A Parable I am Loving Right Now....

If you read my post on Halloween (scroll down and read), you know that I'm thinking of ways for our little Friesen Family of 4 to be Lights for Christ in a year from now (next Halloween). I haven't yet come up with creative ideas, but in the meantime, I want to share something.

About 1 1/2 weeks ago, the kiddos & I were in our church's library.  We came across a children's book called "The Pumpkin Patch Parable" by Liz Curtis Higgs.  We ended up checking it out, and it turns out that it's now one of my favorite books!  In fact, after we turn it back in, I will be purchasing my own copy.  Then, I will store it way up high, completely away from Kate's little hands, to avoid having it damaged -- Ha! (Don't worry -- I will most certainly let Kate see it & read it -- completely SUPERVISED)!

**Note: The author, Ms. Higgs, quotes scripture in this book from the "International Children's Bible".  For the purpose of this post, I will quote scripture from the NIV, 1984 edition!

It starts out with a note to parents stating that this book is supposed to be an alternative to scary Halloween messages.  Yes!

And, for a quick synopsis.  Go & buy the actual book for the real thing.  I promise it'll be better than my synopsis!

First, the farmer plants the pumpkin seeds.  "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God".  Luke 8:11

Next, the farmer patiently waits on the pumpkins to grow.  "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance".  2 Peter 3:9

The pumpkins grow, and they are all different.  But, they are all pumpkins.  "Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?"  Isaiah 66:2a

The pumpkins are now ready for harvesting.  Which one would he choose first?  "Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest?'  I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields!  They are ripe for harvest".  John 4:35

Then, the farmer washes away all of the dirt AND cleans out all of the slime and gunk inside of the pumpkin.  The messy part goes into the compost pile, never to be seen again.  Then, the pumpkin got a new face!

"And now what are you waiting for?  Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name".  Acts 22:16

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me".  Psalm 51:10

"For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart".  Hebrews 4:12

"I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve".  Jeremiah 17:10

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."  Psalm 103:12

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit".  2 Corinthians 3:18

"The eye is the lamp of the body.  If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light".  Matthew 6:22

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful".  Proverbs 15:13a

The pumpkin then glowed once the farmer put a candle in it.  As the night grew darker, the pumpkin glowed even more!! 

"For God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ".  2 Corinthians 4:6

AND, a new favorite verse of mine (from the message given in our church yesterday)...

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven".  Matthew 5:16

Seriously -- go and pick up this book!  I PROMISE it will not let you down.  The kids & I have read it multiple times.  I have explained the connection to Luke.  Though he does not yet *completely* understand it (6 years old -- in kindergarten), my prayer as a Mama is that one day, he (and Kate as well) understand just what Christ did for them and how Christ can and will make them new!!!!

Halloween....

I, by no means, feel as if I have to defend our "stance," for lack of a better term, on Halloween.  But, I will anyways -- just in case some are wondering OR are curious!

We do let our children dress up and get candy because, quite frankly, it's fun!

BUT, we basically, in the past, have only let them Trick-or-Treat on our little street (which amounts to 5-6 neighbor's who hand out candy; we live on a very lovely and quiet cul-de-sac).  This year, however, as you saw in my last post, we did also go to Trunk or Treat at our church.

We have most definitely minimalized Halloween as compared to most of the rest of the USA!  They simply don't *need* all of the candy, and personally, I'd rather our kids look forward to, recognize, and understand holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  We'll save the big festivities for those.

Over the last several years, my parents have switched, each year, back and forth between our little Friesen Family of 4 and my brother's and his wife's family. In my humble opinion, it's worked out well!

This year was our year -- which was awesome because Marc was busy at church with Judgement House (hopefully -- I'll get around to posting on that important topic).

So, last night, the kids were all costumed up again, and we went up our street.  The only thing that happened was a COLD front seriously had moved in, and it was rather chilly -- especially compared to the evening before when we attended Trunk or Treat.

