Our Weekend

It was a good refreshing time this weekend all together as a family. This was the weekend before Jared's monthly cleanup. It only comes once a month, but boy does it roll around a lot faster than what I would like :) This coming Monday through Saturday he will pretty much be out of pocket and very busy in preparation for it. So I am very thankful that we were together the past few days enjoying each other and partying it up Olinger style! :)

 

Friday night I was hoping for Jared to catch on to my promptings for us to go out for dinner at a restaurant. I tried to break him with my "invisible money" speech but he wasn't going for it. We laughed a lot and it was fun! He suggested lentil soup so I looked in the pantry and what leftover veggies we had and threw something together (no recipe) and it actually turned out quite yummy :)

Lentil soup...nothin like it

Little Mac not so much into it. He would look like this while we were makin him eat it, and then also say in his sweet voice "mommy this is the best soup you ever made I want you to make it again" lol!! He did so good and finished his bowl. Dad decided a good treat would be Sweet CeCe's and we had a buy one get one free! Love those coupons!

On our way for ice cream. It's right around the corner from our house and one of our favorite restaurants Thai Bisto. Another perk ;)

Saturday we went to a "Gotcha day" party for some friends of ours who adopted locally and were celebrating her being in their family for this first year. It's a really cool story and their daughter is absoutley beautiful and full of life and squeals! Wish I would of gotten a pic of her but missed out on it.

They had an ice cream truck come. It was fun! All the kids were ready...

Addy and her friend Hannah. So precious

There they are again and Mac's head

Ice cream...yum, yum, yum

Micaiah seconds that above statement! Thanks Patrick and Ashley for the invite we very much enjoyed it all!

Saturday we decided to stay at the home front again so we picked our fresh lettuce from the garden and made salads that night. I have to say I am loving this "gardening" experience!

Movie night! Jared scored a $5 steal on a movie at Walmart. You see those 2 faces?? That's why we have to limit their movie time. They get sucked in so easily.

Sunday about to go to church

Fun times working in the nursery this morning! Sweet kids!

Snapped a few pics after Sunday lunch....

 

Daddy said "silly faces" ready, set, Go..

This one cracks me up! We are all doing something so goofy and I look completely ridiculous.

 

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

Glory be to the one true God

 

 

 

 

S-A-N-C-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N

Can you think of a specific time lately in your life where you can look back and say "the Lord was sanctifying me there!!!" I'm sure for most of us this wouldnt be very hard. Just being a mother of two a dozen things swirl through my mind! Then not to mention being a wife, sister, friend etc.

I know the Lord is always sanctifying me. Phillipians 1:6 says "And I am sure of this, he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Why is it though in the moments of our life where God is chiseling something off of us to replace it with something better which will give him great glory and us joy we fail to see it, or sometimes even want it.

Growing in godliness and righteousness, and being transformed from within by the power of his living word is what I want more than anything else. Yet I wander and stray. I can react and respond to situations In such a selfish and "me" centered way, and to top it off think that I deserve to! Wow! How much I need more and more of him and less of me.

This Sunday morning in particular was one of those times. We got to church with no major meltdowns or bruises, everyone dressed, hair combed, and bag packed. Yes, there was some unfinished business left at home (dirty dishes, wet sheets that I forgot to toss in the washer, toys scattered amongst the house) but when in worship to our God I try to leave those concerns far behind me. Addy sits with us during the whole service. She has been doing this since she was about two. It has been an incredible blessing for our family and to see God growing her in so many ways. The first half started off so well. Then came some squirming, and then a little bit more followed by having to go potty twice within 30 minutes. By the way I promise you this child can hold her pee all day if she wanted. And then the belly ache!

Now I completely understand that we are dealing with a four year old here, and kids will do kid things. We don't fault her for that and we extend much grace towards her in those areas. Every parent knows their child though. You catch on pretty quickly when things have become over exaggerated or dramatic. She informed us that her belly hurt so bad that she needed to go home and rest in her bed. I do believe her tummy was bothering her but not to the degree she was acting. So Jared made the decision it would be best for me to go ahead and take both children home and tend to their needs. Immediately I was struggling to have grace for addy because in my mind I knew this was an overly dramatic response to get out of something she didn't want to do at the time. So we packed up and Jared helped me get them to the car. After I told her what we would be doing when we got home which was: lunch and resting in our beds (she did not like the laying in your bed part which was orignally her idea) I kid you not before I pulled onto the interstate her belly was 100% better (her words not mine). The frustration was a little bit higher now. No turning back now though the decision had been made.

It was in the car ride home and even as I am sitting here now that I can see the Lords sanctification at work. Realizing that He is teaching me that its not all about me and what I want to do (even if that thing is good), humility, counting others of more value and importance than myself, and ministering his grace and love to those around me.

