Twilight - Why?

Okay, now I have to rant. Why is there so much positive hype about such a negative series? Twilight leaves a lot to be desired - my experience in knowledge of the book and what I've been told ( I will not be reading them, thank you), is that the story revolves around a very selfish, evil vampire who romances a teen girl, then turns her into a vampire so she doesn't die. How is this positive reading? How is this glorifying our God in any way? How is God honored in anything related to this story line?

Rather than good winning out over evil, once again, evil triumphs, and the Christian community doesn't seem to see it. Teen girls are fantasizing over "him" and the great romance that supposedly is inherent in the way he is. Why aren't we leading these girls, and ourselves for that matter, into a romance with God, the Author and Finisher of our faith?

I understand that for some this is simply entertainment, however, there is that part of me that is reminded that even the smallest of images and thoughts ultimately, somehow, turn a little bit of us away from God. My thoughts on Harry Potter are similar - how is witchcraft, something that is so strongly spoken against in the Bible - a good read, or movie? Why fill our minds with these things?

Any thoughts?

We're getting things moving!

Thank you all for your prayers -

Gabriel is finally getting things moving, gastrointestinally that is. If you have a terribly weak stomach and can't talk poop, this post is not for you.

Here's how it went:

We spent 4 days at home cleansing Gabriel's system - magnesium citrate is nasty stuff, but it works. We had liquid goo everywhere - I can't tell you how much Folex we used on the carpets! Since that time, almost 4 weeks ago, we have been priming him with Miralax once a day, and then we spend 1/2 hour on the toilet with a DVD after lunch and dinner. In almost 4 weeks, we've only had a handful of accidents in his pull-ups. Can't tell you how glad I am that because he is disabled, the state pays for his wipes - we went through 1 1/2 boxes of Costco wipes in this time frame!

Thank you again for your prayers for our miracle - for a child whom they said would never sit up, walk or talk, he sure is amazing! I guess, in a sense, they were right. He stands up, runs and screams!!! Blessings to you all in this holiday season!

Newsflash! Micah publicly professes his faith in Christ!

It's true! My sweet, wonderful, God-fearing Micah was baptized this week. After a 4 week intensive study on what baptism means and what God has called us to, Micah chose to be baptized! Our senior pastor, Randy Remington, was the "official", but because Thom is a licensed pastor, he got the honor of baptizing his son. What a joy and privilege to honor his commitment to Christ. I'm so proud of him! Pastor reminded Micah during this event that Grammy, who went to be with the Lord a year ago, had prayed for this day and would be so proud of him. Talk about making a Mom cry!

Gabriel - one more time!

Gabriel passed his MRI with flying colors - when they gave him the nitrous he was giggling like a school girl! Next step - gastroenterology. Personally, I think that's a pretty big word for a poop specialist. Hopefully they'll be able to help figure out the problem and get it solved so that we are all a little more able to handle what's going on. Gabriel has been a real trooper, and God is so amazing and we are so thankful that this little boy is even alive, let alone thriving. Thank you all for your prayers!

Micah - the next Ichiro?

Micah played baseball for the first time this year. He was a member of the Reedville Bulldogs, and their team was named Midget International League Champs! Way to go, Bulldogs!

Micah's crowning glory - Coach Joe doesn't go to church, but his wife and son do. Micah got hit by a ball or two, and was a little hesitant to hit, so Coach made him a deal. Hit a home run, I'll go to church one Sunday. The deal kept getting bigger...hit a single, I'll go to church one Sunday, until finally - hit a single, make it to base and I'll go to church for a month! In the championship tournament Micah hit...not only a single, but a TRIPLE! Coach's wife and son were so thrilled, as was Micah. He began crying (after he made it home), that Grammy would be so proud that Coach was coming to church, because that's all she would ever want - for Coach to get saved! Do I have a sports missionary on my hands?

Update on Gabriel

For those of you who have been so diligent to pray for our boy, here's an update. We're working to regulate his little body, and a part of that is regular dosing of laxatives, and the next step is going to be making sure there isn't an underlying cause. His pediatrician wants to look into spina bifida occulta / tethered cord. If this is the case, a minor surgery (as minor as a neurological surgery can be) will be performed, and prayerfully this will fix his issues. We so appreciate your prayers and love as we do our best to keep our angel healthy.

I Want to be a Fighter-Fighter!

Isaiah, at the ripe old age of 4, has decided that he wants to be a Fighter-Fighter. Not a fire-fighter, mind you, but a Fighter-Fighter. He spent a good hour and a half with our friend Brian, who is an amazing public servant and firefighter with City of Hillsboro. They explored every square inch of the fire engine - not a truck, we were told, but an engine. He also had the opportunity to try on the turnout - it weighed more than he does! What a great experience - thanks Brian!