The really good thing was that Luke decided to actually wear his construction hat -- so as to actually complete a costume.  And, Kate actually remained in a good mood in her "Strawberry Shortcake" dress throughout the evening!

Waiting on Papa & Grandma to arrive....

It tuned out that one of our next door neighbors was going to be gone for the evening.  But, she fixed up little goody bags for Luke & Kate & delivered them early.  Our other next door neighbors (who go to the same church as we do) were participating, with Marc, in Judgement House.  So, we couldn't go there either.  A third neighbor was out of town.  A 4th neighbor leaves their porch light off -- which I assume means they don't hand out candy.  So, we were left visiting a whopping 3 neighbors -- which I'm not complaining.  Though we enjoy all of our neighbors, visiting 3 homes equaled plenty of candy for Luke & Kate!

Kate was not shy about walking up to our neighbors' door (and she also proved she was not shy about walking in their homes either; I only wished I would've taken pics of those incidents).  And, if you can't tell, Kate's favorite blanket ("Nigh Nigh") went with us for the evening.  Admittedly, this Mama thought it was cute!

Our neighbor across the street suggested she take a pic of all of us -- of which I'm grateful for the suggestion!

AND finally, I'm thankful that we do live on a non-busy street because Kate took over the street.  It took quite a bit to get her to move to the side of the street.

After the short trick-or-treating, the 5 of us went out for pizza.  Then, my parents stayed with the kids so I could walk through Judgement House at church!  Kate took advantage of having grandparents stay with her and was able to get rocked a long time by Grandma and stay up way past her bedtime -- Ha!

NOW, today, I read something on Christian artist Natalie Grant's Facebook page that really has me thinking about next year.  I'm glad Halloween, 2015, is 364 days away so Marc & I can think & talk!

Ms. Grant talked about using Halloween as an opportunity to be a Light to others on such a dark holiday (as in letting Christ's light shine through).  It's an opportunity to be around other kids and let other children up to your home.  I love it!!!!  But, it will take thought because we get so few trick-or-treaters on our little street...like I said, 364 days of thinking!

"You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven".  Matthew 5:16

Trunk or Treat....

I know I posted this pic on yesterday's post, but I'll do it again.  This non-creative, non-sewing Mama found a cute "Strawberry Shortcake" costume.  She really liked holding onto it in the store AND at home -- inside one of my reusable shopping bags.  Who knows why???? Remember -- she's 2 years old.  When I wanted to take this picture, she intentionally hid her face from me!

I wasn't sure if Kate would wear the dress or not.  I assumed we *might* have tears.  Amazingly, we did not!  We went to a "Trunk or Treat" at church tonight.

Kate did cling to her daddy at first.  But, once she figured out how to get candy, well, let's just say extra close supervision was required.

Luke dressed up as a construction worker.  He's never been great with Halloween.  In fact, I just told Marc this evening that this may be the last year I spend time on a costume for him. 

He's been wanting to wear his REAL construction hat since April....then, when I wanted a pic, Luke refused to put it on for me.  (As a side note -- I do think Luke looks rather handsome in his manly construction worker shirt AND in his glasses)!

3 Years Ago Yesterday....

I have so many more *serious* posts in my mind.  But, I always seem to find excuses to not write.  Does anybody read them?  Do I make sense? Am I speaking Truth?  I'm tired.  Is this a repeat of what I already posted on Facebook?  Blah, Blah, Blah...So, I guess I will write tonight instead of making excuses.  And, whoever reads, reads.  Period.

And, as a forewarning -- my topic tonight involves both Kate & one of my grandmothers.  I have very few pics of my grandmother.  SO, I will be intermittently posting random (and recent) pics of Kate!

3 years ago last night (10/28/2011), I figured out I was pregnant with Kate.  When I saw the "positive" sign on the pregnancy test, honestly, I didn't jump for joy.  Instead, I laughed -- in a fairly hysterical), manner.  

