Paul's confidence in Christ

"I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.  I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

Philippians 3:7-11

Joely

Joel went to an eye specialist last week to make sure that his eyes were healthy.  Yup, eyes look perfectly healthy, he just needs some thick glasses to fix his farsightedness.  Apparently, since he got such a strong prescription at a young age, his eyes had trouble adjusting and he didn't have the right prescription (since its kind of hard to test kids who aren't confident in their letters).  So now he is getting a stronger prescription and we will take him back to the specialist in a few months to see if his eyes are doing better.  If not, the dr will try some patches, etc, to train his eyes.  I'm thankful that his eyes are healthy and that he just needs a little help to see better.

(Pic by Aunt Alice)

Joel has the unique position of being in the exact middle of five boys. I have found that he doesn't always get all the attention he wants lately so I've been trying to do more things with just him.  He does say some pretty funny things to make sure he gets some attention.  He told me yesterday, "I am feeling ill."  I think that had more to do with the fact that it was clean-up time, because when I suggested that he lay down in his bed, he perked right up.  This morning at breakfast he declared that he was going to be the biggest pig ever, which is funny because we joke that he is our "fat" child.  He totally isn't fat, he is just a tad sturdier than all of our other boys.  Luke might push him out of this position.

Being Taught, That We May Teach

Remember that I mentioned that Chris actually keeps his New Year's resolutions?  Last year, he resolved to get up at 5 AM every Monday morning to do some extra work.  On January 1, he unveiled the project he has been working on, the website, "Being Taught, That We May Teach."  This website is built around the teachings of Pastor Albert Martin, a Reformed preacher who has been teaching for over 50 years.  Many have been blessed by his preaching and teaching and this website is designed so that you can enroll in a class (free!), listen to his teachings, and then take a quiz on what you've learned.  Right now, the only classes available are "Calling" and "Regeneration," but more will be added over time.  When you click on these links, they will bring you to a course website where you can enroll (Did I mention that it's free??), listen to the lectures and then take the quiz.    

Family picture

Taken December 27, 2013~opening gifts with my family.

A Quiet Activity!

I recently discovered that the boys really enjoy listening to audiobooks.  On the way home from Canada, they spent about 3 hours listening to a Hardy boys book.

 

After lunch today, they spent almost an hour listening to "Little House in the Big Woods" while they colored pictures.

Lukey learned how to move!

Luke, 10 months.  

Aaron singing "Angels We Have Heard On High"

Aaron loves to sing.  He doesn't quite have all the words right, but he does have enthusiasm!

Age 3 1/2

A blessed New Year to all of you!

We started 2014 in church and heard an excellent sermon on Psalm 37 on how God will satisfy the desires of your heart when you delight in Him.  After church, we went to the annual Engelsma family potluck.  It was a small group, the potlucking die-hards.  We enjoyed watching a rousing game of Jenga between Chris's Dad and his Uncle Paul.  So funny!  Then we ended the day eating dinner with my family at our home and Andrew opened the last of his birthday gifts (He's 9!  But that's another post.).  And now I am starting tomorrow's chores from my new homemaking calendar (found for free here), because tomorrow's chores involve the master bedroom which is a disaster!  Whew, full but fun day!