Children's Book

God Gave us You is a children's book that focuses on telling children they are a special gift to parents from God. The message is sent through a mama polar bear, who constantly reminds her cub that God gave her the wonderful gift of her baby. As the baby cub is curious about where it came from, this story helps children understand a small amount about how they were made with some emphasis on just how much they are cherished, both before they were born as well as now.

While the book had a good message, and it was written in such a way that a small child could understand, there was one main thing I didn't like about the book: The words "God gave us you" seemed to be thrown into many if not all of the pages. It seemed forced and awkward many of the times, as if it did not fit but had to put there anyway.

While the book is cute and helps to explain a tough topic, I would not choose this as my first resource. Because I wouldn't use it as my first choice, I probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone else, either.

A Little Bit of Crazy

Sometimes I'll say to myself, "Wow, I feel like I haven't stopped running around for weeks!" And then I'll realize that I have been pretty busy, but most of it has been rewarding and fulfilling.

Like our move to Wesleyan Woods, for instance. We have been slowly moving (I think we started the packing process about two weeks ago), and with the end in sight, I am excited to see how things will work out. As most of you know, Josh has accepted a position working for Wesleyan Woods Campground in Vassar. We will be living in a fifth wheel for the summer, and during the winter months, there is a house right on the campground that we will be able to live in. My favorite thing so far about this whole adventure has been the reactions from people; some think that we are nuts for moving into a fifth wheel with a one year old but try not to show it. Others don't mind that we see their true feelings :P But we have mostly had encouragement from all people. (The people who think we are nuts tell us that they admire our courage. They have the whole "Glad its you and not me" kind of look about them :P). 

I will admit that this is completely crazy, or at least somewhat abnormal. Maybe the best word to describe it is uncomfortable. Living in such a small space would be considered uncomfortable by many, and out of their comfort zone, and I think that's why we get some interesting looks for doing this. But when God calls us to something, can we really tell Him no? While it can be difficult to discern sometimes the will of God, I feel right about this move. Last Saturday, our big moving day, I remember sitting down when we had some of our stuff in the camper in boxes and could hardly move. I thought, "God, what am I thinking!?! I must be crazy to do this." Instead of getting overwhelmed with worry, I felt a peace wash over me. Getting rid of stuff to live in a smaller space is nothing compared to getting to serve Christ and teach people about Him. I am excited to see what God has in store, because I feel like the more stuff I get rid of, the more I must rely on Him, and the more I grow in my faith, and the closer I get to Him. The stuff just got in the way, I'm realizing. 

Also, on another note, our band has been having a good time and enjoying making music for God. I will admit that upon joining/forming the band, I was skeptical to say, "I'm in a band!" It seemed so cliche and meaningless. But Sunday, God opened my eyes to see just how He can use our band. Sunday, at the Florida trip reunion we had, The Following: played some songs. It was so awesome to see how people could connect with Christ through the music we were playing and the talent He has given us. It was a pretty powerful moment, and one that helped me to believe and truly see that God has big plans for us. They may not be to make us famous, but He is using our talents and our music to give Him glory. Its all for His glory!