We were very blessed to have Jagmin Photography do a photo shoot of baby Trinity a few weeks ago, and I just wanted to take a second and share a short video of her photo album.
Jagmin Photography is conveniently located in Northwest Arkansas and is available to photo shoot all your wonderful memories. Affordable and great to work with: www.jagminphotography.com
My son Kaleb began his first day of school yesterday, and it was a sweet and at the same time sad moment in the lives of Katie and I. These past 5 years have flown by, and slowly are baby has grown into a little man. We went and met his teacher on Monday, and that paved the way for his school experience. We arrived early yesterday morning to take pictures, and allow him plenty of time to adapt to his new settings. Things started off great. We took pictures, we hung out, but he soon grew tired of waiting for things to start. 
It was at that point that my strong fearless little man realized that he was about to partake on a new adventure that he had never experienced before. It was the first time that I saw in him real pride, strength, and at the same time humility. His “little guy syndrome” had faded for the moment to reveal a beautiful young man. Just before the school doors opened he turned to grasp me with his little arms; a moment I will never forget.
He wanted to be sure that we were going to let him do this on his own, so he faithfully led us straight to his class, put up his backpack in his cubby, and found his way to his seat. Without hesitation he began to colour and draw on the freshly white piece of paper. We waited at the back of the classroom as we watched him create a masterpiece. It was finally time for us to leave, and let go of some of our security barriers, and allow him to adventure in uncharted territories. We love him very much, and he will always be our little boy.
We are so proud of you Kaleb. – Love Mom and Dad
It has been over 5 years since our last child, and up to about six months ago we were not going to have any more children. We have tried to adopt for the last year, but due to the stringent process and rigid guidelines we decided to just have our own. It was kind of disappointing that we were not able to provide a home for a child in need, but we couldn’t let that prevent us from continuing to build our own family.
Yesterday, we final
ly received the results we had been waiting for. Katie is officially pregnant! If it is a boy then we will name him Elijah (Eli) Pierce, and if it is a girl she will be called Trinity Lynn. We would like to have three children so I am praying for twins. That way we can get the baby process out of the way. I love children, but am not the fondest of babies. Something about long nights, pooping, peeing, screaming, bottles, and diapers that I am just not fond of. Either way we will rejoice in the Lord whatever He decides to bless us with. We primarily are just praying for a healthy baby with ten toes and ten fingers. If it is anything like our first one it is destined to be a little monster…. oh I meant bundle of joy. 
I am overwhelmed with joy, but at the same time my heart burdens.
Please be praying for us, and those who find themselves in one of these three categories.
Revolution: Home Hurts
“Dealing with Your Imperfect Home” Hebrews. 12:10-14
What TV shows do you watch that have families in them?
Do these families seem healthy to you? Or do they just seem normal in today’s society?
What do TV families teach us about being a family member?
In this series we’ve been talking about times when “home hurts” – when our families cause us problems and pain. Last week we looked at “Expressing Hurt in a Hurting Home”, and this week we are going to look at how to deal with an imperfect home, but first we must realize that there are reasons and results for imperfect homes. Once we understand these two factors we can begin to deal and react to these imperfections. If your family is causing you some hurt, here are a few possible reasons.
1. It’s possible that people in your family are just acting badly.
They’re intending to harm you. That’s a harsh thing to say, but some families are like that. We saw some similar cases throughout our videos. It’s sort of a worst-case scenario, but if that’s your situation, then Genesis 5:20 fits right in. They intend to harm you, but God is going to make something good out of it. They will have to answer to God for their actions. You need to trust that God has a great future in store for you.
2. The family member(s) who are hurting you could be acting out of their own pain or weakness.
This is very common. Parents who divorce aren’t trying to hurt the kids; they’re just struggling with their own stuff. Parents who tear down your self-esteem might be replaying the way their parents treated them. Turn to Luke 23:34. Jesus was dying on the cross and he said this…READ.
The Romans were specialist at crucifying people. The leaders who convicted Jesus were trying to get him killed. Didn’t they know exactly what they were doing?
They didn’t accept or realize that this was the Son of God they were executing.
Sometimes people hurt other people without knowing the full extent of their actions. We can offer them Jesus’ forgiveness, understanding that “they don’t know what they’re doing.”
3. Sometimes we suffer hurt when it’s really just good discipline.
When we break the rules, we always think we have good reasons, good excuses, and good exceptions to those rules. It seems unfair when parents refuse to accept these explanations. But we have a way of tilting things in our direction. Things seem unfair just because they’re not going our way.
Turn to Heb. 12:10-14. In this passage, the writer compares parental discipline with God’s discipline, and he says some interesting things about this.
How does discipline feel?
What could be some of the results from each of the reasons?
What are the results to healthy discipline?
