Wordless Wednesday: Blocks

To check out more Wordless Wednesdays, go to 5 Minutes for Mom.

MIA for Good Reason

I know I've been missing in action for the past week or so, but I had a good reason. This past week, my husband and I, along with 11 other members of our congregation, traveled to St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica for a mission trip.

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During our week, we conducted personal Bible studies, and also invited people to come to the gospel meeting that was held each night. Our group studied with more than 80 individuals, and some we studied with on multiple occasions. Three people obeyed the gospel, being baptized into Christ (Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38, and many other passages). Our group grew so much spiritually as we were challenged to answer for our faith.

1 Peter 3:15: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."

Here are a few photos from the week:

And I thought this sign was interesting, especially since I'm constantly reading about car seat stuff.

I'll admit that I greatly missed Ella, and I'm sad for the time I had to miss away from her. But I know that the work we did this past week was incredibly important. I also know that Ella was in great hands with her grandparents and aunt, and we are so immeasurably blessed with the family we have in our lives.

If you are interested in learning more about what the Bible teaches, I'm always open to discussion! Feel free to comment or email me at beingwhatiwanttobe@gmail.com

Wordy Wednesday: News Junkie

Wednesdays are usually pretty hectic and crazy days in our house, so I often prefer to do "Wordless Wednesday" and simply post a few photos. However, since my blog has been terribly neglected this past week (I suppose that's what happens when I'm sick on top of my already busy life), I decided I'd actually write something today. I really don't think it will be too "wordy" but in contrast to most of my Wednesday posts, there are lots of words!

I'll admit that I'm a news junkie. I like to be informed. If I miss the news during the day, I feel like I'm really missing out on something because I truly want to be informed. There are many reasons I liked to be informed, but one of those reasons involves my job as a parent. Don't get me wrong, you can be a great parent without watching the news, but I personally like to be prepared for what is out there. I want to know what is going on in the world that I'm raising my daughter in. I want to know the good, and I want to know the bad. I want to be able to equip my daughter for world that's she's already a part of.

For instance, did you see the Fox News special about what is going on in the world of children's textbooks? It ran a while back, and while I was aware there were some issues, the special was very eye-opening.

What about impeached Governor Rod Blagojevich giving a speech on ethics in government? If you don't know, Blagojevich was impeached amidst allegations that he sold appointments, including that of the vacated senate seat by President Barack Obama, to the highest bidder.

Or, this article about a family who came to the US because homeschooling was illegal where they where from. I am thankful that in America we have the right to choose in what setting our children are educated, whether that be the home, a private institution, or the public school system.

There are so many issues we have to deal with in the world today as parents. Personally, I find that being aware of some of these issues helps prepare me for the things that not only I will face, but also that my daughter will have to face and overcome. Remember that we always have God's Word to lean upon:

2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is given by inspriation of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

If you are interested in seeing some photos, since this post is completely void of them, hop on over to my Project 365 blog. I love the shots I got of Ella today!

Wordless Wednesday

Hands at I Heart Faces

I was thrilled to see that it is "Hands-On Fun" at I Heart Faces this week. I knew I wanted to take pictures of my one years old's sweet hands, but trying to get her to hold her hands still long enough for a picture is very difficult. However, I decided to give her my baby rattle (from my childhood) to hold. She thought it was pretty interesting (at least for a few minutes!).

Be sure to check out all the other hands this week!

Swingin'

For Ella's birthday, one of the presents we got her was a swing to hang from our tree in the backyard. We've had lots of cold and rainy weather, but the weather was finally nice enough today for us to put the swing up. Ella loved it!

Fix-It Friday #44

It is Friday which means it is Fix-It Friday at I Heart Faces! I made my changes with Adobe Lightroom (beta version).
Original:

Edit:

Be sure to check out the other great fixes this week!