(This pic is from the other day when Kate became either stubborn and/or camera shy.  In her bag is her Halloween costume.  She is going to be "Strawberry Shortcake".  Who knows if she'll wear the costume without tears???  I'm guessing there will be some serious tears).

At the time, Marc was not home.  He was serving at our church's production of Judgement House that evening.  When he got home, I asked him if he wanted to hear something funny.  When he said, "Sure," I told him I was pregnant.  Let's just say that Marc's response of excitement was more appropriate than my laughter.

Why was I laughing?  Well, we'd been wanting a 2nd child for quite awhile, and it simply wasn't happening as planned. I honestly had grown very content with having only one child.  Looking back, I think God wanted me to learn to be content in that situation before creating Kate!

So, I ultimately laughed because God's plans clearly superseded mine -- which is a very good thing!

(This next pic is of Luke and Kate during our 2nd visit to the pumpkin patch of the season)!

The surprise pregnancy with Kate goes right along with her personality -- always surprising us -- whether it be with behavior, emotion, or actions.

One reason I think the timing of the pregnancy with Kate is significant is because the day after that positive pregnancy test, we went to the funeral for the last of my grandparents' passing.  I was 35 years old at the time, and I distinctly remember feeling grateful I lived to 35 with at least one grandparent still living.  At the same time, since then, I have had no grandparents alive.  Marc's grandparents passed away years ago...so, it really was significant to have no more grandparents living.  So, I think it's a wee bit awesome that God added a family member just as another one passed away.

(Last week, Kate & I visited Luke's kindergarten classroom for their class fall party...of course, Kate had to have the snacks as well)!

At my grandmother's funeral, I did stand up & share.  I won't subject you all to the whole "speech," but I will give a brief snippet...

"My grandma & grandpa lived on a farm, and I truly have great memories from that farm.  Grandma talked about a lot of different things, but I don't ever remember her talking about anything church-related or spiritual".  (My grandparents left their church a long time ago -- never having returned)...I never knew quite what was in her heart.  In other words, I never knew (and still don't know for sure) where she is spending eternity.  Yes, I ultimately pray it's heaven so I will see her again.

(Prior to this week, we've had some WARM fall weather.  Kate spent some nice days in shorts and with her shoes OFF at our many park visits).

Now, my grandmother spent the last several years of her life in a retirement full-healthcare facility.  Dementia set in heavily at the end of her earthly life.  Honestly, I didn't visit her nearly as much as I should have (don't worry -- I'm not walking around with full guilt).  At her funeral, after I spoke, a woman whom I did not know stood up & talked.  I will forever be grateful she did.

The woman was a CNA at the retirement facility my grandma lived.  She talked about how she didn't know my grandma pre-dementia; only knew her AFTER dementia set in.

She went on to talk about how at the end of her life, she would often start singing.  Singing is something I had NEVER heard her do -- EVER!  So, as the woman was talking, I was most certainly intrigued.

(Speaking of Kate and her emotional tears -- on this day, Kate said she wanted her apron on.  Seriously, two seconds later, she wanted it off -- which is ANNOYING!  Marc & I are determined to teach our children to mean what they say.  So, appropriate for a 2 year-old, I made her keep her apron on for 1 minute.  I'm sure the minute felt like a lifetime to her, but hopefully, we're instilling at least something in her).

The woman at the funeral continued that the songs my grandma was singing at the end of her earthly life were songs like, "Jesus Loves Me," "Jesus Loves the Little Children," and other assorted children's Bible songs.  I was shocked and actually very pleased!!!!

"They" (as in the "experts") always talk about patients with dementia talking about things from their childhood. "They" also talk of dementia patients speaking of what's really in their hearts -- in other words, if their hearts are soft, sweet words come out.  If their hearts are hard, angry and mean words come out.

It was so sweet for me to hear about the sweet songs that came out of my grandmother's mouth at the end of her earthly life.  I do wonder now more about her heart.

