More babies...

I heard this morning that the Duggars are expecting baby #20. I know that many people are probably criticizing them and calling them irresponsible, but I applaud them. They have taken a position on many issues (birth control, finances, child-rearing, modesty, etc...) that is totally against the grain of this nation. They have decided that they are more concerned with God's opinion of their family than the world's opinion. Galatians 1:10 says "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10 I believe that God approves of the Duggar's decisions to allow Him control of their family size. I AM NOT saying that God has called every family to be so large, but I DO believe that God wants us to allow Him to be a huge part of all of our decisions (huge as in His commands should be the deciding factor). The Duggars feel that God has very clearly called them to allow Him to decide when it's time for another baby. Who are we to speak against that?

As to the part about the Duggars being irresponsible....I would challenge anyone who thinks that they are irresponsible to find a family with children who are more respectful, disciplined, loving, RESPONSIBLE, and an asset to their family, community, and society as a whole. They have their finances in order (debt-free), their home runs smoothly, and I can only imagine what a joy they are to be around. The Duggars have chosen to live a life in the public eye and I know that they fully expect that many people will not agree with their stance on most issues, but that doesn't make it right for us to criticize.

Those are my thoughts...take them or leave them. I'm not trying cause an argument or start some controversial conversation, but I couldn't keep from sharing my thoughts on the topic (I guess it's something that I feel pretty strongly about). :)

This one is personal...

I've been spiritually empty and dry for a while now (a few months at least). And I have felt very trapped in this desert. It started due to circumstances and I've stayed as a result of my stubborn pride (pride is so ugly). I haven't spent adequate time in the Word because it has been so frustrating (Isaiah 59:2 "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."). But last night Brett was reading his Bible before we started our movie so I picked mine up as well. It fell open to Psalms so I turned to Psalm 51 (I guess partly because it's familiar, but mostly because God had a personal word for me). Verses 10-12 quickly became the cry of my heart. Psalm 51:10-12 "Create in me a clean heart, O God. And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit." Psalm 51:10-12 My heart and mind began to sing Keith Green's song "Create in me a Clean Heart" (or in the words of some - "create in me a glee-hah":). I felt somewhat renewed...and exhausted. This morning I opened the Word to Psalm 118. Once again God had a personal word just for me in verse 5. Psalm 118:5 "I called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place." Psalm 118:5 Broad? What? That probably would not have spoken to me in the past (in fact I had previously underlined the verses before and after it, but had skipped underlining verse 5). But a "broad place"? This morning a "broad place" sounded liberating, freeing! I've felt trapped in a bad place, stuck where I don't want to be, unable to escape this desert. A "broad place" sounds fresh & cool. I'm not sure if this means that I've left the desert completely (I'm guessing not quite yet), but it gave me a breath of fresh air...a cool drink when I thought I might not make it another step without one. It gave me a glimmer of hope. And hope is addictive. I'm pretty sure that I'll be reading and seeking more and begging God for another word for me...from Him. Cause I need it...daily.

It's been a while.

It's been a while since I've posted. I meant to post after finding out baby's gender - A GIRL!!!, but forgot. We did post the video on facebook though.

Finding out it was a girl was shocking (I was so sure it was a boy this time - but I did ask the midwife again to be sure and she said it was VERY obvious that it's a girl:), but still exciting! I really didn't care either way and I think it will be so fun that this baby & Maggie will be so close in age and both girls - I hope they are best friends! But there were a few tears. Evelyn cried for about 30 seconds, Emma for about 5 minutes, but Nathan was the one who broke my heart. He was trying so hard to be excited and ok with it, but he was fighting tears. Later that day I asked if he would still like to share his room with the baby (he REALLY doesn't like having his own room and was so looking forward to sharing with the baby) and he said "I can? Really?". :) His room is decorated with KC Chiefs stuff so I told him we could just have a pink Chiefs bedskirt made for the crib and he thought that was REALLY cool! When he decides he is done sharing a room with a girl (I actually think it will be the toddler phase that gets to him first:) we will move her in with Molly & Maggie and he'll have his own space again. Which seems only fair to me considering the fact that he is about to have 5 sisters!!!

We had a little more trouble coming up with a name this time around. We had agreed on a boy name, but never could decide on a girl name (another reason I was so sure it was a boy). After a couple weeks and lots of "no, nope, NO, and I don't think I love it"s we finally decided on Sophia Bliss. We LOVE it! Sophia means wisdom and I think it fits so well with our other 5 names (as well as their meanings). The kids are already calling her Sophie...so sweet.

Everything else looks great as well! Sophia is growing and healthy (and very wiggly) and this pregnancy is more comfortable than the last couple which is very nice since I'm still carrying Maggie quite a bit (she really likes to be held). I am measuring right where I should be (24 1/2 weeks) but I feel smaller this time and that could be because I'm carrying this baby lower than my others. Anyway, I'm very thankful that there have been no complications this time around and I am so looking forward to meeting our sweet Sophia sometime in January or February!

