From the Heart...

I am putting a very disturbing but popular opinion into type... While, I know most of those who will read this and follow my blog regularly do not share this view, it is important to recognize that many parents in our community do and their children are in our neighborhoods and schools and are in need of our prayers and service. I am speaking of the idea that we, as parents, should not "push" our religious or spiritual views onto our children but rather allow them to research and determine what is best for them as they grow and mature. The world thinks that this thought gives a child the luxury to be who she was made to be. Unfortunately, this so called "luxury" strips the child of becoming who their creator made them to be... The Bible gives explicit guidelines as to how to parent in a spiritual manner... Fathers (& mothers), do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) Luke 18:16 says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." The Lord not only commands us as elders to keep the path free of obstacles between our child and Christ Jesus but also states that NOT allowing a child the privilege to freely follow Christ will prevent them from receiving the great inheritance of our KING! I have heard it said recently that children should be left to fully explore and determine which GOD they desire to serve. Let me make this point clear, there is NO DOUBT that our children or teenagers will find a GOD to serve! Whether it be the god of materialism, god of chemical dependency, god of lust and sexual impurity, god of self... There is no shortness of opportunities to deflect from the one true GOD... A lifetime full of sadness, emptiness, pain and hardship can easily be avoided with a proper foundation. Granted, as Believers and followers of Christ we are not exempt from sadness, hurt or even mistakes with consequences but we are blessed with a peace and joy that surpasses human ability. As parents, we do many things to care for our children. Nourish, love, clothe, protect, educate... Has it ever been said that it would be best to give a child the freedom to eat or dress at their own discretion? To learn to read and write when they deem necessary? To seek medical attention when they determine? What if one waits too long to instill either spiritual or physical values? When is it too late? A funeral took place yesterday... A sixteen year old sophomore girl was killed in a car accident. Her parents do not regret a single moment that they spent nourishing her as a young child... teaching her to tie her shoes and ride a bike... but it is not those things that they consider the highest of the lessons taught and then learned... This mom and dad, rest assured that their child will spend an eternity with her Savior as a result of her decision to follow Christ. This is the sweet fruit from an unshakeable foundation that they helped to lay and which guided her to the feet of her God whose arms hold her today.

Happy 9th Birthday, Reagan!

How many parties can one girl have??? Well, in this case 4... Reagan celebrated at Carinos on Sunday prior to her birthday with a family lunch... (and the Pitmans...) Next, Reagan's class shared in the fun with cupcakes on her actual day, April 1st. On Friday, April 3, Reagan celebrated once more at her dad's house with family. And then here are the pics from Reagan's final party birthday gala of April 2009 at Sunshine Glaze in Southlake. Reagan and some her BFFs (we missed you Ashlyn) painted pottery and had some good old fashioned girly-girl fun!

A Family Tradition

Ready for Runway-(Modeling not Airplanes)

We did a "mini" photo shoot prior to Riley heading to Dallas for an audition. And recently thereafter Riley was "viewed" by Kim Dawson... Riley was not tall enough by their standards... But it won't be long.

Let me tell you something about my beautiful Riley... Not only is she beautiful on the outside but her exterior pales in comparison to the interior!

The light of the Lord shines brightly through this girl and I know that God has placed a very special calling on Riley's life. I look forward with anticipation to see how He will use her to bring Him glory...

Our Pretty Princess

Reagan had a school project called a Living Museum.

She was required to choose a famous person, either living or deceased and research this person and then "be" this person in a sort of live presentation...

Reagan first selected Ronald Reagan much to my delight but not because of his politics... But because he was an actor and shared her name! (funny how 9 year old girls think)

Too bad for Reagan that Ronald Reagan had already been chosen by another classmate and so she had to reselect...She chose Princess Diana. (at my suggestion)

Baylor, Nanna and I visited Reagan at school on this rainy afternoon to see Reagan, I mean Princess Di do her thing.

She was just precious as you can tell by the pics and learned alot through the project.

Rea Rea has a true curiosity about history and loves to learn. (where she gets it, I don't know)

I am forever referring her to google for the answers she is looking for...

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday after church Johnny, Baylor and I picked up a healthy lunch (ARBY'S) and headed over to Bear Creek Park for an Easter Egg hunt with our ABF class from church... BRRRRRRRR, it was so cold and windy... There's nothing like a picnic in a Ford Explorer. After eating, the dad's hid the egss (while the mommys and kids stayed warm in the cars) and then the mommys and kids came out just long enough to hunt eggs and pose for a quick photo opp. Making Memories even while we shivered... Bet Riley and Reagan are happy to have missed out on this memory making opportunity.. :)

Let's Go Rangers, Let's Go!!!

There is nothing more fun than to watch your kids play ball... Any kind of ball at all... (well, maybe a couple of things but it definately makes my top ten) Riley played volleyball in the fall, Reagan played basketball this winter and now Baylor is playing baseball... (I try my best not to overlap sports but the day is coming soon where that is a thing of the past...) Baylor is the cutest Texas Ranger that I have ever laid eyes on...And the way that little ear folds forward under that baseball cap is a picture that I want to store away in my mind to "pull" out and cherish many years down the road... He is still in the learning stage of the game but I feel sure that practice will make perfect and he practices NON-STOP! I praise God for a sweet, sweet daddy that never tires of throwing pitches to our little guy.

crazy name...sweet family...

What kind of name is that??? It is the combination of Norwood and Sapp... We are a beautifully blended family. Like all families we certainly have our struggles but we find our strength and power in our Lord, Jesus Christ...