it is no longer a "secret", it is something that the whole world should know.

Have a wonderful week,

Love, Jeannine.

"Mom Goggles"

I am so amazed by the little things that my boys are doing and learning that I forget that I see them through "Mom Goggles".

What are "Mom Goggles"? You ask.

These are the eyes that moms see their children with. The ones that make them adorable when they have bugars stuck to their face. The ones that make them precious when they miss the potty or have a diaper explosion. These are the same eyes that video tape every new thing that they learn at school.

The other day I was with Charlie at Best Buy. We passed the aisle with the karaoke machines and of course my little star picked up the microphone and started singing and repeating everything he has learned in the last 3 months of school. I just smiled and watched him with my "mom goggles". I was so proud as I stood there thinking everyone must think this kid is the cutest thing in the world. I was not so shocked when someone came up to me. I assumed that they would say, "Oh how sweet!" or "He is so smart!". However, I was knocked off my pedestal and brought back to reality when he quickly lowered the volume on the karaoke machine, smiled and walked away.

Although I now understand the concept of "mom goggles" I also understand that there are some people who do not appreciate the finer things in life. And for those of you who do....

Here is our newest accomplishment. Videotaped, of course, through my mom goggled video lens, for your ultimate pleasure. Enjoy!!!

PS - If the guy from Best Buy reads this...."You are a sad and lonely little man!" Just Kidding.

Love Always,

Jeannine

A Bountiful Harvest

Today Charlie had a hoe down at school for the start of Thanksgiving and the FCS Harvest Fest.
It was such a blessing to watch my little boy participate today in a Christian based environment. I watched as he not only pledged to the American Flag but to the Christian Flag and the Bible. The Lord has truly given us a bountiful harvest in our two boys, our jobs, our families and our friends.

Vicky, I got a little shot of the Mexi-Cuban American FARMER.

Enjoy! Love J9

The Folded Napkin

Finally back home from a trip to Orlando with FCS Faculty and our little family. However when traveling with these boys (3-including scottie) nothing seems little.
We attended a teachers conventions for FACCS. (Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools)
It really was a great time. We were able to take some time and go to Mickey's not so scary halloween party, and Universal Studios.
The Convention itself was also pretty cool.
One of the speakers, Dr. Clyde Box, spoke about "The Folded Napkin". A pretty amazing concept that I had never heard.
Apparently when kings would get up from the dinner table if their napkin was tossed on the table this signified to the servants that he was done with his dinner. If the king folded his napkin nicely this meant that he was not done and would return.
This is just what Jesus did in the tomb. He neatly folded the cloth that was used to wife His face during and after His death, which signifies to all of us. he is not done and He will be back.
Pretty awesome..
Anyway, Jescel if you read this by any chance we are praying for you and your hurricane. The Lord will never leave you nor forsake you - He is Always with you.

Precious Blessings

For those of you who haven't seen our latest pictures - Enjoy!! This was taken last month. Sammy was 7 months and Charlie had just turned 3.

I woke up from a nightmare last night, and ofcourse, what do you do when you have nightmares? Pray. I asked the Lord for safety, safety for my children.

As I prayed I was reminded of just how sad this world really is, and what a responsibility we have as Christian parents to shelter our precious blessings from it. At least enough so that when they are older they can realize for themselves how we are from the world but not of it.

Soon after, the gentleness of the Holy Spirit put me back to sleep...Lord knows I don't get enough anymore. It is amazing how we can find comfort so easily if we just ask.

He is always with me, almost like if I were the only one in the world.

Thanks Vicky!!!

Wow!!! This blogger is pretty cool - I saw Vicky Aguirre's and fell in love. Although I do have another blog - I liked this one too.
Anyway!
Had a crazy weekend at Christ Fellowship - Sang at 4 services, but have to admit - love it love it love it.
Praising the Lord and watching hundreds of people do the same is pretty amazing.
The boys got to spend some quality time with Daddy. He seemed a little high strung when I got home, but they are both still in one piece.
Funny thing is they were all complaining about something when I got home. God forbid - Mom is not around.
Hope to keep this blog up. will write again soon!