Also, last Sunday Maggie turned 1!!! How on earth?!?! That's just crazy! She is taking steps, but still crawling for the most part. She isn't really saying many words...just Mama & Dada...but with so many people anticipating and catering to her every need and whim (yes, it's going to be a problem when Sophia arrives:) I'm sure she doesn't really see any reason to start vocalizing her needs quite yet. Maggie is a joy and the cause for many smiles and much laughter in our home! Her smile is precious and contagious. She now has 7 teeth and has lost some of her chunkiness, but is still pretty round for a Curry baby. What a loved little lady Miss Maggie is already. I can't wait to see all that God has in store for her future...but don't grow up too fast sweet baby girl...

Life is staying very busy for us. Brett is crazy busy with our growing business - a HUGE blessing - but also hard with all the hours he is having to work! The next couple of weeks are supposed to be a bit slower for him...we'll see. We had our fall break from school last week while our dear friends who moved to Chicago in July were here visiting. What a fun time we had!!! There were moments of chaos with 8 kids in the house (11 a couple times when we had extra friends over!), but it was a blast to have them here and I so hope we're able to do it again. :) So it was back to school for us this week and it's been a tough one...maybe not so much for the kids, but I am having trouble finding motivation. But we survived the week and completed Week 12 of school today! YAY! Now I am really looking forward to this weekend!!! Life Group tonight then relaxing, errands, & family time tomorrow, and Maggie's Birthday party on Sunday!

Well, that's all I can think of for now. I'll try to remember to post some pics and details after Maggie's party. :) Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the cooler temperatures. Happy Fall!!!

And Baby is....

You'll find out tomorrow...hopefully. :) I can just see this little one deciding to be stubborn and hide his/her...uh...parts. You can watch for a facebook video with the exciting announcement to be posted late tomorrow afternoon. If you don't have a facebook and want to hear the news tomorrow then send me an email/text and I'll be sure to let you know. :)

The kids are REALLY hoping for a boy. I have told them that it is very possible that it's a girl and if it is then it's because God knows another girl is what is right for our family. Nathan's response to that was: "We do not need another girl. Surely God knows that." :) Hopefully there are no tears if it's pink confetti that comes bursting out of the balloons tomorrow. I am 100% thrilled with boy or girl - I'm just praying for God's best and I know that is what it will be! :)

So...that's it til tomorrow.....

The Bride of Christ

I went to a wedding on Saturday evening and have had these thoughts in my head since then...

Amber was a beautiful bride. Her smile was gorgeous, her joy was contagious, and her love for her groom and the Lord was evident. She was glowing...from the inside out. The vows were touching, the atmosphere was romantic, and the hymn chosen was a perfect addition (I was very moved while we were singing). And she presented herself to her groom as a pure bride. The bride's grandfather conducted the ceremony and during his message he talked about the bride of Christ and the "washing with water by the Word". This got me thinking....

Am I presenting myself to Christ as a 'pure' bride? Am I preparing myself for His return? Am I being washed with water by the Word? And what does 'pure' look like to Christ? I don't want to mess this one up...it's more than a little important.

I don't have a conclusion...no thoughts on exactly what purity looks like. But I do have a desire to live a pure life and to prepare myself for my heavenly groom.

Tomorrow is the day...

Tomorrow is the day.....the day we've been denying, dreading, crying about, and talking about since February 25th. To fully understand the gravity of what tomorrow means for our family I have to go back 3 1/2 years...

On a cold Thursday night in January of 2008 our front door opened and in walked a family who would change our lives. I will never forget it. We were fast friends...all of us! Their 3 girls were about the same age as Nathan, Emma, and Evelyn and they all loved each other pretty much immediately. We have so much in common - we homeschool our children, have a passion for living our lives in such a way that draws others to Christ, have very similar views on parenting, enjoy many of the same activities, and really enjoy spending time together. Since that night we've spent nearly every Thursday night together at Life Group, most Tuesdays during the school year (at co-op), and many more playdates, dinners, and game nights. They are a huge part of our lives. We've laughed together (and at each other:), cried together, prayed together, hugged, loved, and encouraged. It's been wonderful. In one sentence: We have shared life.

We've known from the beginning that they would most likely have to move away (for at least a year) due to school/job. But we just tried not to think about it. It came too quickly. In February (the 25th to be exact) was when they found out the exact location they were headed - Chicago. We spent the weekend together somewhat in shock...still having fun, but sad on the inside. Since then we have talked about it, cried, and prayed that at the end of the year they could come back here. And now it's here. Moving day is tomorrow. We spent this evening together - having fun and trying not to think of it as 'last' (it won't be - can't be). And not wanting the evening to end, but end it did (although at least it ended on a victorious note with the girls winning Pictionary:).