Parents aren’t perfect. (I know that comes as a shock to some of you.) Sometimes they make decisions that are unfair to you. But even in those cases, you can be thankful that they care how you live. They are trying to bring about that “harvest of righteousness and peace” in your life.
Discipline from parents can be tough to take. The same is true of God’s discipline. That’s what Hebrews is saying. When life gets tough for you – if your home becomes a source of hurt rather than healing – understanding that God will use those tough experiences to shape you into the person he wants you to be. Other people may have bad intentions, but God will use it all for his good purpose.
So what can you do when “home hurts?”
*For more helpful illustrations and videos go to bluefish.com
“Expressing Hurt in a Hurting Home”
Romans 8:16-18
>>>CLICK HERE for PowerPoint Presentation
What do you like most about living in your home?
What do you like least about living in your home?
All of us at one point in time will experience home hurts, and it is important that we express those hurts properly so that relationships and even lives are not destroyed in the process. It is also important that we understand that we are not alone in these hard times. I want you to be equipped on how to handle the struggles in our hurting homes by taking note of these 3 very important Revolutions to expressing hurt in your hurting home.
1. Realize life is unfair
You are not the only one dealing with these problems. Everyone struggles with family in some aspects.
2. Resolve not to be a victim
What does it mean to be a victim?
A victim allows others to decide the future. The victim focuses on the way he or she has been mistreated and accepts the idea that this victimization ruins everything. The victim blames the victimizers for stealing their future. Don’t become a victim.
Who would you ask for help if your home life is becoming unbearable?
Are there relatives, neighbors, friends of the family, or church people who could provide some outside assistance? You don’t want to go blabbing your family issues to the whole world – parents are touchy about that – but you might want to think about some trusted advisors who could help all of you through a tough time. Also remember that your close friends may not be the best source for help in this situation.
I am talking about communicating with your parents. That can be hard, but it is important that they know how you feel. You know, if you do some journaling, that might help you find the right words to say. In fact, if you find it hard to discuss things without yelling or crying, you might even try writing a letter to your parents. Then hand it to them personally. Don’t just drop it on the table and run.
Even if your home situation is horrible, you have a heavenly Father who is always there for you.
When you resolve not to be a victim, you reclaim your life. You take back your future.
3. Reconstruct a New Identity
What does it mean to reconstruct a new identity?
“Home Hurts” are especially painful because they strike at the core of who we are. If Mom and Dad abandon you or abuse you or disappoint you, well, they’re your mom and dad. You have their DNA. Most everything you know or do or have comes from them. When they victimize you, it’s hard to shake that off.
But even your parents can’t determine the kind of person God wants you to be. That’s between you and God. If you have good parents, God will work through them to shape you. If you have bad parents, He will work in spite of them, but He will shape you. If, like most people, your parents are a mixture of good and bad, god will do both. In spite of your parents God will shape you – if you let him.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17
What happens to us when we’re “in Christ?” (We become new creations)
What does it mean to be “in Christ?” (To be Christ Like/Christian/ to let God do what He wants with us.)
Read Romans 8:16-18
Whose child are we? (God’s)
How do we know this? (God’s Spirit)
How does it make you feel that our present sufferings cannot be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us?
Read James 1:2-4
How should we respond to the trials we face? (With joy)
Why joy? What happens when we face trials? (We grow mature and complete.)
So remember no matter what you are going through at home God will see you through if you realize, resolve, reconstruct.
My son turned the Big 5 years old over the past weekend, and we had a blast celebrating it. Friday was the big day, and we went and rode some rides at the local mall, watched Disney Pixar’s UP in 3D on opening day, and just spent the day together having fun. Saturday morning we surprised him with a really cool gift, a 3 year old mini Winnie dog named Chico. He was ecstatic. They got along great, and they quickly fell in love. That evening was the big family birthday party, and we did a Nascar theme; his idea, not ours. It was extremely hard finding decorations for this thing, but somehow we pulled it off. Anyways, the house was packed, burgers were on the grill, and celebration was in the air. It was really neat seeing both sides of the family together for such a special occasion. Sunday we had a birthday party for him and all of his church friends, and it was fun too, but by this time we were partied out. He received all kinds of gifts, but some of his favorites was of course Chico, Monster Truck tickets, a Jeff Gordon truck and trailer, and Bakugans (don’t ask). I have to say that this was one of the best birthdays I think he has ever had. Mainly because all of the wonderful friends and family that came out to support him. He is now 5, but will be 25 tomorrow. Word of advice for all parents: cherish your children, and spend as much time as possible with them because they grow up so fast. I just want to close by saying I love you Kaleb, and you have made me the proudest father I could ever be. Grow in the Lord, and in his wisdom. We dedicated you as a baby, and we dedicate you now. Make us proud son.
Pics of the Big 5 B-day coming soon!