I pray that I, as well as my husband and kids, plant God's Word in our hearts.  And, if someday, we have dementia (I hope not), sweet, God-affirming words come out of our mouths.

My favorite verse for this post is... 

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you".  Psalm 119:11

(I'll end on a non-crying picture of Kate because she truly isn't crying all of the time.  I took this pic several weeks ago at dusk at a corn maze.  It's my new favorite pic of Kate.  She really is a delight to have in our family, and I'm so thankful, despite the laughter, the the positive pregnancy test 3 years ago yesterday)!

Pumpkin Patch...

And, once again, I haven't blogged in a bit over a month.

I need to finish posting pics from the state fair, but honestly, I feel like posting from the pumpkin patch. So, I will do that instead -- Ha!

I *know* there are many awesome, fun pumpkin patches around.  Our little Friesen Family of 4 really likes an equally awesome, yet smaller, pumpkin patch fairly close to home -- Papa's Pumpkin Patch!

There is no admission charge!  You pay for a few of the fun activities as well as the pumpkins -- which are all very reasonably priced!  Nope -- it's not as big, but goodness -- it's fun!

Last Saturday, Marc had to work.  I asked my mom if she'd like to go, and she was able (she's a busy woman).  So, my mom, the kiddos, and I went, and we had a nice morning.  It helped that God provided us fabulous weather for the visit!

First -- the slide...multiple times!  Kate went down once by herself.  Her little body got all turned around -- which resulted in a lot of crying.  So, I took her down with me -- multiple times -- a much better experience for a little 2 year-old!  I'm *fairly* certain that my mom took a pic or two of Kate & me, but I keep forgetting to ask her to send them to me.  So, here's one of Luke.

Then, we headed to the pit of corn.  Both kids had a blast, and I was VERY impressed that neither child freaked out over sinking into corn.  (We won't publicize just how much corn I later found in Kate's diaper)!  Luke asked me to take pics of him in the air.  I actually was able to get some great action shots.

Next -- the playground and tires to climb on...

After the playground, we went out to the pumpkin patch.  I actually didn't take any pics in the patch.  Between looking for that "perfect pumpkin" and carrying Kate (after she fell several times), I simply wasn't able to take any.

BUT, besides the "bigger" pumpkins we picked out, the kiddos picked out a couple of little pumpkins.  I simply liked what I got when I asked them to pose!

A couple days later, Luke & I carved one of our bigger pumpkins.  As I stated on Facebook, having a 6 year-old is awesome!  When this Mama is one who is not super creative nor very good with carving pumpkins, a 6 year-old still thinks his Mama's awesome at it and really enjoys the experience & memory!

State Fair, Part One...

Our little Friesen Family of 4 really enjoys the Kansas State Fair!  We do our best to go each year.  Marc & I both grew up going to the fair as kids!

Not quite 2 weeks ago, we made our annual pilgrimage to the fair.  My dad (aka Papa Andover) met us there.

The highlight of the day for me personally was to see Luke go WAY out of his comfort zone.  This might be, second only to starting kindergarten, one of the highlights of my year when it comes to Luke!

Before I post pics of this event -- I'll tell about how it happened. AND, know that in a future post, I'll post more pics from our fair visit....

Back to Luke -- my dad first asked if he wanted to try "it".  Luke, of course, said "No".  Marc then asked.  Luke said, "No".  I then walked away for not even 10 minutes to go & change Kate's diaper.  Kate & I went back to Marc, Luke, & my dad.  Sometime during that not quite 10 minutes of time, Luke agreed.  He was standing in line.  I immediately got into position to take pictures to capture this moment!

Here is "it"....

There weren't too many smiles!  When he was finished, he, at first, didn't imply he'd do it again.

But, after a few minutes, he announced he'd do it again next year!

So, hopefully in 2015... 

In the meantime, know this was BIG for our little Friesen Family of 4!!!!

More to come from the State Fair!!!!