What's in there?

Joel is shining his flashlight in Grammer's ear to see if the light will come out the other side. Too funny!

New word..!

Pathetical is the new cosmopolitan.

We are playing Apples to Apples and the word is cosmopolitan-- Johnny throws out tree house and says, "tree houses can be pathetical!"

Maybe you have to be here, but we thought it was pretty funny!

Operation New Years Eve

What a way to bring in a new year. Family and games and food equals good times!
Happy New Years!

Power Ranger, Wolverine and a Baseball player

Yes..! We really went to the store like this. I told them to get dressed and this is what they put on. At first I told them to go change and they had such good attitudes; they said yes ma'am and ran off to change. About a minute later they all three came walking back in my room. Johnny says, "Mom I'm not arguing, but why can't we wear our uniforms?" I thought about it for a second and decided I didn't really have a reason other than I wondered what people would think. Then I thought, who cares! So here they are (with the coolest mom ever!) having a blast!

And all the people in at the store got a kick out of them! Joel stole the show...he was flexing for everyone who told him how cute he was. You can imagine how long it took us to get out of the store. But what a way to meet people! Johnny even told a couple of ladies about Jesus and how Christmas wasn't about him and toys!

Merry Christmas from Power Ranger Justin, Wolverine Joel, and Pro Baseball player Johnny...

HELP!!

I have a couple of friends, Amber and Jennifer, that are raising money for a two week mission trip to Africa. Last night we went to Amber's house and made these things listed here to sale. We don't have a set price and are taking donations for them. You can contact me or either of the girls.
We have a few ideas as far as fund raisers, and would take any suggestions you might have, too! I was thinking it would be good to put together a short speech along with a video of where they are going and talk to other churches...maybe they could take up a love offering for them. If you think your church might let them do that, will you please call me! I know they would love to come tell their story!!

Our snowmen! Click on them to get a bigger picture!






These are tile squares! We can make one with your initial. Just let one of us know!

Merry Christmas!!

Play time

We absolutely love our goats! They are just like dogs in many ways.

I've never posted a video before....hope it works. This is Johnny playing with Scooter. The other goat usually gets in on the action, too, but she was eating and chasing after Lady (my little dachshund).

Oh Christmas Tree...

The boys have been begging since Thanksgiving day to put the tree up. We were busy or gone, and never got around to it. Saturday we stopped at Walmart to get gas and they have an area all decorate with trees, lights, rope lights that rope off the entire area (it's quite pretty actually), anyway Justin got really upset and said, "Ugh..! That's not fair, see, everyone else has their tree up!"

So, Sunday after church we decided to set it up while they were taking a nap. I wish I had a picture of their little faces as they walked in and saw that it was up.

This will have to to do! We are decorating today, and I have a couple of really excited little boys!

New additions to the Griffins!!

I'm excited to share with you- we have two new additions to the family. A buddy of Kyle's breeds goats, but these two were too small, so he gave them to us! Neither one had a mother (one died and the other mama goat wouldn't take her baby), therefore they didn't get the mothers milk. Which I guess, stunts their growth.

So this is about it; they eat a lot! The boys enjoy chasing them all around the yard. I have to watch them like a hawk, or they will eat my plants, trees, whatever they can get their mouths on. Johnny's excited to be a goat farmer...I know it's only been two days, but hey, how else will we know if we don't give it a shot, right?!?


This morning on Kyle's way to work he comes walking back in [rather fast] and says, "Johnny, Did you know that goats can talk?" Johnny looking puzzled says, "No!" Kyle goes on to explain, "Yeah, I just told the goats Bye...and do you know what they said," still puzzled with big eyes Johnny asks, "No, what?" "They told me Baaaaay!" Johnny and I started laughing so hard! Maybe you had to be there, but we thought it was hilarious!

I'm sure there will be more goat tales to tell. Until then, good night- or is it good morning?!? Yikes!! I'm going to bed...

