The weather has warmed up considerably, which is to say it isn't sub-freezing out there. That being said, you don't have to wear layers of clothing, or at least three layers. It's the sort of day you can go out and wear just two layers, and still feel comfortable. And just as important, the sun is shining bright, which makes for a nice visual on the day. Snow still dots the landscape here and there, which brings with us the promise of more snow, given the old adage about snow remaining on the ground for three days. Of course, we've been through those other "wive's tales" about snow before, and of course ultimately, no one has any idea for sure.
The ballet production practice was today, which went well for Madison, who is still doing her routine to "In Summer," from the movie "Frozen." We're ready for summer in a way, but it's still way too early for that sort of talk. February has a way of punishing all of us for having the nerve to think spring is going to be here soon.
Speaking of which, the fate of General Beau at the Yellow River Game Ranch is in question at the moment. He's the Southern counterpart to Phil in Punxsutawney, a groundhog that sees the upcoming weather forecast for the Southern states. The problem? The Yellow River Game Ranch has been shut down due to several violations. What happens to General Beau? What happened to his little stately mansion?
Some time ago we went there with Madison's cousins - this was before Madison was born. In fact, it was so long ago that her cousins were still toddlers. Nevertheless, we went with the idea of dressing them up as little groundhogs, posing for media personalities, and chanting "Go Beau!" You have to get up pretty early to get there by sunrise, of course. And we're talking down there in Gwinnett County, or wherever it is. And of course, it's winter. So it's not exactly a warm sort of event!
UPDATE: General Beau is now in a much nicer place in Jackson, Georgia, where he'll once again tell us the forecast. It sounds like a much better environment, and there might even be a little southern mansion built for him. It's a little too far off for us, I think. But it'll be nice for General Beau.
We got out for a bit, and did some grocery shopping for fruit and vegetables, and we enjoyed the good weather out there too. Madison was doing some art when she got home, something she does all the time. She's drawing the stick figures with the circles that sort of set up the frame work of how to draw a basic human shape with joints and whatnot. And then, she adds the important parts and details to create a new character. She draws princesses, superheroes, pirates, elves, and in today's case, she was trying to draw some Manga characters. She got this "how to draw Manga" book for Christmas, and was trying this out.
With the Winter Olympics coming soon, we chose to watch "Cool Runnings" tonight, part of a new trend of viewing as we get ready for the Winter Games. Part of this is "research," as we're doing a mini-series within KidPak Wednesday nights called "Winter Games." Some of us on staff are excited about the Olympics, and can't wait to get watching it. We'll be doing that on stage with KidPak, and watching from home as well. As for tonight's movie, the whole concept of "I must finish the race" is such a wonderful moment. Madison was laughing throughout the movie, particularly the failures and falls. But it was inspiring at the end with the simple message: Keep getting up, and finish the race.
As we leave, here's the latest devotional entry:
The ballet production practice was today, which went well for Madison, who is still doing her routine to "In Summer," from the movie "Frozen." We're ready for summer in a way, but it's still way too early for that sort of talk. February has a way of punishing all of us for having the nerve to think spring is going to be here soon.
Speaking of which, the fate of General Beau at the Yellow River Game Ranch is in question at the moment. He's the Southern counterpart to Phil in Punxsutawney, a groundhog that sees the upcoming weather forecast for the Southern states. The problem? The Yellow River Game Ranch has been shut down due to several violations. What happens to General Beau? What happened to his little stately mansion?
Some time ago we went there with Madison's cousins - this was before Madison was born. In fact, it was so long ago that her cousins were still toddlers. Nevertheless, we went with the idea of dressing them up as little groundhogs, posing for media personalities, and chanting "Go Beau!" You have to get up pretty early to get there by sunrise, of course. And we're talking down there in Gwinnett County, or wherever it is. And of course, it's winter. So it's not exactly a warm sort of event!
UPDATE: General Beau is now in a much nicer place in Jackson, Georgia, where he'll once again tell us the forecast. It sounds like a much better environment, and there might even be a little southern mansion built for him. It's a little too far off for us, I think. But it'll be nice for General Beau.
We got out for a bit, and did some grocery shopping for fruit and vegetables, and we enjoyed the good weather out there too. Madison was doing some art when she got home, something she does all the time. She's drawing the stick figures with the circles that sort of set up the frame work of how to draw a basic human shape with joints and whatnot. And then, she adds the important parts and details to create a new character. She draws princesses, superheroes, pirates, elves, and in today's case, she was trying to draw some Manga characters. She got this "how to draw Manga" book for Christmas, and was trying this out.
With the Winter Olympics coming soon, we chose to watch "Cool Runnings" tonight, part of a new trend of viewing as we get ready for the Winter Games. Part of this is "research," as we're doing a mini-series within KidPak Wednesday nights called "Winter Games." Some of us on staff are excited about the Olympics, and can't wait to get watching it. We'll be doing that on stage with KidPak, and watching from home as well. As for tonight's movie, the whole concept of "I must finish the race" is such a wonderful moment. Madison was laughing throughout the movie, particularly the failures and falls. But it was inspiring at the end with the simple message: Keep getting up, and finish the race.
As we leave, here's the latest devotional entry:
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.”
Psalm 37:23 KJV
Climbing technique is important, but there are times the unexpected occurs, and you just have to throw that out the window. The most important thing is getting to the top. And with that in mind, it’s important not to get so hung up about how you got there. Your footsteps are ordered of the Lord, so follow them on up!
Your fast has a goal, and that’s to get closer to God. Each day you’re praying more, reading the Bible more, and reading more from devotionals like this one. In order to do that, each day you’re putting aside sweets, meat, or video games and television.
There is nothing in the Bible about television or video games. The word “candy” doesn’t appear either. But the word “sacrifice” does. You see, to some people, giving up these things for a few weeks is clearly a sacrifice.
The point is this: don’t get caught up in legalism. Do you know what that is? It’s being so obsessed with the rules and the law that you miss out on the whole point of fasting. It’s about giving more of yourself to God.
That happens when we give up something like food, or any of the other things we sacrifice. And that happens when we pray more, worship more, and read our Bibles more. When we do that, we’ll get to our goal.
So what if you’re doing it a little different? If you’re reading, praying, and worshipping more, then you’re getting to the top. And that’s all that matters, a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Climbing technique is important, but there are times the unexpected occurs, and you just have to throw that out the window. The most important thing is getting to the top. And with that in mind, it’s important not to get so hung up about how you got there. Your footsteps are ordered of the Lord, so follow them on up!
Your fast has a goal, and that’s to get closer to God. Each day you’re praying more, reading the Bible more, and reading more from devotionals like this one. In order to do that, each day you’re putting aside sweets, meat, or video games and television.
There is nothing in the Bible about television or video games. The word “candy” doesn’t appear either. But the word “sacrifice” does. You see, to some people, giving up these things for a few weeks is clearly a sacrifice.
The point is this: don’t get caught up in legalism. Do you know what that is? It’s being so obsessed with the rules and the law that you miss out on the whole point of fasting. It’s about giving more of yourself to God.
That happens when we give up something like food, or any of the other things we sacrifice. And that happens when we pray more, worship more, and read our Bibles more. When we do that, we’ll get to our goal.
So what if you’re doing it a little different? If you’re reading, praying, and worshipping more, then you’re getting to the top. And that’s all that matters, a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment