Perseverance

As I read an article from Parents Magazine, I was encouraged to see that even the world views perseverance as an important trait!

And a growing body of research suggests that perseverance, the ability to stick with tough tasks, may even trump innate ability in predicting how successful kids will be in life.  In a series of landmark studies involving elite performers across diverse fields such as music, sports, and medicine, K. Anders Ericsson, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Florida State University, in Tallahassee, found that individual achievement was more closely linked to drive, discipline, and dedication than to talent.*

So many of us wait for the "talents" to do the hard thing, when even the world tells us that "talent" is not the main key to success and fulfillment.  Jesus shared a story about "talents" that even shows that it is not the size of the talent that matters, it is the dedication to the talent. (Matthew 25:14-30)  And, Paul shares in Romans 5 that dedication or endurance brings about character that pleases God.
I am very stirred by the lack of perseverance in my own life as well as in the lives of those of around me.  What would we see accomplished?  What visions would come to life?  What great victories both spiritual and physical would we experience?  If only, we would persevere.
It is my desire to not give up, but to persevere, endure, have longsuffering to see the harvest that God has purposed in my life and in the lives of others!

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.**

*"Raise a Kid Who Won't Give Up," Parents Magazine, April 2012, page 97
**Galatians 6:9, ESV

Posted via email from Kristy's Thoughts

Life is a Roller Coaster

Today I went to Six Flags with my children. My little lady had looked at all the rides on Google Earth and had big plans for riding roller coasters. I thought it was best to start her out on a small "kiddie" coaster, and she got off the ride crying. She had expected to love it, but she was scared and emotional.

We had several conversations throughout the day, and I encouraged her that roller coasters were fun. I told her that for me I found it was best to embrace the fun of the ride and not focus on the fears.

I was able to ride a roller coaster myself later in the day, and as I went up, down, and around, I giggled with glee. The drops and twists brought joy and no fear.

As I sit here pondering my day, I have a sense that Life is a roller coaster. It has ups, downs, twists, and turns. But, wouldn't it be so much more fun if I didn't embrace fear, but embraced the joy of the ride? Perhaps this is what is meant when Paul says "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Phil. 4:4) or when James says "Count it all joy" (James 1:2).

God really does control the ride, and we are securely strapped in through His Word. What do we have to fear?

Posted via email from Kristy's Thoughts

True Love = Obedience

I wanted to write a post about God's great love, but I was amazed at what I saw as I opened the Bible to the book of John and read Jesus' words:

"If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15)

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me." (John 14:21)

"Jesus replied,'If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching..." (John 14:23)

"If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love." (John 15:10)

"You are my friends if you do what I command." (John 15:14)

"This is my command: Love each other." (John 15:17)

So, do you see the pattern? Loving comes through obedience. It is a realization that His commands lead us to relationship with Him---a love relationship.

Could it be that Obedience is the action of Love?

Posted via email from Kristy's Thoughts

Nesting, Part 1.5

Had to share these before/after photos of our car seats:

BEFORE

AFTER

Posted via email from Our Twins Story

Nesting, Part 1

Most pregnant women feel the need to make their "nest" ready for the baby (or in this case, babies) to come.  We knew we had to get things in order.  It was actually a hard time for us financially, and it seemed that my motherly senses were heightened to look for what was absolutely needed.  I began subscribing to all the baby sites and joining every multiples group on those sites.  I read all the reviews on any products I thought were necessary for especially the first 3 months.

The first thing to get attention was car seats and mobility.  We wouldn't even be able to get home without this resolved!  I decided to go with basic Graco infant bucket seats that could be popped in and out of our minivan. (Wow, was I glad we had made the minivan purchase!)  From having two older children, I knew how I had enjoyed being able to bring a sleeping baby into the house with minimal disruption.  I have to say that we are still using those car seats today, and yes, we will be shopping for more permanent ones soon.

My favorite find though was a stroller frame that the infant seats could be snapped onto!  The Baby Trend Double Snap N Go is a new mom of twins' best friend!  You already have double the stuff when you get out, but this compact stroller frame made me feel like there was a little less clutter.  I could also get in and out of the mall or the doctor's office quickly and efficiently.  This stroller gets my Twin DOUBLE Thumbs Up!  I was blessed to see someone with it during a doctor's visit, and I found it at a local consignment sale for a third of the price. But, this stroller is not expensive and worth its cost.  (You do need to read the instructions for making the adjustments to the stroller for your specific brand car seat.)

Comment with any questions if you are now completing this part of your nest.  I did have some other strollers given to me by friends that were too bulky, and the only other double stroller I have kept is a jogging stroller (that does not usually travel with me).

Posted via email from Our Twins Story