It was so sweet on the car ride home she kept telling me how God healed her belly and that she didn't need to rest anymore. Whether this was genuine, or her trying to get out of a nap we never want to undermine this young girls faith, and like I said her belly could of been really bothering her but to what extent who knows. So we rejoiced together and gave thanks to our powerful God who heard her prayers and healed her tummy. It was a special time of giving God the glory :)

As I type this both of my kids are sound asleep, and as their mother I am loving them right now. They are two of my biggest joys! I can choose to be frustrated that I didn't get to stay at church or choose to welcome, learn, and grow from this moment, and see it as a step forward on a very long road called sanctification!

Loving this precious girl and thanking our Savior for ALL his undeserved gifts!

Glory be to the one true God!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our refuge and our rock

Has anyone ever felt overcome by a sin, or a continual practice of something in your life that you know isn't building you up in Christ likeness, and hindering that constant growth in godliness? It feels as if you are sinking in it, even though your desire and heart is to be done with it, you feel like you fail time after time.

If that is you, or has been you in the past you are not alone. As of the past few weeks I have found it extremely hard to get out of bed in the morning at 6:15 (I know sounds pretty pathetic) to spend those precious hours "alone" with Christ before the day begins. In a perfect world I would hop out bed within seconds, head to the bathroom, them settle in my chair coffee nearby, my bible and my journal, mind completely focused free of distractions for the next hour or so until my kids wake up ready to rock & roll!

However, recently when I wake up having gotten between 6 and 8 hours of sleep I feel as if there is a layer of bricks hovering over me and to break through them to get up seems neary impossible. I was up today at 6:30 even though by body still felt tired like I could sleep for several more hours but I got up. It was within minutes that I realized I was hitting another wall. My mind was anything but focused. I was trying to pray and was having such a struggle. What is wrong with me I thought? Lord help me!

It wasn't to long after the kids woke up and we started the day. When It was "movie time" I hopped in the shower real quick. With a little more focus I begun to pray. By Gods grace it was like the wind was gently starting to move the sails. After I got out I quickly sat down to continue what had started moments before. I journaled everything I was thinking this morning but couldn't get out in words. It became my prayer as I was writing it down.

He was raining down his mercy and love and I knew I was sitting directly under it!

Then I read Psalm 119:133 " keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no inquiry get dominion over me."

This verse lept off the pages!! Keep steady my steps Oh Lord! When I begin to drift pull me back to the well that gives life!' You will keep and preserve your children! Your promises are unwavering!

Then came the second half. And let NO inquity get dominion over me. This is how I was feeling. As if this laziness was taking control and rule over me and it was going to win. This is how I felt, but I knew when held up to the word of God this could not be so. He brings victory to his people. He strengthens and enables the to do things through the power he has granted to all who believe.

I kind of feel like my little issue is so petty compared to other things people struggle to overcome. We had a ministry called " Teen Challenge of Memphis" come to our church this past Sunday to share the word with us, personal testimonies from men still in the program, and lead us in worship. It was so wonderful!!! To see chains of addiction be broken by the power of God, and men who before encountering Christ were hopeless, and now stand born again new creations is breathtakingly beautiful. I praise him for the work He is doing ALL over the world not just where my eyes can see.

I also know that he sees my struggle and yours too, whether big or little he cares! He will bring me out of it. His eyes did not pass over Hagar in the wilderness as she layed her infant child under a bush to die he heard her cries and answered her prayers. Thank you for a God who holds the whole world in the palm of his hand, sustaining everything around us and is a refuge and a rock, a ever present help for those who are weak!

Glory be to the one true God!

 

Sweet Goodbyes

We have dear, dear friends...these guys...I can't even begin to tell you how much we love and cherish this family. They are also adopting form Uganda and are leaving THIS Thursday to go get their precious little boy! God has been so good to them. After they get back they will be packing up, moving away from Memphis and heading up north. The Lord is so sovereign over all of us, and everything he brings into our lives. Praising Him we got around 6 amazing years with such dear people who challenge and sharpen us in all areas of our lives! Will miss you guys sooooooooooo much!!!!! Here are just a few pics with such great people....

Their cute little boy Sammy :)

 

Isn't she pretty?!! She is so gifted and creative in "hosting" and making things lovely

Micaiah watching Al unveil the food at a brunch so he can sneak a bite. lol

Time with friends! Look at these kiddos stuffin their mouths with yummy food :)

 

Jude, Addy, Sammy, and, Micaiah

Jude with his cars

wow!! Jude has gotten so much taller since our Nashville trip.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, make his face to shine upon you, and give you peace.

"blessed are the people whose God is the Lord."

"The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name." Psalm 145: 13-14; 17-18; 21

 

 

 

 

A recap of a teaching I was blessed share at our women's ministry on our journey in parenting.

