Why is it that crime scenes and graves are used in yards to “decorate” them? What would the owners think if the crime scene was real, and one of their loved ones was the victim? They’d be horrified. Then whywould someone glorify wickedness, evil, and demons?
In a world where sin is glorified and pureness is mocked, may we as Christians stand boldly and without waver. May our hearts be broken for our country, and may we use opportunities during this month to pray for those who glorify wickedness. And if our hearts break for those who need Jesus, think how much more His heart breaks. After all, He died for them. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
“… whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Love, Sarah
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:11
We are excited to announce that we are expecting again. The due date is March 6th. We are all happy and working to wait patiently.
There’s an element of realism with every new baby. We don’t have life figured out now, adding another one to the mix will further confirm that. Things that always work for others don’t for us. For example, the fancy “help-your-child-quit-thumb-sucking-leather-glove” that is virtually guaranteed to work – didn’t for Andrew. The “Earn a Build-A-Bear Trip” reward for the certain child that went consecutively 14 days without wetting his/her bed overnight – once earned, proved that we were not past the challenge (but they did enjoy the BaB trip and 5 Guys afterwards). Silly examples of how “real” raising four kids is. And yet, no matter how challenging, it’s a privilege.
There are many encouragements. One of our kids that did everything possible last year to delay completing a workbook page, this school year she jumped right in and is diligent and focused. She did some school in my office this morning and some how left her school pages down here (along with her pencil box and all its contents spread out). She had worked on them without my assistance and completed four pages perfectly. She was watching the clock the entire time so she didn’t miss the start of the next subject. Quality work, time awareness, excitement for school = pretty great.
Abby is highly capable; she loves structure and serving. She decided we needed something fun to go with dinner last night and pulled out her kids’ Nourishing Traditions cookbook and made parfaits, complete with home-made whipped cream–“Sweetened with maple syrup”, she said, “better for us than sugar.” (The link is a Titus2 Amazon affiliate link; you can read Titus2’s Privacy Policy here.)
Bethany has a quick smile and can cram a 10-minute dish drying project into 45. But, she’s happy the entire time and does a super job. She recently decided she was lead on apple washing for our first round of apple-sauce making. She washed the vast majority of 3 bushels of apples and still wanted to help in other areas. She is the exact opposite of Abby when it comes to structure – she likes freedom and flexibility.
Christina has a vocabulary that, at times, I think is more extensive than mine. She and I are heart buddies. There’s times she and I can connect when no one else can with her. Melanie thinks it’s because of the special time she and I had right after her birth while Melanie was waking up from anesthesia. I think it’s because she’s a carbon copy of Melanie. Since I happen to like the Melanie personality pretty well (enough to marry it!), Christina and I getting along well is a natural. Maybe we’re both right.
Andrew is a little boy. He is pretty much always a bit sweaty, and if outside – a bit wet (he finds water to play in everywhere, or is having a diaper issue – or both). He loves putting rocks in the outside air-conditioner (and is currently grounded to the deck), is a mosquito magnet, never stands still, and is thrilled to now know what a penguin says. He picked this up after our recent trip to the St. Louis zoo. In case you are wondering, it’s Meee-au, emphasis on the first syllable. Some of his extended family have mistakenly thought it was a cat sound, but he’s assured them it’s quite different.
Melanie is pretty tired this pregnancy. Being a homeschool mom is not a cake-walk (as so many of you know). She’s a trooper and thrilled to be carrying this little one.
Life is challenging, but we are grateful for it. As a couple that didn’t know whether we could have children – raising four and expecting a fifth is a tremendous blessing. We are exceedingly blessed by our kiddos and love our life with them – pouring ours into theirs.
A happy dad, Nathan
“Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.” Psalm 128:3
It’s wonderful having big sisters who will help you out on the swing.
Nathan and Melanie hosted an amazing campfire-hot dog roast-s’mores-fellowship in the country recently. They invited friends and family and so there was quite a group of us.
Nathan had a special activity for the children. He had a list of trivia questions relating to the adults in the group, so the kids went around, asking the different people if they were the person in the question (ie: who grew up in Indonesia as a missionary’s kid or who was friends with the soldiers at the end of World War II?). It was an awesome way for the kids to learn to interact with the adults.
The fellowship was great, the food delicious, and the temperatures warm until the sun set. 🙂
Love, Sarah
GiGi, Tina, and Mom Drew is such a handsome little guy. Holding Daniel What a lineup! Tina wanted to roast her own hotdog.
John, Drew, Anna, Mary, and Liddy
Jesse Tina Abby Sunset
“… Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3
Mom left yesterday to attend the True Woman conference in Indianapolis. This was our Mother’s Day gift to her, and she’s really excited! She had a safe flight and arrived uneventfully late afternoon.
Love, Sarah
“I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.” Psalm 130:5
Okay, so I want to wrap up our time in Colorado with these delightful campfire pictures. We were especially glad that it worked out during the time Joseph, Elissa, and Calia were with us.
And yes, time for some games of SpikeBall.
Calia knows how to give high-fives: her daddy taught her. Calia and Anna
Singing around the campfire
Dad and Mom
And I couldn’t resist a picture Joseph took of the three Maxwell sisters.
Mary, Sarah, and Anna Maxwell
“The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.” Proverbs 19:23
Fifteen years ago, the unthinkable and horrible happened. Thousands of lives were lost. Our hearts ache with you. We still remember, and we care. Praying for those affected today! We are standing with you.
Love, The Maxwells
“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?” Psalm 56:8