Thank you to the Woods family! We love our new pets!!

Little taste of Christmas

Debbie's cousin, Julie, got the boys these suckers this past weekend. They've been waiting patiently for a day to rip them open ever since. After opening them they were so excited and tasting each others. I tell them all the time to share, how could I tell them, "Ew, stop!" I asked how they liked them and Johnny says, "I like Joel's best." Joel says he loves his, too. And Justin told me his tastes like Christmas. I guess it reminded him of a candy cane.

I thought they would make a sticky mess, but they did not! They ate them so fast there was no time for a mess to be made. Now the sticks are their swords.

We've been studying memory verses out of this book: Sword Fighting by Karyn Henley. So I said, "Boys! Give me a verse that you've learned." Joel immediately shouts out, "God made the animals." of course that's the one he would tell me. They've been working on it all year in his PDO class. Justin chimed in with "I've hidden your words in my heart that I might not sin against you." Well, I put the actual verse, but he said it almost verbatim. I didn't know he knew the whole verse...go Justin!

Last but not least Johnny says, "I can tell you one, but I really want to hear that one Bro. Ronald told me about salvation. I love their hungry and eager little hearts! So, here it is:

"If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

How much is too much?

I think by piling toys on top of toys we aren't doing our children a service. Yes it's fun to give them things and watch their faces light up. But what are we teaching them? To love worldly possessions..? a few toys just isn't enough..? They can appreciate them to the moon and back, and I hope they do!, but I want to teach them something more. Everything we do or teach them should have an eternal purpose.

We live in a me, me, me world; it's not normal to give sacrificially. We think we can't give this or that or money or our time ('that's my family time'). I think family time is an important part of life! But more importantly is giving to God.

I want to teach my children to have compassion for those less fortunate than we are, the way Jesus did. God wants us to sacrifice and give sacrificially. Whether that's giving money (that's not ours anyway), to give toys away (that God provided us the money for, so they're not really ours), or maybe it's just giving Him our time; feeding the homeless, visiting people at the nursing home, taking someone a meal....whatever it may be. God will put people in our lives to give to- if we are willing.

I'm not saying you have to give everything you own, or give your grocery money. I don't think God means for you to do without food, but maybe that last pizza we bought- we shouldn't have. Maybe that money, God wanted us to put in the plate for missions, or maybe there is someone you should have given it to. And I'm not saying He wants you to give every extra penny you have either. I'm just trying to be in tune with what God wants me to give. There was a lady in front of me at Walmart yesterday checking out, when it came time to pay she was frantic looking in her purse for her wallet and couldn't find it. I asked her if I could pay for it; I could tell she didn't like the idea and was embarrassed, but a little relieved, I think. As I started for my purse, she found her check book. Even though I didn't pay for her stuff, and even though it was only $11- I think God was using that as a teachable moment for me; To see if I would be obedient. Just the same way we do to teach our children.

I've said this in my last several blogs, and it's becoming my favorite quote:
Jesus' character set the standard!
We have to be intentional- it's hard to live according to God's word; we have to make a plan to make his goals our goals!

I'll leave you with this- in Hebrews 12:11 God's promise says, "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields a peaceful fruit of righteousness."

Jesus' character set the standard

I've been studying Luke 9:57-62 for some time now. Pondering it, really. I wrote this to a cousin today, and wanted to share my thought and what I finally came to realize today with you guys, too.

To me this passage is talking about being a disciple- a good follower of Jesus. He came to earth and set the standard for us. We are to love people (no matter their sin) as he loved them. Jesus didn't condemn anyone; he certainly 'did not come to destroy lives, but to save them.' vs:56

People (me included) forget our roll as a disciple. Jesus only held those accountable that followed him- like His disciples. To everyone else, He taught them about the good news. I forget that not everyone is where I am, and sometimes I need to use things as teachable moments. I'm not supposed to hold someone accountable if they're not a believer already. I mean, why wouldn't they think I'm condemning them? Even if I have the best intentions, if I'm not teaching them, then more than likely I'm turning them off. And God will hold me accountable for that.

