The End is Near

I usually use my blog to share photos and journal about our experiences and life. Today I wanted to share what God has been stretching me through over January.

Growing up I was always taught that the end is near. Yes, Jesus can come back at any moment. That the signs of the times show his close return. That we should always be ready. We should use our time wisely for the Lord. We should always seek ways to speak of Jesus and share our faith.  To be fishers of men, seekers of souls. To go!

I believe all these things...

However right at the first of the year several in my family participate in a Daniel Fast. I really debated on whether I should do this or not. I do not want to say I am on a fast only to enforce a diet. I wanted a fast to be with purpose and reason. I want change and life renewal. The night before the fast was to begin a friend shared some things God has been speaking to her about and teaching her. Alright! This was it. I was meant to fast about these teachings.

My heart and the end times.

She came and spoke with our whole family. Some came and others left early, but we spent eight hours going over Bible. Beginning with Matthew 24 and heading into Revelations 12-15. If you have not read these chapters in the last nine months I challenge you to do so now.

I can't remember the last time I studied Revelations. It is very difficult material. Hard to understand. Scary and uncertain. She walked us through several parts of the end times. Wow! With my brain an overflowing sponge Matt and I were overwhelmed, a bit fearful, and wanting to seek what God was trying to tell us. Our talk went late into the night, so Matt and I didn't have any time to decompress what the other was thinking and feeling and what does this mean for us.

The entire next day I was thinking over and praying about the Bible verses she showed us and also her opinions about what is to come. I was taken by waves of excitement at the prospect of seeing Jesus soon, and the fear of how to take care of my small children if the tribulation is near and why was I filled more with fear than excitement. When Matt and I talked we were both on the exact same page. He being a little more bent to protection (as natural for a man) and I being more bent for love and fear of my children. One of the veses stated woe to the nursing mother and women with child. Matt immediatly stated no more babies.

Some things we talked about was 1) the fact that rapture is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. In fact it makes no sense that we will be taken out of the world. 2) the fact that Matt 24:32- the fig tree, as soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out. the summer is near, this generation will not pass away till these things have happened.  3)the anti christ. 4) the mark of the beast.

After study all month and prayer...

1)I truly believe that we will not be ruptured away from the world before the end.
2) I am not sure what I believe here. But my eyes are open. If this is talking about Israel as it became a nation and that generation will not pass away. We are looking at the end being around 2014? Thus, the end is near. I want to listen to what God shows us here and be aware.
3)There has been an Antichrist figure in every generation: Nero, Hitler ect. I don't believe we have seen the Antichrist yet.
4)Could the mark of the beast be the Obama health care piece that states we will be chipped? I don't know what I believe about this yet either. I do believe that we will see the Antichrist before the mark of the beast is here. That means our economy has to fall and we become a one world government. That some prophesies have to be fulfilled: Damascus has to fall (turmoil there now) and the temple will be torn down stone by stone (Obama wants to divide Israel in half giving Palestine equal divide through the temple. They would tear down the temple).  So many factors here. But we could see the end very soon.

So many people that I have talked to don't want to even discuss these truths. Or any of these possibilities. They want to be comfortable and not even think about things that may scare them. One even said that God would not want any harm to come to us. So, we would not experience the end times. Hello People! Christians all over the world today are going through torture because of Jesus name! Wow, our culture, our country wants to be comfortable. They don't want to change or to be stretched. Yes, these things can be scary but what are we living for? Why are we here?

God has really pressed on my heart through this probing month. I have been living with my head down. I have been so focused on my family and small children. (which are good things and right things) But I should be seeking. After this month I am ready to hit the streets with my backpack and Bibles going door to door. I am afraid that my fishing of men has consisted of catching the fish that have jumped in my boat. I want to risk more. To put myself out there more.

How does one prepare for the end times is an issue Matt and I differ on a little bit. He has really grabbed onto  how we could survive. Times will get bad. I do believe we will see things progress in our lifetime. I know every generation had talked about this, but are you ready for the end? I want to prepare my heart for what God has for us. Prepare my children's hearts to serve Jesus no matter the cost. To seek out anyone I can and share God's love.

We shouldn't remain in our bubble and have our hand to the plow of our work and daily lives and keep our head down to the fact that spiritual things are happening all around us. We are here to glorify God! What is your purpose?

I have talked to each of my siblings about what their response is to this topic and a few mentioned that they are afraid and they cannot think about it because it will make them afraid. So if the end is near would you live your life any different? They said no. Now they are Christians and they have their hearts right. But you mean to tell me you would not have any conversations with anyone? Any direct conversations about what they believe about Jesus. I named several family members that do not serve Christ. Do not have a relationship with Him. We cannot assume that just because we live a Christian Life in front of people that that relieves our responsibility of sharing Christ. We can't assume that they will ask us about the Bible when they are ready. That is not seeking or going. I am such a passavist. Most of us Christians are passive in our faith. I want to have those conversations.

I pray I am always open to what God wants to teach me and change with his pressing. I pray you do too.

I don't know if this meeting was a way for God to open my eyes to my passive life or my pride in being a "good" mom, or if He is warning us about what is soon to be. But shouldn't we always be ready? I think age will affect greatly your perspective of the end, but we all should live our life with strong urgency. Aren't our souls worth it? Isn't our life with Christ worth it?

Seven Foot of Snow

This guy is our seven foot of snow. This was a Saturday I am sure the kids will never forget. Building a snow man with their dad, I mean helping their dad with a snowman, I mean watching their dad build a snowman. Matt kind of took this to a height the kids could not help with. 

