Christianity

I was raised Catholic.

In 2008, I became Lutheran.

In 2011, I decided to become a better Christian.

David and I are trying to raise our family believing in the importance of God.

 You see, if you would've asked me my religious beliefs 10 years ago, I would say, "I really don't know what I believe."  Before David, I hadn't been to church on a regular basis since 2nd grade. 


However, my beliefs are stronger than ever.

Why?


The number one reason is my children.
They are so beautiful.
I am so blessed to have them in my life.
I know that there must be a higher power that made these beautiful boys.
My boys made me realize that there is a God.


 My number two reason will be saved for another day.  A day that I'll be able to accept ridicule.   

 Well, this year I decided to become more of a Christian woman. 
I want to read the Bible more.
I want to pray more.
I want to go to church and Bible study more.
So, I did, and I still do.
And my life has truly become better because of it.

 I don't ridicule (as much as I used to).  This has been one of the hardest things to change about myself.  I admit it, I am a gossiper.  I love gossip.  In highschool, I was the one who started the rumors.  No more.  I think before I talk.

 I am trying to love my neighbor.  I am trying very hard.  Anyone who knows me, knows my number one reason for wanting to move so bad is because of my neighbors.  I have had so much trouble with them and their dogs.  DOGS!  How can dogs cause so much turmoil?  For the past six months, dogs have been my number one stressor.  Crazy, huh?  Not money, not a new baby, not my job, but DOGS!  Well, at church a few months ago, I decided to change.  When the neighbor's dogs get into my yard because they're hungry and attack my dog and break my pots and air conditioner (pictures inserted) and crap all over my yard and growl at my three year old, I'm NOT going to call Animal Control.  I'm NOT going to kick the dogs out of my yard and let them roam the neighborhood.  I'm NOT going to throw a fit because my neighbor put up an electric fence on our fence that we share and I have a three year old who likes to play in the backyard but can't because I'm worried he's going to touch the fence.  What am I going to do?  I'm going to feed the dogs.  I'm going to give the dogs shelter.  I'm going to stand outside with my son whenever he wants to play out there to make sure he doesn't touch the fence and the dogs don't attack him.  I'm going to be a good person.  And you know what happened a couple weeks ago?  My neighbor got rid of 11 out of 12 of his dogs.  That's right.  11 of my 12 stressors are gone.  Why?  Maybe coincidence, but I think it's because I decided to be a better Christian.  God answered my prayers.  Maybe if I keep it up, my one stressor will soon be gone.  What will I have to worry about next? 

David and I have made the decision to make church a bigger part of our lives.  We don't make it a chore.  It's a want and a need.  I now look forward to going to church every Sunday.  It's something we do together. 

We look at each other during Bible study whenever they talk about marriage and children.  It helps us connect.  It helps our marriage.  It helps us be better parents.

Our extended family shares the importance of church.  My mother-in-law helps take Diesel to Sunday school before church.

This allows for David and I to go to Bible study (with Sawyer tagging along).

For Valentine's Day, David and I bought each other a Bible. 

David's was $89, plus a $30 Bible carrier.

Mine was $25.  My Bible cover was $25.

But, that's ok.

I'm not going to ridicule.

The important thing is, we each have a Bible for Bible study.

I'll post my Bible cover as soon as I get it.

I found it online.

It's super cute.

It has stars (which, to me, represents my family).

And it's quilted (which reminds me of my Nana).

Not only do Mommy and Daddy have a Bible, but Diesel and Sawyer have one as well.

They have the same Bible.

By coincidence.

The one on the left is Diesel's.

His Godmother, Aunt Mimi, bought him it for his baptismal birthday.

The one on the right is Sawyer's.

His Godmother, Aunt Carrie, bought it for him for his baptism.

Daddy even takes the time to read the Bible to Diesel before he goes to bed.

 Diesel takes his to Sunday school every Sunday.
I bet Sawyer will be soon to follow.



 Every Sunday, after church, we always eat a big lunch together as a family.
It's a very special time.
The cousins get to play together.
The brothers and sisters get to talk.
And Papa and Grammie get to sit back and watch the family they created.
Hopefully this tradition will be passed down forever.