Verses 59-61 talks about these men, who want to follow Jesus. And Jesus said then, "Follow me." Then, they wanted to go do what they wanted, or things they thought they needed to do first. That's exactly what we do to Him everyday. We put God in this little box and pick and choose what we want to do. Not allowing and trusting Him wholeheartedly. I know I'm guilty of this.

Then Jesus came back in vs 62 and said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Which to me says, "Stop putting me in this box and live for me. Don't just say you want to."

It never occurred to me until this moment, not quite like this, that I have always had God in a box. What if I let Him out, to really follow Him without turning back? What would my life look like then? I want to give God my whole heart life service, not just lip service!

It's amazing to me, that I'm still amazed by God's wonderful power and how he works. Both bible studies I'm in, Sunday School, the pastors sermons- even though none of them have talked about Luke 9:57-62 everything they've taught me keeps bringing me back here. I wish I could tell you exactly how the puzzle came together for this blog post, but I'm not even quite sure of it myself. It's been over the course of [probably] two or three months, but today it finally came together for me.

God is alive and well!! And I hope to feed your soul. Well, not me really, I'm just the messenger!

Just a warning: We are going camping tomorrow and your email boxes will probably be bombarded with pictures of my sweeties.... Have a great weekend! I know we will!!

Turn passion into life service!

I think God gives us desires and it's up to us to seek if it's from Him, or if it's ourselves wanting it to be more. I have several things on my heart and not sure what that next step is, or if it's the right time. So, I've been praying about them- some for a year, others for months, and a few for weeks.

One example [of many] is a calling to elderly people. I have a heart for the elderly, and never knew what to do with it. I have been praying for months for God to help me realize what I'm supposed to do, that he would open doors, and that I would be obedient (or feel convicted until I did it). I started going with the Senior Adult Choir to sing at the nursing homes...double (triple really) whammy, right? Wrong! I love to sing (passion/gift from God), Senior Adults (passion from God), plus it's going to nursing homes (passion from God). So why do I feel he's calling me to do more?? OK God, what am I supposed to do here? You said to help with the elderly, so why am I still feeling I'm not fulfilling Your desire here?

I'm doing a Beth Moore bible study and one thing she wrote and has really stuck with me this past week was, "Free Christ to be your custom builder. Let Him tell you how He wants your house to look instead of the other way around," this next part really imprinted on my heart, "He alone has the blueprint." God spoke to my heart and told me He wants life service, not lip service. If I'm going to reach out and win souls for His Kingdom, first I have to get my heart right. It's right then that it became so clear. I need to do more for elderly people. Singing to them is great, and I will continue to because it gives ME joy. I've been feeling like I should volunteer at the nursing home for a few weeks now, but I kept saying to myself, "No, I don't have time. I have boys to raise, a house to clean, laundry to be washed and put away, it will cut into my bible study time, and so on...." Sunday during Sunday School there is a nurses aid that asked for prayers because they are short handed at the nursing homes...right here in Grand Saline. It hit me again that I needed to volunteer. And immediately I asked this woman what I would need to do to volunteer. After talking to her, though, here come all of my thoughts of why I can't do it.

Then finally! (I'm sure God is saying) last night I surrendered to the Lord, I'm going to do it- to bring joy to HIM! If that's what He is calling me to do, then he already has the details worked out for me, so I need to stop and look at the big picture. My house will still get cleaned and laundry done, and on Tuesday and Thursday's I don't have any kids. Well, duh! I guess now all I need to do is drive myself up there and talk to them....

I've been trying to teach the boys that it (life) isn't all about them. When all the time, God has probably been looking down on me, thinking "you can't teach them until you get it yourself.." We are here to glorify God and to serve one another; Jesus' character is the standard!..not culture. Maybe this will give me creative ideas to share and teach the boys...