This was such a perfect day to make a snowman.

 The neighbors across the street built a fort by their snowman.

The neighbors next to us built a Uof L snowman. (note they have no kids in their house). They just couldn't resist getting out and playing in the snow.

There was rolling an playing

snowballs...

 All while Matt was working on this guy.

Aiden held...

 threw...

 and tasted his first snowball...

but after ramps to roll up the large snowballs ....

Mr. Snowman was finally complete.

Our neighbors came and photo bombed our pic...

Seven foot tall, corncob pipe and a carrot nose. Frosty is alive

My handsome boy...

With the best father in town.

What a fun day to play in the snow.

Thanks frosty... we will see you again soon.

Actually I believe it took a week for him to melt.

Can You Spell Winter

Well this winter has had several beautiful snows. The snow had come down thick and soft but does not tend to stay long. We just haven't had it very cold.

And of course every little hint of snow in the air the kids want to run outside and play. 

These little darlings can be the best of friends ....

and the worst of enemies...

 What a beautiful white out.

The snow covered our Christmas lights. It made such a beautiful glow.

I am sure everyone in our generation thinks of the Christmas Story movie when they bundle up their kids to go out in the snow.

it probably takes as much time to bundle up as they spend outside in the snow. It usually doesn't last long before they want to come back in.

Wanted to try a video

Six Kids, Four Kisses & Three Sleepyheads

This couple

had this couple over to ring in the new year

One of many smiles for the night

Twins to make everything lively. By the way, watch out for Aiden. He like to share the spoils of scavenging with babies. Fed Gabe a little bit of shredded beef from dinner that he stole off the table when no one was looking. 

Here you see Zeb  &  Gabe 

 This is before our Champagne was doctored up

And here is the drink doctor 

All three of these guys made it to the new year and the ball drop. Addie had fallen asleep 5 min after the new year rang in.

Fun times with great friends. We are so blessed to have our families and friends surround us!

A Year Well Celebrated

Here is the Christmas season celebrated by the Smiths Saturday, the Murphy's Sunday and now the Jones' Monday (Christmas Eve)

Watch out for flying babies!

My little princess. She really enjoyed Christmas this year, understanding what we are celebrating praising our Savior at His birth.

The wide eyed wonder of a child is so precious. I love her dearly.

I pray we hold each other dear always

One of the traditions that we have is to sing Christmas Carols with the whole family before we open presents.

Addie joined in this year. Since she has been practicing for her Christmas Play she knows some songs now. Everyone loved her free spirit that prompted her to dance for a few of the songs. Cutie pie

The adults drew names for an exchange and the kids are blessed by Aunt Terri and Aunt Melba with nice presents. They are so sweet to want to share with the little ones.

Fun times around the Christmas tree.

I have similar pictures of Terri holding me when I was Aiden's age.

This boy I have trained well. I guess I took so many pictures of Corbin growing up that he cheeses whenever prompted. Beautiful smile for my rambunctious boy.

2nd generation cousins.

Aiden was tickled with himself for spinning around in circles.

Christmas Morning

The kids did not wake up early. We let them sleep. Around 8a everyone started to stir. We read the Christmas Story together. Opened stockings and had breakfast.

The kids loved eating the treats out of their stockings. My parents would always put a candy cane and an orange, chapstick and things like that in our stocking. So I like to get juice boxes, snacks and treats that we don't usually buy. Pringles, crackers, play dough, cars and stickers. Fun stuff.

I have gotten my new favorite thing from Matt in my stocking. Chocolate covered black licorice. Yummo!

We didn't leave Aiden out. He had a tiny baby stocking.

Most of our morning was spent in relaxed anticipation and a slow rhythm of opening one, playing with it for awhile and checking out what the sibling had gotten and playing with it a while.

We got the kids Leapsters this year. Corbin came home in October asking for a DS. Obviously seeing or talking about them on the bus or at school. I think the Leapster is a better fit for us right now.

Mid afternoon the rest of my family came over to celebrate together. What a feast we had together. Ham, salad, sweet potatoes and flaky biscuits.

The only way we see people on Christmas day is if they come see us. The kids get to rest and relax in our home and spend the day in full pleasure with each other.

Mom lets Aiden chew an a piece of lettuce! And yes, he began to choke. The girls teased her that she should know better. This part I like....... She says, "I have raised all you girls. I know what he can have." Bekah said, "Well that is because Melanie was there to take care of us."

These monkeys are having a fantastic day!

You know every year this happens. Not always to the same person. But this year it was Elizabeth that made out like a bandit. Of course we had drawn her name. Us kids draw for each other and we give gifts to mom and dad.

Aiden was so happy just to totter around from person to person and touch whatever you would let him.

Uncle Adam always had the best and coolest present for Corbin. This time Corbin is trying out his spiderman webbing that shoots from his hand. He is going to take down Peepaw.

Adam had also gotten Addie a pretty neat present. Rapunzel hair.

She loves it ! And sings and dances while wearing it.

We had to try it on Aiden.

A little freaky huh?

I love the quality time we set aside during Christmas to celebrate our Saviors birthday together. I love the traditions that carry on with my own little family and was excited to carve out new ones this year. The elementary school teacher came out in me to teach my children. Some of the stuff I wanted to do was still to advanced for my kindergartner, so we will try those things in the years to come.

I love being a mom, wife, sister, daughter and living each of these connections out during Christmas!
Most of all I am humbled to be the daughter of a Mighty Father! The King of all who sent his Son for us! Oh Holy One.