Friends, the Lord is doing such a work right now in me! I can't wait to be able to share with you, but I am going to have to save it for another blog (or two) in the near future. In the meantime I wanted to blog about a teaching I was blessed to be able to do this past Tuesday at our monthly women's gathering. I have always loved to just sit and soke from other godly women in my life. I am surrounded by them and their wisdom and encouragement has no doubt challenged and blessed me. So it's always very humbling when asked to be the one who shares. I do love speaking to others what God is doing in my life, sharing personal testimony, and truth from his Holy Word. I desire for him to be glorified and praised through me. I cannot boast in myself nor do i want to! All of my growth, everything I have learned, truths that have changed me were accomplished and brought about through Him.

This month the team of women asked me to share on parenting. More specifically on parenting a strong willed child. Can you guess which one they were referring to?? Yes, my precious Adoniah :) so I just want to give a little condensed recap of the evening for those who could not make it.

When Jared and I were talking what core personality traits we wanted to describe her with (as she has many) these are the ones we nailed down. Addy is off the charts strong willed, and following In a close second is her stubbornness. She is also a natural born leader. This did not come from her mom! It was filtered straight through Jared and woven into her being. She is also very possessive (likes to control and take demand) which is most clearly seen with how she interacts with her younger brother, yet very protective of those she loves. And lastly she has a heart that overflows with compassion. What I mean by this is in times of tragedy, death, or sickness a tenderness and compassion comes out of her that is truly amazing to behold in such a young age. Our prayer for her is that God will save her and redeem and sanctify these traits to be used for his purposes and glory to the ends of the earth!!

I talked about 4 principles that Jared and I have learned through parenting Adoniah and also Micaiah. I gave some stories more in detail that evening of discouraging times in discipline, hurtful words tha cause wounds but unfortunately do not want to share on an open blog. The Lord truly has used our kids to show Jared and I sin in us that we didn't even know we struggled with so much, and that all of our dependence and strength to faithfully raise up his children cannot be done apart from him.

I came up with a short, simple, consice purpose or vision statement in my parenting. I need that in my life to go back to especially in the discouraging and seemingly pointless days. That purpose is... As parents we are to shepherd and guide our children's hearts to the cross. Going about life in the natural grind of the day, taking the simple moments (you won't catch all of them) to draw their thoughts upward towards the beauty of Christ. Let the joy that is in you be on your lips!

The first principle is: Parenting is a sacrificial love, a killing of what our flesh wants to do in the moment, and opens us up to be hurt.

Loving my kids is a love I cannot carry out on my own. It's a love that calls for something bigger than yourself, coming down straight from above.

2 Peter 1:3

"his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence." I am going to choose to believe that this phrase "granted to us all things that pertain to life" includes motherhood. Meaning in Christ I WILL have everything that I need to do such a great, yet very exhausting task.

And then there is our flesh is waging war with our spirit, and I have to decide each day which one am I going to feed. The one that you feed more is the one that will grow stronger, and will be the one you find yourself operating out of more. Romans 7:18-20

18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

No parent (in their right mind) wakes up and says alright today I want to be sure to yell at my kids when they don't listen, jerk them around when they are not moving fast enough, and give them as many evil glares as i can, and fit in an opportunity to say something that will really hurt them, then my day will have been complete. Thats just silly! But how many of us have found ourself doing one of these or perhaps all of them in a 24hr time span. That's the old man, the sin that rears its ugly head.

I have to start my day with Jesus! To serve and love my kids best this is what I have to be doing.We need Jesus and his Word, ministering his love to us, to be filling our cup daily. You need this whether your a parent, wife, employee, if you have any contact with the outside world....I want to be pouring on these precious hearts life and not death.

2. You are the sower in your child's life. "and let us not grow weary in doing good for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" Galatians 6:9

You are planting things now in their lives that we want to mold into their being and see grow and be used to the glory of God. Moms sow what it is important and eternal.

One seed Jared and I knew we wanted to plant in our kids was "family worship" we are both very passionate about this and want to instill in our kids that this is a special time for our family to come together and Jared lead us in the word, prayer, and song as a family. I shared more in detail with the women how rough this was for us with Addy in the beginning. Sometimes so discouraging that there were nights we just stopped in the middle because we were weary in all the correction and discipline. But with consistency even in the weariness we held on to what we believed in. And now I promise you this child ADORES family worship. She gets on to mom and dad when we want to skip out. Lol! And it sets an awesome example for Micaiah now who looks up to everything his sister does.

The second is prayer. This has been a huge outlet for Addy with all the emotions she is faced with. And Jared and I have tried to be very diligent in praying over and for them since they were born. Using things like desiring Gods blessing cards. And then as they get older instilling in them that we can pray anytime/anywhere. When we're sad, hurt, happy, and scared....

