Category Archives: Project 366

Running the Race

Tianne Moon – EnJOY: A Thirst-Quenching Look at Philippians

We watched Session Four from this (DVD study) tonight at Bible study.

Running the Race

rachel's shoes

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

Four Things That Can Take Our Eyes off the Goal of Knowing Christ Intimately

1) Basking in the glory of past accomplishments –

When I was in college, I had amazing times with the Lord. It was so powerful!

But have you met with Him TODAY?

Two years ago I was a part of this new ministry at church. It was life changing for so many people.

But how are you serving the Lord TODAY?

If we spend so much time reflecting on the past, we will miss what the Lord wants to do in our present.

elise and sarah hit the grass in their rollerblades
Sarah (age 5) sets out to teach Elise (also age 5) how to rollerblade. Oh my!

2) Bowing under the weight of past failures –

God can’t forgive me because I ____________. My sins are too big even for Him.
I can’t seem to stop struggling in this area (fill in blank), so why bother trying?

Isaiah 43:18-19 says: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

The Lord promises to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). We don’t need to be so burdened by our past struggles that we can’t move forward.

3) Biding our time waiting –

The Christian walk is an upward climb. If we choose to put our walk in neutral, we will not remain in one place. We either persevere and push onward and upward, or we slide back down.

sarah and elise strollering
Elise and Sarah abandon the rollerblades in favor of some other wheels.

4) Being distracted by earthly goals and interests –

Even things that appear outwardly good and positive can distract us from following God and His calling for our life.

Challenging thoughts on running the race. The question was asked:

What does your journey look like right now?
A meandering stroll? A light jog? A nap on the sidelines? An intense race?

And …

What changes can you make TODAY that will help you keep your eyes focused on the heavenly prize?

Thought provoking indeed.

Kathy
Project 366 – Day 112

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Love languages: by Rachel

Hi peoples! Whats up??

smile for the camera

Today I am writing a blog because my mom and dad don’t want to!! Yep, that’s pretty much the only reason! Anyway, we were talking about love languages this evening. I don’t really know what mine is. I thrive on quality time and gifts. When Mom and I go shopping we can combine them both. I did really like words of affirmation, but my parents say they aren’t very good at praising people, so I guess I’ll stick with the quality time and gifts.

Bring on the gifts!!! Just kidding.

We weren’t just talking about my love language. Mom and Dad wanted to figure out the whole family’s different love languages. Mom thinks Daniel needs physical touch, Joshua likes quality time, and David feels loved with gifts giving. Just like his big sister!!! We haven’t decided on Sarah’s yet. Maybe she’s too young.

Tonight we had Bible study, so while I baby sat I got to talk to my girl friends!!! That was fun!! Yesterday, I baby sat for a family that goes to our church. It has been a pretty good weekend. Mom and I went to the movies on Friday night. Too bad I have to do school tomorrow. :(

time to type

One thing I have to look forward to, is I am going to Norway in May!! I know that is, like, so cool!!!

Well, it is late and I had better go to bed.

See ya later!

Rachel
(aka) RJE

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A Man of Many Talents

Not only is he a chef par excellence, but Joshua is also a party planner extraordinaire. Perhaps there is something inherently flamboyant about a large family, but ours certainly loves parties and the opportunity for a fun gathering. Birthdays are always a festive occasion at our house. Cheerfully the children have all embraced the joy of celebrations. Joshua, as the oldest, has long been assisting me with birthday parties – everything from planning menus, hanging decorations and organizing games.

the children gather

The party opens with bright skies and sunshine.

Today was no exception. I couldn’t have hosted Daniel’s birthday party without tremendous help from Rachel and Joshua. Rachel was my assistant in the kitchen – baking cookies, wrapping treats, filling goodie bags, and making ice cream/pudding parfaits. Joshua developed and executed a massive treasure hunt – complete with buried treasure bags in the back yard. This book was his inspiration.

treasure hunts galore

I found this “treasure” at a used curriculum sale last spring.

Daniel had eleven guests at his party which made for a lively crew. Throw in a few siblings and the number of children running about the house was seventeen. Last week, of course, it was 80 sunny.

Today – it snowed.
In April.

No matter, Joshua (the game/slave master) had the kids out in the hail and rain racing about looking for clues.

get outside and start shoveling

don't worry about the hail and snow

What’s a little rain and snow if there’s treasures to be sought?

One of the clues was buried underneath Rice Krispy Treats covered with pudding “slop” (leftover from our fancy dinner on Thursday). Joshua was gracious enough to give the kids spoons – only one was brave enough to dive in without using any utensils.

let's eat!

After the treasure hunt (nearly an hour and a half long), Joshua handed the party over to me and retreated to his room. Hosting a birthday party is exhausting.

push up time

Every good birthday party includes push-ups. Very trendy these days.

Exhausting – tell me about it. I still had another hour and a half of time to fill before the parents returned. Crafts, gifts, dessert and a portion of a movie and then I could go hide in my room as well. Ha!

Happy Birthday, Daniel!
Thank you, Rachel and Joshua for helping with the party, and Tim for taking pictures! It is such a joy to watch the older children give of their time and energy to their younger siblings.

Kathy
Project 366 – Day 110

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Chef Joshua

This year Joshua took a class at our homeschool co-op entitled For Boys Only. They have studied finances, banking, insurance, renting policies, and COOKING.

come for dinner

This evening our family was the grateful recipients of Joshua’s final project.

Dinner for Seven hosted by Joshua

Chicken Bake Appetizers
Fresh Veggie Crudities
Yogurt Fruit Salad
Homemade Rolls (Mesa Manna recipe)
Juice Spritzer Punch
Baked Potatoes w/sour cream, shredded cheese, and turkey bacon
Steamed Broccoli
Salad w/toppings
Grilled Steaks
Layered pudding dessert as the finale

drinks anyone?

Joshua worked for hours preparing the meal. He planned the menu, organized the recipes, and did the shopping. He even used existing groceries rather than spend too much at the store. It was truly a culinary gift to the whole family. He set the table in fine style and helped (through his exhaustion) with the clean up.

dessert

I’ll have to share his chicken bake and layered pudding recipes because they were quite the hit with the family.

hooray for Joshua

Thank you, Joshua, for the amazing meal.

Kathy
Project 366 – Day 107

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WFMW – Kids Clean then Craft

wfmw

I believe you should put your children to work.

But first they should dress up.

As everyone knows, mundane chores, like vacuuming and cleaning, require proper attire. A hat if possible.

let's dress up

Sarah is quite the stylish girl.

vacuum time

After sweeping, vacuuming and tidying, it’s time to invite friends over and for an afternoon of crafts. I am NOT an artistic person so when I find friends who are creative, I try to exploit cultivate them.

crafting girls

“Would you like to come over for a visit?” I ask innocently. When they agree, I casually suggest we let the kids do a craft together. “Wouldn’t that be fun,” I say with a smile.

“Oh and could you design the craft, bring the supplies and oversee the project? I’ll provide the house.”

play doh is good enough for him

Christian joined us for play time.

Thankfully I have compassionate friends who take pity on my craftlessness.

bath salts and star boxes

Emma and Sarah show off their bath salts and painted star boxes.

A clean house and some fun crafts Works for Me! Stop by Rocks in My Dryer for other fun ideas.

I can’t believe the Tim and I have written 30 Works for Me Wednesday posts. Wow! We’re obviously incredibly helpful bloggers full of great ideas. Ha! And humble too.

Kathy
Project 366 – Day 106

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