In the morning we will head over to their house to see them off. I can't imagine the sadness and tears as that moving van drives away, but we wouldn't miss one more chance to give a hug and say "See ya later" (I don't think I we'll say good-bye). I debated over it for a while...I thought it might be easier to stay home...less emotional for all of us...but I think I knew I couldn't really stay home. We are planning to visit them in the fall and they are planning to come back here for a visit or two as well. And then....hopefully...prayerfully...next summer we will be able to have a huge WELCOME HOME party for them. But if that's not God's will then we will know that He knows what is best and we will trust Him (but please God let it be your will for them to come back!).

My heart aches and my eyes are so full of tears that I can hardly see to type. The last couple of days I have had a fairly constant flow of tears. Tomorrow will be very hard. Life Group will feel not-quite-right. Co-op will be kinda sad. But boy is Chicago about to be blessed!

I'm not sure if my sentences make sense (technically if they don't make complete sense then they can't be considered a sentence according to Shurley Grammar). They probably don't make sense cause they are all a jumbled mess in my heart right now. But I had to share. God created us to live life TOGETHER and that is what we have done with the James family. Sometimes (usually is probably a better word) opening your heart up and letting others in can be painful, but it is so worth it. I wouldn't trade one minute of our time together (well...maybe a minute when the guys beat us at a game or were gloating over a win:) to escape the pain of tomorrow. Because hurting lots means we have loved and been loved lots. And THAT is the 'Spice of Life'.

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It's that Time...

Tomorrow is the 1st day of our new school year. I'm excited, nervous, and full of anticipation of all that's to come. We are starting school early again this year because we'll need to take time off mid-school-year for the arrival of the new baby (same reason as last year:) in January! Nathan and Evelyn are excited to get started! Nate says he is excited to be a 4th grader, is planning to work hard to get good grades, and enjoys school except for math. Evelyn (1st grade) is just giddy about the whole idea of school...so cute! Emma (2nd grade), on the other hand, is not. She really wishes we could wait to start, but I know that when January comes and we get to take a good long break she will no longer be wishing we had waited. :) Molly doesn't know if she's excited or not (it depends on the feelings of whoever she happens to be sitting by at the time) , but life will change for her some too. No more playing all over the house - she'll be contained to the school/family room with the rest of us (at least for the most part...I might allow some unsupervised play in her room for short periods). Maggie's life won't change a whole lot. Naptime will be more consistent now, but she'll still be with me most of the time so I think she'll be pretty content with our school schedule. :)  So tomorrow it's back to early & crazy mornings...no more lazy mornings and leisurely breakfasts (if you can consider eating cereal a leisurely activity:). I don't feel mentally prepared for this challenge, but God doesn't always equip us before the journey - sometimes He equips us during the journey. So I guess I'll just say "BRING IT"! But don't let the kids hear that...they might think I need an extra challenge or as Brett might say "a character-building experience". :)

Ok, so that is what is going on in the Curry house.  Now...here is what is on my heart....   I am sick to death of screens (I type this as I stare at my computer...uh....screen). All sorts of screens - tv screens, computer screens, projector screens, smart phone screens, movie screens.We are being bombarded with technology. It's everywhere! Everywhere you look there is a screen. At the grocery store, in the restaurant, at the mall, apparently at gas pumps on the west coast, in almost every room in our house. They are used in pretty much every type of classroom & for every age. I'm not against technology. I don't plan to move to Amish country (although simplicity is very appealing to me). I am not throwing out our tv or computer. I'm not getting rid of my smart phone. But there must be a better balance. We limit the use of the tv/video games/computer games in our home to only a little bit of time each week, but I feel like we need to do more. This topic has been on my heart for a while, but this morning I read an article called "Modern Stress, Technology, and Parenting". It was very interesting. It talked about the effect that technology is having on our children's (and our) brains. The constant use of technology is removing our ability to contemplate and meditate therefore taking away our ability to truly worship. How scary is that?!?! It went much more in-depth, but technology has taken away my ability to remember anything (or maybe that's my children) so I can't remember much else...just a sense of alarm. Then on the way to church this morning I heard a radio interview discussing the benefits (to ourselves, our community, & our family) of not being 'plugged-in' all the time. Last night Brett & I were having a discussion about children & entertainment. I know that children remember things best when they learn it in a fun way. But where do you draw the line? I'm concerned that they/we are being so 'trained' to be entertained that when the teaching method is no longer super entertaining then we lose interest...fast. So we are talking about ways to change that in our home. Not sure how to do that...  Maybe for starters I should get off the computer. :)

Anyway, I need to go to bed. I have to get up early tomorrow. Pray for us if you think about it...  :)

Anywa