And the reward that we have seen in Adoniah is her realizing her dependence and her help comes from a higher place, a more powerful source than herself!!! Which is amazing for her personality which naturally she leans towards "I can do this by mysel, I don't need your help, step back and let me do this on my own."

In a lot of her prayers now you will hear her say things like: God You are so powerful. God you are strong. God you help me.

3. Love is an action not a feeling 2 Timothy 1:9 tells us that God was loving us before the ages began. This was not a love based on feeling because we were enemies, children of wrath, and sinners. But while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

I can love Addy in the most difficult moments because Christ loved me first. I have been given all the riches that are in Christ!

I have learned through Addy that she needs my love, and attention more than ever in her most ugliest moments. And its In these moments where I want to pull away the most and have thoughts like "you don't deserve my love", or "you can work this out on your own" and I will just go back to whatever I'm doing which certainly can't be near as important as what is going on in her heart. She needs mommy to loves based not on her feeling, but a choosing

4. Discipline in love and understanding, firmness, with the purpose of helping them to see their sin, and their need for a Savior.

We believe in discipline. We hold to verses in scripture like: Proverbs 13:24 " whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." Proverbs 19:18, Proverbs 22:15 " folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him." Proverbs 23:13, Proverbs 29:17 "discipline your son and he will give you rest, he will give delight to your heart." And Hebrews 12:5-11

What Jared and I have sought for in our discipline and correction is not just an outward change in their behavior, while the inside is still suffering and lost, but to go into the deepness of their heart and help draw out what is going on inside. If that is all we sought after then we are raising little Pharisees. Children who look obedient, prim, proper, and can say all the right things, but inside its dirty, a white washed tomb.

Our journey with Adoniah. It's been a roller coaster!! God has brought ALL the growth in her life. He has taken 2 fallen beings, who are striving to be faithful in biblical discipline, consistency, and prayer, but do it so imperfectly, and in his grace he has begun to mold and make Adoniah into the woman he has for her to be.

Since the beginning we have wanted her to understand 1. We in this house will honor God, and honor mommy and daddy whom God put over you. 2. When we do sin there are consequences for it. 3. There is nothing she can ever do that will take mom and dads love away. 4. After the spanking and the tears we always seek restoration of the relationship.

We have seen the fruit in her life without question over the years. And it has been the times when we slack in being consistent, or approach her/ the situation in anger, or we don't want to take the time that is necessary to shepherd her heart that we see a digression in her attitude and behavior. It's hard to be that constant steadiness for them but they need it and they greatly benefit from it. Now with Addy what used to seem like five, six, seven spankings a day now is three or four spankings a week. Thank you Jesus you walk alongside us in all of our parenting!!

I know this was looooong even though I cut out a lot, and tried to shorten it. lol!! If you made it this far, thanks for taking a moment of your time to read through it all. Our gracious Father goes before us and is sovereign over all things (every moment of our parenting)!!

 

 

But when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus....

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! Revelation 4:8

Worthy are you, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor, and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. Revelation 4:11

This will be our reality one day. Forever and ever and ever worshipping the only one worthy of complete and total adoration and we will NEVER get bored of it!!!! We will forever marvel with all the other saints!! How I long for this day. The new earth, where he will be our light, and we will sit at his table and he will serve us. wow!! So breathtaking to think on.

He could not be held in the grave. He rose and with it conquered sin and death and brought forth life and freedom to those who are in Christ.

Luke 24:6 a short verse but OH the power "he is not here, he is risen" thank you Jesus.

I hope that these next few days you will take time to remember and fall in love again with your Savior who loves you with reckless abandonment. I know I get caught up so easily with all kinds of things that should not have so much of my attention but I'm so thankful for his grace that draws me back. He wants our heart...go to Him..

 

Today the kids and I drew and colored pictures as I explained to them why we celebrate Easter and what happened to Christ after the cross. It was a blessing.

We started at the cross then an arrow to the tomb where Jesus's body was for three days, and finally an arrow to the tomb with "he is alive" and a cross above it.

Also, kind of on a different note we are really loving this book right now! We use it for our times of family worship together. It takes you through 78 Old Testament stories, and 87 New Testament. There are great questions for each story to ask your young ones afterwards that really helps them to engage. Sometimes it goes over Micaiah's head he is only 2, but addy is really loving it and understands a lot. She is four. If you have been looking for something to start as a family I would highly recommend it. It is written by Marty Machowski.

 

Happy Easter friends and family :) love you guys.

 

 

My Sweeties

 

 

 

This whole weekend was wonderful. Got to hear my sweetie bring the Word this morning at church. He is so gifted and always delivers the truth in such humility, sincerity, and boldness. Enjoyed being mommy, and spent time with great friends.

Now for Monday!!