Rules to Live By

As a mother of two little boys, I find it very difficult to devote much time to reading books. It's hard for me to start a book because I don't know when I'll be able to pick it up again. So, for now, I read a lot of articles, blogs, and short books. I just finished reading a short book (well, I don't know if this could even be classified as a short book - it's more like a booklet) titled, "Holiness: God's call to Sanctification". It's a good one. It ended with a list that impacted me.

Six Short Rules for Christians by Brownlow North

1. Never neglect daily private prayer; and when you pray, remember that God is present, and that He hears your prayers. (Hebrews 11:6) 

2. Never neglect daily private Bible reading; and when you read remember that God is speaking to you, and that you are to believe and act upon what He says. I believe all backsliding begins with the neglect of these two rules. (John 5:39) 

3. Never let a day pass without trying to do something for Jesus. Every night reflect on what Jesus has done for you, and then ask yourself, What am I doing for Him? (Matthew 5: 13-16)

 4. If you are in doubt as to a thing being right or wrong, go to your room and kneel down and ask God’s blessing on it. (Colossians 3:17) If you cannot do this, it is wrong. (Romans 16:23) 

5. Never take your Christianity from Christians, or argue that because such and such people do so and so, therefore, you may. (2 Corinthians 10:12) You are to ask yourself, How would Christ act in my place? and strive to follow Him. (John 10:27) 

6. Never believe what you feel, if it contradicts God’s Word. Ask yourself, Can what I feel be true if God’s Word is true? And if both cannot be true, believe God and make your own heart the liar. (Romans 3:4, 1 John 5:10-11)

Elmo? Baseball? Elmo? Baseball?

Grant is persistent to say the least. He is constantly asking to watch Elmo or baseball on TV. Since his TV viewing time is very limited, Grant is often disappointed with my answer. But that doesn't stop him from asking - over and over and over again. At times it amuses me, other times it frustrates me. You would think he would get the point after a while but he continues to look at me with great hope and ask once more. You should see his face. It's hard to resist sometimes. I can't help but think of Moses' persistence in asking to see God. God finally says yes (Exodus 33:12-21). Well, sort of. Moses got to see the back of God because, as God said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live". The presence of God is so powerful that to actually see God's face would have the consequence of death. How many times do I ask to see God? How often do I make an effort to meet God and spend time with Him? It needs to be daily. Amidst the circus I call life, I need to make a better effort to meet with God every day. In fact, it says later in the next chapter, Moses spent so much time with God that his face literally began to shine. It was so bright he had to wear a veil. Incredible! I want to have a face that shines with God's glory - to reflect God in my thoughts and actions. Someday, I hope, to be a shiny person too. :)

Down the hatch!

Wesley's first experience with solid food.

Update 8/20/2010

Grant continues to make slow but steady progress. He began occupational therapy (OT) earlier this month (praise the Lord!). This therapy focuses on giving Grant sensory integration (giving his body the input it needs for his craving senses) and strengthening his fine motor skills. So far I do not see any improvements in these areas but it is early. Grant struggles to feed himself independently with a spoon or fork. I try to work on this daily with him but, lately, find myself becoming overwhelmed with frustration. Grant's speech progress is best described as taking two steps forward and then one step backward. He continues to pick up new words and sounds but also loses a couple at the same time. His eating skills have also stalled. Grant has difficulties positioning food in his mouth to chew it effectively and frequently uses his fingers to push food back into his mouth . He also struggles to bite through food. I cut up all his food into bite-size pieces because he cannot bite through them and gags easily (ie: Grant still cannot eat a whole banana - I have to slice it up for him). I am hoping to order supplies for jaw rehabilitation therapy soon. Thankfully, Aaron got a painting job so we can purchase a couple items Grant needs. Additional, Grant will begin brush therapy next week. Using a surgical brush, I will brush Grant's arms, legs, and back in a certain way every four hours for two weeks. (it could be extended up to two months if necessary). This will be done to wake-up Grant's nerves. Soon Grant will begin wearing a weighted vest. He will wear the vest in two hour cycles. This will last about a month but could also be extended if needed. In spite of Grant's daily struggles, he is still the happiest boy I know.

Crazy-hair Grant

Grant has become mommy's little helper. He enjoys sweeping the floor, cleaning his mirror, and putting his books and toys away. He is great at following directions and learns something new every day.

Wesley looks up to his big brother with such awe and love. No one entertains him better than Grant. Wesley is working hard at sitting and will begin cereal next week. I cannot believe how fast he is growing up. I love his chubby legs and cheeks. He is sleeping through the night - most nights.

Aaron is back in the classroom. Teachers reported back to work on Wednesday (the 18th). Aaron has mixed feelings about this school year. He puts so much work into each lesson and cares for each student. It frustrates him greatly when some of the students don't seem to care about their schoolwork or about their education as a whole. It was a good summer for Aaron. He enjoyed the change of pace painting gave him, doing a little fishing, playing church softball and seeing his longtime friend get married.

For whatever reason, the past couple of weeks have been very emotional for me. I am struggling with intense feelings of fear, sadness, and jealousy. I am reminded that I am a very weak person. Lately, as I am begging God to heal Grant, 2 Corinthians 12:9 comes to mind. When Paul repeatedly asks God to take away "a thorn in the flesh", God replies and makes it very clear that there is a purpose to the suffering: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness." I love Paul's response: "Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." Oh to have the strength to be weak. Does that make sense? I can't say that I am anywhere near boasting about my weaknesses but I do know that Christ is working in me - and that alone is something to be thankful for.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Fun with Grandma & Grandpa Mayes

Kyle (Aaron's brother), Nicolette and sweet, little Nolan traveled down from D.C. to Waxhaw for a long weekend visit. Aaron and I packed up the kids and also stayed with Aaron's parents in Waxhaw to be part of the fun.

"Who are you?"
Nolan and Wesley meeting for the first time.

Playing with Grandma and Grandpa is the best!

Grant chasing Henry. One thing became very clear - Grant is stubborn. He didn't give up all weekend. Poor Henry.

The three Mayes grandkids...

5 Months Old

Playtime

"Better make sure it still works!"
Grant takes great pride in testing the toys for Wesley.

Take me out to the ball game

Grant loves baseball! Just say the word baseball and he'll run screaming to the television waiting for you to turn on a game. It's not uncommon for him to ask to watch "ba-ball" after waking up from a nap, riding in the car, after eating a snack... I suppose it's only natural that Grant becomes a Tigers fan like his Daddy. Grant has three favorite DVDs: an Elmo sing-along DVD, a DVD about wild animals, and the June 2007 Verlander No-Hitter DVD that a former co-worker of mine made for my husband. Grant jumps with excitement when watching the game.

Moovin' and a groovin'

Wesley moves all around the house - backwards. If I set him down, I know I'll find him in another part of the room in a minute or two. For whatever reason, Wesley keeps gravitating towards the pack n' play we have in our den. It's hard not to laugh as I pull him out.

Put your feet up

I love it when babies play with their feet...