Another thing is to teach a Dave Ramsey FPU class at church. I looked online, signed up for an information packet (which I just got a few minutes ago in the mail), and a few days ago I got a call from a 'Church Advisor' man who works with Dave himself. I thought that was neat, anyhow, I will be in prayer about this as well. Don't know how it's going to pan out, but I'll let you know how it goes!

Birthday boy

I wanted to do this on the computer with all the pictures I got of this cutie while on vacation, but it's not working. For some reason the power keeps cutting off...anyhow, I just took this one and I'm blogging from my phone.

Our sweet little Justin is FIVE years old today! He is such a joy and adds so much to our family. He has the sweetest soul of any five year old I know. Justin's little personality shines through; he marches to the beat of his own drum, and is quite a character. He keeps us laughing!!

So thankful God chose us to raise this little critter. He is a blessing to our Griffin clan!!

Growing Griffin Boys...

It was sad the day we no longer needed diapers. As much as I couldn't wait to have everyone potty trained; I was ready to save all that money....where is it??

It's sad again today. I packed up all the sippy cups. I no longer have toddlers. They're all big boys, growing way too fast!

Any idea on how to make them stop??? Before they're teenagers, anyway! Ha ha.

A desperate heart

I forgot my sunglasses at a friends house today and the sun was burning my eyes. Maybe I'm just weird, but I can't hardly see without them. When I forget them at home, I turn around (if close enough) and go get them. Sitting in line, waiting on Johnny and pondering over the words of God I had just read, it came to me that my bible is like my sunglasses! I need my bible more than I need my sunglasses, but I don't turn around if I've forgotten my bible on Sunday morning. Hmmm....

Sunglasses protect my eyes form the sun like my bible protects me from sin. When I have my sunglasses on I don't worry about walking around outside because I know my eyes are protected. My bible does kinda' the same thing- I can go in to the world and He protects my heart and mind!

This may be a poor attempt to explain my thoughts on the similarities between God's word and sunglasses....nonetheless, I'm trying to be obedient in all areas of my life. What does this blog have to do with obedience....? I often feel I'm supposed to blog about something, and I don't- in fear of sounding silly. I almost shared this thought with this friend of mine, in hopes that she could blog about it. She is a better writer than I and a lot more articulate. I was immediately convicted that I was to write this....not her. So, if God puts it on my heart and I'm not obedient in sharing it....lets just say I don't want to miss out on the blessings God has for me by deliberate disobedience.

I don't ever want to be that person sitting in church unmoved and unmotivated ever again! I'm done with complacency! We have an extraordinary God who will do big things with us and for us if we ask and obey Him. Kyle and I have witnessed big things he's done for us in our lives here recently! I have a couple of testimonies I could share, but I don't feel led to just yet. I'm praying about it, so we'll see what happens.

I pray that each of my readers will have a burning desire for the Son in their heart! That we can't sleep at night until we have settled our sins with our Father. I want for all of us to have a more intimate relationship with our Creator!! I don't know all who read my blog, but know that I am praying for you this week. You can shoot me an email if there is something specific you need me to pray for. I know several of you who do read, and I'll be praying for you individually!

If you're a reader and don't believe- I ask you this, do you have a desperate heart? A burning desire to know more? Do you wonder why Murphy keeps knocking at your door?..."It's always something," you ask? And- what if you are a christian and you answered yes to these? Have you sold out to Jesus? I'm here ready to pray for you or with you. Email or call....

I surrender it all.

September 8, 2001

Nine years ago today we stood before God, family, and friends and promised each other forever!

I had no idea what I was getting myself in to....who knew life could be this good?!? Up until this point my joy came from playing sports, watching sports, and playing with every one's kids. Oh- and there was my little man Joseph.. can't forget that boy!

Anyhow- so I meet the love of my life, got married, and off to Disney World we go!!! It's been uphill from there! After 9 years and he still steals my heart! They just don't come any better than Kyle!

If you're wondering why Kyle's grandparents are on this post, well, after 9-11 and bomb threats at the air port we were to fly out of, I was needless to say, scared to fly home. Mama Jean teased Kyle- saying she was going to come on our honeymoon....well, she made it! ;) And boy, do we have some awesome memories because of it. I'm sorry that it had to be because of such a horrible event, though.

Thank you, my sweet and handsome husband, for being the perfect husband [almost] everyday of our life together! I can't wait to (in the words of our boys) grow squishy with you. Thank you for loving me and providing a safe and happy home for us! I'm glad God made you mine forever! I love you.

....you sure are lucky to have me!

What's an apologist??

a·pol·o·gist 
 [uh-pol-uh-jist]

-noun

1. a person who makes a defense in speech or writing of a belief, idea, etc.

Every Christian is an apologist. Am I ready to share Gods word with others;  Strangers, family, people I know?...hmmmm.  

Reading through my study guide for Sunday school and it really convicted my heart! I always pray to and think about God throughout my day. I read my book for my bible study (on being a better mom), I read my Sunday school book- which teaches something different each week. But, after reading this weeks lesson it has taught me that I'm not as prepared as I thought I was. I'm not good at striking up conversation with strangers, much less talk to them about god. What really spoke to me in this study guide- it says, "The bible is full of examples that show us how to speak to people in ways they can understand (see John 4:1-26 and Acts17:22-34). Whether we are standing in a checkout line at grocery store or jogging through the neighborhood, God provides us with everything we need to move our conversations with others in a spiritual direction."  

I'm not prepared to share Christ with others, so of course I'm not going to feel comfortable striking up conversation. I've always had the idea, "Well, that's not a gift God gave me, so I'll leave it to those he did gift it to." Boy have I been wrong!  It is up to me!! We are put on this earth to worship our Creator and bring more souls to Him. I thought I've been doing my job in just teaching and leading my boys to Christ, until being convicted tonight. So much, that it's all I could think about and can't sleep. Hence-this blog- while in my bed on my iPad where it's hard to type. But I didn't want to waist another second by walking to the computer room; I needed to pour my heart out.....  

If I'm well-equipped I can be effective. I've always envied people who are 'people persons' and aren't afraid to talk to anyone. I now have a reason to be this person.  

 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

 

I will be praying before I leave to go anywhere about the people He puts in my path to share Him with. I can't worry about what others will think. I am a bible thumper, after all! Christianity goes against our culture and I'm sure to be mocked; by strangers and by those I know.  But, thanks to Jesus I'll never know persecution! No! Now, He had it bad. Watched "Passion of The Christ" lately?!? I did with my Uncle Vernon....what a good reminder.   

Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14

I want this for everyone! How many souls can we win for Christ???  

I'll leave you with this!....

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:17

 

God's perfect design!!

Waiting on daddy to get home so we can eat dinner, we decided we were hungry and couldn't wait; we BBQ some smoked sausage. Uncle Vernon told the boys it was made of pig...and then began the questions! What are hamburgers made of? What's a hotdog made of? What about bread and coke and butter? Then, Uncle Vernon asked them if they knew what milk is made of. Justin really quickly said, "MOMMY'S!"
I take comfort in knowing I'm in my Creators hands! Only He would know how to design us perfectly...to carry a baby, birth it, and feed it for the months to follow. It's one of His many perfect designs that blow me away to think about!

And dad- I didn't do the sausage justice. It was good, but not near as good as yours.

