Things that I am Learning. . .

I am so thankful for our time in Kentucky and at Southern Seminary, I am not saying this because it is over by any means. I just do not express how how thankful I am often enough. I have learned so much from so many Godly men and women. I have so enjoyed getting to be part of the SWI Program(Seminary Wives Institute)at Southern, (I will post more about this next.) Also, I am lucky enough to be apart of a Mom's group called Mom2Mom at Highview Baptist Church. I have attended Mom2Mom for the last 3 years, and I am so thankful for the group. It is not only a chance to get out of the house, for both the kids and I. The kids get to go to their own class and learn Bible stories, play games, do crafts, as well as play with other kids their own ages, and I get to fellowship with other Mom's in almost my exact situation, as well as we get to hear wonderful speakers every week. Seminary Professors wives and Pastors wives speak each week about topics specific to becoming more Godly Wives and Mothers! All that being said, I have learned so much, I decided I wanting to start blogging about the things that I am learning. The lesson this past week really made me think, and I thought that I might start sharing some of these great lessons I am learning, as well as I would love to get feedback on them. Mrs Danna Stinson spoke this past week on encouraging us to examine our thoughts and to take every thought captive to Christ. She spoke about "5 Deadly Thoughts" and how we should control our thoughts, now, the main point of these thoughts are meant for women, in marriage, but with most of them, I can apply them to almost any area of my life. Thoughts toward my marriage, children, friends, etc. 1. I want it, and I am going to get it -not only material things, but basically a heart of dissatisfaction, wanting to look/feel a certain way, having idols in our lives, -Nothing can satisfy that monster in your life, the heart of dissatisfaction -if your husband feels like he can't provide, it builds distance between you -instead we should be putting off dissatisfaction and be putting on contentment. Anything that we want more than Christ should be put aside 2. I think it, and I have to say it - this one really hit home for me, how often in life do we think that OUR opinion HAS to be heard, and are we taking the time to think about it, and decided whether it needs to be said or not, whether it is building someone up, or just our own selfish thoughts -hold your tongue, most of the time the thought that comes to you, should NOT be expressed, unless it is uplifting - put on self control, go to the Lord, think through it before you say it 3. I feel it, so it has to be true -we let our feelings get to us, if we"feel" a certain way, we think it must be true. This is so true for us women, we let our emotions get to us, when, emotions lie! Emotions do not determine reality, the only breed unrealistic expectations, don't build up a case in your mind that what you feel is true. A good way to keep ourselves in check is to discuss with our husbands, say, "I am feeling this way, what do you think?" because a lot of times, it is all in our heads :) 4.My past was so difficult/painful/sinful, I can't get over it -Don't let your past hold you down, oppress you, you are a new creation, the old is gone, the new has come (1Cor 5:17) -put on the forgiveness that has been given to you 5. He's not what I expected, things are too stressful, I am better off without him -This of course only applies to marriage, I have already seen this too many times in my life with women. They enter marriage thinking everything will be perfect, and then when it isn't, they want out. -Marriage is a covenant that God holds, God hates divorce. -Marriage is a picture of Christ and the Church, Christ never leaves the Church. Commitment is not broken no matter what. It is not an option. The whole point of keeping our thoughts in check, is, wrong thoughts lead to wrong beliefs. It starts with thinking the wrong things. Where do these thoughts come from? Jeremiah 7:9 Out of your heart come evil thoughts, don't follow it, run from it. Who knows our thoughts? Matthew 9:4 and Jesus knew their thoughts-Jesus knows our every thought. Hebrew 4:12 the Lord will judge our thoughts How do we deal with these thoughts? By taking every thought captive, and to obey God. 1 Corinthians 10: 3-4 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons with fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. How can we keep our thoughts in check? Through studying God's Word. Our main weapon is the word Psalm 139:23, Search O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the everlasting. The second way, through walking in faith, Colossians 2:5-7 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. And the last way is inviting the Holy Spirit to take control of our thoughts. We can battle the negative thoughts that seek to destroy our marriage. We need to honor Him in our life and marriage. Feedback??

Showing Already?

Ok, so this actually isn't the best picture because you can't really tell, but I definitely have a belly, and I am ONLY 14 weeks. With my first two pregnancies I didn't start showing until after 20 weeks, but I guess what they say is true, and definitely by the third time around, I don't think that will be the case. . . I should also add that I have a "belly" but my jeans still fit, in fact, they are loose in the waist, and I have lost about 8 lbs.

14 Weeks with Baby #3 The above picture was me 23 WEEKS pregnant with Nathan. . . I think I am already bigger than that at only 14 weeks. Crazy. . .

A Princess Party

Lana has been planing her Birthday party ever since July, when Nathan had his Birthday. She really wanted a Cinderella Birthday Party. Well, it is really hard to find things that are just cinderella, everything these days is "Princess" so we did what we could, and had a Princess/Cinderella party!

Princess everything, plates, cups, goodie bagsThe Princess cupcakes Lana also wanted chocolate, so we did both The party table

The Birthday Girl All ready for her guests to arrive Sister and Brother right before the party Nathan's favorite part. For his birthday all we are going to get him is balloons! :)

All the kids eating pizzaThe Birthday girl again,Look at Nathan with the big kids, such a big boyLana and ReaganSinging Happy Birthday

eating cakeTime for presents. . . The Burkheads got Lana a horse, this is the closest thing to a real horse Lana is ever going to get :)Just Dance for Kids. . . Lana is going to love this, I will be sure to post pics of her playing!Thanks so much everyone for all of the cards, gifts, phone calls, texts, and for everyone who came to the party! Lana had a very special 4th Birthday!

4 Years Old

Our Lana Grace is 4 years old today! It is seriously hard to believe that we brought Lana home from the hospital 4 years ago, where has the time gone? We love our precious girl so much, and she is growing, learning, and maturing in so many ways! She is such a blessing to our little family! Happy Birthday Lana, we love you!