Bed time stories

We were reading a story just before bed, when Papa Rick came over
(probably to play tickle shark- the boys favorite game!). But Papa
told Johnny he came to listen to him read! These guys are just too
cute, and Papa had to take pictures.
This one, I thought to be too cute, Joel was trying to get my
attention; He kept putting his nose on my check until I would look at
him, then giggle. Such an adoring big brother smile on Johnny's face,
don't you think?!? And Justin......well, he's being Justin! ;)

Good night all......
>

New word

Joel told me he was thirsty and wanted some tea. My boys have always been really good about drinking water, asking for it even. Well, since going on vacation we've gotten spoiled on tea and cokes. Anyhow- I walked to the kitchen with Joel in tow and got him a glass of water. He pulled his eyes together looked at me and said, "I'm ugsgusted with you Mama, I WANTED tea!" In my sweet voice I told him I was sorry, but that's all he gets. Then, with his angelic voice he comes back with, "But I asked please! So, get me some tea, OK mama?" Well who can't give in to that?!? I obediently went and got him a glass of tea. I of course told him that was all of the tea he could have, though.
Joel has a new favorite word, ugsgusted. I finally told him is was DIsgusted...he argued for a second, but he now has a new favorite word; everything is now disgusting! And he's very pleased with himself that he found a new word and he says it correctly!

Have a happy Tuesday!!

Train ride

Taking a little break!

Rest time!

I knew it was just a matter of time. He's been a handful to say the least.

Aquaman

Now this was Justin's favorite so far!!...and he stayed on the bridge after to get hit by the wall of water again. We are drenched.

Mini Mine Train.

Justin looks like he's not having fun, but he had a blast.

Bugs bunny.

Still a "NO WAY" from Joel.

Scooby

Joel is sill scared.

Woohoo!

LaVibora with Joseph and Johnny! Fun ride!

Six Flags

"Momma, am I hot like a pistol?"

I don't know, what do you think??
We are definitely not in California anymore.

My thought for the day

I was reading this morning and came across this verse. It really touched me, and has been my train of though these past few days actually; coming across it was not an accident and I thought I would share it. 

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. 

Colossians 2:8

God has all the details for my life worked out for me. It's up to me to read my bible and pray to determine the path he has for me. The past couple of weeks- being on vacation- I haven't kept up on my reading like I should, and I can tell a difference in my attitude, my mothering, etc.... I'm so glad I came across this verse today!

Titus 2: 11-14

11

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

12

It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

13

while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, JesusChrist, 

14

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Headed to Six Flags! Picture to come....

Have a good day! 

Trisha 

Justin Robert

I love this silly boy! God designed him special. He has the softest heart of anyone I know. I pray I guide him down the right path; that it's His will, not mine.
What does God have in mind for this boy?!?

Vegas....still

There was this cool fish tank in the mall at Caesars Palace. It's about the only thing the boys enjoyed in Vegas.

Poor guys. I'm glad we were only here for two days. It was enough for me, too! Homeward bound in the morning!....with a few pit stops in between. Grand Canyon tomorrow. :)

Circus Circus

Vegas

We made it!

Where's Mario?

The boys are into Mario on the wii, so when we hit the sand desert I told them to find Mario.
It's 111 degrees and doesn't feel as hot as TX. Guess because it's dry- no humidity??

Fifth and final night

Time flies when you're having fun!.....Five nights come and go quick. We are tired, but had a blast.

Now on to Vegas!

Too cute for my own good

Me: Justin, what are you doing?
Justin: I'm making Mickey Mouse ears. See!

Day four

All three made it back awake. Kyle said, "Yay for messed up sleep patterns."
We came back to the camper for lunch and naps, so they got a good nap in. Joel slept almost three hours! Janine and I had to run to the store for a few groceries, and I was able to get a couple loads of laundry done!
Tomorrow is our last day at Disneyland and we head to Vegas Sunday! I probably won't update tomorrow....being our last day here and all. Going to take it all in and play with my boys!
Wish you grandparents could be here, too. These boys are having a blast!!!

Wow!!

.....is all I have to say about that.

His tongue is almost the color of his eyes.